Catholic Life and Chaplaincy

As part of our Core RE/PTE programme the L6 were asked to use their knowledge of Catholic Social Teaching to explain, evaluate and personally respond to the question 'How does Notre Dame fulfil Catholic Social Teaching?' 

"The college makes sures everyone’s views, cultures and religion are not only respected but celebrated. An example is Culture Week, when everyone comes together to celebrate and respect different cultures at Notre Dame." 

"Notre Dame helps students become aware and recognise others across the world who face bigger struggles than us, therefore fulfilling the teaching of solidarity, as it influences Notre Dame students to actively help others where possible through volunteering, which is part of our Stella Maris Leadership Award." 

"At Notre Dame, we fulfil the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. We can see the solidarity between teachers and students. Achievement Tutors are all actively working for their good, even if all of us might not face the same struggles. We are all recognising and respecting each other as our brothers and sisters."

Catholic Life, General News

1 September 2023

Mission and Ethos Day at Notre Dame

Sister Judith came to Notre Dame on 31st August so speak to staff as part of the...

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Our Lay Chaplain is always on hand to support Notre Dame students spiritually and emotionally, regardless of their beliefs. The Chaplaincy Team are based in the Chaplaincy Area in Main Building, where you are welcome to drop in and have a chat. The Chaplaincy Area is a welcoming space for anyone to visit and includes St Julie’s Oratory (our small Chapel) the Chaplaincy (social space) and the Chaplaincy Office. 

The Catholic faith underpins all aspects of our college life, and we are here to help you explore, understand and grow in faith. Chaplaincy at Notre Dame is here to support all students whatever your experience of faith is.

We are fortunate to have use of the University Chapel for morning prayer and weekday Mass. The Student Chaplaincy Team get involved in and lead a wide variety of activities from Prayer and Liturgy to Charitable Action. Throughout your time at Notre Dame, you will have opportunities to journey in pilgrimage, with the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes being the largest of these.

Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College has a long tradition of joining the Leeds Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Over the years hundreds of students and staff have journeyed in pilgrimage and connected with the place where Our Lady (Notre Dame), Mary the Mother of God, appeared to St Bernadette in 1858. Being part of the pilgrimage enables us to live out our College mission of faith, hope and love as we support assisted pilgrims and grow in faith and friendship together. This pilgrimage opportunity is open to students in Lower Sixth each year.

Here is what out students say about the opportunity...

'During our week we had time as a College to visit the Grotto at night and have our vigil there. After the vigil I felt at peace. I also felt a great sense of peace when we went to the City of the Poor. I loved it. If I were to go on my own to Lourdes, I would definitely stay there. I liked how quiet it was and the scenery. Nature helped me find peace.'

'The most memorable moment was during the torchlight procession where I was carrying the banner. I was stood on the stairs holding my school’s banner and as I looked out on everyone praying with the candles flickering it felt like such a private moment, yet we all shared it. I looked to the Crowned Virgin Mary statue and the light reflected off, and it was so beautiful I felt God’s presence throughout the whole procession and for the rest of the trip.'

'In Lourdes it felt like a community of people united together by the holy spirit and their love for God not separated by our differences like it sometimes feels like in the outside world. God brings people together and inspires us in times when we least expected. I went to Lourdes expecting to help a pilgrim get around Lourdes, learn about them, what they like and what their life is normally like but in reality, my pilgrim as well as the rest of the Faith and Light group gave back to me so much more than I could have ever asked them for. They welcomed me and my friends into their community with open arms, shared their experiences and gave me a newfound sense of purpose that I will carry with me forever.'