News from CJM MUSIC

CJM MUSIC will mark its 30th anniversary in 2026 with a landmark performance of Born for This, its acclaimed musical retelling of the Way of the Cross, at Symphony Hall, Birmingham on Wednesday 25 March.

Born out of the music ministry partnership of Jo Boyce and the late Mike Stanley, CJM MUSIC has spent three decades creating music and liturgical resources and offering training and events that serve schools, parishes, and communities across the UK and beyond. While 2025 proved to be a challenging year for the ministry - including the theft of their long-serving ministry van - the coming year brings a moment of thanksgiving, hope, and renewed mission.

At the heart of these celebrations is Born for This, a deeply moving musical reflection on Christ’s journey to the Cross. First written in the mid-1990s, the work has been performed hundreds of times in schools, parishes, and cathedrals, and is widely regarded as one of the most significant fruits of CJM MUSIC’s ministry.

To mark the 30th anniversary, this special Symphony Hall production brings together six Catholic secondary schools from Birmingham and Solihull (St Thomas Aquinas, Bishop Challoner, St Peter's, Archbishop Ilsley, John Henry Newman, St John Wall), performing alongside a legacy cast of experienced narrators and musicians. The result promises to be a powerful, intergenerational celebration of faith, music, and story-telling in one of the UK’s most prestigious concert venues.

The lead partner school for the project is St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School (Kings Norton, Birmingham).

Chris Martin, Head Teacher of St Thomas Aquinas, said:

“Born for This is a remarkable work that speaks deeply to young people. It gives them a voice, invites them into the story of the Cross, and allows them to encounter faith through music in a powerful and memorable way. It’s been part of the Lent programme within our school for many years. Being part of this 30th anniversary production is a real privilege for our students and a wonderful example of how Catholic schools can work together in mission.”

Jo Boyce added:

“When I wrote these songs for Born for This all those years ago in my room at Soli House Youth Retreat Centre, I never really imagined the enduring impact they would have. This anniversary production is both an act of thanksgiving and an expression of hope - especially as we look to the future of our ministry with trust in God’s providence.”

Invitation from Archbishop Bernard Longley