BBC News School Report 2013
Thursday 21st March 2013
Can Faith Be Cool Today?
Is Faith considered cool in today’s society? What do you think?
a report by Derek, Jintil and Hanna
Derek leads the group in a discussion
As part of BBC News School report day we are investigating if having a faith can be cool? This is the day where the New Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury is being inaugurated in Canterbury and only last week a new Pope was chosen by the Catholic Cardinals in the Vatican. Many people are now asking whether the Church can now inspire young people.
In todays society, being religious is not considered as something trendy. A lot of people, teenagers in particular, sometimes feel the need to hide their religion from others, as this might cause them to stand out. A student from St. Edmunds stated that he used to feel “embarrassed” of sharing his religion with others. He also said that he never used to be able to bring friends home as this would expose them to his religion. However this all changed when he started at St. Edmunds Catholic School.
Papa Franciscus the new Pope was elected on 15th March 2013 making him the first Argentinian and non-European to be chosen as Pope for over 600 years.In our assembly this week apowerful image was shown to students of the new Pope washing and kissing the feet of a disabled child who had Aids. This image encourages Catholics to believe that he will inspire the whole Church to work for social justice.
Technology has not only been taking over today’s society, but also is being used more by young people. Today young people spend endless hours on their computers and smart phones and this has caused the Vatican into developing a brand new idea in order to get in touch with the world, and the young people in particular. The Vatican has used Social Networking sites to get across to the young people who are losing their faith that the Catholic Church has already helped many people in the world and will continue to do so.
Both the Pope and the new Archbishop of Canterbury are highlighting the challenges faced by the Church over many issues It seems they both face challenges but the society will help them with the church to build a modern religion.
When asked, Abi stated “to me faith means loyalty and love. I do have some beliefs in God so when the new Pope was elected I was very pleased because he seems like a normal person. I do sometimes pray but I want to be able to pray in front of my friends and family and I hope that the new Pope will help me and others to overcome this fear.
Friday 16th November 2012
St. Edmund's Catholic School makes history by taking 900 to Canterbury Cathedral.
- Report by Hanna and Jack
“This St Edmund’s Day we celebrate 50 years of Catholic Education in Dover with Holy Mass in the wonderful setting of Canterbury Cathedral”. Chris Atkin Executive Headteacher
Inside the Nave of Canterbury Cathedral
On Friday 16th November 2012 over 900 students and staff, past and present from St Edmund’s Catholic School in Dover will celebrate 50 years of our Catholic School’s existence with Holy Mass at Canterbury Cathedral on St Edmund’s day.
This is an historic day as the Catholic Archbishop of Southwark, Peter Smith, will be the chief celebrant for the Mass at Canterbury Cathedral. We believe it is the first Catholic Mass celebrated by a Catholic Archbishop there since the Reformation.
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| Archbishop Peter Smith |
The importance of celebrating Holy Mass at Canterbury Cathedral.....
The Executive Headteacher of St Edmund’s, Mr Atkin said; “Catholic Mass at Canterbury Cathedral is an indication of the close working together of all Christian churches. We are celebrating Catholic education in Dover and are pleased that the chief celebrant is the Very Reverend, Peter Smith, Archbishop of the Catholic Diocese of Southwark. This is a massive event for the school and it has taken over 18 months to prepare.
What was the Reformation?
Henry VIII was the Tudor King in the 15th Century and was originally given the title “Defender of the Faith” by the Pope in Rome. During his reign he wanted to divorce a wife and came into conflict with the Pope over it. Henry then decided to take over the church in England and the Church of England was born, so Canterbury Cathedral became an Anglican cathedral. The Archbishop of Canterbury is the leader of the Anglican Church.
Why is the Mass being held at Canterbury Cathedral?
In recent times the increasing number of students at St Edmunds has led to the school celebrating St Edmunds day in the Anglican church of St Peter and Paul, which is close to the school. As Mr Atkin explained “last year, to start our 50th year celebration , the Chief Celebrant Bishop John Hine pointed out that having the Mass at St Peter and Paul was significant, and showed how local Christian churches were working together .” A desire for Christian unity had never been stronger”.
About 800 students are attending the event, plus the staff, as well as 24 pupils from St. Richards Primary School together with Governors, past pupils and teachers from the past 50 years. Throughout the years Mr Robert Benson has worked extremely hard, in his role as a school governor, and he will be speaking to the congregation about his experiences at the end of the mass. Overall the planning of the event has taken 18 months.
Pupils ring the Cathedral bells
Three students from St. Edmunds have the opportunity to ring the cathedral bells before and after Mass. Sian, Ross and Jacob ring the bells at their local church and following a request from them they were invited to ring the bells in the cathedral. There are also five Cathedral bell ringers joining them today in ringing a well-known piece. Sian said; “I’m feeling quite nervous, but also very excited and honoured to be a part of this celebration!”
Who is St. Edmund of Abingdon?
Edmund was born at Abingdon, near Oxford, about 1175, and was known during his lifetime as Edmund of Abingdon. His area was devastated by the Vikings, who destroyed much evidence of his origins. At the age of 12 he studied at Oxford University. In 1214 at the age of 18, he went to Paris and studied Theology.
In 1214 he became Regent of Theology at Oxford. In 1222 he became Treasurer of Salisbury Cathedral and in 1234 was appointed by the Pope to become Archbishop of Canterbury. Edmund was canonised in 1246 at the first celebration of his feast day on the 16th November.
A Highlight of the day
Asked by our reporter Macaulee after the service what Mr. Atkins’ highlight of the day was “my highlight of the day was Mr. Benson’s speech as it was really from the heart. He is a real Trojan as far as working for the school is concerned as he has served as a Governor for 50 years.”