I was still a teenager when I first saw the Robbins/Wise film West Side Story, which was based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. It tells the story of teenagers Tony and Maria, who, despite having affiliations with rival street gangs, the American Jets and Puerto Rican Sharks, fall in love in 1950s New York City. A new version of their doomed love, directed this time by Steven Spielberg, will be released this December, marking the 60th anniversary of the 1961 film. The wondrous music is amazing and still has such a freshness about it. After their meeting, Tony rushes to Maria’s house and they sing “Tonight, tonight” with its concluding line, “When you dream – dream of me, tonight.” There is nothing new under the sun and sacred authors got there first! In the Book of Joel (2:28) we read, “Your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.” There is a beautiful hymn in the Office of Compline entitled “Te lucis ante terminum” (Before the fading of the light) The second verse begins, “Te corda nostra somnient” which translates as “May our hearts dream of you (Lord God).”

In our painting we see the silence of a Carthusian monk. Like Saint Joseph, they spend most of their life in silence. Read the Bible. Not once will you find a word spoken by Joseph. He is silent and strong. The monks may be silent but their love of Christ and the Church protects and provides for us as we rush through our busy and noisy lives. Their silence is their eloquence. Their hiddenness is a powerhouse of prayer. Our painting is entitled, ”Seated Carthusian Holding an Open Book” and was painted by the Frenchman and member of l’Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture,. This was in 1711…..309 years ago! But here’s the thing. If it had been painted 937 years ago when St Bruno founded the order, or indeed yesterday, it would have looked exactly the same. It is said that the Carthusians never had to reform because they had never ever deformed. The habit that St Bruno wore is the exact habit the present-day Carthusian wears….whether he is the Prior or the newly professed Brother. No sign of high office or dignity other than the simple habit. The painting looks like a sepia photograph. You see only the habit, the book and the hands. The personality and character are given to God who uses the hands of the monk to study, to pray, to work and to use his isolation for the greater glory of God. As he reads and prays the Scriptures, I wonder what his dreams are? I wonder what our dreams will be for the coming year?

Monsignor Monaghan

With difficulty in accessing Teams this morning we have uploaded here, a set of revision questions on Revelations and Origins of the Universe. Along with the second sheet posted later this week, this will build up to the completions of a ’20 marker’ question.

For on-going revision you should concentrate on the Unit Notes. You will not need the textbooks.

RMPS Origins Homework 1 Revelation and Scientific Method

With difficulty accessing Teams, we have posted work herePilgrimage for S6 RE for this week.

With access to Microsoft Teams being difficult this morning, we have posted a worksheet for this week.Pilgrimage

With issues accessing Microsoft Teams, we have uploaded work for this week. Complete the assignments for Lesson One.S4 Religious Education Our World

With access to Microsoft Teams being difficult this morning, we have uploaded work here. With YPI, classes are at very different stages and we cannot issue a general task. Please check your jotter and for this week continue with the next sheet.S2 Unit 2 The People of God 2020 – Copy

With access to Microsoft Teams difficult this morning, we have uploaded work on POVERTY. For this week complete the first set of tasks.S3 Poverty unit lesson 1

Morning,
While access to Microsoft Teams is difficult this morning, I have posted a sheet for completion by First Year on the Epiphany.

The Feast of The Epiphany

‘We loved them in life, let us not forget them in death.’ St Ambrose.

As you may know the Month of November is highlighted in the Catholic Tradition as a time to pray for the dead and in particular those close to us. As in previous years, we intend to hold a Service of Remembrance. Unfortunately, due to the current restrictions we are looking at an alternative service using our sixth year Caritas students. This service will take place on Wednesday 25th November at 3pm and is open to all regardless of faith.

As in previous years we will light a candle in memory of close relatives who have died within the past twelve months or so. Pupils will be informed and given the opportunity to participate through RE and encouraged to tell their parents about the service. It will be highlighted on our webpage and twitter and we hope of either recording or streaming the service to let others outwith the school be included in this service

In order to ensure that we do not miss anyone from being included in this Service we have added a link below to access an online form where you can add your name, the name of the deceased and their relation to you. The form will remain open till the end of the day of Friday 20th November.

November Lists are a longstanding tradition in the Catholic Church. Following the Biblical and Church Tradition we pray for our deceased that they may find eternal rest with God. Each member of staff will be given, via files, a November List to complete. If you do not receive a list you can collect one from The Office, RE Department or myself. Completed lists will be placed in a basket before our altar and those people on the lists will be remembered in our Masses and Services throughout November.

Completed lists can be given to The Office, RE Department, myself or placed in the basket in The Oratory.

Monsignor Monaghan’s Reflection on the Month of November using religious art works.

Art of the Month November