Catholic identity, charism and mission
Catholic Identity
We promote our Catholic identity through our;
1. Catholic Ethos
We develop our Catholic ethos by integrating our Catholic values and teaching into all aspects of school life.
2. Religious Education
We provide comprehensive religious education that teaches pupils about our beliefs, teachings, and practices regarding the Catholic faith. This includes studying scripture, sacraments, prayer and moral teachings.
Liturgical Celebrations
We have daily collective worship, class and Key Stage liturgies, regular masses and other liturgical celebrations to engage our pupils in worship to deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith and traditions.
Sacramental Preparations.
We support our Sacred Heart catechists assist pupils in preparing for and receiving First Holy Communion. This helps our pupils develop a personal relationship with God to participate fully in the Church’s sacramental life.
Prayer and Reflection
Daily prayer, movements of reflection, meditation and opportunities for spiritual growth are incorporated into the school day. This includes morning, lunchtime, end of the day, spontaneous, traditional prayers and prayerful reflections during Class, Key Stage and Whole School assemblies.
Service and Social Justice
We teach pupils about the importance of serving others and promoting social justice. Pupils engage in acts of charity, participate in community-serving projects and learn about Catholic Social teaching.
Charism
“Catholic charism” refers to the unique spiritual identity and mission that is inspired by the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church. It encompasses the values, beliefs, and practices central to the Catholic faith, which are integrated into the school’s ethos and educational approach.
The Catholic charism at Sacred Heart includes fostering a sense of community, promoting moral and ethical values, providing religious education, participating in prayer and worship and engaging in acts of service and social justice. It aims to nurture the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and physical development of pupils.
Our Catholic charism reflects the core principles of Catholicism and seeks to create an environment where pupils can grow in their faith, develop a strong moral compass, and live out the teachings of Jesus Christ.
We promote charism by integrating our Catholic values into all aspects of school life, providing opportunities for spiritual growth, and fostering a sense of community-centredness
1. Integration of Catholic Values
We infuse Catholic teachings and values throughout the curriculum, creating a learning environment that reflects the charism of the religious order or tradition. This includes incorporating prayer, sacraments, and religious education into daily school life.
2. Emphasis on Spiritual Formation
We prioritise the spiritual formation of our pupils, providing opportunities for prayer, reflection, and participation in Catholic traditions. This helps our pupils develop a personal relationship with God and deepen their understanding of the charism.
3. Role Models/Mentors
Our staff and RE ambassadors serve as role models and mentors for our pupils. The staff provide guidance and support in living out the values and teachings of the Catholic faith.
4. Service and Social Justice:
We encourage our pupils to serve others and actively promote social justice. This aligns with the charism of many religious orders, which emphasises the importance of serving those in need.
The Key Stage 2 children support and play with the younger children as a way of serving others. Year six buddies support our Reception children through their first year at Scared Heart
5. Community Involvement
We foster a sense of community among pupils, parents, staff, and the wider parish community. Our school community helps to strengthen the charism by creating a supportive and faith-filled environment where the values and teachings of the Catholic faith can be lived out.
Catholic Mission
Our mission is to provide a holistic education that nurtures each pupil’s spiritual, intellectual, emotional and physical development. We want our pupils to:
Know our Catholic values;
develop a personal relationship with God;
equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute positively to society.
Foster a sense of community;
Promote social justice;
Prepare to live their faith in the world.
We promote their mission by integrating Catholic teachings and values into all aspects of school life by:
Religious Education
Our RE curriculum teaches pupils about the Catholic faith, including scripture, sacraments, moral teachings, and the life of Jesus Christ. This helps pupils develop a deeper understanding of their faith and its relevance to their lives
Prayer and Worship:
Pupils engage in prayer, worship, and religious traditions. This includes daily prayer, regular Mass or liturgical celebrations, and participation in sacraments such as Reconciliation and Holy Communion. These practices help pupils develop a personal relationship with God and foster a sense of spirituality.
Formation of Character.
We aim to form pupils with strong moral character and values. We teach virtues such as compassion, respect, integrity, and justice, encouraging pupils to apply these values in their interactions and decision-making.
Service and Social Justice.
We have a ‘Call to Serve’ ethos that encourages pupils to engage in acts of service and outreach to those in need. This helps our pupils develop a sense of social responsibility and a commitment to promoting justice and equality in the world.
Community and Faith Formation
We foster a sense of community among pupils, parents, teachers, and staff. We provide our pupils with opportunities to engage in faith formation activities, such as retreats, spiritual guidance, and involvement in parish life. This helps pupils develop a sense of belonging and a supportive network for their spiritual growth.