Celebration of the Word

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”  Psalm 119:105 

At Our Lady of the Rosary, we believe that worship in our Catholic school is a joyful and loving response to God’s invitation to enter into relationship with Him.
Guided by the light of God’s Word, we gather together to listen, reflect and respond through prayer, scripture, song and silence. In these moments, we give glory, honour, praise and thanks to God, recognising His presence in our lives through Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Aims of Celebrating the Word

Our Celebrations of the Word are at the heart of the spiritual life of our school. They offer every pupil and member of staff the chance to pause and contemplate the mystery of God, to reflect on spiritual and moral themes, and to explore their own beliefs within a nurturing and faith-filled environment. These moments of collective worship allow us to celebrate the joy and wonder of life, to recognise God at work among us, and to experience a deep sense of belonging as a community united in faith.

Through these times of prayer, we grow together in our understanding of the Gospel and the traditions of the Church, enriching our shared experience of faith. We nurture gratitude, empathy and hope, helping one another to live out the values of the Gospel each day. Above all, our Celebrations of the Word encourage us to take time to wonder, to reflect, and to give worth to the God who loves us unconditionally.

Principles

Every Celebration of the Word at Our Lady of the Rosary is an act of worship that gives glory and honour to God. It is a valued and meaningful part of school life, reflecting the Catholic character and mission of our community. These moments are planned with care and reverence, ensuring that they are inclusive, engaging and appropriate to the age and experience of those taking part. Each gathering invites pupils and staff to encounter God’s Word in a way that is accessible and alive, helping to prepare them for deeper participation in the wider prayer life of the Church.

Pupil Leadership in Prayer

We believe that our children’s voices and faith should be at the heart of our worship. Pupils are encouraged to take an active role in planning and leading Celebrations of the Word in their classes and key stages. Through this, they grow in confidence, deepen their personal relationship with God, and learn what it means to live as followers of Christ in their daily lives.

Our approach ensures that prayer and worship are not simply something done for children, but something shared with them, nurturing faith that is personal, joyful and alive.