Our Lady's Catholic Primary School

Prayer and liturgy forms a fundamental part of daily school life. Across the academic year, we establish opportunities for a range of prayer and liturgy opportunities: prayer trails (Advent), prayer walks (Lent and The Stations of the Cross), retreat opportunities (Year 4 Retreat of Hope), whole school liturgy, whole school celebration of the word, celebration of the word in class and daily prayers.

School leaders and teachers identify opportunities for pupils to play a key role in the preparation and delivery of prayer and liturgical sessions, to enrich their experience and encounters with Christ.

The school staff understand the importance of deepening prayerful expeiences as pupils develop, alongside teaching the pupils how to proclaim the Word of God. 

At every opportunity we have looked for unique experiences for pupils to contribute to wider prayer and liturgy in the wider community. This has included Y5 working with pupils from Cardinal Newman High School on a Stations of the Cross prayer trail, Y3 attending a local donkey parade during Lent and the whole school collaborating with partner schools within the Holy Catholic Family Multi-Academy Trust to sing 'Because He Lives' as part of our Lenten journey.  

Daily prayers across the day also help the pupils remain centred upon the presence of Christ, guiding them. Each day begins with the Lord's prayer. At midday, the Angelus is embraced. At the end of the day, a prayer of thanks is given.

Below, an example of whole school prayer taking place as the pupils give thanks during a harvest assembly and contribute to those in the local community with donations.  

Above, our Y5 & Y6 enjoyed singing Christmas carols and hymns during Advent in our parish church.