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

St Edmund’s Day Mass

4th December 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Today the academy celebrated the feast day of Saint Edmund (01/12) with two dedicatory masses.

Lead by Father Alex, lower and upper school were called to reflect on their spiritual lives and how they can be closer to God.

It was a poignant time for both staff and students as we celebrate the Patron of our academy.

To be a Catholic is my greatest glory – Saint Edmund Campion

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. –

St Edmund’s Larder

29th November 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

St Edmund’s is working towards achieving The LiveSimply Award, an opportunity for school
communities to respond to the Church’s call to live simply, sustainably and in solidarity with the world’s poorest. It is an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Jesus who lived and preached a simple life, and to take meaningful action on the ecological crisis we face today.

A discrete area of the academy is now set up as a food bank called St Edmund’s Larder. We are inviting tutor groups, staff, parents and carers to donate items of tinned/dried food, toiletries, household products and non-perishable items. All donations can be taken to the Chapel.

If your family are in need of supplies please ask your child to call into the Chapel and a bag of
provisions will be provided.

Together we can impact our global family, our local community and our school.

St Edmund’s Students Lead National Youth Sunday

29th November 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

The 26th November marked the Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe celebrated by the Catholic Church in England and Wales. Our St Edmund’s students led and participated in 11:30 am mass at St Michael’s Church in the Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish as musicians and singers, readers and altar servers and the service was celebrated by our Priest Chaplain and assistant priest at Blessed Carlo, Father Alex Taylor.

Many of our students are already part of the Blessed Carlo Acutis, but seeing them all come together to celebrate mass was an absolute treat.

One of the standouts of the service was the band and choir, comprised of talented singers and guitarists from St Edmund’s Faith Band and our Sixth Form, supported by a handful of individuals from the parish band, Praise and Worship and led by our Chaplain, Deacon Michael McKearney.

At the end, the congregation gave a well-deserved round of applause for our students and the part they played in leading the service.

St Edmund’s Students Receive the Sacrament of Confirmation

28th November 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

The evening of Tuesday 21st September was one of great joy for our St Edmund’s community, as a number of our students received the Sacrament of Confirmation during the Blessed Carlo Acutis parish celebration of the sacrament.

There were 46 young people confirmed, including Kelechi E, Joseph and Raymond N, Alba and Rocio O O, Francesco L-O and Michael E O from St Edmund’s.

Fr. Mark, parish priest of Blessed Carlo parish, welcomed Canon Paul McNally, the Episcopal Vicar for the northern areas of the Archdiocese of Birmingham, who would be conferring the sacrament. In his homily for the Mass, Canon Paul talked about how the Holy Spirit would empower the confirmandi to “walk and talk and be like Jesus”, drawing heavily on an example from the Jungle Book.

The Mass was a beautiful occasion for the parish and a very special night for all the young people confirmed and their families. We offer all our congratulations and prayers for our seven new “full members” of the Church, that the Holy Spirit will guide them through the rest of their time at St Edmund’s and through their lives as disciples of the Lord.

Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

26th November 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, marks the culmination of the liturgical year in the Catholic Church, serving as a powerful reminder of Christ’s eternal kingship and sovereignty over all creation. Observed on the last Sunday of the liturgical calendar, this solemnity emphasizes the cosmic dimensions of Christ’s reign, acknowledging Him as the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. In celebrating this feast, we reflect on the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus identifies Himself as the king who will judge the nations. It prompts contemplation of Christ’s role not only as a spiritual guide but as the ultimate authority over the entire cosmos. The imagery of Christ as the cosmic King invites us to ponder the implications of His lordship in every aspect of life, recognizing His reign as a source of hope, justice, and divine love that extends beyond the temporal confines of our world.

The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength; indeed, the world is established, firm and secure. Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity – Psalm 93:1-2

Feast Day of Saint Cecilia

22nd November 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Saint Cecilia is revered as the patron saint of musicians, and her life is shrouded in both historical accounts and legendary tales. According to Christian tradition, Cecilia lived in Rome during the 2nd or 3rd century AD and was a devout Christian who dedicated her life to God. Legend has it that she was betrothed to a pagan named Valerian but had already consecrated herself to a life of chastity. During her wedding ceremony, it is said that Cecilia sang to God in her heart, and an angel supposedly played heavenly music. Cecilia’s devotion to her faith and her musical talents led to her enduring association with music. She is often depicted with a musical instrument, usually a harp, and is celebrated with music festivals and concerts in her honor. Saint Cecilia’s legacy lives on as a symbol of faith, purity, and the transcendent power of music.

Her musical legacy provides great inspiration for our students in how they can connect to God through their talents. On her feast day we think of our Performing Arts department and their dedication to worship through song.

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! – Psalm 100:1-2

World Day of the Poor

19th November 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

World Day of the Poor serves as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to address the pressing issue of poverty with compassion and solidarity. Instituted by Pope Francis, this day calls us to reflect on the Gospel values of justice and mercy, encouraging a renewed commitment to alleviate the suffering of those living in poverty. It is a day to recognize the inherent dignity of every person and to promote a culture of encounter and inclusion. As we mark this occasion, let us not only extend our material assistance but also open our hearts to genuine relationships with the marginalized, fostering a world where the cries of the poor are heard, and their needs are met with love and empathy. World Day of the Poor beckons us to be agents of change, working towards a society where the inherent worth of every individual is upheld, and the bonds of shared humanity unite us in a common quest for justice and peace.

Give according to what you have. The more you have, the more you should give. Even if you have only a little, be sure to give something. – Tobit 4:8