Faith strengthens bonds at DLS St Helens
Two memorable trips for the Lasallian Community at De La Salle School St Helens served as a reminder of how faith brings us together and strengthens our bonds.
Unstoppable: Our Lasallian Community at FLAME 2025
On Saturday, 15th March 2025, the De La Salle School St Helens Lasallian community embarked on an unforgettable journey to OVO Arena Wembley for FLAME 2025, an inspiring day filled with Fun, Faith, and Friendship. With an early 4:00 AM start and a late return at 11:00 PM, the 20 hours we spent together truly reflected the spirit of our community—living out faith in action.
FLAME 2025, themed "UNSTOPPABLE", brought together thousands of young people to celebrate their faith. Throughout the day, we were uplifted by powerful performances from artists like Guvna B and One Hope Project, and deeply moved by the words of guest speakers including Br Chris Patino and Bear Grylls. We were especially inspired by the testimonies of groups such as World Dance Project and SVP, who showed how faith can be lived out in powerful and practical ways.
During lunch, students explored the arena, discovering organisations committed to putting faith into action. Parents expressed their gratitude for the opportunity, with one saying, "We are so grateful to you all for giving the students the opportunity to attend and experience such a wonderful day." Another parent shared, "I just wanted to say a huge thank you for organising such a wonderful experience for the children, and to you and the other staff members for giving up your day off." For many students, this was a first school trip experience, and as one parent put it, "My daughter had an amazing time on her first proper school trip, and she's still talking about it now!"
A highlight for many was receiving a signed copy of Bear Grylls' new book, "The Greatest Story Ever Told", a reminder of the power of resilience and belief. And in a surprise moment, our very own Chaplain, Sam, had a chance encounter with Declan Donnelly!
Throughout the day, students were inspired by the messages shared on stage. One student reflected, "Today I learned that YOU ARE LOVED! Whether by God, your friends, or your family, there is always someone who loves you. You are not alone." Another took away a lesson in kindness and perseverance, saying, "It doesn't matter where you began in life or the places you come from. We don’t all necessarily come from the best places, but what matters is how much love and positivity you put into the world because that’s what comes back to you, often in unexpected ways."
Even those who couldn’t join us in person felt part of the experience, as one parent commented, "We are so grateful!!! We have loved watching the updates on your Instagram—thank you!!"
FLAME 2025 reminded us that faith is a journey we take together, and as a Lasallian community, we are truly UNSTOPPABLE.
A Journey of Faith and Friendship: Our Trip to Carfin Grotto
Last weekend, a group of our students embarked on an unforgettable journey to Scotland, a trip filled with faith, friendship, and adventure. These students, who are dedicated members of our Faith Formation programme and are actively working on their relationship with God, had the opportunity to explore new places, deepen their faith, and create lasting memories.
Our home for the weekend was with the Salesian Sisters in Easterhouse, Glasgow. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with such warmth that we truly felt at home. The hospitality was beyond measure, and we embraced the Salesian spirit wholeheartedly—even playing the drums at 11:30 pm! We were reassured that a Salesian house without the noise of young people is like a body without a soul, and we couldn’t agree more.
Saturday morning started with a delicious traditional Scottish breakfast, featuring square sausage—an exciting first-time experience for many of us! Energised and ready for the day, we set off for Carfin Grotto, a place of deep spiritual significance. As we explored the grotto, we delved into the lives of some of the most influential saints, racing to find our founder among them. One of the most special moments of our visit was spending time in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. Adding to the uniqueness of our pilgrimage, we received exclusive access to the All Saints Reliquary, which is currently under renovation. Inside, we discovered relics of St. John Baptist de La Salle, St. Vincent de Paul, and many other saints who inspire our faith journey.
After leaving Carfin Grotto, we took a short tram ride to Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, where we immersed ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the historic street. From street entertainment to visiting the shops we had planned to see, our time in Edinburgh was a wonderful mix of culture and fun.
As the evening approached, we returned to Glasgow for an Italian feast at the Sisters' house. However, before indulging in our well-earned meal, we took part in a team-building activity—laser quest! The competition was fierce, the laughter was endless, and even though we found ourselves up against a group of energetic eight-year-olds in the second round, we still had an absolute blast.
Sunday allowed us a well-deserved long lie-in, with some people not getting up until 10 am! Once we were up and ready, we headed to Mass at the very local parish, which shares a car park with the Sisters' house. It was a beautiful service where we witnessed primary school children, who are about to make their First Holy Communion, publicly commit to preparing well in front of their friends and family. After Mass, we were invited to join the parish for their weekly breakfast, which was a wonderful opportunity to connect with the local community before heading home.
Our trip to Scotland was a truly blessed experience, filled with moments of reflection, joy, and community. From the warm hospitality of the Salesian Sisters to the sacred moments at Carfin Grotto and the fun-filled adventures in Edinburgh, every part of the journey was a reminder of how faith brings us together and strengthens our bonds.
Students Making a Difference: Going Above and Beyond for Good
In De La Salle St Helens, there are students who don’t just excel in academics or extracurriculars but also shine in their commitment to giving back. These young changemakers dedicate their own time to raising funds and awareness for causes that touch their hearts, proving that compassion and leadership can start at any age.
From organising charity drives to leading fundraising events, students are stepping up in remarkable ways. Whether it’s collecting donations for local shelters, hosting bake sales for medical research, or running awareness campaigns for global issues, their dedication is inspiring. What makes these efforts even more special is that they come from a place of personal passion—whether it’s a student supporting a cause in honor of a loved one, or another advocating for an issue they’ve learned about and feel deeply connected to.
One inspiring example is Evie, you can read more about Evie’s efforts here:
Hello! My name is Evie and I am a year seven student at De La Salle Academy in St Helens. On the 11th of April 2025, I will be participating in the Junior Sleepout at Goodison Park, the home of Everton Football Club, to raise money for Everton in the Community. This sleepout will be the first and only opportunity for junior fans to sleep at Goodison Park, following the building of Everton's new stadium, Bramley Moore.
Everton in the Community (EITC for short) is one of the UK’s top sporting charities; the charity helps young people to not go down the path of anti-social behaviour, smoking, crime and more. EITC also run multiple physical activity camps to support local peoples mental and physical health. As well as supporting in sports camps and preventing crime in young people, EITC raised funds for a mental health support building, The People's Place, which is only a two-minute walk from the stadium. Which means it's accessible for all people in the Everton community and Everton supporters.
I have a JustGiving page for the fundraising with a goal of £200. If you would wish to donate, please follow the link below. Thank you!
https://www.justgiving.com/page/evie-lyon-sleepout?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
The impact of these students goes beyond the funds they raise. They inspire their peers, families, and even the wider community to get involved. Their acts of kindness create ripples that encourage others to look beyond themselves and contribute to the greater good.
As we celebrate these students, we also encourage others to find a cause that speaks to them. Whether big or small, every act of generosity has the power to change lives. To all the young leaders making a difference—thank you for your passion, dedication, and heart. You remind us that kindness knows no age, and that each of us has the power to do good.
