Prayer and Liturgy at St Edmund’s
At St Edmund’s Catholic Primary School, prayer and liturgy are at the heart of our mission “Through Christ, We Learn.” Our daily, weekly, and seasonal acts of worship give pupils the opportunity to encounter Christ, grow in faith, and live out the Gospel message.
Policy
[Prayer and Liturgy Policy download below]
Key Elements of Prayer and Liturgy
Our prayer and liturgy are guided by the Prayer and Liturgy Directory (2023). Each act of worship follows the four steps of Collective Worship:
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We Gather – creating a sacred space with prayer focus, music, and words of welcome.
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We Listen – hearing God’s Word through Scripture.
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We Respond – offering prayers, reflection, or symbolic action.
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We Go Forth – leaving with a mission to live out the Gospel.
Daily Prayer
Children pray together three times a day – in the morning, before lunch, and at the end of the school day. Staff also model prayer throughout the week.
Prayer Spaces and Prayer Garden
Every classroom has a prayer table that changes with the liturgical colours and themes of the Church year. Shared prayer spaces and our outdoor prayer garden provide further opportunities for reflection.
Forms of Prayer and Devotion
Pupils experience prayer in many forms, including:
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The Rosary (October and May, with rosary beads sent home)
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Stations of the Cross during Lent
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Adoration and Eucharistic devotion during Corpus Christi
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May Procession honouring Our Lady
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Pilgrimages and visits to the parish church
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Easter Gardens and seasonal prayer displays
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Prayer clubs led by staff and pupils
Exploring the Forms of Prayer
To deepen their connection with God, our children are introduced to a variety of prayer forms that nurture their spiritual growth and understanding of the faith. Each form of prayer offers a unique way to encounter God and reflect on His presence in our lives.
- Formal Prayers: Traditional prayers like the Lord’s Prayer, Hail Mary, and Glory Be are taught and recited regularly.
- Spontaneous Prayer: Children are encouraged to speak to God in their own words, sharing personal thoughts and feelings.
- Meditative Prayer: Practices like silent reflection and the Examen help children quiet their minds and listen to God’s voice.
- Liturgical Prayer: Students actively participate in the prayers of the Church, such as Mass responses and the Prayers of the Faithful.
- Intercessory Prayer: Children pray for the needs of others, from family and friends to the global community.
- Thanksgiving and Praise: Expressing gratitude to God through prayer, hymns, and reflective activities.
- Contemplative Prayer: Quiet time for children to feel God’s presence and reflect on His love.
- Devotional Prayer: Exploring Catholic devotions like the Rosary and Stations of the Cross.
- Scriptural Prayer: Praying with Bible passages, such as the Psalms or Gospel readings, to connect with God’s Word.
Through these diverse forms of prayer, children at St. Edmund’s grow spiritually, learning to embrace faith in both their personal and communal lives.
Our Weekly Rhythm of Prayer and Liturgy
At St Edmund’s, prayer and worship are woven into the rhythm of our week. Each day, pupils and staff gather to pray, reflect, and celebrate together. Our weekly pattern ensures that children experience a rich variety of liturgical forms, rooted in Scripture, music, and Catholic Social Teaching.
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Mondays begin with a whole-school Celebration of the Word, led by our Peace and Justice Society, setting the Gospel focus for the week.
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Tuesdays bring the joy of music in our hymn/choir assembly, where pupils learn and celebrate the great tradition of Catholic song.
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Wednesdays and Thursdays give space for pupil-led class Celebrations of the Word, where children plan and lead prayer and reflection with increasing independence.
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Fridays close the week with our whole-school SPIRIT Assembly, celebrating Gospel values, Catholic Social Teaching, and the achievements of our community.
This weekly structure nurtures confidence, leadership, and faith in action, helping every pupil live out our mission: “Through Christ, We Learn.”
Parish Links
We have strong links with St Edmund’s Parish. Pupils and families regularly attend Masses, with monthly school Masses celebrated by our parish priest. The priest also visits school frequently to support prayer and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Parent Links
We encourage prayer at home through:
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The home prayer book that rotates weekly through each class
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RE newsletters that suggest prayers, Gospel reflections, and liturgical activities families can share
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Parent prayer groups held in the parish church
Liturgical Year
Pupils celebrate the Church’s year through Masses, liturgies, and assemblies, including:
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Welcome Mass at the start of the year
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All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day, Remembrance
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Advent and Christmas (Nativity, Carol Service)
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Epiphany
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Lent (Ash Wednesday, Stations of the Cross, Passion Play)
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Easter celebrations
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Pentecost
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Corpus Christi
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Feast of St Peter and Paul
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Feast of St Edmund (school saint)
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End-of-year Mass and leavers’ celebrations
Celebration of the Word
Every Monday, the Peace and Justice Society leads our whole-school Celebration of the Word, rooted in the Sunday Gospel. Pupils leave with a word of the week, a mission, and a theological question to guide class worship throughout the week.
Retreats and Special Days
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Pupils take part in retreat days focused on faith, reflection, and Catholic Social Teaching.
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Staff also join diocesan retreats to deepen their spiritual life and professional practice.