Prayer and Worship
Prayer and Worship at St Peter Chanel Catholic Primary School, Sidcup
Every Monday morning, we begin our week with a Gospel-inspired assembly. Each assembly is rooted in the Sunday Gospel, offering pupils an opportunity to reflect on its message and consider how it can be lived out both in their own lives and within our school community. The Gospel theme is linked to a Catholic Social Teaching principle and a corresponding human right, helping pupils understand their role in sharing and embodying Gospel values.
Pupils leave the assembly with a focus for reflection and a ‘word of the week,’ which then forms the foundation for their weekly class reflection sessions.
Class assemblies and Celebration of the Word assemblies follow a consistent liturgical structure of Gather, Listen, Respond, and Go Forth. This approach ensures that pupils are first welcomed and introduced to the theme through an engaging hook, then invited to listen to a Scripture passage to deepen their understanding of Jesus’ teachings. They are given opportunities to respond to the Word of God through discussion, prayer, or song, before concluding with a clear message—something they can carry forward and put into practice within our school and the wider community.
Example of a Celebration of The Word
Preparing for the sacraments — Many of our pupils, supported by their families, take part in the parish preparation programmes for First Holy Communion and Reconciliation. After First Holy Communion, children from Year 3 onwards are invited to serve as altar servers at parish Masses.
Prayers the Pupils will learn - click here
Liturgy
We begin and end each academic year with Mass and celebrate all Holy Days of Obligation. In addition, we hold termly key stage Masses with Fr Regis. These occasions provide valuable opportunities for our pupils to hear the Word of God and to reflect on how its messages can be lived out both within our school community and in the wider world.
