Temperance – Whole School Prayer Resources

The Becket Way Word of the week – Monster Moments

Monster moments are when we lose our self-control and let emotions govern our behaviour e.g. shout/fight another student, argue with a teacher over a decision (even if it is imperfect).  When we find ourselves in these situations, we need to challenge ourself to not complain and think through the difficulties.  Being able to control or emotions such as anger, embarrassment, jealousy etc is a sign of strength.  The more disciplined you are in doing this the more successful you will be.  Teachers have a role in training your habits so that you can have self-discipline and reduce the number of monster moments.  Our aim is to help shape your character into one that means you are successful.  If you find that you are having a monster moment, it will important that you listen to advice from the adult who will support you in making a positive decision rather than giving into the short term emotion. 

• Share with your tutor group – How can you reduce the number of monster moments? How can you increase your self-control and think through difficulties?
• Incorporate it within your conversation with students during lesson or unstructured time. Include in any roll call that week

This week’s prayer resources were planned by 7R – Thank you!

This week we are praying for:

• We continue to pray for Pope Francis, who is in hospital suffering from critical illness
• We pray for the virtue of temperance
• We pray for peace and compassion across our nations

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

Key Stage Celebration of the Word and Catholic Life Rota:

Monday: Y7 Chapel. Y8 in the Hall

Tuesday: Y9 – Chapel. Y10 in the Hall

Ash Wednesday Services (specific timings TBC in an email to staff)

• Form time – 6th Form COTW in the Chapel and hall
• Period 1 – Year 10 and then Year 8 
• Becket Reads – Year 11
• Period 2 – Year 9 and then Year 7

Thursday: Y11 COTW in the Chapel

Day trip to Wembley London (Sat 15th March) – Final week to sign up!!

Please see or email Ruth or Joe ASAP if you are interested, this week is the final opportunity to sign up and reserve one of the limited tickets that are left!…

We are excited to share that students at The Becket School in years 10, 11, 12 and 13 have the opportunity to attend the UK’s largest National Catholic Youth Event of 2025 “Flame” in the SS Wembley Arena on Saturday 15th March 2025. At this event, Wembley arena will be filled with thousands of young people from across the country, receiving faith-filled music, entertainment and talks from inspiring speakers and musicians in an atmosphere full of joy. This year’s special guests include Bear Grylls, MOBO award winning Guvna B and “The Voice’s” semi finalist in 2021 – Adenike Adewale. 

The cost of the trip to “Flame” is £20! This cost includes coach travel and the event ticket, but not spending money or a packed lunch. We will be traveling by coach with other students and staff from the Our Lady of Lourdes CMAT and everyone will be departing from The Becket School early in the morning on Saturday 15th March and return that evening.

World Book Day Book Cover Competition

World book day is approaching – see the book cover competition poster to get involved and be in with the chance to win a Waterstones voucher… and every entry receives positive points! Enter before 6th March!

We invite you to make the Sign of the Cross. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Today is Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday. Let’s hear all about it from 7R…

We’ll be using our Prayer Journals to think about temperance and Lent.

What do you do excessively in your life?

What will you be giving up or doing extra to show temperance and self-control during Lent?

What are you having on your pancakes tonight? Draw them in your prayer journal!

Loving God,
As we prepare for Lent,
help us to reflect, seek forgiveness,
and share Your love with others.

Amen.

We end our prayer with the sign of the cross,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

We invite you to make the Sign of the Cross. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Today is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent! Some of our chaplaincy team have been working hard to create a Lenten calendar for all staff, students and families to engage in throughout this special season. Each day, there will be new challenges, reflections and missions to complete throughout the season of Lent. The daily reflections will help you to engage with the themes of Lent, different feasts and celebrations that are happening in the church and in the wider world, and the reflections are also there to support your well-being throughout this season.

We hope you enjoy the calendar – remember, Lent is all about making changes that will help prepare our hearts for the celebration of Easter and help bring us closer to God.

Here is your first instalment of our Lenten Calendar…

Next, 7R are going to explain the significance of Ash Wednesday, in a moment you will need your palm leaf sheet, so get that out ready!

We are now in the season of Lent and the Liturgical colour has changed to purple – a colour of penance, preparation and royalty.

Pass your palm leaf around the classroom and write on it how you are going to show temperance this season of Lent…

You could give up sweets or crisps, read every day, go for a walk every day, give up social media… Have a think and pledge to commit to one thing for the season of Lent, to show self control, and become a better version of yourself!

Lord,
As we journey through this season of Lent,
grant us the strength to practice temperance in all things.
Help us to control our desires,
choose wisely,
and make sacrifices that draw us closer to You.
Guide us in using our time, talents, and resources
with care and moderation.
May our actions reflect Your love and bring us peace.
Through Your grace, help us to grow in self-discipline,
and let this season transform us into better versions of ourselves.
Amen.

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

Good morning, have a quick check in of today’s Lenten Challenge…

You can complete today’s Lenten challenge for International Women’s Day by visiting the chapel or atrium at lunchtime today, where postcards will be available to collect for you to write and share with an inspiring woman in your life!

This weekend is International Women’s Day and today (Friday) marks the World Day of Prayer for Women in the Church. In a moment we’ll head over to 7R who will help us to reflect on this awesome day!

But first, let’s make 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.

Now, let’s reflect on the stories of these inspiring women. Discuss with the people in your form:

• Which of the three women—Rosa Parks, Marilyn Blackman, or Mother Teresa—do you find most inspiring?
  Why? What about their stories and actions speaks to you?
• Are there any other women in your life who inspire you?
  Think about the women around you—family members, teachers, friends—who show strength, compassion, or courage in their lives.

You have a mission- over the course of today and the weekend, show your gratitude to one woman in your life! Say thank you to them, or tell them what they mean to you!

Let’s end in prayer….

Loving God, We thank You for the gift of women in our lives, for their courage, wisdom, and love.
Help us to learn from the examples of women like Rosa Parks, Marilyn Blackman, and Mother Teresa, who showed us what it means to stand up for justice, to care for others, and to live with humility and temperance.
May we support and uplift the women around us, recognising their value and striving to create a world where all are treated equally.
Guide us to live with self-discipline, compassion, and a heart full of love for one another, just as the inspiring women we have learned about.
Amen.

We ask Mary, the mother of Jesus and mother of us all, to pray for us and all women, as we say….

Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst 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 end with the sign of the cross,  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

A spiritual meditation and well-being workshop will be available for year 11 during form time prayer this week to support you as you prepare for your mock exams.

Please take some time during today’s or tomorrow’s form time prayer to use this video with students. Before beginning, it may be helpful to create a calm atmosphere by dimming the lights, putting away distractions, and encouraging students to sit comfortably. 

During the mock exam period, we will also be setting up prayer stations in the chapel for Year 11 students to access during some revision slots and break times. These will be voluntary for students and provide a quiet, relaxed space for students to pause, reflect, or pray as they need.