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First Holy Communion Going Forth Mass

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On Sunday, the First Holy Communion children celebrated their ‘Going Forth’ Mass, where they received their certificates from Fr Bill.

Here they are together, and collecting their certificates.

First Holy Communion Day

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Some of our Year 4 children made their first Holy Communion on Saturday June 14th.  It was a wonderful mass – the church was filled with families, friends and staff to support the children, the children read beautifully and looked amazing!  Everyone was so proud of them!

After Mass, the children headed down to the church hall which was decorated with beautiful artwork, prayers, poems and cards made by their St Bede’s family.  The children then tucked into their First Holy Communion breakfast before continuing the celebrations at home with their families.

Durham Cathedral Choir

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Durham Cathedral Choir is looking for the next generation of Boy and Girl Choristers. We would like to invite children from your school, and their parents/guardians, to attend our free Chorister Experience event on Saturday 10 May at Durham Cathedral.

This is a unique opportunity for any child in school years 2-6 to sing with the Choristers in the Cathedral.

Please note: We are especially keen to hear from girls in Year 3 and 4 and boys in Year 3. There are currently no spaces for girls in Year 5 in the Cathedral Choir as that year is full – children in that year are welcome to attend this event but won’t be able to audition.

 

Here is an outline timetable:

12.30pm          Registration in the Cathedral’s Chapter House

12.50pm          Welcome

1.10pm            Choir Practice

2.00pm            Craft activity, tour of the Cathedral and organ playing activity

3.30pm            Break (with a snack provided)

4.15pm            Choir Practice in the Cathedral

5.30pm            Evensong

 

Parents and guardians are encouraged to take part, and follow their own schedule of events, culminating in seeing their children singing as part of the Choir at Evensong.

More information can be found here: Choristers and Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation – Durham Cathedral

Flyer (Click Here)

Registration Form (Click Here)

 

Bishop Stephen Visit

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We were thrilled to welcome Bishop Stephen to our school yesterday. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the parents and community members who supported us and joined in our beautiful Lenten walk – the weather was absolutely perfect! Bishop Stephen was especially impressed by our amazing choir, who entertained everyone during afternoon tea. Both Bishop Stephen and Father Bill were delighted with the thoughtful gifts from our Nursery, which captured their likenesses perfectly. Everyone at St Bede’s had a wonderful, prayerful day, making it the perfect conclusion to a very busy half term.

Easter Mystery

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On the last day of term, children in EYFS and KS1 will be given a copy of The Easter Story to share with their families at home.  KS2 children will be given a copy of the Stations of the Cross, with images drawn by the Mini Vinnies, to take home to share with their families also.

By sharing the Easter story and the Passion of Christ, we remember the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.  As a family, please take time to stop and think about the true meaning of Easter.

We wish you all a happy, healthy and holy Easter!

Stations of the Cross

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During Lent, the children in Years 5 and 6 and in Years 3 and 4 enjoyed the experience of leading Stations of the Cross with parishioners at St Bede’s Church.

Here are some photos of Years 3 and 4 in church after Mass today.

Reception’s Easter Celebration of the Word

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This morning Reception performed a wonderful Easter Celebration of the Word for their families. They said their lines so confidently, sang beautifully and shared some lovely messages about the meaning of Easter and new life.

Yr 1’s Celebration of the Word – Meals

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Year 1 led a beautiful Celebration of the Word on the theme of Meals, reflecting on the special meals we share and the most important meal of all – the Mass.

Through prayers, songs, and scripture, the children thought about how Jesus shared meals with his friends and gave us the gift of the Eucharist. They shared their own memories of special meals with family and friends, reminding us of the joy of coming together.

Year 4 visit Fr Bill in church

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Year 4 has been learning about the celebration of Mass as part of the Eucharist topic.  We visited Fr Bill in church who took us into the chapel to explain in more detail the parts of the Mass and what happens at each stage of the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Fr Bill showed the children some of the books used throughout the Liturgy of the Word and the sacred vessels used in the Liturgy of the Eucharist.  They were even allowed to taste the unconsecrated host.

The children were very knowledgeable and asked lots of good questions.

 

Mrs Brown visits Year 4

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Year 4 invited Mrs Brown, a member of the parish and former dinner lady of St Bede’s, to come and talk to them about the role of the laity in St Bede’s parish.

Mrs Brown talked to the children about what she does in church and the role of the laity in the parish.  She also gave the children a Mass sheet and talked them through the various roles that parishioners undertake throughout the Mass.

Mrs Brown spoke to the children about the various roles within the parish.  These include:

  • Sacristans – People who get the altar ready for Mass.
  • Welcomers – Someone who greets people at the door of the church.
  • Altar servers (there are 2 servers who carry the candles and 1 who carries the crucifix).
  • Readers – the main reader (who processes in with the priest and altar servers). The 1st person reads the First reading and psalm and the 2nd persons reads the Second reading and the Bidding Prayers.
  • Offertory – parishioners who take the gifts of bread and wine to the priest.
  • Parishioners who do the collection during the Offertory – money raised goes towards raising money for the church.
  • Eucharistic Ministers – who share the body and blood of Christ with the congregation.
  • Catechists – People who help children and young people prepare for their First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
  • Stewards – show people where to sit.
  • Choir and Organist
  • Bulletin preparation – people are involved in preparing, printing and folding the newsletter.
  • Flower arranger
  • Volunteer – takes food and money that has been collected from parishioners in the coffee mornings to the food bank
  • Funeral Server – Master of Ceremonies – carries the cross at funerals

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