Beginning the Year in Prayer
The Michaelmas term began with a whole-school Mass celebrated by Fr Peter on the first day of term, dedicating the year to God under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and setting a reflective tone for the months ahead.
Worship in Tutor Groups
Worship Monitors have been appointed in each tutor group to maintain prayer corners and support prayer during tutor time. In several older groups, students have also organised prayer rotas to encourage regular reflection.
Prefects and Scholars Celebrated
The Prefects’ Commissioning Service took place on the first Friday of term, marking the start of student leadership for the year. The following week, new scholars and their families gathered for a service celebrating their God-given talents and reflecting on how these gifts can serve others.
Faith in Action
Seven students are currently working towards the Faith in Action (FIA) award: two Bronze, four Silver and one Gold. The programme encourages students to live out their faith through service and reflection.
Chaplaincy and Community Initiatives
The Chaplaincy Committee selected the Alzheimer’s Society as the school charity for the year. Breakfast Club also continues each Friday and remains well attended by staff and students.
The Mizen Foundation Visit
Students from Syntax to Rhetoric 2 attended a powerful talk from Mr and Mrs Mizen of the Mizen Foundation, who shared their son Jimmy’s story and spoke about forgiveness, peace and the impact of our actions. Students found the talk deeply moving and many stayed behind afterwards to thank the speakers.
Fairtrade Fortnight
This year’s Fairtrade Fortnight focused on tea. The Faith in Action group organized a display and quiz, with participants receiving Fairtrade chocolate and winners awarded a selection of Fairtrade treats.
Elements Retreat
New students took part in the Elements Retreat, which included exploring the College’s history, tours of the Chapel and museum, and a liturgy focused on belonging to the school community. Each student received a crucifix at the end of the liturgy.
In the afternoon, students participated in STEP-TEMBER, walking three miles to raise money for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice. The event raised £2,291, with students wearing animal masks to add some fun to the walk.
Supporting the Community
The school also supported the Hertford Foodbank with a large donation. Faith in Action students helped volunteers load the van with 639kg of food.
CAFOD Day
CAFOD Day included Chapel prayers organised by students. On 3 October, students wore their own clothes for a donation and took part in an “economy lunch” of soup and bread to support CAFOD’s work.
Prayer and Reflection
Throughout October, students gathered weekly to pray a decade of the Rosary. On 7 October, the school also joined the Aid to the Church in Need initiative encouraging one million children worldwide to pray the Rosary for peace. Learn more about how we teach our students the value of religious life at St Edmund’s.
RISE Theatre Retreats
The RISE Theatre Company led retreat days for Rudiments and Grammar students, combining drama, discussion, prayer and group activities to encourage reflection on important themes and values.
Remembering Loved Ones
On All Souls’ Day, Fr Peter celebrated a lunchtime Mass and students wrote the names of deceased loved ones to be remembered in prayer. The annual Blessing of the Graves service was also held in early November.
Remembrance Day
On 11 November, the whole school gathered for a Remembrance Service led by the CCF. Students delivered a moving address and the occasion was marked with great respect.
Feast Day Celebrations
The school’s Feast Day on 14 November included Mass celebrated by Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe OP, who spoke about love and the values of an Edmundian. Students later took part in a day of inter-house competitions.
Old Edmundians’ Mass
On 16 November, George Stack, Archbishop Emeritus of Cardiff, celebrated Mass for the Old Edmundians, with more than 100 former students attending.
Prayerbook Cover Competition
The term concluded with the Prayerbook Cover competition. Three students, Duda, Nastja and Alexander were selected as winners, and their designs will appear on upcoming editions of the prayer book.