Collective Worship

The school’s dedication to Collective Worship stems from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Article 1324: The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life.” We offer Collective Worship to staff and students as part of our vocation and call to serve God and each other.

Our provision of Collective Worship includes, but is not limited to:

Prayer

Prayer is a central part of our daily routine. Students are given the opportunity to pray multiple times throughout our school day. Each lesson starts or end with the sign of the cross reminding us all that Christ is at the centre of all we do and as a way of offering each lesson to God then followed by our school Responsorial Prayer:

Leader: Let all that we do and learn...

Response: Be done in love.

Each day starts with Form time prayer which varies depending on the day, types of form time prayer include: the prayer of St Simon Stock, their ‘House Saints’ prayer, an open time of intercession, and a weekly Examen.

Lessons also conclude with a further responsorial prayer, a prayer of thanks and gratitude, while grace is said before lunch.

Leader: Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have given us.

Response: You have given us more than we need.

Further information regarding our prayers, can be found on our School Prayers page.

Masses

Mass is celebrated every week in our Chapel on a Thursday. A different Form class is invited to partake each week, and students from each Form are encouraged to take a lead in the Mass by reading, participating in the offertory or contributing in another way.

We hold Masses at the start of every year to welcome new students and welcome back those who have returned, as well as Leavers’ Masses for our Year 11 and Year 13 students. At the end of each academic year, we celebrate a special Mass, giving thanks for the year that has just concluded and for the achievements, experiences and community we have shared.

Masses take place on every Holy Day of Obligation and we hold Reconciliation Services during Advent and Lent as well as Liturgies to celebrate Easter and Christmas.

July 2027 will see a Celebration Mass to mark the 60th Anniversary of St Simon Stock Catholic School, bringing our school community together to give thanks for 6 decades of working with love.

Celebration of the Word

Every week the students are lead through a Celebration of the Word by a member of our Senior Leadership Team, Chaplaincy Team or RE Department. It are often based on the Gospel of the Sunday before and gives the students an opportunity to reflect on what the Gospel is telling them. A chance for the students to hear the word of God and reflect on what it is asking from us. It is also an opportunity to come together as a year group or House group and pray for each other and our school community.

Staff Prayer

Staff are given the opportunity for prayer and reflection. These are dedicated moments and provide an opportunity to pause, connect with God, and spiritually prepare for the day ahead. Rooted in our Catholic ethos, these gatherings foster a sense of community among staff, offering a space for personal and shared intentions. Whether through scripture, silent contemplation, or guided prayer, this time together strengthens our commitment to living out our faith and supporting one another in our vocation to serve our students with love and dedication. These opportunities include Mass for staff, prayer and reflection at the start and end of all staff meetings and a termly Catholic Working Life CPD. Staff can also attend PEACE sessions.

Prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, Contemplation and Encounter (PEACE)

Every Wednesday afternoon, we offer a sacred space in our school Chapel for Prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, Contemplation and Encounter (PEACE) — a quiet and reflective time open to all staff, regardless of faith or belief. Rooted in our Carmelite ethos, this weekly moment of stillness begins with a short prayer, followed by gentle music and the opportunity to simply be present in a peaceful atmosphere. Whether seeking spiritual nourishment or simply a pause from the busyness of the day, PEACE provides a chance to slow down and reconnect. A small booklet of prayers and reflections is also available for those who wish to engage more deeply in quiet contemplation.

Grace Time

Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 take part in regular “GRACE time” sessions. These are small, retreat-style experiences held in the Chapel, offering time away from the usual pace of school.

Each session includes:

A theme linked to the liturgical season in support of the RE curriculum
Scripture and reflection
Stories drawn from saints, myth, and wider wisdom traditions
A reflective activity

Through story, students are invited to engage deeply. These experiences often resonate in ways that are hard to measure, but important to notice.