Raising of the Flag

This morning a crowd of students and teachers gathered outside the front of English Martyrs School & Sixth Form College to raise the Papal Flag. Everyone joined in with the singing and prayer as the flag was hoisted into the air on a beautiful sunny morning and took part with such pride as we played our small role in the Papal Visit.



Keep checking back on the blog over the weekend for more updates from those who have travelled to London to take part in this wonderful event. We also hope to upload many photographs from the visit during the next week so don't forget to come back soon!

Papal Visit Preparation

What an exciting time in English Martyrs School just now! Preparations for the Papal Visit have been in full swing now for quite some time and anyone who has spoken to Anne-Marie recently will have noticed that she appears to be permanently at her hyperactive best. Today saw the Hartlepool Mail come into school to interview some of our young people who will be representing the school and the Diocese at this weekends events in London. Look out for more updates on the blog soon as well as checking out the BBC website for a few updates and don't forget to look out for our group waving at every TV camera they can find in London!

Are You Ready?

Tall Ships 2010

Wearing a t-shirt designed by Robyn Hannon, a Year 8 English Martyrs Student, two of our parish youth groups helped give the gospel out to people on the Churches Together stall at Hartlepool Tall Ships 2010. The main attraction though was the prayer wall, brainchild of Fr. Adrian and designed by Faye Greason on which everyone was invited to share a prayer. The response was overwhelming! Other English Martyrs Students; Tom, Hannah, Emma and Alexa were also given an 'Access All Areas' pass and appeared on the main stage to read bidding prayers at the ecumenical service held on Sunday morning. This was a wonderful event and it was great for so many young people to be able to take part in it.

St Cuthbert's Way Pilgrimage

During the summer holidays, 16 young people and 6 adults undertook a 65 mile pilgrimage along St Cuthbert's Way. This was a serious physical challenge but one which they all overcame with personal determination and the support of the group.

It was also a spiritual challenge with regular Mass and prayer and a daily session reflecting on the story of St. Cuthbert and the presence of God in their lives. Everyone had a great time and the highlights included walking the Pilgrim's Path across the sand, hide and seek in Wooler, praying round the camp fire on Holy Island and Jane!

Sister Acting

In July, Adrian Brooks from Durham University and Janet Hopper, Washington Youth Ministry Co-ordinator, led a group of adults and children on a day exploring the use of modern music for praise and worship. Although the group was small and many of them were unsure what to expect, their response was enthusiastic and the group hopes to meet again in September. If this proves successful then people from across town will be invited to join in so watch this space!