Prayer and liturgy are at the heart of life at St Robert Southwell. Through prayer, Scripture, silence, music, Mass and the traditions of the Church, we help every child to encounter Christ and grow in their relationship with God.
Prayer is part of the daily rhythm of our school. As children grow, they are encouraged to take increasing responsibility for preparing, leading and reflecting on prayer.
Our Vision
We want every child to experience prayer as a living relationship with God – learning to listen, reflect, give thanks, celebrate and respond.
ENCOUNTER
We meet Christ through Scripture, prayer and the sacramental life of the Church.
LISTEN
We listen to God’s Word and consider what God may be saying to us.
RESPOND
We respond through prayer, silence, music, reflection and action.
LIVE
Prayer sends us out to Love • Learn • Serve • Make a Difference.
Children experience many different ways of praying, both together and individually. This includes traditional Catholic prayers, spontaneous prayer, Scripture, music, silence and reflection.
Throughout the week, children gather for whole-school and class prayer, Celebration of the Word and opportunities for pupil-led prayer.
Celebration of the Word
GATHER • WORD • RESPONSE • MISSION
Celebration of the Word gives children time to gather in God’s presence, listen to Scripture, respond in prayer and think about how God’s Word calls them to live.
As children progress through the school, they take greater responsibility for choosing Scripture, preparing prayer spaces, selecting appropriate responses and leading prayer.
Growing as Leaders of Prayer
Children’s involvement develops as they move through the school:
EYFS – Experience and join in prayer with wonder and reverence.
KS1 – Participate confidently and begin making simple choices about prayer.
Lower KS2 – Help plan and lead prayer, choosing appropriate Scripture, music and responses.
Upper KS2 – Plan, lead and reflect on prayer and Celebration of the Word with increasing independence.
Our aim is for children to grow from participating in prayer to confidently and thoughtfully leading prayer.
The Eucharist has a special place within the life of our school. Children participate in Mass and learn to understand its prayers, Scripture, responses, music and sacred actions.
Throughout the year, our children also experience opportunities for Eucharistic Adoration and, at appropriate times, the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
These experiences help children grow in reverence and deepen their understanding of Catholic faith and worship.
The Church’s year shapes the prayer and worship of our school.
Advent – Waiting and preparing
Christmas – Celebrating the birth of Jesus
Ordinary Time – Growing as disciples
Lent – Prayer, fasting and giving
Easter – Celebrating the Resurrection
Pentecost – Celebrating the gift of the Holy Spirit
Throughout the year, we also celebrate Mary, the saints, Holy Days and the feast of our patron, St Robert Southwell.
Mary has a special place in the prayer life of our school. Children learn from her example of faith and encounter Marian prayers and traditions including the Hail Mary, Rosary and Angelus.
We particularly honour Mary during May, the Month of Mary, and October, the Month of the Holy Rosary.
St Robert Southwell was a Jesuit priest, poet and martyr whose life was rooted in prayer, the Eucharist and courageous service to Christ.
His example reminds us that prayer should shape the way we live. Our encounter with Christ gives us the courage to love, serve and make a difference.
Prayer gives children precious opportunities to become still, wonder, reflect and recognise God’s presence in their lives.
We encourage children to consider:
THINK – What does this mean?
WONDER – What might God be saying?
RESPOND – How am I called to live?
Home, School, Parish
Our prayer life extends beyond the school gates. We value our partnership with families, our parish and the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton.
Families are warmly invited to join us for opportunities to pray and celebrate together, strengthening the important relationship between home, school and parish.
Prayer that leads to Mission
Prayer does not end when our celebration finishes.
We encourage our children to take what they have heard and experienced into their everyday lives – showing love, serving others, caring for creation and making a positive difference.
Encounter Christ → Listen to His Word → Respond in Prayer → Live Our Mission
LOVE • LEARN • SERVE • MAKE A DIFFERENCE
By the time pupils leave St Robert Southwell, they have a strong moral compass, a clear sense of right and wrong, and a deep respect for the dignity of every person. They are well-prepared to contribute positively to life in modern Britain and to live out their faith as disciples of Christ.
