Parish Links
Our Lady of the Annunciation – Bishop Eton
Carleton House Preparatory School is proud to be part of the parish of Our Lady of the Annunciation, Bishop Eton, located just a short distance from our school.
Our parish is central to our Catholic identity and plays a vital role in the spiritual life of our school community. We work in close partnership with our Parish Priest, Fr Tim Buckley, who is a regular and valued visitor in school. He supports our pupils through visits, celebration of Mass and guidance in their faith journey.
Fr Tim is a familiar and much-loved figure among our children. Through his visits to school, he shares his Freddie Freckles stories, helping pupils to explore Gospel values in an engaging, age-appropriate way. These experiences make faith real and accessible, supporting children to reflect on how they can live out the teachings of Jesus in their daily lives.
This strong relationship reflects our commitment to working together as home, school and parish, ensuring that our children grow in faith within a supportive and connected Catholic community.
A Living Partnership
Our pupils regularly engage with parish life in meaningful and purposeful ways.
They:
- Attend and participate in Mass at Bishop Eton Church, particularly during Advent, Lent and key liturgical celebrations
- Take part in school and parish celebrations, including our annual Christmas worship in church
- Visit the church to support and enrich their Religious Education topics, bringing learning to life through real experiences of sacred spaces
Through these opportunities, pupils deepen their understanding of the liturgical year, develop confidence in worship and experience the Church as a living community.
Families are warmly encouraged to visit the church together, strengthening the connection between home, school and parish and supporting children in seeing faith lived beyond the classroom.
Sacramental Life – Reconciliation and the Eucharist
Pupils in Year 4 are supported in preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, working closely with Bishop Eton Parish, Fr Tim and a dedicated team of catechists.
Preparation includes:
- Monthly parish-based sessions throughout the year
- Opportunities for prayer, reflection and discussion
- Deepening understanding of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, helping pupils reflect on forgiveness, choices and God’s mercy
- Developing knowledge of the Eucharist and the real presence of Christ
As part of this preparation, Fr Tim also visits school to work directly with the children, supporting their understanding and helping them to feel confident and prepared for receiving the sacraments.
This journey enables pupils to grow spiritually, deepen their relationship with Christ and understand the significance of the sacraments within the life of the Church.
Following their First Holy Communion, pupils return to school to celebrate this important milestone with the whole community. Dressed in their Communion attire, they take part in a celebration assembly, attended by pupils and parents.
This joyful occasion reflects the unity between school, parish and families, and affirms each child’s continuing journey of faith.
Celebrating the Liturgical Year
Our school community takes great joy in celebrating key moments in the Church’s year, often in partnership with our parish.
These include:
- Advent and Lenten Masses in church
- The Parish Feast Day celebration
- Leading the Liverpool and District Catholic Schools Association (LDCSA) Choir Festival
- Our Key Stage 2 Nativity in church
- Y6 Leavers Mass
These shared celebrations bring our community together in faith, reflection and joy, enriching pupils’ spiritual experience.
Belonging to the Parish Community
Through our close links with Bishop Eton Parish, pupils develop:
- A strong sense of belonging to the Church community
- Confidence in participating in Mass and liturgy
- An understanding of how faith is lived beyond the classroom
This partnership supports our mission to ensure that pupils not only learn about their faith, but live it actively within the wider community.
About Our Parish
Our Lady of the Annunciation, Bishop Eton is a vibrant Roman Catholic parish served by the Redemptorist Fathers and Brothers in Childwall, Liverpool.
The parish:
- Welcomes a large and active Catholic community
- Offers daily opportunities for prayer and worship
- Is home to the Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour
- Provides a place of reflection, support and outreach
At its heart, the parish seeks to be a community rooted in the Gospel, united in worship and committed to service.
