Friday 19th March 2021

Thank you for your contributions to the Diocesan Charity Fr. Hudson's in supporting our brothers and sisters who are more vulnerable within our community.  The children have enjoyed learning and celebrating the life of St. Joseph today as part of the year which has been dedicated to our Patron Saint by Pope Francis back in December 2020. We will continue to mark events throughout 2021 in support of the Year of St. Joseph.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus uses the image of the grain of wheat, which dies to produce a rich crop, to show us that his death was necessary if many were to receive eternal life. Through this Gospel, Jesus is also encouraging his disciples to follow him – to give him first place in their lives. This message is for each one of us too. Jesus wants us to make following him our most important priority. Choosing to follow Jesus is not always easy; it demands commitment. But it helps our families to keep growing in love and leads us to happiness in this life, and in the life to come.

As a reminder, our Parents' Evening sessions will take place via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 23rd March and Tuesday 30th March, both from 3.30pm until 5.30pm. There will be a five-minute time slot allocated to each parent. Booking went live from Monday this week, if you have not been able to book a 5 minute time slot then please contact the school office for further information. We hope that you find the meeting both useful and informative to support your child/ren moving forwards.

Statement from the Presidency of the Bishops’ Conference on the National Day of Reflection for COVID-19 Tuesday 23rd March 2021

We welcome the designation of Tuesday 23rd March as a National Day of Reflection to
mark the anniversary of the first national lockdown with a minute’s silence at midday
and doorstep vigils of light at 8pm. We ask you all to make this not only a Day of Reflection but also a Day of Prayer. In reflection we ponder on all that has taken place; in prayer we bring this to our Heavenly Father. For all who live by faith in God, reflection and prayer always go hand in hand.
Prayer completes reflection. Reflection informs prayer. Prayer opens our life to its true horizon. Without prayer we live in a foreshortened world and are more easily swamped by its clamour and tragedy. Throughout this difficult year, so many have been inspired by prayer, so much effort sustained in prayer, in every place. So let us make the 23rd March truly a day of prayer.

Congratulations to the following children for being chosen by their class teachers for Good Work and Special Mention (Virtues) this week.  They will be given the opportunity to have some time and a treat with Ted and Mr Carry on a Friday afternoon. 

The weekly Wednesday Word is available via the following link:  The Wednesday Word Primary School Resource | Catholic Church

In line with current legislation, attendance numbers are to be strictly adhered to, so the services below can only be attended on a pre-booking basis.  You are able to book one of the Good Friday Services, and one of the three Easter Masses.  The booking number is 07737 893208 which will be open from Monday 22nd March to Friday 2nd April between the hours of 2pm to 6pm. Please note that if you have not booked for any of the services, please do not attend as entry will only be allowed on this pre-booking basis. Any other services during Holy Week will be on a first come basis. 

Parents and carers can also visit www.dudley.gov.uk/coronavirusparents for more information on both symptom and symptom-free testing and the other symptoms residents are now being encouraged to take a precautionary test if they display.

Accessing symptom-free tests

Parents and carers and anyone else living with a school age child or young person are among the priority groups being given access to free home lateral flow testing kits to test themselves.

Information on how to access these can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/rapid-lateral-flow-testing-for-households-and-bubbles-of-school-pupils-and-staff

All are strongly encouraged to have a lateral flow test at a local testing site prior to starting home testing, to know how a test is undertaken. 

Twice weekly testing will help detect hidden asymptomatic cases and help keep pupils and staff safer in school.

Anyone unable to do home testing can go to one of the Dudley lateral flow testing centres. These are at Dudley Leisure Centre, Saltwells Education Centre, with pop-up sessions at Holy Trinity Church Community Centre in Wordsley, Lifecentral Church in Halesowen, St Andrews Church in Sedgley, St James Church in Wollaston and the Salvation Army Church in Lye.There is also testing at more than 30 pharmacies across the borough. For details on where you can get a lateral flow test and to book visit www.dudley.gov.uk/symptom-free-testing

Information and support for parents and carers of children who are learning at home. Supporting your children's remote education during coronavirus (COVID-19) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Click on the following link to the NHS website for information on what to do if you or your child/ren show the main symptoms of Coronavirus. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms

We have all experienced challenges and difficulties during this pandemic, but sometimes we may need support from someone else or know of someone who may need additional help.  Dudley MBC have created a 'Support for Families' leaflet which signposts local services to parents. We have also included an updated list of support for parents via a range of local and national agencies.  These documents can be found within the Covid 19 tab on the school website landing page.

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for giving your life for us and for calling us to follow you, so that our world may become a better place. Amen.

Children at St. Joseph's are growing to be: Attentive to their experience and to their vocation; and discerning about the choices they make and the effects of those choices.

Sacrament of Reconciliation
Let us pray that we may experience the sacrament of reconciliation with renewed depth, to taste the infinite mercy of God.