Animate Youth Ministry

Animate Youth Ministries’ day retreats with Year 7 pupils have prompted reflections on what it means to be part of a faith community – and how to make an impact. Elizabeth Martin explains more. The first half of the autumn term was a busy time for Animate. We have now returned to our normal routine of working, without the restrictions that the pandemic brought upon us for so long. Since September, therefore, we have worked already with several different high schools in the Diocese and, in particular, have led a number of day retreats for Year 7 pupils. We began the term by working with youngsters at All Hallows, Penwortham, where we focused on the theme of ‘letting your light shine’ by thinking about the gifts that God has given to each of us, and how we can share these gifts with the world and contribute to our community in a positive way. Next, with St Peter and Paul’s, Widnes, we reflected on how we are all part of one body – that is, one community. We considered how St Peter and St Paul were very different men with different personalities and talents, but both had a massive impact on the Church in their different ways. We too each have the ability to serve our community in our own unique way. Without diversity, our community would not be as strong. With the pupils of St Gregory’s in Warrington, we reflected on how we can all ‘stand up and be counted’, and that we should not be afraid to stand up for what is right and for what we believe in. We considered how faith can guide us to make the right decisions in life. In the final week before the half-term break, we worked with pupils at Hope Academy, Newton-le-Willows, where we encouraged the Year 7s to consider how it is possible to live out their school’s values of ambition, courage and respect in their daily lives. We reflected on how ambition can be a positive characteristic, if we have a drive to truly become the best version of ourselves and the people that God has created us to be. We can see in the Bible that God commands us to be ‘strong and courageous … for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go’ (Joshua 1:9), and we can also play a role in encouraging each other to be courageous. Finally, we should always treat everyone with respect, by trying to live out the ‘golden rule’ of treating others in the way that we would like to be treated ourselves. The retreats led by Animate in these different schools during the past halfterm may all have had a slightly different focus, but one thing that they had in common was the core value of what it means to be a part of a faith community for the young people making a new start at high school, and how each child has the opportunity to make a positive impact. Each has been created by God for their own unique purpose, and has the potential to let their light shine in the world.

• We have now opened applications for next summer’s Liverpool Archdiocesan Youth Pilgrimage to Lourdes. For the 2022 pilgrimage we have launched an online application system, and you can apply via liverpoollourdesyouth.co.uk. • We have also restarted the Faith in Action award. You can register by going to: https://www.animateyouth.org/faithin-action/faith-in-action-2020-21/

The Academy of St Francis of Assisi (ASFA) school community recently came together for Patron Saint, St Francis of Assisi’s Feast Day. Due to the pandemic, the staff and students were unable to commemorate the day properly last year, but this time around everyone was able to celebrate the life and teachings of St Francis. The theme was L.O.V.E which represents ‘Living Our Values Everyday.’ The academy’s new Year 11 student leadership team introduced the theme of L.O.V.E and how these values help to achieve success in a joyful environment. Throughout the lockdown, the Year 8 Small Learning Community developed a strong relationship with the academy’s chaplaincy when most of this dynamic class still attended school. Now they have become seasoned professionals, presenting collective worship and singing at the Feast Day celebration. The students performed a song by Chris Tomlin called ‘LOVE’ which contains the phrase ‘Okwagala kwe’. ‘Okwagala’ means ‘love (to each other)’ in Luganda a language spoken in Uganda, Africa. This was the perfect anthem to underpin the Feast Day message and by the second verse the whole academy was singing along in support. Phil Johnson, Academy Chaplain said: “It was wonderful to hear the whole school demonstrating their joy for being reunited and singing in celebration for being back together. “A huge well done to our Small Learning Community for singing in front of the rest of the school – I am incredibly proud of them.”

St Peter’s Church of England Church and Saint Francis Xavier’s Roman Catholic Church work with Faith Primary School on a number of parish community events and celebrations. During the Season of Creation weeks, the children compiled a series of prayers, thankfulness and promotional posters with inspirational quotations on how we can care for creation and one another. The Ignatian gardeners at St Francis Xavier Church had the hard task of picking a few winners and were struck by the profound simplicity challenging lifestyle changes, encouraging campaigning, and praying with one another. Debbie Reynolds, Pastoral Assistant at SFX Church said, ‘The children showed great creativity in their artwork and their words will be shared with the parish community as we highlight the importance of COP26 in the next few weeks – small changes together can make a big difference.’

October marked the start of Black History Month – an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the many contributions made by black people in Britain over many generations. To start the month off, Merseyside Police were joined by Cllr Margaret Harvey and Cllr Shelley Powell to reveal to Sebastian Garvey-North (age 9), a pupil St Anne’s Catholic Primary School in Huyton, his design on the side of a Police vehicle, which won the Merseyside Police Black History Month design competition. In May, pupils across Merseyside were asked by Merseyside Police to design a poster celebrating Black History Month. Children from across the region were invited to get creative and respond to the theme of ‘making a difference’, exploring figures who have made a difference from the past, present or in their own communities. Sebastian’s design, featuring England and Manchester United player Marcus Rashford, was chosen by senior officers in Merseyside Police, local authority partners, International Slavery Museum and the Anthony Walker Foundation. Liam Anderson, headteacher at St Anne’s Catholic Primary School said: “What a wonderful start to Black History Month. We’re so proud of Sebastian, to see his work displayed so prominently is fantastic. His classmates were also very impressed by Sebastian’s achievements, and we will all be sure to keep an eye out for his design and wave at officers as they drive past.” Sergeant Azizur Rahman, local policing, who organised the art competition, said: “We received some fantastic entries, and this competition offered a great opportunity for pupils to learn about Black History Month and to celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture. “It was important that this competition engaged with young people and helped them to understand why Black History is so important in challenging negative stereotypes so we can make a positive and potentially life-changing impact within our communities.”

By Katie Parry

Pupils and staff at St Helen’s primary schools have collected donations to support a local charity. 15 local schools took part in the donations, and all together collected over a tonne of food donations for the charity, Teardrops. The donations were collected for the harvest appeal, and also for world homelessness day and world mental health day. Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School took part in collecting donations. Miss Walsh, deputy headteacher at Holy Spirit, said children, staff and families donated very generously throughout the half term. Miss Walsh said: “It is a charity that has helped our school community Holy Spirit throughout the pandemic and it is our way of saying thank you. “Each class was given a special rainbow box, which they have made shine the brightest by placing their donations in it each week. “We have certainly lived out our school mission statement ‘Live, Love, Learn’’. “Together we will soar new heights’ through our children thinking of others throughout the past half term by donating to the Harvest appeal. “Last Friday we had a Brighten up for Harvest and Go Green Day to celebrate our Harvest, and reminded the children that they really have shone the brightest this harvest by giving so generously to Teardrops. “Their donations will make lots of people in our local community shine too, as it will help them have a warm meal. “We are a very proud Catholic school who try and live out our faith in everything that we do.” Holy Cross’ head girl, Katie Halpin-Belfield, and head boy, Cole Mayor, gave all their donations to Teardrops last Wednesday with their headteacher, Mrs Ravey. Mrs Harrison, RE lead at St Bartholomew’s Catholic Primary School, was very impressed by how many food donations they received from pupils and staff at the school for Teardrops. She said: “I reckon it must have filled about 20 big shoppers. “There was loads. We were just blown away by the generosity. “We do it around harvest time every year. We do our harvest celebration where we talk about the abundance of food and thank you for the farmers. “But then equally we slip it on the other side that there are people who haven’t got enough to eat. “It’s living out that Catholic life, looking for those who aren’t as fortunate and our school are amazing at that. “Our students embrace whatever cause it’s for, and they always go above and beyond to live out that mission at being that loving family, which we are.” Holy Cross Catholic Primary School also took part in the collections. Mrs Slater, PSHE leader at Holy Cross R C Primary School, was very proud of the families and pupils at the school for their donations. She said: “Teardrops got in touch with us and said there’s a link between homelessness and mental health. “In order to raise awareness for mental health day they were reaching out to the community to see if any schools were willing to donate. “So, we said to the children they can come in in their own clothes, and in exchange for doing that, they can either bring a £1 donation in for the charity or they can bring in an item of nonperishable food.” Mrs Slater said the school received a few hundred donations, and also raised around £40 in money. The school also added to that by donating some shoes. Mrs Slater said: “There were a lot and to be honest, our families aren’t the most well off. The school is in an area of high deprivation. But our families do always come up. They are so willing to donate. “We just think it’s really important for our children to recognise their role in a wider society. “It’s a Catholic school. Our ethos is to love others and treat each other as we would like to be treated. “We recognise that other people aren’t as fortunate as us and it’s part of our Catholic duty and our Christian duty to look out for our brothers and sisters and just make sure we can help where we can if we’re in a position to be able to do so.” “Our children are fantastic. They make us proud every single day with their behaviour in school, their attitude towards learning, but most importantly, with the love and respect that they show to each other. “We have so many visitors that come into school and our pupils are always commended on how beautiful their manners are and how polite and courteous they are to the visitors. “Our children just make us proud all the time. They’re so kind and caring and so thoughtful. They always think of others, they’re always thinking how they can help others.” The food donations raised by the schools will help homeless people, as well as vulnerable individuals, families and anyone facing poverty or who is at risk of homelessness. Teardrops charity in St Helens run a cafe three nights a week, providing a hot meal and drinks to rough sleepers, sofa surfers, people in hostels and also people in their own home who are at risk of homelessness. Nick Dyer, hub manager at Teardrops, said they currently cook for around 50-60 people on those nights, and distribute any donated food they get to local families in various hostels around the borough. Teardrops support around 450 people per week. They are open Monday to Friday and also provide clothing, rucksacks, sleeping bags, blankets, footwear and toiletries. Mr Dyer said Teardrops also support four local primary schools in the most deprived areas of St Helens with 12 trays of food each month to support school pantries. This ensures at least 30 families in each of the four schools do not go without. Teardrops also run courses for adults around confidence and assertiveness and have tailored school workshops discussing all topics related to homelessness including drug awareness, county lines, gang and knife culture and first aid skills. Mr Dyer said the donations they received from the 15 local schools this autumn is “far beyond what they expected”. He said: “We are always amazed by the generosity of the local community, without which we could not continue the work we do as effectively.”

14 Liverpool Archdiocesan schools have been named in the Educate Awards 2021 shortlist. • The Academy of St Francis of Assisi, Liverpool and Maricourt Catholic High School, Sefton have been shortlisted for the The Communication Award • St Vincent’s School, Liverpool has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Commitment to the Environment Award • Maricourt Catholic High School, Sefton has been shortlisted for the Careers & Enterprise Award • Maricourt Catholic High School, Sefton and St Bede’s Catholic High School, Ormskirk have been shortlisted for the Community Partnership Award • Holy Family Catholic Primary School, Liverpool and St Bede’s Catholic High School, Ormskirk have been shortlisted for the Mental Health & Wellbeing Award • St Elizabeth’s Catholic Primary School, Sefton has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Commitment to Sport in Primary School Award • Jen McGee from St Bede’s Catholic High School, Ormskirk has been shortlisted for the Teacher of the Year Award • Mike Anderson from St Julie’s High School, Liverpool has been shortlisted for the School Support Star of the Year Award • Our Lady and St Swithin’s Catholic Primary School, Liverpool has been shortlisted as Most Inspirational Alternative Provision by a School Award • Christ the King Catholic Primary School, Liverpool has been shortlisted as Most Inspirational Primary School Award • The Academy of St Francis of Assisi, Liverpool have been shortlisted for the WOW Recognition Award After receiving hundreds of entries, over 75 schools and colleges from the Liverpool City Region, Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Lancashire, many from Catholic schools and colleges, have been named in this year’s shortlist. These have included: • The Barlow RC High School, Manchester shortlisted for the Careers & Enterprise Award • Cardinal Langley RC High School, Rochdale shortlisted for the SEND Provision Award • St James’ Catholic High School, Stockport shortlisted for the Outstanding Commitment to Sport in Secondary School Award • Cathy Redford of The Barlow RC High School, Manchester shortlisted for the School Governor of the Year Award • St Michael’s Catholic Primary School, Cheshire shortlisted for the WOW recognition Award The awards showcase the work of schools and colleges, which are delivering outstanding education and helping students achieve their full potential. With over 21 categories, the shortlist recognises inspiring teachers, dedicated support staff and strategic leadership teams. The awards, in partnership with Copyrite Systems and Ricoh, is the largest education awards in the region and will take place at the iconic Liverpool Cathedral on Friday 19 November. This year marks its tenth anniversary and it is set to be extra special after 2020’s ceremony was held virtually due to the pandemic. Kim O’Brien, founder of the Educate Awards, said: “A huge well done to the schools and colleges who have made this year’s shortlist. “After a difficult 18 or so months, it is extremely important that we recognise the amazing schools and colleges which have supported students, families, staff and the wider communities during the pandemic. The calibre of entries was absolutely incredible and deciding on the shortlist was a really difficult process. “As 2020’s ceremony didn’t take place in its usual format, we are excited to be planning a spectacular event which makes up for last year. Kim added: “We are really looking forward to celebrating with everyone” Associate sponsors of the Educate Awards 2021 include: All About STEM, Angel Solutions, CER, CPMM Media Group, Hidden Strength, LCR Careers Hub, Liverpool John Moores University, LSSP, Progress Careers, SupplyWell and Winstanley College.

Children from St Bartholomew’s Catholic Primary School in Rainhill have been busy this term as the Reception children were welcomed into their new school family by parish priest Father Phil Swanson and their buddies in Year 6 with a welcome Mass which was a wonderful opportunity to bring the two year groups together as they face an important year ahead. Father Phil explained that for the Reception children it was a chance to think about what lies ahead within the parish and school community and for Year 6 it was a chance to celebrate nearing the end of their time at St Bartholomew’s School. Children also met with Father Phil and St Helens Councillor Donna Greaves to receive their school badges of responsibility. The School Council and Head Pupil elections were held at the start of the year and the newly appointed children were delighted to meet with both Father Phil and Councillor Greaves to learn about their own important roles within the community. Mrs Bingham, who leads the school council, reported that she was very proud of the effort all children put into completing the application process and was delighted with the standard of the applications received.

In a bid to discover more ahead of the UN’s Climate Change Conference (COP26), Year 4 pupils from St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School, Upholland explored Pope Francis’ encyclical ‘Laudato Si’ and took part in Cafod’s Eyes of the World campaign, before creating their very own climate emergency videos. In June 2020, the students put their faith into action by taking on the John Muir Conservation Award – a challenging but inspiring call to explore and care for our natural world. To complete the award, deputy headteacher Catherine Phillips took her class to local beauty hotspot, The Beacon Country Park, where they spent time learning about conservation and caring for the environment. Miss Phillips said: ‘On one of our walks to The Beacon, the children were horrified at the amount of litter they saw, so the following week, we took litter pickers with us and picked up a whole bag of litter. ‘I then lent out my two litter pickers to children during the following week, who went out with their families in their own time to do some litter picking of their own. ‘By the time we did our fourth and final visit, there wasn’t a single piece of litter to be seen - the children were so proud of the impact they had made.’ Inspired by the success of their Beacon visits, the pupils continued their mission by calling on local businesses to get involved, and even began to lobby key politicians such as Prime Minister Boris Johnson and environment minister George Eustice to take action on climate change. She said: ‘Campaigning for climate justice and caring for our common home is something our school and students are profoundly passionate about. The inspiration they found from exploring Pope Francis’ ‘Laudato Si’ and taking part in Cafod’s Eyes of the World campaign has ignited a real mission in our pupils and it’s wonderful to see the impact they are making on our local community. ‘Ahead of COP26, we hope our small voices will join a giant call for change, to raise awareness of the environmental emergency our world is facing, and to provide hope for a future based on sustainability and justice.’