Prayer and Liturgy- Collective Worship

Prayer and Liturgy at St Cuthbert's

As a Catholic school, prayer and liturgy are at the core of our school life. Our aim is that through the experience of prayer and liturgy, our school community comes together to worship and become closer to God.

It is through acts of collective worship, and prayer and liturgy, alongside daily classroom prayers,
that we are able to live out our mission statement of ‘Letting the love of Jesus shine through in all that we think, say and do’.
School Assemblies

The school gathers together in key stages every Monday for Collective Worship, which is linked to the liturgical season and Sunday’s Gospel. These acts of worship are led by a different member of teaching staff each week. Our children are rewarded with certificates based on the Values that we are focusing on per half term.

In addition to this weekly assembly, we also have smaller key stage hymn practice sessions, which are led by Mrs Mason and supported by other staff, on a rotation. All acts of prayer and liturgy follow the format of ‘Gather, Listen, Respond and Send’. The children engage in familiar hymns, prayers, scripture and always observe the lighting of a candle to remind us that Jesus is present and is the Light of the World. 

Throughout the course of a year, each class prepares an assembly, to which parents, carers and families are invited. These are based on their class saint. All children are actively involved in the selection of readings and the writing of prayers. They also use drama, art and music to engage and communicate their message. 

All children participate in the worship, through singing hymns and sharing prayers as they praise God.

Staff start their staff meetings and Monday morning briefing with a prayer. Governors and MAT meetings are also started with the Mater Christi Trust prayer.

At St. Cuthbert's , we aim to help children value and respect the power of prayer. We encourage the children to pray by providing a prayer space and worship table in each classroom, the colours of which reflect the current liturgical season. Every room has a Bible, Mary statue, cross and candle, which shows the children that this is a sacred place. We help the children to create and experience an atmosphere that enhances prayer. This involves the children both preparing their own prayers and also experiencing the haven of peace and tranquility, to allow the word of God to reach them spiritually. The children also have access to an outdoor prayer area that they can use daily. All classes participate in a morning prayer, lunchtime prayer and end of day prayer.