A Catholic school is a community of love and hope. It provides young people with a Catholic education, which perceives life as a faith journey. The aim of a Catholic school is to develop the full potential of all young people, leading to their life-long activities being guided by the Spirit and presence of Christ, in the service of God and of others.  

Following Jesus’ teachings is fundamental to the entire ethos of our school and wider school community. It is integral in all aspects of school life and is outlined in our mission statement: it means that in Religious Education we are not just teaching a curriculum subject but also a living faith which we encourage children to share in.  

We are supported in our mission by the active partnership of home, school and the parish. Together, we provide support for the faith community, helping to form and develop in all a mature Christian conscience, and help navigate the increasingly secular influences of popular culture.  

Although we are a Catholic school, we have strong links with other Christian faith groups and organisations in the local area.  We are in partnership with the Churches Together group within Lanchester and we welcome the ‘Open the Book’ team into school each week.  Visits to other world faith centres and visitors into school also form part of a rounded education.     

The beliefs and values studied in Catholic religious education inspire and draw together every aspect of life in this school.  

Our aims in the teaching of RE are:  

• To give the children a deep knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith and other world faiths;  
• To encourage investigation and reflection by the children so that they can recognise the contribution it makes to their lives;
• To give the children a deep understanding of the beliefs of others and to treat them with respect and tolerance;  
• To develop the skills the children need to be able to make decisions about faith values and life styles;  
• To give the children a deep knowledge and understanding of the Sacraments;  
• To encourage prayer and realise the importance of prayer.

The Parish of All Saints’ & St. Teresa’s

Our parish incorporates All Saints’, Lanchester and Burnhope and St. Teresa’s, Annfield Plain. Father Charles is our Parish Priest and Reverend Peter is our Deacon; we are very fortunate to be so close to our Parish Church. We believe that the school is an important part in the life of the Parish and that the Parish is equally important in the life of our school. We have an excellent special relationship with our Parish. Deacon Peter and Father Charles regularly visit school to talk to the children as well as joining us for special events throughout the year. We also visit church for masses, celebration and prayer. This close partnership helps to make prayer, worship and liturgy a real educational experience for our children and contributes to the development of the faith of each individual in the school community. It also helps to foster the qualities of self-esteem, justice, honesty and respect for other people and cultures in our children.  

Parish Priest & Parish Deacon	Fr. Charles EjiEji   Rev. Peter Smith
Address	Kitswell Road Lanchester Co.Durham
Post Code	DH7 0JH
Phone Number	01207 520374
Email Address	lanchester.allsaints@rcdhn.org.uk
Mass Times	Saturday Vigil: 4:15pm (St. Teresa’s)   Sunday Morning: 9:30am (All Saints’)

Sacramental Preparation

During Year Four, our children are given the opportunity to make the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.  

Our experience tells us that the faith of  children is best nourished when home, school and parish work together. First and most importantly, children learn about faith in their home. This is supported in school and by the people of the wider parish community.  

Within the R.E. curriculum in Year Four, children learn about the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist and through working with the parish, they will learn more about the Mass.  

You will know that your child is ready to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation when they:  

• Know that God loves them and is always ready to forgive no matter what;  
• Are able to reflect on their own behaviour;  
• They want to express sorrow and to make amends;  
• And appreciate the place and importance of Reconciliation.  

You will know that your child is ready to celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion when they:  

• Know about Jesus, they pray to him and want to receive Communion with him and his church;  
• Show reverence and respect;  
• Know the difference between Holy Communion and ordinary food;  
• Be attentive and aware of what is happening during Mass;  
• Have some sense of belonging to the parish family.  

If you would like any further information about the Sacramental Preparation programme, please contact Fr. Charles, Deacon Peter, Mrs. Conlin or Mrs. Stephenson.  

Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust

We are part of Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust and, at the heart of our school, are their values which are: