We were extremely saddened by the news that Joseph lost his battle with cancer on Saturday morning the 12th December.
We share the pain of his passing but at least we now know that he is at peace.
Year 10 students and staff joined together on Thursday 17th December, at 1.00pm and released balloons as a mark of remembrance.
Mr Bland led the final Celebration assembly of the term for Year 10, later in the afternoon, which was dedicated to Joseph and celebrated his life. The assembly ended with a prayer and a 2 minute round of applause that could be heard throughout the school.
Joesph’s funeral will be held at St Joseph’s church Goldenhill, at 3.00pm on Tuesday 22nd December.
Students and staff are welcome to attend outside the church.
Our thoughts are with Joseph’s family at this very sad time. Please remember them in your prayers.
Miss Grolik said a prayer at the beginning and here are the words of the prayers that were led by Mr McKenna and Mrs Farrer and “The Wonder of Joe” :
Loving Father,
to you the dead do not die
and, in death, our life is changed-not ended.
We believe that all that binds us together
in love and friendship
does not end with death.
Hear our prayers for |Joseph.
As you have made each of us in your image and likeness
and have called us by name,
hold him safely in your love
in your kingdom
of light, happiness and peace.
Amen
Father,
your son declared ‘blessed’
all those who mourn,
knowing that no-one can mourn
unless they love very much.
Bring courage and strength
to those who now mourn
because they have loved greatly.
We know, too,
that it is better
to have loved and lost someone
than never to have loved at all.
Be with Joseph
and may the members of his family
be strengthened,
knowing that others care for them
and hold them in prayer.
Amen
“The Wonder of Joe”
When no-one else can understand us
When everything we do is wrong
You give us help and consolation
You give us strength to carry on
And you’re always there to lend a hand
In everything we do
That’s the wonder
The wonder of Joe.
When you smile the world is brighter
You touch our hands and we are kings
Your kiss to us is worth a fortune
Your love for us is everything
And you’ll never know the reason why
We love you like we do
That’ the wonder
The wonder of Joe