Father John (RIP) taught us that: “I’m important and special because God loves me!”
We are a part of the parish of Saint Mary’s New Mills and its sister parish in Marple Bridge. Our parish priest Father Emmanuel, is a regular visitor to school and leads us in special school and parish celebrations in our church.
We are a part of the Catholic Diocese of Nottingham and work closely with our Catholic cluster primary and secondary schools. We work hard to build links between our school and church and appreciate the support of the parishioners.
The parish sacramental team prepare the First Holy Communion and First Reconciliation candidates supported by the school.
Pilgrims of Hope
St Mary’s celebrates the year of hope by creating their own clay mural.
Parish Outreach Letter
St. Mary’s celebrate with Watford House Care Home Mable’s 103 Year Old birthday!
Reflections
As the new school year begins, let us pray that it will be a time to love and serve the Lord. May it be a time to serve one another and to do the best we can.
We ask Mary, Mother of Jesus, to pray for us all.
Parish Outreach letter
Our Altar Servers
Our children are creating a wildlife garden to encourage and protect the insects that visit us.
Our children learn about their responsibility to protect all of God’s creatures and the importance of nurturing our world. We know that small, positive actions can have great consequences for our planet.
Stronger Together
Pupils have shared their ideas about what ‘Stronger Together’ means to them.
Prayer resources
The Mark 10 Mission
Change 4 Life Ambassadors
Eco Warriors plant an oak tree with the help of our Chair of Governors, to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee
Synod 2021-2023 Church Initiative
Year 5 Faith in Action organise a cake sale to raise funds for children in Ukraine
Church seasons
Ordinary Time
For a few weeks in January and February, and then all through the Summer and Autumn up to the first Sunday in Advent, the Church celebrates the season of ‘Ordinary Time.’
‘Ordinary’ in this sense does not mean dull or colourless! It comes from the word ‘Ordinal’ and means counted. Each of the weeks of this season has a number eg The twenty third Sunday in Ordinary Time.
During Ordinary Time, at Church we hear the stories of Jesus’ life from the Gospels; as well as the Letters of St Paul and others to the early Christian Communities.
Liturgical Colour
We use GREEN to symbolise this season, as this represents life and growth.
Doing Ordinary Things Well
This season helps us to think about how we can do everyday things to the best of our ability and continue to grow as Christians.
“In everything you say or do, do it as Jesus would want you to” [based on Colossians 3:17)
“We will focus on our learning and be determined to complete our work to the best of our ability.”
“God will guide us in all our endeavours.”
“We can be disciples of Jesus and follow his ways.”
“We can be prayerful and take time to reflect on our actions.”
October
In the months of October and May we also say the prayers of the Rosary to remember Mary the Mother of God.
The rosary beads are sent home with pupils so they can share the rosary with their families.
The Rosary helps us to pray to Jesus through Mary. When we pray the Rosary, we think about the special events, or mysteries, in the lives of Jesus and Mary.
The Rosary is made up of a string of beads and a crucifix.
There are five sets of ten beads; each set is called a decade. We pray a Hail Mary on each bead of a decade as we reflect on a particular mystery in the lives of Jesus and Mary. The Glory Be to the Father is prayed at the end of each set. Between sets is a single bead on which we think about one of the mysteries and pray the Lord’s Prayer.
We end by holding the crucifix in our hands as we pray the Sign of the Cross.
November
November is a special time of the year for Catholics, known as ‘the month of the Holy Souls,’ as during this period we especially remember our loved ones who are no longer with us. We pray for our dead, and entrust them to God’s tender care and mercy.
At school we visit the cenotaph to give thanks for the sacrifices that were made and to pray for those who are no longer with us. We create wreaths to leave there so that others may join us in remembrance.
“Eternal rest grant to them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them, may they rest in peace. Amen.”
Lent
Repent and believe the Good News!
The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, the day after Shrove Tuesday (or ‘Pancake day’), and ends on Holy (Maundy) Thursday in the evening
During these six weeks we prepare for the most important feast in the Christian calendar – Easter. Many choose to give up a favourite treat (fasting), find extra time to pray and look for ways to help others (alms giving). It is about trying to live more like Jesus, and growing closer to God.
The liturgical colour used in Lent is purple. This is to symbolise death, sorrow and Royalty. Jesus died for us at the Crucifixion but rose again in glory as a King.
What will you do this Lent?
“Turn your life toward God and Live!” Ezekiel 18:32
During the month of May we pray to Our Lady and remember our Mother Mary and we have an annual May Procession celebrating our Faith.
The month of May is a month which has long dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God. Our heart rejoices at the thought of the moving tribute of faith and love which will soon be paid to the Queen of Heaven in every corner of the earth. For this is the month during which Christians, in their churches and in their homes, offer the Virgin Mother more fervent and loving acts of homage and veneration; and it is the month in which a greater abundance of God’s merciful gifts comes down to us from our mother’s throne.
Pope Paul VI, Mense Maio 1965
Easter Season
Jesus is Alive – Alleluia!!
The Easter Season begins on Easter Sunday and ends 50 days later on Pentecost Sunday.
During this time we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection to new life, and the chance He gives us to share in that new life with Him.
The liturgical colours are white or gold.
We are an Easter people – let us celebrate!
“We know he is alive for we have seen him” [based on Acts 2:32]
Advent
Advent is the season when we prepare for Christmas. We remember Christ’s first coming and also reflect on His Second Coming at the end of time.
Advent is a time for devout and joyful expectation.
The liturgical colour is PURPLE, it symbolises renewal, kingship and saying sorry.
“Prepare the way for the coming of God” Luke 3:3
