Spiritual life

Saint Martin's was founded in 1948 by the Dominican Sisters of St Catherine of Siena based in King William's Town, South Africa. Our Catholic heritage is the foundation of our school and influences all aspects of school life. As such, supporting our pupils to develop spiritually and morally is of fundamental importance. Prayer is a normal part of school life as is a focus on kindness, charity and religious development. Divinity (Religious Education) is a core subject alongside Maths, English and Science. All pupils sit GCSE RE. 

​See below a little insight into some of the work that we have been doing with the student’s supporting our catholic life and collective worship.

THIS WEEK'S THEME IS EXAMPLE

THIS WEEK'S THEME IS WITNESS

CAFOD climate CHANGE GAME

Today, Year 7, 8 and 9 Chaplaincy students had the opportunity to take part in a Climate Action game. This game introduced the connection between climate and the impact this has on the lives of vulnerable people around the world. It was fantastic to see so many students showing enthusiasm and reflecting on how we can all help to solve the climate emergency. Thank you to Tom Shannon, Kieran and James for leading this session at Saint Martins.

this week's theme is vocation

Worship wednesday

​This morning we gathered together virtually as a whole school community and prayed the rosary using our new rosary beads from @thecateniansuk
Thank you to Fr Simon and our wonderful students for each leading a decade.

Year 8 vocations retreat day

​Vocare is the Latin word for 'to call' - and as a Catholic school we believe the biggest calling we hear is from God. We are called to be holy, called to follow God in our lives, called to use our gifts at work. A huge thank you to all our wonderful guests who supported year 8 with their Vocation retreat day.
Eve, Esther, Lucie, Tom, Landon and Emma- you were amazing today- such wonderful faith ambassadors.

this week's theme is faith

Praying for Mariupol

This week 200 rose prayers were offered up in hope for the people of Mariupol and our families. The 200 roses were significant for those trapped underground in the steel works in Mariupol.
Thank you to students in Year 7 who have brought in flowers or emailed pictures of flowers or taken photographs from their gardens to be placed in front of the statue of Mary with their prayers. Saint Martin’s is following the example of Lourdes where pilgrims are asked to dedicate a white flower in the month of May in gratitude to Our Lady for graces received or to ask her to take our prayers to God on our behalf. 

Rosary beads

​We have been kindly gifted enough sets of rosary beads and prayer cards for every student and staff member in our school community. These have been packaged up in envelopes and have been dropped off to every form group and office. The whole school will gather together Wednesday 11th May and pray the Rosary together. A big thank you to the Catenians for their kind donation. 

this week's theme is missionary discipleship

STAFF voluntary MASS

Celebrating voluntary Mass together this morning was the perfect way to start our day.

this week's theme is journey

whole school mass- 7th April 2022

What a wonderful way to end our term with the whole school celebrating our Lent Mass together. 
The pupils were excellent and their behaviour was respectful.  It was a great way to think about our Lent journey and look forward to the feast of Easter. 
A big thank you to Fr Simon and Fr Frank for saying the three Masses that we had.  

lenten food bank appeal 2022

year 9 lenten prayer stations

this week's theme is sacrifice

this week's theme is almsgiving

this week's theme is fasting

Year 8 lenten prayer stations

this week's theme is prayer

the big sleep out 2022

On Friday 11th March, 36 students and 4 staff members took on the challenge of ‘sleeping rough’ for the night at Saint Martin’s. All money raised will be supporting Hinckley Homeless Group

Students were asked to reflect on the experience and shared that ‘the most difficult thing was how cold it was’ and ‘everyone deserves a home’. One student noted that their ‘opinion on homeless people has changed entirely’ and that they ‘feel sorry for those people who have to do this every night’.
Students were a credit to themselves and the school and took on this challenge wholeheartedly with dignity, respect and care.

The grand total will be shared once all the money has been counted.

lenten 'prayer' stations

Year 7 class mass

A huge thank you to Fr Simon for celebrating Mass with us today. Well done 7R for being so prayerful, it was a beautiful celebration. 

papal nuncio

Mrs Mulcrow and Alex met the Papal Nuncio for Great Britain on Sunday 6th March and handed him our students' ideas on the Synod. He said he will personally look at all the information and would ensure it would go in the Diplomatic bag this week for the attention of Pope Francis. 
Bishop Patrick was also present and said he would ensure that this was discussed further. 

This week's theme is forgiveness

Exposition of the blessed sacrament

The Chapel will be open on Wednesday and Thursday morning this week from 8:20am-8:45am. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed for a time of prayer and reflection. ​

EXPOSITION OF THE BLESSED SCARAMENT DAY 2

ash wednesday Mass

​At our school’s Ash Wednesday Mass, Fr. Jonathan asked Year 7, “What will we do during the Lenten season to prepare for Easter?” Whether it’s fasting, praying, or almsgiving, he reminded us to let all that we do be done with love.

this week's theme is mercy

7v class mass

A huge thank you to Fr Jonathan for celebrating Mass with us today. Well done 7V for being so prayerful, it was a beautiful celebration. 

THIS WEEK'S THEME IS HEALING

spreading the love around school

Year 9 and Year 10 visited the Chapel and took part in a beautiful guided meditation.
Year 9 helped to spread love around the school by visiting all staff and giving them a little treat on the Feast of Lady of Lourdes. We visited our local care home, Saffron House and sent them hand made Valentines day cards and roses.

Cancer research

Well done Annabel for raising £100 for Cancer Research

valentines day film night

The Lourdes fundraising continues......
​We held a movie night in school on Friday 11th February, all money raised will be supporting the Lourdes team in Year 9 and Year 10.

this week's theme is care

Missionary discipleship monday-care

worship wednesday- care

9t class mass

A huge thank you to Fr Liam Carpenter for celebrating Mass with us today. Well done 9T for being so prayerful, it was a beautiful celebration. 

Lourdes fundraising ​at lunch time

This week's theme is Challenge

St Thomas aquinas feast day

On Friday 28th January, we celebrated the Feast Day of St Thomas Aquinas after whom our Trust is named.
Unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions, we were unable to meet in person, but that did not prevent the whole Trust from coming together online.
We began with prayers from The Briars led by Tom B and Tom S. We saw a video about Laudato Si – a letter form Pope Francis, encouraging everyone to look after Our Common Home: the Earth. We also saw what other schools in our Trust have been doing as part of the Eco Roadmap.
The children all wrote on a strip of paper, something they wanted to protect and we made it into a paper chain.

cmat prayer for opening liturgy

FINAL HYMN FOR CMAT MASS

present exchange with english martyr's

hows does st thomas aquinas inspire us?

alton castle residential 2022

​On Wednesday 26th-Friday 28th January 2022, 54 pupils and 5 staff took part in a residential retreat at Alton Castle in Staffordshire. The centre offers the children the opportunity of taking part in some really exciting outdoor activities whilst considering their spiritual impact too.
Our theme for the retreat was 'Identity?', and each fun activity gave the children a chance to reflect on the theme. The children took time to consider what they had achieved so far in their lives and reflected positively on where their life journey was going to take them.
The friendly staff led the children in night time activities after dinner which ranged from fun team games to meditations.
Over the next two days, the children had the opportunity to take part in three activities each. Mountain Biking, Trekking, Survival, and low ropes course.
Each night, the children took part in night prayer; rooms were set to be peaceful and calm, with candles burning and quiet music playing. All the children were involved and eager to take part praying for their own families, friends and concerns.
To end the trip we all took part in a beautiful Mass which we had learnt new hymns for. The Mass was the culmination of a wonderful few days where everyone involved had been touched, in some way, by the events which took place at the castle. Our trip was a real success, and we are now putting our improved team work skills to use in school.

this week's theme is inspire

9A CLASS MASS

Our first class Mass of 2022! A huge thank you to Fr Simon Robson for celebrating Mass with us today. Well done to everyone who read and took part.
We ended our celebration with Doughnuts

wear blue non-uniform day

​As a Catholic Community we believe we are called to serve others, in particular the most vulnerable in society. Today we raised £573 to support all the schools in our CMAT who will be off to Lourdes in June.

This week's theme is discipleship

worship wednesday

this week's theme is epiphany

who cares about australia

What happens when there are no more priests to lead the Church and a group of young people take on the work?
.
A huge congratulations to this wonderful team of young people who took to the stage on Thursday, Friday and Sunday this week - you were incredible and we are so proud of you all.

this week's theme is love

Hinckley food bank- Advent 2021

The Year 7 Divinity Team delivered food donated by the whole school to Hinckley food bank today.
Jim, a volunteer talked about how the demand for food banks has increased. As a whole, it was a very rewarding and eye-opening experience to help those in need and we are proud to see that our students have demonstrated one of our core values of kindness by helping those in need within our local community
We collected nearly 600kg of food and toiletries which would have had a cash value of £1042.48

christmas spirit 

​Bringing cheer to our local community at Christmas
Four bags of wrapped gifts (from our non-uniform day) were given to our Divinity Team, they decided to unwrap the items and make hampers to deliver to the staff at Saffron House and Harvey House in Barwell.

4th week of advent- love

we raised £108.39 for cafod during advent

this week's theme is joy

worship wednesday

​The third week of Advent is centered on joy. We celebrate Gaudete Sunday to remind us of the Joy of Christmas that is almost here, we are over half way through our journey through Advent. It’s a great chance to think about what brings us joy in our lives and to give thanks for it. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on how we can bring joy to those around us and make the world a more joyful place for everyone!

christmas mass 2021

​Fr Simon, Fr Frank, and Fr David joined us today to celebrate our Christmas Masses.
The masses were beautifully led and prepared by so many students. A big thank you to everyone who took part today.
We have nearly arrived at the end of a long term and our whole school community is looking forward to a long, well-earned rest and time with family and friends. We wish all of our students, parents and carers a peaceful, holy and blessed Christmas

Year 8 Divinity Team

​Following a recent donation from the school, the Year 8 Divinity team visited the local supermarket to source products for Hinckley Food Bank today.  What a great way to put our Faith In to Action

this week's theme is peace

worship wednesday

​On the second week of Advent we light the second candle, representing peace.
All of us can become beacons of light and instruments of peace, providing an example for others to follow.
Well done to Year 8 for leading this weeks Act of Worship.

Christmas Jumper Day 2021

​We’ve been simply having a wonderful time celebrating Christmas Jumper Day and we have raised a fantastic £511 for Save the Children

this week's theme is hope

worship wednesday

On the first week of Advent we light the first purple candle, representing hope.

In a speech Pope Francis gave to young people he reminded us never to doubt our ability to make a difference and be bearers of hope – wherever it is needed. Pope Francis said...
‘To all young people, I repeat: Do not let yourselves be robbed of hope! Let us become bearers of hope!’

Thank you to Fr Frank and our wonderful Year 8 students for leading Worship Wednesday 💜

this week's theme is kingdom

year 7 residential-the briars

​From Monday 22nd-Wednesday 24th November 2021, students from year 7 attended the annual trip to the Briars Retreat Centre in Crich, Derbyshire, for a three-day retreat of prayer, reflection, and activities.
The theme of the year 7 retreat was ‘Discipleship’. The children participated in group activities that enhanced their personal growth and brought them together as a year group and closer with each other.
 Each morning was opened with Morning Prayer, and every evening was finished with a relaxing and serene Night Prayer to reflect on the day. On day two we delved deeper into the theme of the retreat, as well as going for a walk and celebrating mass together.  
The Briars Team treated us to a very energetic disco with much dancing and laughter from everyone, including the staff!
Stirling said, ‘The Briars allowed me to pray and connect with God’
 A fun time was had by all and we look forward to taking next year’s group in 2022!

this week's theme is youth

Chaplaincy commissioning mass

Our Chaplaincy Team are a group of enthusiastic children….

Together, they enrich the Catholic Life of our school by leading and preparing acts of worship, Masses, organising fundraising, representing the school, acting as ambassadors for the Catholic faith and supporting other students throughout the school.

During our special Mass today, our newly appointed Chaplaincy members were commissioned by Fr Liam Carpenter. We know they will do a fantastic job in helping our students live out the school Mission Statement. Well done!

Hello Yellow Fundraising

Today, we raised £221.17 for  #HelloYellow YoungMinds
We were thinking and supporting young people & their mental health. Great work being done by @YoungMinds. If you need help or support don’t wait, reach out! ​

NATIONAL YOUTHFUNDAY

tHIS WEEK'S THEME IS GIVING

remembrance service 2021

This week we commemorated those who have died through conflict so that we may live in peace. Our whole school community gathered together outside for a two-minute silence and to pray for anyone who has lost their life through war or conflict. Yongchan (Year 8) played the last post and Head Boy and Head Girl read the Exhortation. 

worship wednesday

This weeks theme is giving…
During Advent we will be supporting Hinckley Food bank - we are looking for non-perishable food items; beans, tinned fruit and veg, fruit juice, squash, pasta, rice, teabags, sugar, sauces- everything is welcomed. We really hope you can all support this wonderful cause.

This week's theme is Holiness

happy feast day

A huge thank you to Fr Simon Robson, Fr Jonathan Cotton and Fr Frank Daly for celebrating Mass with us today in school, it was a wonderful celebration.
Thank you to all the students who took part and helped prepare today’s Feast day Mass.

Faith board competiton

We have winners for our faith boards!!

7 Giuseppe Girotti
8 Francis Fernandez
9 Alphonsus Navarrete
10 Anna of the Angels
11 Giuseppe Girotti


Thank you to all the students and staff who made an effort and got involved!


The winners will be receiving a tub of chocolates next week!!

This week's theme is individuality

worship wednesday

God created us all equal – not all the same. Each and every person is a unique and special creation of God and this week we need to celebrate all of the things that make us who we are. We are told that being ‘different’ is bad and that we should be ‘normal’ but there is no such thing as normal! Take some time to find the things we love about the people around us and praise and celebrate them for their individuality.

this week's theme is Diversity

worship wednesday

​We thank you for the gift of Blessed Carlo Acutis.  We ask that through his example we may, with guidance from the Holy Spirit, imitate his witness by putting God first and by serving our neighbour in our daily actions.

Thank you to everyone involved this afternoon, sorry about the technical issues today

Blessed carlo acutis

B​ishop Patrick has a strong devotion to Blessed Carlo Acutis and is very keen for us as a diocesan community to learn more about him and to follow his example. He is an excellent role model and guide for all young people.
To celebrate the Memorial of Blessed Carlo Acutis, Year 7 and 8 gathered in the chapel today to celebrate the feast day of Blessed Carlo Acutis 

our british sign language team

Well done to Eve, Millie, Harry and Lucy for featuring and promoting BSL on BBC Radio Leicester this morning.

this week's theme is the rosary

worship wednesday

October is the Month of the Holy Rosary!

If you are not already praying the rosary, today is a great day to start!

Did you know that the Rosary was St. John Paul II's favorite prayer?   Pray the rosary every day  - it's like holding the hand of our Blessed Mother's as she leads you through the life of her holy Son. It will also bring you so much peace! ❤

Thank you to everyone who led and prepared this weeks Act of Worship

bringing cheer to the community

​Today we brought a little bit of cheer and happiness into the community by visiting some of our local residential care homes in Barwell and Earl Shilton- singing songs and delivering ice creams (all socially distanced of course). Such a beautiful and heart warming morning

This week's theme is inclusion

missionary discipleship monday

worship wednesday

Our theme this week is Inclusion

Think about those people who often get left out, and our responsibilities to include and support them.

How can you show God’s love and compassion to them?

Catholic young writer award

Well Done to Kara, Iris and Joshua for their recognition of excellence in the Catholic Young Writer award for 2021. Students submitted an essay on the nature of Christ and received high praise for their entries and were given an Encyclopedia of Catholicism. We are really proud of you.

vocation competition winners

​A big thank you to Fr Neil and Fr Liam for visiting us today and presenting Year 8 with a Trophy.
Our media clip and artwork will be used on the Diocese Vocations Website as part of their Vocations Promotion.

This week's theme is learning

missionary discipleship monday

my lighthouse

⭐️My Lighthouse⭐️.
Jesus is the “light of the world” and we can run to him for refuge and rescue.
Thank you Millie, Eve, Harry and Lucy for this weeks video.

worship wednesday

​Chris from Hinckley Foodbank visited Saint Martin’s today, he led a virtual whole school assembly and shared information about the fantastic work they do and thanked us for our continued support.

this week's theme is belonging

worship wednesday

​This week we’re going to focus on what it means to belong. We sometimes forget that being connected to the Catholic Church means we’re part of something incredible.
Think this week about what you belong to. How does it feel to belong to something special and what effect does it have on your life?

this week's theme is encounter

this week's theme is creation

worship wednesday- creation

year 7 welcome mass

​The theme of the mass was to welcome the students into the Saint Martin’s community.
Fr Frank explained to us that we may come across setbacks, however we must overcome them. He also told us that Jesus would always be there with us; all we need to do is believe in him and trust him.
All the students in Year 7 are looking forward to their first year at Saint Martin’s and the opportunities, clubs and friendships that will bring. The welcome mass was a great way to bring everyone together and make everyone feel supported.

diocesan competition 2021

​Some of our Year 7’s have taken part in the Diocese Competition on Vocations and as winners in our CMAT we will be presented with a Trophy for a Year by Fr Jonathan Cotton. Our media clip and artwork by Arwen in Year 7 will be used on the Diocese Vocations Website as part of their Vocations Promotion. Well done 7V

this week's theme is courage

whole school mass

Thanksgiving Mass 2021…Today was the first time that we have all gathered together as a whole School community without gathering virtually.

this week's theme is decisions

This week's theme is wisdom

worship wednesday

When we put knowledge and understanding together we gain wisdom. Wisdom comes from experience and learning from our mistakes – it takes time! Think about the people in your life who are wise, what can you learn from them? How can you use the experiences you’ve had in the past to help you make wise decisions in the future?

wELL DONE kARA AND kATHERINE

This week's theme is understanding

Worship wednesday

Every year, in June, World Refugee Week helps to highlight the experience of refugees. It takes place across the world in the week around World Refugee Day on 20th June. As well as helping us to gain a better understanding of refugees’ experiences of fleeing difficulty, World Refugee Week also helps us to appreciate the ways in which refugees have contributed positively to their country of refuge.
​Thank you to Fr Frank and Year 9 for leading and preparing an extremely powerful act of worship.

Praying a decade of the rosary

​missiontogether.org.uk/hail-mary/ 

Fratelli tutti

Pope Francis has written a letter to everyone, asking us to reach out to our sisters and brothers in need, whoever they are, wherever they may come from. We are all challenged to think of ourselves as a single global family living in a common home, and neighbours to all.  
We believe this means moving towards a world where everyone can be the best person they can be.
Amazing Kara ⭐️

this week's theme is knowledge

worship wednesday 

​Our theme of the week, Knowledge, is found 164 times in the Bible. God places a great deal of emphasis on acquiring knowledge. The right kind of knowledge.
⭐️
May you “be filled with the knowledge of His will…walk worthy of the Lord….be fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col 1:9-10)

This week's theme is pentecost

Mary, mother of the church

​Today is the Feast of Our Lady, Mother of the Church and Pope Francis has called the Church to celebrate the National Day of the Rosary in schools today.

Today we are encouraged to pray the rosary. The rosary is a collection of prayers that helps us to reflect on key moments in Jesus’ life. Thank you to Thomas, Melody, Charlotte and Beth in Year 10 for praying the rosary in Spanish and French

Worship wednesday

​During today’s Act of Worship we reflected on Pope Francis’ message about looking after our world.
God has given us the earth as our home. It’s our common home because we share it with everyone. We are a family, and like every family we need to work together to look after our home.

year 11 leavers liturgy

​Today we said a fond farewell to our Year 11 leavers.
The leavers liturgy was an emotional, yet funny trip down memory lane, many were embarrassed by their photos from back in Year 7.
We take this opportunity to thank all our Year 11 students for the hard work, dedication and commitment you have shown and wish you all the very best of luck and success for the future. 

breakfast cereal appeal

​We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported our breakfast cereal appeal for the Canaan Trust.. We collected 200 boxes!!! Well done Saint Martin’s

This week's theme is example

Worship Wednesday

Thank you to Year 8 for leading this week's Live Stream Act of Worship. You are a wonderful 'Example'..

Prayers to St Joseph

​“I have great love for Saint Joseph, because he is a man of silence and strength. On my table I have an image of Saint Joseph sleeping. Even when he is asleep, he is taking care of the Church!" Pope Francis. 

What prayer intentions, concerns, worries, and problems can you ask St. Joseph to pray for?

Let us join our prayers with St. Joseph’s, asking for him to help us to grow closer to God.

pentecost party 2021

​Thank you to all involved, we raised £525.00.

"They saw tongues of fire...all were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues... pilgrims from every nation came under heaven and heard their own languages" 
Acts 2 v1-13

this week's theme is witness

worship wednesday

​Worship Wednesday 
May is a very special month in the Catholic calendar as it marks the month of Mary. This is a time when we should take time to think about Mary and reflect on how she is the Mother of Jesus and Mother to us all. During this month we should take time out from our day to reflect and pray to Mary, especially when we are all living through such uncertain times. Thank you to Year 7 for leading this weeks Act of Worship

May, the month of mary...

​As we begin the Month of May, Pope Francis has made a special plea for us to recite the Rosary during this month traditionally dedicated to Mary.
A full month is given over to Mary and during this month we are asked to think about Mary, say special prayers, have May altars, and sing hymns to Mary to tell her how much we love her and to ask her to help us stay close to her son Jesus and to try to live as Jesus shows us. In Divinity and Chaplaincy, students and staff are taking part in the Rosary Marathon.

this week's theme is vocation

my vocation is....

worship wednesday

Our theme in school this week is Vocation. Thank you to 7V for leading preparing this week's Act of Worship
Who God is calling you to be. Think about your talents and interests and how you can use these to serve others and help build a better world

well done harry!! lEVEL 1 BSL

tHE YEAR OF ST JOSEPH

​“On my table I have an image of Saint Joseph sleeping. Even when he is asleep, he is taking care of the Church!" Pope Francis 

Pope Francis advised people to leave a "note" under the image of the saint for help whenever they have a problem. 

We now have our own statue at Saint Martin’s, students have asked for the intercession of St. Joseph, and slipped a ‘note’ under his sleeping statue so the intention stays especially close to his heart.

year 7 prayer walk

The purpose of the Prayer walk was to reflect on our lives, enjoy the beautiful countryside and take a few moments of reflection and prayer. It was such a lovely morning, jumping in puddles, spending time with my friends. I think with the current climate, the walk was a welcomed opportunity for some additional mindfulness and wellbeing. 

this week's theme is missionary discipleship 

secondary extraordonary-missionary discipleship

worship wednesday

This week the Year 7 Divinity Team led and prepared the whole school Live Stream Act of Worship..
Today, as always, the Lord needs you, young people, for his Church. Today too, he is calling each of you to follow him in his Church and to be missionaries. Young people, please: don’t put yourselves at the tail-end of history. Be active members! Build a better world, a world of brothers and sisters, a world of justice, of love, of peace, of fraternity, of solidarity.’
Pope Francis - World Youth Day 2013

level 1 sign language girls

We are TheSignLanguageGirls! And we want YOU to join on our mission to give a voice to those with no voice, spread equality in the world, to enable EVERYONE to be able to express their thoughts and feelings through sign and to make sign a core subject across our country!
We believe is a vital role to play in the Catholic Life in our schools. Sign is important in catholic life because worship is for EVERYONE! We should all be able to worship God through words and music. As a Christian community, it is our duty to give a voice to those who have no voice!

This week's theme is faith

worship wednesday

​In Matthew 17:20 Jesus tells his disciples, if your faith is as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there.’ And the mountain will move. All things will be possible for you.
What is God calling you to do that is outside your comfort zone and you need to step out in faith and do?

eyes of the world campaign 

In this assembly, find out how we can come together to look after and care for our world which is crying out for our help, and tackle the climate crisis.

eyes of the world assembly

​After taking part in the CAFOD Eyes of The World assembly yesterday, Eve and some students wrote their own pledges and they wanted to raise awareness within our school community of the importance of looking after God's precious earth

yEAR 10 TAKING PART IN THE CAFOD ASSEMBLY

LIVING JOYFULLY - uk vocations

Living Joyfully with UK Vocations. Year 7, 8 and 9 have had two faith-filled days. A big thank you to all the religious Sisters' and Priests who have given us so much spiritual contemplation and discernment and for this we are grateful. They showed us that God calls each of us and all we need to do is to listen and make time for God.

this week's theme is evangelise

Evangelise act of worship

​We are called to be an outward looking Church – spreading the Good News just as Mary Magdalene did on that Easter morning. Pope Francis tell us that we should not look in on ourselves but instead take the Joy of the Gospel out to those people who need to hear it. This doesn’t mean just shouting Bible passages at people in the street it means living our life in a way that reflects our scripture and shows people the very best of what our Church is all about. How can your evanglise this week? How can you show people what is truly important and set a good example with your life?

this week's theme is journey

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

In this final week of term before Easter, we would traditionally have a Stations of the Cross service as a whole school.
Unfortunately, we will not be able to do that this year so we have created our own Stations of the Cross Liturgy for you to watch and participate in at home and with your classes.

national day of reflection 2021

​Today is National Day of Reflection, the anniversary of the first lockdown. Today, we are asked to pause, reflect and remember all those who have died in the last year, especially those who have died as a result of Covid-19. 
We think of all those in our school community who have lost loved ones and pray that God will keep you all safe in the days ahead.
At 8pm this evening, we encourage you all to make the simple gesture of shining a light in your home to remember all those who have died of Covid-19 since last year.

national day of reflection continues...

ndcys stations of the cross

Thank you to Evie, Millie, Erin, Millie, Mathilda and Maisie for leading a Stations of the Cross night prayer with NDCYS in preparation for Easter....

this week's theme is sacrifice

4th sunday of lent

Saint martin's featuring as the live guests on the monday morning club

the year of st joseph

​Happy Feast of St Joseph...
Such a beautiful way to the start the Year of St Joseph by celebrating Mass together as a Diocese
A huge thank you to the NDCYS - The Briars
team for making today possible..

BEAUTIFUL WORDS FROM POPE FRANCIS

National sign language week

Happy National Sign Language Week! 
A big thank you to all the staff who took part in this video.
​It’s great to be able to support our very own  ‘Sign Language Girls’, with their mission to encourage all and to be the Voice of the Voiceless. If anyone is inspired by this and wants to learn or know more, then please feel free to get in touch.

this week's theme is almsgiving

this week's act of worship

3rd Sunday of lent

monday's mission- almsgiving

Your mission is to do something extra for someone in your life. It could be a big gesture; making dinner, cleaning the house, taking the dog for a walk, or it could be something much smaller but something which will still mean a lot. 
Have a go and take a photo or video of what you do for someone else. Send it in to Lucy Chapman by Thursday to feature on NDCYS live on YouTube! 

Katherine's mission monday video

this week's theme is fasting

weekly act of worship

Year 8 Act of Worship- Fasting 
By giving something up during Lent we are making more room for God in our lives. Jesus spent 40 days in the desert and this too prepared him for his Mission.  There are lots of ways that we can 'fast' this week. We used the The Acutis Project sheets during our reflection time #lent #fasting #chaplaincy

2nd sunday of lent

This week's theme is prayer

prayer act of worship

1st sunday of lent

Monday's Mission- prayer

The theme for this week is prayer. Your challenge is to find a new way to pray. This could be opening the Bible to a random page, reading what you find and then spending some time with God thinking about what that passage says. Or it could be that you make a creative way to pray through art, music or your surroundings. Don’t forget to send in your photographs to Lucy Chapman by Thursday and they will feature on the NDCYS Friday Night Live Show

year 7 worship wednesday

The Lenten theme we are exploring this week is PRAYER. Prayer is simply a chat with God…you don’t need to use the right words, you don’t even need to use any words, you just need to put aside some time to be with God.
Lent is a period of time when we repent and reflect. There are three pillars of Lent, and one of those pillars is Prayer! Over the next few weeks we will explore all three pillars, but prayer is particularly poignant one for us to begin with. 

What is prayer?

race to the vatican

To make sure we enhance our physical health and mental well-being, The Challenge Is On - this is a whole school challenge, a virtual pilgrimage to The Vatican and back !

All pupils & parents,  staff & governors are encouraged to participate to walk, run or cycle the virtual c4000KM.

This is a challenge for all the family to get involved in, with the distances being recorded for either Staff or Students, counting against the total virtual distance, again it’s All Staff versus Student and Family challenge!! 

The added competition is for our students to complete more miles than the staff!! Are You Up For It ?

wE RAISED........£1,500

ash wednesday

Cardinal Vincent has issued a pastoral letter inviting us to reflect on the meaning of the ashes we receive and suggests how we can celebrate Ash Wednesday at home this year.

Today marks the beginning of Lent, a time for turning again to the practice of our faith, in prayer, self denial (fasting) and practical generosity (almsgiving). Ash Wednesday is the doorway into this season of renewal.

ash wednesday

this week's theme is healing

This week's act of worship

Roses, hearts and scripture

Spreading a little Valentines love around school. Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14
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Monday's mission-healing

​This week’s mission is to pray for anyone we know who needs healing.

This week's theme is care

Monday's Mission-care

The theme of the week is ‘Care’ and your mission this week is to show someone you care for them. Think of someone who does a lot for you; a teacher, parent, grandparent, friend and do something to show them you care for them. Maybe you are going to make them a cup of tea, draw them a picture, do something which you know will make them smile or perhaps you can think of a creative way of showing you care.

Year 9 worship wednesday

The theme for this week is care

Think this week about who takes care of you and who you take care of.
What does it mean to be cared for and what difference can it make to your life?
 
CARE FOR THOSE YOU ARE PRAYING FOR, PRAY FOR THOSE YOU ARE CARING FOR
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During these difficult times, now more than ever gives an incredible opportunity for the Church worldwide, to unite in prayer so that our family, friends and neighbours can know Jesus’ love and care. 

care act of worship

This week's theme is inspire

St Thomas Aquinas Feast Day

​Today, is the Feast of St Thomas Aquinas, the patron Saint of our Academy. 
All 22 schools in our CMAT will be gathering together (virtually) at 9:00am this Thursday morning. No live or pre-recorded lessons will be taking place at this time, to allow all students to virtually come together and celebrate this liturgy. 

inspire act of worship

our staff 'inspire' us

Monday's mission-inspire

​This week’s word of the week is ‘Inspire’, and Tom Baptist has set us our weekly ‘Monday Mission’. As you will see in the video, Tom’s mission for you this week is to write a letter to someone who inspires you. Perhaps you could tell them what it is about them that is so amazing, why do they inspire you and what do they inspire you to do?

who inspires you? How can you inspire others?

worship wednesday

The theme for this week is Inspire.
The word inspire means ‘filled with the spirit’ and there are times when all of us take inspiration from the events and people around us. We too can be inspired by Christ to change for the better. We want you to think about how you can be inspirational. 
Year 8 took part in this week's act of worship and they had an opportunity to write letters to people who inspire them. 

This week's theme is challenge

Thankful thursday act of worship

This week Year 7 have had the opportunity to explore the good in their lives and in the world, even in the midst of a pandemic

Monday's Mission- challenge

​Every Monday, during the ‘Monday Morning Club’ on NDCYSlive on YouTube, you are going to be set a mission or challenge based on the word of the week and linked to encouraging you to be a Disciple!
Here is this weeks mission, based on the word of the week, ‘Challenge’. Luke has set you the mission of learning a new skill to help someone with a challenge. I wonder if your skill could be something to make someone laugh or smile, that is something we could all do with at the moment!

Examen prayer resource

this week's theme is discipleship 

students participating with the weekly theme of the week

this week's theme is epiphany

blessing our homes 2021

​There is a beautiful Catholic practice of blessing your home on the Feast of The Epiphany of the Lord. Students and staff have been blessing their homes, thank you for taking part.
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2020 was such a hard year for so many. We think blessing our homes for the New Year is a beautiful way to invite Christ into our lives.

This week's theme is joy

Advent act of worship

Praying the hail mary in advent

​During Advent the Diocese of Nottingham are inviting us to pray an extra Hail Mary each day to prepare ourselves to welcome Jesus at Christmas as openly as Mary did. Well done to all the students who supporting this..

aDVENT FOOD BANK APPEAL 2020

Thank you to everybody who donated , you really will make a big difference to local families over Christmas and into the New Year. We collected over 1000kg of food and toiletries which would have had a cash value of £1791.83.

CAFOD ADVENT APPEAL 2020

During Advent we have been fundraising for CAFOD. We raised £709.21. We would like to thank all pupils, parents and staff for your generosity and constant support with school fundraising appeals. It is always a blessing to be able to give of what we have to support those who are experiencing great difficulty, now more than ever. 

cafod grand total...

Thank you to the Year 10 Divinity Team for collecting all the money boxes and counting the money.

spreading joy

This week's theme is Joy, so hopefully we brought a little joy to some of the residents at Saffron House Care Home today. Well done to the Year 7 Divinity Team for supporting this visit.

This week's theme is peace

christmas gifts for saffron house

We really miss our weekly visits to Saffron House Care Home, so we hope these Christmas presents (wrapped with love) make the residents smile. Well done to our Year 9 Divinity Team for doing  a wonderful job!

worship wednesday

Well done to 9V for leading and preparing today's Worship Wednesday for the whole school.

This week's theme is hope

Advent ready...

worship wednesday- hope

Well done to 8V for leading and preparing this week's Act of Worship and a special mention to Eve for her performance.

NDCYS VISIT SAINT MARTIN'S

On Thursday 3rd December, we were delighted to welcome the NDCYS - The Briars to Saint Martin’s. They put up their inflatable tent outside and delivered sessions to Year 7+8 bubble groups on the theme of ‘Gratitude’.
The students had a great time and had the opportunity to encounter Christ in a different way, even the weather didn’t dampen our spirits.

Year 8 Prayer walk-Saturday 5th December 

Year 8 Prayer Walk 
What a beautiful morning - smiles, friendship, fresh air, faith, and VERY muddy children

This week's theme is youth

ADVENT APPEAL 2020

​During Advent we will be supporting Hinckley Food bank - we are looking for non-perishable food items; beans, tinned fruit and veg, fruit juice, squash, pasta, rice, teabags, sugar, sauces- everything is welcomed.
 
We recognise that this can be a really tough time of year, especially at the moment during Covid, but even more so for those in the community that are also lacking food and basic essential items, so therefore, we are supporting this valuable community service once again. 
A huge well done to Y7 Francis for making a brilliant start towards our Advent appeal.

cafod- advent appeal 2020

Well done to Emily in Year 7 for raising £170 for CAFOD. Emily walked 20k- we are very proud of you.

Mitzvah day

Mitzvah Day International is an annual day of faith-based social action that takes place in November each year, primarily in the United Kingdom. ... 'Mitzvah' is the Hebrew biblical term for 'deed' or 'commandment', which has come to mean 'good deed' or 'charitable act' . This year, this has been extended to do kind deeds throughout the month of November. Students in Year 9 and 10 study this as part of their topic on Jewish beliefs and have contributed to this charitable action by bringing in food that will go to the food bank in Hinckley. 
We are grateful to the students for their act of kindness, referred to as 'Gemilut hasadim ' the giving of loving kindness that expects nothing back in return. ​

Red wednesday- 25th November

​Today our School Community took part in Red Wednesday, an annual event organised by Aid to the Church in Need to raise awareness of those persecuted for their Faith especially Christians.

This week's theme is worship

Friday 20th November-National youth fun day

​On Sunday 22nd November, the Catholic Church in England and Wales celebrates National Youth Sunday: it is a chance for us as a community to celebrate our young people and all the joy they bring to our world!

Today, we have have been celebrating ‘National Youth FunDay’, a chance to celebrate, as a school, the amazing work and dedication of our young people. Happy National Youth Funday from Saint Martin’s 

worship wednesday

Thank you to 7I for preparing and leading our live stream act of worship for the whole school. #worshipwednesday

tHIS WEEK'S THEME IS INDIVIDUALITY

rEMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE

​On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, time stood still briefly today at Saint Martin’s, as students and staff marked Remembrance Day.....

vIRTUAL REMEMBRANCE dAY LITURGY

A virtual whole school Remembrance Day liturgy was delivered and prepared by 7V Divinity, in honour of those who have fought for our country and the students educated the whole school about the symbol of poppies and why we wear them.

Royal British legion 

We are very proud of Kara for raising £55.23 for the Royal British Legion. Well done!

this week's theme is saints

​St Martin de Porres Feast Day: Virtual Celebration

Today we celebrated Mass as one community, online, and offered our prayers together. A big thank you to everyone who took part today.
Miss Cox- ​"Thank you for making sure that we can celebrate the Mass together. It was lovely to be part of it."

The Bible society training day for year 9

Children really love to hear stories – especially Bible stories when they’re interactive, engaging and fun!
On Thursday 5th November, Kerry from the Bible Society, trained 23 students from Year 9, who took it in turn to bring a different bible story to life.   We are really looking forward to working with our local primary schools, when we’re allowed to, so that we can put this into action !

This week's theme is equality

Saturday 31st october- Year 9 prayer walk

Today we went on a very wet and windy and muddy prayer walk. We walked from Saint Martin’s to the Battle of Bosworth, stopping along the way for prayers, reflections and time to count our blessings.

This week's theme is relationships

 Meet the new divinity team 2020/21

The Divinity Team are a very dedicated team, who have a vital role in enhancing the Catholic Life of our school. Their role's include delivering class prayer and worship, leading and preparing acts of worship and liturgical events, supporting charities and fundraising events.

Rainbows bereavment 

​Saint Martin’s is pleased to be able to offer our young people in the school who may have experienced a death, separation or other painful life change in their family, the opportunity to participate in the Rainbows/ Spectrum programme. This is an established and successful programme which is run throughout the country.
It is a self-help group, and provides a safe setting in which young people of the same age can talk through their feelings with other young people who have been through similar situations.
Using various fun activities, the programme helps young people to come to a healthy understanding and acceptance of these changes. 

NDCYS OUTREACH DAY-THURSDAY 15TH OCTOBER

​Our Year 7 students have settled in wonderfully and have made a great start here at Saint Martin’s. To continue their successful induction, 82 students attended a retreat day on Thursday 15th October. 
On their retreat day, students took part in a variety of fun, interactive and reflective activities. The theme for the day was ‘Gratitude’. 
A Special thanks to Tom Baptist from the Briars for joining us and delivering a great session.

This week's theme is the Rosary

praying a decade of the rosary

During the month of October our students have had an opportunity to pray a decade of the rosary. Praying together as a school community will unite us in a common purpose as we ask Our Lady to pray for the needs of the world and the church at this time.

hellow yellow- support young minds

​We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part on Friday 9th October, we have raised £321. 74 for the charity, Young Minds.
In school we have been thinking about how we can look after our mental health and look out for others too. 
Well done to Lexi in Y9 for making yellow scrunchies and raising £15

This week's theme is belonging

Happy feast of st therese of lisieux

Today we celebrate the Feast of Saint Therese of Lisieux, sometimes referred to simply as ‘The Little Flower’. She made an active decision not just to love the people around her, but to convey it day after day through simple acts of kindness. 
We are encouraging the staff and children to perform acts of kindness around school, at home and in the world. Children are able to write kind words or thank you notes to individuals, their class or the whole school on slips of paper ..❤️ #bekind

This week's theme is inclusion

this week's theme is community

meet the new team..

Chaplaincy form reps- September 2020
Our aim is to grow as a community of faith and encourage our form group to live out their faith.

This week's theme is learning

CAFOD PRAYER

We continue to pray for all those who are struggling around the world due to Coronavirus. Grant us the courage not to rush back to our old ways, but to rebuild our world together, with equality and peace for all. 🙏🏾 CAFOD

BACK TO CHURCH-SUNDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER

​St Peter’s Catholic Church welcomed parishioners back to Mass this morning for the first time since March. 
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“As I have loved you,” said the Lord Jesus, “so you must love each other.” (Jn 13)
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Fr Frank mentioned the remarkable acts of charity, of loving kindness, from the parishioners across The St Dominics community

spanned and sunshine club-FRIDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER

​Thank you to Fr Frank for delivering a session to our Year 11 Divinity class on Friday. Fr Frank talked about SPANNED and the Hinckley Sunshine club, looking at how the world treats people who are different.

this week's theme is welcome

A special thanks....

​Grateful Thanks to Andy Lewis and Raymond Friel. We will use your books throughout our School Year and will share your insights and prayers with others.

catholic life boot camp sessions

Thank you to our students for their attentiveness in our Catholic Life presentations. We really enjoyed speaking to you about the glory and majesty of the night sky; the importance of the Mass; finding God in all things; our Mission Statement; our Dominican heritage; how Saint Martin de Porres can help us in our daily lives. Ten years on from Pope Emeritus Benedict XV1's Big Assembly we ask ourselves, 'What kind of person do I want to be?' How are we called to be 'Saints of the 21st Century?' Our Faith in Action at Saint Martin' s is truly inspiring where we live out the words of Mt 25;  "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me".... From an overnight sleepout which raised over £4000 for the homeless, to collecting food for the Hinckley Food bank, to visiting the lovely residents at Saffron House we are called to be 'men and women' for others. ​

welcome year 7

Welcome to all our new Year 7 students! They have started their day by gathering together with an assembly with Mr Wright.

This week's theme is decisions

mass with bishop patrick on Monday 6th july 

A big thank you to Bishop Patrick and NDCYS and all those involved with celebrating a special Mass across our diocese. Well done to Paige and Imogen for taking part and reading the bidding prayers. 
It was great to see all the smiling faces and having the oportunity  to be one family in faith.

this week's theme is wisdom

talking all things wise and wonderful with ndcys #wisdom

week 9- keeping in touch

this week's theme is understanding

staff liturgy- June 2020

This week's theme is knowledge

week 7- create your own prayer space at home

​This weeks Missionary Discipleship challenge is to create a prayer space within your home. This could also be done in school, perhaps you could add to your form faith board. Or perhaps, you could create something in school to take home and make a prayer space at home. 

this week's theme is reverence

holy spirit walk with me this day..

Bishop Patrick has invited us to pray this prayer every morning.
We pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us in our words and actions, just as the Holy Spirit guided the disciples many years ago. We are modern day disciples and it is our job to share the Good News today!
You can print it off, colour it in, and place it somewhere in your home or you can create your own poster/artwork with the prayer yourself.

THIS WEEK'S THEME IS PENTECOST

week 6- share a message of love and hope in a different language

​This weeks challenge is to follow in the footsteps of the Disciples after Pentecost, by sharing a message of love or hope with someone in a different language. Remember to send in a photo or video of you completing the challenge!

with love from us to you 

​This is a special message to all the wonderful staff at Saint Martin’s Catholic Academy. We are so thankful for your continued love and support during this difficult time. We all miss you very much.

silence is not the answer

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
We have a platform. We will use it.
Silence is not the answer & until we educate one another we can not move forward. We can not and should not be ignoring the racial injustice within this world. If you don't understand it, talk about it. Educate yourself, your family, your friends as much as you possibly can. Watch. Read. Listen. Understand the racial divide. Recognise it. Use your voice. Use your platform. Things will not change until we do this. Make a change. We are one.
Learn to do good, seek justice, correct oppression. Isaiah 30:17 

Prayer resources

Ten:Ten Resources have produced a series of prayers which you may like to use in school or at home.

Joyful June

30 actions to help us look after ourselves and others.
Even in these difficult times there is always something good to celebrate, big or small.
Whenever I am anxious or worried, you comfort me and make me glad. Psalm 94

this week's theme is EXAMPLE

giving thanks for our nhs workers

Every Thursday night at 8pm we will be showing our appreciation for the NHS workers and all those on the front line. During these unprecedented times they need to know that we are grateful.

THIS WEEK'S THEME IS WITNESS

week 3- send a letter or drawing to your parish priest to cheer them up

The challenge this week, is to write a letter to, or draw a picture for, your parish priest or pastor and send it to them to cheer them up and show we are thinking about them. 

this week's theme is VOCATION

THIS WEEK'S THEME IS MISSIONARY DISCIPLESHIP

week 2- send a message of hope and love

​The challenge is to send a message of hope or love to someone and encourage them to do the same. This could be a phone call, a text message or even a poster (or a set of posters stuck on the school gates/fence?!). 

The year of the word- art competition

​In aid of “The Year of the Word- The God who Speaks”. We launched a Saint Martin’s scripture competition. Students could choose their favourite piece of scripture and decorate it in their own way.
This was a great opportunity for the students to deepen their understanding of scripture. All the art work was excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed looking at them all individually.

This week's theme is FAITH

week 1- dedicating food to a loved one

​The challenge this week is to make a favourite meal or bake a cake or even just a cup of tea for someone you miss right now and record a short video or a photo with a written message and send it to that person to brighten their day.

THIS WEEK'S THEME IS EVANGELISE

I am the light of the world....

Our student's were invited to take a photograph that represents spring and the coming light and hope of Holy week. Thank you for sharing your photos.
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

Prayer resources whilst at home

Each week there will be daily prayer resources for all student's to access on sharepoint. All prayer resources will follow the NDCYS theme. Also, head over to our CMAT Chaplaincy page- STA Chaplaincy Hub.

This week's theme is alleluia

Holy week with fr frank

It's Holy week and there are lots of opportunities for us to worship from the comfort of our own homes. Check out the St Dominics community and see Fr Frank's live stream schedule for this week.

A message from the staff at Saint Martin's

We hope this makes you smile and brightens up your day. We are really looking forward to seeing you all soon, stay safe and look after each other. Love and prayers from the staff at Saint Martin's. 
The full version video is in the Catholic Life Share Point folder.

Palm Sunday

​Tomorrow is Palm Sunday! This day is the start of Holy Week and this day we remember Jesus entering into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. As Jesus made his arrival, crowds gathered with palm branches, shouting HOSANNA!!
Christians across the world are uniting this Palm Sunday by putting greenery or palms on their doors because for the first time we will not be able to celebrate this Feast in Church. 
Join us, find some greenery or make some palms for your windows and doors. Send us your pictures of the witness you are making!(email them to Lucy Chapman) #palmsunday #holyweek #witness

this week's theme is passion

Rainbows

A rainbow is God’s sign of His never ending love for us. We see rainbows a lot in the Old Testament of the Bible as a sign of God’s promise with his people. 
Whenever I cover the sky with clouds and the rainbow appears, I will remember my promise to you and to all the animals that a flood will never again destroy all the living beings. 
Genesis 9:14
Currently the rainbow has become a symbol of hope during the coronavirus epidemic. So, I invite you to make your own rainbows, in whatever  way you choose, be creative! We would love to see the rainbows you have created in your windows so please send a picture of them via email to Lucy or share them on Instagram and tag us.  #Rainbow #Hope #Chaplaincy

This week's theme is journey

we are loved #cymfed

.Members of the Catholic Youth Ministry invited us all to join them in prayer on Thursday 2nd April at 7:00pm in praying for young people and an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Staff and students were asked to share their photo.

This week's theme is almsgiving

Year 11 leavers' liturgy

Oh what an emotional day it was, as we officially said goodbye to our wonderful year 11 students. Not a dry eye in school (maybe this was tears of laughter as well as tears of sadness though). A big thank you to everyone involved and all who prepared the Leavers' Liturgy.
 Please remember we are only ever just a phone call away if you ever need our support or guidance. We wish our students all the best in life and wish you well in your future college lives and in your work. You will be missed.

The Big Sleep Out 2020

​Staff and students swapped their comfy bedrooms to sleep rough for the night to raise money for Lawrence House charity that helps homeless young people.
We started our evening with an opening liturgy led by the children. We were blessed to be joined by Bishop Patrick who stayed and chatted with the staff and children. Bishop Patrick delivered the final blessing. The pupils had an opportunity to reflect on the Good Samaritan scripture reading and how they can show kindness and compassion to others. Louise, the manager from Lawrence house joined us and delivered a short talk on the history of Lawrence house and how they support young people.
The 54 youngsters and 5 staff put themselves in the shoes of the homeless, with just coats, sleeping bags and cardboard boxes to brave the elements overnight, away from modern creature comfort. We raised an incredible amount ….£4,666.95

Lenten frugal lunches 2020

As part of our service to the local community we supported St Peter's Catholic Church with their lenten frugal lunches. The children were described as *5 waiters and waitresses.

confirmation welcome mass

On Friday 28th February, a large group of our young people made an important commitment; they are preparing  for the sacrament of Confirmation.

Alton Castle Residential retreat

​On Wednesday 26th-Friday 28th February 2020, 33 pupils and 4 staff took part in a residential retreat at Alton Castle in Staffordshire. The centre offers the children the opportunity of taking part in some really exciting outdoor activities whilst considering their spiritual impact too.
Our theme for the retreat was 'Our calling?', and each fun activity gave the children a chance to reflect on the theme. The children took time to consider what they had achieved so far in their lives and reflected positively on where their life journey was going to take them.
The friendly staff led the children in night time activities after dinner which ranged from fun team games to meditations.
Over the next two days, the children had the opportunity to take part in three activities each. Mountain Biking, Trekking, Survival, and Archery
Each night, the children took part in night prayer; rooms were set to be peaceful and calm, with candles burning and quiet music playing. All the children were involved and eager to take part praying for their own families, friends and concerns.
To end the trip we all took part in a beautiful Mass which we had learnt new hymns for. The Mass was the culmination of a wonderful few days where everyone involved had been touched, in some way, by the events which took place at the castle. Our trip was a real success, and we are now putting our improved team work skills to use in school.

ash wednesday liturgies

As a school community, we witnessed the beginning of the Lenten season by celebrating Ash Wednesday. It was a thought provoking and uplifting experience. The ashes were blessed by Fr Frank before the Eucharistic ministers distributed them to students and staff.

Pupil led Act of worship

Well done to 8G for leading and preparing today's AOW. This week's theme is Care.

 Year 7 class masses 2020

7V and 7E have celebrated their class Mass. Thank you to everyone who helped to plan, prepare and evaluate. 

"During the Mass I felt God's presence in the chapel and it was a beautiful celebration. It really made me feel closer to God" Connor.

St thomas aquinas feast day- cmat event.

On Tuesday 28th January 2020, we attended our annual Catholic Multi Academy Trust (CMAT) event to celebrate our Feast Day. The event took place at the Ramgarhia Community Centre.
The Key note speaker on the day was Christine Allen, the Director of Cafod. She shared with us Cafod’s latest focus on the Amazon rain-forest and what we can do to combat the huge amounts of deforestation. As part of all of this, each school was presented with a small tree at the end of Mass, which was blessed by Bishop Patrick.