Prayers and Devotions

Prayer is a way of lifting our hearts and minds to God. It allows us to adore God, acknowledging His almighty power and it allows us to bring thanks, our petitions and our sorrows before our Lord.

It is important that children encounter a wide range of prayers so that they are familiar with Catholic traditions, texts and the language of prayer. These are introduced, explained and learnt at a stage that is age appropriate and suitable for the personal development of each pupil.

Daily Prayers:

Throughout the day there is opportunity for short times of prayer which mark the rhythm of the school timetable.

• Beginning of the Day
• Grace before lunch
• End of the day prayer

Individual Prayers:

Time for personal prayer and reflection is important at St Thomas Aquinas and it is facilitated during school and class worship. Often both individual and communal prayer become part of the same liturgy.

• Spontaneous prayer
• Stillness and Silence
• Ignation Meditation
• Reflective music
• Written prayers

Songs of Worship:

St Augustine said, ‘Those who sing well pray twice.’ Music is integral to prayer and celebration as it accompanies and highlights aspects of any worship and helps children to remember texts and messages more easily. Singing is a joyful expression of prayer to support the liturgical season.

• Hymns and chants,
• Sung Mass responses
• Secular Christian Music

Sacramental Prayers:

Prayers and responses at Mass should be familiar to all Catholic pupils and will be recited together, with confidence

• Mass responses
• Act of Contrition (Sorry prayer)

Common Prayer:

The tradition of Christians learning prayers by memory is valued at STA. We believe that prayers learnt by heart will spring from the heart and can be called upon when needed.

These prayers will be introduced to children according to Key Stage.

During EYFS

• Sign of the Cross

• End of day prayer

During KS1

• Grace before meals
• The Lord’s Prayer
• Hail Mary

• Glory Be
• St Thomas Aquinas School Prayer

During Lower KS2

• Act of Contrition
• Angel of God
• Eternal Rest
• Apostles’ Creed
• Come Holy Spirit
• St Richard of Chichester Prayer

During Upper KS2

• Hail Holy Queen
• Act of Faith, Hope and Love
• The Angelus
• The Rosary - Prayers and Mysteries

Liturgical Devotions:

These are traditions of the Church relating to the liturgical year which lead us to a deeper understanding of the season we are celebrating.

• Rosary
• Blessing of Advent wreath
• Epiphany Door blessing
• Stations of the Cross
• Crowning of Mary