Celebration of the Word

At Sacred Heart, we pride ourselves in providing engaging and creative experiences in the celebration of the Word. The celebration of the Word is integral to routine gatherings of all staff and pupils. Moments of joy and sorrow are identified and celebrated in prayer. Through our fantastic resource, “Pray 2gether”, every child is given the opportunity to pray creatively through a range of scripture passages. They are carefully and thoughtfully chosen to ensure that everyone can participate fully. We encourage children to nurture their relationship with God through words, symbols, gestures, meditations and hymns.

We gather as a school community once a week and Mr Woods leads us in the celebration of the Word. In EYFS and Key Stage 1, members of staff lead the celebration of the Word and in Key Stage 2, a group of children independently plan and deliver the celebration of the Word in class. We also gather weekly as a whole school to reflect on our Statement to Live by, sing some traditional Catholic hymns and celebrate all of our achievements. Staff are highly skilled in helping pupils to confidently and independently plan and lead the celebration of the Word. Parents are invited throughout the year to participate in celebration with their children.

Other opportunities for prayer take place within the classroom at the start of each day, before and after lunch and at the end of each day. Each classroom has a very special focal point which is appropriate to the liturgical season, for example, Lent, Advent, Easter or Pentecost. Children take special care of these spaces and understand their importance within the classroom.

We are blessed to have access to the school chapel. We regularly have special whole school Masses and have the opportunity to pray and reflect there during Advent, Lent and the months of the Holy Rosary. Parishioners, parents and governors are all welcome to join us during these special occasions. We have a fantastic partnership with our parish priest and local parishes.