November – St Marie's School

ALL SOULS MASS

On Tuesday, our school gathered together for a special Mass for the Faithful Departed, celebrated by Fr Cooke. This All Souls Mass was a time for us to remember and pray for all those who have died, trusting that they are now at peace with God.

Fr. John led a wonderful and reflective service, helping us to think about God’s promise of eternal life. The children sang beautifully, read clearly and contributed with great respect.

Jesus reminds us, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though they die.” (John 11:25)

This message of hope reminds us that love never ends, and that those we remember live on in God’s care.

After Mass, Fr Cooke congratulated Arianna (Year 5), Pietro (Year 2), and Matteo (Reception), who recently travelled to Rome on a special pilgrimage during the Holy Year 2025.

As part of their journey, they visited the four major basilicas of Rome — St Peter’s, St John Lateran, St Mary Major, and St Paul Outside the Walls — passing through the Holy Doors at each church. Pilgrims who do this can receive an official certificate, called a Testimonium, which marks their spiritual participation in the Jubilee Year.

The children are proudly pictured with their certificates and Fr Cooke. Well done also to Marco, their younger brother, who joined them on this wonderful pilgrimage of faith.

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CATHOLIC LIFE AWARD!

We are delighted to announce that the first winner of the Fr Paddy Catholic Life Award is Elle in Year 6.

Elle has been recognised for her kindness, friendship and patience towards her classmates, especially welcoming new children to our school. She always puts the needs of others before her own, showing a caring and generous heart.

Elle is often seen with a smile, doing the little things well and with dignity and humility. She is a wonderful example of living out our Catholic Social Teaching — showing love and respect for every person and working for the common good.

Well done, Elle! We are very proud of you.

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A TIME FOR REMEMBRANCE

In our Catholic tradition, November holds a special significance as a time to remember and honour those who have departed from this world and are now with our Lord.

During our upcoming half-term break, we observe two important days. On 1st November, we celebrate All Saints’ Day, dedicated to recognising all the saints in Heaven who have faithfully served God. The following day, 2nd November, is All Souls’ Day, a day devoted to praying for the souls of the departed.

We encourage you, both as families and individuals, to take time this month to remember your loved ones and those in your community who have passed away. Let this be an opportunity to renew our love and remembrance for them.

Our Year 6 pupils have been selling poppies in school this week and will continue to do so during the first week back after the half-term break. We will, of course, observe our own minute’s silence on Tuesday, 11th November, to honour those who have sacrificed their lives in service to others.

We invite you to join us in daily prayer:

“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”

“I will be with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20

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SCHOOL COUNCIL – CHARITY NEWS

This week, the School Council met with Mr Fernandes to finalise the charity focus for Advent.

After some discussion about class capacity and workload, the Council decided to defer the St Luke’s Hospice Biz Kids campaign until 2026. They are still deciding which class will take on this exciting challenge in the future.

The more immediate focus is on helping others this Christmas. The Council has chosen to support St Wilfrid’s Centre by collecting items for their Reverse Advent Calendar project. More details to follow soon.

The children have also organised a Christmas Own Clothes Day for Wednesday 17 December. Everyone is invited to come to school wearing Christmas-themed clothes, jumpers, or their own clothes, and to bring a minimum £1 donation for the Bethlehem Care and Hospice Trust.

Through these activities, the School Council is putting Catholic Social Teaching into action — showing love for their neighbours, caring for those in need, and sharing joy during the season of Advent.

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35

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