At St Bartholomew's we are implementing the new Prayer and Liturgy Directory "To Love You More Dearly" (2023). 

We are fully committed to providing opportunities for all children to know, love and serve God, in such a way that will enrich their own lives and help them to understand their Catholic faith traditions, in an ever-changing world and within the multicultural society they live in.

We believe that prayer and worship is concerned with giving glory, honour, praise and thanks to God.  It is our loving response, in word and action, to God’s invitation to enter into a relationship with Him, made possible through the work of Jesus Christ and the witness of the Holy Spirit. Through these acts of worship we honour God, grow in faith, and are formed spiritually and ethically as pupils, staff, parents/carers and parish together. 

Christ is at the heart of all we do at St Bartholomew's and we use our daily acts of Prayer and liturgy to strengthen the relationship we have with God.  These prayers are central to our daily lives, they shape our ethos, values, and the community we belong to.

An act of Prayer and Liturgy takes place every day and is an important part of our school life, making space for pupils and staff to come together and share in worship through learning, music, reflection and prayer.

Children say these prayers together at various times in the day with reverence and respect. They also enjoy singing hymns together in class or as a whole school during our weekly key stage Celebrations of the Word, Prayer Leaders, hymns and merit assemblies.

Throughout the year, a carefully planned child-centred programme of prayer and liturgy is celebrated, considering key events in the Church’s liturgical calendar such as Advent and Lenten reflections.  It also considers Feast Days, world events, the work of groups such as CAFOD, inspirational people and recognises/includes other faith traditions.

All classes are timetabled to lead a Prayer and Liturgy once per term with the theme taken from the liturgical year, With You Always or other events that are happening in the wider community or across our global family.  

Father Phil visits school weekly; during these times he speaks with staff and pupils and supports the delivery of the school religious education curriculum. Pupils enjoy telling him their news and asking him questions about his life as a priest.

As a school community, we talk to God often and deepen our relationship with Him through daily prayer and Worship.

We provide meaningful opportunities for prayer where all pupils and adults are invited to join in such as:

• Daily class prayer - start of the day, lunchtime and at the end of the school day
• Key Stage Celebration of the Word
• Whole school Celebration of the Word
• School Masses and services
• The Rosary group during October and May
• Private, individual prayer through prayer stations and focus tables set up in classrooms and around the school.

We welcome parents and the wider community to join with us throughout the Liturgical year and we encourage our pupils to take an active role in the planning and preparation prayer and liturgy which develops as they move through the school. 

Through our acts of gathering together to share prayers and Liturgy, whether in groups, classes, whole school, or parish, we aim to provide a pathway for growth – by planting the seeds- in the knowledge and love of Our Lord Jesus. Growing and learning together with Jesus. 

Mass Times - St Bartholomew's Catholic Church, Rainhill.