The Catholic Life of the School

St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy,  mourns the death of Pope Francis on the 21st April 2025. As a school, we remember his care and the devotion that he gave to the poor and the most vulnerable in society. We join together in his memory to continue his legacy, prioritising those who need us the most in our world today. 

 Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace, Amen.

CAFOD – Remembering Pope Francis

“As the world mourns his passing, Pope Francis’ legacy will be remembered as one that brought the Church closer to its mission of love, mercy and justice.

Pope Francis was a passionate advocate of children and young people, calling them the ‘joy and hope of the Church and the world!’ (Spes Non Confundit, #12).  

Pope Francis said that his own life story was a journey of hope. He understood that in a world that can feel scary or divided, God’s love and the hope it brings is needed more than ever. In fact, he made hope the theme of this Jubilee Year. Pope Francis has inspired us all to work for a better world.

In this Jubilee Year we have already seen children and young people in England and Wales respond with great enthusiasm to Pope Francis’ call to be Pilgrims of Hope.”

A Time of Prayer and Reflection on the Death of Pope Francis

Gracious God,
You know our needs even before we ask
and heed our faltering prayers, spoken and unspoken.

Hear our voice above the murmurs of sorrow
for it is the voice of confusion
seeking your still small voice of calm.

Hear our voice as we give thanks for your faithful servant
for it is the voice of praise
joining with sadness and joy.

Hear our voice as we pray for the future
for it is a voice of hope
longing to see your Church made whole.

Hear our voice as we watch with those who deliberate
for it is the voice of humility
asking for their wisdom and discernment.

Hear our voice as we pray in solidarity with the poor
for it is the voice of peace
searching for justice.

O God, hear the voice of the voiceless
for it is the voice of silence
crying out from the cross
through whom your Spirit may be heard
and your will be recognised.

For Jesus Christ’s sake, Amen.

2024/2025

PENTECOST TERM

Pope Francis Focus Week – May 2025

As a school in our individual classes, we used our daily RE sessions this week to look at the life of Pope Francis and the Papal Conclave. We learnt about who Pope Francis was before becoming a Pope and learnt about the changes he made during his time as Pope. Children were given time to pay their respects through reflection and write their own prayers for Pope Francis. As we were learning about the Conclave, it coincided with the Papal Conclave taking place in Rome, as new Pope Leo was elected.

Trust Wide – Pope Francis; Prayer and Reflection – April 2025

Across the Trust, schools gathered virtually in their classrooms to pray and reflect. Various schools, individuals from the Trust and Bishop Patrick led us in a short liturgy where we heard readings, Gospel reading, prayers and thought provoking words. It was a time for us to say our prayers and also reflect on the life of Pope Francis and his work towards creating a better world.

Remembering Pope Francis – April 2025

This afternoon we gathered together as a school to remember Pope Francis, for the person he was and all of the fantastic things he did for us. Mr O’Connor led the assembly, supported by pupils across the school.

LENT Term

Lent Newsletter 2025

This week, (Wednesday 5 March) – we begin the season of Lent. We will be marking this beautiful season of preparation for the great feast of Easter in many different ways throughout the school and a calendar of our events can be found under our liturgical yearly calendar.  Some very helpful information about the season of Lent (published by the Liturgy Office of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales) can be found at Attachment 1. Please feel free to use this in any way which is helpful.

As a school, we know that Bishop Patrick is very keen for us to have periods of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; this will be particularly appropriate during the season of Lent. This will be undertaken in conjunction with Fr Andrew and I will conform dates to all parents.

A copy of the Lenten Jubilee study resource, ‘We dare to hope’ can be found at Attachment 2 and a message from Pope Francis for Lent is available at Attachment 3.

In this Jubilee Year, schools will have the additional opportunity to take part in a Jubilee Pledge. Ideally in partnership with the local parish, the school community can discern the needs they see around them – locally, nationally and globally – and decide what they can best do to make a difference. For more information on Jubilee for Schools and the Jubilee Pledge, view here

If you wish to listen to worship songs whilst using the Lent bags, there are many we share within school from the Mark 10 Mission. A religious site that shares weekly Bible stories and messages that follow the Liturgical year, that is loved across the whole school.

Our Lenten Promise Tree

Every year we prepare for the Season of Lent by thinking about the things we have done wrong. We chose one thing we are particularly sorry for and we write it on to a paper leaf. These are used to create a Lenten Promise Tree display in the Hall. During every assembly we use the display to reflect on Our promises to God and ask Him for the strength we need to keep them. This will be shared with each year group.

Sacred Space

One of the three pillars of Lent is prayer. How are you going to deepen your prayer life this Lent? A very helpful resource is the Sacred Space app which can be downloaded onto your phone. This provides a very helpful daily reflection. It is also available on the website click here or on the You Tube channel click here

In Pope Francis’ Message for Lent 2025, he invites the faithful to “journey together in hope,” and to take the opportunity of the upcoming Lenten Season to ask ourselves whether we are truly willing to heed God’s call to change our lives.

 Recalling the biblical Exodus of the people of Israel from Egypt to the Promised Land, the Pope reminds us that our lives too are a journey – one that should be directed toward God.

 Pope Francis urges the faithful during this Lenten Season to examine their own lives: are they actively progressing on the path of spiritual renewal or are they held back by fear and hopelessness or reluctant to move out of their comfort zone?

 Pope Francis goes on to remind us, “The Holy Spirit impels us not to remain self-absorbed, but to keep walking towards God and our brothers and sisters.” “Journeying together,” he writes, “means consolidating the unity grounded in our common dignity as children of God (…) without letting anyone be left behind or excluded.” His message was published today, Tuesday 25 February, as he continues to be treated in Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

We continue to keep Pope Francis in our prayers and thoughts during this critical time for the Popes health.

We pray in HOPE!

Season Of Lent (Attachment 1)

We Dare To Hope (Attachment 2)

Message Of Pope Francis For Lent 2025 (Attachment 3)

Mark 10 Mission – Experience the power of the Gospel this Lent!

End of Lent Term Awards – April 2025

We finished the end of our Lent Term with an awards assembly. The children were joined by their family and friends. This is a beautiful event which celebrates the fantastic children and their qualities. Each child received a certificate which highlighted the areas they had made the most improvement in during the Lent term. We also had awards for attendance and most active class. Well done to Y2 for having the best attendance during Lent term and Y1 for being the most active class!

Easter Liturgy – April 2025

We attended an Easter Liturgy in Church with Father Andrew. We listened to 4 readings which were led by children within the school and Father Andrew shared a Gospel reading with us. Children recently performed their version of Resurrection Rocks and by request of Father Andrew, a few songs were shared within the Liturgy. It was a lovely way to gather together before Easter and remember the true purpose of Easter.

Resurrection Rock – April 2025

KS2 prepared and presented their version of Resurrection Rocks. The Easter Story is re-told through songs, readings and acting. Pupils took great pride in performing and their confidence shone through. Not only did the performance assist children in their learning it helped them work on their performing skills which led to increases in confidence. Parents thoroughly enjoyed it and even asked us to preform it again! We were blessed to have been joined by Father Andrew who brought along some special visitors from America who also enjoyed the performance. Well done KS2.

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord – March 2025

Today we gathered together as a school at St. Mary’s on the Sea for the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. This is a special day of the announcement by Angel Gabriel to Mary that she would conceive and be the Mother of Jesus; this marked his incarnation.

Today the mass was held for Fr. Michael O’Connor who recently sadly passed away. During the mass, Father Andrew was presented with vestments by our headteacher Mr O’Connor, which belonged to his late brother. It was a very moving part of the mass and Father Andrew said he will wear it with pride, especially when gathering together as a school. Last year we were honoured to be joined by Father Michael who visited our school and celebrated Mass on Pentecost Sunday. Father Andrew spoke very highly of him and said it was an honour to have been alongside him.

When leaving church today, parishioners said how much they enjoyed the service and how lovely it was for Father Andrew to be gifted something from Mr O’Connor’s brother. They said it was very emotional.

It is a lovely way for Father Michaels memory and legacy to be continued for years to come.

Chaplaincy Team; Big Lent Walk Introduction – March 2025

The chaplaincy team, alongside school Chaplain, Hannah, led a celebration of the word which introduced us to Cafod’s Big Lent Walk. They led us in a Gospel reading and we watched a video from Cafod about the Big Lent Walk and what it means to participate and the overall impact of participating.

Y2 and Y6 go to Mass – March 2025

Year 2 and 6 went to Mass today as part of the Lenten Journey. Father Andrew and Deacon Steve led us through the service. The children were very respectful and joined in beautifully. The same as last week, we received wonderful feedback from the parishioners as we left about the behaviour of the pupils.

Y1 Go to Mass – March 2025

As part of the school Lenten Journey, each class will celebrate mass on a Tuesday at the local parish church – St Mary’s. We received a wonderful reception from Canon Andrew and Deacon Steve this morning, and the children were fabulous in their participation. Thank you to the parishioners for your lovely comments and continued support of the school.

Ash Wednesday – March 2025

On Ash Wednesday, we welcomed our Parish Priest, Canon Andrew to officiate at the ceremony for the distribution of the ashes. We are extremely grateful for his support and presence which cements the wonderful relationship the school shares with the parish community. Thank you to those parishioners who made exceptional comments about the service and the exceptional behaviour and respect of the children. Thank you so much!  Please see some images of the service

Synod Feedback with Father Andrew – February 2025

The children from St. Mary’s and St. Josephs who attended the Trust Synod met with Father Andrew to report back to him about the Synod and what it discussed and decided. Mrs Barnsey and Mrs Steeper accompanied them and they told him what it was like to be a delegate at the Synod. They discussed the practical things that our schools can do to develop their life and mission.

Father Andrew gave everyone a notebook and pen to thank them for representing the schools and parish.

Mass and visit with Bishop Ralph – January 2025

Today we were honoured to have Bishop Ralph join us from the Hallam Diocese. He celebrated Mass with us all, alongside Fr. Andrew and Deacon Stephen.

The mass was supported by pupils across the school and we were joined by pupils friends and families, along with parishioners.

Father Andrew spoke about in his homily about how God welcomes all and that we all belong. He said that sometimes we are asked to do things which we find hard. Jesus too experienced this when God asked things of him. God had never been a human before Jesus but he now knows what it is like to be one of us, in all things but sin. God calls all of us to be like Jesus, in that we are friendly, respectful and kind. We pray that we always seek to be like Jesus.

After Mass, Bishop Ralph joined us in school with Father Andrew and ate lunch with the pupils. During the afternoon, he went round blessing the school and meeting with pupils and staff. It was a special day and enjoyed by all. We hope to see you again soon Bishop Ralph!

Non-Uniform Day – January 2025

We held a non-uniform day across the school and in return for children wearing their own clothes, they brought in food for our local food bank. This is part of Mission of Service and our Catholic Social Teaching of Common Good and Caring for the Poor and Vulnerable.

In addition to this, as a school we are placing a box with food in at reception in which anyone can donate to and without question can take food if they are struggling.

Trust Synod – January 2025

This year, 3 pupils from Year 5 along with Mrs Tuff and Mrs Szlapanksa attended this years Trust Synod in Lincoln. There were 3 key questions asked and discussed during the Synod which were linked to the Jubilee year and the children shared their views confidently and respectfully.

Across the school we joined in with a Celebration of the Word and closing Prayer.

Blessing of the School with Father Andrew – January 2025

Father Andrew visited the school and he blessed the school and each classroom with the Epiphany Chalk that he had blessed during Mass on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. He was accompanied by some of the Chaplaincy team.

Epiphany – January 2025

The Epiphany is an important celebration when we celebrate the three kings arriving to see the baby Jesus.

We celebrated this, this year as a school in our school and the Celebration was lead by the Year 6’s and Mrs Ballard.

ADVENT Term

End of Advent 2 Term Awards – December 2024

The whole school came together with their families and friends to celebrate the great work which has been carried out so far this year. Every child received a certificate in the assembly which highlighted the improvements they have made so far in the school year. In addition to individual certificates, children received attendance awards with so many children receiving 100% attendance this term. Year 2 won the attendance award overall and the children received a selection box! Year 5 won overall active class and they will have a surprise instore for after half term!

Well done Team St. Mary’s for a fantastic Advent Term. You have all been wonderful.

KS2 Christmas Carols Concert – December 2024

KS2 came together to sing a collection of Carols to their families and friends. The children had really enjoyed preparing for it and learning some new songs. They sang songs in their own classes and together as a whole. The parents commented on how beautiful it was and how much they enjoyed it. It gave the children the chance to improve their confidence and performing skills whilst participating in a festive activity which brought them joy!

Christingle Mass – December 2024

We came together as a school to celebrate the Christingle. Christingle is a joyful celebration that brings families and communities together to share the light of Jesus and spreads a message of hope.

We celebrated with a full mass in church where children and staff participated and all sang beautifully! Father Andrew, blessed the Christingles and children will take one home where they can light them as part of their festive celebrations at home.

KS1 Nativity – December 2024

During Advent Term, during RE we have been preparing for the birth of Jesus. During our RE lessons across the school we explore different areas of the Christmas Story. KS1 have come together to learn and perform a nativity called ‘Boogie Woogie Nativity’. This has helped them to strengthen their knowledge of the nativity story. It has also helped the children to improve their confidence and speaking skills, it gave the children the chance to work collaboratively together (strengthening their team work) and it was the chance to have some fun during this festive time. The parents thoroughly enjoyed watching the nativity play and the children had such great fun performing it.

Christingle Making – December 2024

Across school, we have been learning about the Christingle and the meaning of it. We have made our own Christingles and these will go to church with us later in the week.

The red ribbon symbolises the love and blood of Jesus Christ. The dried fruit represents God’s Creations. The lit candle represents Jesus being the light of the world. 

Early Years Nativity – December 2024

During Advent Term, during RE we have been preparing for the birth of Jesus. During our RE lessons across the school we explore different areas of the Christmas Story. Early Years (Reception and Nursery) have come together to learn and perform a nativity called ‘Wriggly Nativity’. This has helped them to strengthen their knowledge of the nativity story. It has also helped the children to improve their confidence and speaking skills, it gave the children the chance to work collaboratively together (strengthening their team work) and it was the chance to have some fun during this festive time. The parents thoroughly enjoyed watching the nativity play and the children had such great fun performing it.

Christmas Lunch – December 2024

We coincided our whole school Christmas lunch with our Christmas Jumper Day. It was a fantastic festive occasion and the children enjoyed eating their lunch with staff around the school. We had music playing and we were joined by Father Andrew.

St. Nicholas Visit – December 2024

Yesterday we were visited by the Mayor, ‘St. Nicholas’ and Father Andrew. St. Nicholas had travelled from our twin town in Germany; Königswinter. He was spreading Christmas joy and discussing who he was and how he became St. Nicholas. They brought sweet treats for the children and staff! They gave the children the chance to ask lots of questions.

Christmas Tree Decorating – December 2024

This week parents from our Stay and Play session were joined by their children in school to help decorate the Christmas Tree. This was a lovely thing for the families to share together whilst helping the school. Beyond their visual appeal, Christmas trees help to reduce stress and fostering a sense of connection and happiness during the festive season.

Wreath Making – November 2024

The children’s families were invited into school to make advent wreaths for the school. It was a great event that promotes partnership working between parents and the school. It gave the children the chance to have quality time with their families. The wreaths made, will be blessed by Fr. Andrew and placed in classrooms ready for the season of Advent!

Other Faiths; Judaism – Jewish Visitors – November 2024

Across the school, we were visited in our classes by two individuals from the Jewish community. They went to each class and they based their information session around what had been learnt in RE for other faiths week (see RE page) . Here is a few of the impact statements from some of the classes visited:

Reception:

The Jewish Visitors Peter and Kevan helped us embed the learning from our previous RE lesson about the Jewish festival Hanukkah. We got to look at artefacts again and ask questions. Children remembered that during the Feast of Lights festival Jewish people enjoy oily foods like doughnuts and latkes, which Peter and Kevan said they enjoy when they celebrate Hanukkah. It was interesting to find out that Hanukkah is celebrated on different days during November and December. We learnt that this year Hanukkah will start on boxing day.

Year 1;

Our Jewish visitors asked us all about the work we had been doing during our Judaism topic. They then told us, in more detail about the key people, Abraham and Moses. Our visitors sang some psalms in Hebrew. We talked about how we sing psalms at Mass. We also looked at the Torah and learnt about how important it is to the Jewish people.

Year 2;

Today the visitors came to talk to us about the Shabbat. They explained what happens from the Friday night sunset to Saturday night sunset. They sang some songs to us which were in Aramaic. This is something they do during the Shabbat, when they cannot do anything else such as watch TV or do any jobs. They brought lots of items with them and discussed them with us. They discussed the different roles during the Shabbat and what different family members can do. The eldest girl lights the candles and boys over the age of 12 can go to the Synagogue on the Saturday morning. It was a really informative session and it consolidated the learning from the week previous and also gave the children a chance to ask any questions which they had.

Remembrance Day – November 2024

We marked this special day as a school. Each year group created something linked to Remembrance Day such as poppies. We discussed in our year groups the meaning behind the day and held a service. The service saw everyone observe a 2 minutes silence at 11am and all of the children showed their upmost respect. At the end of the service, children were able to bring what they had made to the alter

All Saints Day – November 2024

Our All Saints Day celebration was lead by Deacon Stephen and supported by the Minnie Vinnies and Mrs Steeper. It was a thoroughly engaging assembly in which all children enjoyed. He discussed the meaning of All Saints Day and we discussed what it meant to be a Saint. Deacon Stephen discussed different reasons why some of the well known Saints became Saints. Each class decorated a Saints virtue and these were presented during the celebration. The mission for next year on Halloween is, no trick or treat… simply, treat or treat!

Harvest Festival – October 2024

Thank you to all of the parents and children who donated this year! The food collected went to Harbour Place. We gathered together for a liturgy led by the children and Mrs Tuff and we sang harvest songs together. It was a joyous liturgy, however, the reason of why we collect food for the harvest was not forgotten.

Beginning of Year Mass – September 2024

We gathered together as a school to celebrate the new school year. We heard in the Gospel about an angel of the Lord appearing to Joseph to tell him that he will have a son that will be named Jesus. The passage reinforces to us that Jesus was not a regular human-being but was conceived by the Holy Spirit and was the son of God. We celebrated together with Father Andrew and students from across Ks2 helped to support the mass through reading, offering up the offertory and we all joined together in singing and joined in with responses.

Preparing for the Jubilee Year 2025 – September 2024

In preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, 2024 has been designated a Year of Prayer by Pope Francis, with a particular focus on the Our Father.

‘Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when He finished, one of his disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray…”’  Luke 11:1

Someone once said that ‘prayer doesn’t help our relationship with God, prayer IS our relationship with God!’ and so when we become more devoted to prayer, we are building up that Divine friendship. Being Pilgrims of Hope means that we should always be growing in our love of prayer on our journey of Faith.

“I would greatly desire that we devote 2024, the year preceding the Jubilee event, to a great ‘symphony’ of prayer.’” Pope Francis

As part of the Year of Prayer, we thought deeply about our own prayer life. What we pray, how we pray and why we pray.

Each class focussed on a part of the Lord’s prayer and looked deeply into its meaning. We produced a piece of work to demonstrate its meaning which forms a display in our KS1 corridor.

Celebration of our Catholic Faith – September 2024

When we came back to school in September we spent three days focusing on catholic life within the school. We worked together in our classes to explore different areas and created work to showcase our learning.

We looked at in depth our mission statement, exploring the meaning of each word. Each class was given a virtue and catholic social teaching theme which linked to the mission statement and created pieces of work on this. We created, art work, poems and even a rap song! Each class created a prayer station that went outside in the corridor which linked to the mission statement and this gives children the chance to go and reflect on different areas.

As part of this week, we looked at the year ahead being a ‘year of prayer’ in preparation for the Jubilee year in 2025. Each class explored the prayer ‘Our Father’ and for each line of the prayer each class created a piece of work which has been put together to create a display.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the three days and it has created a deeper understanding of what we believe in, in school (Valuing all in the name of Jesus the Christ). It also gave the chance for students to showcase their talents and learning in different ways such as through art and rap.

2023/2024

Briars – July 2024

The Briars is a residential retreat centre based in Crich in the Derbyshire Dales. They work with young people from all across the diocese as they embark on retreat experiences.. For between 3 and 5 days we offer our young people the opportunity to step out of their everyday life, to focus on their relationship with themselves, each other and with God through days packed with team building, teaching, prayer and fun.

Year 6 enjoyed themselves, making new friendships, enjoying new games and even had breakfast with Father Andrew Cole.

Thank you Staff – Mrs Ballard, Mrs Shaw and Mrs Szlapankska for supporting the children on the trip.

Word on the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Pupils from the chaplaincy team worked together with pupils from St Joseph’s chaplaincy team to lead a celebration of the Word on the Sacred Heart of Jesus in each school. This was a great opportunity for pupils to begin to get to know each other ahead of their joint retreat to the Briars. We were asked to consider all the ways we show love to others and the ways we are loved by God, before making a promise to love like Jesus loves and making our own thumbprint heart surrounding the image of the Sacred heart of Jesus. These hearts will be displayed in each school as a reminder of that promise

The Crowning of Mary

Mary is our school’s patron saint. May is the month of Mary.

Each year, during the month of May, we crown a statue of Mary. The children who have made their First Holy Communion (usually Year 3 children) lead us all on a procession around our school before we place flowers at the feet of the statue. We sing songs about Mary and Mrs Tuff lead us in a litany to Mary. It was a beautiful occasion.

Mini Vinnie

Here are the photos of Mini Vinnie’s leading collective worship based on catholic Social teaching. They explained the principles to all of the children. Each class now have a principle to focus on and will be involved in different activities linked to these.

Please find the link to Catholic Social Teaching

https://cafod.org.uk/pray/catholic-social-teaching

All Saints

Pupils from FS2 to year 6 attended the Parish Mass in St Mary on the Sea Church. Pupils from each class led the readings, brought up the offertory gifts, altar served, and helped to steward Communion.  Members of the parish commented on how well the children behaved and and how beautifully they sang.

COF Training with Hanna Leach Lead Chaplin

Visit to Lincoln – Synod

This Synod is intended as a Synodal Process. The aim of this synodal process is not to provide a temporary or one-time experience of synodality, but rather to provide an opportunity for the entire People of God to discern together how to move forward on the path towards being a more synodal Church in the long-term.

Pope Francis is inviting all the baptised to participate in this Synodal Process that begins at the diocesan level.

Three children represented our school brilliantly at The Synod for our diocesan schools which took place the week before half term and truly were excellent examples of the living voice of the People of God.

Harvest Festival

The Chaplaincy team led the Harvest Festival celebration based on the feeding of the 5000, and invited us to think about how we can live out our school mission statement by valuing all in the name of Jesus the Christ. The school donated non perishable items to Habour Place in Grimsby. They work with people who are homeless and those at risk of homelessness. Please click on link below to visit the website. And thank you  the families who kindly donated.

Harbour Place Grimsby

Wreath Making

We invited all parents and carers to come to school to make classroom wreaths. What a lovely afternoon all was had.

2022/2023

Two of the Mini Vinnies went to the Mass for the new Our Lady of Lourdes trust. They were interviewed by Tom Baptist, and brought up the offertory gifts. The whole school watched the livestream and participated in the Mass from their classrooms. Pupils were able to see that we are part of a big school family, and a universal Church.

EYFS Mission Week – Joy

We practised spreading joy to everyone by trying to give stickers of joy to other people in our class, the team who got the most stickers on to the other team and ‘spread the most joy’ won, but we all had so much fun we didn’t mind who the winner was.

I will shout for joy as I play for you;
with my whole being I will sing
because you have saved me.

Psalm 71:23

Year 2 Mission Week – Kindness

We thought about the story of the sheep and the goats, and the corporal works of mercy. We made a pledge of kindness on our own sheep, to help remind us of how we can follow our mission statement.

Mission Week Year 1 – Respect 

We listened to the story of Creation and thought about how we can respect all of God’s creations. We made special binoculars to help us see the world how God sees it, and to help us understand how special God’s creations are.

Ash Wednesday

Fr Andrew, supported by Year 6 children, led the distribution of ashes for Ash Wednesday.

Pupils from KS2 reflected on anything they needed to say sorry for, as we prepared ourselves for Jesus’ Death and Resurrection. We received ash on the crown of our heads as a reminder of our baptism.

Class Mass

Year 5 had their class Mass in the Chapel led by Fr Andrew. They were able to see up close what goes on in Mass, this linked with their Eucharist relating topic in RE.

We gathered as a school, with members of the local parish to celebrate the Feast of Epiphany. We heard in the gospel of Matthew about the visit of the Wise Men, who journeyed from the East to come and worship Jesus. They were led to worship him by a star which they followed as it rose in the east and settled over the place where the infant Christ-child was born.

The visit of the three Kings came some time after Jesus was born which is why we celebrate it 12 days after Christmas Day. This Epiphany of Jesus shows that he came for all humankind, not just God’s chosen people, the Jews. The gifts are also significant. Gold to show Jesus’s kingship, the King of Kings. Frankincense to show his royal priesthood, the most High Priest, and Myrrh to show how important his death would be and how that would bring salvation to all!

Please see below photos of competitions, sports events, school trips and in school activities at St Mary’s

Fr Andrew blessed the entrances of the school with the traditional chalk blessing, usually done on the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord.

Chalk is blessed with holy water, which can then be taken and used to bless dwelling places. The blessing is done by marking 20+C+M+B+23. The 20 and 23 represent the year (2023). C M and B have 2 meanings. Firstly, the names of the wise men, Casper, Melchior and Balthazar, who visited the toddler Jesus on the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord.  The letters also stand for ‘Christus Mansionem Benedicat’ the Latin for ‘may Christ bless this home’.

Joint Mass with the other schools in Grimsby