Our Parish
St. Paul's school is part of the St. Joseph's church community. We have most of our school masses at St. Jospeh's and the children are regularly involved in community activities within the church. More information about St. Joseph's church can be found here.
Our Year Six Faith in Action children interviewed our new Priest, Fr. Henry, asking him questions they had devised.
Fr. Henry told them that he became a priest in 2007 when he was 35 years old. He had previously trained as a primary school teacher and when he received God's call, he didn't really want to become a priest, but God was insistent. At one time, he was a school headteacher while still studying at the Seminary.
Fr. Henry has one sister and six brothers, one of whom is also a priest. His parents were very pleased when he entered the priesthood.
As a priest, he most enjoys celebrating Mass as he brings God closer to people. When he has spare time, he likes to watch and play sports, particularly football, baseball and badminton.
His first church was St Mary's in Nigeria. He has worked in seven others: in Nigeria, Cameroon and the United Kingdom.
Some of the things he loves about St Paul's is that the children are happy and welcoming, they are focussed on what they say and do at Mass. He thinks that the teachers are wonderful and there is a sense of peace about the place.
St Paul's in the community
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St. Paul's has close links with the parish SVP, supporting them with our Harvest Festival each year. They have recently set up a food bank to which our staff and parents donate. Our Mini Vinnies visit the Food Bank and Welcome Wednesday sessions to bring our donations and chat to the parishioners. |
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Children chatting to the visitors at St. Joseph's parish centre on ' Welcome Wednesdays'. |
| Children handing over parent and staff contributions to a member of our parish SPV. They are very grateful for the support of the school to the most vulnerable in our local community. |  |
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The choir donned their festive outfits and sang a variety of Christmas carols at a local church hall for the SVP Senior Citizens Christmas Party. |
| For Remembrance Day, the choir performed in the local village as part of the 'Turn Tilehurst Red' campaign, which raises money for the British Legion. |  |
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Children at their First Holy Communion mass. The children are prepared for this sacrament by the Headteacher and RE lead at St. Paul's, who are both Catechists. This is open to all families in the parish. |
