GIFT TEAM
The role of the GIFT Team is to serve and support the Catholic Life of the School so that we live as witnesses to Jesus Christ.
The GIFT team is a team of children who support the faith journey of all members of the school and parish community. It stands for Growing in Faith Together. The children have been selected for their particular commitment to Catholic Life and Mission.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF GIFT TEAM
- Give joyful witness of Christ in our school.
- Provide support for staff in the delivery of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of all pupils across the curriculum.
- Assist with the delivery and development of the prayer life of the school by supporting and delivering assemblies, class prayer times and prayer groups.
- Develop outreach work and supporting local, national and international charities e.g. Caritas, CAFOD; working for change and being the change makers.
- Be ambassadors for the school in school, in the parish and in other schools
'I am the vine; you are the branches.'
Advent Club - Jesse Tree
This Advent, our amazing GIFT team led a special lunchtime club exploring the beautiful tradition of the Jesse Tree. Each day, a Bible story is shared, and a bauble representing that story is hung on the tree—counting down the days to Christmas and the birth of Jesus.
Children from EYFS, KS1, and KS2 joined in decorating the tree, learning about the stories that lead us to the Nativity, and celebrating the true meaning of Christmas together.
What a wonderful way to prepare our hearts for this joyful season!
Advent Club
The GIFT Team welcomed children from all year groups. Together, they carefully added foliage to the wreath while reflecting on its beautiful symbolism. One child, Lily, shared a wonderful thought: “It's Like the circle, God’s love is never ending.”
GIFT Retreat
Our GIFT team joined other local schools for a special Advent retreat, reflecting on how Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus experienced life as refugees. After Jesus was born, they had to leave their home and journey to Egypt—a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by those seeking safety today.
Together, we explored how we can welcome refugees in our own communities, offering kindness, hospitality, and God’s love.
A huge well done to our GIFT team for being such wonderful faith ambassadors for our school!
Sister Emmanuel
Sister Emmanuel joined us for Advent Mass. She lives in Rome and works at the Vatican museum. Our GIFT team were lucky enough to talk to her and ask her questions. She even met the Pope! Safe travels back to Rome Sister Emmanuel.
Catholic Social Teaching
Our wonderful GIFT team led a fantastic whole-school assembly! They reminded us all about the 7 principles of Catholic Social Teaching and helped everyone understand how we can live these values every day.
We were especially excited to introduce the beautiful crocheted animals that represent each of the 7 strands — lovingly made and donated by a talented member of our parish community.
These animals will help our children remember important values like caring for creation, standing up for others, working together, and showing dignity and love to everyone.
Review
Our GIFT Team carried out a thorough review of RE across the school.
Along with Mr Gallagher, they observed Celebration of the Word, explored pupils’ books, and spoke with our pupil leadership groups to gain a full picture of the strengths and experiences within RE.
Well done to our GIFT Team for their thoughtful and dedicated work!
Catholic Social Teaching
Our wonderful GIFT team led a fantastic whole-school assembly! They reminded us all about the 7 principles of Catholic Social Teaching and helped everyone understand how we can live these values every day.
We were especially excited to introduce the beautiful crocheted animals that represent each of the 7 strands — lovingly made and donated by a talented member of our parish community.
These animals will help our children remember important values like caring for creation, standing up for others, working together, and showing dignity and love to everyone.
Rosary Club
The GIFT Team have been running a Rosary Club, giving pupils the opportunity to come together in prayer and reflection. Through this club, children have been learning about the significance of the Rosary and deepening their understanding of faith. It has been a peaceful and meaningful way for the school community to grow closer to God.
Jubilee Year Assembly
The GIFT Team began the year by reminding the children about the Jubilee Year, exploring its meaning and significance. Pupils had the opportunity to discuss their own pledges and commitments, reflecting on how they could live out the values of forgiveness, generosity, and service in their daily lives. This activity encouraged everyone to think about how they can make a positive difference in their school and community....
Jubilee 2025
The Holy Father has proclaimed 2025 as a Jubilee Year, a sacred time of renewal, reflection, and grace celebrated every 25 years. With the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” this Jubilee invites all Catholics to embark on a journey of faith and transformation.
Declared by Pope Francis, this Holy Year is a time of spiritual renewal, reconciliation, and unity, encouraging Catholics to journey together. Catholic schools are invited to take part in this global event by engaging in service, reflection, and community celebrations, helping students grow in faith and live out the message of hope in their daily lives.
The GIFT team supported Miss Palmer in delivering a Celebration of The Word for the arrival of the ceremonial anchor.
“Let us help each other discover this encounter with Christ who gives us life, and let us set out on a journey as pilgrims of hope to celebrate that life.” - Pope Francis
Crowning of Our Lady
The GIFT team held a collective worship for the crowning of Our Lady. Together, they led a reverent prayer parade in honour of Mary, carrying flowers and offering prayers of love and devotion. At the heart of the celebration, they crowned a statue of Mary with flowers, symbolising her queenship and purity.
Inspired by Luke 1:28,
“Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you,”
the children reflected on Mary’s role in God's plan.
To share their joy and compassion with others, they later donated the flowers to a local care home, spreading the spirit of love and kindness beyond the school community.
Pope Francis Prayer Book
The GIFT Team began a special book of prayers in memory of the late Pope Francis, inviting children and staff to contribute their thoughts, prayers, and reflections in thanksgiving for his life and service. This heartfelt tribute allowed the school community to come together in faith, showing love and respect for a shepherd who inspired many. As they prayed for his eternal rest, they were guided by the words of 2 Timothy 4:7,
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
The book stands as a lasting reminder of Pope Francis’s dedication to peace, humility, and compassion.
Wider oportunities for our GIFT team
Our GIFT Team have been given the oportunity to take part in a Lenten retreat at St Mary's Church Horwich. They worked with GIFT teams from local parishes to create a video of hope during Lent.
'You must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.'
2 Peter 3:18
Stay and Pray with the GIFT team
We really value our close relationships with our parishioners. Our amazing GIFT team regulaly hold Stay and Pray sessions for them. Pictured, is a lovely heart warming Mary, Mother of Jesus, themed Stay and Pray session. The children gifted daffodils and we all stayed for a chat with a biscuit afterwards.
'I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure.'
Psalm 119:162
The Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
The GIFT team held a beautiful Celebration of the Word for the Blessed Sacrament, creating a sacred space for the school and wider school community to come together in prayer and reflection. The service was filled with reverence, silence, and heartfelt participation, drawing everyone closer to the presence of Christ. As they gathered before the Blessed Sacrament, the words of John 6:35 guided their worship:
“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
It was a powerful moment of unity and spiritual nourishment for all.
The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes
Our fantastic GIFT Team led a group of children in making cards for the sick of our parish. The cards are available at the school office. If you know someone who is ill please come and choose a card made with love and hope by the children of our school.
'Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.'
James 5:14–15
Prayer Club with the GIFT team
Each week, our fabulous GIFT team hold a prayer club with EYFS and KS1. The GIFT team read from our children's bible and disucss the passages with the children. Our young learners listen attentively and enjoy asking the GIFT team questions to support their understanding of scripture.
'From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise.'
Matthew 21:16
Prayer bags
The GIFT team has been busy creating special prayer bags for our school community. These bags are filled with items to help families pray together at home, bringing faith into our everyday lives. By taking time to pray with our families, we grow closer to God and to each other. As Jesus said,
'For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.' (Matthew 18:20)
Let’s remember to make space for prayer in our homes and hearts!
Missioning Service
The GIFT team regularly support Father Kevin during Mass by participating in the readings, sharing God’s Word with reverence and joy. Their presence reflected the spirit of service and unity within the parish community.
Blessing of the crib
The GIFT team worked in partnership with the GIFT team from Our Lady’s to bless the crib, joining together in a beautiful act of unity and faith. Their collaboration highlighted the importance of community and shared mission during the Advent season. As they gathered in prayer and reflection, they were reminded of the words from Luke 2:11
'Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'
Through their blessing of the crib, they helped bring this message of hope and joy to life for all present.
BOSCEP CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE
The GIFT team proudly represented our school in the BOSCEP Christmas Carol Concert, sharing the joy of Christ’s birth through music and song. Their voices helped to spread the true message of Christmas, bringing warmth and light to all who listened. As they sang, the words of Psalm 95:1 echoed in their hearts:
'Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.'
It was a wonderful celebration of faith, community, and the gift of Jesus.
