Reconciliation-Confession

20th March 2017Mrs D Ferris

Reconciliation Liturgy

On Wednesday 150 students from Year 8 attended a Reconciliation Service. The students listened to and watched a video of the Prodigal Son and Fr Mark explained to the students about the Sacrament of Penance.

10 students along with Mrs Ferris, the Lay Chaplain, read of an Examination of Conscious, asking questions such as:Do I put myself first in my life, before those less fortunate than myself?  Do I take time on Sunday to spend time with my family? Have I shown gratitude for the blessings in my life? And many more.

We were blessed to have five priest, Fr Mark, Fr Guy, Fr Brendon, Fr Simon and Fr Paul who listened to the student’s confessions and prayers.

Reconciliation-Confession

Flame 17 National Catholic Youth Event

14th March 2017Mrs D Ferris
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On Saturday 11th March 6 of our students, alongside other young people from Birmingham, England and Wales, just over 10,000 to be exact, travelled to Wembley for ‘Flame 17’.  This was the third National Catholic Youth Conference.

There were many guests and performers, for example: Rise theatre, the One Hope project, Mike Pilvachi, young workers from Cafod, David Wells, Cardinal Charles Bo who had travelled from Myanmar to be with us, and many more.

David Wells asked everyone to Facebook, text, etc. at least one person with the message ‘God Loves you’ so spread the word.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols led a beautiful Adoration in the afternoon and we finished the whole day with Matt Redman, a very popular Gospel singer, who gave us 10,000 reasons to believe. I was personally filled with hope and joy in my heart to sit and watch the whole stadium join in song, praising and ‘Worshiping his Holy Name’.

Debbie Ferris

Lay Chaplain

 

 

Ash Wednesday Liturgy

3rd March 2017Mrs D Ferris
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On Wednesday 1st March the whole school came together to start our Lent journey with our Ash Wednesday Liturgy. At the beginning of the Liturgy, Mrs Hughes, Principal, spoke to the community about how important the day is, marking the start of a period of 40 days preparing for the joyful resurrection of Easter. She reminded us about the three things we can do during Lent, Praying, Fasting and Giving.

During the Liturgy Fr Mark blessed the palm leaf ash and marked out foreheads to remind us that we are created by God.

‘Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return’

In the book of Genesis, Adam was created from dust, this reminds and shows us of our human weaknesses and to receive the ashes with humility.

Students Testimony- St Joseph’s Catholic Church

1st February 2017Mrs D Ferris
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My Article About My Church Life

 

My name is Leah James and I’m a student in year 9. In October 2011 I started serving the Lord in mass at my parish church, St Joseph’s Catholic Church. As of October 2016 I had been an altar server for five years. I still remember the first time I got on the altar. It was on a Saturday and I remember asking my mum at the end if I did better than my sister. She said, “I don’t remember your sister’s first time but I’m pretty sure that you did better.” I was clearly satisfied. Throughout my years of serving at my parish church, I have served three different priests.

In July 2012, I took part in the ordination of Deacon Craig Fullard (now Father), our current parish priest. I personally thought that that day was the best day I had altar served. It was the first ordination that had taken place in St Joseph’s. At that time our church was just a small little parish but now, if you come along on Sunday masses, the church would be full to the brim.

What I love about our parish is the fact that everyone knows each other. After mass all the elderly will crowd together and coo at the new babies with us, or ask us how we are getting on at school. We’re like one big family and if someone’s not there one week, we’re always asking around for them. In our parish, all the parishioners get along with others. Throughout my time I have had cakes made for me and even a party! Due to everyone being so close to each other we all get invited to their grandchild’s christening or child’s wedding. Other times they invite us round for tea and biscuits in the parish club.

As an altar server I’m always busy. During the fares, I help out on stalls or if  I’m trustworthy enough (which I always am), I sometimes have my own stall to look after. The luckiest part about being an altar server is that in the fares you can persuade the stall holders to give you 50% off the item. My favourite season in the church has to be Lent. The forty days leading up to Jesus’ death is the best time of year. I think this because I’m always at church either helping out or having rehearsals for the forthcoming service. Christmas isn’t too bad either. We get mince pies and the masses are so joyous that there is no other place you could feel more Christmassy.

Altar serving feels like it’s always been a part of my life, even if I’ve only done it for five years. Serving for the Lord may sound very intimidating but it’s really simple, once you know why you’re doing it. Since year seven I have been a proud member of the chaplaincy team. I would love to give a massive thank you to Mr Ferris and Fr Mark for all the things they’ve done for me, and an even bigger one to all the parishioners and Fr Craig

To summarise being an altar server in three words, it has to be “an extraordinary job.” It has been an amazing five years and I wish for many more to come.

By Leah James 9CH

Alton Castle Retreat

1st February 2017Mrs D Ferris

On the 23rd January, 35 students from Year 7 & 8 along with Mr McArdle, Mrs Badham and Mrs Ferris went on Retreat to Alton Castle in Staffordshire. They shared their time there with Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School in Birmingham and explored the theme ’Who am I?’

They took part in many activities from trekking, bike riding, archery, survival skills, and ventured around the adventure course. They took a tour of the grounds and learnt about the history of John Talbot and Augustus Pugin. The staff were very proud of all the students especially when they attended Mass when some of our student Alter Served, read and took part in the offertory. A good time was had by all and we have already booked for next year.

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The Year of Mercy Mass at St Peter and St Paul’s Church

27th June 2016S Huynh

On Friday 11th March 15 pupils from St Edmund’s Catholic Academy were chosen to take part in the Year of Mercy Mass, which was held at St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Wolverhampton. We were joined by other schools such as The Giffard and St Mary’s and St John’s Catholic School.

As it is The Year of Mercy, Pope Francis chose St Peter and St Paul’s Church to have a special door. When walking through the door, you are encouraged to pray for three virtues.

After the service had ended students were led by Fr Mark Crisp to walk through the door again. However, this time Fr. Mark told students to pray for three special things.  The experience was made more special for students as the Pope chose SSPP Church for this occasion.

St Edmund’s student Leah James in Year 8 was very honoured to walk through the door, especially in this Year of Mercy.

Fr Mark said: “The door is always going to be open and anyone is welcome to come and sit inside the church and pray.”

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Dementia Awareness for Year 12 & 13 Students

By S Huynh21st January 2016

On Friday morning, Year 12 & 13 students had a visit from Gillian Davies, who is member of the Alzheimer’s Society. She gave a presentation and a talk to our Psychology and Health and Social students to help increase their understanding of how to deal with people who have dementia.

The students learnt about the ‘dementia mind’ and perception, in order to help break down communication barriers with people who may have dementia.

With 3,600 people having dementia in Wolverhampton, it is important for students who may be considering working with the health services in the future to be more aware of their surroundings, emotions and the need for empathy towards a person who has dementia and who may be confused.

Ms Roderick, St Edmund’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator said: “The talk was well received by all and everyone was happy to get involved with the group activities.”

Louise Dwight in Year 13 said: “It was really inspiring to hear and understand about dementia, it was useful to my work and educating. After listening to the presentation, I am not scared anymore to meet someone who has dementia.”

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The Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party

17th December 2015S Huynh

The Senior Citizens’ Party, organised by the Sixth Formers yesterday, was a great success.

Around 140 guests, invited from care homes and the local community, arrived for a great afternoon of Christmas entertainment – the dining room was transformed into a fabulous party venue in record time!

Miss Baskeyfield and the brilliant choir sang a selection of carols and folk songs. Adam Sands and  Jordan Sayce found their natural vocation in running the Bingo session, and Mrs Dhaliwal and her hard-working kitchen team, provided lots of food for our guests to enjoy.

All the guests said how pleasant and polite our Sixth Formers were, and really enjoyed chatting to them during the afternoon. We have already had emails and messages of thanks and requests to return next year!

Thank you to all of the Sixth Form students for planning and participating in the day with enthusiasm, and to the staff (especially Mrs Hogg,Mr Bard, Miss Baskeyfield and Mrs Dhaliwal and the kitchen staff) for giving their time to help organise another great event.

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