prayer and liturgy
At St Francis, we focus on the events of the liturgical year and this forms the basis of collective worship both in class and during whole school worship. Children play an active role in prayer and liturgy as they work towards planning and leading their own worship in the classroom.
Daily Prayer Life
Each classroom has a dedicated prayer table, with coloured cloth that follows the liturgical year and different objects to act as a focus for classroom prayer. Daily prayers are integral to the school day and are said three times a day in class. Children attend whole school assemblies, hymn practices and whole school worship sessions each week.
Mass
Mass is celebrated in school, once a month, by Father David and involves children from all year groups leading different aspects of the liturgy. The children participate actively by delivering readings and reflections, contributing bidding prayers, singing, playing music and serving. School Mass is very much a highlight for children, staff, parents and the parishioners who attend.
Opportunities for Prayer
Our Peace Garden is used by our children both for special occasions, such as Remembrance Day or our annual May Procession, and by classes or individuals for prayer and reflection. There are additional opportunities for prayer with our lunchtime Three Rs Group.
Links with home
Our Young Franciscans group lead our Bible Bag initiative which encourages children to pray at home with their family. Children take turns to take home the Bible Bag and choose a story from the Bible to read and reflect upon. Visit our Young Franciscans page to read their guide to using the Bible Bags.
School Mass Dates
All of our School Masses begin at 9.30am and you are always welcome to join us on these days.
Term | Date | Theme |
Autumn | 7th September 2022 | New Beginnings |
Autumn | 5th October 2022 | St Francis Feast Day/Harvest |
Autumn | 1st November 2022 | All Saints Day |
Autumn | 20th December 2022 | Christmas |
Spring | 6th January 2023 | Epiphany |
Spring | 22nd February 2023 | Ash Wednesday |
Spring | 29th March 2023 | Easter |
Summer | 26th April 2023 | Eastertide |
Summer | 18th May 2023 | Ascension Day |
Summer | 29th June 2023 | St Peter and St Paul |
Summer | 20th July 2023 | End of Term |
Prayer of St Francis
Prayer of St Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is discord, unity.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is error, truth.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is sadness, joy.
Where there is darkness, light.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console.
To be understood as to understand.
To be loved as to love.
For It is in giving that we receive.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.
It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Daily Prayers
Further Information
Collective Worship Policy
st francis collective worship policy dec 2022.pdf