St Joseph's Prayer Book
Prayer in our school is a vital part of daily life and plays an important role in nurturing both spiritual growth and care for others. Through prayer, children are encouraged not only to reflect on their own needs, but also to consider the needs of others, while giving thanks to God for the many blessings we receive.
Each day begins with our Morning Offering, helping children to place God at the centre of the day ahead. Our Grace Before Meals reminds us to be thankful for our food and for all those who make it possible. After lunch, we say our Grace After Meals, praising God and reflecting on how we can share with others.
At the end of the school day, our Home Time Prayer provides a calm and reflective opportunity to thank God for all that we have experienced. These regular prayerful moments develop pupils’ understanding of faith, encouraging gratitude, compassion and a strong sense of Catholic identity.
PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH
St Joseph, guardian of the Holy Family and patron of our school,
teach us to love Jesus and Mary.
Teach us to see Jesus in others and to be like you:
unselfish, loving, patient, hardworking and true.
Help us to live for God,
day by day,
in faith and trust.
Amen.
SIGN OF THE CROSS
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
OUR FATHER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be 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.
HAIL MARY
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.
GLORY BE
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.
ACT OF SORROW
O my God, thank you for loving me
I am sorry for all my sins,
For not loving others and not loving you.
Help me to live like Jesus and not to sin again.
Amen
Early Years
SIGN OF THE CROSS
EY (To say a combination of both)
From my head to my heart,
from my shoulder to my shoulder,
I believe in Jesus.
MORNING OFFERING
Father in heaven I give you today,
all that I think, or do, or say.
My ears to hear, my eyes to see,
my hands and feet and all of me.
To love and work all day for you.
Amen.
GRACE BEFORE MEALS
Bless us Oh Lord as we sit together.
Bless the food we eat today.
Bless the hands that make our food,
Amen.
GRACE AFTER MEALS
Thank you God for the world so sweet.
Thank you God for the food we eat.
Thank you God for the birds that sing.
Thank you God for everything.
Amen.
END OF DAY PRAYER
Father in heaven, I come to say, thank you for your love today.
Thank you for my family and all the friends you give to me.
Guard me in the dark of night and in the morning send your light.
Amen.
Key Stage 1
MORNING OFFERING
Father in heaven I give you today,
all that I think, or do, or say.
My ears to hear, my eyes to see,
my hands and feet and all of me.
To love and work all day for you.
Amen.
GRACE BEFORE MEALS
Bless us Oh Lord as we sit together.
Bless the food we eat today.
Bless the hands that make our food,
bless us Oh Lord,
Amen.
GRACE AFTER MEALS
Thank you God for the world so sweet.
Thank you God for the food we eat.
Thank you God for the birds that sing.
Thank you God for everything.
Amen.
END OF DAY PRAYER
Father in heaven, I come to say, thank you for you love today.
Thank you for my family and all the friends you give to me.
Guard me in the dark of night and in the morning send your light.
Amen
Key Stage 2
MORNING OFFERING
Father in heaven I give you today,
all that I think, or do, or say.
My ears to hear, my eyes to see,
my hands and feet and all of me.
To love and work all day for you.
Amen.
GRACE BEFORE MEALS
Dear Lord, for this day, for our friends and for the food we are about to receive,
may the Lord make us truly thankful.
Amen.
GRACE AFTER MEALS
Loving Father, we praise you for all the gifts you give us.
For life and health, for faith and love, and for the meal we have shared together.
Father, we thank you through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
END OF DAY PRAYER
Angel of God, my guardian dear to whom God's love commits me here.
Ever this day be at my side to light and guard, to rule and guide.
Amen.
ANGELUS:
May be said morning, noon and night.
V. The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary:
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary…..
V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord:
R. Be it done to me according to your word. Hail Mary….
V. And the Word was made flesh:
R. And dwelt among us. Hail Mary…..
V. Pray for us O holy Mother of God:
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray: Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace unto our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, your son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by his passion and cross be brought to the glory of his resurrection, through the same Chris our lord. R. Amen
Whole School Celebration of the Word
Every Monday, Mrs Birrell leads a whole‑school Celebration of the Word, bringing our school community together in prayer and reflection. These gatherings are firmly rooted in the Gospel reading from Sunday Mass and are thoughtfully linked to the themes of the liturgical year, as well as diocesan focuses. Through Scripture, prayer and reflection, children are supported to deepen their understanding of the Word of God and to make meaningful links to their own lives and daily actions. Pupils actively participate by reading, leading prayers and responding, helping them to develop confidence, reverence and a growing sense of spiritual responsibility. These celebrations form an important part of our Catholic life and nurture a shared sense of faith, belonging and worship across the school.
There are special liturgies and devotions throughout the year, such as during Advent, Lent, feast days and whole-school celebrations, ensuring prayer reflects the rhythms of the Church’s year - often these are led by our school Chaplains.
Mass
Each Tuesday, we gather as a parish community to celebrate Mass together in our school hall with Fr Adrian. These weekly celebrations lie at the heart of our Catholic life, strengthening our parish community and provides children with opportunities to encounter Christ through prayer, Scripture and the Eucharist. Pupils are actively involved through readings, offertory processions and serving, helping them to develop reverence, confidence and a deeper understanding of the Mass.
Key Stage Celebration of the Word
On Wednesdays, children gather in their Key Stages for a Celebration of the Word, this smaller‑group approach supports deeper engagement and active age-appropriate participation.
These celebrations are carefully planned around themes linked to the liturgical year, Catholic Social Teaching and our school virtues, helping pupils to make meaningful connections between Scripture, faith and everyday life.
Class Creative Prayer
Each Thursday we have our class creative prayer sessions, the children are given time and space to explore their faith in a calm, reflective and imaginative way. Through activities such as drawing, music, quiet reflection, storytelling, and creating prayers using colour and symbols, the children are encouraged to express their thoughts, feelings and relationship with God in ways that feel meaningful to them. Creative prayer helps children to slow down, listen, and reflect, supporting their spiritual and emotional development while deepening their understanding of prayer as a personal and joyful conversation with God.
Class Celebration of the Word
On Fridays, small groups of children take it in turns to plan, resource and lead Class Celebrations of the Word. These celebrations are carefully planned and may be linked to the Sunday or weekly Gospel, our school virtues, current local or world events, or other relevant themes. By leading prayer, choosing readings, planning reflections and involving their peers, children develop confidence, reverence and a deeper understanding of the Word of God, while learning that prayer is inclusive, responsive and rooted in real-life experiences.
Whispers to Heaven - Prayer Journals
Our ‘Whispers to Heaven’ prayer journals are a place for children to write their thoughts and prayers. There are many different ways we use prayer journals, children can draw, write poems or prayers, write the names of people they want to pray for or list any worries or problems they have. Whenever we journal, we play quiet music to help to reflect and remind us that this is a prayer time.
Rosary Group
Every two weeks, we hold a Rosary Prayer Group in school, led by members of our parish Legion of Mary, again strengthening the close link between our school and parish community. These prayer sessions provide children with a calm, reflective opportunity to gather in prayer, deepen their understanding of the Rosary and grow in their relationship with God through devotion to Our Lady. The group supports children in learning familiar prayers, reflecting on the Mysteries of the Rosary and experiencing a sense of peace, reverence and belonging. By welcoming the Legion of Mary into school, pupils are able to see the lived witness of faith in action and to understand the importance of prayer within daily life, helping to nurture their spiritual development and Catholic identity.
Stay & Pray
We regularly hold class Stay & Pray sessions, welcoming families into school to pray and worship alongside their child. These sessions provide a valuable opportunity for parents, carers and other family members to experience the prayer life of the school and to share in a calm, reflective celebration centred on Scripture, our school virtues or a chosen theme. Children are actively involved in planning and leading the worship, helping them to grow in confidence, reverence and understanding, while families gain a deeper insight into how prayer and faith are lived out within the classroom. Stay & Pray sessions strengthen the partnership between home, school and parish and play an important role in nurturing a shared sense of belonging and Catholic identity across our community.