26th September News from our Parish Schools

Parish School pages on our website

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School

https://stjosephsgilesgate.bwcet.com/

We will be celebrating Languages Day in school on Monday 29^th September. We will be embracing all of the languages that make our school rich in diversity. If anyone would like to share some words or a story in their home language, St. Joseph's would love to welcome you into our school at any time (not just Monday).

On Wednesday 1^st October we will be hosting an Open Evening from 5.30pm - 6.30pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet the teachers; explore the classrooms and facilities and ask any questions you may have about the school. Refreshments will be available, and we look forward to welcoming you into our school community.  Come and join us for a cuppa!

On Friday 3^rd October the children in Year 5 and 6 will be inviting families into their classroom at 3pm . They will be leading a creative prayer linked to the Feast of St Francis of Assisi.

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St Godric's Catholic Primary School

https://stgodricsdurham.bwcet.com/

Thank you to everyone who came along to our Macmillan Coffee morning on Friday and for the fabulous cake donations.  This is always a wonderful cause to support.

Our Open Morning for parents with children due to start school in September 2026 is on Wednesday 1^st October in the school hall.  Please spread the word. 

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St Thomas More Catholic Primary School

https://stthomasmorebelmont.bwcet.com/

Class 2 hosted the first reading cafe of the academic year on Tuesday 23^rd September. We welcomed so many parents, grandparents and friends of St. Thomas More into school to enjoy a cuppa, biscuit and read of a good book. Check the school's 'What's On' for upcoming reading cafes. We do so love to have our families join us in school.

Also, we encourage our families and friends to donate some Harvest Donations into school. We will beginning the collection on Monday 29^th September. Harvest Donations will be distributed to those in need. 

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St Leonard's Catholic Secondary School

https://stleonardsdurham.bwcet.com/

Here at St. Leonard's our Holistic Curriculum, shaped by pupil and parental feedback last year, is in full swing and each week we aim to focus on a particular strand, developing our pupils' abilities outside the classroom.

Friday 3rd October - The Transitus of St Francis of Assisi

The Capuchin Friars warmly invite all parishioners to the celebration of the Transitus of St Francis of Assisi on Friday, 3^rd October at 7.00 pm at St. Godric’s Church.

The Transitus (meaning “passing over”) recalls the peaceful death of St Francis in 1226 and his entry into eternal life. It is a time of prayer, reflection, and thanksgiving, uniting us with Franciscan communities throughout the world who keep this beautiful tradition on the eve of his feast.  All are most welcome!

28th September 2025 - Thought from Fr. Colm

Restructuring the Parish Council was discussed at a recent Parish Council meeting, with a suggestion on how long one should be on the Council and how large the Council should be . We have soldiered on for many years without change, very often out of a sense of duty, for which I am indeed very grateful.

New members, smaller numbers perhaps?

I’d like to use this opportunity then to thank each member of the Parish Council for their time and energies, especially those who have  served for many years on the Parish Council.

Mary Mc Hugh, Barbara Reilly O’Donnell, Dennis Bradley, John Hayton and Alexander Dominguez now bring their own of experience from their own backgrounds with Age Concern , Education ( schools and universities), buildings, safeguarding, and our growing international community. I thank them for their support into the immediate future.

And speaking of our International Community, what a great spirit of fellowship there was at last Sunday’s International Meal. Food representing such rich diversity of culture and backgrounds that our parish community represents. Beatrice’s French pancakes, a speciality of her native Brittany, were mouthwatering.

But observing Norbert and Hugo in deep mathematical conversations, I could tell they’re unravelling of some mathematical puzzle was being made easier by the delightful cuisine they shared. Anne Kelly looks as if she’s is in line for honorary Polish citizenship.

Chinese, Mexican, Polish, Malaysian, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, Indian, African, Philippino, and those I’ve not mentioned, all together with local English and Irish cultures.

Erica, Cynthia and friends busily keeping the supply chain of teas, coffee plates and cutlery available to all. Well done to everyone and a big Thank You. In times of untruths whipped up worldwide by media and politicians, our meal sharing can be a wonderful sign of care.

“The parish gives character to its surroundings. It curates art and beauty. It is a temple for a community. And, some believe, is a place where Christ’s presence is felt. In short, the parish church is a lifeboat in a sea of madness: remove it and we might very well drown.” Tim Stanley, writer and broadcaster

A great sigh of relief was breathed with the reopening of access from Mill Lane to the Sherburn Road.

I do like the design of the new student accommodation.

“Every great architect is - necessarily - a great poet. He must be a great original interpreter of his time, his day, his age. “

Frank Lloyd Wright