Family Retreat

An amazing weekend, planned and led by an amazing group of our young people. 74 people from 22 families, aged 2 to 94, enjoyed a fun and faith-filled weekend at the Youth Village. Our theme was communication and we spent our time creatively reflecting on four questions (see below for both questions and answers!).

We set out to offer people a relaxing and enjoyable weekend, which gave them the time and space to reflect on their faith and enjoy being with each other; we ended up discovering much more. As we prepared to leave, many people commented on the amazing community spirit that we had formed, how people had come together to share their faith as well as to care for each other’s children. As one of the young leaders had observed, ‘It doesn't get much better than this!’ It has left us, perhaps, with an insight into what the church really is.

What do we want to communicate to our friends and families?

·         Love, freedom, friendship, community.

·         We want to freely share our faith, to talk (and sing) about God!

·         Honesty.

·         How precious faith is- a ‘friend’ for life.

·         The capacity for God to help us triumph over every adversity.

·         God’s love.

What do we want to communicate about God to other people?

·         Love and trust

·         ‘Before you start preaching about God, you must first start living your faith. Then you will lead by example, because actions speak louder than words.

·         Why we believe in God. We should not be afraid to talk about love and forgiveness and the need for self-sacrifice on a daily basis.

·         God’s infinite capacity for unconditional love and forgiveness.

·         We are here by God’s design and the divine plan won’t work without all of us. Be who you are- the best version, now!

·         That he loves them!

What do we want to communicate to God?

·         Thanks!

·         Our love and gratitude

·         Our willingness to listen and act.

·         Our trust.

·         We lift up to God those people who don’t feel God’s love.

What does God want to communicate to us?

·         Treasure the gifts you have been given.

·         I know you are trying- keep it up!

·         Be strong.

·         Unconditional love.

·         You will be alright because I am with you always.

·         Peace, even in the midst of a storm.

·         This weekend has been a great opportunity- continue to grow.

·         I love you!

More than Dance at St. Joseph's

The children (and the staff) would never have dreamed that faith could be so much fun! This was the last day of More than Dance's Hartlepool tour, visiting each of our primary schools to work with their children as part of the Mission. They've loved it and, from the looks on their faces, it's a fair bet the children have too.

Even more Talent!

Right across the town, every one of our primary schools invited parents to join them in church to celebrate the wonderful talents God has given to our children. There was a real sense of the community coming together to put the children at the heart of our mission, knowing that they communicate God's love to all of us simply by being themselves! At each celebration, to make the message of our mission clear, we invited everyone present to 'Step up to Life' and welcome the risen Jesus as a trusted friend.

Thank you too all the hardworking staff in our schools who made these celebrations happen.

Rhys Hewitt RIP

We were very saddened to hear the news today of the death of Rhys Hewitt. Rhys was a student in Y10 at the school. He was very popular and well-liked by staff and students. He was very intelligent and had a great sense of humour. Always polite and pleasant, he was passionate about sport and loved football in particular.

Rhys will be missed by all in the community at The English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rhys and his family.

Steve Murray is in St. Cuthbert's

The children were spellbound as Steve told them two stories- the first about Zaccheus and the other about Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Through these stories we learnt about Jesus' love and forgiveness for us no matter what we've done.

An Afternoon of All the Talents at St. Joseph's

A packed hall of parents enjoyed a superb demonstration of our children's God given talents. We even got some of the parents to join in the actions to 'God's people aren't super great superheroes'!