“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” (Mother Teresa).

St Mary’s is committed to helping others and putting others’ needs before our own. Children learn about those who live in poverty and important concepts such as the Common Good and the Church’s preferential option for the poor. Our school community aims to extend its role in fulfilling the mission of the Church. We give our children experiences within the school and wider community to put their faith into action to help make a difference to others. Children are encouraged to live their lives as the best person they can be. We refer to our school virtues frequently (see Pupil Profile) and the Catholic Social Teaching principles.  We remind children that doing or giving a small thing can make a big difference to someone else.

Pope Francis challenged the whole of society to remember the poor and to persevere in creating the common good by actively engaging in our local communities to alleviate poverty and address social injustices.

"For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat;

I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink;

I was a stranger, and you invited Me in." (Matthew 25:35)

 

Pope Leo says:

“Charity is not just a promise, it is a present reality to be embraced with joy and responsibility.”

St Mary’s supports a wide range of charities both locally and globally to support those in need, such as the Food Bank and The Wallich. We support health services too such as SCBU, Noah’s Ark, British Heart Foundation, Breast Cancer Now and Jeans for Genes. Together with the Church, we support the SVP (St Vincent de Paul society), helping those in our Parish community who are less fortunate than ourselves. St Mary’s also raise funds for less fortunate people around the world. We are committed to supporting the work of CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) and we fundraise in many different ways to raise vital monies to support their ongoing work.

During Advent and Lent, we teach our children about traditional Christian practices such as the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Our Mini Vinnies group (links with St Vincent de Paul society) meet and decide on an appeal that they would like our school community to support. They lead this within the school and raise significant funds for their chosen charity.

We enjoy sharing our talents and the school choir regularly supports the reflections, services and events within the Parish such as:

• Tree of Light Remembrance Service
• SVP Christmas lunch
• Festival of Carols
• Bridgend Male Voice Choir Partnership