"If we pray, we will believe; If we believe, we will love; If we love; we will serve."
Mother Teresa
"If we pray, we will believe; If we believe, we will love; If we love; we will serve."
Mother Teresa
Prayer is a central and integral part of the school day at Holy Spirit Catholic Academy. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines prayer as ‘the raising up of the heart and mind to God’ which is done ‘by thinking of God; by adoring, praising and thanking Him and by begging Him of all blessings for soul and body’.
To that end, children are taught in the initial weeks of the Early Years Foundation Stage and then throughout their time in the school to form and offer prayers. These prayers take various forms: thanksgiving, praise, petition and penance. Children are taught the importance of and how to form a healthy prayer life which helps to strengthen their Faith and understanding of God and His Holy Church.
PRAYER AND LITURGY
Holy Spirit Catholic Academy provides opportunities for pupils and staff to come together to worship God. It is rooted in the example and teachings of Jesus Christ, whilst taking into account the religious and educational needs of all who share in it.
We believe that Worship in a Catholic school names and celebrates God’s presence in our lives. It is our loving response in word and action, to God’s invitation to enter into relationship, made possible through the work of Jesus Christ and the witness of the Holy Spirit.
All forms of worship follow the accepted four-fold structure of gather, listen, respond and mission; particular emphasis may be placed on specific parts as appropriate. All forms of Collective Worship contain some form of scripture, whether it be a full passage or just a short sentence for reflection and meditation.
All children are involved and given an opportunity to respond in an act of daily worship. This gives all involved, time to contemplate the mystery of God, the wonder of life and to draw us closer to God.
We are currently in a period of transition, implementing and embedding the new Prayer & Liturgy Directory – ‘To Love You More Dearly’.
