Today we have celebrated our first school Eucharist. Reverend Charlene delivered a wonderful service in the hall for a number of children and over Zoom so that all children could participate. Prior to the service, the Worship Group had been working with children in school to write prayers linked to a number of themes including:
- Prayers for the world and its needs.
- Prayers for the church and school community.
- Prayers for the wider community and social issues.
- Prayers for the sick.
- Prayers for those who have died.
The children then shared the prayers within the service which were extremely well thought out and inspiring!
As you are probably aware by now, Reverend Charlene is leaving the parish next week. At the end of the service we thanked her for her support, guidance and the opportunities she has provided to our school over the last few years. She has meant a great deal to us here at Ackworth Howard and we will miss her. Thomas in Reception presented Reverend Charlene with her gift which was a replica Howard bear. It was lovely to hear that she is going to use this in her new role in the hospital, particularly when visiting the children's wards. We wish her every success in her new role.
In recent months we have been learning about the Eucharist in school as a focus this year has been to enable engagement with the Eucharist in imaginative ways, ensuring opportunities for pupils to explore the Eucharist in ways that respect the integrity of pupils. Through teaching opportunities, pupils have been made aware of the central importance of the Eucharist/Communion to Christian worship. Bishop Tony Robinson gave us permission to admit children who have been baptised/christened to Holy Communion before confirmation and he delivered an admittance service quite recently in preparation for today's celebration.
We are hopeful that next time we celebrate the Eucharist in school, that any parents that wish take the communion alongside pupils and staff will have the opportunity to do so.
