This week in our school community: 8 November 2024

As the time of Remembrance comes upon us, we commemorate those who have gone before us

 

  

As the time of Remembrance comes upon us, we commemorate those who have gone before us today and on Monday with our Remembrance Masses for the entire school community. On Monday 11 November a group of students and staff will represent the school at the remembrance service at Firs Field, Combe Down, by the memorial. We are most honoured and blessed to be asked to attend this event and allow some of our uniformed students to lay a wreath as a mark of our respect and gratitude to the fallen of Bath.

This entire month of remembrance for those of us of faith, along with armistice commemorations, mean so much to so many. Remembrance can bring back memories and pain that is too fresh and traumatic. We can understand pain of loss in our own ways, some of us prefer to escape it whilst, to many, such times as now are a welcome way of remembering and being grateful. Remembrance Day is linked to sacrifice, just as our Christian faith puts sacrifice for others at the centre of our belief. One of the most common questions I receive from young people is about what ‘Jesus died for our sins’ means, or about language such as ‘sacrificial lamb’, etc. With the importance of this teaching that Jesus willingly offered himself so that others may have eternal life, it is no wonder that we use the language of sacrifice around those who gave their lives to ensure the liberty of future generations. In this way, remembrance is about gratitude for sacrifice, something we can all appreciate and be fortunate that the pain of war is in the past for us in the UK, but also conscious of its presence in other parts of our world.

All the more reason why part of our commemorations are for a hope of peace, a longing for humanity to no longer take up arms with one another, for a world without violence and destruction.  One of the names for Jesus is the Prince of Peace - that is the saviour we must seek and strive to emulate for peace to reign.     

Prayer for Remembrance Day

For those who were killed in battle,

For those who gave up their lives to save others

For those who fought because they were forced to,

For those who died standing up for a just cause

For those who said war was wrong,

For those who tried to make the peace

For those who prayed when others had no time to pray

For those creatures who needlessly die

For those trees that needlessly are slaughtered

For all of mankind let us quietly pray:

May your God hold them in peace

May Love flow over the Earth

and cleanse us all This day and for always.

Amen.

Monday 11 November, Remembrance Day – Uniforms

As we do each year, we invite all students who are part of cadets, scouts, guides or other uniformed organisations to attend school in their uniform on Monday 11 November.  It is always moving to see so many students proud to be wearing everything from Air Training Corps uniform to St John Ambulance cadet attire, and so many more.  

Mr Robinson

Lay Chaplain