Chaplaincy News Archive: 2023-2024
Ash Wednesday
We gathered together as a school community, to mark the start of the Lent with a liturgy lead by Fr Gerard and the Mission and Prayer team.
During Lent we are asked to PRAY often, FAST from things that take us away from God and GIVE generously to others. As a tradition of the Church, each of us received an ash cross on our forehead as a sign that we have made mistakes but that Jesus' great love will forgive us.
St Thomas Aquinas Feast Day
What a wonderful feast day! To celebrate our patron saint, we had a joyful Mass attended by the whole school and some parents and parishioners too. Fr Jithu helped us to understand some of the important teachings of St Thomas Aquinas, especially the beautiful gift of the Holy Eucharist.
Later, each class had chosen some inspirational words from St Thomas Aquinas and worked together to produce a piece of art that reflected the words. There are some super pieces of collaborative artwork on display around the school for you to admire.
As it was a day of celebration and a feast, we all enjoyed juice and cake as a special treat.
St Thomas Aquinas, patron of our school and of all students, pray for us.
Carol Service 2023
Congratulations to the children from Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 who lead a wonderful carol service at All Saints Church. The evening focused beautifully on Mother Mary and the infant Jesus, telling her story through songs, scripture and prayers. All classes, the choir and the orchestra showed how they had used this Advent to prepare for the coming of Jesus. Their commitment and talents shone through and family and friends were filled with hope for this Christmas season.
“You blew me away….I had to hold back the tears, not because I was sad but because I was so excited for you and because I was so proud of you all.” – Luke from Bridgebuilder Trust
Advent Mass
We welcomed Fr Gerard into school for a double celebration- the feast of the Immaculate Conception and our Advent Mass with a blessing of the Advent wreath.
Father spoke to the children about how each one of them should strive to pass on LOVE, JOY and PEACE during this time of preparing and waiting for the birth of Jesus. He also thanked the choir for their beautiful singing.
Holy Souls Day - 2nd November
This day is set aside to pray for the departed faithful. All children joined in with age-appropriate prayers in class and a Mass was held for staff in the chapel.
The readings were:
First reading: Wisdom 3:1-6,9 ‘He watches over His elected ones.’
Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30 ‘Come to me, all you who labour.’
All Saints Day - 1st November
All Saints Day was celebrated with an uplifting Mass in school. Fr Jithu reminded us that, just like the VIP visitors at Bletchley Park this week, we too have a protection team. The angels and Saints are there to watch over us and pray with us.
The readings today were:
Thank you to the parishioners who joined us to celebrate our parish feast day.
October Rosary Group
A small but dedicated group of children attended morning Rosary group during October. We learned about the beautiful prayers of Our Lady and prayed the rosary, remembering the joyful and sad times of Jesus’ life and the love and support which Mary gave to him. We also prayed for our own mothers as we appreciate the love and care that they show to us each day.
Mass for the New School Year
We welcomed our new parish priest, Fr Gerard, into school to celebrate Mass and bless our new academic year. It was St Matthew’s feast day, so Father encouraged all children to follow Jesus by enthusiastically saying ‘Yes’ and by shining like a light. The children participated with great reverence and beautiful singing. Fr Gerard commented that the Mass was a wonderful way to celebrate a new beginning.
The readings for today were:
Timothy 4:12 - Be the example to others Matthew 5:14-16 - Let your light shine.