“The Eucharist is source and summit of Christian life” – CCC1324
At St. Joseph’s we believe that the Eucharist is ‘the source and summit of Christian life’ as stated in the catechism and we endeavour for our staff and students to have as regular access to Mass as possible, with respect to clergy availability.
In addition to the weekly Tuesday morning parish Mass which our students take leadership of, we also host significant whole-year group Masses at key moments throughout the year, some of which are outlined below.
Staff commissioning Mass: On the first Inset day of the school year all staff (leadership, teaching and support) come together in St. James’ RC church to be commissioned for the year ahead. We reflect on the theme of ‘Here I am Lord’ (Isaiah 6:8) to reflect upon our own vocations in Catholic Education. This is led by a wide range of staff who undertake liturgical ministries.
Our school year begins with a Year 7 welcome Mass celebrated by Fr. Simon Weymes for our new students. We reflect upon the idea of being called by name and ‘letting our light shine’ inspired by our Mission statement. Students work hard to prepare the hymns, readings, bidding prayers, spirited artwork banner offerings and serve the altar led by our liturgical leaders.
Our Year 12 and 13 students come together every October for our Sixth Form welcome Mass celebrated by Fr. Andrew Shaw. Again, students prepare in tutor groups for the hymns, artwork, readings, write prayers and undertake liturgical ministries.
During Advent, in addition to Spiritual Development Day Celebrations of the Word in the church, students in KS3 have the opportunity to attend an Advent Mass. In Lent, Year 10 celebrate a Holy Week Mass.
For the feast of Pentecost, in collaboration with the MFL department, Year 9 students lead a special Mass in different languages to reflect the languages of students from different countries in our school including Arabic, Ukrainian, Polish, French, Spanish and Hindi. Year 7 students contribute a re-enactment of the Pentecost story during the Gospel reading.