A Welcome of Faith From the Moment You Enter St Edmund’s

From the moment you step into St Edmund’s Catholic Primary School, you are welcomed into a space rooted in faith, calm, and belonging. Our reception area features a beautiful Liturgical Calendar display, helping children, families, and visitors understand the seasons of the Church year—Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, and Ordinary Time—and the special liturgical colours that guide our worship.

Beneath the display, you will find a collection of Mass artefacts used to teach pupils about the sacred objects of the Church: the chalice, paten, crucifix, candles, cloths, censer, and other items that help children understand the beauty and meaning of the Liturgy. The presence of a priest’s vestment and a statue of Our Lady further reminds us of the prayerful foundation at the heart of our school community.

Next to this, our St Edmund’s Book of Prayer and Hope invites parents, pupils, parishioners, and visitors to write intentions, prayers, and messages of thanksgiving. Alongside it, a Prayer Box offers a quiet, confidential space for anyone to leave a prayer for the school community to hold in their hearts.

This sacred corner of our school is a daily reminder that we are a community of faith, guided by Christ, strengthened by prayer, and united in hope and love.

Our Liturgical Calendar at St Edmund’s

At St Edmund’s Catholic Primary School, the rhythm of the Liturgical Year shapes the spiritual life of our community. Each season invites us into moments of prayer, reflection, celebration, and service, helping our pupils grow in faith and deepen their relationship with Christ. Through meaningful liturgies, whole-school gatherings, and age-appropriate experiences, children journey through the Church’s year and encounter the mysteries of our faith in a living and joyful way.

Seasonal Liturgical Events

Harvest Celebrations
Our community gathers to give thanks for God’s creation and donate generously to local food banks and charities.

Holy Days of Obligation
We honour the major feasts of the Church, including:

• All Saints’ Day (1st November)

• St Peter and St Paul (29th June)

Remembrance
Through prayer and reflection, we honour those who sacrificed their lives for peace.

Sacrament of Reconciliation
During Advent and Lent, children in KS2 receive the opportunity for confession, guided by visiting clergy. You will see more pictures below.

CAFOD Assembly – Learning to Build a Fairer World

St Edmund’s in late October 2025 welcomed a representative from CAFOD, who led a powerful whole-school assembly about the reality of water poverty around the world. Our pupils learned how many children and families still struggle to access clean, safe water—and how this affects health, education, and everyday life. Through stories, images, and real examples, the children saw how CAFOD’s life-changing work provides wells, water filters, irrigation systems, and emergency support to vulnerable communities.

The session inspired our pupils to think deeply about global justice, human dignity, and the Gospel call to “love our neighbour.” Children reflected on how even small actions—raising awareness, fundraising, and making responsible choices—can have a real impact on the lives of others.

This assembly beautifully strengthened our commitment to Catholic Social Teaching, reminding our whole community that a better world needs all of us.

Celebration of the Word – Rooted in Scripture, Guided by Christ

Every Monday morning, our whole school gathers for a deeply reflective and joyful Celebration of the Word, which stands at the heart of our spiritual life at St Edmund’s. Following the Church’s rhythm of Gather – Listen – Respond – Go Forth, pupils and staff begin the week centred in Scripture, prayer, and mission.

We Gather

We enter calmly into God’s presence, creating a sacred space where children are invited to prepare their hearts and minds for worship. Through our school prayer, liturgical greetings, and visual symbols from the Church’s seasons, we unite as one family ready to encounter Christ.

We Listen

The Sunday Gospel is proclaimed, helping pupils make meaningful connections between home, parish, and school. Classes explore the Wednesday Word, the liturgical season (such as Advent or Lent), and linking Scriptures. We also reflect on how the Gospel message connects to Catholic Social Teaching—dignity, solidarity, kindness, justice, stewardship—encouraging pupils to see faith as something lived in action.

We Respond

Children respond with open hearts through prayer, moments of silence, and thoughtful reflection. They offer spontaneous prayers for:

• their families

• people in need

• the world

• anyone who is suffering

• their own personal intentions

These prayers teach children that God listens to every voice and that prayer is an important part of daily life.

We Go Forth

The Celebration ends with a mission—a practical call to live out the Gospel during the week ahead. This may include acts of kindness, helping someone who feels lonely, caring for creation, forgiving others, or standing up for what is right. Pupils leave knowing they are called to bring Christ’s light into the world.

Download below: Celebration of the Word Presentation
So you can continue the prayer, Scripture, and mission at home with your family.

Adoration
Children have opportunities to participate in Eucharistic Adoration, encountering Christ in quiet, reverence, and personal prayer.

Liturgy of the Eucharist
Whole-school and class Masses take place throughout the year, including Welcome Masses, Feast Day Masses, and significant moments in the Church calendar.

Welcome Mass / Service
At the beginning of each academic year, we welcome children, staff, and families into a new chapter of learning and faith.