Reflection 

At St. Richard's, reflection time is a really important part of our school day. All year groups lead and participate in reflection on a regular basis, allowing them to take a moment with God. Each week the children focus on a theme, thinking about how they can embed this in their daily lives and use it to live out our School Mission. 

"I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer." Psalm 17:6

Reflection Themes

Mass for Mary - May 2025

On Friday 2nd May we celebrated Mary, Our Mother, with mass for the whole school. Fr Godwin came to share mass with us and we thought about how special Mary is and how she is the purest example of faith and love. The children laid flowers beside Mary during mass, flowers that they had made, from their gardens or supermarkets. It was a beautiful celebration for Mary. 

"Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." Luke 1:30

The Crucifixion Easter Assembly - April 2025

On Thursday 3rd April Year 6 and 5 shared with us the Crucifixion story and it was a beautiful way to remind us of God's love, sacrifice and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. The crucifixion is a testament to God's love for humanity, as He sent His only son, Jesus, to die for the sins of the world. 

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." John 15:13

The Last Supper Assembly - April 2025

On Tuesday 2nd April, Years 3 and 4 shared the story of The Last Supper with the school. It was a very lovely assembly which asked us to reflect on the upcoming events of Easter and to think about Jesus' selfless act of love and sacrifice for the sake of humility. 

"This is my body, given for you; do this in memory of me." Luke 22:19

Palm Sunday Easter Assembly - April 2025

On Monday 1st April, Early Years and Key Stage One told children, staff and governors the story of Palm Sunday. It was a wonderful assembly, celebrating Jesus' arrival to Bethlehem. Jesus rode into the city of a donkey and people cheered and palm trees. 

"Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest." Luke 19:38

Mothering Sunday Blessing - March 2025

On Friday 28th March we invited all mothers to school for a special blessing. Fr Goodwin spoke to the children about the importance of mothers and how much love they have to give. We prayed together for all mothers and Fr Goodwin finished by blessing them. All the children took home some daffodils to give to their mums. 

“The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a mother.” Saint Therese of Lisieux

Reconciliation - March 2025

On Tuesday 25th March, Fr Leo came to school and the children in Years 4, 5 and 6 took part in the sacrament of reconciliation. It was a time for the children to reflect on how they live their lives and how they treat others. It also is a special time to remember that God loves us all very much. 

"God reconciled the world to himself through Christ." 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Parent and Child Lenten Prayer Breakfast - March 2025

On Friday 21st March we held our Lenten Prayer and Child prayer. It was so lovely to come together and reflect upon the importance of Lent. We shared a beautiful story, listened to some music, had time to reflect and prayed together. After Prayer breakfast we shared breakfast together. 

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:14

Ash Wednesday - March 2025

On Wednesday 5th March we celebrated the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday. Deacon Barry came to school and distributed ashes to staff and pupils. During the service, we thought about our Lenten journey and how it is a time for prayer, almsgiving and fasting, before Easter. 

Candlemas - January 2025

On Friday 2nd February, Fr Godwin came to school to celebrate mass for Candlemas. We lit candles and thought about the presentation of Jesus at the temple, with the candles reminding us that Jesus is the light of the world. The children from Year 4 led the prayers and Year 6 led the readings. 

Christmas Carols and Story - December 2024

On the 17th December, Key Stage Two held their annual Christmas Carol service and told the story of the Nativity. The service was enjoyed by the whole school and it gave us all an opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. 

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." Luke 2:14-18

St. Nicholas' Day Mass - December 2024

On Friday 6th December we celebrated St. Nicholas day with a whole school mass for pupils, staff, governors and families. Mass was led by Fr Leo and the Year 4 pupils who wrote the prayers and read the readings. It was a wonderful way to celebrate St. Nicholas and to think about how he can inspire us all in our Mission, in school and in the wider community. 

"The giver of every good and perfect gift has called upon us to mimic God’s giving, by grace, through faith, and this is not of ourselves." St.Nicholas

Christingle Service - December 2024

On Monday 16th December we held our very special Christingle service for pupil, staff, parents and governors. The children each made their own Christingle and spoke about the meaning of each part. The Christingles were lit as carols were sung and it was beautiful. 

Blessing of Advent wreath and Christmas Tree - December 2024

On Monday 2nd December, Fr Panario visited school to bless the Advent Wreath and the Christmas tree. It was such a lovely way to begin our Advent celebrations. 

The advent wreath symbolizes hope, peace, joy and love, through its four candles, each representing a week leading up to the birth of Christ. 

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.” Philippians 4:4

Year 1 Class Assembly - November 2024

On Thursday 14th November Lighthouse Class shared their assembly which was all about our reflection for that week, Faith. The children explained what faith means in their own words. They then told the story of Peter, James and John fishing all night and catching no fish. Jesus told them to throw their nets on the other side and to have faith. The disciples had faith and did what Jesus said. When they pulled up the nets, they were full of great big fishes! The children also shared their illustrations of this Bible story and sang a song they had learned. It was such a wonderful assembly that reminded us to always have faith.

Year 2 Class Assembly - October 2024

On Thursday 24th October Year 2 celebrated Black History month and Dignity. They shared the work of the artist 

Yinka Shonibare and also acted out the story of the Good Samaritan. The children reminded us throughout their assembly that every human is unique, special and important. Respect for human dignity means that we should be friendly and kind to others and it is wrong to hurt other people or make them feel bad about themselves.

"These things I command you, that you love one another." John 15:17

Harvest Mass - October 2024

On Friday 4th October we celebrated Harvest with a whole school mass. Fr Panario celebrated mass with us and Year 6 led the prayers and readings. Children from each class took up harvest donations during the offertory and we gave thanks for all the wonderful things we have. 

"Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness." 2 Corinthians 10

Year 5 Class Assembly - October 2024

On Thursday 3rd October, Year 5 shared their assembly with the whole school, all about Gratitude which linked perfectly to Harvest. Year 5 shared the idea of gratitude meaning thankfulness and the importance of this. They reminded us to be thankful for all that we have and to continue to help our neighbours. 

Welcome Assembly for Reception - September 2024

On Tuesday 24th September, the whole school celebrated the Early Years children with a welcome assembly. The children and their families were welcomed in to our school community and a candle was lit for each child, as a reminder that we are all here to help their light shine, while on their journey at St. Richard's.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Beginning of the Year KCSP Trust mass - September 2024

On Tuesday 24th September some children from school went to the KCSP mass at Aylesford Priory, to celebrate the beginning of the new academic year. It was a wonderful occasion with children from many different schools within the Trust coming together to sing, pray and think about Peace. Each school was asked to create a special canvas that represents Peace.

"Peace begins with a smile."    Saint Teresa of Calcutta

Beginning of the Year Blessing - September 2024

On Monday 9th September, Fr Panario joined us for our Gospel assembly and gave the children and staff a beginning of the year blessing. It was lovely to celebrate the beginning of a new academic year together. 

'Lord, we ask that you surround students with peace as they begin a new year of classes. Give them a passion for learning new things and bless their hard work over the coming months. Surprise them with unexpected moments of joy. Guard their hearts against peer pressure and help them to be a light to those around them.'

Year R Class Assembly - July 2024

On Thursday 11th July, Year R shared their RE learning with the whole school during their assembly and it was wonderful! It was all about God's wonderful world- what they love most about God's world and what they need to do to look after the world. 

Harrison was the star of the show and named all of the flags on a flag bunting that we held up. 

And a prayer about the world by Pope Francis. The children held up paintings of what they love about God's world and they sang 'He's got the whole world in his hands.' The children also read a litany of praise which they created themselves. It really made us think about how we can be stewards of God's world. 

St. Peter and St. Paul Mass - June 2024

We celebrated the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul together, with children, parents, staff and governors. Fr Godwin and Deacon Barry celebrated mass with us and we spoke about how St. Peter and St. Paul played a special and important role in building up the Catholic Church. Year 6 led the mass for us and it was a lovely way to remember these important role models.

"And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church." Matthew 16:18

Year 2 Connaught Class Visit St Edmund's Chapel - June 2024

On Thursday 20th June, Year 2 had the chance to go to St Edmund's Chapel. It is a special place to us because it was blessed by St Richard. We laid flowers at the chapel as a sign of respect, as it was said that the chapel was the last place St Richard had visited before he passed away in Dover. We learnt that St Richard's body was carried all the way back to where he was born, but for a time his body was kept in the chapel. 

The chapel is very important because it tells us the story of St Richard and St Edmund, how they were friends. St Edmund showed Kindness, Honesty, Love and Respect towards St Richard, which relates to our Gospel Values. 

We also read the St Edmund's Prayer and St Richard's Prayer together in the Chapel.

St Richard's Prayer:

Thanks be to you, Our Lord Jesus Christ,
for all the benefits which you have given us,
for all the pains and insults which you have borne for us.
O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother,
may I know you more clearly,
love you more dearly,
and follow you more nearly, day by day.
Amen.

Year 3 Class Assembly - June 2024

Year 3 led the assembly on Tuesday 11th June, all about Grace and forgiveness. The children organised and led the assembly themselves, writing their own prayers, choosing the song and deciding to link their assembly with the weekly reflection theme of grace. The children acted out the story of the Prodigal son, which can be found in Luke 15, and spoke about how forgiveness and grace is so important. Parents were invited to the assembly and it really reflected and reminded us of our Gospel value of forgiveness. 

"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him."  Luke 15:20

Year 4 and Year 5 Class Assembly - June 2024

Year 4 and 5 led the assembly on Tuesday 4th June, all about Gentleness. The children planned and led the assembly, creating their own art work, learning songs and exploring scripture linked to the weekly reflection theme of Gentleness. The children shared verses from Paul's letters to the Philippians 4: 5-7 sharing gentleness with everyone. They also shared St. Paul's letters to the Galatians 5: 22-23 where he shares the Fruits of the Spirit and how gentleness links with the fruits of the Spirit. They concluded by questioning how the school may show the value of Gentleness and our school value of Kindness.

"Show a gentle attitude towards everyone. The lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God’s Peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus." 

Philippians 4: 5-7

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

Galatians 5: 22-23

Mass for Mary - May 2024

On Friday 3rd May we celebrated Mary with a mass led by Fr Jamie and Year 4 children. During mass we thought about Mary our Mother, who is always ready to help us. Year 4 led the readings, prayers and offertory. At the end of mass we said the Hail Mary together, sang a song for Mary and the children laid flowers for Mary. It was a beautiful service with all classes, staff, parents and governors. 

"And Mary said, my soul magnifies the Lord." Luke 1:46

The Crucifixion Easter assembly - April 2024

Year 5 and 6 shared with us all, the next part of the Easter story, the Crucifixion. It was a beautiful and moving assembly with Year 5 and 6 re telling the story with such respect, telling us about each station with great detail. 

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34

The Last Supper Easter Assembly - April 2024

Year 3 and 4 led the next part of our Easter story, helping us to continue our journey through Lent. Year 3 and 4 told us all about the Last supper and how Jesus shared his final meal with his apostles in Jerusalem. 

"I am the bread of life. He who comes to me shall never hunger." 

John 6:35

Palm Sunday Easter Assembly - April 2024

Year R, 1 and 2 led the first Easter assembly during our Lenten journey, sharing the story of Palm Sunday with the school. The story told us all about Jesus' journey, riding through Jerusalem on a donkey, with branches and leaves being laid down to make a path for the King. 

"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest."

Luke 19:38

Lenten Prayer Breakfast - March 2024

On Friday 15th March, we held our Lenten prayer breakfast and it was lovely to see so many families join us. During the reflection we shared a story called 'The Three Trees.' The story reminds us that God has a plan for each one of us and that God does not just give us what we want but he creates opportunities for us. We shared a prayer and thought about how we can be more like Jesus during Lent.

"Lent comes providentially, to reawaken us." Pope Francis

Mother's Day blessing - March 2024

On Friday 8th March the school invited Fr Bishop to join the celebration assembly. He blessed all the mothers who joined us for that assembly and the children all left with two daffodils to give to their mothers that day or weekend. 

"As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you." Isiah 66:13 

Reconciliation in Lent - March 2024

Children from Year 4, 5 and 6 have taken part in reconciliation with Fr Leo during Lent. It was really lovely as Reconciliation took place in our school chapel. The children thought about what they would like to speak to Fr Leo about and were very respectful. 

 Ordination to the Priesthood of Rev. Andrew Bishop by his Grace Archbishop John Wilson - February 2024

On Friday the 23rd February, the Head teacher and children from St Richard's were invited to come together for the ordination of Andrew Bishop by his Grace Archbishop John Wilson. The Mass of Ordination was a special event where Andrew was surrounded by so many people wishing him well. 

Candlemas - February 2024

On Friday 2nd February, Deacon Andrew came to school to celebrate Candlemas with us. It was a beautiful service led by Year 5. Deacon Andrew told us about the importance of sharing our light with everyone around us and we can do this by using our Gospel values. 

"Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house."

Matthew 5:15

Christingle - December 2023

It was Year 3'S turn to lead the worship for this year's Christingle. Fr John and Deacon Andrew (from both our Parish churches) were present enjoying every moment along with many parents. The children described how the Christingle started and what each part of it represents through readings and songs. It was such a lovely celebration. 

"I am the light that has come into the world so that everyone who believes in me, will not live in the dark." 

John 12:46

Advent Prayer Breakfast - December 2023

On Friday 8th December we invited all of our families in to share an Advent prayer breakfast with us. The morning began with a reflection, all about the Nativity story and how this story is one of hope, humility, love, joy and peace. There was time to sit and reflect quietly and then we enjoyed breakfast together. It was so wonderful to see so many families to attend, we had over 45 families. 

"Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God." Luke 1:30

Blessing of Advent Wreath and Christmas Tree - December 2023

On Monday 4th December Fr John came to school and blessed the Advent Wreath and Christmas Tree. It was so lovely to bless these and Fr had prepared a blessing for each one. 

Advent Mass - December 2023

On the 1st December, we celebrated Advent with a mass with Fr Leo. It was such a lovely way to start the beginning of Advent. Fr Leo told us all about the candles on the advent wreath and what each one represents. He reminded us that Christmas is all about Hope, Peace, Love and Joy. Year 5 led the mass with the readings, prayers and offertory. Parents and governors were invited to our special advent mass. 

All Saints Day Mass - November 2023

The staff and Fr Leo worked closely together to find a way for the children to come together at St Paul's to celebrate All Saint's Day. In the face of the terrible weather being created by Storm Cieran. It was decided that Year 6 would lead the Mass at church whilst the rest of the school would watch it using the live streaming channel. The children worked hard and led events in a considered and thoughtful way.  

Staff and Governors Deanery Mass - October 2023

On Wednesday 18th October, staff, governors and Clergy from the Deanery gathered together for the annual Deanery Mass. Mass took place at our school and was celebrated by Fr John Panario. It was a lovely occasion and so nice to come together to celebrate the work that we all do within our schools. Pupils from St. Edmund's Catholic Secondary School, also sang in the choir which was beautiful.

"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them altogether in perfect unity." Colossians 3:14

Year Three Class Assembly - October 2023

Year 3's class assembly was all about the reflection theme for the week, sharing. The children read the story of Elijah and the Widow, who shared her flour with a starving Elijah, and they also acted out the story. The children sang a song of bringing gifts to the harvest table. They learnt the sign language for 'Joy, Joy, Joy.' The class finished their assembly by sharing their artwork and reading their prayers, thanking God for the world, whilst remembering the importance of sharing with others. What a wonderful message to share!

Harvest Mass - October 2023

On Friday 6th October, we celebrated Harvest, coming together for mass with Fr Leo. During Mass, the children led the prayers and readings and we thought about all that we have and all that we can do to help others. During mass we thought about God's faithfulness in continuing to provide for Humanity. 

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

Class Assembly Year 4 and 5 - September 2023

Year 4 and 5 worked together to produce a wonderful assembly, sung to parents and produced amazing artwork based on their theme of Love.

Staff Blessing for the start of the Year - September 2023

On Wednesday 27th September, staff were invited to gather together for a special blessing led by Fr Emmanuel to mark the start of the year. It was a lovely occasion and so nice to come together to celebrate the work that we all do within our school. 

"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them altogether in perfect unity." Colossians 3:14

Welcome Assembly - September 2023

To welcome our new Reception children into our school family, we gathered together to celebrate our new children. The Year 6 children introduced their new buddies to the school and they lit a children. The candle is a reminder that we are all responsible for keeping their candle burning whilst they are at St. Richard's. It was a wonderful assembly, and our new parents were also welcomed in to our school family.

"Contribute to the needs of God's people and welcome strangers into your home." Romans 12:13

KCSP Welcome Mass - September 2023

On Wednesday 27th September, we took part in the KCSP Welcome Mass at Aylesford Priory, alongside all the other schools in the Trust. The sun was shining and it was wonderful to come together as one family, to pray, reflect and give thanks. 

"Let all that you do, be done in love." 1 Corinthians 16:14

Welcome Back Blessing - September 2023

To celebrate our return to school and the beginning of a new academic year, Fr Leo joined us for our Gospel assembly and gave us all a blessing. It was a lovely start to the year! 

The Lord says "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life." Psalm 32:8

Father's Day Mass - June 2023

On Friday 16th June we celebrated mass together with Samphire class leading the readings and prayers. Fr Jamie and Deacon Barry came to school to celebrate with us and parents were also invited.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son."  John 3:16

Blessing for the New King - May 2023

Fr Leo came into school to share a blessing with us for the new King. We said some prayers together and prayed for the the new King's reign and the life of our nation. 

Mass for Mary - May 2023

On Friday 19th May we celebrated Mary with a mass in school led by Fr Jamie. The mass was beautiful and allowed our community to come together to think about Mary, Our Mother. The Year 6 children led the prayers and readings. The children were invited to bring in flowers to lay beside Mary during the offertory and songs were sung. 

And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." Luke 1:30

Peace Prayer - April 2023

During our Gospel assembly, Hettie wrote this beautiful prayer all about peace. The prayer was written with such thought and care and was shared with the school. 

The story of the crucifixion - March 2023

On Wednesday 29th March Year 5 and 6 retold the story of the crucifixion during a whole school assembly. The assembly really made us think about the events that took place and reflect on how Jesus died to save our sins. 

"It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" Luke 23:44

 The Story of Palm Sunday - March 2023

On Monday 27th March, EYFS and Key Stage 1 told the rest of the school all about the first part of the Easter story, Palm Sunday. Their story telling was amazing and as well as telling the story, songs were sand and prayers were read. 

 “They took branches of palm trees and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” John 12:13

Lenten Prayer Breakfast - March 2023

On Thursday 23rd March, children and parents were invited to school to share in a Lenten Reflection and prayers, as well as having breakfast. It was such a lovely way to start the day, thinking about the Easter story, with around 65 families joining us. 

Donations were made for the Lenten Breakfast and all of the money raised was used to support our chosen charity Cafod.

Mother's Day Mass - March 2023

We invited all our mothers and grandmothers to school for a very special Mother's day mass. Fr Leo came to help celebrate all mothers and it was wonderful to see so many people at mass. The Year 5 class led the prayers and readings. During mass we also remembered Mary, Jesus' mother and mother to all of us. 

Ash Wednesday Mass - February 2023

On Wednesday 22nd of February we celebrated Ash Wednesday as a whole school. Deacon Barry came to school to distribute ashes and celebrate this special day with us. Deacon Barry told us that Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and how Lent is a time for sharing, fasting and praying. 

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."  Psalm 27:14

Year 6 and Year R share Reflection Time - February 2023

During the last week of term three, Year 6 and Year R decided to share reflection time with each other. It was so lovely. The theme for the week was Honesty and when the children were asked what this means to them, this is what they said:

 Honesty means telling things that are true. 

 Honesty means you do not lie. 

 Honesty means you do not make up stories but you say what happens. 

 You can be honest with yourself by being truthful. 

 If someone says "you are perfect", be honest and admit that you are not perfect because no one is. 

 If you argue with your friends, be honest about what happens and admit you might have done something wrong. 

 By sharing our reflection with Castle Class, we can teach our buddies. 

 Our buddies will pass on knowledge when they become Y6 buddies. 

Candlemas - February 2023

On Friday 3rd February we celebrated candlemas with Fr Leo. Each class took their class candles to Fr Leo to be blessed. Candlemas is also known as the celebration of the feast of the presentation of Jesus which can be found in the Gospel of Luke 2:22 - 40. 

"When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him." Luke 2:39

A prayer for Pope Benedict - January 2023

During reflection time, the whole school took a moment to pause and reflect upon the life of Pope Benedict on the day of his funeral. Afterwards, this lovely prayer was written by one of our pupils, who shared it with the whole school. 

Advent Prayer Breakfast - Thursday 8th December 2022

On Thursday 8th December we held our very first Advent Prayer Breakfast and it was lovely. Children and parents were invited to come and share in our Advent reflection and to enjoy breakfast together. It was wonderful to see so many people at this special time.

An advent prayer to share at home:

God of Love, 
Your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us. 
He is a sign of your love. 
Help us walk in that love during the weeks of Advent, 
As we wait and prepare for his coming. 
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior. 

Amen

Celebrating St. Nicholas - Monday 5th December 2022

On Monday 5th December, year 4 told us all about St. Nicholas in a whole school assembly. This was really special and we then knew lots the following day, ready for when we celebrated the feast of St. Nicholas. 

We learnt that St. Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors, travellers, clergy and school children, having devoted his life to serving the less fortunate and those in need. Celebrating St. Nicholas Day offers a time to reflect on that spirit of caring for others by exchanging gifts and surprising loved ones with little unexpected signs that you care!

Advent Mass - Friday 25th November 2022

On Friday 25th November Fr Jamie came into school to celebrate Advent with us. The whole school celebrated together in mass and it was a time to reflect on the meaning of advent. 

Advent is the time we prepare and wait and for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas.

Celebrating Harvest - October 2022

In October we came together to think about and celebrate harvest. The children and staff were invited to donate items to the local food bank, as we thought about the importance of sharing. So many items were donated, such kindness and support from our school community. Fr Geoff came into school to celebrate with us. 

"Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches." Matthew 13:32

Celebrating with our Partnership Schools - September 2022

On Wednesday 28th September pupils from our school attended mass at Aylesford Priory with all of our friends from the Kent Catholic Schools' Partnership. Archbishop John Wilson celebrated mass with us and it was such a beautiful day. Some of our pupils took part in the welcome procession. It was so wonderful to come together with other schools to celebrate the beginning of a new academic year. 

Reflection and Prayer for HM Queen Elizabeth II September 2022

Today, we marked the passing of the Queen with a time of silent reflection in the hall together. The children created a beautiful and thoughtful prayer which was shared with the whole school. 

Lord our Father, 

We thank you for the Queen and everything she has done for us. 

We thank her for her sacrifices and her love for all of us. 

Please bless her and welcome her into the light. 

We pray for her family and ask that you keep them safe.

Amen. 

We hope that some of you may find this prayer useful.

 A Blessing For Our New School Year - September 2022

On Wednesday 7th September, Fr Jeff led a blessing of the school. It was a wonderful moment where the children listened carefully to his message. He showed them a plant from his garden which had some of the flowers in bloom and others still as buds. He told the school it represented the different stages of their learning and that to bloom fully they needed to think carefully about their learning and the opportunities school had to offer. The flower was then laid at the feet of Mary on our alter in the hall. 

Prayer Vigil for the Ukraine Crisis - March 2022

On Tuesday 1st March we had a peaceful and reflective prayer vigil involving St Richard's families and staff. It was a wonderful moment led by Fr Jamie. A prayer was shared (written by Mr Taylor) which had been shared across the KCSP to be used in assemblies in every KCSP school. Afterwards, many families wanted to help those in need and Mr Taylor told us that he had been helping with aid where he lives. Since then families have donated lots of goods. Another member of staff (Miss Jordan) has a brother travelling to the Ukrainian border to share aid collected locally. The school has shared this information and has become a temporary collection site for this delivery. The aim is to send this physical aid on Tuesday 8th March 2022. 

Holy and Gracious God

We pray for the people of Ukraine and the people of Russia; for their countries and their leaders. 

We pray for all those who are afraid; that your everlasting arms hold them in this time of great fear.

We pray for all those who have the power over life and death; that they will choose for all people life, and life in all its fullness. 

We pray for those who chose war; that they will remember that you direct your people to turn our swords into ploughshares and seek for peace. 

We pray for leaders on the world stage; that they are inspired by the wisdom and courage of Christ.

Above all, Lord today we pray for peace for Ukraine.

And we ask this is in the name of your blessed son.

Amen.

Thanksgiving Parish Mass - January 2022

On Sunday 30th January Fr Jeff led a wonderful Thanks Giving Mass for the teachers, Support staff, S.L.T., Grounds staff, K.C.S.P. and Office staff of all the Catholic Schools in the Deanery.  Many staff members and Academic Committee members were present for this thoughtful and touching Mass. It was lovely to come together to give thanks and praise for our schools. 

Thanksgiving Mass - October 2021

On Tuesday 19th October Mrs Huotari, Mr Taylor and 2 of our Year 6 pupils went to St. Simon Stock Secondary School to celebrate mass together with the other 23 schools within our Trust. Whilst the remainder of the school were not able to attend in person, we were able to live stream the event across the school and join in. 

As part of the mass, each school was given a special School Candle to commemorate the celebration. It was a lovely to meet others from the schools in our deanery.

Mary our Mother - May 2021

On Tuesday 11^th May 2021, the children and staff of St. Richard’s celebrated Mary, Our Blessed Mother, with a short prayer service that was streamed live from St. Paul’s Church with Fr. Leo. The children learnt many things about Mary, namely Fr. Leo's key message which was that Mary represents 4 key things to us. She is: Our Mother, Our Model, Our Queen of Heaven and she Shows Us Her Love and Prays for us.

As part of this celebration, all children were invited to bring in fresh flowers that were blessed during the service and then laid with Mary on our school altar, the front office and outside the building. The school was full of beautiful flowers which we thank all of our wonderful families for!

School Prayers

These are the prayers that we say together in School. Why not try saying some at home too.