Our Parish – Saint John the Evangelist and Saint Martin de Porres

At SS John and Monica Catholic Primary School, we are proud of the strong and valued relationship we share with our parish, Saint John the Evangelist and Saint Martin de Porres, situated in the heart of Balsall Heath, Birmingham.

Our parish is a warm, welcoming and vibrant Catholic community, bringing together people from a rich variety of cultural, ethnic and social backgrounds. This wonderful diversity reflects the community we serve and is a source of strength, enriching our shared faith and sense of belonging.

Our parish priest, Fr Babu, plays an important role in the spiritual life of our school. We are fortunate to enjoy a close and supportive relationship with him, and we greatly value his guidance, encouragement and involvement in our school community.

Growing Together in Faith

Our strong partnership with the parish is central to our Catholic identity and mission. Together, we seek to nurture children's faith, deepen their understanding of the teachings of Jesus and encourage them to live out the Gospel values in their everyday lives.

Throughout the school year, our children participate in a range of religious celebrations and opportunities for worship, including:

  • School Masses: Celebrated regularly with Fr Babu, providing opportunities for children to participate in prayer, readings, singing and the celebration of the Eucharist.

  • Parish and Family Masses: Encouraging children and their families to take an active part in the wider worshipping community.

  • Liturgical Celebrations: Marking important occasions throughout the Church's year, including Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter.

  • Sacramental Preparation: Working in partnership with the parish and families to support children as they prepare to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, and as they continue their journey of faith.

  • Prayer and Reflection: Providing opportunities for children to grow spiritually and develop a personal relationship with God.

A Partnership Between Home, School and Parish

We recognise that the relationship between home, school and parish is fundamental to Catholic education.

Parents and carers are the first educators of their children in faith, and we work closely with the parish to support families in nurturing their children's spiritual development.

We warmly encourage our pupils and their families to participate in parish life, including Sunday Mass, celebrations, community gatherings and charitable activities.

Our shared commitment to faith, service and community helps children understand that they belong to something greater than themselves and encourages them to develop compassion, generosity and responsibility towards others.

Living Our Faith in the Community

Inspired by the example of Jesus Christ and the lives of our parish saints, Saint John the Evangelist and Saint Martin de Porres, we encourage our children to demonstrate love, kindness, humility, justice and service to others.

Through our close relationship with the parish, children are encouraged to recognise the importance of helping those in need, respecting people of all backgrounds and contributing positively to the wider community.

We are particularly proud of the strong sense of family and belonging that connects our school and parish communities.

Together with Fr Babu and our parish family, we strive to ensure that our children grow not only in knowledge and understanding, but also in faith, hope and love.

Our partnership with Saint John the Evangelist and Saint Martin de Porres Parish remains a cherished and essential part of life at SS John and Monica Catholic Primary School.

 

 

This Christian community of worship, prayer and service supports each other and engages with other Christians and members of other faiths or none in dialogue and neighbourhood enterprises.

Please click the link below to learn about the parish community and Mass times. 

https://www.ssjohnmartinandcatherines.org/ss-john-martin