ST WILLIAM’S PARISH MASS
Last week, children from St. Marie’s helped to lead the 9.30am Mass at St. William’s Parish.
The children read the First and Second Reading and the Bidding Prayers. They also took up the Offertory gifts and sang and signed Be Still for the Presence of the Lord.
The children were wonderful ambassadors for our school. They read clearly and confidently, so everyone could hear them. After Mass, many members of the congregation told us how much they enjoyed the children’s reading and singing.
Well done to all the children who took part. Thank you to parents and families for coming along to support them too.
#WeWalkWithJesus
YEAR 1 VISITS ST JOHN’S CHURCH
As part of their RE learning this week, Year 1 visited St John’s Ranmoor. They were welcomed by the Vicar, Matthew, who told the children about the church community and how he also cares for people across the wider parish.
During their visit, the children enjoyed two activities: they sketched some of the beautiful stained-glass windows and became church spotters, looking carefully for different features such as the font, the candles and the altar.
The children also learned that St John’s does not have holy water at the entrance because it is only used during Baptism.
When they returned to school, the children finished their visit by singing Rolling Over the Ocean.
#WeLoveEachOther
BISHOP RALPH’S GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION
On Friday 10th July, Noah and Nathania proudly represented St. Marie’s at Bishop Ralph’s Golden Jubilee Mass, celebrating 50 years of his priestly ministry.
It was a very special and memorable occasion. Noah enjoyed seeing the different bishops and watching Bishop Ralph concelebrate the Mass. We were also excited to see Cardinal Vincent Nichols.
Nathania enjoyed meeting pupils from many other schools who had come to celebrate together.
During the Mass, Bishop Ralph thanked everyone for their support and reminded us of the words of Pope St John Paul II when he visited England in 1982:
“You are the Church of today and the hope of tomorrow.”
It was a wonderful day, and we were proud to represent our school at this joyful celebration.
YEAR 6 PADLEY PILGRIMAGE
On Tuesday 14th July, our Year 6 pupils took part in the annual Padley Pilgrimage, joining pupils from Catholic schools across the Diocese of Hallam for this special day of prayer and reflection. Setting off from the beautiful Mayfield Valley in pleasant, breezy conditions, our route took us past the Norfolk Arms and through Lady Canning’s Plantation, before following the ancient Roman Road to Fox House and the Longshaw Estate. We then descended through the stunning Padley Gorge to Grindleford and finally arrived at Padley Chapel.
Throughout our journey, we paused to pray to Our Lady, our parish saints, and reflected on the courage, faith and determination of Blessed Robert Ludlam and Blessed Nicholas Garlick, whose witness continues to inspire us today.
Our pilgrimage concluded with the celebration of Mass, led by Rev Mgr Desmond Sexton VG. It was a beautiful and prayerful service, bringing together pupils and staff from Catholic schools across the Diocese of Hallam in a shared celebration of faith.
After Mass and lunch, our Year 6 pupils explored the historic Padley Chapel, where Mr Bonner gave a fascinating talk about its history and the important role it continues to play within the Diocese of Hallam.
The day ended with a short walk back to Grindleford Station before catching the train home to Sheffield. It was a wonderful day of prayer, fellowship, reflection and perseverance, giving our Year 6 pupils the opportunity to deepen their faith, build friendships with pupils from other Catholic schools, and walk together in the footsteps of the Derbyshire Martyrs.
#WeWalkWithJesus
LEAVER’S END OF YEAR THANKSGIVING MASS
On Wednesday morning, the staff and children of our school came together at St. John’s Church in Ranmoor for our special End of Year Thanksgiving Mass. It was a joyful and prayerful occasion, giving us the chance to thank God for all the blessings of this school year.
The Mass was extra special as it was also our Leavers’ Mass, lovingly led by Fr. Lee and our amazing Year 6 children. They helped to lead the readings, prayers, and singing beautifully, making it a truly memorable and moving service for everyone present.
We gave thanks for all we have learned and shared together this year, and we prayed for our Year 6 pupils as they get ready to move on to secondary school. We ask God to bless them and guide them as they take their next steps.
A big thank you to everyone who helped prepare for the Mass – especially our Year 6 children, staff, and families who joined us. It was a lovely way to end the year together in faith and celebration.
