Prayer & Worship
At St Patrick's, collective worship is at the heart of school life and plays a central role in nurturing the spiritual growth of our children. Through a rich programme of prayer and liturgy, pupils are encouraged to develop a personal relationship with God, deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith and reflect on how Gospel values can guide their everyday lives. Children participate regularly in a variety of worship experiences, including Masses, Celebration of the Word, the Rosary, Stations of the Cross, and special liturgies linked to Advent, Lent and other significant moments in the Church’s year.
Guided by our Progression of Prayer and Annual Provision of Prayer (which can be downloaded below), pupils encounter a wide range of prayer styles, including scripture, silence, reflection, music and symbolic action. As they move through the school, children are given increasing opportunities to prepare, lead and evaluate worship, developing confidence and independence in planning prayer experiences for their classmates and the wider school community. Groups such as the GIFT Team and Year 6 pupil leaders play an important role in supporting and leading worship.
Collective worship at St Patrick's is inclusive and welcoming, ensuring that all children can participate in a meaningful way regardless of their background or faith tradition. Through prayer and reflection, pupils learn to make links between scripture, school values and their own actions. Worship inspires them to live out our mission through acts of love, faith and service, helping them to become thoughtful, compassionate and responsible members of our school community who recognise the importance of putting faith into action.
Our weekly opportunities for gathering together in prayer include:
Monday - Whole School Faith Assembly
Tuesday - Class Celebration of the Word in our Prayer Area (timetabled)
Wednesday - Whole School Celebration of the Word or Prayer through Song (two-week rotation)
Thursday - Bible Study (Year 6 & GIFT Team)
Friday - Whole School Celebration Assembly (parents invited)
Our School Prayer for Pupils
"Christ be beside me and in the hearts of those who love me"
Morning Prayer
"Oh my God I give to you,
all that I think and say and do,
all my work and all my happy play,
I will give to God today.
Amen"
Lunchtime Prayers
"Bless us O Lord when we sit together
bless the food we eat today,
bless the hands that make the food,
bless us O Lord
Amen"
"Thank you God for the food we have eaten,
thank you God for all our friends,
thank you God for everything.
Amen"
Afternoon Prayer
"God, Our Father
I come to say thank you for your love today.,
thank you for my family and all the friends you give to me,
guard me in the dark of night and in the morning send Your light.
Amen"
Governors' Prayer
"Spirit of God, who was with Jesus at the Jordan
Before His ministry at Mount Tabor
Before His passion and death
And who was sent by Him at Pentecost,
Be with us now in our special ministry.
Guide us with your wisdom
As we seek to take responsibility of our young people.
May each of us give generously of our talents,
Growing to know one another.
Show us how to build a community,
Sharing a deep concern and common purpose.
May we find together the inspiration
which is and always will be
Jesus Christ, Our Lord
Amen"
