Collective Worship

Our school motto is ‘Veritas’, which means ‘Truth’, and our ambitious Mission Statement is ‘Bringing Christ to All and All to Christ’, which is lived out on a daily basis.  We want every person who joins St Michael’s to enter into a relationship with the living Christ who demands excellence whilst demonstrating compassion and forgiveness when necessary.

Through study, prayer, worship, play and an active concern for others, we hope that each student, like so many before, will be happy and successful at St Michael’s and develop a deeper spirituality and sense of Christian social justice and demonstrate, in their own individual way, that they do not simply want to ‘live life’ but ‘change and save lives’. At St Michael’s Catholic High School, our commitment to academic excellence is firmly rooted in our Dominican tradition and expressed in our dynamic Catholic ethos. “Full conscious and active participation” in Liturgy is what the Church desires for all the faithful. (Sacrosanctum Concuilium 2 .14).

I would like to help us to rekindle our wonder for the beauty of the truth of the Christian celebration, to remind us of the necessity of an authentic liturgical formation, and to recognize the importance of an art of celebrating that is at the service of the truth of the Paschal Mystery and of the participation of all of the baptized in it, each one according to his or her vocation. (Desiderio Desideravi, 62)

In these words, the Holy Father Pope Francis expresses his hopes for the faithful and reverent celebration of the liturgy throughout the Church. He invites us to be caught up in wonder and awe at the great gift which is offered by God and received by those who pray and worship through liturgy. He stresses the importance of formation for liturgical participation. He points to the vocation of all the baptised. The words of Pope Francis have a particular resonance in our Catholic schools, where our children and young people are formed in the art of prayer, learn about the mysteries of God, and grow in an understanding of their own unique call to mission. (To love You more dearly)

WHAT IS LITURGY?

“Liturgy is always in the first place communion or fellowship with Jesus Christ. Every liturgy, not just the celebration of the Eucharist, is an Easter in miniature. Jesus reveals his passage from death to life and celebrates it with us.” [1085 Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church]

Liturgy is a formal and prescribed act of the Church where people adore and express deepest respect for God. The word Liturgy means the work of people; therefore, Liturgy recognises the work of Christ done for his people and proclaims the Word of God in which people participate. God himself is the Word, His nature is to speak and dialogue with his children, a two-way conversation. Liturgy is a ritual, symbolic and public action, it involves singing and drama, in which people hear the story of salvation.

Furthermore, Liturgy is a living pattern given once for all in its essentials by Christ and his apostles. This tradition must be lived out through all the ages, not individually, but by a living community. The Church desires that participation in the Liturgy should be full, meaning people engaged in body, mind and spirit; conscious, where people understand the meaning of what is happening; and active, so that people’s lives may be transformed as a result of the encounter with God in Liturgy.

WHAT IS PRAYER?

Prayer is a conversation with God. This can be formal, such as the Lord’s prayer, or less formal, giving room for creativity, such as hymn singing, praying with images, meditation and intercessions. Prayer takes place every day in school during form time or assembly. The focus and format of prayer varies according to the liturgical calendar and theme of the week, providing opportunities for the students to engage in prayer.

The most common examples of Liturgical Prayer are the weekly assemblies in year groups based on the theme of the week linked to the Liturgical calendar. Other opportunities for prayer exist such as at form time, staff prayer on inset days and specific reflection days such as a school bereavement, a current circumstance happening in the community or anywhere in the world.

Various liturgies and prayer opportunities are offered depending upon the season of the year, events in the school calendar and the needs of individuals along with the whole community at St Michael's are always at the forefront of what we do.

Spiritual Life and Acts of Worship are a fundamental part of life at St Michael's.

We are fortunate to have our own Chaplain, Fr Benedict Baka. 

The School Chaplain is a key role in the school, central to all aspects of our Catholic life through:-

  • helping the school to develop as a community of faith
  • encouraging the whole school community to live out their faith in daily life.
  • developing good relationships within and beyond the school community.
  • supporting liturgy, prayer and the spiritual life of the school.
  • Involving students and staff in fundraising for charities.
  • supporting the school in living out its Values and Mission Statement of 

"Bringing Christ to All and All to Christ"

The Chapel itself is at the heart of St Michael's Catholic High School and is a haven of peace and tranquillity in the midst of a busy community. Pupils and staff are blessed to be able to come and be in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle.

The Eucharist is the high point of our week and we are grateful to Fr Ben and the local priests who visit us to preside over the celebration. Everyone is welcome and the timetable is adjusted to enable this. A different group of Students uses their talents each week to prepare and lead the service.

We also host a monthly Collective Mass by way of welcoming the entire community to participate in worship and prayer.