Bishop Paul delights Bulwell school community

Headteacher, Mrs Burge, began the celebration by welcoming Bishop Paul. The children were fascinated to hear about Bishop Paul’s role in the Church of England. In an engaging, age-appropriate talk, Bishop Paul (The Rt Revd Paul Williams, Southwell, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Diocesan Bishop) humbly described his role as very similar to a Headteacher. He said, “I get to share God’s love with many people as I get to support our 300 or so churches and 75 schools in the area.” He brought along his Mitre (a tall headdress worn by Bishops) and explained its symbolism before handing over to Father Andrew – Bulwell Parish Priest and a Governor at the School.

Father Andrew, like Reverend Bob, is a regular visitor to the school and knows the staff and children well. Starting with a bit of audience participation regarding how many pancakes the children had consumed, he then talked to the children about the more meaningful aspects of Ash Wednesday – through his typically wonderful magic tricks, he gently explained to the children that it is ok for us to admit when we have done something wrong and it’s comforting to be able to say sorry. He then explained that on Ash Wednesday, many Christians will receive the symbol of the cross in ash on their foreheads.

Much to the children’s amusement, Father Andrew beckoned Reverend Bob and Bishop Paul to compete with one another in a pancake-flipping contest. Despite Bishop Paul’s best efforts, Reverend Bob was the clear winner, successfully flipping his pancake 13 times – twice more than Bishop Paul, whose pancake spent more time on the floor!

At the end of Collective Worship, children were invited to receive the temporary mark of the cross on their foreheads. Year five children Elliana and Riley (pictured) led a short prayer to close. Whilst the children were leaving, Bishop Paul still found time to talk and pray with staff members and was delighted to be asked for a blessing by Mrs Kainth (Year 3 Teacher) who is expecting a baby in July.

Bishop Paul commented, “It has been an absolute joy to spend Ash Wednesday afternoon at this wonderful school, Bulwell St May’s Church of England Primary & Nursery School – and to meet these children, who are all so clearly loved and cherished. They have such a super environment here – it’s a very special place where they can grow and flourish. I’ve been made to feel so welcome, and it’s always lovely to see Father Andrew and Reverend Bob. Although, I wouldn’t mind having a recount on the pancake flipping!”

Mrs Burge explained the importance of this event. She said “I am so proud of the children today. We love welcoming visitors to our school, and this was a very special visitor indeed. As an inclusive Church of England Primary School, we share the principles of Christianity and spirituality in everyday school life. Our relevant and diverse curriculum enables our children to learn about all faiths alongside our school values and our ‘Take Care’ ethos; we take care of ourselves, each other, our work, our school and our world. Bishop Paul is extremely busy with so many schools and churches to support. We feel truly blessed that he found time to visit us on what is a very special day in the Christian calendar. It’s so important that our children understand that as well as belonging to their families, our school and our close community here in Bulwell, they also belong to the wider church.

I would like to thank Bishop Paul for making our Ash Wednesday so memorable for us all and also thank you to the wonderful Father Andrew and Reverend Bob for their continued support and for helping make this event possible.”