Prayer and Liturgy
At St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Prayer and Liturgy lie at the heart of our school life, shaping who we are and guiding our daily actions. Rooted in our mission—Inspired by St Joseph, together with Christ, we learn, we grow, we love—we are committed to nurturing every child’s spiritual development. Our school values of Aspiration, Respect, Resilience, Community, and Creativity also underpin our approach to prayer and worship.
Prayer and liturgy provide all children with opportunities to encounter God, deepen their relationship with Christ, and understand the beauty of the Church’s liturgical life. In accordance with the Prayer and Liturgy Directory and the updated legal requirements for Catholic schools (effective September 2025), we ensure that all pupils receive a daily act of Prayer and Liturgy, shaped by the rich traditions of the Catholic Church.
Click here for Prayer and Liturgy Policy
We treasure our parents as the first educators of faith, and we work in partnership with home and parish to support every child on their journey of discipleship.
Daily Prayer and Spiritual Life
Prayer is woven into the rhythm of every school day. Children experience a wide variety of prayer forms, including:
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Formal prayers (e.g., Morning Prayer, Night Prayer, Grace Before and After Meals)
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Informal and spontaneous prayer
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Meditation and quiet reflection
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Lectio Divina and scripture-based prayer
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Mantras, litanies, and child-initiated prayer
Daily prayer supports pupils in understanding that God is present in all aspects of school life and helps them develop confidence in expressing their faith.
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Prayer and Liturgy Across the School
Our provision reflects the guidance of the Prayer and Liturgy Directory (2025) and ensures:
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A daily act of Prayer and Liturgy for all pupils
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Opportunities for children to lead and participate in prayer appropriate to their age
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A rich experience of the Church’s liturgical calendar, including:
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Advent and Christmas liturgies
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Lenten and Holy Week prayer services
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Easter celebrations
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Feast days of saints
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Child-led liturgies
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Eucharistic Adoration
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The Corpus Christi Procession
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Meditation on the Mysteries of the Rosary
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Class liturgies, whole-school celebrations, and prayer assemblies help children grow in their understanding of scripture, symbolism, and ritual. Pupils are supported and encouraged to plan and lead prayer so they can develop as confident, thoughtful young disciples.
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Catholic Social Prayer Displays in the Pope Francis Hall
Each year group contributes to the spiritual life of the school by creating a prayer display based on traditional Catholic prayers:
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EYFS – Grace Before Meals
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Year 1 – Morning Prayer
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Year 2 – Night Prayer
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Year 3 – Glory Be
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Year 4 – Hail Mary
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Year 5 – Our Father
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Year 6 – St Joseph’s Prayer
These displays enhance our environment of prayer and help familiarise children with the shared repertoire of Catholic prayers expected in all Catholic schools.
The Heilborn Prayer Group
‘When I go to the Heilborn Prayer Group in the Chapel, I feel that Jesus is always in my heart’.
(Year 3 pupil)
Children in Year 3 participate in Guided Christian Meditation in our St Joseph’s Chapel, led by Sr Anthony from the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, with support from our RE Leader. These moments of stillness help children recognise God’s presence in their lives.
Family Prayer Kits
‘This is a great way to keep praying time alive, with the family’.
(Year 1 parent)
To strengthen home–school links, we send out Family Prayer Kits during Advent, Lent, and Marian months. Families are invited to pray together and share reflections, supporting our belief that prayer extends beyond the school day.
Alignment With New Legal Requirements (September 2025)
From September 2025—and reflected throughout our updated Prayer and Liturgy Policy.
—Catholic schools must ensure that:
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Prayer and Liturgy follow the Prayer and Liturgy Directory
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All pupils receive a daily act of Prayer and Liturgy distinct from RE curriculum time
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Provision is consistent with the rites, practices, and liturgical norms of the Catholic Church
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Children are given progressive formation to participate actively in liturgical life
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Parents retain the legal right to withdraw their child from Prayer and Liturgy
St Joseph’s has already adapted our practice to ensure we meet—and exceed—these national expectations.