Each week during May, a group of children in Year 5 are preparing and leading a Rosary prayer time at lunchtime for children in Key Stage 2. They do it with great enthusiasm and respect and it is lovely to see a good number of children give up part of their lunch break to attend.
Our Lady of Fatima
The 13th May is the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima and the song Ave de Maria tells the story of Our Lady of Fatima and is a reminder of saying the Rosary each day.
Fr Steve and Fr Matthew at the Martyrs Memorial Stone
On 30th April year 5 children from St Peter's Cathedral Primary school joined Fr Steve and Fr Matthew at the Martyrs Memorial Stone near Williamson Park and remembered those who have died for their faith and prayed for all those who still suffer for their faith today.
Visits and Tournaments
It has been a busy two weeks back at school. Already, different classes have enjoyed visits to Castlerigg Manor and Blackpool Zoo and children have taken part in a netball tournament and a Pupil Parliament meeting.
Year 4 at Castlerigg
All these experiences help to enrich our curriculum and it is wonderful to see children enjoy and engage with learning. To read more about the wide range of educational opportunities you may want to have a look at the class blogs.
This week, Father Steve and Father Mathew celebrated Mass with our Year 6 staff and pupils in their classroom. They explored the theme of Conversion of St Paul. This was a very special time of prayer together and we are grateful to our priests for sharing their time with us in this way. To read more and see some photos of our pupils reading and sharing their own bidding prayers.
To learn more about the life of St Paul's conversion watch this short video on famous painting by Caravaggio.
This week we listen to the next section of chapter 1 in Mark's Gospel. Last week Jesus was calling the disciples to follow him and they came immediately. Today we hear how Jesus goes to the synagogue and teaches the people who were astounded. What was it about Jesus that caused the apostles to follow him, and for the people to be astounded and amazed by his teaching? Jesus was described as teaching with authority, not just following the instruction book or rules like the scribes. Unlike school teachers Jesus wasn't assessed by Ofsted, yet the people who listened to him recognised he had something about him, his teaching was authentic and real.
James Tissot: Jesus teaches near the treasury
We can all probably think of a teacher, or priest or nun even a parent or friend who has something about them when they are trying to teach us. They not only have the knowledge – the facts and figures – but also believe in what they do, and like Jesus they practice what they preach and teach. They say faith is caught not taught. This week we might want to reflect on the people who have passed on the faith but also those who have deepened our head knowledge as well as those like Jesus who have helped increase our understanding of who Jesus is – a great teacher yes, but also our Lord and God who we follow because he practices what he preaches. AMH
PS And yes, let's use this time to say thank you to the teachers we know.
Each week during term time we hear about what our primary school have been doing. The link with the parish and Cathedral Primary is one way we share the Good News with our families.
This week we learned that a new religious education curriculum is currently being introduced into all schools nationally. The title is ‘To Know You More Clearly’and it sets out the purpose of RE from Reception Class all the way up to Year 9 at Secondary School.
In the coming weeks we will be hearing more about what our children and young people will be learning and trying to make connections with our Children's Liturgy and Sacramental Programmes.
Image of the new Catholic Religious Education Programme
The 4th day of the Christmas Octave we remember the Holy Innocents. Herod was cross because the wise men did not come back to tell him where Jesus was. Herod sent his soldiers to kill the baby boys and children under the age of 2, hoping he would also kill Jesus the Christ. The Holy Innocents are the patron of all new babies, we remember all those born at this time especially those who are unwell. This short video for young Catholics tells the story of the Holy Innocents.
We read in Matthew's Gospel how Joseph had a dream and was told to take Mary and the baby Jesus into Egypt so they would be safe. As they escaped into Egypt the Holy Family experienced the life of being refugees away from home. We remember all those who are away from their home at Christmas.
Lancaster and Morecambe City of Sanctuary brings together voluntary sector organisations who support forcibly displaced people living locally. There are lots of ways you can help them, it would be good to hear from parishioners who are helping already.
Did you know that Cathedral Primary became a School of Sanctuary in 2017. The Headteacher Mr Nicola Holt writes on the Cathedral Primary webpage
Our school is founded in the Catholic faith and all our actions reflect our belief that every child is a gift created in the image of God. We openly welcome children from all faiths and backgrounds and every child flourishes in our care and love. In 2017, we were the first Primary school to be awarded School of Sanctuary which shows we are a community where everyone is valued, nurtured and encouraged to fulfil their God-given potential. Our school has very strong links with St Peter’s Catholic Cathedral and is at the heart of our multi-cultural community.
We remember all our teachers and hope they are having a well earned rest over the Christmas holidays.
Last week we shared news from our local secondary school, today news of the new website for our Cathedral Catholic Primary School, where there is news of what is happening in school and a new blog from the Headteacher Miss Hannah, where you can read about a year 6 trip to Borwick. Primary School Open Day Our primary school Open Day this year will be on Thursday 12th November. There will be two opportunities to look around school: 1.00pm to 3.00pm and 6.00pm to 8.00pm. This is an opportunity to see all the improvements that have been made over the Summer and to meet school staff. If you aren’t able to make either of these times please contact Miss Hannah, the Headteacher, to make an appointment to view.
Today at the 10.30 mass staff, pupils, families and governors gathered together at the start of the new academic year. At the end of mass they came forward for a blessing for the coming year.
Members of Cathedral Primary gathering for a blessing
Miss Hannah, the new Headteacher who has been working in school over the past year, and Mrs Holt the new Deputy Headteacher and staff welcomed parishioners to come for refreshments at school for an Open Day to see all the work that has been happening over the summer. To find out more about the Cathedral Primary school see their website
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