On Friday 11th March 15 pupils from St Edmund’s Catholic Academy were chosen to take part in the Year of Mercy Mass, which was held at St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Wolverhampton. We were joined by other schools such as The Giffard and St Mary’s and St John’s Catholic School.

As it is The Year of Mercy, Pope Francis chose St Peter and St Paul’s Church to have a special door. When walking through the door, you are encouraged to pray for three virtues.

After the service had ended students were led by Fr Mark Crisp to walk through the door again. However, this time Fr. Mark told students to pray for three special things.  The experience was made more special for students as the Pope chose SSPP Church for this occasion.

St Edmund’s student Leah James in Year 8 was very honoured to walk through the door, especially in this Year of Mercy.

Fr Mark said: “The door is always going to be open and anyone is welcome to come and sit inside the church and pray.”

On Maundy Thursday the whole school attended a Solemn Liturgy depicting the story of the Last Supper and Jesus washing the Disciples feet.

Mrs Ferris the Lay Chaplain told the story and introduced each Disciple in turn, explaining the parts the disciples had played in serving Jesus.
Students including the 6th form acted the story. Washed the Disciples feet which (John 13:1–17) occurred in the upper room, just prior to the Last Supper and has significance in three ways. For Jesus, it was the display of his humility and his servant hood. For the disciples, the washing of their feet was in direct contrast to their heart attitudes at that time.
For us, washing feet is symbolic of our role in the body of Christ.
Fr Mark explained more about the Easter message and gave the whole community an Easter Blessing.