The Catholic Life of our School

Our School Lay Chaplain is Ross.

Form Prayer

At Blessed William Howard, prayer is a central part of our day, all students have the opportunity to participate in collective worship through prayer activities during form time that invites students to engage in faith. Each week there is a gospel reading with a reflection, a video and gospel action. For example, students have created their own mission statements and created peace prayers for their prayer display in form and for the chapel.

Year Group Events

Throughout the year, students have the opportunity to come together in prayer as a year group for Masses, liturgies, remembrance services, retreats, reconciliation and reflections in classes.

Each year there is a year 7 and year 12 welcome Mass to welcome new students. These Masses are an important way of introducing the students to the Catholic ethos and values of our school with a focus on Christ at the centre of everything we do. Both Masses are always a joyful celebration with students and parents are welcome to attend.

Students also go to St Austin's Church once a year for Vocations Day and for the annual school carol concert.

Assemblies and Liturgies

Each week, students have an assembly based on the Beatitudes. The assembly follows on from the form prayer sessions.

Students regularly participate in liturgies. A liturgy is a prayer in the form of collective worship. They are offered a variety of liturgies depending on the time in the liturgical year. For example, in November the month of remembrance, students were led in prayer with the opportunity to light a candle remembering a lost loved one. Throughout Advent, each year group has had a liturgy based on the true meaning of Advent. Liturgies can also apply to fundraisers or events that are taking place during the year. The school chapel is at the heart of these liturgies, it provides a calming and reflective atmosphere, enabling both pupils and staff to pray in the presence of Christ.

Form Masses - one RE class each week plans and delivers the Friday morning Mass in the Chapel.

Catholic Social Teaching