RELIGIOUS LIFE OF THE SCHOOL
Religious Life of the School We take great pride in the number of extracurricular activities which support our school mission: “To Know, Love and Serve God”. In September, staff began the year with a reflection about teaching as a vocation and a Mass led by Father Dawidowski from St Clare’s. Staff morning reflections have commenced in the Chapel each Thursday morning to give staff an opportunity to pray together as a collective. A number of colleagues attend across school and they find it an uplifting way to start the day.
Our lovely Year 7 students were welcomed in to our school community, with a liturgy created by and led by our student chaplains. The theme was community, and how they would play a special role at Our Lady‘s. They each received a pin badge to recognise that they are part of our loving Catholic family. Mrs Scoular arranged for cupcakes to be shared with staff and students to celebrate and remember Our Lady’s birthday on 8th September. Everyone was given a prayer card to reflect on the importance of Mary in our school as our patron saint and role model.
Every Monday, the Gospel of the week is added to form time reflections for students to think of how we live the Gospels in our everyday lives. A relevant Gospel value has been added to support our Mission each week, which are also displayed on notice boards. It has been lovely to have our children back in school and participating in assemblies. The students continue to receive an SMSC (social, moral, spiritual and cultural) link every Monday to think about as part of prayer and worship and wellbeing. Forms will then be leading assemblies based on themes for each week, which allows students to get involved and take ownership for prayer, worship and spirituality.
We are currently arranging visits to St Clare’s with the support of Father Dawidowski, where students will be receiving the Eucharist and identifying the signs and symbolism in a Church. Last year as a school community we raised £2,203.83 for the variety of charities that we support. A huge credit to, staff, students, parents and Mrs Burke for arranging the events, along with student leaders. Please follow the RE Instagram page @olhs¬_religiouseducation
In early October, Year 9 students attended a 1-day spiritual retreat to Savio House, Bollington. They took part in a range of activities such as icebreakers, prayers and looked at a variety of ways to worship. Everybody who attended said that the retreat had really recharged their batteries.
22
SHARING THE VISION | WINTER 2021
