“Witness” – Whole School Prayer Resources

The Becket way word of the week – Diversity

We all want the world to become a better place. For this to happen it is important to understand the lived experiences of people from all kinds of cultures and religious beliefs. In the UK we are lucky enough to live in a society where there are so many people of different races, ethnic groups, and religions. Unfortunately, sometimes these differences are not recognised positively, and this leads to people being discriminated against because of the colour of their skin. This is why it is so important that we stand up to racism by speaking out against it.

One great way we can make the world a happier place is if we learn to acknowledge and appreciate differences between people. The Becket is a place that celebrates our difference because they are what make us strong. The more we recognise and understand the experiences of others the wiser we become.

· Share with your tutor group – What diversity do we have at The Becket? Why is it important to how we do things at The Becket?

The Word of the week is “Witness” and we are in the fifth week of Eastertide – Alleluia!

Thank you to 9P for planning this week’s resources!

This week we are praying for…

• Pope Leo XIV
• Year 11 and year 13 who are continuing their exams

Please keep them in your prayers this week and don’t forget to add any suggestions for prayer intentions to the comments box below!

Collective Worship and Catholic Life Rota

UPDATE – This weeks Celebration of the Word is virtual and can be viewed during Friday form time. On Monday, each form will make something to contribute to the COTW!

There will be a year 9 Briars meeting during form time on Tuesday 20th May. Please come straight to the dining room on Tuesday morning where a register will be taken.

The Year 9 Briars Retreat is taking place after half term from Monday 2nd June – Friday 6th June. If you have not already, please make sure to return your parental consent health forms and behaviour contracts to the office or the chapel as soon as possible.

On Friday during period 1, Fr Evarist will be visiting to celebrate our Edmund House Mass. Mass parts have been sent to Edmund form tutors – please complete these during form time before Friday’s Mass to help our celebration be as special as possible – thank you!

We continue our journey in the season of Eastertide – Alleluia! Please make sure to change your Liturgical colour flipcharts in your form rooms, take down any Lenten posters (calendars) and put your Easter bunting or decorations up!

Let us begin this time of prayer with the sign of our faith, the sign of the cross. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

The word of the week is WITNESS! Let’s head over to Mr Belshaw’s amazing form, 9P, to find out all about it…

Why flowers and Mary? 🌸

May is a special month in the Catholic Church when we honour Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Just as spring brings new life and beauty through flowers, Mary brought Jesus into the world – the source of our hope and salvation.

For centuries, Catholics have offered flowers to Mary in May as a symbol of love, devotion, and thanksgiving. Each bloom represents our prayers and the ways we try to live more like Jesus – something Mary witnessed through her entire life.

---

We are going to prepare a spiritual bouquet… 💐

A spiritual bouquet is a collection of prayers, good deeds, and intentions offered to someone as a gift – in this case, to Mary. Instead of real flowers, we offer the “flowers” of our hearts: our prayers, acts of kindness, hopes, and intentions.

Each form has a bouquet and each of you are invited to contribute to the bouquet…✍️

On your bouquet of flowers, write your petition (prayer), this could be done as a whole class or you could pass around the bouquet so that individuals can write something they wish to pray for. You could write one word or a full paragraph. You could draw or use symbols. Reflect on what you would like Mary to pray with us about…. And we will then offer them up during our May procession later this week which you will see in our virtual COTW.

Think: What would you like Mary to pray with us about?

---

Let us finish by praying together and asking for Mary’s intercession:

🙏 Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

We finish this time of prayer together, by making the Sign of the Cross.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Let us begin this time of prayer with the sign of our faith, the sign of the cross. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Mary is one of the greatest examples of what it means to be a witness to God’s love. She didn’t just say “yes” to God with her words – she lived her whole life for Him, even in the face of fear, uncertainty, and sacrifice.

One of the most powerful ways we see Mary’s witness is through her prayer of praise called the Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55). Mary proclaims this song of praises when she visits her cousin Elizabeth, and her heart overflows with joy because of what God is doing in her life.

“My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour… He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering his mercy…”
— Luke 1:46–55 (The Magnificat)

She praises God for lifting up the lowly, feeding the hungry, and remembering His promise of mercy. Mary’s prayer is the Church’s first act of praise – and it’s deeply connected to the heart of Catholic Social Teaching.

We are going to spend some time listening to the Magnificat (a favourite hymn across our community so you’re welcome to sing along!), as you listen to the hymn, write down key words or sentences from the Magnificat that stand out to you and reflect on the following questions in your prayer journal:

“My soul glorifies the Lord…”
Mary begins with praise, reminding us to notice and thank God for the good in our lives.
✏️ What can you thank God for today?
Examples from 9P – Where have you witnessed someone being loving? (e.g. showing kindness, loyalty, understanding, respect) Where have you witnessed others working hard? (E.g. dinner staff, bus drivers, cleaning and site staff, shop workers, health workers) Where have you witnessed someone doing the right thing? (sticking up for someone in need, smiling and being friendly to others, helping a peer with work)

“He has looked with favour on his lowly servant…”
God sees and values the humble and overlooked.
✏️ When have you felt seen by God or others? Who needs to be noticed today?

“He has brought down rulers… but lifted up the lowly.”
Mary proclaims a world where justice matters and the powerful are challenged.
✏️ Where do you see injustice – and how can you help lift someone up?

“He has filled the hungry with good things…”
God cares for those in need – body and soul.
✏️ How can you help feed the hungry or support those in need this week?

“He has remembered his promise of mercy…”
God is faithful and never forgets His people.
✏️ How have you experienced God’s mercy – and how can you show mercy to others?

Let us pray…

In this month of Mary, let us gather our intentions to the Lord as we pray the Regina Caeli prayer together…

(Choose someone to lead and everyone else can respond where it says all!:…)

Leader: Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia. 
All: For He whom you did merit to bear, alleluia. 

Leader: Has risen, as he said, alleluia. 
All: Pray for us to God, alleluia.

Leader: Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia. 
All: For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia.

Leader: Let us pray…

God of life, you have given joy to the world
by the resurrection of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Through the prayers of his mother, the Virgin Mary,
bring us to the happiness of eternal life.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen

Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Let us begin this time of prayer with the sign of our faith, the sign of the cross. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Let’s think about all the wonderful Mary’s in our lives… And our wonderful May Queen and Mother of the Church… As we take part in 9P’s awesome quiz! Remember to leave your scores in the comments below… We love a nice bit of healthy competition!

QUIZ

Mary, the Mother of Jesus – Quiz

1. How old was Mary when the angel Gabriel came to her?
A) About 30 years old
B) About 15 years old
C) About 25 years old

---

2. How many times is the Hail Mary prayer said in the Rosary?
A) 10
B) 53
C) 50

---

3. What Biblical book does Mary appear in first?
A) Matthew
B) Luke
C) John

---

4. How many Marys are there in the Bible?
A) 3
B) 5
C) 7

---

5. How far did Mary travel to give birth to Jesus?
A) About 80 miles (from Nazareth to Bethlehem)
B) About 10 miles
C) About 150 miles

---

6. What are the last words Mary speaks in the Bible?
A) “Do whatever he tells you.”
B) “Let it be done to me.”
C) “My soul glorifies the Lord.”

---

7. What was the name of Mary’s cousin whose baby jumped for joy in her womb?
A) Ruth
B) Elizabeth
C) Anna

---

8. What are the two months we celebrate Mary in the Catholic Church?
A) May and October
B) December and March
C) April and August

---

9. What is the name of the prayer where we reflect on events in Mary and Jesus’ lives?
A) The Divine Mercy
B) The Rosary
C) The Creed

---

10. Which of the following is a well-known title given to Mary in the Catholic Church?
A) Queen of Heaven
B) Light of the World
C) Saviour of Souls

Let us pray:

Loving God,
Thank You for the gift of Mary,
a faithful witness of Your love and mercy.

She listened to Your call,
said “yes” with courage,
and lived her life with trust and compassion.

Help us to follow her example—
to be kind, humble, and brave in our faith.
May we, like Mary,
carry Jesus in our hearts
and share His love with the world.

Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.
Amen.

We finish our prayer by making the Sign of the Cross…

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Let us begin this time of prayer with the sign of our faith, the sign of the cross. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Last week was Mental Health Awareness Week — a time to stop and reflect on how we’re feeling inside and a reminder to look out for one another in our community.

Sometimes, when we’re anxious, stressed or overwhelmed, it can feel like parts of us are tied up in knots — our stomachs twist, our thoughts tangle, and our hearts feel heavy.

In the Catholic faith, Mary is honoured by many beautiful titles. One of these is Mary, Undoer of Knots.

This title reminds us that when life feels complicated, confusing or painful, we can turn to Mary. She doesn’t take our problems away instantly, but like a gentle mother, she prays with us and for us, asking her Son Jesus to help us find peace and strength.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

---

Today, you will each receive a piece of string.

As you hold it, think quietly about the different areas of your life:

• Your home – is there anything worrying you or someone you love?
• Your relationships – friendships, family, how you treat others?
• Your school life – pressures, worries about exams, or feeling left out?
• Your faith – do you ever feel distant from God or unsure?
• The world – people suffering from war, poverty, or injustice?

For each area where you feel worried or burdened, tie one knot in your string.

This knotted string is a symbol of those concerns – the things you want to pass to Mary to ask for her prayers with. Play some or all of the song below as you have a moment to do this…

We invite you to keep this string in your pocket, pencil case, or bag, and remember that Mary walks with you with these struggles. She sees your knots. And she gently, prayerfully, brings them to Jesus, asking Him to untangle them, one by one.

Now, let us hold one of our knots and say our closing prayer together…

Mary, our mother, Undoer of Knots,

you see the worries we carry in our hearts.
When our lives feel tangled or too heavy to hold,
pray with us, stand beside us, and lead us to Jesus.

Help us to trust that even the tightest knots can be undone
by the gentle hands of love, patience, and prayer.
May we feel your care and remember that we are never alone.

Amen.

Let’s end with the sign of the cross. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.