Prayer and Liturgy at St Thomas Aquinas
Prayer and Liturgy
As a Catholic primary school Prayer and Liturgy plays a fundamental part of daily school life and enables us all to join together as one in prayer and worship.
Growing Closer to God
In its simplest form, prayer is defined as “talking to God.” It is a personal time of opening our hearts to our Heavenly Father and bringing everything in our hearts to Him. Prayer can be a powerful force for change in our lives, and the importance of doing it on a daily basis should be instilled in our children.
Communication is the foundation for success in any relationship. When we communicate openly and freely with each other, we learn to know each other as individuals. This principle also applies to our relationship with God. By talking to God, we can learn more about who He is and what plan He has for us.
Prayer Has a Purpose
It is important that our children understand that there is a purpose to prayer. Jesus frequently prayed during His life on Earth. He had a reason for doing so. Our prayers are something that God deeply desires. But our prayers are not for His benefit; as a perfect Divine Being, God is complete in His power and knowledge. Each teaching session begins and end with a prayer. (Morning Offering; Grace Before and After Meals; End of Day prayer.)
Children are encouraged to pray in different ways according to their age and personal development. The most important aspect of prayer for children is that they realise it is their way of communicating with God and is first and foremost a personal occasion.
Our R.E. curriculum offers progression for children as they move through the school.
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
Click on the link below to find the prayers your child will be learning throughout their time at St. Thomas Aquinas. Please take time to talk about them with your children and share them with them as often as you can.
Our School Prayer
Our beautiful school prayer is said daily in school
Staff Prayer
Staff gather together before the school day for Staff Prayer and Reflection. Every Friday a different member of staff leads the prayer, this is an opportunity for colleagues to reflect on biblical values and promote Gospel messages.
Mass
Every two weeks throughout the school year, we gather with joy in our school hall to celebrate the Holy Mass, giving thanks and praise to God as a school community. We also come together for the great Feasts and Holy Days of Obligation that bless our liturgical year. Our children take an active role in preparing and leading these celebrations through Altar Serving, proclaiming the Word of God, and presenting the gifts at the altar. We warmly welcome parents, parishioners, and governors to join us in prayer and thanksgiving as we celebrate our faith together.
Classroom Prayer
Prayer is at the heart of our school life. Each day, we take time to pause, reflect, and speak with God together as a community of faith.
The Foundation Stage begins each morning in prayer, gathering to offer thanks to God and to ask for His guidance throughout the day.
Monday Gospel Celebration of the Word
We begin each week with a whole school Celebration of the Word before morning break, where we gather to listen to and reflect on the Sunday Gospel. This time of prayer helps us to carry God’s Word into all that we do during the week.
Key Stage Celebration of the Word
Each phase of the school gather for a Celebration of the Word, focusing on the liturgical season or other faith themes. Teachers and staff lead the children in prayer, reflection, and song, helping them to grow in faith and understanding of God’s love.
Friday Celebration
On Fridays, our whole school community comes together in joyful worship to celebrate the blessings and achievements of the week. We give thanks to God for the gifts and talents He has given each of us and for all that we have accomplished through His guidance. Together, we end our week in gratitude and prayer.
Child-prepared Celebration of the Word
Children in each class prepare and lead their own Celebration of the Word. In Key Stage One, they are supported by adults as they learn to plan and pray together. In Key Stage Two, the children take greater independence, choosing readings, prayers, and reflections that express their growing faith.
Teacher-Led Celebration of the Word
Teachers also guide their classes in Celebration of the Word, offering opportunities for quiet reflection and prayer based on Scripture, the liturgical year, or our school’s Catholic mission.
Special Celebration of the Word
Throughout the year, we mark significant moments in the Church’s liturgical calendar with special a Celebration of the Word. These times of prayer allow us to deepen our relationship with God and to rejoice together in His presence.
Class Celebrations
Each term, classes prepare and lead a Celebration that reflects upon an aspect of our Catholic faith and mission. These gatherings are special moments where we share our learning, celebrate our faith, and grow closer to God together and are well attended by families and friends of our school.
Pray and Stay
We welcome our families and friends to join us as each class gathers for prayer and reflection. These special times help us to grow closer to God and to one another as we share faith, friendship, and gratitude.
Carol Service
This year, our Year 3 and Year 4 children will lead the school in our Carol Service. We warmly invite parents, parishioners, and governors to join us in this joyful celebration of the birth of Christ, as we lift our voices together in prayer and song.
TenTen Parent Newsletter
Ten Ten provide high-quality resources that enrich the Catholic ethos of all Catholic Primary schools. They publish online newsletters which allow parents and children to engage with the prayers and the teaching provided through the Prayer and Liturgy programme.
https://www.tentenresources.co.uk/prayers-for-home/parent-newsletter/
