At St Mary’s, we believe that children should be at the heart of our prayer life. Our Friends in Faith play a special role in helping to nurture the faith of our school community. Jesus’ words, “Let the little children come to me…” (Matthew 19:14), underpins the significance we place on the involvement of our young people in the spiritual development of our pupils.

Friends in Faith are pupils who either volunteer or are selected to take an active role in the prayer and liturgical life of the school. They exemplify our mission, “Love, Listen and Learn” and assist their peers in growing closer to God through various forms of prayer, reflection, and worship. The responsibilities of Friends in Faith encompass several key activities. They help to prepare and lead daily classroom prayer and collective worship, set up and maintain prayer tables and sacred spaces. Moreover, they encourage their fellow students to engage in prayer and reflection.

The importance of the Friends in Faith cannot be overstated. They serve as a reminder that everyone, regardless of age, has a role to play within the life of the Church. In a school that welcomes children from diverse backgrounds and faiths, we celebrate this diversity while respecting each individual's unique manner of prayer and contemplation. Friends in Faith create opportunities for the entire school community to pause, express gratitude, and recognise the presence of God in daily life.

Being a Friend in Faith fosters personal growth. Pupils in this role develop confidence and a sense of responsibility, deepen their understanding of their faith, and cultivate qualities such as compassion, kindness, and respect. They encourage their peers to live out Gospel values each day, thereby contributing positively to the spiritual nature of St Mary’s.

During the month of October, our Friends in Faith met together to learn, pray and teach each other the Rosary. The older Friends of Faith became a buddy with a younger Friend of Faith to help them to Pray the Rosary: