Youth & Schools
Supporting young people is at the heart of our parish community. Through close links with our local Catholic schools, shared liturgies, and youth initiatives, we provide opportunities for children, families, and parishioners to grow in faith, build relationships, and take an active role in parish life.
Parish & School links
Our parish is proud to maintain strong and meaningful relationships with our local Catholic primary schools, St Wilfrid’s and St Chad’s, alongside St John’s Catholic Secondary School and Sixth Form College.
Fr David plays an active role in the spiritual life of each school community, visiting regularly to celebrate Masses and liturgies, and to engage with students and staff throughout the academic year.
St Mary’s Church forms an integral part of this partnership, supporting Religious Education by welcoming students into the church to explore its sacred space and deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith. School Masses and liturgies are celebrated here at key moments in both the liturgical calendar and the school year. Each year, all three schools also come together for a shared Carol Service at St Mary’s, attended by parents, staff, and parishioners.
Working in close collaboration, Fr David, parishioners, and school staff deliver the First Holy Communion, Reconciliation, and Confirmation programmes, guiding and supporting young people as they grow in faith.
This shared life extends into the parish community, with staff and pupils regularly taking part in Family Sunday Masses, usually held once per half term. In addition, Fr David celebrates an 8:15am Mass each Friday during term time in St John’s School Chapel, open to both school staff and parishioners.
Supporting Our Schools
Our parish actively supports a range of school initiatives and community projects. We contribute to national events such as Flame, held at Wembley Arena, with financial support and parishioner involvement alongside students and staff from St John’s. St Mary’s SVP also supports local families through the Christmas Hamper Appeal, while parishioners contribute to community events such as the Remembrance Day commemorations. Many members of our parish also serve as Foundation Governors within our schools, strengthening the connection between parish and education.
Shared Community Life
Our schools regularly invite parishioners to be part of their wider community life, including school Masses and liturgies, productions and performances, award evenings, and sports events. Parishioners are also warmly welcomed to events such as St John’s Christmas lunches and the monthly ‘Natter and Entertainment’ afternoons, delivered in collaboration with Age UK.
Get Involved
We warmly encourage parishioners to take an active role in supporting our schools and young people. If you would like to get involved, please speak with Fr David or Ann Wake. We are always open to new ideas and greatly value the support of our parish community in shaping and strengthening our youth initiatives.
All volunteers are DBS checked in line with Schools and Diocesan Safeguarding policies.