World Refugee Day

20th June 2023Mrs D Curtis
We recognise the inherent dignity and worth of every human, including those who have been forced to flee their homes due to persecution, violenceĀ  or conflict. On this day, we are called to reflect on the plight of refugees, offer prayers for their well-being, and advocate for their rights and protection. It is an opportunity to promote compassion, understanding, and solidarity with those who are seeking safety and a better future. We are encouraged to support organisations that provide assistance and resettlement for refugees, to challenge prejudices and stereotypes, and to work towards just and inclusive policies that respect the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their migration status. World Refugee Day invites us to live out our faith by extending a welcoming and loving hand to those in need, fostering a world where refugees are embraced and offered a chance to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
The foreigner residingĀ among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God. – Leviticus 19:34

Poem by Maryam Al Fadhili

19th June 2023Mrs D Curtis

In a world that spins with fleeting pace,
There stood a mind of timeless grace.
A tale untold, yet wisdom it imparts,
The legend of one who never changed his heart.

 

When storms raged wild, and tempests roared,
He weathered the chaos, his spirit soared.
With empathy’s touch, he calmed the gales,
Binding shattered souls, mending the trails.

 

In the realm of hatred, where anger breeds,
He sowed seeds of kindness, scattered deeds.
For he knew within each souls core,
Lay potential to blossom, love to restore.

 

He championed forgiveness, let grudges depart,
Knowing compassion held the power to restart.
In the depths of darkness, he lit a flame,
Illuminating paths, igniting hope’s name.

 

So let us learn from this noble soul,
To embrace the world, to make it whole.
For in his legacy, a timeless art,
Resides the strength of one who never changed his heart.

Maryam Al Fadhili ( 8EPO )

Refugee Week

19th June 2023Mrs D Curtis
Rooted in the Gospel teachings of love, compassion and solidarity, World Refugee Week recognises the inherent dignity of every human, including refugees and forcibly displaced individuals. During this week, we are called to reflect on the plight of refugees worldwide and respond with empathy and practical assistance. It is an opportunity to deepen understanding, challenge prejudice and promote a culture of welcome and inclusion. Inspired by Jesus’ teachings to “welcome the stranger” and “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”, we are urged to advocate for just and humane refugee policies, support organisations that provide aid and resettlement, and offer prayers for those affected by forced displacement. World Refugee Week provides a unique occasion to put faith into action, promoting solidarity and fostering a world where refugees are received with open hearts and compassionate embrace.
He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. – Deuteronomy 10:18-19

Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart

16th June 2023Mrs D Curtis
The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is a powerful symbol of love and compassion. It represents the profound and unconditional love that Jesus has for all humanity. This sacred heart is often depicted as a burning flame surrounded by a crown of thorns, reminding us of the immense suffering Jesus endured out of love for us. It serves as a reminder that love is at the core of the Catholic faith, urging us to emulate the selfless and compassionate love of Jesus in our own lives. The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus teaches us that love knows no bounds and that through love, we can find solace, forgiveness and redemption.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. – Matthew 11:29

Rosary Rally for the Month of May

13th June 2023Mrs D Curtis

On Wednesday 3rd of May, we began our “Rosary Rally” for the month of May. This began with a meeting of the academy Chaplaincy Group who made a floral crown for the statue of Our Lady in the Peace Garden. We processed around the garden and crowned Our Lady as Queen of the May, singing hymns and praying a litany to her. From that day, and every lunchtime, we prayed a decade of the Rosary in many of the different languages spoken by our students and their families, or which are taught by our wonderful Modern Foreign Languages department (thank you Miss Rainey for giving us names of students and languages they speak). The languages we prayed in were:

  • English
  • Spanish
  • French
  • Italian
  • Polish
  • Slovak
  • Czech
  • Yoruba
  • Igbo
  • Punjabi
  • Malayalam
  • We finished in Latin, the universal language of the Church.

We had hoped to finish by half term but two bank holidays and strike days meant we had to extend May into the first week of the new half-term. We would like to thank all those students who came to pray the Rosary, to lead it in a different language, but especially Alan Kalinowski, Anshdeep Singh Kaur (who came every single day), and Treasure Solanke
who were the bedrock of this period of prayer.

We would like to remind all our students and staff that the chapel is always open and all are welcome to come and pray, sit in silence, or have a chat about faith and life in general. We have our voluntary Mass each Monday during tutor time, and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament each Friday lunchtime.

We look forward to seeing you.

Rev and Molly

Photo: Rev McKearney, Alan Kalinowski, Treasure Solanke, Anshdeep Singh Kaur, and Miss Kerrin

Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua

13th June 2023Mrs D Curtis
Saint Anthony of Padua, also known as Saint Anthony of Lisbon, was a beloved Franciscan friar and renowned preacher in the 13th century. He is venerated as the patron saint of lost items, the poor and the oppressed. Known for his exceptional eloquence, Anthony’s sermonsĀ had the power to convert hearts and lead many to repentance. Despite his humble and simple nature, he possessed profound wisdom and knowledge of Scripture. Saint Anthony’s devotion to serving the poor and marginalised was exemplary, and he performed many miracles during his lifetime. He is oftenĀ depicted holding the Child Jesus, as he is believed to have receivedĀ a vision of the Christ Child, who bestowed His blessings upon Anthony. Today, Saint Anthony continues to be a source of inspiration for those seeking help, guidance and intercession in their lives.
Saint Anthony – Pray for us.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. – Matthew 5:5-8

Drowning Prevention Week

12th June 2023Mrs D Curtis
Drowning Prevention Week is an important initiative to raise awareness about water safety and prevent drowning incidents. It serves as a reminder of the values and sanctity of life, aligning with the belief that each person has dignity. Protecting human life is paramount and efforts to prevent accidents and promote safety should be encouraged. By promoting drowning prevention week, we can fulfill our duty of caring for others and showing love and compassion. We can play a vital role in supporting Drowning Prevention Week by educating our community, offering prayers for safety, and providing resources for water safety measures. This collaboration between water safety initiatives and our school principles contributes to a safer environment and reflects the commitment to well-being and preservation of life.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. – Isaiah 43:2

Memorial of Saint Columba

9th June 2023Mrs D Curtis

Saint Columba (521CE – 597CE) was an Irish abbot and missionary credited with spreading Christianity in present-day Scotland. He founded the important abbey on Lona off the coast of Scotland, which became a dominant religious and political institution in the region for centuries.

He is the Patron Saint of Derry in Ireland and he is remembered today as one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland.

Saint Columba – Pray for us
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.Ā  -John 10:27-28

Feast Day of Corpus Chrisit

8th June 2023Mrs D Curtis
Today is a celebration of the Real Presence of the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus. It is a proclamation of the truth of the transubstantiation of bread and wine into the actual body of Christ during Mass. This celebration is associated with the commemoration of Jesus’s Last Supper with his Apostles before His crucifixion, two months prior to today.
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. – John 6:54-56

What is the Sacred Heart?

6th June 2023Mrs D Curtis

June is the month of the Sacred Heart.Ā Ā In Catholic churches and homes, one of the most popular images of Jesus is the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The image of Godā€™s love is revealed in the pierced heart of His Son. It is the symbol of a love that conquers sin and transcends death, the symbol of the One who loved us to the end.

 

Love has always been associated with the heart, so it was only natural that the love of God became represented by a heart, the heart of his Son Jesus. In him, God the Father revealed his infinite love for us. On the Friday after the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

 

Open yourselves to this love and take it ā€˜to the ends of the earth,ā€™ witnessing to the goodness and mercy that flow from the Heart of Jesus. – Pope Francis

 

What can we learn from reflecting on the Sacred Heart?

 

Jesus wants us to know that we can come to Him and our true rest is when we rest in Him. How do we do this? Prayer is our daily fuel and Jesus never wants us to feel burdened. Embrace the virtues of Jesus. Choosing to embrace the virtue of humility, to put aside arrogance, and to be kind and open to others.Ā 

 

Welcome the presence of the Heart of Christ, entrusting your home to Him. Before the open heart of Jesus, we seek to draw from Him the true Love that our families need. We turn to the Heart of Jesus for healing and know that His MOST wounded heart is the source of healing and hope for all. Every person matters; there is hope for every soul to be transformed by Love.

 

Strive for virtue, not fame or wealth. Virtue is the backbone of our holiness, and often progress in this area is very slow. The goal is that we donā€™t backslide. So what virtues are like the Heart of Jesus? All the Christian Virtues flow from His Heart, in particular Faith, Hope, and Love.