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The Pope's Prayer Intention for July: Social Friendship 

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The Pope's Prayer Intention for July: Social Friendship 

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We pray that, in social, economic and political situations of conflict, we may be courageous and passionate architects of dialogue and friendship.

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July: Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus

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July: Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus

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The month of July is dedicated to The Precious Blood of Jesus. The entire month falls within the liturgical season of Ordinary Time, which is represented by the liturgical color green. This symbol of hope is the color of the sprouting seed and arouses in the faithful the hope of reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, especially the hope of a glorious resurrection. It is used in the offices and Masses of Ordinary Time.

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July: Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus

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The Church dedicates the month of June to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, one of the most popular Catholic devotions throughout the world.

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Learned and Wise - Pupils are growing to be learned, finding God in all things; and wise in the ways they use their learning for the common good. Catholic Schools help their pupils grow by the breadth and depth of the curriculum; by excellence of teaching, and the creation of opportunities to become more learned and wise

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The Pope's Prayer intention for June: For migrants fleeing their homes

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The Pope's Prayer intention for June: For migrants fleeing their homes

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We pray that migrants fleeing from war or hunger, forced to undertake journeys full of danger and violence, find welcome and new opportunities in the countries that receive them.

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A prayer for the Year of Encounter: the SVP's and CAFOD's campaign to help the Catholic voice be heard in the next General Election.

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We are really looking forward to our Year 6 Confirmation service on Tuesday 21st May. Please keep them all in your paryers as they take this next step on their faith journey

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The Pope's prayer intention for May: for the formation of men and women religious

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The Pope's prayer intention for May: for the formation of men and women religious

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We pray that religious women and men, and seminarians, grow in their own vocations through their human, pastoral, spiritual and community formation, leading them to be credible witnesses to the Gospel.

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Cardinal Vincent Nichols, in his Easter morning homily, celebrates a day of victory - Christ's victory over death. "Christ is risen," says the Cardinal, "and with him we are set free."

Cardinal Nichols also uses his homily to herald the hope that Christ brings - hope in the eternal life where all are valued in the eyes of God. In particular, he refutes sentiments on assisted suicide and euthanasia such as those expressed in recent newspaper articles.

The Cardinal asserts that Christ, in breaking these claims of death, "opens a new and wonderful horizon by which we are now to live." In the freedom we are given by Christ, we can confront the reality of death - a reality that comes to us all.

"If, in the end, death is all that there is, then life is simply sound and fury signifying nothing," says Cardinal Nichols. "Indeed the logic of life understood as nothing more than a collection of days was laid out starkly in a recent newspaper article. In it the writer argued that euthanasia is such a good thing. He believed, in all seriousness, that it was everyone's duty to take their own life once their usefulness was over. Since there was no other meaning to life than usefulness, then we should have a duty not to waste resources in sustaining a life no longer useful to others. Easter breaks us out of that stultifying perspective. Easter shouts a resounding 'No' to the domination of death and its callous logic."

Our Easter message is "to live in love through the practical service of one another and, at crucial moments, to be forgetful of self," says the Cardinal. "We pray for this spirit of service and sacrifice to be poured out in our world, that we can work together wholeheartedly for the relief of stark poverty, for peace between warring factions, for stability in home and society."

The Cardinal was celebrating Easter Sunday Mass in Westminster Cathedral on 31 March 2024.

Full Homily
Easter Sunday, 31 March 2024, Westminster Cathedral
This Easter morning our hearts are full of hope and joy. So too is this Cathedral, with its beauty, its music, the splendour of this celebration of Mass and its fine Easter Candle representing the Risen Lord, whose Resurrection from the dead we celebrate today.

This, then, is a day of victory: the victory of life over death, of goodness over cynicism, of freedom over every slavery and addiction. Today confirms that instinct for hope which lies within each one of us. No longer is our instinctive optimism an illusion. No, it is a reality for Christ is risen and with him we are set free. As St Paul tells us: we have been brought back to true life and, ultimately, we will be revealed in all our glory with him, who is our Risen Lord.

That freedom comes in the face of the one reality which confronts us all: the reality of death. If, in the end, death is all that there is, then life is simply sound and fury signifying nothing.

Indeed the logic of life understood as nothing more than a collection of days was laid out starkly in a recent newspaper article. In it the writer argued that euthanasia is such a good thing. He believed, in all seriousness, that it was everyone's duty to take their own life once their usefulness was over. Since there was no other meaning to life than usefulness, then we should have a duty not to waste resources in sustaining a life no longer useful to others.

Easter breaks us out of that stultifying perspective. Easter shouts a resounding 'No' to the domination of death and its callous logic. Today we proclaim that the tomb is empty. Yes, death is all around us, but life is in Christ. This is his gift to us, making clear that we are of God and in him we will attain the fulness of life for which we long.

This breaking of the claims of death opens a new and wonderful horizon by which we are now to live. In the days of his life on earth, Jesus spelt out the lessons of this true way of life. They can be summed up in two words: service and sacrifice. This is the pathway to greatness, unfolded by Jesus in the washing of the feet and the offering of himself on the Cross. This, then, is the royal road: to live in love through the practical service of one another and, at crucial moments, to be forgetful of self.

This is our Easter message. We pray for this spirit of service and sacrifice to be poured out in our world, that we can work together wholeheartedly for the relief of stark poverty, for peace between warring factions, for stability in home and society.

This Easter truth, made real in Christ, is entrusted to the Church.

It's no coincidence that in the Gospel of St John, which we have just heard, it is Peter who is first to enter the empty tomb and see for himself that Christ is risen. Others step aside for him. Peter then becomes the first witness, chosen to be the one who is to lead. So we see him, in the First Reading, heralding the first great proclamation of the Resurrection, preaching openly in the city, to an unbelieving crowd.

Peter, of course, is a symbol of the Church, a pointer to the Bishop of Rome, set to teach and lead.

So this morning we also pray for the Church because, like Peter, we in the Church are often slow and breathless. Yet it was Peter who was chosen to be the guarantor of the message of Jesus, not the more fleet-of-foot John, nor Mary Magdalene, so full of love, whose tasks were to express and expound that message in great love and service. Yes, in the Church, the Body of Christ, all have a crucial part to play in bringing the hope of this Easter Day into everyday life. This is our Day, a day of joy for the whole world.

Christ is risen. He is our joy and delight. Let us rejoice and be glad. Alleluia.

A happy Easter to you all.

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Easter teaches us that life is more than a collection of days - death is not all there is - Catholic Bishops' Conference

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Cardinal Nichols uses his homily to herald the hope that Christ brings - hope in the eternal life where all are valued in the eyes of God.

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Our virtues this term are Eloquent and Truthful

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The Pope's Prayer Intention for April - For the role of women

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The Pope's Prayer Intention for April - For the role of women

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We pray that the dignity and immense value of women be recognized in every culture, and for the end of discrimination that they experience in different parts of the world.

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Lenten Prayer :

God of Power and might, we praise you through your Son, Jesus Christ, who comes in your name. He is the Word that brings your salvation. He is the hand you stretch out to sinners. He is the way that leads to your peace.

God our Father, We had wandered far from you, but through your Son you have bought us back. You gave him up to death so that we might turn again to you and find our way to one another.

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We will be taking part in the CAFOD Big Lent Walk around our local parish on Wednesday 20th March

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The Pope's prayer intention for March - For the new martyrs

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The Pope's prayer intention for March - For the new martyrs

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We pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world inflame the Church with their courage and missionary enthusiasm.

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Sunday 3rd March at 6:30pm at St Joseph's. An excellent opportunity to hear the American Catholic Evangelist Jimmy Mitchell. "Draw close to God and He will draw close to you." James 4:8. Wherever you are on your faith journey this is not to be missed!

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The parish has a new website, click on the picture above

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Our virtues this term are Faith filled and hopeful

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The Pope's prayer intention for February - For the terminally ill

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The Pope's prayer intention for February - For the terminally ill

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We pray that those with a terminal illness, and their families, receive the necessary physical and spiritual care and accompaniment.

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Fr Sean invites us to six sessions about Christian prayer, each Wednesday of Lent at 7:00pm in the Dupuid Centre

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The Pope's prayer intention for January -  For the Gift of Diversity on the Church 

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The Pope's prayer intention for January -  For the Gift of Diversity on the Church 

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Let us pray that the Spirit help us recognise the gift of different charisms within the Christian community, and to discover the richness of different ritual traditions in the heart of the Catholic Church.

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The Pope Video is a global initiative developed by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer).

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Our virtues this term are Compassionate and Loving. Year 6 will be exploring these with the school

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The Pope's prayer intention for December - For people with disabilities

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The Pope's prayer intention for December - For people with disabilities

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We pray that people living with disabilities may be at the centre of attention in society, and that institutions may offer inclusive programs which value their active participation.

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The Pope Video is a global initiative developed by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer).

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Our virtues this term are Attentive and Discerning. Year 6 will be leading assemblies for our classes to explore these.

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Father Sean celebrated this feast day with us and the parish. A wonderful event!

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We are changing the way children encounter Jesus at school. Each week, we share the Gospel and love of God through wonderful online liturgies. Our prayer is to help schools lead every child into personal relationship with Christ.

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The Pope's prayer intention for November - For the Pope

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The Pope's prayer intention for November - For the Pope

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We pray for the Holy Father; as he fulfills his mission, may he continue to accompany the flock entrusted to him, with the help of the Holy Spirit.

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All our children in our St Francis house are invited to attend school in their house colour (green) on Wednesday to celebrate the Feast of St Francis

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October is the month of the Holy Rosary and your challenge is to pray a decade of this great prayer every weekday, at school or home.

A decade of the Holy Rosary is:

During each decade you can pray with a Mystery of the Rosary. Mysteries are moments in the life of Jesus and Mary. Imagine them in your mind. There will be a short piece of scripture at the start of each decade to help you enter in. There are four sets of five Mysteries:

The Joyful Mysteries

The Glorious Mysteries

The Luminous Mysteries

The Sorrowful Mysteries

We have created a video for every mystery. You can find them below. We filmed the videos inside the Slipper Chapel at the Catholic National Shrine of Our Lady in Walsingham. We hope that you can join us for the Rosary Challenge this October.

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The Mark 10 Mission - The Rosary Challenge

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The Rosary Challenge 2023 is the perfect way to journey through the Month of the Holy Rosary. The Month of October is the month of the Holy Rosary and we are inviting children everywhere to pray this wonderful prayer with us each weekday in October.

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The Pope's prayer intention for October - For the Synod

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The Pope's prayer intention for October - For the Synod

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The Holy Father has asked Catholics to join in prayer during this time of Synod to pray for a Spirit of discernment and wisdom for those attending, so that the whole Church may know the power of the Holy Spirit at work in these days.

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The Season of Creation - September 1st - October 4th

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The Season of Creation - September 1st - October 4th

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The Season of Creation runs from 1 September to 4 October and is a time for prayer and action for our common home.

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The Pope's prayer intention for September - For people living on the margins

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The Pope's prayer intention for September - For people living on the margins

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We pray for those persons living on the margins of society, in inhumane life conditions; may they not be overlooked by institutions and never considered of lesser importance.

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The Pope Video is a global initiative developed by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer).

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This year, we have chosen the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) as our key parable.
We will use this parable to reflect on the gifts and talents we have been given by God and how we can share these with others.
Each week in our Mission Assembly we will celebrate those who have actively shared their talents with the school community

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Our virtues this term are Grateful and Generous

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The Pope's prayer intention for July - the Eucharistic life

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The Pope's prayer intention for July - the Eucharistic life

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We pray that Catholics may place the celebration of the Eucharist at the heart of their lives, transforming human relationships in a very deep way and opening to the encounter with God and all their brothers and sisters.

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Every week we will post a new episode. Each one contains a ready-to-go classroom liturgy. Our great prayer is that children encounter Jesus in their classrooms and grow in relationship with Him. We hope you can join us each week to listen to The Word of God, Pray and Worship together.

Jesus Calls the Twelve - Episode Thirty Seven

Does it matter if someone calls us by name? In this liturgy, we hear how Jesus called each of his twelve apostles by name when he chose them. The Gospel tells us that he sent them out with his authority. Greg reflects upon the way that Jesus also gives us his authority and what this means for our lives. We then spend time in prayer and worship Jesus with the action song Deep Cries Out.

Corpus Christi - Episode Thirty Six

In this liturgy, we celebrate Corpus Christi, the body and blood of Jesus. Jesus says in the Gospel, "I am the living bread which has come down from heaven." Brother Samuel explains what Jesus means by these words and then we enter into a beautiful time of Adoration where we look at Jesus and enter into his presence. Angel leads us in worship as she sings 'This is My Body.'

The Epiphany - Episode Fifteen

The Epiphany of the Lord is the great solemnity on which we celebrate the wise men arriving in Bethlehem to see the child Jesus. We hear the Gospel story of the wise men's journey to Bethlehem following a star and how they bow down to worship Jesus. Br Samuel reflects on how we too can worship and adore Jesus this Epiphany. We conclude with the famous Epiphany hymn 'We Three Kings of Orient Are.'

The Joy of Advent - Episode Fourteen

The Third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete means 'Rejoice' and in this liturgy we celebrate the joy of Advent. We hear in the Gospel how John sends messengers to discover whether Jesus truly is the Christ. He is and Pippa reflects upon how we can sometimes lose sight of how amazing Jesus coming to earth was. We can rejoice in the truth that our God loves us so much that he sent his only son to be with us. This is the true joy of Advent. We carry this theme into our prayer time and conclude with the song "All For Love."

Prepare a way in Advent - Episode Thirteen

The journey continues as we enter the 2nd Week of Advent. In this liturgy, we hear St. John the Baptist say: "Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight." Fr Henry explains that Advent is the perfect time to prepare a place for Jesus to come into our hearts and gives some advice on how best we can do this. We then pray together and Pippa and Theo sing "Let the Light In."

The Meaning of Advent - Episode Twelve

In our first Advent Liturgy we hear Jesus's instruction to 'So stay awake, because you do not know the day your master is coming.' It is a reminder, as Liam explains, that Advent is a time where we prepare our hearts and minds, not just to celebrate Jesus's first coming but also to ready ourselves for when he comes again. We conclude the liturgy with the traditional Advent hymn: O Come O Come Emmanuel.

Christ the King - Episode Eleven

In this liturgy we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King. In the Gospel, we hear Saint Luke's account of the crucifixion and how Jesus makes a wonderful promise to one of the criminals beside him. Greg reflects on why Jesus is the greatest king of all and the priceless gift he freely gives to each of us. We then pray together and celebrate Jesus as our king as we 'Sing Hosanna to the King of Kings.'

St Maximilian Kolbe: ACN Special - Episode Ten

We are delighted to be partnering with the wonderful Aid to the Church in Need UK to bring you this deeply inspiring and powerful Saint Maximilian Kolbe liturgy. To help children encounter Jesus and raise awareness for the plight of persecuted Christians across the world, we have shared the incredible story of 'The Saint of Auschwitz.' Our scripture today is from John's Gospel, chapter 15, where Jesus describes the greatest love. We then hear Maximilian's story, pray and conclude with the beautiful worship song - 'This is My Desire.'

What happens when we die? - Episode Nine

In this liturgy, we cover one of the great themes of November: the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. In the Gospel we hear Jesus respond to the Sadducees and proclaim that God is God of the living, not the dead. Pippa explains how we can trust in Jesus's promise that we can have life after death because he rose from the dead. We then lead into prayer and conclude with the simple yet beautiful 'He is Lord.'

All Saints - Episode Eight

In this liturgy we celebrate All Saints. All Saints is one of the most important days in the Church calendar and in the Gospel we hear St. Matthew's account of the Beatitudes. This is one of Jesus's great teachings where he lays down the blueprint for how to be a saint. Greg explains who exactly All Saints day is about and "dares" you to follow their example. We then pray together and worship with the beautiful song 'Oh Praise the Name'

Never Lose Heart - Episode Seven

In this liturgy we hear Jesus use the parable of the unjust judge to explain that we must never lose heart. Fr Columba gives a brilliant reflection and talks about how the Gospel reminds him of Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh. He explains how Eeyore constantly speaks to himself with negative and discouraging thoughts. He reminds us that Jesus doesn't want us to think this way and that by remembering who God says we are, we can build our confidence, take on challenges and be the people he made us to be.

Thankfulness - Episode Six

In this liturgy we share the story of the ten lepers. Jesus heals ten men suffering with a terrible skin disease but only one returns to say thank you. Pippa reflects upon the importance of focusing our minds on the good in our lives and how our thankfulness can magnify God in our hearts. We then pray and worship with the song 'Goodness of God'

The Rosary Challenge - Episode Four

This liturgy introduces the Holy Rosary and challenges you to pray a decade of the Rosary each weekday in October. In the Gospel, we hear the account of The Annunciation, the First Joyful Mystery. We reflect upon the beauty and power of the Rosary and then use scripture to help us pray through a decade, meditating on The Annunciation. We conclude with 'As I Kneel Before You.'

Use the Rosary Challenge to keep track of your progress.

Trusted in Little Things - Episode Three
In this liturgy, we hear Jesus make a great promise to us in the Gospel 'The person who can be trusted in little things can be trusted in great." Fr Henry reflects upon how this is true in many parts of life, particularly in our relationship with God. We must try to do the little things each and every day. We pray and ask for God's help with this and then praise him with the action song 'Lord I Lift Your Name On High.'

The Lost Sheep and Coin - Episode Two
In this liturgy, we share the Good News of God's amazing love. In the Gospel, we hear Jesus tell two parables, one about a man who loses a sheep and another about a woman who loses a coin. Greg reflects upon how Jesus uses these two stories to explain that, when we make a mistake, our loving Father always wants us to come back to him and try again. To celebrate this wonderful truth we sing Hallelujah (Your love makes me sing).

The Great Adventure - Episode One
Following Jesus is a great adventure! In this liturgy we share a challenging Gospel passage. We hear Jesus explain how we must love him more than anyone else. He uses parables to describe how we must know what we are entering into before we begin. Greg explains how, at the start of this new school year, Jesus invites us to be his follower and what saying 'Yes' to him means. We then enter into prayer and conclude with the worship song 'What a Beautiful Name.

St. Bernadette Relic Tour 2022 - Official School Liturgy
The relics of St. Bernadette are touring England, Wales and Scotland this Autumn. To help and encourage schools to be a part of it we have joined with The Tour to create the official school liturgy. In the liturgy we share the Gospel story of the wedding at Cana. Greg then reflects upon the importance of Our Lady and how St. Bernadette helps reveal the beauty of Our Lady to each of us. To conclude the liturgy, Fr Columba CFR sings Ave Maria.

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The Mark 10 Mission Liturgies - The Mark 10 Mission

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Every week we will post a new episode. Each one contains a ready-to-go classroom liturgy. Our great prayer is that children encounter Jesus in their classrooms and grow in relationship with Him. We hope you can join us each week to listen to The Word of God, Pray and Worship together.

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“I am the living bread which has come down from heaven.”

John 6:51

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The Pope's prayer intention for June - For the abolition of torture

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The Pope's prayer intention for June - For the abolition of torture

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‘All of us here are sinners, all of us bear the weight of our sins. But he loves us, he loves us! Let us all together offer a prayer for these people who suffer so many terrible things today in the world, so much evil.’ Pope Francis

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Lord, we come before your Sacred Heart to ask you for protection, and to comfort the fears and uncertainties we may encounter. Give us the courage to continue, and let us recognise that you are with us guiding us, protecting us and holding us in your arms. Our hearts await everything from you. You keep encouraging us to look for you. We trust in your Sacred Heart. Amen

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From Wednesday 3 May until Friday 5 May, the Bishops of England and Wales encourage Catholics in our lands to pray for His Majesty and the Queen.

Prayer
O God, to whom every human power is subject,
grant to your servant our sovereign Charles  success in the exercise of his high office, so that, always revering you and striving to please you, he may constantly secure and preserve for the people entrusted to his care the freedom that comes from civil peace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Amen

Almighty God, we pray,
that your servant Charles, our King, who, by your providence has received the governance of this realm, may continue to grow in every virtue, that, imbued with your heavenly grace, he may be preserved from all that is harmful and evil and, being blessed with your favour may, with his consort and the royal family, come at last into your presence, through Christ who is the way, the truth and the life and who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Amen

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The Pope's prayer intention for May -  For church movements and groups

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The Pope's prayer intention for May -  For church movements and groups

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We pray that Church movements and groups may rediscover their mission of evangelization each day, placing their own charisms at the service of needs in the world.

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The Pope Video is a global initiative developed by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer).

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Curious and Active

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The Pope's prayer intention for April - For a culture of peace and non-violence

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The Pope's prayer intention for April - For a culture of peace and non-violence

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We pray for the spread of peace and non-violence, by decreasing the use of weapons by States and citizens.

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Learned and Wise

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The Pope's Prayer Intention for March - For victims of abuse

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The Pope's Prayer Intention for March - For victims of abuse

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We pray for those who have suffered harm from members of the Church; may they find within the Church herself a concrete response to their pain and suffering.

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The Pope's Prayer Intention for February - For Parishes

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The Pope's Prayer Intention for February - For Parishes

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We pray that parishes, placing communion at the center, may increasingly become communities of faith, fraternity and welcome towards those most in need.

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This year’s service will be held on Sunday 22nd Jan at 7pm in St. Francis of Assisi Church, Highlands, Banbury, OX16 1FA. The theme is ‘Be-longing, praying for unity amidst injustice’. Refreshments are provided

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Epiphany Parish Mass - Friday 6th January

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Epiphany Parish Mass - Friday 6th January

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Will be held in the school hall at 9:30, all are welcome!

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The Pope's Prayer intention for January - For Educators

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The Pope's Prayer intention for January - For Educators

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In January, we pray with Pope Francis that educators may be credible witnesses who help the youngest and most vulnerable. May they teach fraternity rather than competition.

‘We want to be defenders of the identity and dignity of every individual and to teach young people to accept everyone without discrimination. Education commits us to accept people as they are, not how we want them to be, without judging or condemning anyone.’

– Pope Francis

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The virtues for this term - Eloquent and Truthful. This presentation was created by some Y6 faith leaders who used it to lead prayer and liturgy for the whole school.

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The Pope's Prayer intention for December - Volunteer Not-for-Profit Organisations

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The Pope's Prayer intention for December - Volunteer Not-for-Profit Organisations

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We pray that volunteer non-profit organizations committed to human development find people dedicated to the common good and ceaselessly seek out new paths to international cooperation.

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Almighty ever-living God,

whose will is to restore all things

in your beloved Son, the King of the universe,

grant, we pray,

that the whole creation, set free from slavery,

may render your majesty service

and ceaselessly proclaim your praise.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

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Casting Crowns - What Child Is This (Christ the King) (Audio)

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The Pope's Prayer intention for November - For children who suffer

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The Pope's Prayer intention for November - For children who suffer

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We pray for children who are suffering, especially those who are homeless, orphans, and victims of war; may they be guaranteed access to education and the opportunity to experience family affection.

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All Saints - Ep8: The Solemnity of All Saints

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The virtues for this term - Faithfilled and Hopeful

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The Pope's Prayer Intention for October - A church open to everyone

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The Pope's Prayer Intention for October - A church open to everyone

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A Church Open to Everyone
We pray for the Church; ever faithful to, and courageous in preaching the Gospel, may the Church be a community of solidarity, fraternity and welcome, always living in an atmosphere of synodality.

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The Rosary Challenge - The Mark 10 Mission.

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Talks on the Catholic Faith are at St John’s on Mondays at 7.00pm and begin at St Joseph’s on Mon 3 Oct at 8.30am. All are welcome.

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St John's Chruch has opened a book of condolences for the Queen. The church is open 7:30 am - 7pm every day

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Prayers for the Repose of the Soul of HM Queen Elizabeth II - Catholic Bishops' Conference

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The following prayers for Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family will be distributed to all Catholic parishes and communities in the dioceses of England and Wales.

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We are all encouraged  - parishes, schools, communities and individuals to join in prayer to mark the Season of Creation from 1 Sept to 4 Oct - the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. The theme for this year is 'Listen to the Voice of Creation'. See teh parish website for further details: https://www.banburycatholicchurches.org.uk/

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

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The Pope's Prayer Intention for September - Abolition of the Death Penalty

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The Pope's Prayer Intention for September - Abolition of the Death Penalty

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We pray that the death penalty, which attacks the dignity of the human person, may be legally abolished in every country

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The Pope's Prayer intention for August - Small Businesses

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The Pope's Prayer intention for August - Small Businesses

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We pray for small and medium sized businesses; in the midst of economic and social crisis, may they find ways to continue operating, and serving their communities.

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The virtues for this term - Compassionate and Loving

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This year, we have chosen the Parable of the Fig Tree (Luke 13: 6-9) as our key parable.
We will use this parable to reflect on how we can take the new opportunities offered this year to grow as people of God. We will reflect on how we can be become more fruitful; in our work, in our relationships with one another and in our relationship with God.
We will also reflect on how we can nurture one another. How do we nurture others to grow in Faith? How do we encourage others in their learning? How do we work together to overcome challenges? At the end of each week we will nominate children in each class who have been our 'good gardeners'. These children will have demonstrated an openness to growth in their own lives or they will have helped a classmate or an adult to grow. These 'gardeners' will be awarded a simple fig shape to colour, and then this fig will be added to our fig tree display in the school hall.

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Artemida, Victoria, Leon, Oliwier, Julia S, Nicola, Molly, Austin, Rebecca, Amelia D, Oskar, Mateusz, Xavier! It was wonderful to celebrate the confirmation of these wonderful young people on Wednesday.

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The Pope's Prayer Intention for July - The elderly

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The Pope's Prayer Intention for July - The elderly

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We pray for the elderly, who represent the roots and memory of a people; may their experience and wisdom help young people to look towards the future with hope and responsibility.

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Xander, Ingrid, Kian, Nathaneal and Sebastian! These members of the lovely Year 3 team made their First Holy Communion on Saturday. Congartualtions also to Zuzanna who made her First Holy Communion in Poland over half term.

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The Pope’s Prayer Intention for June – Families

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The Pope’s Prayer Intention for June – Families

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We pray for Christian families around the world; may they embody and experience unconditional love and advance in holiness in their daily lives

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St Joseph the Worker (and Learner) Feast Day

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St Joseph the Worker (and Learner) Feast Day

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We had a wonderful feast day celebration with our first whole school mass in two years followed by a sunny picnic.
Happy Feast Day to our St Joseph's family!

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Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope. T
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve: to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus, O merciful, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!
Amen.

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Pope's Prayer Intention for May: faith filled young people

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Pope's Prayer Intention for May: faith filled young people

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We pray for all young people, called to live life to the fullest; may they see in Mary’s life the way to listen, the depth of discernment, the courage that faith generates, and the dedication to service.

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The virtues for this term - Grateful and Generous

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The virtues for this term - Grateful and Generous

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Grateful and Generous pray it live it Final 1

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HCPT The Pilgrimage Trust, will be broadcast live events form Lourdes this week as they start to re-establish their Easter Pilgrimage to Lourdes after Covid.
HCPT is a registered charity offering pilgrimage holidays, to Lourdes in the south of France, for disabled and disadvantaged people from around the UK and further afield.
Every Easter around 1,000 disabled and disadvantaged children enjoy a fun and safe week in Lourdes, staying in hotels with their volunteer helpers.

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TV Lourdes - Le Sanctuaire de Lourdes en direct.

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The Mark 10 Mission team invite you to join them in explroing and reflecting on the journey Jesus takes through Holy Week, and which we follow.

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The Pope's Prayer Intention for April - Health Care Workers

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The Pope's Prayer Intention for April - Health Care Workers

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We pray for health care workers who serve the sick and the elderly, especially in the poorest countries; may they be adequately supported by governments and local communities.

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Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

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Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

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From the Diocese:
You may be aware that Pope Francis has announced that on Friday he will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

"This Act of Consecration is meant to be a gesture of the universal Church, which in this dramatic moment lifts up to God, through his Mother and ours,

the cry of pain of all those who suffer and implore an end to the violence, and to entrust the future of our human family to the Queen of Peace."

Friday, has been especially chosen as it is the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord.

His Holiness has asked all Bishops throughout the world to join him from their Cathedrals in this important time of prayer and in turn, Archbishop Bernard has asked the clergy and religious communities to join in this too. The Act of Consecration is taking place at about 5:30p.m. (UK time) as part of a Celebration of Penance (starting at 4:00).

As a sschool family, we can join our prayers with those of the Consecration by praying the Angelus on Friday. If you can, please pray at twelve: it will be a great act of witness to offer our prayers across the Diocese at the same time.

The full text of the Act of Consecration is available here Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary - Catholic Bishops' Conference (cbcew.org.uk)

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Pope announces 2nd March Day of Prayer and Fasting

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Pope announces 2nd March Day of Prayer and Fasting

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Pope Francis appeals for peace in Ukraine (AFP or licensors)

Pope Francis says his heart aches over the situation in Ukraine and announces a "Day of Fasting for Peace" on Ash Wednesday.
By Vatican News staff reporter
During the General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis made a heartfelt appeal for peace in Ukraine, saying that the threat of war had caused "great pain in my heart."

"Despite the diplomatic efforts of the last few weeks," the Pope said, "increasingly alarming scenarios are opening up," with many people all over the world feeling anguish and pain.

""Once again the peace of all is threatened by partisan interests," he stressed. Pope Francis appealed to those "with political responsibility to examine their consciences seriously before God, who is the God of peace and not of war, who is the Father of all, not just of some, who wants us to be brothers and not enemies.""

He also prayed that "all the parties involved refrain from any action that would cause even more suffering to the people, destabilizing coexistence between nations and bringing international law into disrepute."

Prayer and fasting for peace

Speaking at the end of the General Audience, Pope Francis invited everyone to make 2 March, Ash Wednesday, a Day of Fasting for Peace.

"I encourage believers in a special way to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day. May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war," he said.

Russia and sanctions

As the threat of war looms in Eastern Europe, the United States sought to put pressure on Russia on Wednesday by stepping up sanctions.

The U.S., the European Union, Britain, Australia, Canada, and Japan planned to target banks and elites while Germany froze a major gas pipeline project from Russia.

British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said Britain would stop Russia from selling sovereign debt in London.

The moves come after Russia deployed troops in separatist regions of eastern Ukraine.

Putin on Monday recognized the enclaves in the Donbas region which border Russia, raising increasing fears in the West of a major war.

Starting a new series of reflections on the meaning and value of old age, Pope Francis in his General audience this week stresses the need for an inter-generational alliance, ...

Ukraine prepares

According to the Ukrainian military, one soldier was killed and six wounded in increased shelling by pro-Russian separatists using heavy artillery over the previous 24 hours.

The military also said Ukraine has started conscripting reservists aged 18-60 following a decree by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Meeting on hold

As the current situation intensifies, the White House said a possible meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and President Putin is "certainly" not an option at the moment, adding that a de-escalation of conflict with Ukraine would be needed for such a summit.

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Pope announces 2 March as day of prayer and fasting for Ukraine - Vatican News

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Pope Francis says his heart aches over the situation in Ukraine and announces a "Day of Fasting for Peace" on Ash Wednesday. By Vatican News staff reporter During the General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis made a heartfelt appeal for peace in Ukraine, saying that the threat of war had caused "great pain in my heart."

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The Pope's Prayer Intention for March - For a Christian response to bioethical challenges

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The Pope's Prayer Intention for March - For a Christian response to bioethical challenges

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We pray for all Christians facing new bioethical challenges; may they continue to defend the dignity of all human life with prayer and action.

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We are gathering reflections for the Synod, if you would like to have an opportunity to share your thoughts please let us know.

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The virtues for this term - Intentional and Prophetic

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The virtues for this term - Intentional and Prophetic

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Intentional and Prophetic pray it live it FINALpdf

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The Pope's Prayer Intention for February - for religious sisters and consecrated women

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The Pope's Prayer Intention for February - for religious sisters and consecrated women

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The Pope's Prayer Intention for January - True Human Fraternity

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The Pope's Prayer Intention for January - True Human Fraternity

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We pray for all those suffering from religious discrimination and persecution; may their own rights and dignity be recognised, which originate from being brothers and sisters in the human family.

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The virtues for this term - Curious and Active

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The virtues for this term - Curious and Active

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curious and active pray it live it Final pdf

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Elizabeth saw Mary and recognised the Holy Spirit. We want people to recognise the Holy Spirit in us too. “Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” Luke 1:42
Pray the ‘Radiating Jesus’ prayer each day this week. Ask God to help you shine the light of Jesus into other people’s lives.

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Pope’s Prayer Intention for December: Catechists

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Pope’s Prayer Intention for December: Catechists

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Let us pray for the catechists, summoned to announce the Word of God: may they be its witnesses, with courage and creativity and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

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The Virtues for this term - Learned and Wise

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The Virtues for this term - Learned and Wise

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Learned and Wise pray it live it nov2021 pdf

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The Solemnity of All Saints has been transferred to Sunday 31 October. The Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls) is on Tuesday 2 November. This time of year is always a very poignant time. During this month we will continue to pray for all those who have died and especially those members of our own families, our friends and school communities. It is also a time when we pray for those unknown souls for whom there is no one to pray for them. At this time we also offer up prayers for those who mourn those they have lost. In addition to this, on Rembeembrance Day (Sunday 14 November) we pray for all those who have died as a result of conflict around the world.

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We are collecting tins and dried goods again this year for the Banbury Foodbank, if you feel able to offer anything it will be greatly appreciated. We are collecting until 7th October

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We rely on the support of our local community for food donations, volunteers and finances. Can you help us stop UK hunger?

Foodbank Referrals

Our foodbank works using e referrals. Find out more about how we work.

Where we are
Get directions & opening times

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Banbury Foodbank | Helping Local People in Crisis

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We rely on the support of our local community for food donations, volunteers and finances. Can you help us stop UK hunger? Our foodbank works using e referrals. Find out more about how we work. Where we are Get directions & opening times

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The Parable of the Good Samaritan is our key parable for this academic year. We have already read and acted out the story of the Good Samaritan and the children are trying to demonstrate the kindness, caring and love of the Good Samaritan in their daily lives. Each week each class teacher will nominate at least one child who has been the Samaritan of the week, celebrating how they have lived out their Faith.

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Children's Liturgy will resume at St Joseph's Church on Sunday 3rd October at the 10 am Mass. The Liturgy group is for children from Reception age to Year 3 and involves activities and discussions based on the Gospel.

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Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.​
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O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.

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His Grace Archbishop Bernard Longley has sent this letter to all children at Catholic schools to be read at Pentecost.

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Pentecost schools letter (primary) Final (1)

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Today we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus returning back to the Father in Heaven. Why not take a few moments to reflect on this and its meaning to us today...

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'If these walls could talk' is the phrase that comes to mind when I reflect on the Ascension and I wonder what the city of Bethany would say if it could verbally express its reaction to housing the last print of Christ's sacred foot upon this earth. Would it sing over such honors, making all the other cities wonder at the source of its joy?

In a way, however, these walls can talk, sing, and rejoice because we now serve as houses of Jesus. We do this as baptized and confirmed receivers of the Eucharist. I am sometimes amazed at my shameful thoughts, words, and actions, as someone whose body serves as a living tabernacle. I know that by making me a temple of the Holy Spirit, God has enabled me to allow only love and joy to permeate who I am, but I frequently act purely out of resentment and despair.

Even though outside circumstances often tempt us to inadequately live the Good News of the Gospel, we are empowered by the Spirit within us to choose and model love in the midst of so much hatred. Where do we, as temples of the Holy Spirit, look for the strength to do this? Within our own walls.

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'If these walls could talk' is the phrase that comes to mind when I reflect on the Ascension and I wonder what the city of Bethany would say if it could verbally express its reaction to housing the last print of Christ's sacred foot upon this earth.

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A prayer for the Solemnity of Christ the King.

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A prayer for the Solemnity of Christ the King.

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Let us pray that the Kingdom of Christ may live in our hearts and come to our world. Father all-powerful, God of love, you have raised our Lord Jesus Christ from death to life, resplendent in glory as King of creation. Open our hearts, free all the world to rejoice in his peace, to glory in his justice, to live in his love. Bring all people together in Jesus Christ your Son, Whose Kingdom is with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen