Catholic Ethos
Assemblies and Liturgies
As well as marking the major liturgical events and seasons of the year, special Masses are also held each year, including a Welcome Mass for Year 7 pupils and their parents and a Leavers Mass for Year 13 students and their parents. All pupils regularly attend weekly Mass at St. Joseph’s Parish Church with each form taking responsibility to lead. We hold an annual whole School Mass at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. The theme of our Mass on Saturday 4 November 2023 was Companionship.
The order of service can be viewed here: Order of Service
Year assemblies, led by either the Head of Year or a member of the Senior Leadership team are held each week following the school’s liturgical calendar. There is a wide variety of celebration depending on the time in the liturgical year. Throughout Lent and Advent, year groups have liturgies based on the particular season. Other regular areas of focus include assemblies, liturgies and services based on Remembrance, Holocaust Memorial Day, Mental Health Awareness, and other themes. In addition, outside speakers from various charities and organisations, such as CAFOD, are invited to present assemblies, often linked to special projects or fundraising.
Celebration of the Word in Assemblies
Every year group at Upton Hall receives a weekly opportunity for Celebration of the Word through their assemblies in the main school hall. Each assembly is led by either a Head of Year, member of the Senior Leadership or a section of the student body. These assemblies each focus on the Gospel; giving an opportunity for students to Gather as a community, Listen to the Word, Respond with reflections on how this message is applicable to their own lives, and Go Forth with a positive action that students and staff can achieve throughout that week and beyond.
“A day without prayer is a day without blessing – and a life without prayer is a life without power”. Edwin Harvey
Students and staff open each school day during periods 1 and 5 and staff meeting with an act of prayer. These are led by form tutors and/or teachers, students and those involved in the staff meetings. Starting each day and meeting this way ensures key moments are punctuated by a moment of calm reflection and allows us all to recognise prayer and worship is at the heart of our school life.
Staff Prayer
Lord,
Today let us see your face in others. Let us feel your presence in all things and share the light of your love with everyone we meet. Help us to be fair and generous with one another, supporting one another through challenges and celebrating our successes. We make this prayer in Jesus’ name.
Amen
Regular Catholic prayers
Staff and students say Catholic prayers regularly.
Please see our Prayer and Liturgy policy here
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Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen |
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Hail Mary Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death.
Amen |
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Glory Be To the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen |
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Loving God, I ask to know your presence In all that I do, in all that I think, And in all that I say. Guide my hands, my eyes and my ears In my writing, reading and listening. Still my heart, calm my nerves And inspire me through your Spirit. With thanks for the gift of learning And of the privilege of education May I never forget That no matter the outcome, All the work I do is yours.
Amen |
Chaplaincy
https://www.uptonhallschool.co.uk/page/?title=Chaplaincy&pid=1347
Retreats: Y7 / 2024