Introduction to our school Liturgies
A liturgy is a prayer in the form of collective worship. We offer a variety of liturgies depending on the time in the liturgical year; for example, reconciliation services and liturgies during Advent and Lent.
These times provides the pupils and staff with an opportunity to pray and reflect in the presence of Christ. Liturgies and assemblies are an excellent opportunity to come together as a school community, along with the exploration of different topics like praying for those in need, and learning about topical events that we are urged to pray about and for.
Each half term, our assemblies and liturgies focus on a different pairing of the school Virtues, for example “Compassionate and Respect”. This ensures all liturgies are following our schools Catholic Ethos and they include the scripture readings of the liturgical calendar.
Below you will see samples of our school liturgies
Friday Morning Liturgies
Every Friday morning, our whole school community comes together in prayer through a shared Friday Morning Liturgy. These liturgies are thoughtfully prepared by individual form groups and their form teachers, with pupils taking the lead in crafting a welcome, reflecting on the Scripture, and writing their own Bidding Prayers.
Each liturgy is uploaded to Microsoft Teams and shared with all staff, so that during Friday form time, every form across the school is united in prayer—reflecting together, at the same time, on the same message.
Teachers help create a calm and prayerful atmosphere by turning off the lights, lighting the candle on the form prayer table, and guiding pupils into a moment of quiet reflection.
These weekly liturgies are a cherished part of our Catholic Life, offering space for stillness, reflection, and community—reminding us that we are one in faith and purpose.
Advent Liturgies
Each Advent, our school community gathers for our reflective liturgy, fully planned and led by pupils. Combining drama, music, readings, narration, and moments of stillness, the liturgies retell the story of the Nativity while linking its message to modern themes and issues.
Rooted in Scripture and shaped by the creativity of our young people, these liturgies are shared with parents, parishioners, and every year group in school. Professional lighting and sound help create a prayerful atmosphere, and the liturgies always connect to our annual theme—most recently Called by Name and We are One—deepening our understanding of the season’s message of hope and unity.
Annual Lent Liturgies
Our Lent liturgies provide all pupils with a space for reflection, stillness, and a deeper connection to themselves, others, and God. Rooted in the themes of repentance, forgiveness, and renewal, each liturgy invites pupils to pause and reflect on the true meaning of Lent.
Led by a combination of staff and pupil ministry, the liturgies use personal testimony, drama, music, readings, and poetry to explore these themes in a meaningful and accessible way. Often grounded in real-world contexts, the message is made relevant to the lives of our pupils and always links to the school’s yearly focus—such as Called by Name or We are One—allowing the core message of Lent to speak powerfully to our community.
Remembrance Liturgy
Each year, our whole school community remembers those who have fallen in conflict. Every year group takes part in a special liturgy to honour the men and women who gave their lives in service. At 11am, we gather on the yard for a two-minute silence. Through music, prayer, and reflection, pupils are invited to pay their respects and consider the importance of remembrance.
Holocaust Memorial
Each year, our school marks Holocaust Memorial Day with a reflective liturgy that invites pupils to remember the victims of the Holocaust and all genocides since. In our Catholic context, this liturgy provides a space for prayer, poetry, readings, and pupil-led reflection, helping young people consider the importance of memory, dignity, and standing against hatred.
Rooted in our commitment to unity and community cohesion, the liturgy encourages pupils to reflect on how we can learn from the past to shape a more just and compassionate world. In previous years, this has included a whole-school Holocaust Memorial exhibition, with every department contributing work based on the national theme. Through pupil discussion and leadership, the message of Holocaust Memorial Day becomes a meaningful part of our shared mission to foster peace, understanding, and respect for all.
Year 11 Leavers Celebration Liturgy
We are so proud to have been able to celebrate the achievements of our Year 11 pupils, both academically and holistically.
As Year 11 leave school and embark on the next phase of their journey, we want to take a moment to wish them the best in your future endeavours. You have been an amazing group of pupils, and we are proud of all that you have accomplished.
Remember that this is just the beginning, and there are endless possibilities waiting for you. Believe in yourself, work hard and never give up on your dreams. Pursue what you are passionate about, and don't be afraid to take risks. You have the power to make a difference in the world.
We know that you will do great things, and we can't wait to see all that you will achieve. Thank you for being a part of our school community, and we wish you a bright and successful future.
Diocesan Refugee Service
Pupils were invited to take part in a heartfelt service in solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers at St Mary's Catholic Cathedral in Newcastle. The evening, led by Bishop Stephen and the team at the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, featured powerful storytelling, moving poetry, and a captivating drama and music piece from our Advent Liturgy performed by our pupils. This was an incredibly moving and powerful experience for everyone involved.
All liturgies are pupil planned, and pupil led, using staff skill across our school to support and inspire where needed. Other liturgies include Staff INSET liturgy, Staff Leavers Liturgy, and Y6 transition Liturgy.