On Wednesday 1st May 2024, St. Joseph’s was blessed with a visit from Bishop Stephen Wright for the feast of St. Joseph the worker.
Bishop Stephen celebrated Mass for all of Year 7 in St. James’ RC church and reflected on the inspirational example and values demonstrated by St. Joseph and explored how we too could live those out. Students undertook liturgical ministries with confidence and passion and the choir led the service in beautiful music using the new Gaudete Mass setting.
Staff and students alike are grateful for the steadfast and constant support of Fr. Adrian, Fr. Simon, Fr. Saji and Deacon Peter for supporting us in the Mass too. Bishop Stephen then met with staff, governors and students to explore his calling, vocation, interests and ministry and students found his talk captivating and inspiring. St Joseph’s spiritual community is immensely grateful for the amazing support, kindness and spiritual guidance of Bishop Stephen, who has generously agreed to return next year to lead another mass for the feast day of St Joseph’s. The year 7 cohort thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were grateful for the bishop’s visit. Many of the students undertook readings during the service and shared their spiritual reflections with their peers.
Image 1 Caption: Bishop Stephen with a group of year 7 students who participated in the ceremony.
(Student names: Chester Knight, Phoebe Craig, Matthew Lowrie, Cerys Dickinson, Isla Shotten, Altar Server, Jack Burnicle , Altar Server, Charlie Watson, Alfie Brown, Josef Vardy, Layla Bailey, Jack Collingwood, Mark Bell, Joshua Rixom, Riley Wilson, Jake Richardson, Joseph Ward)
Image 2 Caption: Bishop Stephen with Staff Teaching Team at St Joseph’s Catholic Academy.
(Staff names: David Mcguiness, Margret Kerr, Claire Muir, Charlene Hawkins, Jack Johnson, Adam Morales, Abigail Cassidy, Tara Dalby, Andrew Young, Andrew Middleton, Vicky Henry, Micheal Simpson and Suzanne Lewis Dale)