G.I.F.T Team
Welcome to our G.I.F.T. page.
We are the Growing In Faith Together Team.
Our Commitment Prayer
We will do our best to speak the truth.
to always be patient and kind;
To be able to put other people first
and always forgive.
To trust, to hope and to endure, whatever comes.
to help others to grow in faith together.
St Mary and St Joseph's G.I.F.T chaplaincy team began in March 2015, with our children being commissioned at Salford Cathedral by Canon McBride. The work of our first team continues to grow and develop every year. We thank the children that helped to introduce the G.I.F.T team to our school. They were great ambassadors that continue to inspire all the children that want to be a part of G.I.F.T, leading and promoting the faith life and values within our school and beyond.
The Year of Hope - Celebrating the Jubilee
The GIFT team, alongside Mrs Parker and Mrs Thomson, visited St Antony's to pass on the diocesan Anchor of Hope, a powerful symbol of our commitment to faith, hope, and community. This event was held as part of the Jubilee Year of Hope. We were welcomed by the staff and pupils at St Antony's who led a wonderful assembly to celebrate this event.
GIFT Team Advent prayer and liturgy planning at St Edward's
Our GIFT (Growing In Faith Together) team recently joined pupils from local Catholic schools at St Edwards to collaboratively prepare prayers and liturgies for the Advent season, an event that beautifully exemplified our commitment to faith, respect, and community. This experience not only deepened our pupils’ spiritual growth and confidence in leading worship but also strengthened bonds across our Catholic community, reflecting our school’s vision of nurturing every pupil within a supportive and collaborative environment. The prayers created will enrich our Advent celebrations, fostering a meaningful and shared faith journey for all pupils and families, and we encourage parents to engage with their children about this special event and to participate in upcoming liturgies that bring our values to life.
Hope in the Future Celebration Event
The Edge, Riveredge, Wigan, Tuesday 3rd October 2023
Our dedicated GIFT Team pupils and Mrs Parker participated in an event celebrating the six-year Hope in the Future journey. This inspiring gathering brought together GIFT teams from across Blackburn and Darwen, demonstrating our school's active involvement in the wider diocesan community.
The day was filled with wonderful experiences:
• Inspiring Talks: Pupils listened to powerful presentations by Bishop John and lay missionary Pippa Baker
• Musical Inspiration: Performance by One Hope Project
• Collaborative Learning: Engaging in small-group discussions and idea sharing
• Spiritual Reflection: A quiet prayer session led by Bishop John
Our pupils were outstanding ambassadors for St Mary and St Joseph's, embodying our core values of:
• Faith
• Community
• Compassion
• Learning
Reflecting on Missionary Discipleship
The event provided a unique opportunity for our pupils to:
• Reflect on their spiritual journey
• Understand their role as Missionary Disciples
• Explore ways to continue their important work
Well done to our GIFT Team members for their exceptional representation of our school and their commitment to our Catholic faith.
"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:16
"Stay with us, Lord, on our journey"
The GIFT Team at St Edward's
Our GIFT team pupils and Mrs Parker visited St Edwards Darwen. During this inspiring experience, pupils engaged in ice-breaker activities, connected with GIFT teams from other schools within Blackburn and Darwen. They celebrated a reflective prayer service with Fr. Brian, and collaborated on planning prayer and liturgies focused on Mary and the Rosary.
Well done and thank you to the children who went. You were amazing representatives of our school and of your ongoing commitment to the GIFT Team supporting the faith life of our school.
“Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire.” St Catherine of Siena
