At school, we have learnt about the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis following his recent canonization as a Saint. He has become the first millennial Saint and is now recognised as the Patron Saint of Computer Science. Pope Francis referred to Carlo as a model of holiness in a digital age. Carlo spent his young life using his talents with technology to document Eucharistic miracles and helped those most disadvantaged in our society, the poor and homeless, by giving out food and sleeping bags.

At St. Mary’s, we are delighted to launch our newest group known as ‘Digital Disciples’:

 

Each week, our Digital Disciples will meet together in order to think about ways which they could actively use technology in order to promote their faith while following in the footsteps of Carlo Acutis. This may include spreading the Good News of the Gospel and raising awareness of the varieties of injustices in the world. Our Digital Disciples will be able to make links with Catholic Social Teaching, including the principles of Preferential Option for the Poor, Solidarity and Peace, Community and Participation and Dignity. Our Digital Disciples will be able to use a wealth of technology including; writing blogs, creating PowerPoints, making animations or creating informative videos.

 

Following our first week, the Digital Disciples chose to use blogging in order to introduce themselves and provide a little background about why they felt it was important to become a Digital Disciple. Have a look at some of their entries below:

     

Following the month of October, the Digital Disciples decided that it would be a good idea to create informative Powerpoint presentations about the importance of the month of October as a month dedicated to Our Lady. They were passionate about this as they felt that the link to our school-St Mary’s-meant that October is even more special for us. They wanted to share their experience of praying the Rosary as classes, as a school and as a community with parents at the end of each day within the month of October. Here they are constructing their Powerpoint presentations which we will share below once they are completed!

    

POWERPOINT 1

POWERPOINT 2

POWERPOINT 3

POWERPOINT 4

POWERPOINT 5

POWERPOINT 6

The Digital Disciples decided that their next project would be to support the implementation of the Progression of Prayer document across the school. They decided that they wanted to record themselves praying each of the prayers from our progression document and then upload each video so that it can then be played in classrooms or at home to guide others in their daily prayers. This week they started with the prayers of EYFS which you will be able to watch below shortly! A great way to use technology to support prayer within school and at home!

In the Early Years our pupils learn the following prayers - you will find the videos in the correct order of the list:

  • The Sign of the Cross               
  • The Morning Offering               
  • Grace before meals                   
  • Grace after meals                 
  • End of the day Prayer                   
  • The Glory Be                             
  • The Hail Mary