Merry Christmas!

25th December 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Christmas holds profound significance as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Savior of humanity.

Rooted in the biblical narrative of the nativity, Christmas commemorates the divine mystery of the Incarnation, wherein God took on human flesh to dwell among His people. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem fulfills the Messianic prophecies, signifying God’s immense love and His desire to reconcile humanity with Himself.

We view Christmas as a time of joy, hope, and salvation, marking the beginning of a new era with the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah. Central to the celebration is the acknowledgment of the Holy Family—Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—as a model of obedience, humility, and familial love.

The liturgical season of Advent preceding Christmas invites us to reflect on the themes of anticipation and preparation, emphasizing the spiritual aspects of waiting for the coming of Christ.

Ultimately, Christmas serves as a profound reminder of the divine gift of salvation and the light that Christ brings into the world, inspiring us to embrace the values of peace, goodwill, and the transformative power of God’s love.

Merry Christmas from all at St Edmund’s Catholic Academy, may you have a blessed day.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16

Advent Liturgy 2023

22nd December 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Today we ended our Autumn Term with our Advent Liturgy.

Students from Year 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 lit a candle on the advent wreath, representing hope, peace, joy, love and the nativity.

Mrs Whitmarsh read the annunciation and Reverend McKearney gave reflections on the gospel.

St Edmund’s Gospel Choir sang O Come O Come Emmanuel which gave everyone a chance to reflect on the nativity and the coming of Christ.

Prayers for Refugees

14th December 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Students in Year 8 Geography have been given the opportunity to write prayers for migrants all over the world at the end of their unit on population.

They visited our Chapel where Reverend McKearney discussed how everyone involved in the nativity would be classed as refugees in today’s society.

Reverend McKearney reminded us all about showing every migrant compassion and how our CARE values should be part of our everyday lives.

It was wonderful to see our students so engaged in such a topical issue as part of their journey to become global citizens.

Second Week of Advent

12th December 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

This week we lit the second candle on our advent wreath

In the Catholic liturgical calendar, the second week of Advent is a period of joyful anticipation and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas represents a different theme, and the second week is often associated with peace. We focus on the biblical messages of prophets like Isaiah, who foretold the coming of the Prince of Peace.

During this week, we engage in prayer, reflection, and acts of kindness to cultivate inner peace and share it with others. The lighting of the second Advent candle, often symbolising peace, serves as a visual reminder of the spiritual journey towards the arrival of the Savior.

As we embark on this season of Advent, we are encouraged to cultivate a sense of calmness and tranquility in our hearts, aligning our lives with the message of hope and peace brought by the Christ Child.

As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight the paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation.'” – Luke 3:4-6

Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

8th December 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a profound and cherished dogma that underscores Mary’s unique and singular role in salvation history.

This teaching asserts that, by a special grace from God, Mary was conceived without the stain of original sin, preserving her purity and holiness. This immaculate state allowed her the honour to bear Jesus Christ, the Son of God, into the world.

The Catholic Church holds that this extraordinary privilege was granted to Mary due to her future role as the Mother of God. The doctrine, solemnly defined in 1854 by Pope Pius IX, reflects the deep veneration and honor accorded to Mary within Catholic theology, emphasizing her exceptional holiness and cooperation with divine grace in the plan of redemption.

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a joyous celebration in the Catholic liturgical calendar, marking Mary’s conception as a moment of grace and sanctity in the unfolding story of salvation.

Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm. – Zephaniah 3:14-16

Advent Preparations

6th December 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Last Thursday, some of our Year 10 and 11 students helped get the student entrance ready for advent.

Adelina and Charlie helped Mr Jackson set up the nativity scene in the student foyer.

The careful set up of the nativity scene reminds us of the careful preparation we must take in the coming days as we approach Christmas.

The Advent season invites us to prepare our hearts and minds for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The liturgical color of purple, symbolising penance and expectation, sets the tone for a period of prayer, fasting, and increased devotion.

Advent not only commemorates the historical anticipation of the Messiah’s arrival but also directs us towards the eschatological anticipation of Christ’s second coming. Each Sunday, the lighting of the Advent candles on the wreath – representing hope, peace, joy, and love – heightens the sense of anticipation.

Through Scripture readings, prayers, and acts of kindness, we are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of patience and readiness, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Savior, who brings light and salvation to the world. The Advent season serves as a sacred journey, fostering a deepened connection to the profound mysteries of the Christian faith.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. – Isaiah 9:2

First Week of Advent

6th December 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

This week we lit the first candle on our advent wreath.

The first week of Advent in the Catholic liturgical calendar marks the beginning of the Church’s spiritual journey towards the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

As the faithful light the first candle on the Advent wreath, symbolising hope, we enter a season of anticipation and preparation.

This week is dedicated to reflecting on the virtue of hope, as we eagerly await the coming of the Messiah. The Scripture readings during this time often focus on prophecies foretelling the birth of Christ and the promise of salvation. We engage in prayer, contemplation, and acts of charity, aligning our hearts with the hopeful expectation of Christ’s arrival.

The first week of Advent serves as a poignant reminder to remain vigilant and spiritually awake, embracing the anticipation that defines the Advent season in anticipation of the joyous celebration of Christmas.

“‘The days are coming,’ declares the LORD, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. – Jeremiah 33:14

St Nicholas’ Feast Day

6th December 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

St. Nicholas Feast Day honours the life and legacy of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children, sailors, and merchants. A revered figure known for his compassion and generosity, St. Nicholas embodies the spirit of giving, reflecting the Christian values of love and selflessness. On this special day, we commemorate his exemplary life, emphasizing acts of charity, kindness, and goodwill towards others. Families may exchange small gifts or engage in acts of service, echoing the saint’s commitment to helping those in need. St. Nicholas Feast Day serves as a reminder to embrace the joy of giving, fostering a sense of community and love that resonates with the teachings of the Catholic faith.

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and be generous and willing to share. – 1 Timothy 6:18

Feast Day of Saint Barbara

4th December 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Saint Barbara, also known as the Great Martyr Barbara, holds a revered place in Christian tradition as a protector against thunderstorms, fire, and sudden death. According to legend, Barbara was a third-century Christian martyr who faced persecution under the Roman Emperor Maximian.

Renowned for her beauty and intellect, Barbara chose to embrace Christianity against her father’s wishes. Imprisoned and tortured for her faith, she remained steadfast and resolute. The most famous account of her story involves a miraculous escape into the mountains, where she hid in a cave. After her betrayal and subsequent capture, Barbara faced further torment and was eventually executed by beheading.

Throughout the centuries, Saint Barbara has been venerated as a symbol of courage, faith, and the triumph of spirituality over worldly challenges. She is often depicted holding a tower, representing her imprisonment, and a palm branch, symbolising her martyrdom.

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed life the eagle’s – Psalm 103:1-5