From their very first days at St Joseph's, our children are encouraged to appreciate God's presence and activity in the world. Developing awe and wonder of all that is God's creation and building the children's spiritual connection is at the core of our work.

We foster gratitude, reverence, and a deeper appreciation for creation and the mysteries of faith, such as the Eucharist and the Holy Spirit's gifts. This involves recognising the extraordinary in the ordinary, cultivating humility, and experiencing a sense of profound respect and amazement at God's love and actions.

'Awe and wonder' are considered one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, allowing believers to see the goodness of God in all things and appreciate life's blessings. We ensure that we take our children out and show them the world with residential trips, forest school, beach school and introduction to God's creatures so that they understand their role as stewards of Creation. We develop sustainability by teaching our children to eat whole non-processed foods and support them in planting, growing and harvesting our own crops. Seeing God's work in everyday life, in nature, and in the creative expressions of humanity, from art to shared laughter help our children to grow closer to Him.

Experiencing awe and wonder can lead to a transformative faith, deepening one's connection to God and fostering profound amazement and gratitude. 

The benefit of our residential trips, visits and many experiences offered in school is that it often comes with a recognition of one's own smallness in comparison to God's greatness, leading to humility and profound respect.  

The awe and wonder that we, as Catholics, experience at the consecration during Mass helps our children to recognise the spiritual reality of Christ's presence under the appearance of bread and wine. We offer opportunities for our children to experience adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist. 

The ability to approach life with a childlike wonder, as described in the Bible, can lead to the recognition of daily miracles and the cultivation of gratitude. Nowhere is this more evident than a Primary School and it our pleasure to see this grow in our children as they feel God's presence in their lives.

Awe and Wonder