Fasting

Our Virtue as we journey into the second week of Lent is Fasting- Fasting is a way of showing self-discipline and of focusing on our relationship with God. Fasting can also be a way of expressing solidarity with those who are less fortunate. Fasting is an important part of Lent, as it allows us to follow the example of Jesus in the desert, and to grow in our compassion for others.

17 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. ² There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. ³ Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

⁴ Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

⁵ While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

⁶ When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground, terrified. ⁷ But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” ⁸ When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

⁹ As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Matthew 17:1-9

Our Mission: Think of something that you can give up to leave more time and space for what's important.

Year 3 planned and delivered a Celebration of the Word on the second pillar of Lent: Fasting. The children chose to hold our Celebration of the Word on the prayer garden. They shared scripture (Matthew 17: 1-9) and discussed what the scripture meant to them. The children also decided to have a silent prayer so they could feel closer to God. 

Prayer

Our Virtue as we journey into the first week of Lent is Prayer- Prayer is a conversation with God. It is a way of opening our hearts to him and sharing our thoughts and feelings with him. Prayer can be done in many different ways, such as through words, music, or silence. During Lent, we can use prayer to reflect on our relationship with God, and to ask for his guidance and strength.

4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted^[a] by the devil. ² After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. ³ The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

⁴ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’^[b]”

⁵ Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ⁶ “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’^[c]”

⁷ Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’^[d]”

⁸ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. ⁹ “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

¹⁰ Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’^[e]”

¹¹ Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Matthew 4: 1-11

Our Mission: Think about what you want to say to God and what he might be saying to you.

A class Celebration of the Word was planned and led by the pupils themselves.

Diversity

Our next Virtue is Diversity- Diversity calls us to celebrate our differences and to respect the dignity and value of everyone. We are all made in the image and likeness of God and we can recognise God in all people, however different they may seem. Diversity reminds us that we are all called to love one another and to create a world where everyone feels loved, accepted and included.

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5: 13-16

Our Mission: Think about those people in your community who may feel left out. This week, try to find a way to help them feel loved and included.

A Key Stage 2 Celebration of the Word created and led by the pupils in Year 6.

Inspiration

Our next Virtue is Inspiration- Inspiration is the feeling of being motivated or encouraged to do something. It literally means 'filled with the spirit'. Inspiration is like a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit, guiding us and encouraging us on our journey. It can come in many forms – through prayer, through Scripture, through the words and actions of others. It's a reminder that God is always with us, inspiring us to be our best selves.

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, ² and he began to teach them. He said:

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:1-12

Our Mission: Make an effort this week to inspire those around you by loving and serving others.

Children in Year 4 planned and delivered a 'Class Celebration of the Word'. Children responded to the virtue of the week 'Inspiration' sharing thoughts and prayers for how we can inspire others as prophets. 

Scripture

Our next Virtue is Scripture- Scripture is the Word of God. It is a collection of sacred writings that tell the story of God's love for humanity. As we read scripture, we learn about God's plan for our lives, and we are inspired to live a life of faith. Scripture can also be a source of comfort and guidance in difficult times and it speaks to us throughout our lives.

¹⁸ As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁹ “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” ²⁰ At once they left their nets and followed him.

²¹ Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, ²² and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Matthew 4: 12-23

Our Mission:Find a passage from the Gospels that you've not read before – reflect on what it might mean to you.

A focal point created by members of the Chaplaincy team for a Key Stage 1 Celebration of the Word.

Discipleship

Our next Virtue is Discipleship- Discipleship is all about learning from Jesus and following his example. It's about putting our faith into action and living out the Gospel in our daily lives. We can learn so much from Jesus' teachings, his compassion, and his love for others. As his disciples, we're called to be like Christ, to be a light in the world and share his message of hope.

²⁹ The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! ³⁰ This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ ³¹ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptising with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”

³² Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. ³³ And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptise with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptise with the Holy Spirit.’ ³⁴ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”

John 1:29-34

Year 1 took part in a Celebration of the Word linked to John 1:29–34 – John Testifies About Jesus, exploring the Word of the Week, Discipleship. The children completed a guided prayer with actions: “Holy Spirit (hands open), help me listen (hand to ear), help me love (hands on heart), help me follow Jesus (step forward).”

The children in Reception reflecting on the Word through prayer.

Baptism

Our next Virtue is Baptism- Baptism is a sign of God's love and forgiveness, it marks a fresh start and a new beginning. When we are baptised we are welcomed into the Church community of believers who love us, support us and help us grow. During baptism we are anointed as priest, prophet and king and called to live like Jesus did.

¹³ Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptised by John. ¹⁴ But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me?”

¹⁵ Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfil all righteousness.” Then John consented.

¹⁶ As soon as Jesus was baptised, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. ¹⁷ And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Matthew 3:13-17

Our Mission: Think of one way you can be more like Jesus this week.

A class Celebration of the Word by Year 1 

Year 1 took part in a Celebration of the Word linked to The Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13–17). The children explored the Word of the Week, Baptism, and created candles to represent Jesus as the Light of the World. They also shared different ways they can bring light to others just like Jesus.

Epiphany

Our next Virtue is Epiphany- Epiphany celebrates the revelation of Jesus Christ to the world. It is a time to reflect on the mystery of Christ's birth and to renew our commitment to following Him. For us, Epiphany is a time to recognise that Christ came for everyone and we see this reflected in the visit of the Magi and the gifts that they brought.

2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi^[a] from the east came to Jerusalem ² and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” ³ When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. ⁴ When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. ⁵ “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:

⁶ “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,  are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’^[b]”

⁷ Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. ⁸ He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” ⁹ After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. ¹¹ On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. ¹² And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Matthew 2:1-12

Our Mission: Think of a way to share your gift with your community this week.

A class Celebration of the Word held by pupils in Year 5.

Patience

Our next Virtue is Patience - Patience is about waiting and trusting in God at work in our lives. Patience is often difficult to practice, especially when we are used to having everything on demand. Learning to be patient can help us to become more content and to be at peace when situations are outside our control.

³ Then Jesus told them this parable: ⁴ “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? ⁵ And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders ⁶ and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbours together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ ⁷ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Luke 15: 3-7

Our mission: When you have to wait for something this week, use the time to pray for the virtue of patience.

Year 6 reflecting on the Word. 

A beautiful focal point used during a Celebration of the Word in Reception

Reception - Celebration of the Word