”Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20
The ‘Act of collective Worship’ on a daily basis is a legal requirement in all schools and can happen in many ways. Taking part in daily prayer and liturgy helps build community cohesion by creating a consistent structure around our core values and symbols of Christianity… they are an important part of our Catholic school’s distinctive character. Whether by mandate or not, we would provide collective worship and pupil participation and engagement in prayer and liturgy are crucial to the spiritual life of our school and to pupil’s moral and spiritual development.
Joining Christ in praise of the Eternal Father and united by the Holy Spirit in making intercession for the world through prayer and liturgy lies at the very heart of the daily life of Botwell House Catholic Primary School. The quality of the prayer and liturgy in our school not only gives honour to God but forms the spiritual and ethical life of pupils and staff alike.
In our school there is range of prayer and liturgy: classroom prayer, meditation, assemblies, devotions, special services for times of the school year, celebrations of the Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Each form of prayer and liturgy allows for progression in terms of spiritual development.
Our Prayer and Liturgy Coordinator
Our prayer and liturgy coordinator is Mr McCloskey. He supports every with their planning on leading on this central events be it the staff or indeed our children. He works closely with our Parish Priests to ensure that prayer and liturgy is well organised, led, monitored and evaluated providing relevant support and resources where required, as well as coaching and modelling good practice.
Liturgical Year
Throughout the Church year, we come together as a school community to celebrate and remember these key events in the life of the Church.
Gospel Assembly- This takes place every Monday (KS2) and Tuesday (KS1). We link the Gospel reading on the upcoming Sunday to our school virtues and enable the children and staff to relate this to everyday life as we endeavour to follow C.H.R.I.S.T.
Hymn Practice- This takes place every Tuesday for all pupils. This form of praise and worship is delivered by our Music specialist, Mr Foster. Children learn both traditional hymns and modern Christian worship songs as well as sung mass responses such as Kyrie Eleison.
Celebration Assembly- On a Friday, we come together again as a community to be thankful for all our endeavours throughout the week. We look at the progress of individuals as well as the collective in our Houses (Matthew, Mark, Luke & John). Children can receive Star of the Week or the C.H.R.I.S.T Award for demonstrating the focus virtue that week or over time.
Liturgies
Throughout the year, to mark important events in the Church’s liturgical calendar, we hold special liturgies in our wonderful church that we are graced to have next door.
Carol Service
Although it is in a slightly different format due to COVID, we continue with our mantra throughout the Pandemic that we are not doing less for our community; we’re just doing it differently. Please see below a recording of our most recent one for your enjoyment.