Prayer & Worship

By standing before the Eucharistic Christ, we become holy.

Blessed Carlo Acutis

The Sacraments are the heart of Catholic life. At St Cuthbert's we give our pupils a deep understanding of and reverence for the Sacraments. They bring Christ into the present and are life-giving. Part of our mission is to bring the Church and the Sacraments to the boys.

The Sacrament of the Eucharist: Each Form class will have the opportunity to celebrate Mass at least once a year which will be planned and led by the pupils and take place in the Chapel. Following the celebration of Mass, pupils have an early lunch and spend time together as a Form group. We have revived the ‘First Friday’ tradition during school and hold Mass at 8am for pupils and staff on those days. We celebrate whole year group Masses on Holy Days of Obligation, St Cuthbert’s Day, Remembrance Day and a Year 7 Welcome Mass. We look forward to welcoming Bishop Robert to celebrate our St Cuthbert's Day Mass. Our larger Masses take place in the Main Hall and hymns are sung with the help of our school band and choir. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is held every Friday morning. As we are currently in the Year of the Eucharist, we have special events planned.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation: Pupils have the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation termly but especially during Lent. Pupils enter the Chapel to examine their conscience before confessing to one of our clergy. They then have the opportunity to perform penance in the Chapel.

The Sacrament of Confirmation: St Cuthbert's works with Blackfriar's Partnership and Sacred Heart, North Gosforth (Seaton Delaval Partnership) to help confirm our eligible pupils. It's a pleasure to see them mature in their faith as they go through their spiritual programmes before being welcomed fully into the Church.

Liturgical Calendar and Liturgical Life: The Catechism states that ‘In the liturgical year the various aspects of the one Paschal mystery unfold (1171)’, therefore, we follow the Church's liturgical calendar closely. Mass is offered on Holy Days of Obligation such as the feast of St Peter and St Paul, throughout November pupils have the opportunity to sign the school's book of remembrance and feast days are celebrated regularly in staff briefing and then with pupils- particularly those of the House Saints (Aidan, Bede, Hild and Oswald). Boys in Year 7 are taught how to pray the Rosary in October and the Paschal Candle is lit at the start of every assembly, Mass and liturgy during Eastertide.

The following events take place during Advent: Daily Advent Alms collections (House competition), weekly House assemblies on Hope, Peace, Joy and Love, daily Advent act of kindness, carol service at St Mary’s Cathedral, carol singing in the Chapel, parish visit- carol service, Year 7 Jesse Tree, Year 12 General RE ‘I, Daniel Blake’ workshops and Sixth Form West End Foodbank Collection.

The following events take place during Lent: Ash Wednesday whole-school distribution of ashes, Stations of the Cross, Sacrament of Reconciliation, Lenten Alms collected daily, covering of statues, Year 8 Hunger Cloth competition and staff reflections- ‘Looking Deeper into Holy Week’.

Prayer Life: Our Outstanding Diocesan Inspection stated that ‘The regularity and rhythm of prayer in the life of the school highlights the integral role it has in the life of this community.’ Prayer raises the heart and the mind to God. It can provide a moment of solace during a busy day or can strengthen communal bonds. Pupils lead the prayer life of the school. Each Form Class plans a daily collective worship resource at least twice a year which are used by all form tutors during registration. Pupils will also pray before lunch and at the end of the day.

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