Collective Worship
Prayer and Liturgy
Prayer and liturgy are at the heart of life at St Mary's and are central to our mission as a Catholic school. Guided by the Religious Education Directory (To Know You More Clearly) and supported through our Lighting the Path curriculum, we provide meaningful opportunities for pupils to encounter God, deepen their faith, and participate fully in the prayer life of the Church.
Our prayer and liturgical life includes:
Daily prayer in classrooms and across the school community
Weekly Gospel liturgies and acts of collective worship
Opportunities for children to plan and lead prayer and liturgy
Celebrations linked to the liturgical seasons, feast days and holy days of obligation
Whole-school, phase and class Masses throughout the year
Preparation for and celebration of the Sacraments, particularly First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, in partnership with our parish
Opportunities for reflection, meditation and spiritual development
Through these experiences, pupils are encouraged to develop a personal relationship with God, grow in their understanding of the Catholic faith, and live out Gospel values in their everyday lives. Our prayerful community helps children to recognise their place within the Church family and inspires them to respond to God's love with faith, service and compassion.
At St Mary's, Christ is at the centre of all that we do. Our Catholic faith underpins every aspect of school life and is reflected in our mission to nurture, inspire and support every child to become the person God calls them to be.
We strive to create a welcoming, inclusive and nurturing community where every child is valued, respected and encouraged to grow spiritually, academically and personally. While our school is proudly Catholic, we warmly welcome children and families from all backgrounds, cultures and faith traditions. We believe that every person is made in the image and likeness of God and deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion and respect.
Through our Religious Education curriculum, based on the Religious Education Directory (To Know You More Clearly) and delivered through Lighting the Path, children deepen their understanding of Scripture and Catholic teaching. We encourage them to reflect on how their faith can guide their actions and choices, helping them to live out Gospel values in their daily lives. We also foster an understanding and appreciation of other faiths and worldviews, promoting dialogue, respect and a commitment to living harmoniously in a diverse society.
Prayer and worship are integral to life at St Mary's. All children participate in daily prayer, Celebration of the Word, liturgical worship and Masses celebrated both in school and within our parish community. These experiences help pupils develop a meaningful relationship with God and strengthen their sense of belonging to the Church.
In partnership with our parish and families, children in Year 3 prepare to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. This special journey supports pupils in deepening their faith and understanding of the Eucharist, while recognising the important role parents play as the first educators of their children in faith.
Throughout their time at St Mary's, pupils are encouraged to become confident, compassionate and responsible citizens who recognise their duty to care for God's creation and serve others. Through leadership opportunities such as the Mission Team, Eco School Council and Laudato Si' Representatives, children actively promote our Catholic values, support charitable initiatives, care for the environment and help to lead prayer and faith-filled activities across the school community.
We celebrate the rich diversity of our school family and encourage all pupils to learn from one another's experiences and beliefs. By fostering mutual understanding, kindness and respect, we prepare our children to become active members of both their local community and the wider world.
While we aspire to academic excellence for all, we are equally committed to nurturing the unique gifts and talents that God has given each child, enabling them to flourish and make a positive contribution to society.
