Catholic Life and Mission
St Mary’s is a Catholic school, and the chapel is at the heart of our school and our everyday life. Our school motto is ‘Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam’: a Catholic education means fulfilling human potential, not for self-aggrandisement, but ‘for the greater glory of God’ and for the benefit of others. That sense of service to the community, in all its meanings, was what inspired Mary Ward and continues to inspire us today.
Chapel
Chapel is at the heart of the school, and its doors are always open. It sits just off the central corridor in the main building, opposite the girls’ refectory, and is available to anyone in the community who wishes to spend some time in quiet reflection. The school gathers in chapel for prayer and reflection three mornings a week. Tutor groups prepare and lead the school in celebrations of the Word, as well as the Headmistress, senior staff and teachers who willingly contribute to serve in this central aspect of school life. Mass in school on Sundays is always a special occasion, celebrated by the Chaplain and accompanied by the senior choir Campion. Many parents choose to attend Mass with their daughters too.
Liturgy Captains
On three mornings each week, pupils gather in Tutor groups and for their weekly House meeting. Pupils are active participants in preparing and leading with their peers. Each House has four Sixth Form Liturgy Captains who receive training for their role, and they support the Chaplain in the many activities. On House weekends, the Liturgy Captains prepare the pupils in their House to fulfil the many roles within Mass such as welcoming, reading and serving on the altar. The Liturgy Captains are also the extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist. Alumnae often speak about this experience of service as one of their most powerful memories. Praise and Worship evenings in the crypt are hosted by the Liturgy Captains, and are followed by cookies and hot chocolate. Our resident Chaplain leads us in Mass and prayers, and is a regular and cheerful presence around school. The girls love sitting and chatting with him in the refectory, and value his calm wisdom and steadying influence.
Retreats
We believe that a genuine Christian commitment cannot simply be taught: it must be encouraged by example and nurtured through instruction, support and discussion. All pupils go on retreat every year, Years 7 to 9 for one day, and Years 10 and upwards for two days. This is an opportunity for each girl to step away from the everyday, and reflect on her faith, her relationships and her spiritual journey. Retreats are led by experienced retreat directors and involve a variety of activities. They always follow a Gospel theme on what it means to be truly human in Christ and to live well in relationship with others, and include discussions, workshops, some drama or a film, walks in our beautiful grounds, and the chance to enjoy silence and prayer. They give the girls an opportunity to talk things through in a calm and supported atmosphere.
Confirmation
Confirmation takes place every year and is a significant event that we celebrate together as a community, including parents and staff. The girls receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at a Mass celebrated by the Bishop of our Diocese or his representative. The girls prepare carefully for this moment in their sacramental journey. The programme is delivered by the Chaplain and supported by catechists amongst the staff.
Outreach
Faith and spiritual life at school are interconnected with a shared responsibility to support others. The school community is committed to following the teaching and example of Jesus as expressed in the Gospels, the social teaching of the Church and the particular charism and example of Mary Ward, which encourages all to see God in all things and to become people who are contemplative in action. Prayers and reflections in Chapel and Tutor time often focus on examples of charity and service which inspire the pupils to work together to raise awareness and funds in response to local and international concerns. Many students volunteer their time to support charities and projects, including Sixth Form pupils who go on pilgrimage to Lourdes in the summer holidays to assist sick pilgrims.
