Today is the First Sunday of Advent and the start of a four-week observation which always begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. It represents Isaiah and other prophets in the Bible that predicted the coming of Jesus.
The second Sunday of Advent represents the Bible. The third represents Mary, the mother of Jesus. The fourth represents John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin, who told the people in Israel to get ready for Jesus’ teaching.
This year we have decided to support the charity Link to Hope by donating items for the Shoebox Appeal. Staff and students alike have donated items such as hats, gloves, soap, shampoo, stationary, toys and other essential items.
The shoe boxes will be sent internationally to Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova.
Thanks to everyone who donated items as we really are making a difference to those in need this Christmas.
For more information: https://linktohope.co.uk/shoebox-appeal-2022/
Photo: Sixth Form Students
On Tuesday 4th October the Lower School celebrated their feast day of their patron saint, St Francis of Assisi. All Lower School pupils attended a liturgy in the sports hall to mark this date. Music, prayer and reflection filled the room. This will become an annual event for the newly established Lower School and the academy is looking forward to the next one.
Prayer of St Francis of Assisi;
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
