Hello everyone,

I hope that you are all well and that you have had a wonderful start to the new year.

Religious Education – The Light of the World

This term, we are studying ‘Revelations’ – this provides a wonderful opportunity for our pupils to learn about the miracles of Jesus, who is our shining hope and the Light of the World. Together, we have celebrated our Saviour by gathering together for a school Mass with Years 3 and 4. We gathered together to listen to the Gospel message, and enjoyed Father Jeremy’s Homily about how we can turn back to God during times we may feel fearful or when the way ahead appears unclear or unknown to us.

Well done to all of the children who read, served and participated in the offertory. We would like to say a big thank you to our prayer and liturgy co-ordinator, Mrs Semple, as well as to Father Jeremy, our parents and friends who attended today’s service. Please see the images below…

Prayer and Worship – Our school Charisms

We have had a very busy calendar, this term, full of liturgies, Worships, Whole School gatherings and celebrations of the Word! Thank you to all of the staff, children and parish who have coordinated these events.

• Tuesday 21st January 2025: Year 2 Liturgy.
• Tuesday 21st January 2025: Y6 Reconciliation service.
• Tuesday 28th January 2025: Year 1 Liturgy.
• Tuesday 4th February 2025: Year 3 and 4 Mass.
• Tuesday 11th February 2025: Year 5 and 6 Mass.

As the Liturgical Year progresses, we look forward to taking part in the ‘Year of the Lord’s Favour’ as ‘pilgrims of hope’ for our Jubilee Year. We joined the official launch of the Jubilee Year through our Whole School Worship last Monday, where we shared the opening of the Holy Doors to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, by Pope Francis (which took place on Christmas Eve, 2024). This year, we shall begin our own spiritual journey and ‘return to Jesus’ with open hearts, taking an opportunity to prepare our souls for Jesus and deepen our prayerful relationship with Him, through calm reflection and standing in solidarity with those in need – this may take the form of charitable work, volunteering, special prayer sessions at Oaklands Chapel, or raising awareness for an important cause that supports people who are living in poverty… Through the year of the Jubilee, we are excited to continue to explore our school ‘Charisms’ – these are the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which God has given us to ‘help make our world a better place’.

To close today’s blog post, I shall leave you with a prayer of hope.

With very best wishes to you all,

Miss Honeywell