The Bishop’s Vision is ‘to make Christ known and loved, through the provision of excellent Catholic education and schools’ intent on finding Christ in their daily lives and sharing that encounter with others.’

At St Joseph’s, Collective Worship is a time for our school family to come together to encounter Christ, listen to God’s Word, pray and reflect on how we are called to live as followers of Jesus.

St John Damascene speaks of prayer as the ‘raising of the mind and heart to God’.

We believe that prayer and worship should create opportunities for children to pray in a variety of ways, to enable them to become closer to their friend, Jesus, through daily encounter.

Our Collective Worship is rooted in Scripture and the life and teachings of Jesus. Through Gospel stories, Scripture, the words of saints and the Church’s seasons and celebrations, children are invited to think deeply about what God might be saying to them.

We want children to develop the confidence to ask questions such as:

What is Jesus saying to me?
What do I notice?
What does this make me wonder?
Where might I see God in my life?
How am I being called to respond?

Our Collective Worship includes a variety of prayer experiences so that children can discover different ways of communicating with God. Depending on the theme, children may experience silence and stillness, meditation, Scripture reflection, traditional prayers, music, song, poetry, movement, liturgical dance, artwork, breath prayer, litanies, prayer journalling and creative prayer.

We recognise that prayer is not always about speaking. Sometimes the most important part of prayer is simply being still and making space to listen.

Children are increasingly encouraged to take ownership of prayer and worship. They have opportunities to lead prayers, read Scripture, prepare prayer spaces, choose music, share reflections and contribute their own prayers and responses.

Through this growing pupil leadership, led by our Mission Team, children learn that they are not simply participants in the prayer life of the school – they are active members of our praying community.

Our Collective Worship follows the liturgical year, helping children to experience and celebrate the great mysteries of our faith.

Throughout the year, we journey together through Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Pentecost and Ordinary Time, as well as celebrating the feast days of Mary, St Joseph and other saints.

At St Joseph’s, we pray that our children will grow not only in their knowledge of Jesus, but in their relationship with Him – becoming people who live, learn and love in Christ.