Maricourt Chaplaincy Update
Julia Ashes is Maricourt's Chaplain and a parishioner of St George's. This is her latest report on the chaplaincy in Maricourt.
Chaplaincy continues to play a central role in nurturing the spiritual life of the school community, providing meaningful opportunities for prayer, reflection, and service. This term we have continued to have a strong emphasis on lived faith. A number of students have been working towards their Faith in Action Silver Award, demonstrating commitment to service and discipleship. Their efforts have included active involvement in the life of the Church - visiting the parish for a Lent talk, bringing up the Offertory in the patronal feast day Mass at St George’s and they look forward to attending the Good Shepherd Mass on June 25th at the Cathedral. They have led participation in school-based fundraising initiatives, for example in this term - Lenten fundraising for Nugent Care. These experiences have enabled students to deepen their understanding of faith through action, while contributing positively to both the school and wider community. They look forward to receiving their badges by Bishop Tom Neylon on June 24th . Chaplaincy has also provided opportunities for pupils to lead prayer and liturgy. Notably, students thoughtfully prepared and delivered a moving prayer and liturgy for Holocaust Memorial Day, demonstrating respect, compassion, and an awareness of the importance of remembrance and human dignity. Our Head Boy continues to lead weekly Staff Prayer up until the start of his A levels. We are most grateful for his service in this aspect of school life. The school welcomed the Animate Youth Ministries team, who worked with Year 8 students to explore the Sacrament of Confirmation. This visit encouraged pupils to reflect on their faith journey and provided guidance on how to continue their preparation through the Liverpool Called programme. Several pupils have signed up for Confirmation and Julia has been preparing the pupils from Holy Rosary and St George's to receive the sacrament in coming weeks.
Julia Ashes
During Lent, Chaplaincy has supported the school community in focusing on the key themes of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Students and staff have contributed generously to charitable efforts, particularly through support of Nugent Care. Each form group has taken an active role, working collaboratively to support local families in need, reinforcing the importance of solidarity and compassion. The term concluded with Lenten services that invited pupils to reflect on the suffering and death of Jesus. These liturgies provided a solemn and prayerful space in keeping with the liturgical season, encouraging students to engage deeply with the meaning of sacrifice, forgiveness, and the hope of the Resurrection
Lenten Services
Throughout the Lenten season, every year group at Maricourt took part in a dedicated Lenten service — a chance to pause, reflect and prepare our hearts and minds for Holy Week. These gatherings have become a meaningful tradition, offering students a moment of stillness during busy school life. Each service blended prayer, music and dance, with pupils taking a leading role in shaping the atmosphere. Their thoughtful readings, expressive movement and musical contributions created a powerful sense of unity and reverence. Whether through a quiet prayer, a reflective piece of music or a symbolic dance sequence, our students helped bring the themes of Lent to life in a way that was both creative and deeply respectful. What made these services truly special was the way pupils supported one another as they guided their peers through moments of contemplation, encouraging participation and modelling the values we hold at the heart of our community. Their maturity and compassion were evident in every service. In many ways, the spirit of these gatherings echoes the words of Catherine McAuley, who reminded us that “we should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us.” This year, our students embodied that message. Through their leadership, their talents and their willingness to serve, they helped illuminate the meaning of Lent for the whole school. We extend our heartfelt thanks to every pupil and staff member involved. Your dedication, creativity and faith have enriched our community and strengthened our shared journey through this important season
