“The one who sings prays twice”

Saint Augustine

The Schools Singing Programme was set up to assist Catholic dioceses in creating or enhancing their own music programmes for school children. The Schools Singing Programme directly benefits children from all walks of life but supports in a special way children on the peripheries of Church and society.

The Archdiocese of Armagh and the Diocese of Dromore dreamt of a schools singing initiative some twelve months ago and have been working consistently to develop a pilot involving twelve schools which resulted in the Sing a New Song celebratory event in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh on 16th May 2023. The pilot lasted eight weeks and spanned the period from Lent until the middle of Eastertide. 

The Archdiocese of Armagh celebrates a significant milestone in 2023, in that it celebrates the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the dedication of St. Patrick’s cathedral.  The Sing a New Song celebratory event has allowed a new generation of young people to encounter the Catholic tradition of choral song.  

A special thanks is extended to Ben Saunders and the Schools Singing Programme steering group for their practical support during this initiative. 

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