Our Chaplain for St Barnabas Trust Schools
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Hi. I'm Frances, the chaplain for St Barnabas Trust, which includes St Mary's, Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, St Augustine's, St Teresa's and Trinity Schools. I help to develop the Catholic life of the Trust, through drama, music, prayer and discussion. It's great to spend time with the children at school and help them to explore their faith.
Below is my chaplaincy twitter @SBTchaplaincy This will keep you updated on what is happening in the St Barnabas Trust and the Nottingham Diocese. Frances School Chaplain |
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26th March 2018
We started Holy Week at school with the stations of the cross.
Each class had chance to come and reflect on The Stations of the Cross and the suffering that Jesus went through for us.
This is what our faith is all about and it gave us the chance, not to just think with our head but with our heart about how much Jesus loves us.
We went away with the challenge to tell others about The Stations of the Cross and all we had learnt.
Each class had chance to come and reflect on The Stations of the Cross and the suffering that Jesus went through for us.
This is what our faith is all about and it gave us the chance, not to just think with our head but with our heart about how much Jesus loves us.
We went away with the challenge to tell others about The Stations of the Cross and all we had learnt.
19th March 2018
The lovely children in the nursery have been on retreat today thinking about growing.
We thought about different things that grow like plants, trees and us!
We thought about how in Lent our hearts 'grow' with kindness and love as we think about others like Jesus did.
To remind us of this we planted seeds which will hopefully turn into beautiful flowers.
We thought about different things that grow like plants, trees and us!
We thought about how in Lent our hearts 'grow' with kindness and love as we think about others like Jesus did.
To remind us of this we planted seeds which will hopefully turn into beautiful flowers.
The Chaplaincy Team
CAFODs campaign at the moment is called 'POWER TO BE' - it is all about giving our brothers and sisters in the third world the power to achieve all they hope and dream for.
The Chaplaincy Team have been teaching the rest of the school about this campaign and supporting the great work of CAFOD!
The Chaplaincy Team have been teaching the rest of the school about this campaign and supporting the great work of CAFOD!
5th March 2018
Year 4 spent their retreat morning thinking about how important our mass is.
We looked at the Introductory Rite and all it contains. We created dramas and story boards about this.
Then we looked at our lives and how spending time with God can bring balance and joy to all we do.
In the afternoon year 1 were on retreat thinking about the special meal that Jesus shared with his friends - The Last Supper.
We spoke about different meals we have been too, what we might eat and wear and who might be there.
We then made dramas and art work about the Last Supper.
It was a lovely day!
Year 4 spent their retreat morning thinking about how important our mass is.
We looked at the Introductory Rite and all it contains. We created dramas and story boards about this.
Then we looked at our lives and how spending time with God can bring balance and joy to all we do.
In the afternoon year 1 were on retreat thinking about the special meal that Jesus shared with his friends - The Last Supper.
We spoke about different meals we have been too, what we might eat and wear and who might be there.
We then made dramas and art work about the Last Supper.
It was a lovely day!
Year 4
Year 1
26 February 2018
Today year 2 were on retreat thinking about the Eucharist and Thanksgiving.
We thought about all the things we are thankful for, especially that Jesus gave his life to take away our sins.
We wrote thank you prayers to each other and created dramas about saying 'thank you!'
In the afternoon year 5 were on retreat reflecting on the season of Lent and the sacrifice Jesus made for us. We imagined we were at the last supper and thought about how we would feel hearing Jesus say those special words "do this in memory of me."
The day was completed with a Lenten whole school Liturgy led by the Chaplaincy Team.
All in all a great start back after half term!
Today year 2 were on retreat thinking about the Eucharist and Thanksgiving.
We thought about all the things we are thankful for, especially that Jesus gave his life to take away our sins.
We wrote thank you prayers to each other and created dramas about saying 'thank you!'
In the afternoon year 5 were on retreat reflecting on the season of Lent and the sacrifice Jesus made for us. We imagined we were at the last supper and thought about how we would feel hearing Jesus say those special words "do this in memory of me."
The day was completed with a Lenten whole school Liturgy led by the Chaplaincy Team.
All in all a great start back after half term!
Year 2
Year 5
Chaplaincy Team |
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12th February 2018
Today F2 have been on retreat thinking about gathering together to be with Jesus.
We looked at the bible story of 'Jesus and the little children' and imagined what we should say to Jesus if we were sat with him.
In the afternoon Year 6 looked at different bible stories then planned class liturgies on their favourite ones. They were fantastic!
To end the day the chaplaincy team led a whole school liturgy about loving our neighbour and helping those in need. A perfect way to start our Lenten preparations.
Today F2 have been on retreat thinking about gathering together to be with Jesus.
We looked at the bible story of 'Jesus and the little children' and imagined what we should say to Jesus if we were sat with him.
In the afternoon Year 6 looked at different bible stories then planned class liturgies on their favourite ones. They were fantastic!
To end the day the chaplaincy team led a whole school liturgy about loving our neighbour and helping those in need. A perfect way to start our Lenten preparations.
F2
Year 6
29th January 2018
Today the nursery children have been on retreat thinking about Celebrations!
We spoke about different celebrations we had been too, like birthday parties and baptisms. Then we heard the story about Jesus celebrating at a wedding.
Later we made our own church as mass is the most important celebration of all!
It was a busy, fun filled day!
Today the nursery children have been on retreat thinking about Celebrations!
We spoke about different celebrations we had been too, like birthday parties and baptisms. Then we heard the story about Jesus celebrating at a wedding.
Later we made our own church as mass is the most important celebration of all!
It was a busy, fun filled day!
22 January 2018
Today year 1 were on retreat thinking about special people in our church.
We even had some visitors from year 5 and 6 to talk to us about being altar servers.
We also had our own 'fake' mass where all of the class played the special roles from priest to taking the collection.
It was a very special retreat where we learnt lots about our church and the special people that are part of it.
Today year 1 were on retreat thinking about special people in our church.
We even had some visitors from year 5 and 6 to talk to us about being altar servers.
We also had our own 'fake' mass where all of the class played the special roles from priest to taking the collection.
It was a very special retreat where we learnt lots about our church and the special people that are part of it.
8th January 2017
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Back at school after the Christmas holidays we made sure we didn't forget those special people from the nativity story - the Wise Men! Year 2 were on Retreat thinking about the Feast of the Epiphany. They thought about what gifts they would bring baby Jesus and the gifts God has blessed them with.
In the afternoon the chaplaincy team led a fantastic liturgy teaching us all about this special feast day. It was a great way to start the term!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Back at school after the Christmas holidays we made sure we didn't forget those special people from the nativity story - the Wise Men! Year 2 were on Retreat thinking about the Feast of the Epiphany. They thought about what gifts they would bring baby Jesus and the gifts God has blessed them with.
In the afternoon the chaplaincy team led a fantastic liturgy teaching us all about this special feast day. It was a great way to start the term!
27th November 2017
Today, Nursery and Year 4 have been on retreat, preparing for Advent.
Nursery has been making Advent wreaths with green handprints. Afterwards, some of the children led a fantastic liturgy on being awake and ready for Jesus’ birth.
Year 4 thought about things they have waited for, and made watches to remind us that we are waiting for Jesus.
It was a lovely day, getting us all in the Advent spirit.
Today, Nursery and Year 4 have been on retreat, preparing for Advent.
Nursery has been making Advent wreaths with green handprints. Afterwards, some of the children led a fantastic liturgy on being awake and ready for Jesus’ birth.
Year 4 thought about things they have waited for, and made watches to remind us that we are waiting for Jesus.
It was a lovely day, getting us all in the Advent spirit.
Nursery
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Year 4
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13th November 2017
Today, Year 3 was on retreat, thinking about the sacrament of Baptism. We looked at all the signs and symbols and reflected on them. We looked at Holy water and how special it is and also learned that it wipes away our sins.
Then we made friendship bracelets to remind us that, when we get Baptised, we join Gods Team!
We ended with time to reflect on our own faith journey.
It was a really special day.
It was also the start of Anti-Bullying Week. The Chaplaincy Team led a fantastic Liturgy on this year’s theme - 'All different. All equal.' It was a great way to launch Anti-Bullying Week.
Today, Year 3 was on retreat, thinking about the sacrament of Baptism. We looked at all the signs and symbols and reflected on them. We looked at Holy water and how special it is and also learned that it wipes away our sins.
Then we made friendship bracelets to remind us that, when we get Baptised, we join Gods Team!
We ended with time to reflect on our own faith journey.
It was a really special day.
It was also the start of Anti-Bullying Week. The Chaplaincy Team led a fantastic Liturgy on this year’s theme - 'All different. All equal.' It was a great way to launch Anti-Bullying Week.
At the end of the day, some of the chaplaincy team members led a fantastic liturgy on the CAFOD campaign Power to Be - teaching us about raising awareness to give those who are less fortunate more power to achieve all they hope for.
30th October 2017
The children of Year 2 were in retreat today, thinking about Baptism. We looked at how Holy Water washes away our sins, and thought about the things we wanted to say sorry for. Then we washed away our sins and felt refreshed.
After this, we made friendship bracelets to remind us that, when we get baptised, we become God's friend and join his family.
In the afternoon, Year 4 went on retreat to think about people's calling in life. We thought about what we hope to do in the future and then reflected on how our calling is also to spread God's word - we are his hands on earth.
It was a lovely day and gave us time to reflect.
The children of Year 2 were in retreat today, thinking about Baptism. We looked at how Holy Water washes away our sins, and thought about the things we wanted to say sorry for. Then we washed away our sins and felt refreshed.
After this, we made friendship bracelets to remind us that, when we get baptised, we become God's friend and join his family.
In the afternoon, Year 4 went on retreat to think about people's calling in life. We thought about what we hope to do in the future and then reflected on how our calling is also to spread God's word - we are his hands on earth.
It was a lovely day and gave us time to reflect.
Year 2
9th October 2017
Today, Year 6 has been on retreat, thinking about 'Unconditional Love'.
We thought about the different people who love and care for us, and why they love us. We made a collage of all the things that make us special.
Following this, we looked at Bible passages that speak of God’s unconditional love and wrote them in our own words to share them with the class.
In the afternoon, F2 were looking at themselves and what makes them so special.
We looked at what Emojis we thought we are like and made our own Emoji's.
To finish the day, we gathered on the carpet for quiet time and prayer.
It was a lovely day!
Today, Year 6 has been on retreat, thinking about 'Unconditional Love'.
We thought about the different people who love and care for us, and why they love us. We made a collage of all the things that make us special.
Following this, we looked at Bible passages that speak of God’s unconditional love and wrote them in our own words to share them with the class.
In the afternoon, F2 were looking at themselves and what makes them so special.
We looked at what Emojis we thought we are like and made our own Emoji's.
To finish the day, we gathered on the carpet for quiet time and prayer.
It was a lovely day!
Year 6
F2
2 October 2017
Today, Year 1 and 5 have been on retreat.
Year 1 thought about 'Family' and how we are all part of one special family - Gods!
We looked at different Bible stories that told us about Jesus’ family and created dramas and art work based on them.
After this, we gathered for a liturgy to thank God for all the people in our family.
Year 5 thought about inspirational people in our world, like Saint Theresa and Pope Francis. We created posted to tell others all about their fantastic work!
Then we spent time affirming each other and letting each person know that they are amazing and special too.
It was a lovely day, giving us all time to reflect.
After school, new and old chaplaincy team members met for the first time this school year. They were eager and enthusiastic to get started, planning liturgies for the term ahead. Exciting times ahead!
Today, Year 1 and 5 have been on retreat.
Year 1 thought about 'Family' and how we are all part of one special family - Gods!
We looked at different Bible stories that told us about Jesus’ family and created dramas and art work based on them.
After this, we gathered for a liturgy to thank God for all the people in our family.
Year 5 thought about inspirational people in our world, like Saint Theresa and Pope Francis. We created posted to tell others all about their fantastic work!
Then we spent time affirming each other and letting each person know that they are amazing and special too.
It was a lovely day, giving us all time to reflect.
After school, new and old chaplaincy team members met for the first time this school year. They were eager and enthusiastic to get started, planning liturgies for the term ahead. Exciting times ahead!
Year 5
Year 1
Y5 Retreat
Today, Year 5 has been thinking about climate change.
We looked at the new CAFOD campaign called 'Power to Be'.
We thought about how we have the power to help those in need, in particular those who don't have power or electricity and how this can affect their lives.
We wrote letters to our local MP to tell him about the promises we have made to look after our world.
It was a fantastic and inspiring retreat.
We looked at the new CAFOD campaign called 'Power to Be'.
We thought about how we have the power to help those in need, in particular those who don't have power or electricity and how this can affect their lives.
We wrote letters to our local MP to tell him about the promises we have made to look after our world.
It was a fantastic and inspiring retreat.
19th June 2017
F2 and Year 3 have been on retreat today.
Despite the heat in F2, we thought about friendship and who our friends are.
We talked about God being our best friend and how all friends are treasures.
Year 3 thought about places that are special to them and places which were special to Jesus.
We also looked at the special place - Lourdes.
It was a hot but wonderful day!
F2 and Year 3 have been on retreat today.
Despite the heat in F2, we thought about friendship and who our friends are.
We talked about God being our best friend and how all friends are treasures.
Year 3 thought about places that are special to them and places which were special to Jesus.
We also looked at the special place - Lourdes.
It was a hot but wonderful day!
F2
Year 3
5th June
Today Year 2 was on retreat, thinking about rules and how God gives us the most important rule of all - love each other.
We thought about how we can sometimes break rules and then we focused on how we can say sorry and forgive.
Year 5 was also on retreat, thinking about our responsibilities in life and how we can turn to our conscience for help and guidance.
It was a fantastic day!
Today Year 2 was on retreat, thinking about rules and how God gives us the most important rule of all - love each other.
We thought about how we can sometimes break rules and then we focused on how we can say sorry and forgive.
Year 5 was also on retreat, thinking about our responsibilities in life and how we can turn to our conscience for help and guidance.
It was a fantastic day!
Year 2
Year 5
22nd May 2017
Today, Year 3 has been on retreat, thinking about choices and how we can all choose to make the right or wrong kind.
We thought about the Prodigal Son and how he made a wrong choice. We then thought about our choices and how we can turn to God and say sorry.
We ended the retreat with a Reconciliation Service.
Today, Year 3 has been on retreat, thinking about choices and how we can all choose to make the right or wrong kind.
We thought about the Prodigal Son and how he made a wrong choice. We then thought about our choices and how we can turn to God and say sorry.
We ended the retreat with a Reconciliation Service.
Year 4 Retreat
Today, Year 4 has been on retreat, thinking about Pentecost.
We imagined we were there as reporters who were writing a newspaper article about what happened.
After this, we looked at the gifts of the Holy Spirit and completed challenges on each gift to see if we could solve them as a team.
It was a great retreat.
Today, Year 4 has been on retreat, thinking about Pentecost.
We imagined we were there as reporters who were writing a newspaper article about what happened.
After this, we looked at the gifts of the Holy Spirit and completed challenges on each gift to see if we could solve them as a team.
It was a great retreat.
20th March 2017
Today, Year 2 was on retreat, looking at Lent and how we can use it as a perfect opportunity to come closer to Jesus and say sorry for anything we have done wrong.
We had a lovely Reconciliation Service together.
Year 6 was also on retreat, thinking about Lent and the Crucifixion.
Some of the chaplaincy team led a fantastic whole school liturgy about Jesus in the desert.
Today, Year 2 was on retreat, looking at Lent and how we can use it as a perfect opportunity to come closer to Jesus and say sorry for anything we have done wrong.
We had a lovely Reconciliation Service together.
Year 6 was also on retreat, thinking about Lent and the Crucifixion.
Some of the chaplaincy team led a fantastic whole school liturgy about Jesus in the desert.
Chaplaincy Team Liturgy
Y6 Retreat
Y2 Retreat
13th March 2017
Today, Year 3 has been on retreat, thinking about listening to and sharing the word of God.
We made dramas about our favourite Bible stories and spoke about the First Confessions that are happening this weekend.
In the afternoon, Year 4 was on retreat, thinking about how Jesus gave his life for us and how we can give more to others, especially during this season of Lent.
Today, Year 3 has been on retreat, thinking about listening to and sharing the word of God.
We made dramas about our favourite Bible stories and spoke about the First Confessions that are happening this weekend.
In the afternoon, Year 4 was on retreat, thinking about how Jesus gave his life for us and how we can give more to others, especially during this season of Lent.
6th March
Today, Year 5 and 1 were on retreat, thinking about the Last Supper and how we 'do this in memory' of Jesus at mass each week. We created our own Last Supper scene and imagined we were there.
Some of the Chaplaincy team also lead a fantastic whole school liturgy on Fairtrade Fortnight.
Today, Year 5 and 1 were on retreat, thinking about the Last Supper and how we 'do this in memory' of Jesus at mass each week. We created our own Last Supper scene and imagined we were there.
Some of the Chaplaincy team also lead a fantastic whole school liturgy on Fairtrade Fortnight.
26th February 2017
Today, the nursery children have been on retreat, thinking about their new RE topic - Gathering.
We talked about how we gather together at school, at home, at clubs and most importantly at church with God. We thought about what we might say if we got to sit and talk with Jesus - just like the children did in Matthew’s Gospel.
We even had a mediation at the end of the session!
It was a great day.
Today, the nursery children have been on retreat, thinking about their new RE topic - Gathering.
We talked about how we gather together at school, at home, at clubs and most importantly at church with God. We thought about what we might say if we got to sit and talk with Jesus - just like the children did in Matthew’s Gospel.
We even had a mediation at the end of the session!
It was a great day.
20th February 2016
Today, F2 has been on retreat, thinking about gathering together at Mass to be with God. We drew picture of ourselves with Jesus and created a collage with them.
In the afternoon, Year 6 had a retreat about their new RE topic, 'Unity'. We thought about how we can share love, happiness and unity each day, and how we can be one person filled with love.
The chaplaincy team met after school to start planning for Lent.
Today, F2 has been on retreat, thinking about gathering together at Mass to be with God. We drew picture of ourselves with Jesus and created a collage with them.
In the afternoon, Year 6 had a retreat about their new RE topic, 'Unity'. We thought about how we can share love, happiness and unity each day, and how we can be one person filled with love.
The chaplaincy team met after school to start planning for Lent.
6th February 2017
Today, Years 4 and 2 have been on retreat.
Year 4 were thinking about our church community and all the important people that make our community special.
Year 2 were thinking about giving thanks to God and how we should say thank you to God every day for all He has given us.
It was a lovely and reflective day.
Today, Years 4 and 2 have been on retreat.
Year 4 were thinking about our church community and all the important people that make our community special.
Year 2 were thinking about giving thanks to God and how we should say thank you to God every day for all He has given us.
It was a lovely and reflective day.
Year 4
Year 2
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30th January 2017
Nursery has been on retreat today, thinking about celebrations. We spoke about the different celebrations we have, like birthdays, weddings, Christmas parties and Baptisms. We remembered how fun they were and how they made us happy and smile! Then we talked about how Mass is a celebration and all the special people that help to Mass happen. After this, we made our own church and drew pictures of ourselves to put into the church for a fantastic celebration! It was a lovely day. 
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23rd January 2017
Today, Year 1 was on retreat, thinking about the special people in our church and the roles they play. We even had some visitors from the Year 6 class. Three altar servers told us all about their special job and why they enjoy doing it so much. We then made our own church with all the special people in it.
In the afternoon, Year 3 had their retreat and went on a prayer journey, looking at different types of prayer. We also spent some time looking at the rosary and the stories of Mary in the Bible.
The chaplaincy team also prepared and led a fantastic liturgy for Holocaust Memorial Day, which is this Friday. It was extremely thought provoking.
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16th January 2017
Today F2 had a lovely retreat day, thinking about 'celebrating'!
We talked about all the different types of celebrations we have, like birthdays, Christmas, Easter, Baptisms and, of course, the most special celebration of all - Mass.
We talked about all the special people that make the Mass happen, like Fr. David, readers and ministers. We even had a visit from the year 6 children who are altar servers.
It was great fun!
Also today, the chaplaincy team worked hard as always , preparing a lovely liturgy about 'happiness' which they showed to the whole school.
We left feeling very HAPPY!
Today F2 had a lovely retreat day, thinking about 'celebrating'!
We talked about all the different types of celebrations we have, like birthdays, Christmas, Easter, Baptisms and, of course, the most special celebration of all - Mass.
We talked about all the special people that make the Mass happen, like Fr. David, readers and ministers. We even had a visit from the year 6 children who are altar servers.
It was great fun!
Also today, the chaplaincy team worked hard as always , preparing a lovely liturgy about 'happiness' which they showed to the whole school.
We left feeling very HAPPY!
9th January 2017
Today Years 2 and 6 have been on retreat, thinking about the feast day of the Epiphany when the wise men came to visit baby Jesus.
The children thought about the star they followed and how special it must have been. They also thought about why they brought the gifts they did.
After this, we thought about the gifts we have been given from God and how we can let them shine each day.
It was a really lovely day for both classes, reflecting on this special feast.
Today Years 2 and 6 have been on retreat, thinking about the feast day of the Epiphany when the wise men came to visit baby Jesus.
The children thought about the star they followed and how special it must have been. They also thought about why they brought the gifts they did.
After this, we thought about the gifts we have been given from God and how we can let them shine each day.
It was a really lovely day for both classes, reflecting on this special feast.
A Round up of the Term: November - December 2016
It's been a great term for Chaplaincy at St Mary's School.
The Chaplaincy team have been very dedicated to their role, leading fantastic liturgies for the rest of the school and meeting after school every Monday to plan and prepare their contributions. The liturgies have focused on lots of engaging topics, such as Anti bullying week, Sundays, Gospels, All Saints' and many more!
We were lucky enough to have Bishop Patrick visit our school and say Mass. During this Mass he also commissioned the Chaplaincy Team, which was very special indeed.
Each week, 2 different classes have been on retreat, looking deeper into the RE topics they are studying. The topics included Baptism, Confirmation and of course Advent!
Our Advent preparations began with a thought-provoking retreat day across the whole of the school. The children had the chance to stop and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, and to think about how they are waiting and preparing for the birth of Jesus.
With Christmas just around the corner, we are all very excited and looking forward to a well earned rest.
Have a happy and Holy Christmas.
Frances - School Chaplain
The Chaplaincy team have been very dedicated to their role, leading fantastic liturgies for the rest of the school and meeting after school every Monday to plan and prepare their contributions. The liturgies have focused on lots of engaging topics, such as Anti bullying week, Sundays, Gospels, All Saints' and many more!
We were lucky enough to have Bishop Patrick visit our school and say Mass. During this Mass he also commissioned the Chaplaincy Team, which was very special indeed.
Each week, 2 different classes have been on retreat, looking deeper into the RE topics they are studying. The topics included Baptism, Confirmation and of course Advent!
Our Advent preparations began with a thought-provoking retreat day across the whole of the school. The children had the chance to stop and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, and to think about how they are waiting and preparing for the birth of Jesus.
With Christmas just around the corner, we are all very excited and looking forward to a well earned rest.
Have a happy and Holy Christmas.
Frances - School Chaplain
Baptism
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Christmas Cards F2
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The chaplaincy team with the Bishop
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Anti-bullying week liturgy
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The Bishop's Mass
On the 22nd November, Bishop Patrick McKinney came to visit our school and celebrate Mass. The Mass was all about friendship, focusing especially on our Venerable Sister Mary Potter and the fantastic work she did in our local area of Hyson Green. During the Mass, Bishop Patrick blessed a special statue of Mary Potter and also commissioned our Chaplaincy Team. It was a very special morning that we won't forget.
31st October 2016
The children in the nursery have been thinking about Baptism. They have been drawing and colouring pictures of a Baptism and looking at pictures of each other's Baptisms
The children in the nursery have been thinking about Baptism. They have been drawing and colouring pictures of a Baptism and looking at pictures of each other's Baptisms
17th October 2016
Year 5 have been on retreat, thinking about marriage and how special it is. We spoke about what ingredients make good relationships and friendships.
Year 5 have been on retreat, thinking about marriage and how special it is. We spoke about what ingredients make good relationships and friendships.
Year 3 have been thinking about Baptism and all its signs and symbols.
The chaplaincy team led a fantastic Liturgy on Mary, as October is Her month.
10th October 2016
This week, Black History Week was celebrated at St Mary's. Year 6 worked hard to prepare an assembly on inspirational black people who invented great things.
This week, Black History Week was celebrated at St Mary's. Year 6 worked hard to prepare an assembly on inspirational black people who invented great things.
F1 have been on retreat thinking about how much God loves us.
3rd October 2016
The Chaplaincy team led a fantastic and thought provoking liturgy for the whole school on God’s love for us. They are fantastic role models for the children at St Mary’s.
The Chaplaincy team led a fantastic and thought provoking liturgy for the whole school on God’s love for us. They are fantastic role models for the children at St Mary’s.
26th September 2016
Year 2 went on retreat to think about 'beginnings' and how God created everything. They looked at the creation story and went out and about, using magnifying glasses, to see all the beauty in the world.
Year 4 have been on retreat, thinking about the people in Jesus’ family, especially focusing on Jacob. They performed dramas about the story of Jacob, looked at their own family trees and thought about how important our families are..
Year 2 went on retreat to think about 'beginnings' and how God created everything. They looked at the creation story and went out and about, using magnifying glasses, to see all the beauty in the world.
Year 4 have been on retreat, thinking about the people in Jesus’ family, especially focusing on Jacob. They performed dramas about the story of Jacob, looked at their own family trees and thought about how important our families are..
19th September 2016
Year 3 has been thinking about their homes and how people help them to be good and kind. We looked at people that inspire us, like Mother Teresa, and bible passages that help us to be more like Jesus.
Year 1 were looking Jesus’ family and their own families. We thought about how important they are and all that they teach us.
Year 3 has been thinking about their homes and how people help them to be good and kind. We looked at people that inspire us, like Mother Teresa, and bible passages that help us to be more like Jesus.
Year 1 were looking Jesus’ family and their own families. We thought about how important they are and all that they teach us.
A New School Year
As we start a new school year, we have been busy welcoming a new chaplaincy team. They are raring to go and have already led their first whole school Liturgy!
On Friday the 16th September, we celebrated Mass in school with Father David to start the new school year. Representatives from every class took part in the Mass and the children worked hard to prepare their part. It was a beautiful mass and a great way to start the school year.
We also welcome to our Trust Bea, who will be a Chaplain alongside me. She is really excited to get going and meet all the young people within the schools in the St Barnabas Trust.
Have a fantastic year everyone!
Frances
On Friday the 16th September, we celebrated Mass in school with Father David to start the new school year. Representatives from every class took part in the Mass and the children worked hard to prepare their part. It was a beautiful mass and a great way to start the school year.
We also welcome to our Trust Bea, who will be a Chaplain alongside me. She is really excited to get going and meet all the young people within the schools in the St Barnabas Trust.
Have a fantastic year everyone!
Frances
Retreat Day – Rules
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On June 6th, Frances led a Retreat afternoon about the importance of rules and what would happen if we had none. During the first part of the session the children watched a story based on the book ‘Guess How Much I Love You’. They then linked this story to Jesus always forgiving us because He loves us all. In table groups, the children created their own drama about doing something wrong then saying sorry. For the final part of the session, the children wrote down some of the things they wanted to say sorry for, then watched them being washed away during a simple service of Reconciliation. |
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Chaplaincy Update
February – April 2016
It’s been a fantastic term for Chaplaincy at St Marys, with all classes getting the opportunity to have a retreat morning or afternoon on their RE topic. It has been a chance for us to focus on Lent and preparing for Jesus death and rising again for us. We have been thinking about what this means to us and how we can try to be more like Jesus this Lent.
And also the true meaning at Easter and all the great things Jesus has blessed us with.
We have also been putting ourselves in the place of the disciples and imagining how they would have felt and thinking about how we can be modern day disciples and spread Jesus word.
Each class have been amazing as always, giving their all to the retreat and making them very special and reflective.
The Chaplaincy Team have been working hard preparing whole school Liturgies on various themes including Lent, the Prodigal son and forgiveness. The school have really enjoyed being part of the Liturgies and seeing how hard the team have worked to prepare them.
They are currently preparing for the month of May and thinking about Our Lady and how important she is to us.
We look forward to another fantastic term!
Frances
School Chaplain
It’s been a fantastic term for Chaplaincy at St Marys, with all classes getting the opportunity to have a retreat morning or afternoon on their RE topic. It has been a chance for us to focus on Lent and preparing for Jesus death and rising again for us. We have been thinking about what this means to us and how we can try to be more like Jesus this Lent.
And also the true meaning at Easter and all the great things Jesus has blessed us with.
We have also been putting ourselves in the place of the disciples and imagining how they would have felt and thinking about how we can be modern day disciples and spread Jesus word.
Each class have been amazing as always, giving their all to the retreat and making them very special and reflective.
The Chaplaincy Team have been working hard preparing whole school Liturgies on various themes including Lent, the Prodigal son and forgiveness. The school have really enjoyed being part of the Liturgies and seeing how hard the team have worked to prepare them.
They are currently preparing for the month of May and thinking about Our Lady and how important she is to us.
We look forward to another fantastic term!
Frances
School Chaplain
A message from our school Chaplains
January – April 2015
This term at St Mary’s, we have enjoyed our on-going chaplaincy work and lots of new activities too.
We have had some fantastic retreat days with all classes so far this year and the children always give thought and effort to these days, meaning that the days are always fun and help to deepen our understanding around RE topics. At the end of retreat days, children have been planning and leading class liturgies which are interesting and inspiring and they are getting better at doing this all the time!
We have had some fantastic retreat days with all classes so far this year and the children always give thought and effort to these days, meaning that the days are always fun and help to deepen our understanding around RE topics. At the end of retreat days, children have been planning and leading class liturgies which are interesting and inspiring and they are getting better at doing this all the time!
The Chaplaincy Team continue to grow in confidence in planning and leading thought-provoking whole school liturgies. Recently, the Chaplaincy Team led a Liturgy to explain the new CAFOD campaign-One Climate One World- and their Lenten challenge within this. Classes are currently working on this ‘Cut it out’ campaign until Easter. We are in the process of recruiting and training some year 4 students at the moment so that the team can keep doing some fantastic work once the year 6 members leave.
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During the spring term, a family prayer group was offered to families after school on Mondays.
The families who attended spent time looking at different bible stories and their relevance to our lives. Currently, a large group of children are staying behind after school on Mondays to take part in Lent-related activities. We spend time looking at different readings each week to explore the meaning of the liturgical season. |
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We continue to visit St Mary’s Church to celebrate Mass and maintain our links with the parish. To celebrate the church’s year of Consecrated Life, all classes went across to the church in February and assisted with the readings and music at a special Mass for those in religious orders to renew their vows. Everyone commented on how respectful children are when they are at church and how willing they always are to be involved in Masses. To end the term and mark Holy Week, all classes went over to church to journey through the Stations of the Cross and remember Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice.
We wish everyone at St Mary’s a happy and holy Easter and look forward to a great summer term.
Frances and Gabie
A message from our school Chaplains
September – December 2014
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It has been a busy and fun filled term here at St Mary’s, with all staff and students taking time to deepen their faith and grow together even more as a community.
Every class have been taking part in special retreat days with Frances one of our Chaplains. These have been based on the RE topic at the time and have allowed the children to look deeper into the subject and explore it through discussion, drama, art and Liturgies. |
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Every Monday afternoon our fantastic Chaplaincy Team has lead the school in a reflective Liturgy to finish the day, these have been about various themes such as the Sundays Gospel or a theme that week for the school such as Anti-bullying.
They work very hard the week before and plan and prepare it and all the school enjoy being part of these special Liturgies. |
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We also had a special whole school homework project to make crosses to put onto our school fence. Fr David came along to bless the crosses on the day they were put onto the fence and the whole school gathered outside to be part of this. They look fantastic and are a great profession of our faith here at St Mary’s school! |
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As always we have had lots of charity days fund raising money for those in need. In particular, a whole St Barnabas Trust event for CAFOD Harvest Fast day in October. We came to school wearing silly clothes to highlight how silly it is that in the world some have so much food while others have nothing. |
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December has come round so fast and we started the month with an advent reflection day and mass with Fr Bill.
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It has then been non stop from there preparing and learning about the birth of the most precious gift of all at Christmas – Jesus and of course not forgetting the schools fantastic Nativities and Carol Services.
We all definitely deserve and happy, relaxing and holy Christmas and look forward to the new year of 2015 and all it will bring! 
Merry Christmas
from Frances & Gabie School Chaplains P.S Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @SBTchaplaincy |
Y2 Baptism Retreat Day - Monday October 13th
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On Monday October 13th Year 2 had a thoughtful and prayerful day thinking about Baptism.
The day was led by our Chaplain, Frances, and it proved to be a wonderful experience for us all. We took parts in lots of activities, sung new songs and wrote prayers. Other activities included making friendship bracelets to remind us that we are friends with God and God loves us and writing something we are sorry for and letting it wash away in water. |
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The children thoroughly enjoyed it and their comments at the end of the day included…
‘It was the perfect day.’
‘I loved helping people to make bracelets.’
‘I enjoyed working together on the Liturgy.’
‘I loved singing the songs because it made me happy.’
‘I thought it was great having Frances in our class for the day.’
‘It was the perfect day.’
‘I loved helping people to make bracelets.’
‘I enjoyed working together on the Liturgy.’
‘I loved singing the songs because it made me happy.’
‘I thought it was great having Frances in our class for the day.’
Year 4 Retreat day
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To end their R.E topic on families, Year 4 had retreat day with the school Chaplain Francis. We thought about us all being part of God’s family and how we are all different. We painted a portrait of someone we don’t usually speak to, and painted on them something that makes them different.
We ended the day with class liturgy, where we used the story of Abraham as our scripture. |
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CAFOD Harvest Fast Day - Friday 3rd of October
Friday the 3rd of October 2014 was CAFOD Harvest Fast Day and this year CAFOD asked us to do something silly to raise money for those in the world who are less fortunate than us, because its so silly that so many people have not enough food and water when so much food in Western countries goes to waste everyday!
Across the whole of the St Barnabas Trust children and staff came to school wearing something silly and here at St Mary's asked staff and students to come in wearing silly clothes!!
We also had a really special assembly lead by our school Chaplaincy Team to help us learn more about the work of CAFOD. It was a really special day.
Across the whole of the St Barnabas Trust children and staff came to school wearing something silly and here at St Mary's asked staff and students to come in wearing silly clothes!!
We also had a really special assembly lead by our school Chaplaincy Team to help us learn more about the work of CAFOD. It was a really special day.
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Y5 Godlike Retreat Day – Monday 22nd September
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Francis, our chaplain, led a retreat day for Year 5 in which we reflected on our current topic Ourselves.
We thought about what it means to be Godlike and follow in the image of God. We watched some video clips to help us think about people who have followed God such as Nelson Mandela and the Muzin family and what qualities these people possess. We then created Godlike superheroes that demonstrate these qualities. |
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We thought about how we can apply these things to our own lives and how we could behave like these people and follow in God’s footsteps.
In the afternoon, we created a liturgy to celebrate everything we have learned about living in the image and likeness of God.
In the afternoon, we created a liturgy to celebrate everything we have learned about living in the image and likeness of God.
A Message from our School Chaplains
July 2014
It’s been a great first term for Chaplaincy at St Mary’s school and the St Barnabas Trust. We have loved spending time with you on Mondays and getting to know you all. Every week a different class has prepared a special Liturgy for the whole school at the end of the day and the whole of year 5 prepared a whole class Liturgy which parents came to as well. It was a great success and they worked extremely hard to make it very special.
The school’s new Chaplaincy team ‘Guiding Lights’ is working hard to spread God’s word across the school. They prepared a Liturgy for the staff and governors and did a special Liturgy on the new CAFOD campaign ‘For the Love of’ where they got the whole school to think about something they love that could be affected by climate change and write it on a heart. Along with the rest of St Barnabas Trust, we will send these hearts to the Government to petition against climate change.
The Chaplaincy Team also went to a day with John Burland to learn new music for school Masses and Liturgies which was great fun! All in all it has been vibrant term and we look forward to finishing the school year with the year 6 leavers Mass.
See you in September!
Frances & Gabie x
School Chaplains
It’s been a great first term for Chaplaincy at St Mary’s school and the St Barnabas Trust. We have loved spending time with you on Mondays and getting to know you all. Every week a different class has prepared a special Liturgy for the whole school at the end of the day and the whole of year 5 prepared a whole class Liturgy which parents came to as well. It was a great success and they worked extremely hard to make it very special.
The school’s new Chaplaincy team ‘Guiding Lights’ is working hard to spread God’s word across the school. They prepared a Liturgy for the staff and governors and did a special Liturgy on the new CAFOD campaign ‘For the Love of’ where they got the whole school to think about something they love that could be affected by climate change and write it on a heart. Along with the rest of St Barnabas Trust, we will send these hearts to the Government to petition against climate change.
The Chaplaincy Team also went to a day with John Burland to learn new music for school Masses and Liturgies which was great fun! All in all it has been vibrant term and we look forward to finishing the school year with the year 6 leavers Mass.
See you in September!
Frances & Gabie x
School Chaplains
St Barnabas Trust Mass
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On the 11th June 2014, St Barnabas trust celebrated their first feast day Mass at Nottingham Cathedral with Fr Andrew Cole. St Mary's, St Teresa's, Our lady's and St Augustine's all brought their year 6 classes and Trinity brought all of year 7. Every school contributed something special to the Mass and it was lovely to see the Cathedral so full with young people celebrating their faith. We look forward to many more trust Masses to come!
Frances and Gabie Chaplains |
