Nursery’s first class trip, to St James’s Church!

Today we visited our local Church, St James’s at Spanish Place. This was Nursery’s first class trip!

We were so lucky to be taken round the beautiful Church by Father Philip, the Parish Priest. He told us lots of new information about the special features of the Church, how different celebrations are celebrated and what Saints are represented by amazing statues and stained glass windows.

Nursery were so calm and respectful throughout our visit, they listened very well to Father Philip, answering his questions and asking their own.

First we met Father Philp in a Chapel at the side of the Church called the Lady Chapel, as it is dedicated to our Holy Mother, Mary. Nursery sat in front of  an Altar, that stood underneath a large ornate painting of Mary. Outside the Chapel, Father Philip showed us a very important statue showing Jesus being held by Mary, and both of them are being held by Anna, Mary’s mother. Inside the Chapel was a large Font, where families come together to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism. Father Philip reminded Nursery all about the celebration of Baptism and the special steps a Priest takes to Baptise a baby.

Nursery were given a special tour of the Church by Father Philip. We stopped at each statue or Altar to see the ornate and special artefacts that are held there, including which Saint the Altar is dedicated to. Father Philip explained why the Saint is important to remember, what they did for us and why people pray to them. In front of an Altar for our blessed Mary, we stood and reflected whilst saying the Hail Mary. We also said the Hail Mary with Father Philip, who was very proud that everyone could put their hands together and make the sign of the cross.

When we came to the nave of the Church Nursery sat on the front seats facing the front Altar. Father Philip spoke about the Altar, and what it represents – showing us the ornate painting on the front that depicts the Nativity scene. Father Philip then told us all about where Jesus is kept in the Tabernacle during Mass, and showed us this at the back of the Altar. Father Philip explained the different and special ways Jesus is present during Mass, and how we all come together to celebrate and thank God at Church. Nursery were able to ask questions about what they could see, and they told Father Philip about all the important people they could remember from their Nativity, who were present at the birth of Jesus.

We finished our tour with a chorus of ‘O come let us adore him’, a beautiful Christmas Carol that we sang in our Nativity. What an amazing first trip Nursery, well done!