Prayer and Liturgy in St. Cecilia’s Catholic Primary School

‘For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them’ (Matthew 18:20). This familiar saying of Jesus provides the starting point for understanding prayer and liturgy within a Catholic school.

In our school, there is a range of prayer and liturgy: classroom prayer, meditation, assemblies, devotions, special services for times in the school year, celebrations of the Word, celebrations of Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Each form of prayer and liturgy has its own character, dependent on the circumstances, size and age of the group, the place of celebration, and its content.

Prayer

Communal prayer forms an essential dimension of school life. Staff and pupils are invited to recognise God’s action in their lives and the life of the school, and in response to express together their needs and those of the whole human family, and to offer thanks for all that is good.

Celebrations of the Word

Celebrations of the Word take many forms, but the common element is the proclamation of scripture. These include assemblies, carol services, and other gatherings of all or part of the school community for special times and occasions.

Liturgies

We provide regular opportunities for celebrations of Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Other Faiths

Our community is inclusive of people who are not Catholics or Christians and we welcome everyone to our tradition of Catholic prayer and liturgy whilst respecting the integrity of all members of the school community.

Annual Plan of Prayer

Daily Prayer

Our School Prayer Garden

This year, we have developed a prayer garden on KS2 site, a calming place where pupils and staff can come and pray together.

Canon Conor opened our Prayer Garden, along with our Faith Leaders. Mrs Hurst reflected on this new addition to the school, “Our prayer garden is a truly special space for our children – a place of peace, reflection and wonder within the heart of our school. It gives pupils the opportunity to pause, think quietly, pray and connect with nature and with one another in a calm and meaningful way. I am delighted to have such a beautiful environment that supports our children’s wellbeing, spirituality and sense of belonging.”

Class Celebration of the Word with our parents