Friday 21st September 2018

'Peace One Day' is a non-profit organisation which was founded in 1999. In 2001 due to the efforts of this organisation the member states of the United Nations unanimously adopted the first ever annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence on 21 September - Peace Day. Let us think about those around the world who may be persecuted because of their faith or belief. Who can you go to Mass for to support the persecuted Christians around the globe? For further information about 'Peace One Day' go to: www.peaeconeday.org. To support the 'Aid to the Church in Need' go to: acnuk.org/adoration. Today is also the feast day of St. Matthew. He was a tax collector when he was summoned by Jesus. As an apostle he accompanied Jesus until the time of His Passion and witnessed His Resurrection. He was also present at the Ascension and was the author of the first book of the New Testament. He lived out a life of service. We too are called through the love of God to serve each other. Family and school life become more joyful when we follow Jesus' example and live as God intends.

We will be holding a Read Write Inc. Phonics session led by the school's consultant Mrs Derby. The session will take place in the school hall on Wednesday 26th September starting at 6.30pm. This session is open to any parents in Reception and Key Stage 1.

On Friday 28th September we will be holding a coffee morning for Macmillan Cancer from 9.15am until 10.30am. Please bring any donations of cakes/biscuits during the latter part of this week. The children will be able to purchase a cake at break time on this day too. Also on this day we will be holding a 'Dahlicious Dress Up Day' in support of Macmillan. Children wearing a costume of their favourite Roald Dahl character are asked to bring in £1. For ideas on costumes please go to the following link: http://www.roalddahl.com/charity/fundraising-and-events/dahlicious-dress-up-day.

On Tuesday 16th October we will be holding an Open Morning for parents of Reception children for September 2019. This will take place in the school hall from 9.30am until 10.30am. Please encourage any friends and family members with children who are due to start Reception in September to come along. Thank you.

A reminder that due to ongoing building work at OLAS, there are limited spaces available for parking. Please be mindful of this when we hold our Reception Welcome and Commitment Mass on Sunday 28th September. There is a two hour limit at the Aldi car park as an alternative.

On Saturday 29th September, a craft and gift fair is being held at St. James' CE Primary School (DY8 4RU) between 10am and 3pm. There will be a wide range of handmade craft and gift stalls - perfect for early Christmas shopping! There will be cakes and refreshments served all day too. This event is being held to help support local Scouts who have been selected to represent West Mercia at the 2019 World Scout Jamboree in America.

Pupils at St. Joseph's are compassionate towards others, near and far, especially the less fortunate; and loving by their just actions and forgiving words.

Almighty God, who by the hand of Matthew the evangelist, has given to your church the gospel of Jesus Christ Your Son. We thank you for this witness and pray that we may be firmly grounded in its truth through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Universal: Young People in Africa. That young people in Africa may have access to education and work in their own countries.