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On Wednesday 22 October, St Clement’s School, Ewell had the privilege of hosting a Catholic Social Teaching Conference for the seven schools within the Epsom and Redhill deaneries: St Peter’s, Leatherhead; St Anne’s, Banstead; St Francis', Caterham; St Joseph’s, Epsom; St Joseph’s, Dorking; and St Joseph’s, Redhill.

The day began with a prayerful reflection and an inspiring address from Fr Chris Bergin of St Michael’s Church, Ashtead, who reminded the pupils that when we serve others, we walk closely with Christ Himself.

Year 5 Worship Leaders from each school then set out on a pilgrimage around the school grounds, pausing at seven interactive stations designed to help them encounter the heart of the Gospel through the core principles of Catholic Social Teaching.

Each station became a moment of prayer, learning, and encounter:

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• Stewardship – Caring for our common home, reflecting on God’s creation and our call to be its faithful guardians.

•  Dignity of Work – Supporting Mary’s Meals, recognising that honest work is a form of participation in God’s creative love.

•  Human Dignity – Created in God’s image, celebrating that every person is sacred and loved beyond measure.

•  Peace – “The Lord bless you and keep you”, a beautiful act of unity as pupils learnt the blessing in Makaton, led by St Clement’s Year 6 Worship Leaders.

•  Subsidiarity – Shared decision-making, understanding that true community is built when all voices are heard in love.

•  Solidarity – Learning about PACT (Prison Advice and Care Trust), standing with those who are marginalised and seeking Christ in every person.

•  Option for the Poor – Exploring Fairtrade, discerning how we can make choices that bring justice and hope to those most in need.

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Throughout their journey, pupils carried a spirit of reverence and joy, aware that each step was part of a shared pilgrimage of faith. As they reflected, prayed, and created together, they were reminded that we are one family in Christ, called to love and serve as He did.

To mark their shared mission, each school created a piece of artwork symbolising our unity in God’s family—beautiful expressions of faith that will now adorn their communities as lasting reminders of the call to live justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with God.

The day concluded in thanksgiving, with pupils commissioned to return to their schools as witnesses of God’s love, ready to inspire others to live out the values of Catholic Social Teaching in their daily lives.

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