Celebrating Saint David’s Day

1st March 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

This Saint David’s Day, we join in celebrating the life and legacy of this beloved saint, who holds a special place in the hearts of the faithful, particularly those in Wales. Saint David’s Day is more than a cultural celebration; it is an opportunity to reflect on the spiritual significance of this saint’s life and teachings.

Saint David, also known as Dewi Sant, is revered for his humility, piety and commitment to serving God and others. Born in the 6th century, he dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel and establishing monastic communities that embodied the values of prayer, simplicity and hospitality. As Catholics, we look to Saint David as a model of holiness and discipleship, inspired by his unwavering faith and devotion to Christ.

The virtues exemplified by Saint David – humility, compassion and perseverance – continue to resonate with Catholics today. His humility, demonstrated in his simple lifestyle and selfless service, challenges us to set aside our pride and ego, embracing the path of humility and service. Saint David’s compassion for the poor and marginalised reminds us of our call to love our neighbours as ourselves, especially those in need. And his perseverance in the face of adversity inspires us to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in God’s providence and grace.

On Saint David’s Day, we have the opportunity to deepen our relationship with this holy saint through prayer and devotion. We can turn to Saint David as an intercessor, asking for his prayers and guidance in our own lives. Whether through reciting prayers dedicated to Saint David or reflecting on his life and teachings, we can draw inspiration and strength from his example of faithfulness and dedication to God.

As we celebrate Saint David’s Day, let us recommit ourselves to living out the legacy of this holy saint in our own lives. May we strive to embody the virtues of humility, compassion and perseverance, following in the footsteps of Saint David as faithful disciples of Christ. And may we continue to draw inspiration from his life and teachings, seeking to spread the light of Christ in our communities and beyond.

Saint David’s Day is a time of celebration and reflection, inviting us to honour the life and legacy of this holy saint, As we commemorate Saint David’s Day, may we be inspired by his virtues, guided by his example, and uplifted by his intercession. And may we continue to draw closer to God. following in the footsteps of Saint David as we journey toward holiness and eternal life.

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” – Isaiah 52:7

Year 10 Collect Food For St Edmund’s Larder

26th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Before the half term holiday, 10JDE delivered an assembly on St Vincent de Paul.

St Vincent de Paul is primarily recognised for his charity and compassion towards others.

As part of their assembly, 10JDE set a challenge to the other year 10 tutor groups to collect items for the Academy’s food bank, St Edmund’s Larder. Each tutor group was given a box to place in their tutor room and were asked to fill it before half term with food items.

Year 10 rose to the challenge and collected a staggering amount of food for the Larder. These items were delivered on Friday 9th February.

A massive well done to all in 10JDE who helped organise this event and a huge thank you to all year 10 students and tutors who collected food and donated so generously.

St Edmund’s Larder is open for all who need it. Students, staff, parents and carers are invited to donate what they can and to take what they need.

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere heart, – Acts 2:46

Reflecting on the Second Sunday of Lent

25th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

As we journey through the season of Lent, the Second Sunday emerges as a pivotal moment of introspection and transformation in the Catholic faith. This Sunday, we are called to reflect deeply on the profound narrative of Jesus’ Transfiguration on Mount Tabor. The Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark and Luke vividly depict this extraordinary event, where Jesus, accompanied by Peter, James and John, is transfigured before them, his face shining like the sun and his clothes dazzling white. This divine manifestation not only reveals Jesus’ true glory but also foreshadows the Paschal mystery, reminding us of the ultimate purpose of Christ’s earthly ministry: redemption and salvation.

In contemplating the Transfiguration, we are invited to consider its relevance in our own spiritual journey. Like Peter, James and John, we too are called to ascend the metaphorical mountaintop of prayer and encounter the radiance of God’s presence. Lent offers us the opportunity to embark on this transformative journey, to draw closer to the divine and allow ourselves to be transfigures by the grace of God.

However, the path to transformation is often marked by challenges and trials. In the Gospel narrative, we see how Peter, in his awe and confusion, suggest building three tents for Jesus, Moses and Elijah, seeking to prolong the moment of divine revelation. Yet, even as he speaks, a cloud overshadows them, and a voice from heaven declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (Matthew 17:5). This admonition serves as a gentle reminder for us to let go of our attachments to fleeting experiences and to fix our gaze on Christ alone.

The Transfiguration narrative underscores the interconnectedness of the Old and New Testaments. The presence of Moses, representing the Law, and Elijah, representing the prophets, signifies the fulfillment of Scripture in Jesus Christ. As we journey through Lent, we are called to immerse ourselves in the richness of Scripture, allowing its timeless truths to illuminate our path and guide our steps.

The Second Sunday of Lent beckons us to embrace transformation wholeheartedly. It urges to relinquish our preconceived notions and open ourselves to the wondrous possibilities that lie ahead. Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, may we cultivate hearts that are receptive to God’s grace, minds that are attuned to His wisdom, and spirits that are ablaze with His love. May this Lenten season be a time of profound renewal and spiritual awakening, leading us ever closer to the radiant presence of Christ, who is the source of our hope and the fulfillment of our deepest longings.

All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, – Psalm 22:27

Mr Boland’s Lent Challenge

23rd February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

This Lent, Mr Boland has set the challenge to do 5000 push ups.

Along with his tutor, classes and neighbouring teaching staff, Mr Boland is hoping to achieve 1000 push ups a week to raise money for our Academy charities this Lent.

Yesterday he completed another set of push ups with his Year 9 class. Well done to Michael for completing 30!

Thank you Mr Boland for your wonderful effort in support our charities this Lent. We’re with you for every push!

St Francis De Sales Poetry Competition

21st February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Today the winners of the English Department poetry competition were announced. This competition was held to celebrate St Francis de Sales Feast Day (24/01). Students were asked to write a poem about why they love creative writing. The top prize was a book with runners up being award a bookmark.

Well done to Leah, Imogen and our third winner! Your poems were fantastic.

Thank you Miss Baker for running the competition.

SS Mary and John Pupil Liturgy

20th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Today we welcomed Year 5 pupils from SS Mary and John’s Catholic Primary Academy.

The pupils had the opportunity to learn about the Academy. They looked around the Peace Garden at the different places of reflection and the celebration of our students.

The pupils answered questions about the stations of the cross, the current liturgical season and why these are important. They were also told about the Catholic ethos at St Edmund’s, including our CARE values.

 

Following this, the pupils sang in the chapel and held a liturgy. They lead liturgy with great respect and allowed for everyone to be involved. After the blessing, the pupils sang again with much joy and excitement.

 

It was a wonderful experience to have the pupils of another of our MAC academies join us here at St Edmund’s. Their passion and joy for learning and faith was inspiring.

We hope to see the pupil’s of SS Mary and John’s again soon!

What’s Going On and Parish Information

20th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

For Information on what is happening in our parish and other parishes in our diocese, please see out What’s Going On page on the website.

This can be found in the Spiritual Life tab in the navigation bar or you can follow the link: https://www.stedmundscloud.co.uk/whats-going-on/

The times for Sunday mass and confessions within the diocese are listed below. More information can be found on our website.

Chaplaincy Team Trips

20th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Before the half term holiday our chaplaincy team had the opportunity to attend two masses in the diocese.

The Installation of Mgr Mark Crisp as Canon at St Chad’s Cathedral in Birmingham

On Tuesday 6th February, the St Edmund’s Chaplaincy Team, accompanied by Mrs Hazeldine, Mrs Letheren, Reverend McKearney and Mr Luis, was given the opportunity to be part of the Installation of four Canons of the Metropolitan Cathedral of St Chad in Birmingham.

Mgr Mark Crisp, Parish Priest of our very own parish, Blessed Carlo Acutis, Wolverhampton and Fr Raymond Corbett, Diocesan Chancellor and Catholic Chaplain to Aston University were installed as Chapter Canons, the groups of priests who form part of the College of Consultors, who advise the Archbishops about the life and mission of the Archdiocese.

Our students were also given the immense privilege of serving during the mass at St CHad’s and representing the Blessed Carlo Acutis parish which they were all a part of.

As well as advising the bishop of the Diocese, the Chapter of Canons has a care for the Cathedral and for its liturgical life and so meets and prays together monthly through the year at the Chapter Mass – usually the 2nd Tuesday of the month.

Mass was celebrated by Mgr Canon Tom Farrell and in the presence of Archbishop Bernard Longley.

Our students were respectful and served with gracefulness and reverence. We are incredibly proud of every single one of them.

Deanery Vocations Mass at St Michael’s

On Wednesday 7th February, the Sixth Form Chaplaincy team went to St Michael’s in Peen to attend and participate in the Deanery Vocations Mass, celebrated by the Parish Priest of Blessed Carlo Acutis, Mgr Canon Mark Crisp.

February has officially been denoted the Deanery Month of Prayer for Vocations and hence this Mass was a perfect opportunity for our students to reflect on their own vocations and ponder their future in the Church. The service was followed by light refreshments and the chance to speak to priests, nuns and other ordained members of the Church about their call and what life in the Church is like.

Our students were involved in many ways in the service, making up the readers, the altar servers and singing in the choir, all roles which were fulfilled brilliantly.

First Sunday of Lent

18th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

The first Sunday of Lent, also known as “Lenten Sunday”, marks the beginning of the journey through this season towards Easter.

On this day, we reflect on the temptation of Jesus in the desert, as recounted in the Gospel readings. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual battles faced in life and the importance of relying on God’s strength to resist temptation.

The readings and liturgy of today invite us to deepen our commitment to prayer, fasting and almsgiving as we strive to emulate Jesus’ example of humility, obedience and trust in God’s providence.

The first Sunday of Lent sets the tone for the entire season, encouraging us to renew our dedication to spiritual growth and transformation in preparation for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” – Psalm 91:1-2

Lent 2024

14th February 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Lent is a time of introspection, repentance and spiritual renewal.

Lasting approximately 40 days, it mirrors Jesus Christ’s 40 days of fasting in the desert.

We use this period as an opportunity to draw closer to God through prayer, fasting and acts of charity.

By sacrificing indulgences and worldly distractions, we seek to deepen our relationship with God and grow in holiness.

Lent encourages self-discipline, reflection on one’s sins and a commitment to living out the Gospel more fully. It’s a time for us to focus on our spiritual journey, to repent for past wrongs, and to prepare our hearts to fully embrace the joy of Easter and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals and angels attended him. – Mark 1:12-13