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. –

Congratulations to Top of the Bench Team 2!

30th November 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Congratulations to Our RSC Top of the Bench Team 2 who have made it through to the Regional Final!

They scored highly in the preliminary round and have been sent to represent St Edmund’s against other schools from across the West Midlands.

The highest scoring team from the Regional Final will be put forward to compete in the RSC National Final later this in the year.

Best of luck to the team! We hope you get all the way!

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.

Youth Council Elections

20th November 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Following a presentation by Anton Wright and Chris Evans (Participation Officers from Wolverhampton City Council), we are pleased to announce that Fori and Daniel from Year 12 have been nominated to represent our Academy as Youth Council representatives on the Wolverhampton City Youth Council.

Both students will have an opportunity to influence decisions on services that impact young people in Wolverhampton, learn more about democracy, local and global citizenship and accountability, to become more familiar with how the City Council operates and meet other young people from across the city.

 

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

International Men’s Day

19th November 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

International Men’s Day serves as a global observance to celebrate the positive contributions and achievements of men while raising awareness of the unique challenges they may face. It offers an opportunity to promote positive masculinity, highlight issues related to men’s health, and foster discussions on topics like mental health, gender equality, and the importance of positive male role models.

On International Men’s Day, as Catholics, we reflect upon the teachings of our faith that emphasize the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. It is a moment to appreciate the positive contributions of men in our communities, families, and the Church. In alignment with Christian principles, we recognize the importance of fostering virtues such as humility, compassion, and service, encouraging men to fulfill their roles in ways that reflect the love and teachings of Jesus Christ. This day also serves as a reminder to pray for the well-being of all men, acknowledging their unique challenges and joys. As we celebrate International Men’s Day, let us strive for a society where men are empowered to live out their faith and contribute positively to the world, guided by the values of love, justice, and compassion exemplified by Jesus.

Be watchful, stand firm in faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Diwali

12th November 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a celebration of great significance to many of our Sikh and Hindu brothers and sisters and holds a universal message that resonates with Catholic values. Diwali can be seen as a festival that symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Just as we celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus, Sikhs and Hindus celebrate Diwali as the victory of light and righteousness. It reminds us of the importance of dispelling ignorance, hatred, and negativity in our lives and society, and replacing them with love, knowledge, and compassion. It is an opportunity to come together with people of different faiths, emphasising our shared commitment to promoting peace, joy, and unity. As Catholics, we appreciate the diversity of the world’s religious traditions and can find common ground in the universal themes of love, hope, and the eternal battle between good and evil, as beautifully illustrated in the Festival of Diwali.

Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. – Isaiah 60:3

Remembrance Day

11th November 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

Remembrance Day, observed in many countries to honour the fallen soldiers and civilians who have made sacrifices during times of conflict, holds a profound place in our hearts as it echoes the values of peace, compassion, and solidarity deeply embedded in our faith. This solemn day serves as a reminder of the essential role of forgiveness and reconciliation in the pursuit of peace. It calls us to pray for the souls of those who have died in service, as well as for the healing of those who have been affected by the wounds of war. In our faith, we find strength in the teachings of Jesus Christ, who blessed the peacemakers and encouraged us to love our enemies. As we remember the sacrifices made on Remembrance Day, we are urged to work tirelessly towards a world free from the scourge of war, where justice and harmony prevail, drawing inspiration from our Catholic principles of forgiveness, mercy, and unity.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod  and staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:4

Dedication of the Lateran Basilica

9th November 2023Rhiannon Watts-Robinson

The Lateran Basilica, also known as the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, stands as a remarkable testament to centuries of devotion and faith. Its dedication is a profound and enduring symbol of the enduring connection between the Christian faithful and their spiritual heritage. Originally consecrated in the 4th century by Pope Sylvester I, the Lateran Basilica has undergone numerous renovations and transformations over the centuries. Its dedication reaffirms the significance of this sacred space as the “Mother and Head of All Churches in the City and the World,” a title bestowed upon it by virtue of its status as the Cathedral of the Bishop of Rome and, consequently, the highest-ranking church in the Catholic Church. The unwavering reverence bestowed upon this basilica serves as a reminder of the unbroken tradition of Christianity and its central place in the hearts of believers for over a millennium.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2