Advent/Christmas Liturgies – Just Be!

This year’s Advent Liturgy focused on what it means to BE Christian, giving our students the opportunity to reflect on how all people may achieve this – through their thoughts, words, and actions.

Socrates, the Greek Philosopher, stated that “To BE is to DO”.

Sartres, the 20th Century Philosopher, built upon the idea set by Socrates, and stated “To DO is to BE”.

Therefore, by following the example set by Jesus, and acting in a loving way towards others, DOing loving and caring things, we too can BE Christian.

The final and underlying message within the Liturgy was to remind students that, through living out the ethos and mission of our school, “To Give Back”, striving to be the best version of ourselves, we can all make our lives, and the lives of those around us better – JUST BE!

Staff Reflection – Angelus

On 8th December, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.

This also marks the Feast Day of our school.

When the school originally opened, at 11am each day the Angelus Bell was rung. At this time the school stopped to recite the Angelus Prayer.

On 8th December this year, we met at the statue of Our Lady in the Walled Garden to remember and share this tradition and prayer.

Celebrating our Advent Liturgy

On our final day of term, students at Mount St Mary’s were able to lead and experience our Advent Liturgy, which brought our community together and helped us prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. The event created a vivid display with a manger filled with straw, waiting for the Christ child to arrive. A purple sash and display of candles to the crucifix helped to remind us all that, as Christians, our role is one of sacrifice and service.

Our choir and student leaders helped bring the meaning of Advent to life with readings from the Gospels, echoing our belief that Jesus is the fulfilment of prophecy from the Old Testament and that we can learn much from Mary’s ultimate obedience and faith in God. Music and scripture helped all within our community to reflect on the true meaning of Christ’s arrival in our lives, both now and 2000 years ago and made a poignant connection between this and our deeper relationship with God.

We went to the Cathedral in Leeds City Centre to celebrate our Leavers’ Mass together.

With over 200 students and their family members, it was the best attendance we have ever had.

Many thanks to the Mass Band and Choir for their beautiful performances throughout the service. It was also great to see everyone join us afterwards for refreshments in Wheeler Hall. The students then collected their Leavers’ Hoodies. It was a joyous end to a wonderful evening together.

Recently we celebrated the coming together of our Year 7 community with a Pastoral Day during school hours, followed by a Welcome Mass in the evening. Throughout the day our students participated in a selection of activities that encouraged them to reflect on the first half-term at secondary school, appreciate the positive relationships that they have built and consider their next steps for the future. It is clear that our students understand how a culture of togetherness makes us stronger. The Year 7 team could not have been prouder of the way that our students conducted themselves and the energy that they afforded to all of the tasks that they were set. It was especially humbling to hear the prayers of intersession that our students produced on behalf of their form and the undertone of Retribuam that echoed everything that we represent and the values that we endeavour to promote. Following the challenges that we have faced as a society, it was an extremely special moment to be able to invite families to our school hall again to take part in collective worship. We cannot thank you enough for all of your support and the efforts you have made to help the exceptional young individuals in our year group to feel recognised for their achievements so far. Our journey has been a massive success so far, I look forward to us facing future challenges as a collective and becoming even “Stronger Together” as result.