Prayer and Worship
At Holy Cross, we focus on the events of the liturgical year and this forms the basis of collective worship both in class and during whole school worship. Children play an active role in prayer and liturgy as they work towards planning and leading their own worship in the classroom. Our Year 6 Chaplains lead the Monday morning Collective Act of Worship for Key Stage One and Key Stage Two.
Daily Prayer Life
Each classroom has a dedicated prayer table and prayer wall, with coloured cloth that follows the liturgical year and different objects to act as a focus for classroom prayer. Daily prayers are integral to the school day and are said three times a day in class. Children attend whole school collective acts of worship, assemblies, hymn practices and whole school worship sessions each week.
Mass
Children from Year 3-6 attend Mass once every four weeks in the church on Tuesday. We have whole school Mass on the days of solemnity in the church and on special school occasions, such as a welcome to the new school year. In the summer we have an outdoor Leavers Mass for our Year 6 pupils. The children participate actively by delivering readings and reflections, contributing bidding prayers, singing, playing music and serving. School Mass is very much a highlight for children, staff, parents and the parishioners who attend. We encourage our families to attend Mass together and once every half-term the children take an active role in Vigil Mass on Saturday evening.
Opportunities for Prayer and Reflection
Our Peace Garden is used by our children both for special occasions, such as Remembrance Day or our annual May Procession, and by classes or individuals for prayer and reflection. We have a central prayer space for staff, pupils and visitors where they can have a quiet moment of prayer and reflection and light a candle.
The Mass readings, prayers and reflections are shared with all staff every week on the Monday Briefing Note that Mrs Kerrell sends to staff. We start every staff meeting with a prayer and staff have prayer buddies each half-term. In the weekly newsletter, Mrs Kerrell shares a reflection of the week and guidance on the readings for the forthcoming weekend are also attached.
Links with home
Our Year 6 Liturgy Leaders lead our Prayer Bag initiative, which encourages children to pray at home with their family. Children take turns to take home the Prayer Bag and choose a story from the Bible to read and reflect upon. Visit our chaplains page to read their guide to using the Bible Bags.
