Spirituality

Bishop's Mass at the school

Left (holding the banner) Froilan Pelacio, Matthew Walters, Sophia Brown, Bishop John Sherrington, Toni Mario Ojodi, Monica Hilardo, Cameron Wilson and Andrew Coyne.

We were delighted to welcome Bishop John Sherirngton to Nicholas Breakspear School on Wednesday 18th January 2012. Since his ordination as Auxiliary Bishop in Westminster he has had pastoral responsibility for Hertfordshire and also responsibility for education services in our Diocese. He lead a mass with the pupils, which was also attended by a number of Parish priests and Primary school headteachers.

He has already visited the school. During his visit he spent time talking to and meeting representatives from all aspects of school life. His down to earth approach and warmth endeared him to all who met him. He has offered his support in various endeavours which the school is working on.

The priests who attended were: Father Alan Neville (County Cork) Father Philip Knight, Mary Church Hatfield, Father Charlie Sweeney, St. Albans and St. Stephens and Father Mark Vickers, St. Peters Hatfield.

The Offertory:

"May this symbol of Truth help us to remember and acknowledge the importance of truth in our homes.May we learn to focus on what is honest and right, and not fall to intimidation or falsehood."

Phil Jakszta, the Headteacher of Nicholas Breakspear school, said after the mass: that he was absolutely delighted thet Bishop John Sherrington took the opportunity to talk about the theme of the Olympic ideals and how they relate to the school's gospel values of truth, justice peace and love. The Bishop gave an eloquent and inspiring homily during the mass as to how to live to these values in each of our lives day by day.

"Students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding, largely because of the opportunities they have to reflect deeply on their lives and those of others. Students have a very good understanding of cultural differences and moral principles, and share the school mission’s clearly stated values." (Ofsted Report 2011)

"This is an inclusive community and those of other Christian denominations play a significant part in the prayer life of the school." (Diocese of Westminster Report 2011)

All departments work to enable students in their search for meaning. Spiritual development is encouraged by a questioning and searching attitude about the self. Together with the home and parish, the whole school spiritual and pastoral experience, leads to a healthy spiritual growth.

We encourage students to use their imaginations to see inside the heart of things and as far as possible, to empathise with others in their search for meaning. We provide opportunities for our students to reflect upon their own experiences and express their inner thoughts in a variety of ways and to do so within an atmosphere of affirmation, trust and mutual respect in which they can listen to each other.

"All pupils feel comfortable in sharing their faith and this is a verypowerful message." (Diocese of Westminster Report 2011)

The Bishop with two members of the school council, now well acquainted after their second meeting.

Phil Jakzsta with the Bishop and Mrs. Maraid Waugh, Headteacher of St. Philip Howard Primary School in Hatfield.

Head of RE, Miss Ella McCarthy thanked the students involved for all their hard work and effort in helping to organise and contribute to the mass with beautiful singing and bidding prayers, and also the students who attended, for their attention and reverence.

 

"Prayer life and collective worship are clearly at the heart of the school." (Diocese of Westminster Report 2011)

We celebrate Holy days in large community gatherings. Additionally each year group celebrates Mass twice a year.

End of Term Liturgy 2011

The MSC Trophy

The aims of the MSC order is to show the heart of Christ to those around us. The trophy recognises the contribution of a student who reflects this by showing the heart of Christ to those in our school community.