Prayer & Liturgy at CTK
At Christ the King Catholic High School, prayer and liturgy are central to our identity as a Catholic community. Guided by our mission, “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12), we seek to place Christ at the centre of school life and create opportunities for all members of our community to encounter God through prayer, reflection and worship.
Prayer is woven throughout the school day and forms an important part of our daily life. Through collective worship, assemblies, Services of the Word and the celebration of Mass, students are invited to listen to the Gospel message and reflect on how it can shape their lives, relationships and understanding of the world around them. Rooted in Scripture and the liturgical year, our prayer life helps students journey through the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter, deepening their understanding of the Church and its traditions.
Working closely with Fr Etienne and our local parish community, we celebrate Mass at key points throughout the year, including Holy Days of Obligation and significant moments in the life of the school. Students are also offered opportunities to experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation, participate in prayer and reflection, and engage with the liturgical life of the Church. These experiences help students encounter Christ in meaningful ways and encourage them to develop their own relationship with God.
The liturgical life of the school is enriched through a range of celebrations and charitable initiatives. During Advent, students support our local Foodbank Appeal and gather together for year group assemblies and a whole-school Advent Liturgy. Through music and worship, our students participate in local carol services alongside schools across Preston. During Lent, students take part in the CAFOD Big Lent Walk, fundraising initiatives and opportunities for prayer and reflection, culminating in our Easter Liturgy before the end of term. Through our Saints in Service group, Easter markets and the annual Santa Dash in support of St Catherine’s Hospice, students are encouraged to put faith into action and live out the Gospel values of service and compassion.
Our chapel offers a space for quiet reflection, personal prayer and remembrance, particularly during times of difficulty or bereavement. Each Friday, staff gather in the chapel for worship, coming together in faith through prayer, music and shared reflection. In addition, members of staff meet regularly as part of the staff prayer group to pray the Rosary, share personal intentions and support one another in faith. This shared commitment to prayer helps to strengthen our Catholic community and ensures that all members of our school family know they are valued, supported and held in prayer.
In accordance with the Prayer and Liturgy Directory, we continue to develop opportunities for students to participate more fully in prayer and liturgy and to deepen their understanding of worship within the life of the Church. Through the development of classroom prayer spaces, chaplaincy activities and opportunities for student leadership, we aim to make prayer a visible, meaningful and accessible part of everyday school life.
As we continue to grow our chaplaincy provision, we seek to create meaningful opportunities for students to encounter Christ through prayer, community and service. Through retreats, charitable outreach, chaplaincy initiatives and experiences beyond the classroom, we aim to nurture young people who are resilient, compassionate and confident in their faith, equipped to make a positive contribution to the world around them.
Our aim is that every young person leaves Christ the King knowing that they are loved by God, valued as members of our school community and confident in the role that prayer can play in their lives. Inspired by Christ the King, we seek to form young people who lead with compassion, serve others generously and use their gifts to make a positive difference in the world.
