Prayer Life of the School
Prayer is a 'Celebration of the Word' and is defined as 'talking to God,' it is a personal time of opening our hearts to our Heavenly Father and bringing everything in our hearts to Him. God is always alongside us and is ready to listen. Anyone can pray at any time and any place. Prayer can be a powerful force for change in our lives, and the importance of doing it on a daily basis should be instilled in our children.
Communication is the foundation for success in any relationship. When we communicate openly and freely with each other, we learn to know each other as individuals. This principle also applies to our relationship with God. By talking to God, we can learn more about who He is and what plan He has for us.
The Purpose of Prayer
It is important that our children understand that there is a purpose to prayer. Jesus frequently prayed during His life on Earth. He had a reason for doing so. Our prayers are something that God deeply desires. But our prayers are not for His benefit; as a perfect Divine Being, God is complete in His power and knowledge.
Children are encouraged to pray in different ways according to their age and personal development. The most important aspect of prayer for children is that they realise it is their way of communicating with God and is first and foremost a personal occasion.
Children are introduced to a variety of different ways of praying:
- quiet reflection / meditation
- praying together
- writing own prayers
- prayers through music
- learning traditional Christian / Catholic prayers
When does Celebration of the Word take place?
- Monday 9am – 9.30am Whole School Celebration of the Word
- Wednesday 2:45pm – 3:00pm-KS1 Celebration of the Word
- Thursday 9am – 9.15am KS2 Celebration of the Word
- Friday 9am – 9.30am Class Celebration of the Word with the whole school.
Celebration of the Word will also be celebrated through:
- Daily class prayers at the beginning and end of the day and before lunchtime
- Whole school Mass during the Autumn, Spring and Summer terms.
- Virtual prayers led by the school chaplains.
- Class Mass in St Mary’s Church on Fridays in line with annual calendar
- Advent and Lenten whole school reflections
- Daily meditation.
Celebration of the Word
We believe that Celebration of the Word in our school aims to provide opportunity for all pupils and staff:
- To contemplate something of the mystery of God.
- To reflect on spiritual and moral issues.
- To explore their own beliefs.
- To respond to and celebrate life.
- To experience a sense of belonging and develop community spirit.
- To develop a common ethos and shared values.
- To enrich religious experience.
- To grow in liturgical understanding and development.
- To reinforce prayers which are part of the Catholic tradition.
- To reinforce Catholic teaching.
- To participate actively.
- To take time out 'to wonder at', 'to come to terms with' and 'to give worth to'
- To develop a relationship with our families, parish community and wider community through prayer and worship.
