Rt. Rev. Philip North, Bishop of Blackburn, made a visit to the Over Wyre Church schools on Wednesday, 25th September. Bishop Philip’s first stop was to Saint Aidan’s where he led worship for Keller and Nightingale Houses. Bishop Philip spoke about choice and the fact the Jesus told his disciples that He had chosen them, not the other way round. He gave the students an opportunity to reflect on choices they made and the response they would make to Jesus’ choosing of them to be modern-day disciples.
Bishop Philip then led a Q/A session with members of our Worship Champions, Officers and Student Leadership Team as well as Father Peter Walsh and our Chaplain, Mrs Cox. The Bishop was able to find out a little more about school life, what being a church school means to the students and the extra opportunities Saint Aidan’s offered. It was great to chat with the Bishop and strengthen the links between the diocese and the school.
Bishop Philip then headed up the hill to Fleetwood’s Charity to lead worship and chat with staff and students. His final stop of a busy morning was to our friends at Pilling St. John’s to lead, yet another, worship and meet the team there.
Mrs Cox said “It was such a privilege for our students to have met with Bishop Philip and Fr. Peter Walsh this morning. Bishop Philip took a great interest in aspects of our school, such as the vertical pastoral system, extra-curricular activities and the Christian and family ethos that is clearly present in our Saint Aidan’s community. Our students did us proud by answering his questions so articulately. A real pleasure.”
Year 11 student Amelia Roles, stated “Talking to Bishop Philip North was a very insightful conversation. His views were interesting and I really enjoyed hearing them.”
We cannot wait for Bishop Philip’s next visit and wish him well in all his activities, across the diocese and beyond.”