The celebration of Mass is central to the Catholic life of St Theresa’s. Through the Eucharist, we gather as a community of faith to listen to God’s Word, give thanks and grow closer to God and one another. Those who have been prepared and are able to do so receive Jesus in Holy Communion.

Throughout the year, our children participate in Masses and other liturgical celebrations that reflect the seasons and feasts of the Church. These include celebrations for important holy days and the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter, as well as Pentecost and the feast of our patron, St Thérèse of Lisieux.

Children are prepared to participate reverently and meaningfully according to their age and understanding. Where appropriate, they undertake liturgical ministries such as proclaiming Scripture, offering prayers, presenting the gifts, altar serving, singing and welcoming members of the congregation.

We work in partnership with Father Swanson and families to support children as they prepare to receive the sacraments. We pray for them, celebrate important steps in their faith journey and help them understand how the sacraments strengthen their relationship with God and the Church.

Our Masses and liturgical celebrations take place both in St Theresa’s Church and in school. When Mass is celebrated in our school hall, the space is carefully prepared to provide a dignified, reverent and prayerful setting.

These celebrations strengthen the partnership between our school, families and parish. On selected occasions, parents, carers and members of our parish community are warmly invited to gather with us.

Previous Celebrations

Year 6 Leavers' Mass

At the end of the school year, we gather for a special Mass to celebrate and give thanks for our Year 6 children and their journey through St Theresa’s.

Year 6 undertake a range of ministries during the celebration, including proclaiming Scripture, offering prayers and sharing reflections. Together, we thank God for the friendships, experiences and achievements that have shaped their time with us and pray for His guidance and protection as they begin the next stage of their journey.

Our leavers are blessed and sent forth with the love and prayers of the whole school community. We encourage them to carry their faith and our school mission with them: “To do the little things well and to do them with love.”

Saints Peter and Paul Mass

Our school community gathered for Mass to celebrate the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, two important leaders of the early Church.

During the celebration, we reflected on how Peter placed his trust in Jesus and how Paul courageously travelled to share the Good News with others. Their example reminds us that God calls each of us to follow Him, use our gifts and share His love through our words and actions.

Together, we prayed for the courage to remain strong in our faith and to continue the mission of Jesus in our school, homes and wider community.

First Holy Communion

Children preparing to receive their First Holy Communion are supported through a close partnership between school, parish and home. Their learning through the Religious Education Directory deepens their knowledge and understanding of the Eucharist, while additional preparation is supported by our RE Lead and Father Swanson.

The whole school community prays for and supports the children as they take this important step in their journey of faith. Staff attend the First Holy Communion celebration, and children from across the school volunteer to undertake the ministry of music by forming a special choir.

This joyful celebration brings together our children, families, staff and parish community. It helps the children understand that receiving Jesus in the Eucharist welcomes them into a deeper relationship with Christ and strengthens their belonging to the Church.

Ash Wednesday Mass

On Ash Wednesday, Father Swanson came to school and presided at a special Mass, during which our Year 5 children undertook a range of ministries. Father explained how the ashes are prepared, and the children joined in prayer as he blessed them. Children then helped to distribute the ashes, making the Sign of the Cross on the foreheads of staff and pupils as our school community began its Lenten journey together.

Christmas Carol Service

Our annual Christmas Carol Service is a special liturgical celebration held in St Theresa’s Church. Through Scripture, prayer, reflection and carols, the children retell and celebrate the story of the birth of Jesus. Year 6 undertake key ministries during the service, supported by children from other year groups, as our school, families and parish community gather to prepare prayerfully for Christmas.

Reconciliation

During Advent and Lent, Father Swanson visits our school to offer children the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. These seasons provide a special time for reflection, repentance and renewal as we prepare our hearts for the celebrations of Christmas and Easter.

Learning through the Religious Education Directory helps children deepen their understanding of forgiveness, reconciliation and God’s loving mercy. Children are also prepared and supported by Mrs Smith, our RE Lead, and Father Swanson so that they understand the meaning of the sacrament and are able to participate prayerfully and reverently.

Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, children are encouraged to reflect upon their choices, ask God for forgiveness and experience the joy of a renewed relationship with Him.

St Thérèse’s Feast Day Mass 2025

On Wednesday 1 October 2025, we gathered in St Theresa’s Church to celebrate the feast day of our patron saint, St Thérèse of Lisieux. Father Swanson presided at our special Mass, with Year 6 undertaking a range of ministries.

During the celebration, we reflected upon St Thérèse’s “Little Way” and how we can follow her example by doing small things with great love. Our Year 6 head children and class councillors were announced, and Father Swanson welcomed and blessed our new Reception children as they began their journey as members of our school community.

This celebration formed part of our Little Way Week, during which we considered how we could become more like St Thérèse through our everyday words, choices and actions.

We look forward to gathering together to celebrate Mass in honour of our patron saint, St Thérèse of Lisieux. This special celebration will help us reflect upon her “Little Way” and renew our commitment to our school mission: “To do the little things well and to do them with love.”