The CAFOD group meets every Wednesday lunchtime. We are a small group but there are pupil members across Ks3 and Ks4.
The aim of the group is to look for ways to, ‘Put our faith into action’. Each week we keep updated as to what projects the CAFOD organisation is undertaking, and we look for ways to support and get involved. CAFOD has a special focus on Fairtrade, campaigning, prayer and fundraising. Each meeting begins with a prayer, and we discuss ways to fulfil our duty to ‘love our neighbour as ourselves’. and how we can live out the gospel. Currently, we are looking at the Pope’s encyclical ‘Laudato Si’ and discussing climate change issues. We have discussed our roles as ‘Stewards of God’s creation’, and how the Pope is encouraging each and every one of us to care for our ‘common home’ the environment.
Through CAFOD’s website, we have learned that climate change is affecting the world’s poorest people. Our fundraising efforts have supported some of these places affected such as Karuna Battambang in Cambodia. We have held numerous cake sales throughout the year that have been very well supported by the kindness and generosity of our staff and pupils. Pope Francis called for a ‘Year of Peace’, and we were inspired to write our own prayers for Peace that then been shared in Form time. At Easter we organised raffles and a variety of competitions as well as a sponsored run which was again supported by pupils and staff.
We are inspired by one of the founders of CAFOD who was questioned about the first every Family Fast day in 1960, and said
“We are just doing what we ought to do, remembering that we are all Gods Children”.
(Elspeth Orchard)
Laudato Si Club
Laudato Si literally means: “Praise be to you”. It is the second encyclical by Pope Francis and is considered part of the Catholic Social Teaching tradition. It reminds us of our God-given responsibility to care for our world and all life on it. See below Laudato Si summarised in a short video clip:
Laudato Si’ animation | CAFOD – YouTube
At St Cecilia’s we have responded to Pope Francis’ call by gardening, maintaining the Laudato Si garden, and local projects involving other local schools.
Laudato Si Club
Catholic Life and Mission and Inclusion.
From a Catholic perspective, inclusion is rooted in the belief that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and possesses equal dignity. Rather than being an "add-on," inclusion is at the heart of Catholic Life and Mission. The following points promote how we promote inclusion through our Catholic Life provision.
- Every person is valued – Our Catholic Life is founded on the belief that every pupil is created in the image and likeness of God and is welcomed, respected and valued regardless of background, ability or faith.
- Prayer for all – Every pupil is invited to engage in prayer three times each day through tutor time, assemblies and other opportunities. Prayer is inclusive and accessible, allowing everyone to encounter God in a way appropriate to them.
- Celebration of the Word – All pupils engage in regular Celebration of the Word, ensuring every young person has the opportunity to reflect, pray and explore the Gospel message.
- Mass – Every pupil is invited to participate in Form Masses twice each year and in our annual whole-school Mass, strengthening our identity as a worshipping community.
- Reconciliation – During Advent and Lent, all pupils are invited to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation or to spend time in quiet reflection, ensuring everyone can engage respectfully according to their own faith journey.
- Leadership opportunities – Pupils from across the school community are encouraged to take on leadership roles through the GIFT Team, helping to plan and lead liturgies, charitable initiatives and faith activities.
- Faith enrichment clubs – Opportunities such as the Rosary Club are open to all pupils who wish to deepen their faith in a welcoming and supportive environment.
- Service and social action – Through the CAFOD Group, pupils are invited to put faith into action by responding to issues of poverty, injustice and global responsibility.
- Care for Creation – The Eco Group provides opportunities for pupils to work together in caring for our common home, inspired by Catholic Social Teaching and our shared responsibility for creation.
- Charitable giving – Whole-school charity appeals during Advent and Lent enable every member of the community to contribute according to their means, fostering generosity and solidarity with those in need.
- Retreat opportunities – Every year group experiences a retreat during the year, ensuring all pupils have dedicated time for reflection, spiritual growth and community building.
- Pilgrimage – Pupils are offered opportunities to participate in local pilgrimages and, where possible, international pilgrimages such as Rome. These experiences are promoted widely and pupils are encouraged to participate regardless of prior experience.
- Living Catholic Social Teaching – Inclusion is promoted through opportunities for pupils to live out the principles of human dignity, the common good, solidarity and preferential option for the poor in practical ways.
- Pupil voice – Pupils are encouraged to share their ideas, experiences and opinions through Catholic Life groups, helping to shape the faith life of the school.
- A welcoming community – Staff and pupils work together to create an environment where everyone feels they belong, where diversity is celebrated and where relationships are built on respect, compassion and forgiveness.
- Invitation rather than compulsion – In line with the Prayer and Liturgy Directory Love You More Dearly, every pupil is encouraged to engage in prayer and liturgy, while Catholic pupils are invited to participate fully according to their faith. This approach ensures that all members of our diverse community are welcomed and included while respecting individual beliefs and consciences.
These points demonstrate that inclusion is not simply about access to activities, but about ensuring that every pupil has opportunities to belong, engage, contribute and flourish within the Catholic Life and Mission of the school, reflecting Christ's welcome to all.