Youth Group Camping Trip

What a weekend! Our parish youth group turned one and we definitely celebrated the event.

The children were ready for adventure when they all took part in tree climbing and crate stacking. They really challenged themselves and we were so proud of them.

We had a beautiful evening of prayer, followed by S'mores around the campfire and the children created some very colourful artwork for the Care in Creation group's displays.

This morning, Fr Colm arrived and we celebrated Mass under the trees, surrounded by nature and friends.

We are so grateful for the support of our parish and wider community for helping us to make our first year a success.

For any young people aged 7-15 who would like to join us, we usually meet on the last Saturday of the month straight after 5pm Mass at St Joseph's. All are welcome 😊

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18th September 2026 News from our Parish Schools

Parish School pages on our website

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School

https://stjosephsgilesgate.bwcet.com/

A huge thank you to everyone who attended our Macmillan Coffee Afternoon in school. We appreciate your support and generosity in helping us raise money for such a wonderful cause.  Your kindness means so much.

·        Wednesday 23^rd September, Year 5 and 6 will be attending Mass in church at 10am. All families and friends are welcome to attend.

·        Thursday 24^th September St. Leonard's Catholic School will be hosting a Year 6 Open Evening. The event will begin at 5.30pm at St. Leonard's School. 

·        Friday 25^th September we will be celebrating European Day of Languages in school. This is a wonderful day of celebrating diversity, communication and learning about different languages and cultures across Europe.

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St Godric's Catholic Primary School

https://stgodricsdurham.bwcet.com/

A big thank you to Mr. Simmons and Mrs. Curry for coming in and talking to our Y5 and Y6 parents about St. Leonard's. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to hear about the school and ask questions. 

Next Friday we have our Macmillan coffee morning led by the Friends of St. Godric's.  This is in the school hall, starting at 9am.  Please come along if you are able.

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St Thomas More Catholic Primary School

https://stthomasmorebelmont.bwcet.com/

A very warm welcome back to all our St. Thomas More children and families. We are delighted to begin a new academic year together and look forward to the many opportunities, achievements and special moments that lie ahead.

Staff changes - Mrs Smith joins us as the teacher for our youngest Nursery and Reception children and will be supported by Miss Simpson.

Mrs Hartley, who many families will know as Miss Spence. She married during the summer break, and we offer our warmest congratulations and best wishes.  She will be teaching our Year 1 and Year 2 class.

Mr Pickup will be teaching Year 3 and Year 4 during Mrs Belton’s absence.

Finally, we extend a warm welcome to Miss Hogan, who joins our staff team as our new lunchtime supervisor.

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St Leonard's Catholic Secondary School

https://stleonardsdurham.bwcet.com/

 Thursday 24^th September St. Leonard's Catholic School will be hosting a Year 6 Open Evening. The event will begin at 5.30pm at St. Leonard's School. 

Safeguarding Deadline for Altar Servers Parental Consent forms

Safeguarding

Thank you to all parents who have returned the consent forms for their child to undertake the role of alter server.

This is a gentle reminder that it is a requirement of the Diocese that any child who undertakes this role must have parental consent. Can all parents please ensure that you have returned any forms by Tuesday 6th October. Unfortunately any child who does not have written consent after that date will be unable to carry out the role until written parental consent is received.

If you need any further information please contact Gillian MacArthur, the parish safeguarding representative.