You are invited to begin by making the Sign of the Cross.

Response: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

In the UK, Black History Month happens every October. This week, during which our Word of the Week is Respect, let us learn a bit more about why Black History Month is important.

Black History Month gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture. It also provides an opportunity to reflect on times in the past – and in the present day – when people are not treated with respect because of the colour of their skin or the language they speak.

Human dignity is the foundational and most important principle of Catholic Social Teaching (CST), because it summarises our Catholic belief that every person has inherent worth and should therefore be respected because they are made in the image and likeness of God. Did you know that mutual respect is one of the five core principles defined by the UK government to shape a safe, inclusive, and fair society? In addition, race is also one of the nine protected characteristics protected in law that shields people from discrimination, harassment, and victimisation.

People from African and Caribbean backgrounds have been a fundamental part of British history for centuries. However, campaigners believe their contribution to society has often been overlooked or distorted.

How many of these black British people have you heard of?

Malorie Blackman, bestselling author and the first black Children’s Laureate

Lewis Hamilton, the only black driver in Formula One

Sir Lenny Henry, an acclaimed actor, comedian, and co-founder of Comic Relief who advocates for greater diversity in the British media.

Dianne Abbot, first black female MP in the UK who also served as Shadow Home Secretory under Jeremy Corbyn.

Benjamin Zephaniah, one of Britain’s most influential poets, writers and social activists.

Marcus Rashford, professional footballer. Part of the England National Team.

Can you name any others?

You are invited to begin by making the Sign of the Cross.

Response: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

To inspire your scrapbook response today, here is a suggestion of how you could use your multiple choice spinner today. If you’d rather respond in a different way, that’s absolutely fine too!

Suggestions for each segment can be found below. When you’re ready, spin the wheel to select your focus.

1) Self-Respect: If the spinner lands on this, write down one way in which you can take care of your own mental health or physical well-being this week.

2) Words & Speech: Write down one positive phrase you could use to build someone up instead of tearing them down.

3) Respect for Creation/ the Environment): Draw a small icon or write a pledge showing how you will show respect to the school environment or nature.

4) Respect through inclusion & good listening: Describe a time you can step out of your comfort group to include someone new or genuinely listen to a differing perspective.

5) Respect for the Dignity of Others: Write down a hidden act of kindness you can do for someone in the school community without looking for praise.

Calling all Year 10’s, 11’s and 13’s for FLAME 2027!

On Saturday 6th March 2027, thousands of young people from across England and Wales will fill the iconic OVO Arena Wembley for the biggest Catholic youth gathering in the country: FLAME 2027! A jam-packed day of live music, dance, motivational speakers, praise and worship in a way you’ve never experienced before!

See the posters around school for more information or pop in to see Lucy in the Chaplaincy Office/Community Hub to ‘sign up’. There’s only about 20 spaces available! Register your interest directly with Lucy or with your Form Tutor ASAP!

Chaplaincy Meetings – Starting this Thursday (8th October)

Still interested but haven’t handed a form in? Please speak to Lucy or your Form Tutor ASAP!

Your Form Tutors have been informed if anybody in their form has applied to be part of the Chaplaincy Teams. Here are the details for the meetings for the reminader of this term:

Are you looking for a quiet space to go at lunch time? Have you considered the chapel?

Our school chapel (at the bottom of the Humanities staircase) is a welcoming and inclusive space for everybody. You do not need to be Catholic to make use of the chapel. Although it is primarily a place of prayer and worship it is also a suitable space for quiet reflection and wellbeing.

Lucy will be in the chapel every Thursday lunchtime offering some wellbeing and mindfulness activities. Anyone is welcome. You don’t need to stay for the whole of lunch either, just call in for as long as you’d like to and make sure you eat before or after you come. Thank you.

Here are some resources to help you with the planning of Celebrations of the word.

Open Bible – Search the Bible by keyword for scripture suitable to your theme.

Planning sheets – Use the planning sheets on this page to plan your Celebration of the word. Remember that somebody else should evaluate on the same sheet (or on a second copy) during or shortly after your delivery.

Seasonal music – Hymns and worship songs recorded by members of the Trust Chaplaincy Team suitable for different seasons and themes throughout the liturgical year.

Introducing Scripture – It is very important that we give scripture the reverence it deserves. We should use translations taken from the English Standard Version at Saint Peter and Saint Paul’s. Ensure you choose this version if taking scripture from sites such as BibleGateway. Scripture should also be introduced and concluded correctly, depending on where in the Bible it comes from. A helpful guide can be found below. Please note the specific instructions and additions when scripture comes from one of the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John). Ordinarily, we stand for the Gospel and we stay seated for scripture which comes from elsewhere.