Chaplaincy
- Details
- Published: Thursday, 26 September 2024 12:31
Welcome
The school mission statement, to keep our Catholic ethos at the centre of our lives, encapsulates the community at St Thomas More. We live this mission, through witness, care and expectation of excellence. All members are valued and encouraged to grow together. Love of God and the example Christ are at the forefront of our policies and practice. As a Catholic school we respect each pupil as a unique person with God given gifts, qualities and particular needs.
Mass:
We are very blessed to have support from our local priest as well as other priests within the deanery who celebrate Mass regularly. We have Mass once a week with a different year group led by a form group from that year who write the bidding prayer and read during the Mass. This means every student attends Mass once a half term. We also celebrate Masses on special occasions; to welcome the new year 7’s, thanksgiving for the outgoing and incoming prefects, St Thomas Mores Feast Day, each of our house saints feast days, staff Masses, thanksgiving for year 11 on their final day, year 13 leavers liturgy, Ash Wednesday (services) as well as holy day of obligation (where possible). All Masses are accompanied by our thriving liturgical band, choir and altar serving team.
Prayer:
St Theresa of Avila reminds us that ‘for prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God.’ Prayer at St Thomas More is embedded in each of our days. We begin our day in form rooms with prayer and end our day with the prayer of St Thomas More. On a Thursday each form takes part in an extended reflection following a particular theme and piece of scripture. Throughout the year each form also gathers in the Chapel for a meditation to begin their day. As well as these opportunities, students can gather in the Chapel for the divine office of the Church, morning prayer, the Rosary, Adoration and where possible benediction.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
During Lent and Advent students are offered a service of reconciliation. Students are able to spend some time in prayer participating in prayer stations. For those who wish priests are available to celebrate the sacrament.
Advent Services
Each year we have our annual Advent Service for our school enabling all students to reflect on the season of Advent with readings, reflections, prayer, and music.
Stations of the Cross
During Lent all staff and students have the opportunity to pray the stations of the Cross. Weather permitting this takes place in the prayer garden using the stations painted for the Live Simply award.