Catholic life of the school
PRAYER, LITURGY & CATHOLIC LIFE
Collective worship a mainstay of life at St Philip’s and shapes the daily rhythm of the school. Pupils experience prayer, Scripture, music and contemplation as part of a living Catholic tradition rooted in the charism of St Philip and enriched through partnership with the Brompton Oratory. From the earliest years, boys are introduced to the language and gestures of worship and participate with confidence and reverence. Worship is inclusive, invitational, and woven into assemblies, classroom practice, and the liturgical year.​​
Participation
Collective worship at St Philip’s is a lived expression of the school’s Catholic mission and a formative experience for pupils. Boys participate actively and respectfully in prayer, liturgy and Scripture, demonstrating familiarity with the forms and language of Catholic worship. From Reception onwards, pupils join in responses, traditional prayers and hymns, and engage in reverent silence and gesture. Pupil participation extends to reading Scripture, maintaining prayer spaces, serving at the altar and contributing intentions during assemblies, fostering a sense of ownership rather than passive attendance. Worship is inclusive of boys of other faiths or none, who participate confidently and feel welcomed within a prayerful community.
Joy
Provision for collective worship is rich, varied and intentionally aligned to the Church’s liturgical and sacramental life. Tri-weekly assemblies, classroom prayer, prayer corners and the liturgical calendar shape a recognisably Catholic rhythm throughout the week and year. Partnership with the Brompton Oratory provides Mass, Benediction, sacramental preparation and opportunities for Reconciliation, ensuring that worship remains authentically ecclesial. Music, Scripture and chaplaincy reflections highlight Catholic Social Teaching and connect the Gospel to the virtues of joyfulness and kindness that characterise St Philip’s. Staff model participation and reverence, reinforcing worship as a communal act of faith and belonging.
Reflection
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Leadership and governance play a meaningful role in developing, evaluating and sustaining worship at a high standard. The Head Master, chaplain and RS lead collaborate in planning and review, and make adjustments that deepen pupil engagement and confidence. Governors observe worship, consult pupils, and offer recommendations that lead directly to improvements, demonstrating informed oversight and strategic evaluation. Clergy involvement ensures theological accuracy, liturgical authenticity and pastoral sensitivity. Through this partnership, collective worship remains faithful to the Church’s tradition while responsive to the needs of pupils, supporting continuous improvement and strengthening the Catholic identity of the school
Impact
In practice, collective worship enriches boys’ character and spirituality, helping them grow into thoughtful young gentlemen who value faith, service and community.
