Prayer and Liturgy
We place Christ at the centre of all we do and, therefore, Prayer and Liturgy is crucial in developing children’s relationship with Christ and coming to know him better. Prayer and Liturgy is planned following a structure with reference to the liturgical year, the RE curriculum, feast days and significant dates. The parish and parents are invited to participate in some celebrations. A variety of prayer styles will be used appropriate to the age of the children and the occasion.
Whole School Worship
The whole school is led in Prayer and Liturgy every Tuesday, either by SLT or pupils. The theme is closely linked with the liturgical year so that all members of the school community have an understanding of the readings, liturgical colours and messages we listen to and see at Mass. Friday’s Assembly celebrates our children and the gifts given to us by God, sharing our achievements and talents and reflecting on our school mission. While this is not an act of worship within itself, it will begin or end with a form of shared prayer.
Timetable
Tuesday: Whole School Celebration of the Word
Wednesday: Mass
Friday: Whole School Celebration Assembly (including a time for shared prayer)
Class Worship
Teachers in school seek to empower children; they lead and model good practice and also give children the opportunity to participate, take ownership of their learning and develop their own relationship with God. Teachers aim to give children a real voice in planning and leading worship. It is important that we all look to children as having an important role to play in leading our faith communities; Christ himself said, “Let the little children come to me” (Matthew 19:4), welcoming them as models of faith – and so should we.
Classes will pray together at regular intervals each day and share in Prayer and Liturgy daily. Pupils and/or staff lead worship. In line with the Prayer and Liturgy Directory, we acknowledge the need for children to be exposed to a variety of prayer (including prayer journaling, silent reflection, breath prayer, meditation, spontaneous prayer), celebration of the word and liturgies. The children will lead their own worship within the classroom, though this is related to the pupils’ age with regards to their level of involvement and frequency.
Religious Organisations
The school maintains a close partnership with religious organisations, including the Legion of Mary and the St Vincent de Paul Society. Through these collaborations, volunteers provide meaningful opportunities for children to engage in spiritual development. These experiences not only deepen the children’s faith and understanding of Catholic values but also offer them the chance to encounter and be inspired by role models who embody the principles of Christian service and compassion. This exposure significantly enriches their spiritual journey and encourages a lifelong commitment to living out their faith.
Parent Worship
Parents are regularly invited to join our school community in worship, fostering a strong sense of belonging within our wider faith community. These gatherings are closely aligned with the liturgical year, providing meaningful opportunities for families to engage in significant moments of the Catholic calendar. Many of our celebrations are child-led, allowing children to take an active role in planning and participating in liturgical events. This not only deepens their understanding of the faith but also strengthens their confidence and sense of responsibility within the Church. Parental engagement in these celebrations enhances the communal expression of faith and reinforces the shared spiritual journey of pupils, families, and staff.
Parents are invited to attend Stay and Pray sessions each term.
Mass
Each term, our school community gathers to celebrate a school Mass, with additional Masses held throughout the year in observance of feast days, days of holy obligation and school retreat days. These sacred celebrations provide our students with regular opportunities to give glory to God and to encounter Him in the Eucharist, which stands at the heart of our Catholic faith.
Sacramental Preparation
At St Gabriel’s, we offer a sacramental preparation programme for pupils. Our children prepare by attending weekly sessions. They make their First Reconciliation and receive the sacrament of the Eucharist in the parish church. During this time, the school and parish come together to celebrate this significant event.
Retreat Days
A retreat day is a dedicated time set aside for pupils to step away from their usual routines in order to focus on prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth. Rooted in Catholic tradition, it offers a space for encountering God, deepening personal faith, and reconnecting with the message of the Gospel in a quiet and reflective environment.
Each year, our school thoughtfully plans and organises retreat days for each term, guided by the liturgical calendar to highlight significant Church events, feast days, and themes. These special days provide pupils with rich opportunities to explore scripture and reflect on their personal faith and actions. Retreats incorporate the four stages of the Celebration of the Word, allowing pupils to gather as both class groups and a school family, engage with scripture linked to the retreat’s focus, and respond through a variety of creative and meaningful activities. At the end of the day, pupils take something home to share with their families, extending the spiritual message to the wider community.
Variety of Prayer Forms
We work to ensure that every member of our school is given the opportunity to develop a personal relationship with God. In order to support individuals with this, we have developed the use of a variety of prayer forms, they include:
- Centering Prayer
- Litany
- Lectio Divina
- Breath Prayers
- List Prayers
- Silent Prayer
- Mandalas
- Meditation
- Examen
- Prayer through song and dance
- Spontaneous prayer
- Traditional prayer
