This morning, all of the children joined with schools across the Diocese of Nottingham in a Mass led by Bishop Patrick to celebrate the Solemnity of St Joseph and the Diocesan launch of the Year of St Joseph.
St Joseph was Mary’s spouse and foster father to Jesus. There is very little in the Bible about him and none of his words are recorded, yet he had the important role of being a father and guardian to Jesus.
Bishop Patrick wrote this prayer to St Joseph and shared it with us in Mass today:
St Joseph, guardian and protector of Mary and Jesus, this past year of the COVID pandemic has been such a difficult time; guide and protect all the young people in the schools of our diocese, especially those who may be anxious about public exams; give each of them a sensitivity in their dreams as to what you may be asking them to do with their lives. Please also pray for and protect the families of all students, and all their teachers – may they continue to inspire their students to dream big, and may they as teachers find great fulfilment in this awesome role of support and encouragement of their students. I pray too for all staff, Chaplains, governors, directors and Multi-Academy Teams, support them in their roles. Like you, St Joseph, may we all seek to know and do each day the will of God in our lives.
Amen.
Here is what some of our pupils thought:
I enjoyed the Mass as it brought out the meaning and importance of St Joseph – what he did and what he represented – Abbie, Year 5
The Mass was inspiring as it made me want to pray more and to get closer to God – Artomas, Year 4
It made me feel really calm – Ellie, Year 4
I learnt about St Joseph being an important part of Jesus’ family – Ashton, Year 6
I learnt that Joseph was great for not abandoning Mary when she became pregnant – Angel, Year 6
