Prayer and Liturgy

Prayer and Liturgy

As a Catholic primary school prayer plays a fundamental part of our daily school life and enables us all to join together as one as we worship.

Children are introduced to a variety of different ways of praying:

  • quiet reflection / meditation
  • spontaneous prayer
  • praying together
  • writing our own prayers
  • prayers through music
  • learning traditional Catholic prayers

Growing Closer to God

In its simplest form, prayer is defined as “talking to God.” It is a personal time where we open our hearts to our Heavenly Father; bringing everything in our hearts to Him.

Prayer can be a powerful force for change in our lives, and the importance of doing it on a daily basis should be instilled in our children.

Communication is the foundation for success in any relationship. When we communicate openly and freely with each other, we learn to know each other as individuals. This principle also applies to our relationship with God. By talking to God, we can learn more about who He is and what plan He has for us.

Classroom Worship

This takes places each Tuesday (KS1) Wednesday (KS2) and Thursday (KS1 and KS2). Once a week different children in each class prepare and lead their class in worship. In key stage one the children are guided by adults to prepare for this. In key stage two the children independently plan their own worship.

Hymn Practice

Once a week (Tuesday morning Year 4- Year 6 and Wednesday afternoon Year 1- Year 3), pupils gather together to sing songs of praise to God and practise hymns and songs that we use for our assemblies and Masses.

Gospel Assemblies

Every Monday morning, the children from Year 1 to Year 6 gather together for our Gospel assembly that is led by the Headteacher. The theme of this assembly is determined by the Liturgical calendar and the Gospel.

Celebration Assemblies

Each Friday the whole school community comes together for a time of celebration and collective worship. We celebrate the achievements of the school with our Gold Award certificates being distributed alongside handwriting awards, house points and attendance awards. We end each week together by thanking God for all He has done to help us achieve and learn.

Over the academic year each class from Year 1 – Year 6 leads our celebration assembly.

Mass

Throughout the year we have the joy of celebrating the Sacrament of the Eucharist in St Mary and St Michael Church. Children help to prepare and lead the Mass through Altar Serving, reading and bringing up the gifts. Parents are invited to join us for Mass.

Liturgies and Services

Throughout the year, to mark important events in the Church’s liturgical year, we hold special Liturgies/services in the church, including Harvest, Remembrance, Advent, Reconciliation, Carol Service and Passion Play.

 

Catholic Mass Prayers and Responses

St Mary and St Michael Prayer Book