Prayer & Liturgy

Prayer and Liturgy

Prayer, worship and liturgical celebration are central to our Catholic tradition and form an integral part of the school day. Prayer is encouraged in a variety of methods; – private individual prayer, group prayer, and whole school prayer. Prayer is encouraged in a variety of methods; – private individual prayer, group prayer, and whole school prayer. Each child takes part in a daily act of worship (5-10 minutes) and formal prayers are used at lunchtime and to open and close the school day sessions. The children also plan and lead acts of worship within each of their classes.

Each child takes part in a daily act of worship (5-10 minutes) and formal prayers are used at lunchtime and to open and close the school day sessions. The children also plan and lead acts of worship within each of their classes. This happens daily and the children in the upper junior classes lead Lectio Divina. Collective Worship across every class uses the same structure.  We gather, using prayers or actions or music.  Then, we listen to scripture, readings.  We reflect on the meaning of the scripture we have heard and after that we respond by doing something or saying a prayer together.    Finally, we go forth by reflecting on the scripture and taking this forward into our work throughout the day. It is wonderful to see the children excited, enthusiastic and deepening their faith through prayer and liturgy. We have trained Liturgy Leaders in Years 5 and 6 who support our younger children by leading Prayer and Liturgy in EYFS and Key Stage 1. In each class, there is a prayer and liturgy book where pictures, planning templates and powerpoints are kept as a reminder and record of the acts of worship.

We have a weekly Key Stage 1 ‘Lunchtime Liturgy Group’ who meet together with Mrs Roddy and share the Gospel reading from Sunday.

We look forward to our Thursday morning liturgies, which are planned and led by each class in turn. These are centred around the Church’s Liturgical Year, global issues or British and Catholic values.  The children always relate these themes to scripture references and they write their own prayers and choose their own songs and hymns to celebrate and worship together. It is wonderful for the children to leave us all with a reflection, mission idea or practical response to our celebration, enabling all to deepen faith, learn from the teachings of Christ and become the very best we can be for ourselves and for others.

We celebrate together as a whole school on a Monday and Friday. On Mondays Mrs Barnett and Mr Wylde lead us in listening to, and reflecting on, the Gospel reading from Sunday. On Fridays we also recognise and celebrate children’s achievements, both in and out of school, during our weekly Star Award Celebration.

Our Worship Area

Every child has access to a prayer area in the classroom which includes a prayer focus and the class prayer book, as well as bibles and resources relevant to each class. We also have a wonderful worship area which is central to our school. Children enjoy accessing this quiet space during breaks and lunchtimes. They can play quiet music, write prayers, which they then attach to our Prayer Tree, write messages to go on the prayer board or just sit and reflect. It is a delight to see the older children helping the younger children in Reception class write their prayers or scribe for them.

Year 3 – Prayer and Liturgy

Year 3 – Prayer and Liturgy

Year 3 led their first ever whole school prayer and liturgy and were absolutely amazing! They delivered the message to care for God's Creation confidently and even shared their favourite Creations with us. The children shared the story of Creation and reflected on why...