At St Mary’s School we are dedicated to developing the spiritual life of our whole school community. We provide opportunities for children to not only learn about faith but incorporate it into their daily lives in a meaningful way. Prayer permeates the School.
We have UKS2 and LKS2 Rosary Clubs that meet on Monday lunchtimes; and UKS2 and LKS2 Prayer Groups that meet on Tuesday lunchtimes. After school on Tuesdays, we have regular prayer times in the Chapel that are open to pupils, parents, staff and parishioners.
We are blessed to have been given permission by Bishop Patrick to reserve the Blessed Sacrament in our School Tabernacle in the Chapel. This brings an extra sense of holiness and reverence to this special space, and allows us to have times of Eucharistic Adoration with children.
Twice a year, in Lent and Advent, our local priests offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation in School.
Walsingham Pilgrimage
In July each year a group of children go on pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk for 4 days. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to take time out of their ordinary lives and immerse themselves in this holy and spiritual place.
Annual Marian Procession
In 2022 we reinstated the tradition of having a shared Marian Procession with St Mary’s Church. Our focus the first year was Marian apparitions around the world, specifically at Walsingham, Lourdes, Kibeho and Guadalupe, which have since become the names of our School Houses. In 2023 we walked from the St James’ School site to Darley Park and prayed the Rosary, then on to Church for a special Marian service looking at flowers associated with Our Lady. In 2024, after our move back to the old site, we were privileged to be allowed to use the grounds of St Philomena’s Convent, where children took it in turns to crown the statue of Mary.
Harvest
Every year the children bring in donations of food and toiletries to say thank you to God for the harvest. Their gifts are given to a local foodbank, for example the Padley Centre, the Hope Centre, City Mission or Women’s Work, where they are much appreciated and help our fellow citizens in Derby.
We ask that you continue to keep the pupils and staff of St Mary’s in your prayers.
“The LORD is near to all who call on him” Psalm 145:18
