Prayer and Liturgy at Stella Maris

Prayer and Liturgy is an essential part of our Catholic Ethos at Stella Maris. The children at Stella Maris are encouraged to realise that prayer allows them to communicate with God, to become close to God, and that it is a very special and personal occasion. The children are also encouraged to pray in different ways according to their age and personal development. This might be through prayer and meditation, praying together, writing prayers, praying in reflection and through learning our Catholic prayers.

At Stella Maris, each year group begins their day with prayer and reflection. The prayer monitors have an important role, as they help to plan, set up and take ownership of the reflection, depending on the year group they are in. Each week, a theme is provided for the prayer and reflection. It is a vital part of our day as it provides the children and staff, time to connect with God, as well as reflect upon our Gospel Values, School Mission and Catholic Social Teaching.

Term One Reflection Themes Term Two Reflection Themes Term Three Reflection Themes Term Four Reflection Themes Term Five Reflection Themes Term Six Reflection Themes

Stella Maris Chapel

At Stella Maris we have our own chapel which is very special. We are all able to visit the chapel when we need some quiet time with God. The chapel is used every Wednesday for quiet prayer and an opportunity to light a candle for those we love.

Imps Visit the Stella Maris Chapel

Mass for Mary - May 2026

On Monday 18th May we celebrated Mary, our mother with a very special mass. Fr John led mass and Year 6 led us in the readings and prayers. We all laid flowers for Mary during the offertory, as we thought about her being kind, gentle and loving. During mass we also thought about our own mothers, and we asked Mary to listen to our prayers for those who needed them.

"Mary, she treasured all these things, and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19

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Ascension Day Mass - May 2026

On Thursday 14th May we celebrated Ascension Day with a whole school mass. Fr John Panario visited Stella Maris to celebrate mass with us and it was a lovely service. The Griffins class led the prayers and readings. During mass, we thought about Jesus returning to his Father in heaven. Ascension Day is a Holy day of Obligation and is celebrated forty days after Easter.

Ascension Day Mass

Crucifixion Assembly - April 2026

On Wednesday 1st April, Year 5 and 6 told the very special story of the crucifixion. It was a very wonderful way to finish our Lenten journey at school. The children retold the story so beautifully and respectfully.

"Then he bowed his head and died." John 19:30

Palm Sunday - March 2026

On Monday 30th March, EYFS and Key Stage 1, told the story of Palm Sunday to the whole school, including children, staff, parents and governors. The children led the celebration of the word with story telling, songs, prayers and reflection. It was a beautiful retelling of the story all about Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, with the crowds waving palms and shouting 'praise be God.'

"Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!' Luke 19:38

Palm Sunday Assembly

Parent and Child Lenten Prayer Breakfast - March 2026

On Thursday 26th March we came together for prayer and reflection during this Lenten time. We shared the beautiful story of the Three Tress. The story reminded us that God does not give us what we want, but provides opportunities for us. God places us exactly where we need to be for a specific purpose. We prayed for guidance and strength during Lent.

Parent and child prayer breakfast

Candle and Prayer Service for the Middle East - March 2026

On Monday 16th March, the Sunshine Team organised and led a candle and prayer service for the people in the Middle East who are suffering in conflict. The whole school community, including governors, parents, staff and children were all invited to attend after school. The Sunshine Team led us in prayer and reflective words, and then we were all invited to come forward to light a candle for all those are facing conflict. It was such a beautiful service that allowed us all to come together and ask God to help.

"God is light, in him there is no darkness at all." John 1:15

Candle and PrayerService for the Middle East

Blessing of the Throats - March 2026

On Wednesday 4th March, Fr John Panario visited each class to give a blessing of the throats. All children and staff received a blessing for their throats, which was lovely, especially at this time of year!! We really enjoyed Fr Panario's visit to school.

"O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise." Psalm 51:15

Stella Maris Catholic Primary School