At St Mary’s, daily Collective Worship is a vital part of our school life, deeply embedded in everything we do and aligned with our Mission Statement: “Learning, Loving, and Serving like Mary.” These worship sessions offer a sacred and reflective space for our school community to come together in prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth. Worship is a time where students and staff alike can deepen their relationship with God and one another, fostering a strong sense of unity and shared purpose.
Through Collective Worship, we aim to nurture the spiritual development of our children, grounding them in the teachings of Jesus and the example of Mary. Each day, we gather to reflect on themes of love, compassion, and service, encouraging our students to live out these values in their everyday lives. Our worship sessions often include readings from scripture, prayer, music, and moments of quiet reflection, allowing children to engage with their faith in meaningful and age-appropriate ways.
At the heart of our worship is the desire to cultivate an environment where faith is lived and celebrated daily. We place great emphasis on teaching children to be mindful of God’s presence in their lives and to seek inspiration from Mary, who is central to our mission. By encouraging our students to “Learn, Love, and Serve like Mary,” we help them grow into compassionate individuals who are mindful of the needs of others and actively seek to make the world a better place.
Our Collective Worship also reflects the diversity of experiences and perspectives within our school community. Children are encouraged to take part in leading prayers, offering reflections, and participating in the music and readings, helping them build confidence in expressing their faith. Special feast days, holy days, and key moments in the liturgical calendar are celebrated together, offering rich opportunities for communal worship and shared spiritual growth.
We also integrate a focus on the importance of service during our worship. Inspired by Mary’s selfless example, we encourage students to think about how they can serve others both within the school and in the wider community. Acts of charity, kindness, and support for those in need are frequent topics in our prayers and reflections, helping children understand that true faith is not just about belief but also about action.
Through stories, prayers, and song, we create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere where all students feel valued and are encouraged to explore their spirituality. Collective Worship at St Mary’s is not just a time for quiet reflection but a vibrant, interactive experience where children learn to live their faith with joy, compassion, and a sense of shared responsibility.
In this way, daily Collective Worship is a cornerstone of our commitment to nurturing hearts, minds, and spirits, helping each child grow spiritually and morally. Our goal is to ensure that every child leaves St Mary’s with a strong foundation of faith, equipped to continue “Learning, Loving, and Serving like Mary” throughout their lives.
Please read the sections below to learn more about our approach to Collective Worship.
