Prayer and Liturgy
School Prayer
Our School Prayer was created by the staff, parents and children of Saint Cuthbert Mayne.
As we begin a new school year, we take time once again to reflect on our school prayer, its meaning, and its significance within our community. Our prayer reminds us of the values that unite us and guide us in our daily interactions with one another.
It emphasises the importance of love and reinforces the teachings of Jesus.
"Let all that you do be done in love."
1 Corinthians 16:14
It encourages us to treat others with kindness and respect, to work hard in all that we do, and to use our gifts and talents in service of others. It reminds us that we are part of a caring community where everyone is valued and supported.
Class Prayer
As part of our start-of-year reflections, each class used the school prayer as a starting point to create their own class prayer. Through discussion and reflection, the children explored the values and virtues that are most important to them and considered the kind of class community they hope to build throughout the year.
These class prayers will continue to guide and inspire our pupils throughout the year, reminding them of the class they are striving to be and the important role they each play in making that vision a reality.
Class Prayers 2026 -2027
Class Prayers 2025-2026
Class Prayer Work 2025
Welcome Mass 2025
On Thursday 18th September Father David led us in a reverent welcome Mass to start the school year. Father encouraged us, just as the disciples imitated and followed Jesus, that we too should imitate Jesus. He also reminded us that, in addition to
Jesus, God has given us leaders and role models to follow such as Pope Leo XIV and our Cardinal Vincent Nichols. Father David finished by sharing about one of our newest saints Carlos Acutis and how we could also imitate him.
After mass, the Year 6s introduced their Year 3 buddies to the school.
One parent commented, “It was a pleasure to attend the school mass and witness how all the new children were given a very warm welcome.”
The Year 3 children said they felt “special,” “good,” and “liked people waving at them!”
Andrew Masters Assembly
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Andrew joined us on Monday 22nd September for our assembly. He shared with the children the story about Jonah and the whale (Old Testament). |
| Andrew chose children to participate in the story telling to help reinforce the message. | |
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The focus was on the importance of saying sorry and asking for forgiveness.
“It also made us think about what we do and that we should take responsibility for our actions” (Rosanna and Alex).
Lord, When we do wrong help us to say sorry.And when others say sorry to us for doing wrong, help us to forgive. Thank you that we can make things better again. Amen. |
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Harvest Liturgy 2025
On Wednesday 22nd October, 5 Einstein led a Harvest Liturgy. We were encouraged to think how we could make a difference. Just like a seed, our actions, even if we do just one little thing, can also grow into something big especially if we work together with others.
2 Corinthians 9:6-10 
The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God can provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”
Our mission is to consider how we are going to plant a seed and make it grow.
Will we walk past litter or pick it up? Will we recycle or just throw it in the bin? Will we turn the lights and taps off when we don’t need them?
How will you take care of God’s gift: creation?
The Rosary in the month of October 2025
We started October with a rosary day led by Callum and a team of students from JFK. Each class had the opportunity to make a decade of the rosary beads in a workshop in the hall. The children have used these beads each time they participated in the Mark 10 Mission Rosary Challenge. We aimed to say a decade of the rosary each day at school and think about the Bible reading that accompanied it. 6 MLK also represented our school online, in our ASCAT family, as we came together as one in prayer. At home, we have also been encouraged to say the rosary with our family and reflect on the life of Jesus and the love He has for all of us.
All Saints' Day 2025
As a school we celebrated All Saints’ Day, a special feast when we remember all the saints - holy men and women who followed Jesus and showed His love to the world.
6MLK led the celebration on Tuesday 4th November 2025 and were supported by our orchestra. We listened to the Word of God, and they explained to us that the saints remind us that we can all be holy. We can all be saints by loving God and others every day.
They allowed us time to reflect and think about how we could live as one of God’s saints.
Would we stand up for someone? Would we share what we have?
Would we be kind to everyone? Would we forgive others?
Our mission this week is to be a light for others -
through a kind word, a helping hand, or a smile.
Loving God,
Thank you for the saints who show us how to follow Jesus.
Help us to shine Your light in everything we do, so that one day we may
share Your joy in heaven.
We make this our prayer through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Tuesday 11th November 2025 - Amnesty Day
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” 
Today we gathered to remember all those who have died in war, especially those who gave their lives so that we might live in peace.
We prayed for peace in our world, in our hearts and in our school.
As a mark of respect, we laid our own poppies in the minute of silence and thought about their sacrifice and how grateful we are to them.
Jesse Tree Day 2025
On Wednesday 26th November, our students engaged in a Jesse Tree Day workshop led by Callum and the JFK team. This experience allowed pupils to explore the spiritual significance of the Jesse Tree, representing the lineage of Jesus. By creating class Jesse trees and ornaments, students expressed their artistic talents while deepening their understanding of the Advent season.
The involvement of former students as leaders reinforced community and continuity within our school. Their presence exemplifies our commitment to building lifelong relationships. As students crafted their ornaments, they engaged in meaningful discussions about their symbolism, enhancing their spiritual engagement for Advent.
We encourage parents to discuss the significance of the Jesse Tree at home, exploring the meanings behind the ornaments created by each class. We look forward to incorporating these creations into future prayer sessions, reinforcing the role of prayer in our school community.
Advent - Baubles of Hope 2025
As we journey through Advent and reflect on this special Year of Hope, each class has been invited to take part in a meaningful whole-school activity. Every child has received a Christmas bauble to decorate and to write a personal message of hope on the back. These baubles are being hung on the Christmas tree in the top corridor, creating a beautiful display of our community’s wishes, dreams, and hopeful reflections for the year ahead.
We look forward to seeing our tree grow brighter each day with the children’s creativity and inspiring messages - reminding us of the true spirit of Christmas and the importance of hope in our lives.
Presentation of the Lord 2026
On Wednesday 11th February, we gathered for our Celebration of the Word to remember the Presentation of the Lord. 3A led the celebration and shared how Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to the Temple, where Simeon and Anna recognised Him as the long-awaited Messiah and the Light of the World.
Through the Gospel, we reflected on how Jesus brings hope, love and peace to everyone. Just as Simeon and Anna recognised His light, we are called to share that light in our own lives.
Together, we prayed for our families, our school and those who may feel sad or lonely, and we thought about simple ways we can shine Jesus’ light each day by being kind, helpful and caring to others.
Our mission this week is to be a light for others wherever we go.
Lenten Promises 2026
Class 3A led a beautiful Liturgy Service as we continue our journey through Lent. Lent is a special time for us to reflect, grow, and become a better version of ourselves. It is a season of prayer, kindness, and generosity.
We were all invited to make a promise - something we will pray for, give up, or choose to do - to enable us to grow in our love for God and for one another. We were reminded that when we try our best, even in small and quiet ways, we help the Kingdom of God to grow.
Our promises were joined together to show that we are not alone. We are united — as St Cuthbert Mayne School and as part of the wider family of God. Each one of us is precious and blessed by God’s love.
Matthew 6: 16-18
16 ‘When you fast, do not look sombre as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.
17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. "
Daily Prayer in Lent 2026
“I who speak to you am He”
(John 4:25)
During Lent, we have given the children the opportunity for daily prayer in the hall. The Chaplaincy have led these reflections with a focus on prayer, artwork, meditation and personal prayer journals. The children reflected on what it means to walk confidently with Jesus and grow stronger in our faith. We learnt that we could do this by following His example, having confidence in who God is and trusting in God’s plans.
Stations of the Cross
On Friday 27th March, pupils took part in a meaningful Stations of the Cross experience, where each class had the opportunity to move around the outdoor stations, pausing at each one to listen to readings, reflect, and consider the journey of Jesus.
At each station, they were also given the chance to think about their own personal experiences and how they could relate to each station.
Year 4 Retreat Day 2026
Year 4 enjoyed a special retreat day, led by Callum and his team based on the theme:
“Created by God and Loved Forever.”
Jeremiah 31: 3
People of Israel, I have always loved you, so I continue to show you my constant love.
Through fun team-building games, creative activities and prayerful reflection, pupils explored their unique God-given gifts and talents.
Inspired by Moana’s journey, they created rafts and flags to represent who they are now and who they hope to become, while learning how to use their gifts to help others.
The day ended with a peaceful time of prayer in church, reminding everyone that they are uniquely created, deeply loved by God, and called to make a positive difference in the world.
Romans 8: 38 For I am certain that nothing can separate us from his love.
Marian Liturgy 2026
This month, our school community gathered for a beautiful Marian Liturgy led by 4A.
The theme was: “How can we follow Mary’s example?”
Through prayers, hymns, readings and reflections, pupils explored the many virtues Mary showed throughout her life and how we can live these out each day.
Children reflected on Mary’s courage in saying “Yes” to God, her humility in serving others, her generosity in caring for Elizabeth, her resilience through life’s challenges, and her thoughtfulness through prayer and reflection.
Each virtue was linked to practical ways pupils can follow Mary’s example in school, at home and in their communities.
The celebration was enriched with hymns including As I Kneel Before You and This Little Light of Mine, as well as the special tradition of offering flowers to Mary, with each class bringing forward a flower in her honour.
The liturgy concluded with the whole school joining together in prayer through the Hail Mary, reminding us all to look to Mary as a model of faith, hope and love.
Ascension Day 2026
4A led a beautiful celebration of the Ascension, as a school family, we gathered to remember this important event in the Church’s calendar. The children explained that the word Ascension means “going up” and reflected on how, forty days after his Resurrection, Jesus returned to heaven. Through a reading from Luke 24:46–53, they shared Jesus’ final words to his disciples, reminding them that they were witnesses to his life, death and resurrection, and that they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to help them continue His mission. The children invited everyone into a moment of sacred silence, reflecting on how the disciples may have felt as they watched Jesus ascend into heaven, the promises Jesus made to His friends, and why this day remains so important for Christians. They reminded us that although Jesus is no longer physically visible on earth, His promise to remain with us continues through the Holy Spirit. The celebration concluded with a reflection on our own mission as followers of Jesus: to share His love, kindness and forgiveness with others each day, becoming witnesses to the Gospel in our homes, school and wider community. The Ascension is not the end of the story - it is the beginning of our mission.
Corpus Christi June 2026
To celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi, the children took part in a special pilgrimage walk to St Mark’s Church, where Father David led Mass. Corpus Christi, which means “The Body of Christ,” is an important feast in which we celebrate the belief that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. We are reminded of the gift Jesus gave at the Last Supper when He shared bread and wine with His disciples and asked them to remember Him. During Mass, the children reflected on the significance of the Eucharist as the centre of Catholic life, bringing people together as one family in Christ.
Daily Prayer 2026
During the second half of the summer term, children were given the opportunity to find time for prayer and reflection. At breaktimes, a dedicated outdoor prayer area was set up where pupils could enjoy a moment of peace and quiet, either using provided prayers or simply talking to God about what was in their hearts. A selection of prayer aids and reflective objects helped children focus and deepen their prayer experience. Pupils were encouraged to write their own prayers of praise, thanksgiving and petition, sharing their gratitude, hopes and concerns with God. This gave an opportunity for children to nurture their spiritual wellbeing, reflect on their faith, and experience the importance of prayer in everyday life.
St Peter and St Paul 2026
On Wednesday 1st July 2026, Class 5M led a thoughtful and inspiring liturgy to celebrate the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul. Through prayers, readings, reflections and hymns, the children explored the lives of these two great saints, whose faith and courage helped shape the early Church. They explained how Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, was chosen by Jesus to be the ‘rock’ on which the Church would be built, while Paul experienced a dramatic conversion and dedicated his life to spreading the Good News across many countries. The Gospel reading from Matthew 16:13–19 highlighted Peter’s declaration that Jesus is ‘the Messiah, the Son of the living God’, and Jesus’ response entrusting him with leadership of the Church. The children reflected on Peter’s forgiveness after denying Jesus and his unwavering faith in the face of martyrdom, as well as Paul’s remarkable transformation from persecutor of Christians to one of Christianity’s greatest missionaries. Artwork of St Peter and St Paul was presented as a reminder of their special roles in God’s plan. The liturgy concluded with a challenge for everyone to follow the example of Peter and Paul by standing up for what is right, showing kindness and courage, sharing God’s love through their actions, and being a reliable ‘rock’ for others.
Leavers' Mass 2026
Our Year 6 Leavers’ Mass was a joyful and reflective celebration, giving thanks for the pupils’ primary school journey and asking for God’s guidance as they prepare for the next stage of their education. The Mass centred on the theme of moving forward with faith, hope and love.
The Liturgy of the Word began with a reading from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, reminding us that “there is a time for everything” and encouraging the children to embrace this new season in their lives. This was followed by Psalm 121, with the response, “The Lord will guard us wherever we go,” offering reassurance that God will continue to watch over them as they move on to secondary school.
Year 6 pupils shared thoughtful reflections, looking back with gratitude for their years at primary school and thanking God for their teachers, friends and families who helped them learn and grow. They also looked forward to the future, praying for courage and confidence as they begin new adventures, while promising to carry the school's values of kindness, respect and welcome into their new communities.
The Mass was a fitting celebration of the pupils' time at our school, giving thanks for all they have achieved and commissioning them to move forward with confidence, knowing that God will accompany them wherever their journey leads. We wish all our Year 6 leavers every success and happiness in the future and pray that they continue to grow in faith, hope and love.
Pupil Voice 2026
Matthew 21:16 From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise.
Our recent pupil voice, this summer 2026, highlighted the important role that Catholic life plays in our school community. Children shared that prayer helps them to feel calm, peaceful, closer to God and loved as they know that God and Jesus will always listen to them. Many spoke about the comfort of praying before a test, during times of worry, or simply having a quiet conversation with God. Pupils value the opportunities to pray together through Celebration of the Word, liturgies, assemblies, class prayer and the Rosary Club, describing these moments as peaceful and reflective. They recognise that being part of a Catholic school means learning more about Scripture, the Church’s teaching and key figures in our faith. Additionally, they realise the importance of Catholic Social Teaching, worshipping together, showing respect for others and following Jesus’ example of kindness, forgiveness and love. Children also spoke positively about the caring relationships within our school, explaining that they are encouraged to learn from their mistakes, tell the truth, resolve disagreements respectfully and become the very best versions of themselves. It was heartening to hear pupils describe our school as a place where everyone is included, supported and valued, reflecting the Gospel values that are at the heart of our Catholic community.
Ephesians 4:15 Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.
