Catholic Life at Bishop Ullathorne
"Do not let anyone treat you as if you are unimportant because you are young. Instead, be an example to the believers with your words, your actions, your love, your faith, and your pure life."
1 Timothy 4:12
At Bishop Ullathorne Catholic School, our faith is the foundation of everything we do. Our mission is:
"To be an active Christian community of love and service where all feel they belong and are valued. We will help each other to recognise the gift of God within us, to search for excellence and foster the development of our true self."
This mission shapes every aspect of school life and reflects our commitment to nurturing the spiritual, moral, intellectual and personal development of every member of our community.
As an active Christian community, we strive to create a culture where everyone feels welcomed, respected and valued. We believe that each person is made in the image and likeness of God and blessed with unique gifts and talents. Through prayer, worship, service and reflection, we encourage our students to recognise these gifts within themselves and others, enabling them to flourish and become the people God calls them to be.
Our school community is guided by the Bishop Ullathorne values, which are rooted in the Gospel and inspire the way we learn, live and grow together:
- Wise and Curious: seeking knowledge, asking questions and developing a deeper understanding of the world and our faith.
- Faith-filled and Prophetic: living out the Gospel message with courage, integrity and a commitment to justice.
- Grateful: recognising God's blessings and responding with thankfulness and generosity.
- Eloquent: finding our voice, expressing ourselves with confidence and using our gifts to serve others.
- Compassionate and Attentive: showing kindness, empathy and care for those around us, especially the most vulnerable.
These values are woven throughout daily life at Bishop Ullathorne and are evident in our relationships, our learning and our service to others.
Catholic Life extends far beyond Religious Education lessons. Students are invited to deepen their faith through daily prayer, Mass, liturgies, retreats, chaplaincy activities and opportunities for leadership and service. Inspired by Catholic Social Teaching, they are encouraged to become thoughtful, compassionate citizens who seek to make a positive difference in their local, national and global communities.
Working closely with families, local parishes and the wider community, we provide opportunities for young people to put faith into action and develop a lifelong commitment to love and service. We are proud to be a welcoming and inclusive community where people of all faiths and backgrounds are respected and encouraged to flourish.
At Bishop Ullathorne, Catholic Life is not simply an aspect of school life. It is the heartbeat of our community, calling each of us to recognise the gift of God within us, to search for excellence and to become our true selves.
Together, we strive to be wise and curious, faith-filled and prophetic, grateful, eloquent, compassionate and attentive, always seeking to be the best we can be for ourselves, for others and for God.
Prayer Services
Prayer is at the heart of daily life at Bishop Ullathorne Catholic School. Every tutor group prays together each day during tutor time using a range of prayer resources, including our school prayer, traditional Catholic prayers, Scripture, and student-led reflections.
Throughout the year, tutor groups have the opportunity to participate in prayer services led by our Lay Chaplain, Lauren, and members of the Chaplaincy Team. These services are rooted in Scripture and encourage students to reflect on their relationship with God, their responsibilities to others, and how they can live out the Gospel in their daily lives.
Students are challenged to put their faith into action through acts of kindness, service, and reflection, helping them to live out our mission and the values of the Ullathorne Way.
Our Chapel is a peaceful and prayerful space at the heart of the school community. It is open throughout the day and is frequently used by students and staff for personal prayer, reflection, liturgies, and pastoral support.
Masses
The Eucharist is central to the life of our school. Throughout the year, Mass is celebrated in accordance with the Liturgical Calendar, marking key feast days, holy days of obligation, and important moments in the life of our school community.
We are grateful for the support of Fr Simon Baker, who regularly celebrates Mass with our students and staff and plays an important role in the spiritual life of the school.
Students have many opportunities to participate actively in Mass through reading, serving, music ministry, offertory processions, and leading prayers.
Year Group Masses
Each year group gathers throughout the year to celebrate Mass together. These celebrations provide opportunities for students to come together in faith, reflect on themes relevant to their stage of life, and deepen their understanding of the Gospel.
Students play an active role in preparing and leading these celebrations through readings, prayer writing, artwork, music, drama, and liturgical leadership. Each Mass is unique and reflects the gifts and talents of the students involved.
Prayer and Liturgy
Prayer and Liturgy form an integral part of daily life at Bishop Ullathorne. Students are encouraged to plan and lead prayer in a variety of settings, including tutor groups, assemblies, year group gatherings, retreats, and Masses.
Our prayer life reflects our mission:
"To be an active Christian community of love and service where all feel they belong and are valued. We will help each other to recognise the gift of God within us, to search for excellence and to use our talents in the service of others."
The values of the Ullathorne Way, being Wise and Curious, Faith-filled and Prophetic, Grateful, Eloquent, Compassionate and Attentive, underpin our approach to prayer, worship, and discipleship.
Retreats
Retreats form an important part of the spiritual journey of our students. Throughout their time at Bishop Ullathorne, students are given opportunities to participate in retreat experiences that encourage prayer, reflection, personal growth, and community building.
Our retreat programme includes opportunities for students to step away from the demands of everyday school life, deepen their faith, explore their relationship with God, and reflect on how they can use their gifts in service of others.
In addition, retreat days are organised within school and are often led by Lauren, our Lay Chaplain, alongside staff and external speakers. These experiences provide valuable opportunities for students to reflect on their faith, wellbeing, relationships, and future aspirations.
Pastoral and Chaplaincy Support
At Bishop Ullathorne, we recognise that young people sometimes face significant challenges in their lives. Our Chaplaincy Team provides pastoral, emotional, and spiritual support to students, offering a listening ear, guidance, and prayerful accompaniment.
Lauren, our Lay Chaplain, works closely with students who may be experiencing bereavement, anxiety, family difficulties, or other personal challenges. Students know that the Chapel is a welcoming and supportive space where they can seek help, prayer, or simply a moment of peace.
Class Masses and Liturgies
Many RE classes and chaplaincy groups have the opportunity to celebrate Mass or participate in smaller liturgical celebrations within the Chapel. These more intimate gatherings allow students to deepen their engagement with the liturgy and develop confidence in leading prayer and worship.
Parish Outreach
As a Catholic school, we are proud of our strong relationships with local parishes. Students regularly take part in parish celebrations and support parish communities through liturgical ministry, fundraising, charitable work, and community events.
These opportunities help students to recognise that they are part of a wider Church family and encourage them to continue their faith journey beyond school.
Community Outreach and Service
Living out Catholic Social Teaching is a central aspect of life at Bishop Ullathorne. Students are given many opportunities to put their faith into action through service to others.
Our school community supports a range of local, national, and international charities throughout the year, particularly during Advent and Lent. These include food bank collections, outreach to care homes, support for vulnerable families, parish projects, and fundraising initiatives such as our annual Lourdes pilgrimage.
Through these experiences, students learn the importance of solidarity, human dignity, and the call to serve others, particularly those most in need.
Chaplaincy and Faith Leadership
Chaplaincy at Bishop Ullathorne is vibrant, inclusive, and student-led. Students are encouraged to become actively involved in shaping the Catholic Life of the school through our Chaplaincy Team, liturgical ministries, fundraising initiatives, retreats, and faith leadership opportunities.
Chaplaincy representatives work closely with Lauren and staff to plan prayer services, support liturgies, lead charitable initiatives, and gather student voice to help develop the spiritual life of the school.
Older students are also encouraged to take part in leadership and service opportunities that help them grow as disciples and role models within our community.