Our Parish Church, Holy Family, plays a very important part in the spiritual development of the pupils and staff of St. Joseph's.  We are closely linked and values these links as they support us on our faith journey.

Whole School Masses

Throughout the school year we celebrate Mass as a school in Holy Family Church on many occasions.  Parents are warmly welcomed to join us. 

Whole School Masses - 2022-2023 (9.30am)

9th September - New Term Mass

1st November - All Saints Day Mass

6th January - Epiphany Mass

22nd February - Ash Wednesday Service (10.30am)

20th March - St. Joseph's Day Mass

31st March - End of Term Mass

20th April - Summer Term Mass 

18th May - Ascension Day Mass

29th June - St. Peter & St. Paul Mass

19th July - End of Term & Y6 Leavers' Mass

Class Masses

Throughout the school year we feel that it is important for children to be actively involved in planning and participating in liturgical celebrations.  Each year group is allocated a date for a Class Mass, which is planned for by the children, with the support and guidance of our Parish Priest, Father Jean-Laurent Marie and class teachers. 

Class Masses 2022-2023 (1.15pm)

8th March - Year 6 Mass

22nd March - Year 5 Mass

26th April - Year 4 Mass

17th May - Year 1&2 Service 

14th June - Year 3 Mass

28th June - Reception Service

At. St. Joseph's we are proud to have a number of children who are Altar Servers for Holy Family Church and serve at school and parish Masses.  

To be an altar server children have to demonstrate a good commitment to their faith - a willingness to serve God in a practical way and serve God's people (the parishioners).

Children who have the following attributes are able to train for altar service

• To want to become and altar server in your heart 
• To be proud of your faith and able to stand up confidently in front of other people 
• To have regular attendance at Mass and a willingness to serve at both Parish and School Masses
• To have made your First Holy Communion 
• To know all the prayers of Mass
• To demonstrate good behaviour in school and church 
• To show reverence and attentiveness to their tasks 
• To be a good team member 

Children in Year 3-6 may apply to become an Altar Server (children in Year 3 must wait until after you have your First Holly Communion).

To apply to be an Altar Server, please contact Father Jean-Laurent Marie at Holy Family Church

During Key Stage 2, our children are given the opportunity to make the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.  This is a major part in the life of a Catholic.  

If your child has already received the Sacrament of Baptism in a Catholic Church, and is in Year 3 or older, they can receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. 

You will know that your child is ready to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation when they;

• know that God loves them and is always ready to forgive, no matter what
• know and understand what is meant by sin
• are able to reflect on their own behaviour
• want to express sorrow to make amends
• appreciate the place and importance of Reconciliation 

You will know that your child is ready to make their First Holy Communion when they;

• know about Jesus, pray to Him and want to receive Communion with Him in His church
• show reverence and respect
• know the difference between Holy Communion and ordinary food 
• are attentive and aware of what is happening during Mass
• have a sense of belonging to the parish family

If you would like your child to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, you will need to sign up for the 2023-2024 course in May.  For further details, please contact Father Jean-Laurent Marie at Holy Family Church. 

Over the past few years, our school community and Holy Family Parish have recognised the need to offer more support to parishioners and  members of the wider community.  With this in mind Holy Family Church have set up a food bank, in partnership with The Trussell Trust.  

Families in our school community generously donate to the food bank to live out Catholic Social Teaching principles. 

If you are in need of support and would like to be referred so that you can access the food bank,  please contact Mrs Holden by email nholden@st-jodag.bardaglea.org.uk