Class Saints
This year, each class has chosen a Patron Saint. The children will learn about the Saints life, why they are a good role model and how through their example, we might become closer to Christ ourselves. We will also be asking these saints for their intersessions during our own collective worship.
Nursery – St. Thérèse of Lisieux – Patron of Missions
Our Nursery children will learn about how doing ‘small things with great love’, as St. Therese did during her short life, can make a difference. Devoting her life to God and joining the Carmelite order of Nuns from the age of 14, she saw herself as a ‘little flower’ in the garden of God.
St. Therese … Pray for Us.
Foundation – St. Francis of Assisi – Patron of Animals
Foundation will learn about how St. Francis was born to a wealthy family but that he dedicated his life God with constant prayer and joyfully devoted his life to poverty. Frances had a love of animals and nature and birds are said to have flocked around him when he preached.
St. Francis … Pray for Us.
Year One – St. Nicholas – Patron of Children
St. Nicholas lived between 270-343. He was an early Christian Bishop of Greek descent. There are many miracles ascribed to St. Nicholas and he is also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker. Year One will learn about how his legendary reputation for secret gift-giving gave rise to the traditional model of Santa Claus (St. Nick).
St. Nicholas … Pray for Us.
Year Two – St. John the Apostle – Patron of Love and Friendship
John and his brother St. James were among the first disciples to be called by Jesus. Year Two will learn how he played a major role in the formation of the early church in Jerusalem and is thought to be the author of the Fourth Gospel, the three letters of John and possibly the Revelation to John.
St. John … Pray for Us.
Year Three – St. Joseph – Patron of the Catholic Church
Our Children will learn about St Joseph, the patron the Catholic Church. They will hear the stories of how Joseph cared for and protected Jesus and Mary as well as following his example of working hard.
St Joseph … Pray for Us.
Year Four – St. Cecilia – Patron of Music 
Born in either the second or third century, St. Cecilia became associated with music and the arts. She was persecuted for her faith and devotion to God. It is thought that even while facing persecution and death she sang joyously to God. Year Four will learn how to live out the virtues in the way that St. Cecilia did.
St. Cecilia … Pray for us.
Year Five – St. Vincent de Paul – Patron of Charity
St. Vincent de Paul lived between 1581-1660. From humble beginnings he sought fame and fortune only to be captured by pirates. He prayed to God and vowed to devote his life to the service of the poor if spared. He was freed and spent the rest of his life serving the needs of the poor. Today the St. Vincent de Paul Society (founded in Britain in 1844) carries on his work. English Martyrs has a ‘Mini Vinnies‘ team who live out the mission and support the people of the parish.
St. Vincent … Pray for us.
Year Six – St. Thomas à Becket – Patron of Secular Clergy 
Born c.1119, St. Thomas a Becket served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his death in 1170 at the hands of King Henry II’s supporters in Canterbury Cathedral. He was in conflict with the King over the rights and privileges of the church. St. Thomas is venerated as a saint and martyr by the Catholic Church and Anglian Communion. Shortly after he died he was cannonised by Pope Alexander III. Our feeder school is named in his honour and Year Six will learn about him during the year.
St. Thomas … Pray for us.