Friday 4th October 2019

Little Way Week is a week of service inspired by the life of St. Therese of Liseux who remained faithful to God throughout her short life.  St. Therese is a great model of faith fo all people.  Faith in God transforms how we see the world and helps us to keep growing in our love for each other too.  This Sunday's Gospel reminds us about the power (and also the duty) that comes from having faith in God.  Faith can 'move mountains'; it can free us from anxiety and give us confidence and inner strength.  A family of faith is a family full of joy. 

Thank you for supporting today's Harvest Fast Day to help our less fortunate brothers and sisters from around the world.  This week has also been Little Way Week, whereby the children have been examning how they can do five little things each day during the week with great love.  You may have been surprised at how well they have helped around the home this week!

This coming Wednesday, our children along with thousands of other students from across the Diocese will be sharing a time of prayer and reflection with Archbishop Bernard.  This is part of the events to mark the Extraordinary Mission Month which Pope Francis has designated to renew the efforts of the entire Church to share God's love around the world.  The children will be praying the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary with Archbishop Bernard.  If your child has a set of rosary beads can they please bring them into school on Wednesday. On Fridays during the month of October the children will also be saying the Rosary at lunchtimes and children can bring in their beads on this day too.  For further information about the Extraordinary Mission Month please visit: https://missiontogether.org.uk/teachers-resources/extraordinary-month-of-mission/

During November Project Gambia will be shipping 'Christmas Shoeboxes' to children who live in Kotusilo and children who attend schools at Half Dye, Madiana, Hanne Vibe and The Methodist Special School.  Your child will receive a flyer which will contain a list of items to include within the shoe boxes.  Please can these be returned to school by Monday 14th October. This will further support the Extraordinary Mission Month with the dimension of Missionary Charity to help our young brothers and sisters from around the world.

On Saturday 12th October, Hagley Catholic High School will be holding their annual Open Day from 9am until 12pm.  The Principal's Speech will also take place at 9.15am and 10.30am in the Main Hall. Flyers have been sent home with every pupil in Years 5 and 6 today.  Please support our feeder secondary school as part of the St. Nicholas Owen Catholic Multi Academy Company.

RB Gym & Sportwho deliver the gymnastics breakfast clubs in school will be running Activity camps at St. Joseph's over the October half term. To book your child's place visit www.rbgymandsport.co.uk. For more information a leaflet has been sent home in your child's school bag.

Thank you for all your generous donations of produce for our Harvest Festival this morning. We have raised a fantastic £211.85 for Cafod and all remaining produce is being donated to the Food Bank.

Please bring any items into school outlined below so that we can pass on these essentials to our brothers and sisters in need.  Thank you.

FOOD SHORTAGES: TINNED FRUIT, TINNED MEAT, 1L CARTONS OF UHT FRUIT JUICE, 1L CARTONS UHT MILK, TINNED POTATOES, ,TINNED FISH, INSTANT MASH, TINNED VEG READY MEALS (e.g. MACARONI CHEESE, VEG CURRY), TINNED CUSTARD

NON-FOOD SHORTAGES: SHAMPOO, DEODORANT, WASHING-UP LIQUID, TOILET ROLLS, ADULT TOOTHPASTE, WASHING POWDER (SMALL BOXES)

Children in St. Joseph's School are growing to be: grateful for their own gifts, for the gift of other people, and for the blessings of each day; and generous with their gifts, becoming men and women for others.

Dear Lord Jesus, help us to be like St. Therese. Please increase our faith and move us to action - sharing God's love with the world in little ways. Amen.

That the breath of the Holy Spirit engender a new missionary 'spring' in the church.