As we journey through the liturgical season of Lent, the Third Sunday marks a pivotal moment of reflection and renewal in the Catholic faith. This Sunday invites us to pause amidst our penitential practices and rejoice in the promise of God’s mercy and forgiveness.

At the heart of the Third Sunday of Lent lies the call to repentance – a call echoed throughout Scripture and the teachings of the Church. In the Gospel readings for this Sunday, we encounter the story of Jesus cleansing the temple, a powerful reminder of the need to cleanse our hearts and minds of all that separates us from God’s love. Lent provides us with a sacred opportunity to examine our lives, acknowledge our shortcomings, and turn back to God with contrite hearts.

In the Gospel of John, we encounter the powerful image of Jesus as the “living water” – the source of eternal life and fulfillment. Just as Jesus offered the Samaritan woman living water to quench her thirst, he offers us the same invitation to encounter him and be transformed by his grace. During the Lenten season, let us journey to the well of God’s mercy, allowing his love to wash over us and renew us from within.

The disciplines of prayer, fasting and almsgiving are central to our Lenten observance, guiding us on the path of spiritual growth and renewal. Through prayer, we deepen our relationship with God, seeking his guidance and strength to persevere in our Lenten commitments. Through fasting, we discipline our bodies and minds, making space for God’s grace to work within us. Through almsgiving, we extend God’s love and compassion to those in need, living out our call to be instruments of justice and mercy in the world.

As we celebrate the Third Sunday of Lent, let us rejoice in the abundant mercy and love of God. No matter how far we may have strayed or how many times we have fallen, God’s mercy is always available to us, ready to embrace us and lift us up. Let us approach the sacrament of reconciliation with open hearts, experiencing the healing power of GOd’s forgiveness and reconciliation. And let us continue our Lenten journey with renewed hope and joy, trusting in God’s promise of new life and transformation.

As we embrace the Third Sunday of Lent, may we be inspired by the call to repentance, renewal and rejoicing in God’s mercy. Let us turn to Christ, the living water, and allow his grace to quench our thirst and transform our lives. Through prayer, fasting and almsgiving, may we deepen our relationship with God and grow in holiness. And may we rejoice in the promise of Easter, when we will celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. –  Psalm 19:14

This Saint David’s Day, we join in celebrating the life and legacy of this beloved saint, who holds a special place in the hearts of the faithful, particularly those in Wales. Saint David’s Day is more than a cultural celebration; it is an opportunity to reflect on the spiritual significance of this saint’s life and teachings.

Saint David, also known as Dewi Sant, is revered for his humility, piety and commitment to serving God and others. Born in the 6th century, he dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel and establishing monastic communities that embodied the values of prayer, simplicity and hospitality. As Catholics, we look to Saint David as a model of holiness and discipleship, inspired by his unwavering faith and devotion to Christ.

The virtues exemplified by Saint David – humility, compassion and perseverance – continue to resonate with Catholics today. His humility, demonstrated in his simple lifestyle and selfless service, challenges us to set aside our pride and ego, embracing the path of humility and service. Saint David’s compassion for the poor and marginalised reminds us of our call to love our neighbours as ourselves, especially those in need. And his perseverance in the face of adversity inspires us to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in God’s providence and grace.

On Saint David’s Day, we have the opportunity to deepen our relationship with this holy saint through prayer and devotion. We can turn to Saint David as an intercessor, asking for his prayers and guidance in our own lives. Whether through reciting prayers dedicated to Saint David or reflecting on his life and teachings, we can draw inspiration and strength from his example of faithfulness and dedication to God.

As we celebrate Saint David’s Day, let us recommit ourselves to living out the legacy of this holy saint in our own lives. May we strive to embody the virtues of humility, compassion and perseverance, following in the footsteps of Saint David as faithful disciples of Christ. And may we continue to draw inspiration from his life and teachings, seeking to spread the light of Christ in our communities and beyond.

Saint David’s Day is a time of celebration and reflection, inviting us to honour the life and legacy of this holy saint, As we commemorate Saint David’s Day, may we be inspired by his virtues, guided by his example, and uplifted by his intercession. And may we continue to draw closer to God. following in the footsteps of Saint David as we journey toward holiness and eternal life.

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” – Isaiah 52:7

Before the half term holiday, 10JDE delivered an assembly on St Vincent de Paul.

St Vincent de Paul is primarily recognised for his charity and compassion towards others.

As part of their assembly, 10JDE set a challenge to the other year 10 tutor groups to collect items for the Academy’s food bank, St Edmund’s Larder. Each tutor group was given a box to place in their tutor room and were asked to fill it before half term with food items.

Year 10 rose to the challenge and collected a staggering amount of food for the Larder. These items were delivered on Friday 9th February.

A massive well done to all in 10JDE who helped organise this event and a huge thank you to all year 10 students and tutors who collected food and donated so generously.

St Edmund’s Larder is open for all who need it. Students, staff, parents and carers are invited to donate what they can and to take what they need.

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere heart, – Acts 2:46

This Lent, Mr Boland has set the challenge to do 5000 push ups.

Along with his tutor, classes and neighbouring teaching staff, Mr Boland is hoping to achieve 1000 push ups a week to raise money for our Academy charities this Lent.

Yesterday he completed another set of push ups with his Year 9 class. Well done to Michael for completing 30!

Thank you Mr Boland for your wonderful effort in support our charities this Lent. We’re with you for every push!

Today the winners of the English Department poetry competition were announced. This competition was held to celebrate St Francis de Sales Feast Day (24/01). Students were asked to write a poem about why they love creative writing. The top prize was a book with runners up being award a bookmark.

Well done to Leah, Imogen and our third winner! Your poems were fantastic.

Thank you Miss Baker for running the competition.

Today we welcomed Year 5 pupils from SS Mary and John’s Catholic Primary Academy.

The pupils had the opportunity to learn about the Academy. They looked around the Peace Garden at the different places of reflection and the celebration of our students.

The pupils answered questions about the stations of the cross, the current liturgical season and why these are important. They were also told about the Catholic ethos at St Edmund’s, including our CARE values.

Following this, the pupils sang in the chapel and held a liturgy. They lead liturgy with great respect and allowed for everyone to be involved. After the blessing, the pupils sang again with much joy and excitement.

It was a wonderful experience to have the pupils of another of our MAC academies join us here at St Edmund’s. Their passion and joy for learning and faith was inspiring.

We hope to see the pupil’s of SS Mary and John’s again soon!

For Information on what is happening in our parish and other parishes in our diocese, please see out What’s Going On page on the website.

This can be found in the Spiritual Life tab in the navigation bar or you can follow the link: https://www.stedmundscloud.co.uk/whats-going-on/

The times for Sunday mass and confessions within the diocese are listed below. More information can be found on our website.

Before the half term holiday our chaplaincy team had the opportunity to attend two masses in the diocese.

The Installation of Mgr Mark Crisp as Canon at St Chad’s Cathedral in Birmingham

On Tuesday 6th February, the St Edmund’s Chaplaincy Team, accompanied by Mrs Hazeldine, Mrs Letheren, Reverend McKearney and Mr Luis, was given the opportunity to be part of the Installation of four Canons of the Metropolitan Cathedral of St Chad in Birmingham.

Mgr Mark Crisp, Parish Priest of our very own parish, Blessed Carlo Acutis, Wolverhampton and Fr Raymond Corbett, Diocesan Chancellor and Catholic Chaplain to Aston University were installed as Chapter Canons, the groups of priests who form part of the College of Consultors, who advise the Archbishops about the life and mission of the Archdiocese.

Our students were also given the immense privilege of serving during the mass at St CHad’s and representing the Blessed Carlo Acutis parish which they were all a part of.

As well as advising the bishop of the Diocese, the Chapter of Canons has a care for the Cathedral and for its liturgical life and so meets and prays together monthly through the year at the Chapter Mass – usually the 2nd Tuesday of the month.

Mass was celebrated by Mgr Canon Tom Farrell and in the presence of Archbishop Bernard Longley.

Our students were respectful and served with gracefulness and reverence. We are incredibly proud of every single one of them.

Deanery Vocations Mass at St Michael’s

On Wednesday 7th February, the Sixth Form Chaplaincy team went to St Michael’s in Peen to attend and participate in the Deanery Vocations Mass, celebrated by the Parish Priest of Blessed Carlo Acutis, Mgr Canon Mark Crisp.

February has officially been denoted the Deanery Month of Prayer for Vocations and hence this Mass was a perfect opportunity for our students to reflect on their own vocations and ponder their future in the Church. The service was followed by light refreshments and the chance to speak to priests, nuns and other ordained members of the Church about their call and what life in the Church is like.

Our students were involved in many ways in the service, making up the readers, the altar servers and singing in the choir, all roles which were fulfilled brilliantly.