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. At the core of our worship, we find our Catholic tradition, faith and trust in Jesus Christ. With the Blessed Sacrament reserved in our chapel, Christ is truly present in the heart of our school community both physically and spiritually.
Chapel
Chapel is geographically 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. 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. On other special feast days, groups of girls 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.
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 support the Chaplain. On House weekends, the Liturgy Captains prepare the pupils in their House to fulfil the many Ministries 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 as one of their most powerful memories. Praise and Worship evenings in the crypt are hosted by the Liturgy Captains for their Houses, 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 and might 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.
