Our Prayer and Liturgy Life
Prayer and Liturgy at St Patrick's Catholic Academy:
"Our Lord Jesus Christ should be at the centre of our catholic school. His Gospel is the reference point for it's ethos and values; he offers the definitive example" for the whole school community - pupils, staff and wider school community. (Prayer and Liturgy Directory 2024)
In our Catholic Primary school, prayer plays a central and crucial role in shaping the spiritual and moral foundation of our young people - serving as a tool for instilling core catholic values and virtues such as love, kindness, forgiveness and respect for others. Prayer teaches us all to develop a relationship with God and to understand the importance of faith in our daily lives. Through prayer, children learn to express their thoughts, gratitude and concerns to God, which nurtures their spiritual growth. It creates a space for reflection; allowing time to pause and consider actions and words, ask for forgiveness and guidance so that they can strive to be better.
We believe that in ensuring prayer and liturgy (through the experience of Mass) is central to daily school life, we are encouraging our pupils to stay connected with their faith, helping them to grow into compassionate, thoughtful and respectful individuals who live out the teachings of Jesus.
Prayer supports in many ways:
- Spiritually - helping our pupils develop a relationship with God and providing a way for our youngest pupils to recognise and understand the presence of God in their lives;
- Teaching Gratitude and Reflection - encouraging our pupils to pause and reflect on the things they are thankful for. It helps them cultivate an attitude of gratitude, promoting emotional well-being and an appreciation for both the small and big blessings in life;
- Morally - pupils learn virtues of kindness, forgiveness, patience, and love. It allows them to reflect on right and wrong, guiding them in making good choices and understanding the importance of compassion toward others;
- Gives reassurance and comfort - helping to give a sense of comfort during difficult moments. Whether they are feeling anxious, afraid, or upset, prayer provides a safe space for them to express their emotions and seek peace. It reassures them that they are not alone and that they can turn to God for guidance and support;
- Building a Sense of Community - when pupils pray together, whether in school, or in church, they feel a sense of belonging to a community, the family of God - fostering unity and encourages children to share their faith with others;
- Building Hope and Resilience - teaching our pupils to trust in something greater than themselves, which can help them face challenges with hope and resilience. It encourages them to believe that there is always a path to peace and love, regardless of the circumstances.
Types of Prayer at school
Traditional Prayers:
Examples are: Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be
School Prayers: Prayer before and after meals, morning and end of day prayer
These are prayers that are learned and recited regularly. They are part of our Catholic tradition and can be used in personal prayer time or with others. They help children learn important aspects of their faith and build a sense of connection to each other and the Church’s teachings.
Spontaneous Prayers:
These are prayers that the pupils say on their own, coming from the heart. They can talk to God about what’s on their mind, whether it's something they’re thankful for, something they need help with, or even a worry they have. Allowing them to express their feelings openly and personally with God. It encourages a deeper, more intimate relationship with God.
Prayers of Gratitude:
Where pupils thank God for blessings, such as family, friends, food, or gifts.Teaching them to focus on the good in their lives and develop a habit of gratitude, helping them see the positive side of their daily experiences.
Prayer of Petition:
Knowing we can ask God for help with something—whether it’s for themselves, someone else, or a situation they care about. Teaching them they can rely on God and trust in His care and guidance, and it helps them learn to be selfless by praying for others.
Prayer of Confession:
Where pupils learn to ask for forgiveness for any wrong doings or mistakes they've made, asking God to help them be better. Teaching pupils the importance of honesty, humility, and seeking forgiveness when they make mistakes. It also helps them grow in moral understanding and accountability.
Silent Prayer or Prayerful Meditation:
Pupils sit quietly and listen for God’s voice, or simply the peace of God’s presence. They may focus on a Bible story, a prayer, a virtue or just being still. Teaching them to slow down, be still, and listen. It encourages patience and helps them to feel God's presence in a quiet and peaceful way. The amount of time is slowly increased with age and experience.
Through prayerful meditation, our pupils not only build a relationship with God but also strengthen their connections with each other. As they meditate together, they form a shared experience of faith, which creates a sense of community and mutual support. By reflecting on God’s love and teachings, they are reminded of the importance of kindness, empathy, and respect in their relationships. Meditation can also help in the processing of emotions, leading to greater emotional maturity and understanding, which in turn enhances their ability to build strong, compassionate relationships with their peers.
Prayerful meditation takes place weekly as part of class worship and within the Eucharistic Adoration each half term.
Praying together as a community:
Praying with others, fostering a sense of community and unity, showing pupils that they are part of a larger faith family. It also helps them learn the importance of praying with and for others.
Eucharistic Adoration:
Catholic Eucharistic Adoration is the practice of prayerfully venerating the Eucharist, which is the consecrated host—the body of Christ—used during Mass. In adoration, the Eucharist is typically displayed in a monstrance, a special vessel designed to hold the host, so that it can be visible to the faithful. This practice allows individuals to spend time in the presence of Christ, offering prayers of worship, thanksgiving, petition, and reflection. While the Eucharist is already present in every Catholic Mass, Adoration provides a dedicated time to sit in silent prayer and devotion, deepening one's relationship with Christ.
Eucharistic Adoration is important because it offers Catholics the opportunity to experience a deeper intimacy with Jesus. Through this quiet, focused time of prayer, pupils can grow in their understanding of God's love and presence in their lives. It also encourages reverence and awe toward the sacrament of the Eucharist, reminding us all of Christ's sacrifice. Adoration allows us all to pause from our busy lives, center our hearts, and open ourselves to God's grace, providing spiritual strength and peace; fostering a deeper sense of devotion, encouraging personal reflection, and is an important part of the Catholic spiritual life of our school.
Eucharistic Adoration takes place each half term, led by Father Eamonn for pupils in Key Stage 2.