All Souls Collection Worship Sessions – Summary

Each November, St Mary’s holds All Souls Collection Worship Sessions to help pupils remember and pray for the faithful departed. Led by staff and supported by our RE Chaplains, each class takes part in reflective prayer, scripture, and gentle discussion about remembrance and hope.

Children are invited to add names or prayer cards for loved ones to our All Souls Prayer Basket, which is placed at the altar throughout the month. This simple but meaningful act helps pupils express compassion and understand Catholic teaching on eternal life.

The sessions are calm, reverent, and inclusive, supporting pupils’ spiritual growth and emotional well-being. They also ensure that the liturgical life of the Church is experienced and understood by all children in an age-appropriate way.

Year 4 All Souls Collective Worship 

Mrs Carol and the children led a beautiful and reflective All Souls Collective Worship session with Year 4. The atmosphere was calm, peaceful, and reverent, enabling pupils to engage deeply with the theme of remembrance during the month dedicated to All Souls.

The children reflected on how they can help others, especially those who are less fortunate, and considered ways to show kindness and generosity in the example of Jesus. Pupils also spent time praying for the souls of loved ones who have died, showing great empathy and spiritual maturity.

A pupil reflected:
“I liked thinking about the people we have lost and remembering them in our prayers.” – said one pupil.

This session highlights the strong spiritual life of the school and the meaningful opportunities pupils are given to grow in faith, compassion, and understanding.

Year 6 Collective Worship – Helping Others & All Souls

Year 6 led a thoughtful collective worship linked to their RE learning on helping others, with a particular focus on supporting the poor and those experiencing homelessness. The session encouraged pupils to reflect deeply on how they can follow Jesus’ example by giving their time, resources, and compassion to those who are less fortunate.

During the worship, children prayed that God would open their hearts and minds so they may act with greater generosity, kindness, and empathy in their daily lives. As November is the month of All Souls, pupils also offered prayers for the faithful departed, remembering loved ones and those who have no one to pray for them.

Pupil reflections captured the sincerity of the worship:

• “We prayed for the people we have lost and also for the soldiers who have given their life for our freedom.” – said one Pupil

• “I prayed to God so he can stop all the wars and we can have peace in the world.” – said another pupil.

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