Belonging to our Family of Parishes and their Primary School

Belonging to our Family of Parishes and their Primary School

Cardinal Hume is part of a family of parishes and their primary schools:

Throughout their time in our family of primary schools, children get the opportunity to visit Cardinal Hume for a range of taster days and experiences. From those focused on the performing arts, to those encouraging outdoor adventures, these visits ensure that children are developing the Cardinal Hume attributes such as courage and resilience, helping them to see that they are part of a journey through Catholic education which began in Nursery or Reception, and will reach its conclusion in Y13. The bonds and connections made in the primary phase are continued through events such as informal catch ups with alumni on visit days, and sports sessions delivered to primary students by 6th form to their old primary school.

Our Parish Family

“The Catholic school, far more than any other, must be a community whose aim is the transmission of values for living… Faith is principally assimilated through contact with people whose daily life bears witness to it. Christian faith, in fact, is born and grows inside a community.” — The Catholic School (Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education, 1977),

A vibrant Catholic community is one where the church and school are united as an inseparable whole, working hand in hand to serve God’s people. Through this partnership, the Catholic faith thrives, fostering a sense of belonging that leads to belief and ensuring the parish remains a strong pillar for worship, learning, and community life.

Belonging to Cardinal Hume Catholic School also means being part of our family of parishes. We have strong links with the clergy and members of our local parishes who work alongside the Head Teacher, the staff, the Chaplain, and our students to ensure that our entire school community can grow, nourish, and bear witness to our faith beyond the confines of our school walls.

Sacramental life

Local clergy come into school and offer Masses for each year group. School supports the confirmation catechists within the parishes by sharing information and supporting students in school. 6th form and RE classes visit St Oswald’s church for services and study.

Shared worship

Parishioners are invited into school for the annual Carols by Candlelight service, and our choir and orchestra visit parishes supporting with music for key liturgies across the year.

Supporting Spiritual Growth

The local parishes provide generous financial support by subsidising the cost of Flame transport and the buses from Cardinal Hume Catholic School to the bi-annual Source service at the Cathedral. Parishes have a named liaison person who meets with students doing Faith in Action and John Paul II Awards, helping the students to find not just volunteering opportunities within the parishes, but the most vital thing of all – a warm and genuine welcome home for the young people, many of whom may not be regular attendees.

Shining Examples

Our parishes provide a living witness to the Gospel and the lived Catholic faith. By supporting students to attend Lourdes as part of the Diocesan Pilgrimage, or by welcoming them to Joe’s Place or the foodbank at Corpus Christi, our parishioners are the face of Christ to the young. Inspired by the example of selfless and dedicated parishioners, working to welcome the marginalised and support the vulnerable, we have a significant uptake of Faith in Action in Years 7, 8 and 10. Cardinal Hume Catholic School has the highest number of John Paul II Awards in the Diocese.