At St. Mary’s, the Celebration of the Word is a vibrant and meaningful part of our prayer life, deeply rooted in our Catholic faith and our school mission, "Called by God." This special form of worship invites the entire school community to come together in prayer, reflect on God’s Word, and celebrate our shared faith. It is a time for students, staff, and families to experience the power of Scripture, to deepen their connection to God, and to be inspired to live out the teachings of the Gospel in their daily lives.
One of the most distinctive features of the Celebration of the Word at St. Mary’s is that it is often led by our students. This child-led celebration allows the students to take an active role in the service, from reading the Scripture passages to leading prayers and reflections. This participation encourages the children to feel a personal connection to the Word of God and fosters a sense of responsibility in leading others in faith. It helps them grow in confidence as they learn to articulate their thoughts and reflections, and it empowers them to share the message of hope and love found in Scripture with their peers.
The Celebration of the Word is a communal experience, with the whole school coming together in the spirit of unity and faith. Whether in the classroom, the hall, or in the church, the celebration emphasizes the importance of worshiping together as a community, united by our common purpose of living out God’s Word. The liturgies are thoughtfully planned, often tying into themes that reflect our focus for the year—this year, as Pilgrims of Hope, we are reminded through the readings and prayers of our call to journey together in faith, with hope as our guiding light.
The Celebration of the Word also gives us an opportunity to explore the themes of Catholic Social Teaching. As we reflect on the Scripture, we are called to think about how we can live out the values of justice, kindness, and service in our everyday lives. The children are encouraged to connect the readings with practical actions—whether it's through caring for the poor, standing in solidarity with those in need, or protecting God’s creation. This approach helps students to see how the Word of God calls us to not only believe but to act, living as true disciples of Christ.
In addition to these formal celebrations, we also encourage creative expressions of prayer during these times. Children may contribute through art, music, or movement, adding their personal touch to the celebration. These forms of expression allow each child to engage with the Word of God in a way that speaks to their hearts, deepening their spiritual connection and fostering a sense of ownership in the community’s worship.
Ultimately, the Celebration of the Word at St. Mary’s is a time of reflection, unity, and action. It is an opportunity for us all to be nourished by God’s Word and to reflect on how we are being called by God to live as Pilgrims of Hope, serving one another with love, compassion, and justice, in the spirit of our Catholic Social Teaching and our school mission.