Prayer & Liturgy

Prayer and liturgy provide a meaningful opportunity for our school community to come together in worship. Rooted in the teachings and life of Jesus Christ, our acts of prayer and worship are designed to nurture the spiritual growth of both pupils and staff, recognising the diverse faith journeys of all who take part.

As a Catholic school, our faith is at the heart of everything we do. While we respect the beliefs and traditions of others, our prayer life follows the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church, with Christ as our guiding light. Through prayer and liturgy, we celebrate God’s presence in our daily lives, offering praise, thanks, and reflection as part of our loving response to His call.

We follow the Come and See and To Know You More Clearly programmes, which provide rich opportunities for pupils to participate in collective worship, prayer, and reflection. Each child plays an active role in daily acts of worship, fostering a deeper understanding of faith, the wonders of creation, and their relationship with God.

Aims of Prayer & Liturgy

At Carleton House, our prayer and liturgy programme is designed to:

Foster active participation in prayer and worship, appropriate to each child’s age and experience.
Encourage reflection on spiritual and moral issues, enabling pupils to explore their own beliefs.
Promote respect and reverence for the faith and traditions of others.
Strengthen a positive and personal connection to prayer.
Build strong links between school, home, and our parish community.
Enrich the school’s faith life and promote a sense of belonging.
Inspire awe and wonder in God's creation, encouraging care for our world.
Celebrate the dignity and uniqueness of each individual.
Provide opportunities for children to develop a personal relationship with God.

Objectives of Prayer & Liturgy

To achieve these aims, we:

Ensure a daily act of worship for pupils and staff.
Establish a dedicated prayer focus in each classroom.
Provide time for silent reflection and personal prayer.
Use a variety of prayer styles, including spoken, sung, and creative expressions of faith.
Mark key events in the liturgical calendar and school life through collective worship.
Enable pupils to plan and lead acts of worship, developing confidence in their faith.

Organisation of Prayer & Liturgy

The Headteacher, Leadership Team, and Governors work together to ensure meaningful and regular opportunities for prayer and liturgy. Worship takes place in different settings:

Key Stage Prayer and Liturgy – Led by the Headteacher, or staff members, weekly.
Classroom Prayer and Liturgy – Led by teachers or pupils, incorporating scripture, prayer, and reflection.
Special Celebrations – Marking liturgical seasons, feast days, and important school events.

Resources for Prayer & Liturgy

Prayer and liturgy are supported through dedicated resources, including:

Liturgical cloths in the appropriate colours for the Church year.
A collection of prayer books, scripture resources, and artefacts.
Music, candles, and visual displays to create reflective worship spaces.

Guidelines for Prayer & Liturgy

All acts of worship follow a structured format of:

Gather – Bringing the school community together in prayer.
Listen – Engaging with scripture or religious teachings.
Respond – Reflecting through prayer, song, or discussion.
Go Forth – Encouraging pupils to live out their faith in their daily lives.

Our worship may take many forms, from quiet reflection to joyful celebrations with music, drama, and movement.