Prayer and Liturgy

Celebration of the Word is at the heart of Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Primary School

The Governors of Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Primary School recognise that Prayer and Liturgy provide valuable opportunities for pupils and staff to come together to worship God. Whilst respecting the diversity of belief and commitment, Prayer and Liturgy at our school are Catholic in character, reflecting the liturgical tradition of the Church and placing Christ at its heart — where the Gospel values of our Lord Jesus Christ are taught, lived, and experienced.

In order to achieve our aims, we provide a variety of experiences which take into account the religious and educational needs of all who participate, ensuring that every member of our community feels valued and included in our shared faith journey.

At our school, daily Celebration of the Word is an integral part of our spiritual life and ethos, providing every child with opportunities to encounter Christ, reflect on the Gospel, and grow in faith, hope, and love. Each week is rooted in the Gospel from Sunday’s Mass, and the Gospel Values drawn from this reading are shared and explored with the children throughout the week. These values are lived out in school life and celebrated through our ‘Disciple of the Week’ award, recognising one child who has been noticed showing these Gospel Values in action.

We follow a consistent structure of Gather – Listen – Respond – Go Forth, as outlined in our detailed weekly Celebration of the Word plans. Each day of the week has a distinct focus — from Gospel reflections and praying the Rosary to global themes, saints of the week, and hymn practice. Our Celebrations of the Word also embrace global dimensions, encouraging children to recognise the presence of God in the wider world and to respond with compassion and hope to the needs of others. This approach ensures that our worship is rooted in the Liturgical Year and that pupils develop a deep understanding of the Church’s seasons, feast days, Gospel values, and their call to live as global citizens of faith.

The RE Lead plays an important role in supporting the spiritual life of the school. Each term, she shares with staff the themes of the weekly Scriptures and an overview of the termly plans, linking to the Liturgical Year, enabling teachers to review and adapt them to meet the needs of their pupils. Staff are encouraged to contribute their own ideas and to take an active role in the delivery of Celebrations of the Word, ensuring that each act of worship is meaningful, engaging, and accessible to all children. Spontaneous prayer is encouraged too.

Celebration of the Word is a shared experience — led collaboratively by both teachers and children. Staff guide, model, and nurture prayerful reflection, while children take an active role in proclaiming scripture, leading prayer, and offering personal intentions. This joint approach allows every member of the community to feel ownership and connection to the spiritual life of the school.

Throughout the year, pupils also have a wide range of special opportunities to lead and experience prayer beyond the classroom setting:

Monthly Class Masses: Each class takes turns to lead the monthly Mass, planning readings, prayers, and music alongside Father Chris. All families are warmly invited to attend and support their child during this time.
Travelling Posada: During Advent, children share the Travelling Posada with their families at home, deepening the connection between school, parish, and family prayer life.
Walking Stations of the Cross: In Lent, pupils are invited to participate in the Walking Stations of the Cross in church led by Mrs Murphy alongside the wider community, reflecting on Jesus’ journey to Calvary.
Sacramental Preparation: Children preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion receive dedicated support and prayer experiences within school and parish life.
Walking Through the Greatest Week: During Holy Week, children re-enact the key moments of the Passion, sharing this moving portrayal with the whole school and Father Chris. It is during this time that Servant King is sung daily to remind us of the sacrifice given by the Lord.
Stay and Pray Sessions: Parents are invited into class to join child-led prayer sessions, offering a reflective and community-centred experience.
End of Branch Celebrations of the Word: Each half term, the children celebrate what brings together the themes, Gospel values, and learning from the season.

We are blessed with extensive school grounds, which are used to enrich our prayer life. Pupils gather in Joanna’s Garden, soon to be joined by our new Garden of Hope, and in the school meadow for outdoor worship and reflection. These sacred spaces allow children to encounter God’s presence in creation and to appreciate the beauty and peace of the natural world.

Together, these experiences form a rich tapestry of prayer, reflection, and worship that celebrates our Catholic identity and nurtures every child’s faith journey — helping them to live out the Gospel with joy and hope in their hearts.