Prayer is the breath of faith – Pope Francis
Prayer and Liturgy are at the heart of life at Sacred Heart Primary Academy. They provide opportunities for our children, staff and families to encounter Christ, deepen their relationship with God and grow as members of a faith-filled community.
Inspired by our mission and Gospel values, we strive to create opportunities for prayer that are meaningful, reflective and inclusive. Through prayer, liturgical celebrations, scripture and worship, we help children to recognise God’s presence in their daily lives and respond to His call to love and serve others.
As a Catholic school, we recognise that prayer takes many forms. Throughout the school day, children are invited to experience traditional prayers of the Church, spontaneous prayer, quiet reflection, scriptural meditation, prayer through music and liturgical celebrations linked to the seasons and feasts of the Church year.
Children play an active role in the prayer life of our school. From the earliest years, they are encouraged to participate in and lead prayer in age-appropriate ways. As they progress through school, they develop the confidence and understanding to plan and lead prayer and liturgy for their peers, reflecting on scripture and considering how God’s Word calls us to action.
Prayer and Liturgy follow the principles outlined in the Catholic bishops’ Prayer & Liturgy Directory, helping children to pray with increasing understanding and to participate fully in the liturgical life of the Church.
Sacred Heart Prayer and Liturgy Policy September 2026
Prayer and Liturgy at Sacred Heart
Prayer is woven throughout each day and is an integral part of school life.
Children regularly gather together as a school community to:
- Pray together
- Listen and respond to scripture
- Celebrate the liturgical seasons and feast days of the Church
- Reflect on Gospel values and Catholic Social Teaching
- Give thanks and celebrate achievements
- Pray for the needs of others and the wider world
Each classroom provides a prayer focal point which reflects the liturgical season and supports children in their own prayer and reflection.
Throughout the year, children participate in a range of liturgical experiences including:
- Class prayer and liturgy
- Whole-school prayer gatherings
- Celebration of the Eucharist
- Feast Day masses
- Reconciliation services
- Advent and Lenten liturgies
- Opportunities for personal prayer and reflection
Leadership of Prayer and Liturgy
Prayer and Liturgy is led by Anne-Marie Bell. Children are encouraged to take increasing responsibility for preparing and leading prayer experiences, helping them to develop spiritually and grow in confidence as young disciples.
Prayer and Liturgy form a central part of the Catholic life of Sacred Heart and support our mission of nurturing faith, excellence, love, respect and service in all that we do.
