Catholic Life & Mission
Christ at our Heart
The children wear the school motto, Christ at our Heart, on their jumper, close to their heart, to give them a daily reminder of the sense of what each of us are called to do and how our school family must live as Jesus taught us and put our faith into action.
Through the explicit teaching of virtues all children develop a strong understanding and value of and for Catholic life and prayer at St William’s. The high profile of Character Education is well embedded in St. William’s. Consequently, pupils understand the school’s mission and their role in this mission: they can express that they are valued and cared for, a unique person, made in the image and likeness of God. The virtues are shared weekly and are lived out by all members of the school family and prayer is at the heart of all we do together. These are central to the curriculum and school policies such as the Behaviour Policy, SEND and the school’s commitment to serve the most disadvantaged and vulnerable members of the school family. The school is inclusive and seeks to teach world faiths throughout their time with us but maintaining a strong focus on Catholicism, Judaism and Islam.
The Mini Vinnies and Faith Leaders take ownership of the development of the Catholic Life & Mission including strengthening ‘Christ at our Heart’; they directly make decisions about which charity to support and lead fundraising events across school e.g., MacMillan Coffee mornings, Shoe box appeals; they also regularly lead prayer and worship of specific events e.g., Harvest Festival, School Family Masses, Celebrations in honour of Mary, the mother of God etc.
Community and parish links (St. Patrick’s Mission, local care home) help the pupils to develop a deep value and respect for others as well as promoting empathy and compassion, especially for those less fortunate than themselves.
Sacramental Preparation
Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation are usually celebrated at parish Masses during the year. The catechists from the Parish work in either St. William’s or St. Matthew’s school for the preparation classes and both Headteachers liaise closely with the parish catechists and Fr Jones.
Preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation is undertaken in Year 3; Holy Communion is undertaken in Year 4 and the Sacrament of Confirmation in Year 6. There are further opportunities for reflection and receiving the sacraments during the liturgical year.
Along with children from St Matthew's Catholic Primary School, our children made their First Holy Communion.
Pupil Leadership - Mini Vinnies
At St William’s, our Mini Vinnies are a group of caring and committed pupils who put their faith into action by helping others in our school and local community. The name “Mini Vinnies” comes from St Vincent de Paul, who dedicated his life to serving the poor and those in need.
Our Mini Vinnies meet regularly to discuss ideas and plan practical ways to make a difference. Guided by the motto “See, Think, Do”, they look for ways to show kindness, generosity and compassion—living out the values of Jesus in everyday life.
Throughout the year, the Mini Vinnies at St William’s:
Images of the work of our Mini Vinnies
Opportunities for Prayer
The children have regular opportunities to pray, during the month of May and October the children take home a prayer bag with rosary beads, prayer cards and a template to write a prayer to honour Mary, Jesus' Mother. During Advent, the children take home Advent prayer bags, with a nativity scene, colouring pages, prayers to say and prayer templates. During Lent, our children have the opportunity to take home Lenten prayer bags with the Stations of the Cross in there, a holding cross and a prayer template.
Prayer Bags
Our brand new Prayer Garden and Reflection Garden offer children a quiet space to pray during Prayer Club and also opportunities for Celebration of the Word to be celebrated here. Have a look at our gallery of pupils using these spaces.
Prayer Club
At St William’s, our Prayer Club is a special time for children to come together in quiet reflection and prayer. We meet in peaceful spaces such as our school chapel, the Prayer Garden, or the Reflection Garden, where we can feel close to God and His creation.
This term, we have been focusing on the beauty of creation and how we can show thankfulness for all that God has made. Surrounded by nature, we take time to notice the colours, sounds and life around us, offering prayers of gratitude for our world.
During October, we have also been praying the Rosary, remembering Mary and her deep faith and love. Each day, we gather to reflect on the mysteries of the Rosary and to pray for others in need.
Together, we continue to pray for peace in our world — that all people may live in hope, kindness, and harmony, caring for one another and for the wonderful world God has given us.
Prayer Club
Opportunities for Prayer
Jubilee Year of Hope 2025
As part of the Jubilee Year celebration, Holly Class were privileged to visit St. Anne’s Cathedral in Leeds, joining with other schools across the diocese as Pilgrims of Hope. This special experience was a time of reflection, celebration, and spiritual growth.
From the moment we stepped into the cathedral, the children were struck by its beauty and sense of peace. They were welcomed warmly and participated reverently in the liturgy. During the Mass, the theme of hope shone through – in the readings, prayers, and singing – reminding us all of God’s constant presence in our lives, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
The visit helped the children to understand what it means to be a pilgrim – not just travelling to a holy place, but journeying with faith in our hearts. They learned that we are all called to be signs of hope in the world, by living with kindness, courage and love. Many pupils commented on how special it felt to be part of something bigger – a diocesan family united in faith.
As we returned to school, there was a real sense of joy and purpose. The visit reminded us that, as Pilgrims of Hope, we are invited to carry the light of Christ into our daily lives and share it with those around us. It was a truly memorable and meaningful day for Holly Class.
We were also privileged to welcome the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope Logo, where representatives placed our school logo around the logo.
Pilgrims of Hope
Mission Club
Our Mission Club is made up of representatives from across our School, helping us to understand the Mission of the School. To live like Jesus we need to first know the 2 greatest commandments (Luke 10:25-37 “The first greatest commandment is you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind. The second greatest commandment is to love your neighbour as yourself. The Mission Club led us in a Celebration of the Word focusing on the story of the Good Samaritan and Richard, Vivienne and Ephraim modelled showing kindness and respect to those who need it. Together we focused on 4 simple actions.
I love as Jesus loves (hands crossed over heart)
I welcome everybody as Jesus welcomes everybody (arms open wide)
I listen to and read the Word of God (hands open book shape)
I pray (hands together praying)
The Mission Club will continue to meet and numbers will grow, ensuring as a school community we are truly living out our school mission.
