"Pupils develop highly positive attitudes to learning because relationships with staff are strong. Adults encourage pupils to ‘have a go’ and reinforce the message that they should work without fear of failure. Consequently, pupils willingly try new things, confident that their teachers and learning support assistants will help them if they go wrong or get stuck."
OFSTED Report
April 2023

Collective Worship

“In the Light of Jesus we Learn to Shine.”

At St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Luton, prayer and liturgy are at the heart of our school community. Through daily prayer, collective worship and the celebration of Mass, children have opportunities to encounter God, listen to Scripture and reflect on how they can share the love of Jesus with others.

We provide time to pause, give thanks, ask for help and pray for the needs of our families, our community and the wider world.

Prayer throughout the school day

Children experience different ways of praying, including familiar Catholic prayers, prayers in their own words, music and quiet reflection. Prayer helps them to express gratitude, bring their concerns to God and remember others.

These experiences nurture each child’s spiritual development and encourage kindness, forgiveness and care for God’s creation.

Celebrating our Catholic faith

Our community gathers for prayer, Celebrations of the Word and Mass. A Celebration of the Word is an opportunity to listen to Scripture and respond together through prayer and reflection.

The Church’s year shapes our celebrations, including Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter. Through these experiences, children discover how the life and teachings of Jesus connect with their everyday lives.

Children’s involvement

We support children to become increasingly confident in preparing and leading prayer as they move through the school.

With guidance from adults, pupils contribute by selecting Scripture, writing prayers, choosing music and preparing a prayer focus. Our Faith Ambassadors help others to participate in the prayer life of our community.

We encourage children to reflect on these experiences and consider how their response to prayer can shape their choices and actions.

A welcoming community

Our Catholic faith is central to who we are. We welcome families from all faith backgrounds and none, respecting each person’s beliefs while sharing the prayer and traditions of the Catholic Church.

Parents and carers are warmly invited to the Masses and liturgical celebrations advertised by the school. Our relationships with our parishes help strengthen the connection between home, school and Church.

The Prayer and Liturgy Directory

Our approach is guided by To love You more dearly, the Prayer and Liturgy Directory for Catholic schools, academies and colleges in England and Wales.

The Directory supports the preparation and celebration of prayer and liturgy, staff formation and reflection on the quality of provision.

Read or download To love You more dearly — the Prayer and Liturgy Directory.