The Parish Community of St. John Fisher Church in Coventry has marked its 60th Anniversary by bringing together schools, charities and local support groups for a day of celebration.

The day began with Mass celebrated with Canon Tom Farrell, Fr. Sebastian, Fr Des and priests from the Coventry and Nuneaton Catholic Deanery.

Representatives from St. John Fisher Parish, St John Fisher Catholic Primary School and St. Gregory’s Catholic Primary School, which are part of the Romero Catholic Academy, also joined together to commemorate the special occasion.

The Mass highlighted the diverse and vibrant community parish groups who have re-ignited since Covid to serve their local community, including St. Vincent de Paul, Coventry Fellowship and St. Bernadette’s Trust to name a few.

Parishioners and both school communities worked together over the last year to prepare for the day and mark six decades of rich and vibrant history.

Volunteers worked tirelessly to prepare the Church grounds and raise money to ensure there was plenty of entertainment and refreshments for all families and friends to enjoy afterwards.

Hundreds of people joined the festivities in the school field, including guest of honour Lady Godiva who opened the festival. The day was jam-packed with music, live entertainment, games, and food stalls on the school field.

In addition to Coventry-based musical acts Non-Stop Bop and Jimmy Kemp, visitors were treated to bouncy castles and a bungee trampoline, a gaming bus, bake-off competition, Bollywood lessons and a host of market stalls with crafts and sweet treats.

Dee Williams, Executive Principal at St John Fisher Catholic Primary School, said: “It was fantastic to bring so many people together who have helped build this incredible parish community which is integral to our school.

A huge amount of work, effort and kindness has gone into making our community what it is today. To be able to see so many of those who have contributed – including parishioners, parents, former pupils and staff – and celebrate with them has been a great experience and one we will remember for a long time.

I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in the celebrations, and we look forward to seeing what we can achieve together over the coming years and decades.”