Twelve year 9 students had the opportunity to attend a university-style lecture with Professor Robert Song from Durham University’s school of Theology and Religious studies today.

We joined students at St. Wilfrid’s for a morning of academic discussion, lectures and question and answers. Students explored the ethics of self-driving cars, artificial intelligence, climate change and how we make ethical decisions.

They also had the opportunity to discuss what studying Theology and Religious Studies is like at university level.
God bless.

Year 7 students at St. Joseph’s undertaking the Faith in Action award served the Altar as part of the South Tyneside Year 6 Leavers’ Mass today at St. James’ RC church. Students processed the cross and the candles, took up the offertory and served the Altar.

Bishop Seamus presided the Mass, supported by Fr. Adrian and Fr. Dixon which was a wonderful celebration of students’ time at their primary schools and starting the next exciting stage in their spiritual journey.

We are really proud of our students serving in their local parish and supporting the spiritual journey of our new students coming to us in September. Well done.

God bless.

This week, ten of our wonderful year 9 students attended the annual YMT summer festival at the Youth Village in Consett.

The festival is a celebration of faith and is a great week of camping, contemporary worship music, guest speakers, games, dancing and a great opportunity to make friends with other young people across the diocese. Led by Miss Knox and Miss Short, students were brilliant ambassadors for St. Joseph’s and got involved with all the activities at the festival.

The festival was headlined by world-renowned faith rapper Guvna B who has written many songs about growing up as a Christian.

Thank you to everyone who went and to Miss Knox and Miss Short for leading the trip.

God bless

Strike Partial Closure Next Week

On Monday 3rd July, 10 of our students undertaking their Faith in Action and Pope John Paul II awards visited the Newcastle Sikh Gurdwara.

They were treated to a fascinating tour of the Gurdwara, first-hand explanation of the key parts of Sikh faith, they experience Sikh music and meditation and explored the importance of Seva, which means selfless service to others. Students had the opportunity to serve in the community kitchen which is a key feature of all Gurdwaras. This involved preparing food, making the beautiful food, serving it to those who attended the langar and then even some washing up…they were awesome!

Students also had the opportunity to eat in the langar too which was delicious. It was an honour and a privilege to explore the Sikh faith first hand and we are grateful to everyone at the Gurdwara and the North East Sikh service for hosting us, educating us and allowing us to help serve the local community.

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