Our Year 6 children enjoyed a wonderful retreat day at the Columban Fathers, filled with prayer, creativity, reflection and time spent appreciating the beauty of God’s creation. The day helped prepare them for our upcoming Day of Action, inspiring them to consider how they can put their faith into action and care for our common home.
Surrounded by the beauty of nature, the children enjoyed the freedom to play, roll down hills, laugh together and soak up the autumn sunshine. It was a joyful opportunity to appreciate creation and each other’s company, reminding us of our responsibility to be stewards of God’s wonderful world.
Creativity played an important part in the day. The children collected natural treasures, including berries, leaves, flowers and pinecones, to create beautiful nature mandalas. They explored the rich colours and varied textures of the natural world, taking great pride in their unique designs and reflecting on the beauty found in even the smallest details of creation.
Year 6 also made their voices heard in the call for climate action! They packed symbolic suitcases for politicians attending COP31, choosing meaningful items to communicate important messages. Fairy liquid represented the need to clean up our planet, boots reminded leaders to “walk the talk”, and natural treasures celebrated the beauty we must protect. A clock symbolised the urgency of climate action, while rainbows recalled God’s covenant with Noah and all living creatures, offering a message of hope for the future. The children enthusiastically shared their ideas for tackling climate change, and their messages have been posted on the Energy Secretary’s Kudoboard for politicians to read and act upon. What a powerful opportunity for our children’s voices to be heard!
Prayer and worship brought the day together beautifully. Father Kevin reflected on Jesus’ welcome to children and the importance of purity of heart. As the children passed around bowls of soil and water, they considered the elements of air, fire, water and earth with a renewed sense of wonder and gratitude. The children’s Prayers of the Faithful and beautiful hymns enriched our time together, helping us to reflect on our relationship with God, one another and the world around us.
Our retreat reminded us that caring for creation is more than simply appreciating its beauty; it means taking responsibility and making positive choices to protect it. Through prayer, reflection and practical action, Year 6 are discovering how they can live out our Catholic Social Teaching and make a difference in the world.
We returned inspired, hopeful and ready for our Day of Action, determined to follow in Jesus’ footsteps and to be active stewards of creation.
