The Liturgical Year

Ash Wednesday

Deacon Brendan joined us last week to lead us in our Ash Wednesday service. He reminded us not to be gloomy during Lent, but to focus on the good work we can do to help others, and to grow closer to God. The children shared readings, offerings, prayer and beautiful singing. 

The Feast of the Epiphany

We gathered together on our first day of the new year to celebrate the feast of the Epiphany. Through readings, prayer and song, the children recalled the visit of the wise men to Jesus. We talked about sharing gifts that cannot be bought or wrapped: love, kindness, friendship, time. Our missions is to share these gifts with others as we begin the new term. 

Advent

Father Michael visited to lead our Advent service and to celebrate the first week of Advent. He talked to us about how we can prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus, by being loving and giving. We shared readings, prayer, reflection and song.

Remembrance

Father Michael led us in Mass to celebrate the feast of All Saints and we said prayers for All Souls. During November, classes made poppy wreathes, with Year 6 pupils adding photos of loved ones they wanted to remember. In Year 1 and 2, we learnt the Eternal Rest and prayed for friends, family and pets who have died. 

Harvest Assembly

We gathered together to give thanks for the harvest and for the gift of creation. Father John led us in prayer and asked us to think about sharing what we have. Class eco-monitors shared their eco-pledges with us and pupils in EYFS and KS1 performed a song. Many children shared their artistic talents in the harvest art competition making it very difficult to choose winners! Everyone enjoyed singing the Harvest Samba, complete with Makaton signing and a two-part harmony - well done! 

Beginning of the School Year

Father Michael joined us to celebrate Mass for the beginning of the school year. We thought about our shared mission and reflected on the season of creation. Our chaplains and new staff members received a blessing and Year Six pupils gathered for the Our Father. Reception Class joined us as part of the offertory and everyone sang beautifully. 

Rosary Club

It is always lovely to welcome children of all ages to Rosary Club during May! We learnt about how to pray the rosary and prayed together in the garden. When the weather was poor, we gathered indoors and sang the echo Hail Mary.

The Feast of the Ascension and Pentecost

Father Michael celebrated Mass with us on the Feast of the Ascension. It was a good time to reflect on our shared mission. Lizmary and Hinna did a great job serving and, as always, the children sang beautifully.

Pupils in Reception Class and Year One and Two have been learning the Pentecost story through role-play and writing. They also created art work to demonstrate the energy given to the disciples by the Holy Spirit. 

Lent

Before we began the season of Lent, the children enjoyed celebrating Mardi Gras with research, art work and a whole school parade! Father John led us in our Ash Wednesday service, which gave us time to pause and reflect on how we will grow more like Jesus during Lent. This year, each week we will focus on a different theme, linking to Catholic Social Teaching and thinking about how we can support others. Our chaplains have been involved as well, visiting classes and explaining the 'postcards of kindness' initiative to the children. 

                          

Advent

Father John joined us in early December to lead us in prayer for our Advent service. Pupils shared readings and reflections, and Reception Class offered their Advent angels and nativity scenes. Many children entered the Advent art competition, with a range of beautiful drawings, paintings, sculpture, collage and even a mobile!

 

November

In November, we welcomed Father Michael to celebrate Mass for the feast of All Saints. We thought about how our school, parish and house saints inspire us, and how we can be future saints. 

As well as making and wearing poppies to mark Remembrance Sunday, we also created an ofrenda altar in the front entrance, as a way to honour lost loved ones. 

Harvest

The children raised the roof with their singing at our Harvest Assembly! We welcomed Deacon Brendan who led us in prayer before we heard readings from several pupils. We were joined by Natalie from St Albans and District Foodbank who thanked everyone for their donations and explained a bit more about the important work they do. Our Eco-Monitors shared their pledges to care for creation and the winners of our Beauty in Creation art competition were announced. 

Mass for the Beginning of the School Year

We welcomed Father John on Wednesday morning, to celebrate our first Mass of the new school year, and Father's first Mass at our school. Our youngest pupils, Reception Class, were welcomed as part of the offertory procession, and did very well in stating their names clearly for all to hear. Parents and grandparents commented on the children's lovely singing, and the inclusive nature of the service. Everyone was given a mission to carry out - to find a minute or two to be totally silent and allow God to speak to us. 

Year Six Leavers Mass

As another year came to an end, we celebrated our wonderful Year Six pupils with a Mass in the evening. The hall was full of proud parents, carers and extended family, gathered together in worship to mark the end of the children's journey at St John Fisher School, as they embark on their next chapter. We also said farewell and good luck to Father Andrew before he leaves for his new parish in September. 

Libby (Y6) noted: 'It was really beautiful and a lovely way to connect with God and finish my time at SJF.' 

           

Feast of St John Fisher

On June 22nd, Father Andrew joined us on our feast day to celebrate Mass. The children enjoyed learning more about our patron saint and everyone sang beautifully. Classes enjoyed a variety of treats later on to mark our special day. A week later, we gathered again as Father Michael led us in a service for the feast of SS Peter and Paul. 

May month of Mary

Every Tuesday lunchtime in May, pupils were invited to Rosary Club, for activities and prayer. We made use of our prayer garden when the weather was fine!

The Feast of the Ascension

Our Chaplaincy Team attended Mass at SS Alban and Stephen Church and represented the school brilliantly. They read well and were respectful throughout. They responded thoughtfully to Father Andrew's questions during the homily too. 

Lent 2023

Father Michael led our Reconciliation service for pupils in Years 1, 2, 3 and Reception. We shared prayers, reading and reflections on the theme of forgiveness. Pupils in Years 4, 5 and 6 took part in class services led by Father Michael and Father Andrew, in which they had the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation or a blessing. 

Pupils from our Chaplaincy Team led Lent prayers for parents in the hall at 8.30am during the last week of term. This proved to be a very peaceful way to start the day and to take time to reflect on the season of Lent. 

Father Michael joined us on Ash Wednesday to lead our service for pupils and families. One parent commented:

“It was a pleasure to attend the Ash Wednesday service at school to hear how the children were preparing for Lent. They all engaged so well with Fr Michael and committed to their Lenten promises. As a parent, it was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on my own spiritual journey as Lent begins, and as always, the children sang beautifully!”