The Baptism of the Lord

8th January 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

The baptism of Jesus holds profound significance as a pivotal moment in salvation history.

At the Jordan River, Jesus, sinless and divine, willingly entered the waters to be baptised by John the Baptist. This act, seemingly paradoxical for the sinless Son of God, serves as a powerful example of humility and solidarity with humanity. As Jesus emerged from the water, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove, while the voice of the Father declared, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

This manifestation of the Holy Trinity marked the initiation of Jesus’ public ministry, reinforcing the importance of baptism as a sacrament that cleanses and sanctifies, inviting believers into the divine family and embodying the transformative power of God’s grace. The baptism of Jesus symbolises the beginning of the New Covenant, demonstrating God’s boundless love and His eternal plan for the redemption of mankind.

As soon as Jesus was baptised, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” – Matthew 3:16-17

Epiphany of the Lord

6th January 2024Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

The Epiphany of the Lord commemorates the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, symbolised by the visit of the Magi or Wise Men.

According to Catholic tradition, the Magi, guided by the Star of Bethlehem, traveled from the East to pay homage to the newborn King. This event is seen as a profound revelation of Jesus’ universal significance, emphasizing that salvation is not exclusive to a particular group or nationality.

The Epiphany signifies the revelation of God’s plan for all of humanity, and the homage offered by the Magi symbolises the acknowledgment of Christ’s divinity by people from different cultures.

It is a moment of realization and understanding that Jesus is the Savior for all, breaking down the barriers that may separate people and inviting them to share in the light of God’s love.

The Epiphany of the Lord underscores the inclusivity of God’s redemptive plan, inviting believers to recognize the presence of Christ in their lives and to radiate His light to the world.

See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. – Isaiah 60:2-3

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.

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Christmas Message 2023

19th December 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

A Christmas message from the parish team of Blessed Carlo Acutis.

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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