Matthew 18:20: For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.
Prayer and Liturgy at Holy Family
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, singing practice and whole school prayer.
To see our Prayer and Liturgy policy, click here.
How does a week look at Holy Family School for Prayer, Liturgy and the Celebration of the Word?
Monday: Whole School Assembly, focusing on Sunday’s Gospel - 10:30 am
Tuesday: Class shared Celebration of the Word worship. Modelled by the Class Teacher in KS1 and LKS2, with children in UKS2 leading Lectio Divina.
Wednesday: The “Wednesday Word” Liturgical prayer led by Class Teachers – 10:30am. Find the latest here with activities relating to upcoming Sunday’s scripture.
Thursday: Child Led Celebration of the Word in classes 1.00pm. Whole School Singing Assembly, giving prayers and offerings of songs chosen for each liturgical season. Led by Mrs McDonnell, one of our governors – 2:40pm.
Friday: Whole School Celebration Worship 9am (including shared prayer). This is an opportunity for us to pray together as a whole school and for our children to celebrate the gifts given to them by God, sharing their achievements and talents both in and out of school. Our special Catholic Social Teaching Award is also given each week for a pupil has shown to be “following in Jesus’ footsteps” in regard to the Catholic Social Teaching principles. Parents, Carers and family are warmly encouraged to join us for this special celebration.
Each class take their turn to attend Holy Family RC Church weekly and we enjoy whole school mass regularly.
Celebration of the Word occurs across every class using the same structure which mirrors the mass:
- Gathering (coming together as a prayer community);
Word (listening to God as found in the scriptures);
Response (prayer time, reflection or action to digest and ponder over God’s word);
Send (taking the message from the liturgy out into our school, home, community and beyond).
- In each class, there is a book where weekly planning templates for the Celebration of the Word are kept as a reminder and record of the acts of worship.
Each child takes part in daily prayers to open and close the school day sessions, as well as Grace before lunch.
Our Worship Areas
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 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.
The Month of May – Our Lady
LENT
ADVENT
ROSARY
