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At Cardinal Wiseman engaging with faith is not something set aside for particular parts of the calendar year but rather something which permeates through all that we do. At the heart of our school ethos is the Compass for Life, a set of four values which we encourage all students to reflect on regularly throughout the year. The four values: Knowledge, Ambition, Respect and Resilience are key to helping our students grow into the disciples that Christ calls them to be.
It is important for students to know that God is calling each of them to a unique and personal relationship with Him and students are regularly given the opportunity to reflect on this and to grow closer to Him. Every lesson starts with the school prayer as a reminder to students that all we do is rooted in Christ. Each day students have a time of prayer in form time with the chance to discuss their own intentions, consider other people’s needs and reflect as a collective. Students have a whole year assembly each week which again is embedded in prayer and scripture.
Throughout the year students also encounter their faith through acts of worship at key moments in the liturgical year, form Masses which students will take the lead in, and also whole year and whole school Masses. These are led normally by our School Chaplain, Fr Des.
The liturgical year is marked and celebrated over the course of the year. Students are involved in putting together prayer stations and other displays which reflect the seasons of the Church’s year.
The Chapel is at the centre of the school and is always open for students and staff. Whether students want a few moments quiet, a chat or the chance for personal prayer the Chapel is a space students know they can go to. The Chapel regularly hosts events encouraging students to come in and contribute to a display or a prayer space.
The Chaplaincy Team works with groups of students to put out a bank of resources each week – the team have a YouTube channel which shares the lives of saints, reflections and prayers each week. The team also works closely with the social media team at the school to ensure the content shared on the school’s Instagram account reflects the Church’s year.
Being at Cardinal Wiseman means recognising the healing power of God’s love and growing closer to God through prayer, Mass and the sacraments. As a community we make this journey together – supporting and strengthening each other on the road to Heaven.
“We plant seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise.
We lay foundations that need further development.
We provide yeast that produces effects beyond our capabilities.”
Saint Oscar Romero
