At Our Lady’s, Collective Worship is recognised and valued as more than just a legal requirement. It is central to Catholic Education and forms an essential part of the school’s overall provision for prayer and liturgy. Our Prayer and Liturgy, including Celebration of the Word, whilst respecting the diversity of belief and commitment is Catholic in character, reflecting the liturgical tradition of the church and having Christ at its heart.
Each day children gather for worship, whether it be whole school, key stage or as a smaller year group focus in class. Children are encouraged to lead others in their worship and are given opportunities to do so.Our children enjoy their role in preparing and delivering Prayer and Celebration of the Word and we warmly welcome family members to join us throughout the year for class Stay and Pray. Our wider school family and parishioners are invited to school Mass and other Services and Assemblies.
Prayer Life at Our Lady’s
Daily Prayers in class
Each day begins with Prayer in class groups. Classes say Grace before and after meals and the school day is ended with a hometime prayer.
Spontaneous Prayer
Pupils are given the opportunity to offer spontaneous prayer throughout the day, with spaces such as the Prayer Wall for personal intentions and the Prayer Garden providing dedicated places for quiet reflection and prayer.
Worship
- Monday – Celebration of the Word (Whole School) led by Mrs Sutton or Mrs McCoy.
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Tuesday, Thursday and Friday – Worship in class. This will be planned and led by children and staff.
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Wednesday – Key Stage Worship led by teaching staff on a rota. The teacher staff plan and involve their class in the celebration of the Word.
At Our Lady’s we use the Ten Ten Worship program to support our school to grow in faith, love, understanding and compassion. Please see the Prayer and Liturgy Newsletter below to find out what we are thinking about in our Celebration of the Word and Prayer sessions this term.
Stay and Pray
Each term we invite our school community to join us in prayer and liturgy through our Stay and Pray sessions. Familes join us for a child led prayer and liturgy session at the end of the school day.
Liturgy in School
At the beginning of every month, Fr Dominic, our Parish Priest will celebrate Mass with us here in school, with our families and the wider school family invited. Other services, led by F Dominic, take place throughout the year e.g. Ash Wednesday Service, Reconciliation Services in Advent and Lent, Leavers’ Service. A special feast day that we celebrate in school is The Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our school patron.
Worship and Liturgy at Our Lady Immaculate and St Joseph’s Church
Our school joins our parish family, at Our Lady Immaculate and St. Joseph’s Church, for worship and liturgy services throughout the Liturgical year. The children lead the Stations of the Cross services, Advent Carol Concert (alongside the Salvation Army Band) and the end of year Leavers’ Service.
