Prayer and Liturgy at St Joseph’s

Prayer and liturgy are central to the daily life of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School. As a community rooted in the love of Christ, we come together in prayer, worship, and reflection to deepen our relationship with God and to celebrate the richness of our Catholic faith. Our mission—to nurture a love of learning and a love of Christ—comes alive through the rhythm of prayer that shapes each school day.

Daily Prayer and Worship

Children and staff pray together at key moments throughout the day, helping pupils to develop a natural and personal relationship with God. Prayer is woven into classroom life, assemblies, and special celebrations, encouraging children to pause, reflect, and recognise God’s presence in their lives. Staff meetings and Governors meetings begin with a prayer.

Children are encouraged to pray in different ways according to their age and personal development.
Children are introduced to a variety of different ways of praying:

• quiet reflection / meditation
• praying together
• writing own prayers
• prayers through music
• learning traditional Christian / Catholic prayers
• Staff are encouraged to pray with children, and to be an example for them

The following common prayers are taught:

Age phase	4-7 years EYFS and Key Stage 1 YR and Y1 and Y2	7- 9 years Lower Key Stage 2 Y3 and Y4	9-11 years Upper Key Stage 2 Y5 & Y6
Prayers from the directory that children should know	The Sign of the Cross The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father) Hail Mary Glory be Grace before meals Grace after meals	The Apostles’ Creed An Act of Contrition Angel of God Come, Holy Spirit The Prayer of St Richard of Chichester	Morning Offering The Rosary The Magnificat Act of Faith Act of Hope Act of Love
In addition	Our school morning prayer Our school end of the day prayer Our school Grace before meals The responses in our assemblies	The responses in Mass	Prayer linked to the patron saint / saints of your own school

 

Celebrating the Liturgical Year

Our school follows the seasons of the Church’s liturgical year, marking important feasts and celebrations with joy and reverence. Through Masses, liturgies, and collective worship, pupils learn the meaning of Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and other significant moments in the Church calendar. These celebrations help children understand the story of our faith and their place within it.

 

Our School Choir Singing in our Local Community:

Our Nativity:

Our Christmas Carol Service:

 

 Pupil Involvement and Leadership

We believe that children should have a meaningful role in shaping the prayer life of our school. Pupils help plan and lead acts of worship, write prayers, read scripture, and take part in reflective activities. This nurtures confidence, responsibility, and a deeper understanding of how to live out the Gospel message.

 

 

Working With Our Parishes

As part of our commitment to nurturing a living, active faith, classes regularly visit both of our parish churches to celebrate Mass. These visits strengthen our connection with the parish community and give children the opportunity to participate fully in the sacramental life of the Church.  Both Fr Alan and Fr John are also regular visitors to the school, helping children grow in faith and understanding. 

 

Below are some links to support with prayer at home and in school:

https://cafod.org.uk/pray/prayer-resources

https://cafod.org.uk/education/children-s-liturgy

https://www.catholicicing.com/

https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/family/catholic-kids/

https://www.teachingcatholickids.com/the-stations-of-the-cross-for-families/

https://www.thecatholickid.com/how-to-pray-the-rosary-for-kids/

https://www.teachingcatholickids.com/lectio-divina-for-kids/

https://missiontogether.org.uk/pupil-prayer-page/

https://prayasyougo.org/