Annual Plan of Provision for Worship at St Paul’s

Worship is central to the Catholic life of our school. Throughout the year, our acts of worship reflect the rhythm of the Church’s liturgical calendar, helping our children to grow in faith and deepen their relationship with God. Each term offers opportunities to pray, celebrate, and reflect together as a school family.

• Michaelmas Term (Autumn)
  We begin the school year with welcome liturgies and blessings, asking God’s guidance for the term ahead. Worship focuses on Gospel values and the season of Creation. In October, we honour Our Lady by praying the Rosary, and in November we remember the faithful departed with special prayers and liturgies for All Saints and All Souls.

• Advent
  The school prepares for the coming of Christ through weekly Advent liturgies and charitable giving such as foodbank collections and CANW. The Advent wreath is central to our worship, and we celebrate with Nativity plays and carol services.

• Candlemas Term (Spring, before Lent)
  This term includes worship linked to the Feast of the Epiphany, the Baptism of the Lord, and the Presentation at the Temple (Candlemas). Children reflect on the light of Christ and how they can share that light with others.

• Lent
  During Lent, pupils take part in the Stations of the Cross, special liturgies, and opportunities for prayer and reconciliation. Our charitable focus is central, with pupils raising money for St Joseph's Penny and other charities as they learn to put their faith into action.

• Eastertide
  The joy of the Resurrection is celebrated through Easter liturgies and Mass. Pupils reflect on the Easter appearances of Jesus and learn how to live as Easter people, filled with hope and joy. Worship during this term also includes celebrating Pentecost, when we give thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

• Trinity Term (Summer)
  The final term celebrates the feasts of the Ascension, Trinity Sunday, and Corpus Christi, with Masses and processions. Children preparing for First Holy Communion are supported with prayer and liturgy, and we celebrate this important step in their faith journey. We also hold end-of-year liturgies and leavers’ Masses to give thanks for the blessings of the year.

Through this annual cycle, children experience worship in many forms — daily prayer, class and whole-school Celebration of the Word, the celebration of Mass, and the marking of feast days and holy seasons. In every term, our worship helps us to live out our mission to “Be Like St Paul” and bear joyful witness to God’s word.