Friday 27th March 2020

School Closure Update

The government has asked parents to keep their children at home, wherever possible, and asked schools to remain open only for those children who absolutely need to attend.  All schools in England are closed from Monday 23rd March until further notice, except for children of critical workers or vulnerable children, where they cannot be safely cared for at home.  St. Joseph's will continue to remain open to support these children and their families. I would like to echo the words from Gavin Williamson, Education Secretary, to all members of staff for their, "incredible resilience and flexibility they have shown in the face of unprecedented challenges." This has certainly been a challenging week for all members of our school community and I thank you all for your continued support and compassion. The latest MAC Parent Briefing is available to view on our school website via the Covid 19 tab on the home page. We pray for everyone in our school community and beyond at this time of need.

Sunday's Gospel Message

This Sunday is the Fifth Sunday of Lent.  We hear how Jesus heals a man who was born blind. Even though he could not see the world around him, he could see who Jesus really was - the Son of God. Due to our current situation with the Coronavirus outbreak, there will be times when we face difficulties, are worried or even experience sickness. Yet, when we believe in Jesus and when we pray and look carefully, we can often learn something about the world and ourselves - we can see Christ working in others through love, compassion and care. More than ever we need to reflect upon the three key things which enable us to become closer to God - to pray for those who are suffering and who have died; to fast so that others can have what they need and finally to give alms and support those in our community who are vulnerable at this difficult time.

Resources to Support Children's Liturgy and Prayer from the Birmingham Diocesan Education Service

At the Birmingham Diocesan Education webiste there is a webpage containing links to Prayer and Learning Resources for both home and school. This includes the CAFOD Virtual Sunday Children’s Liturgy and a child’s prayer for Spiritual Communion. More resources will be added as they become available. https://www.bdes.org.uk/des-support-for-schools-through-the-coronavirus-outbreak.html

Livestream of Masses across the Archdiocese

The Birmingham Archdiocese have gathered together some of the parishes across the Diocese which live stream their Masses, so you can still access a Mass even if not in person.  https://www.birminghamdiocese.org.uk/parishes-online

Virtues Focus - Faith-filled and Hopeful

Pupils at St. Joseph's are growing to be: faithf-filled in their beliefs and hopeful for the future.

Pope's Intention for March

Catholics in China: We pray that the Church in China may persevere in its faithfulness to the Gospel and grow in unity.

Emmaus CMAC
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Ofsted

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