Prayer in the Classroom and School Environment
At St Kentigern’s, we aim to help children value and respect the power of prayer. Each classroom has a prayer space and worship table, with colours reflecting the current liturgical season. Every room contains a Bible, cross, and candle, showing children that this is a sacred space.
Children are encouraged to prepare their own prayers and experience moments of peace and reflection, creating an atmosphere where the Word of God can reach them spiritually. The celebration of the Word takes place each morning across school. Daily prayers take place in the morning, at lunchtime, and at the end of the day. We also have a sacred area in school so children can worship at break or lunch times for individual prayer.
Each class has its own Celebration of the Word Floor Book, which captures and celebrates the children's experiences of prayer, worship and reflection throughout their time at school.
These special books follow the children on their journey through school, creating a meaningful record of their spiritual development. They allow pupils to look back and see how their understanding, participation and leadership in worship develops and progresses as they move through each year group.
Here is an example from our current Year 6 class, showing the journey they have made through their time at school.
Celebration of the Word at St Kentigern’s Catholic Primary School
As a Catholic school, celebration of the Word is at the heart of life at St Kentigern’s Catholic Primary School.
Our aim is that, through the experience of the celebration of the Word, our school community comes together to worship and grow closer to God.
School Assemblies
The school gathers together every Monday for Worship, linked to the liturgical season and Sunday’s Gospel. These worship sessions allow us to listen the the teachings of the weekly Sunday Gospel and allow us to be closer to God and reflect on the Gospel teachings.
In addition to the whole school assembly, daily acts of worship are held by teachers and children. All acts of prayer and liturgy follow the format of Gather, Listen, Respond, and Send. Children engage with familiar hymns, prayers, scripture, and always observe the lighting of a candle, reminding us that Jesus is present as the Light of the World. Weekly hymn practice introduces children to new hymns, both traditional and contemporary, helping to develop their musical range.
Over the course of the year, each class prepares an assembly for parents, carers, and families. These assemblies focus on liturgical themes or current events, with an emphasis on worship and reverence to God. Children actively participate in selecting readings, writing prayers, and using drama, art, and music to communicate their message. Partner classes are invited to watch, allowing children to share God’s message across different age groups and pass on the Good News.
With the guidance of our Faith leaders from each class, classes join together to celebrate the Word together, this happens each term, allowing our older children support and guide our younger children in worship.
Staff Reflections
Every Friday the staff at St Kentigern’s end the week by coming together in prayer to give thanks to the Lord for the past week and seek guidance for week ahead. Each teacher leads this prayer on a rotating basis. This reverent act of worship allows staff to reflect, strengthening our identity as a Catholic community and reminding us of our mission to make Christ known to all.
Prayer
Luke 11:1–4 (The disciples ask Jesus how to pray)
In our story, the disciples wanted to know the secret to talking to God. Jesus didn't give them a long, difficult test. He gave them a simple prayer: the Our Father.
Promise – A reading from the book of Genesis
God saw that Noah was a good and kind man and asked him to build an boat for him and his family. They stayed on board for 40 days and 40 nights. When the rain stopped, God sent a rainbow into the sky. `This is my promise to you that I will always care for the world`.
Sometimes we have stormy days, we may be scared, we may be sad or worried but just like God kept Noah safe, God promises to look after us.
Our mission- to be a rainbow to someone else, try to bring joy or help a friend.
Shared School Liturgy October 2025
Last Friday I had the pleasure of taking some of our children to St John’s Catholic Primary School in Poulton-le-Fylde as they hosted a shared liturgy morning with groups of children and staff from the following Catholic Blackpool primary schools: Holy Family, Christ The King, St Bernadette, St Teresa and St John Vianney.
We were also joined by groups of older pupils and chaplains from St Mary’s Catholic Academy, Blackpool and Cardinal Allen Catholic High School, Fleetwood. In total, there were more than fifty children and staff in attendance.
The morning began with Mass at St John’s Church. The priest spoke of the importance of the children getting to know Jesus. The final hymn, “Shine Jesus Shine” was an excellent way to begin the next part of the morning. Following Mass, we all spent some time exploring the parish garden in the late September sunshine. The children then led bidding prayers around the statue of Mary.
The children enjoyed playtime together before gathering in the school hall. The primary school children planned worships together in mixed school groups to take back to our own school. The children collaborated wonderfully and planned a range of thoughtful liturgies with themes including love, compassion and tolerance.
The morning ended with a liturgy on the theme of service This was a special moment and a lovely way to end a hugely successful and happy morning.
