Prayer and Liturgy

“The dedicated and skilled chaplaincy team work collaboratively to create consistently high-quality prayer and liturgy experiences for the whole school community. The school ensures that traditional prayer is used alongside more contemporary forms; for example, a booklet of common prayers is read from, by students at the beginning of each form time, as well as in some lessons. Prayer is naturally embedded into the school’s daily life, which reflects the prayer life of the Church.”  Catholic Inspection Report, 2024 

Each day in school, we welcome God into our lives with prayer, and tutor group prayer times are an important part of this. These are encouraged to be student-led, with the guidance of the tutor. Resources are provided by our School Chaplains at the beginning of each year and at key times throughout the academic year. Staff also have the opportunity to attend weekly “staff prayer” in our school chapel, led by our Lay Chaplains and other staff on occasion.  

Masses & Celebrations of the Word

Students and staff have the opportunity throughout the year to take part in the celebration of mass on Holy Days of Obligation, our School Feast Day (Holy Cross Day) in September, year group or tutor group masses and other key times in the year as well. Celebrations of the Word and liturgies are a prominent feature of our school life too, with special focus on key times in the year – Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter.

Assemblies

Assemblies in our school are a vehicle for prayer, reflecting on God’s Word and our Catholic Social Teaching principles. Each assembly follows the format of Gather, Word/Listen, Respond and Send, aiming to be creative, engaging, informative and enriching, presenting faith in a beautiful, life-giving way. Weekly whole school assemblies are held and students participate in year group, house and singing assemblies too. Many assemblies are student-led or collaborative, encouraging leadership in our students.

We follow the Liturgical Year of the Catholic Church and the different seasons of Lent, Advent and Eastertide are focused on in particular ways, through assemblies, special tutor prayer resources, celebration whole school assemblies at the end of each term and lunch and break time activities also. We also mark Remembrance Day with a special assembly and have opportunities for all staff and students to pray for loved ones who have died during the month of November.

Feast Day & Annual Badge Competition

“O Crux Ave Spes Unica” (Hail O Cross, Our Only Hope)

HOLY CROSS DAY is a long-standing tradition at our school, taking place shortly after the feast of the Triumph of the Cross, on which we celebrate our heritage of being founded by the Holy Cross Sisters and identity as a Holy Cross School Community. Celebrations include the joyful celebration of Mass, activities in tutor groups and houses and a focus on the theme of the year (a new theme is chosen and a badge competition launched every year). In 2025, we celebrated the Jubilee Year - Pilgrims of Hope, and in 2024, our theme was the “Year of Prayer”. Our 2026 theme is the “Jubilee Year of St Francis”. 

2026 BADGE COMPETITION

Theme: Jubillee Year of St Francis

Winner: Florrie Smith, Year 11 Mercy

"Saint Francis is shown with animals to symbolise his love for all creatures and the idea of caring for creation and nature. His simple robe and calm expression represents humanity, peace, and a life focused on kindness rather than wealth. The sun, trees and mountain in the background highlight the beauty of creation, reminding us to respect and protect the world. The circular shape of the badge suggests unity and wholeness, while the words “Jubilee Year” point to a special time of renewal, forgiveness and spiritual growth. It also encourages people to follow Saint Francis’s example by showing compassion to others and living in harmony with the environment. The bright blue, yellow and green colours make the design feel joyful and hopeful, reflecting the positive change a Jubilee year brings. Overall, the badge is a reminder to care for both people and the planet, and to grow in kindness and faith."

2024 BADGE COMPETITION 

Theme: The Year of Prayer

Winner: Malia Bogues - Year 10 Peace

"For this year’s theme of prayer I wanted to convey the beauty and joy that we are all being listened to. I drew Jesus standing in the middle, large image, to show his overflowing kindness and attentiveness. I drew different people praying to demonstrate all people praying different prayers but being heard and cared for. This was to show the wonders of prayer; the fact that God is always there and listening. I also wanted to represent how we can be united as a community in prayer and through it what can be achieved in unison. I used yellow in the background to show God’s love and care reaching and lighting up all. The similar colours in the clothing show unity between people and God and the connection between us."