PILGRIMAGE INTO ADULT LIFE

In July 2018, Claire led a group of students from All Saints Sixth Form College in Liverpool on a one-week pilgrimage along the North Wales Pilgrim’s Way from Bangor Cathedral to Bardsey Island. This was the culmination of a two-year project with the students, offering a framework of support to prepare them for the transition from school to adult life. Over the two years, students spent retreat days in five Cathedrals – the two Liverpool Cathedrals, Chester, St Asaph and Bangor Cathedrals exploring themes related to this transition – hopes and fears about the future, leaving home, work, relationships, vocation, money, care of the body & the planet. Pilgrim Companions, adults drawn from the school and Cathedral communities, accompanied the students, sharing their own experience, and learning from the younger generation. We explored using conversation, discussion, music, storytelling, movement, walking, cooking and silence. The project culminated in a liturgical event for family, friends and teachers at Liverpool Cathedral at which the students each told a story of where they come from, who they now are, and where they are going.