Prayer Life at St George's

At St George’s Catholic Primary School, our life of faith is supported each day through moments of prayer and opportunities for worship. These experiences form an important part of who we are as a school, helping our community to grow in faith and in relationship with God.

We provide a wide range of opportunities for children to pray, reflect, and celebrate together. Whether this takes place in the classroom, during assemblies, or at whole-school Masses and liturgical gatherings, each occasion is planned to help pupils deepen their spiritual understanding, recognise God’s presence in their lives, and live out the teachings of Jesus with kindness and confidence.

Our approach to prayer and worship is shaped by the national Prayer & Liturgy guidance, which supports us in offering high-quality experiences for all. Our Prayer & Liturgy Co-ordinators are Mrs Brown and Mrs Cannella.

Overview of Prayer and liturgy in St George's

The below timetable shows an outline of our weekly pattern of when prayer and Liturgy takes place in school:

Monday - Whole School Hymns

Tuesday - Catholic Social Teaching and Values Liturgy

Wednesday - Whole School Celebration of the Word

Thursday - Class Led Liturgy and Prayer

Friday - Whole School Celebration and Prayer

Liturgical Year

As an integral part of our Catholic ethos, all pupils are made aware, throughout the school year, of the changes and celebrations relating to the Church's Liturgical Year. These events are highlighted in our sacred space in our assembly hall during assemblies, our school entrance and in every classroom’s prayer table. The children are aware of the liturgical changes with the changing colours of our cloths and displays. 

We celebrate Mass together on Feast Days and school celebrations. A full version of this can be found in our Prayer and Liturgy Policy   

Opportunity for prayer

At St George’s Catholic Primary School, our pupils journey through the Church’s Liturgical Year by taking part in meaningful acts of worship that reflect each season. Every Wednesday afternoon, the whole school comes together to revisit the Gospel from the previous Sunday. During this shared time, children are invited to explore the scripture’s message and think about how they can actively live out its teachings in the days ahead.

Music holds a special and joyful place in our worship life. We proudly engage with the Diocesan-led singing programme each week, working with Alex, who visits every Monday afternoon to teach pupils in Years 3 and 4, as well as Years 5 and 6. The children’s confidence and vocal ability are already flourishing as a result of this dedicated support. Alongside this, our staff members enrich our celebrations by generously sharing their own musical skills, whether through leading singing or playing instruments.

Throughout the year, we also provide a range of creative and reflective opportunities for pupils to deepen their knowledge of the Catholic faith and develop their personal prayer life. Below, you will find just a few examples of the many ways we celebrate prayer and liturgy within our school community.

Whole school Mass

At St George’s Catholic Primary School, our whole school family gathers throughout the year to celebrate Mass at our local parish church with Fr Antony and Deacon Terry. These Masses are important moments in our spiritual life, offering us the chance to pray together and strengthen our connection as a Catholic community.

We feel truly privileged to have such a beautiful parish church within walking distance of the school, and our relationship with the parish is a cherished part of our identity. Families and parishioners are warmly invited to join us for these celebrations, and for those who cannot attend in person—including relatives who live further away—our services are shared online, allowing them to take part in our worship from afar.

Our whole-school Mass is a treasured part of life at St George’s, where pupils and staff come together in prayer, reflection, and thanksgiving. Rooted in our Catholic faith, it is a joyful time to celebrate God’s love, deepen our spiritual connection, and grow as one family united in Christ. 

Education Mass

At our Education Mass, we come together to celebrate the gift of learning and the unique talents God has given each of us. We ask for wisdom, curiosity and perseverance as we continue to grow in knowledge, faith and love 

Leavers Mass

Our Year 6 Leavers’ Mass, celebrated with Clifton Diocese, is a special moment of gratitude and reflection as we thank God for each pupil’s journey at St George’s and pray for His guidance as they step confidently into the next chapter. 

Celebration of the Word

Our Celebration of the Word offers time to pause, listen and reflect on Scripture, helping us to deepen our understanding of God’s message and how we can live it out each day. 

Chapel Time

Chapel Time provides a quiet moment in our week to pause, pray and reflect, helping us to draw closer to God and find peace within our busy school day. 

Harvest Festival Service

During our Harvest Festival service, we reflect on creation, give thanks for the gifts God provides, and consider how we can care for both our world and our community. 

Celebration of Mary

During our Celebration of Mary, we reflect on her life as a model of courage, humility and faith, and consider how we can live out these virtues in our own daily actions. 

Weekly Class Liturgy

Our weekly child-led liturgy gives pupils the opportunity to take a leading role in prayer and reflection, sharing their faith with confidence and creativity. 

Footsteps in Faith

Through the Footsteps in Faith Award, pupils are acknowledged for their dedication to exploring RE, demonstrating leadership in faith, and making a positive impact in our school, parish and wider community. 

First Holy Communion

During First Holy Communion, pupils gather with family, friends, and staff to celebrate this important sacrament, reflecting on God’s love and the gift of the Eucharist. 

Stations of the Cross

Our Year 6 pupils lead and host the Stations of the Cross, guiding each station with thoughtful reflections and prayers, helping the whole school to journey with Christ during Lent. 

Chaplaincy Commissioning at Clifton Cathedral

Each year, our Chaplaincy Team begins their mission with a very special celebration at Clifton Cathedral, where they are formally commissioned alongside pupils from schools across the Diocese. This is a significant moment in their faith journey and marks the start of their role as spiritual leaders within St George’s.

During the service, the children receive their Chaplaincy badges, symbolising their commitment to supporting the prayer life, Catholic identity, and mission of our school. A highlight of the day is meeting Bishop Bosco, who warmly welcomes the pupils, offers them a blessing, and encourages them to be witnesses of faith, kindness, and service in their school community.

This commissioning experience helps the children understand the importance of their role and inspires them to lead with confidence, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose. With photos capturing these special moments, our school community can share in the pride and joy of this important diocesan event.