St Leonard's

At the beginning of the 21st century, His Holiness Pope John Paul II set as one of the main aims of the Catholic community is to create ‘genuine schools of prayer’ (Novo Millennio Ineunte, 33). We believe that Jesus has given Himself to us in His Word and His Sacraments, therefore our spiritual life is Catholic to the extent that our personal relationship with God is developed in the Church, through Scripture and in the celebrate of the most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.  

The Catechism teaches that as the liturgy, particularly the Eucharist, is the source and summit of the Church’s life, it is the ‘privileged place for catechising the People of God’. Catechesis and liturgy are therefore intrinsically linked. The wide range of prayer and liturgy at St Leonard’s allows those who choose to participate an insight into the rich tradition of the Catholic church. 

St. Leonard’s offers all members of the school community the opportunity to celebrate Mass regularly, and where in term time, Holy Days of Obligation. Where a priest is present Mass is celebrated weekly. Alternatively pupils plan and prepare Celebration of the Word. All pupils and staff gather together as a whole school community during significant liturgical seasons and during our end of year celebrations. Sacramental Reconciliation is also offered to all members of the school community. We also welcome staff and pupils to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and encourage pupils to use this opportunity to feel close to Christ to deepen their faith. St Augustine teaches us that “to sing is to pray twice” and our Worship Choir is just one of our Catholic Life enrichment opportunities.  

Staff, pupils and parents at St Leonard’s get regular opportunities to take part in prayer and liturgy. From prayers published virtually, to starting each new day with prayer in briefing or tutor time, everyone in our school community is supported and has the opportunity to come together for prayer and liturgy. These daily patterns of prayer are firmly embedded within our day-to-day life. In raising our hearts and minds to God, to endeavour to ensure that Christ is at the centre of all that we do. As well as our daily prayers including Lectio Divina and pupil led prayer, our Prayer Curriculum is carefully planned and created so that each year group goes deeper into the various ways to pray, traditions of prayer and people who influence our prayer life. Each year group look at themes selected based on maturity, age and relevance during the school and spiritual year.

It is important that our pupils’ prayers are heard and our very own school prayer was written by one of our former Sixth Form pupils. Our prayer brings together all we strive for as a school and individuals in our larger community.