Catholic Life in Action

At Our Lady’s, we are a Catholic community with a mission to promote and to live out the Gospel Values of Christ. We do this through our Servite Values. As such, everyone in the school is expected to actively participate to help improve our community and provide service to others, to show compassion, and to respect each other. In short, we are all asked to “love one another, as Jesus loved us”. (cf John 13:34)

This is shown in many ways at Our Lady’s, including our acts of charity, our care for the environment and the pastoral care system which operates within the school.

Overview of prayer and liturgy provision at Our Lady’s

Prayer and Liturgy are central to the Catholic life of the school and all students and staff are invited to participate in acts of worship on a daily basis.

a) Prayer:

Prayers are said at the following times:

• At the start of the school day during Prep Time in all classes. Where appropriate, prayers will be led by Servite Leaders in each Tutor Group..

• In all school assemblies for year groups (Liturgical Assemblies and Head of Year Assemblies)

• At the start of RE Lessons

• At the start of all staff meetings

• At the start of all Governors’ meetings

• At the start of information evenings for parents and other school celebrations such as Key Stage 4 Certificate Evening and other rewards celebrations.

• Prayer group sessions run by the school chaplains take place during lunchtimes. This will include saying the rosary during May and October, and the Stations of the Cross during Lent.

• For non-Catholics, there is a multifaith prayer room available during lunchtimes.

b) Liturgical Celebrations

Masses are celebrated at the following times:

• There is a weekly Mass in the school chapel for one year group at a time

• There are Whole School Masses celebrated at St Ignatius Church, Stamford Hill in December (Advent), March (Lent) and July.

• Additionally, there is provision for when Holy days of Obligation fall on a school day for either a whole school Mass at St Ignatius or Mass in the School Chapel. 

• There is a Year 7 Welcome Mass attended by pupils and parents.

Additionally, there is the opportunity for additional liturgical celebrations including a carol concert for Year 7 pupils and parents which takes place during Advent.

c) Sacrament of Reconciliation

There is an opportunity for pupils to receive the sacrament of reconciliation during Advent and Lent, subject to availability of the local priest. 

d) Retreats and Spiritual Days

During the year, time will be made available for pupils to have time off the curriculum to be allowed to explore aspects of their faith. This will be occur particularly during the liturgical seasons of Advent and Lent.