In our school Jesus Christ is at the heart of all our prayer and liturgy.  Joining Christ in praise of the Eternal Father and united by the Holy Spirit in making intercession for the world through prayer and liturgy lies at the heart of the daily life of the school. The quality of the prayer and liturgy in school not only gives honour to God but forms the spiritual and ethical life of pupils and staff alike. Prayer and Liturgy is not an add on to our school…it forms our school and Christ is at the centre of all that we do – our core purpose is to develop the children’s relationship with God – through prayer, liturgy and the Sacraments.

​Prayer

Times of Prayer provide a space for all to reflect on their spiritual journey, be nourished by what they see and hear and be encouraged to live life in the service of others. We pray together at the start of the day, before lunch, after lunch and at the end of the day. Children are encouraged to pray at other times and the school prayer garden, classroom prayer areas and prayer baskets support the children in their prayers. Children are taught prayers in school. These can be found on the attachment below. 

Celebration of the Word

Our Whole School Celebration of the word takes place on Monday mornings and also on some feast days. The Headteacher leads this. We refer to the Gospel from Sunday's Mass. At Our Lady & St Benedict our celebration of the word has four parts. Gather, Word, Repond and Mission.

Class Celebration of the word takes place on a weekly basis and is led by the pupils in each class. Children plan, prepare and deliver class celebration of the word. They use their class prayer baskets and prayer areas to support them in their prayer.

Liturgy

Children attend Mass at Our Lady and Saint Benedict Catholic Church fortnightly. Father Adrian leads the mass.

The children proclaim the word of God. This includes the first reading, second reading, psalm and bidding prayers. Tout the offertory procession. Some of our pupils act as servers on the altar. 

Our annual provision of prayer is planned in advance. As well as the above we celebrate many feast days, we attend Mass at church on Holy days of Obligation. We carry out our May Procession, take part in Eucharistic Adoration, say the Rosary and complete the Stations of the cross. 

Please find our Annual Plan of Provision for Prayer and Liturgy below.