Prayer and Liturgy at Our Lady Star of the Sea

Practising the Roman Catholic faith is at the core of school life. It shapes assemblies, Liturgical Prayer,

RE lessons, and moral growth, anchoring all our activities.

We believe that Liturgical Prayer in our school aims to provide opportunity for pupils, parents and staff:

Spiritual Development: Liturgical prayer deepens our connection with God, fostering personal relationship, reflection, guidance, and solace in faith.
Catholic Identity: Integral to tradition, liturgical prayer engages us in rich Catholic heritage, strengthening understanding of teachings and values.
Community Building: Unifying children, parents, teachers, staff as a faith community, liturgical prayer fosters belonging, support, and solidarity.
Sacramental Preparation: Vital for sacraments' understanding, liturgical prayer readies children for Holy Communion, Reconciliation, aligning with our faith.
Integration of Faith and Learning: In Catholic schools, faith integrates with education. Liturgical prayer links faith and studies, showcasing relevance within Catholic beliefs.

At Our Lady Star of the Sea, Liturgical Prayer will be celebrated in the following way:

Monday:

Infant Department: Liturgical prayer based on the Gospel reading from the previous day’s Mass, led by the Head or member of the SLT.

Junior Department: will have class based liturgical prayer.

Tuesday:

Infant Department: will have class based liturgical prayer

Junior Department: Liturgical prayer based on the Gospel reading from the previous Sunday’s Mass, led by the Head or member of the SLT.

Wednesday:

Infant Department: praise and music liturgical prayer.

Junior Department: praise and music liturgical prayer.

Thursday:

All classes will have class based liturgical prayer.

Friday:

Whole school prayer and celebration assembly.

Please find our Liturgical Prayer Policy here (currently being reviewed)

Prayer at Our Lady Star of the Sea

Prayer is a sacred act of worship that magnifies and glorifies God, affirming our reliance on Him. By embracing a life of prayer, we actively respond to the transformative power of Christ's salvation. Through this profound connection, we engage with the very essence and purpose of our existence.

At Our Lady Star of the Sea, we make a dedicated effort to pray several times during the day, addressing various needs and intentions. We ensure that children begin their day with prayer, pause to pray before and after lunch, and conclude the school day with a moment of prayer.

Children are also encouraged to learn, and join in with, some traditional prayers of the Church such as the

Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Glory Be and an Act of Contrition.

During the months of October and May, children are encouraged to participate in the mysteries of the Rosary through saying decades of this special prayer and using Rosary Beads to help them. Travelling Rosary bags are sent home to enable the children to pray with their families too.

In November, we remember the Holy Souls, those who have died in war and members of our families who we have lost. We say the words of the Eternal Rest together.

As we get ready for Lent, we take time to think about the Stations of the Cross, the path Jesus walked to the cross. During this special time of reflection and penitence, we also consider the things we've done wrong and say an Act of Contrition together.

The Angelus prayer serves as a moment of devotion to reflect on the incarnation of Jesus Christ, specifically the Angel's message to Mary about her role in God's plan. It's a way for Catholics to honour and remember the pivotal moment when Mary said yes to becoming the mother of Jesus. The prayer also invites us to seek Mary's intercession and guidance, fostering a deeper connection to our faith.