Strengthening Our Faith

Prayerful Life Across the School

At St Joseph’s, prayer is at the heart of everything we do. For Catholics, prayer is a way of speaking and listening to God — a personal conversation that strengthens faith, deepens gratitude, and guides us in daily life. It reminds us that God is always present and invites us to live with love, peace, and compassion. Prayer is woven naturally into the rhythm of our school day, whether it’s before lessons, at lunchtime, or during assemblies, helping pupils to pause, reflect, and offer thanks.

Our pupils are encouraged to pray in many ways — both spontaneously and through traditional prayers of the Church. They learn to express their thoughts and feelings to God in their own words while also cherishing the prayers that unite Catholics around the world.

Throughout the year, the school celebrates special feasts, holy days, and liturgical seasons with joyful worship, allowing children to experience the beauty and rhythm of the Church’s life. In this way, prayer shapes the spiritual atmosphere of St Joseph’s, helping every member of our community grow in faith and closeness to God.

In November, the month when Catholics traditionally pray for the faithful departed, we take time as a school to remember and honour those who have died. Families are invited to share the names of loved ones they wish to be prayed for, and these intentions are offered during our collective worship and classroom prayers. Through this time of remembrance, we teach our pupils the importance of hope, love, and eternal life — trusting that God’s mercy embraces all who have gone before us.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”

(John 11:25)

Praying at home

At St Joseph’s, we encourage our families to make prayer a special part of daily life. Praying together helps children grow in faith and strengthens the loving bond between home, school, and parish.

During the months of October and May, we celebrate Our Lady by sending home a travelling Rosary bag, lovingly prepared by our Faith Leaders. Each bag contains a set of Rosary beads, prayer cards, and a guide to help families pray together. When your family receives the bag, we invite you to spend some quiet time in prayer, reflecting on the mysteries of the Rosary before returning it the next day for another family to enjoy.

Why not continue this beautiful tradition by praying a decade of the Rosary each day throughout these months?

In December, we share the joy of the Christmas season by sending home a travelling crib. This special resource allows children to interact with the Nativity story, helping them reflect on the birth of Jesus through prayer, storytelling, and family discussion. It is a wonderful way to prepare our hearts for Christmas and to bring the message of hope and love into our homes.

For more ways to pray and reflect together at home, visit The Mark 10 Mission, which offers wonderful online resources and weekly Gospel reflections for children and families.

The Wednesday Word is another fabulous resource to use at home with your children focusing on the Sunday Gospel; giving guidance and ideas of how to explore this with your children The Wednesday Word for Parents, Carers & Children | Family Time | Catholic Church