Collective Worship

“Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there…” (Matthew 18:20)

The quote from scripture is displayed in our chapel and whenever the whole school, each class or smaller groups gather to encounter a time with God, then each of us can pray silently as well as collectively and reflect on the Word of God, celebrating our friendship and deepening our relationship with Him. Liturgical music, religious artefacts and art is central to this experience and the Leeds Diocesan Singing Specialist teachers support us with this.

Collective Worship across school follows a clear structure:

 We gather, using prayers or actions or music.  Then, we listen to scripture, readings, or psalms.  We respond to what we have heard and reflect on the message given.  A time of quiet reflection gives both the children and adults the opportunity to spend personal time with God. Finally, we go forth taking the message of the scripture forward into our daily lives – in learning and play throughout the day. 

Each week we gather as a whole school or class.

Monday – Whole School

Tuesday – Adult or child led Worship.

Wednesday – Whole school

Thursday – Adult or child led Worship.

Friday – Whole school worship as part of our Achievement Assembly.

Every child has access to a focal point in their classroom for prayer and worship. The children are provided with a variety of experiences and pray traditional prayers including the Our Father, Hail Mary, Act of Contrition and Eternal Rest etc as well as praying informally and pupils compose their own prayers.  Age-appropriate Bibles and other resources support pupils’ leadership of collective worship.

The church’s liturgical year, seasons, and feasts are reflected in the collective worship throughout the school year.  Pupil’s value and regularly participate in voluntarily acts of worship and prayer including The Rosary and Stations of the Cross during specific liturgical seasons and months of reflection and focus.

Worship and prayer at home is encouraged by children having the opportunity to pray at home using resources such as Prayer bags and travelling Nativities during Advent, Lent, the months May & October.