Collective Worship
Children take part in a Christian act of Collective Worship every day at St Mary’s, which is guided by our vision. Through this daily opportunity to be together, children and staff experience moments of prayer, spiritual refection, silence and stillness. Staff and children bring the Bible and its messages to life through story, song and drama. The children of St Mary’s, irrespective of their faith, beliefs and background, enjoy these times of togetherness and unity experiencing a positive sense of God.
Our Worship Ambassadors reflect and influence our Collective Worships: what they have learnt from them, what they enjoyed and also ideas to improve them further.
Visitors are regularly invited to speak to the children; this includes leaders of other World Faiths who visit in November to celebrate Inter-Faith week with us.
Our local church of St Mary’s is an extension of our school. Father Jeff is friendly, familiar face and voice of wisdom to all at St Mary’s. Key Stage 2 children experience the Eucharist regularly and understand its significance in the life of Christians. Annual church celebrations form part of the rich traditions and tapestry of our school, including services for Christmas, Easter and the Leavers’ service.
Parents have the right to withdraw their child from RE and Collective Worship; we are proud that none do this.
Inspired by the Scriptural commandments of love, at St Mary’s we encourage children to grow in the spirit of compassion, wisdom and thankfulness. These, and other qualities, are shared throughout the life of the school. Daily Collective Worship offers particular opportunities for children, and all members of the school community, to reflect upon the importance of these values in our lives.
In Collective Worship, prayers are offered for our school, our local community and the wider world. Through lighting the candle, using images, songs and silence, we celebrate and commemorate key moments of the liturgical year and what has meaning and value for us as a school. We use traditional Christian prayers such as the Lord’s Prayer, our own St Mary’s school creed and prayers written by the children themselves.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen
