Celebration of the Word

At St Ignatius, we pride ourselves in providing engaging and creative experiences in the celebration of the Word. The celebration of the Word is integral to routine gatherings of all staff and pupils. Moments of joy and sorrow are identified and celebrated in prayer. Every child is given the opportunity to pray creatively through a range of scripture passages. They are carefully and thoughtfully chosen to ensure that everyone can participate fully. We encourage children to nurture their relationship with God through words, symbols, gestures, meditations and hymns.

 

In EYFS and Key Stage 1, members of staff lead the Celebration of the Word and in Key Stage 2, a group of children independently plan and deliver the Celebration of the Word in class. We also gather weekly as a whole school community to reflect on our Mission Statement, sing some hymns and celebrate all of our achievements. Staff are highly skilled in helping pupils to confidently and independently plan and lead the Celebration of the Word. Parents are invited throughout the year to participate in celebration with their children.

 

We gather, using prayers or actions or music. 

Then, we listen to scripture, readings, or psalms. 

We respond to what we have heard and reflect on the message given.  A time of quiet reflection gives both the children and adults the opportunity to spend personal time with God.

Finally, we go forth taking the message of the scripture forward into our daily lives – in learning and play throughout the day. 

 

 

Other opportunities for prayer take place within the classroom at the start of each day, before and after lunch and at the end of each day. Each classroom has a prayer table which is a special focal point which is appropriate to the liturgical season, for example, Lent, Advent, Easter or Pentecost. Children take special care of these spaces and understand their importance within the classroom.

 

We are blessed to have access to the local church. We have the opportunity to visit the church to pray and reflect there during Advent, Lent and the months of the Holy Rosary. Parishioners, parents and governors are all welcome to join us during these special occasions.