Prayer & Liturgy
At St Joseph’s, prayer and liturgy are at the heart of all we do. Each day begins and ends with prayer, creating a calm and reflective rhythm that shapes our community and helps us live out our mission: “We learn, love and grow with God at the centre.” Children regularly take part in class liturgies, prayer services, and whole-school Masses that follow the rhythm of the Church’s liturgical year. Pupils are actively involved in preparing and leading worship through our weekly Celebration of the Word and special feast day celebrations, helping them to grow in faith, confidence and leadership.
Our Annual Plan of Provision (APoP) for Prayer and Liturgy opportunities during the academic year 2025/26 is now available for parents. It outlines key dates for religious experiences, including school Masses, prayer services, and other prayer opportunities your child will participate in throughout the year. The plan also provides links to relevant prayer books, so you can see the prayers children will be exposed to at each stage and support their spiritual development at home.
We are blessed to have strong parish links with both Father George, our parish priest at St Joseph’s Highgate, and Father Moses, parish priest at St Gabriel’s of Our Lady of Sorrows. Each year group attends Mass on the First Friday of every month at both churches on a rota basis, and parents are warmly invited to join these celebrations. Staff also gather together for First Friday Mass in our school chapel, sharing in prayer, reflection and fellowship as a staff community.
We are always impressed by the wonderful attendance of parents and families at children’s class liturgies, prayer services and whole-school Masses, as well as at special events in our school chapel such as the Rosary, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Through these rich and inclusive experiences, pupils, staff and families journey together in faith, deepening their relationship with God and one another as they grow in love, compassion and community.
For every phase, you will find links below to the corresponding prayer books so you can see exactly which prayers your child will be introduced to. This guide helps you support your child’s learning in an organised, age-appropriate way, making it easy to follow along and participate in their spiritual growth.
EYFS Prayer Book KS1 Prayer Book LKS2 Prayer Book UKS2 Prayer BookInvitational Approach to Prayer
As a Catholic school, we offer an invitational approach to prayer that welcomes pupils, parents, and staff to grow together in faith and develop a deeper relationship with God. We strive to create an environment where all members of our community feel valued, respected and encouraged to participate in moments of prayer and reflection, regardless of their stage in their personal faith journey.
Parents are warmly invited to attend class prayer services, liturgies, whole-school Masses and other school celebrations throughout the year, allowing families to share in the spiritual life of our school community. These opportunities help to strengthen the partnership between home, school and parish, reinforcing the shared responsibility of nurturing children’s spiritual development.
We also encourage parents to engage with prayer beyond school events by supporting prayer at home and participating in faith-based activities organised throughout the year. By fostering strong connections between families and the school’s prayer life, we aim to build a supportive and faith-filled community where everyone feels welcomed and inspired to grow together.
Staff Formation
Staff are warmly invited to attend First Friday Mass in our school chapel on the first Friday of each month, providing a regular opportunity for reflection, spiritual nourishment and shared worship within the school community. This time of prayer allows staff to pause from their daily responsibilities, deepen their personal faith and strengthen their sense of vocation within Catholic education.
They are also supported through regular formation opportunities, training sessions and INSET delivered by our RE team, helping staff to grow in confidence and understanding of prayer and Catholic spirituality. These sessions offer practical guidance on leading prayer in the classroom, exploring scripture and supporting pupils in their spiritual development. Staff are given opportunities to share good practice, reflect collaboratively and explore new ways to make prayer engaging, inclusive, and meaningful for all pupils.
Pupil Formation
Our pupils, particularly our Pupil Chaplains, receive prayer formation at various points during the year, enabling them to grow in confidence, understanding, and spiritual leadership. Through guided training and reflection, they develop the skills needed to support and inspire their peers in meaningful acts of worship. They are supported in leading and sharing devotions such as the Rosary and Stations of the Cross, helping to nurture prayer across the school and encouraging a culture of reverence and reflection.
In addition to leading traditional devotions, Pupil Chaplains are encouraged to plan and deliver prayer opportunities during key liturgical seasons, including Advent, Lent, and other significant feast days. They work collaboratively with staff to create inclusive and engaging prayer experiences, often incorporating scripture, music and moments of quiet reflection. This involvement helps pupils to take ownership of their faith journey while fostering a strong sense of community and shared spiritual growth.
Making the Sign of the Cross
We make the Sign of the Cross to remind us that God is with us, always. It’s a way of starting and ending our prayers, and it helps us remember something very important. When we do the Sign of the Cross, we say the names of the Holy Trinity — that’s God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. Even though they are three persons, they are one God. That’s why we call it the Holy Trinity. When we do the Sign of the Cross, we are asking God to bless us and protect us — and we’re saying we believe in the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
102nd Police Requiem Mass
Before the Mass, the pupils had the wonderful opportunity to speak with a police officer and a defence attorney who were attending the service. The officer spoke about what it means to serve and protect the public, explaining the importance of the Requiem Mass and the significance of the medals worn by officers. The defence attorney spoke with great interest in the pupils’ views, asking thoughtful questions about the values that guide our school community. The pupils listened attentively and shared mature and insightful reflections.
Following these conversations, the chaplains were given a guided tour of Westminster Cathedral. They explored the Chapel of St. Patrick, St. Andrew and St. Paul the Apostle, admiring the intricate mosaics, flickering candles, and the calm, prayerful atmosphere. The pupils also learned how the cathedral’s artwork and architecture reflect themes of faith, history, and service. 
When it was time for the Police Requiem Mass, the pupils joined the congregation in the grand nave. The service began with a moving flag procession as police officers in full uniform walked proudly down the aisle carrying ceremonial flags. The powerful sound of trumpets echoed throughout the cathedral, creating a moment of deep reverence and respect.
The Mass itself was a solemn and beautiful occasion. The pupils listened carefully to the prayers, readings, and hymns, reflecting on the themes of remembrance, service, and peace. The Police Requiem Mass is an important tradition that brings together police officers, their families, and the wider community to give thanks for those who have served and to pray for their eternal rest.
After the service, the pupils were warmly praised for their impeccable behaviour and respectful participation throughout the day. Staff and attendees commented on their maturity, engagement, and reverence, which was a true credit to our school.
By the end of the visit, the chaplains had taken part in a meaningful act of remembrance while deepening their understanding of service, sacrifice, and faith. It was a truly inspiring and memorable experience for everyone involved.
