Liturgy and Prayer
As a school community, prayer forms a central part of daily school life. Class worships, liturgies and Masses, bring our children, staff, parents and governors together. Our worships and assemblies include Scripture, reflection, and well-known Catholic prayers. We share the Gospels and how we can put the teachings of Jesus, into action to make our world a better place. At every opportunity, children are encouraged to lead worships, preparing the prayer focus, choosing scripture and resources, reading the Word of God and praying as a class. Our House Saints are named after the four gospel writers, St Matthew, St Mark, St Luke and St John.
As an integral part of our Catholic ethos, all pupils are made aware, throughout the school year, of the changes and celebrations relating to the Church's Liturgical Year. These events are highlighted in our prayer space in our classrooms and in our prayer space in School. The children are aware of the liturgical changes with the changing colours of our cloths and displays.
Bishop Philip Egan is the Bishop for our diocese. Each year, we attend the annual school’s Mass at Portsmouth Cathedral with other schools from out diocese, an opportunity to worship together and share faith. Bishop Philip says, "Go, make disciples of all nations" (Mt 28:19)
Bishop Philip’s vision
https://www.portsmouthdiocese.org.uk/vision
We have strong links with our parish, St Joseph and the Immaculate Conception. Children lead the school’s Advent Service at the church, Year 6 Leavers’ Mass and visit for days of reflection. Father Ansel and Deacon Hugh regularly visit school to lead Mass, liturgies and to speak with the children. These opportunities allow our children to discuss topics and ask questions to help engage and strengthen their own understanding and journey in the Catholic faith.
Please see our Parish Links page to read more about our links with St Joseph's Catholic Church, Christchurch.
Religious Education is a core subject at St Joseph’s and we use the RE programme, 'God Matters'. Children value their RE learning, they take pride in their work and are challenged to ask and respond to questions of faith and life. Catholic Social Teaching is interwoven into our RE lessons and other aspects of school life. We teach RSHE using the TenTen programme in consultation with parents.
Our school supports the Church's mission to reach out to others and serve them. Our children learn about this through Catholic Social Teaching and through the work we do in our school community: supporting CAFOD and working with CARITAS. Our Mini Vinnies also promote the mission of our school through charitable acts and service within the community.