Our Catholic Life
Worship
Each day in school begins and ends with a prayer and of course we pray at other times of the day too. We celebrate worship as a whole school at least once a week and KS1 gather to celebrate worship together, as do KS2. This is led by our class teachers with the support of some of the children. The worship is based around a piece of scripture and we have a value which is displayed around school and which supports our spiritual, personal social and emotional growth. This value is chosen by the children and links with the season of the church.
The children throughout the year plan and lead a worship for their own class, Key Stage or for the whole school. The younger children are supported by the staff but as they grow in both confidence and skill they become independent in doing this.
We come together for Mass at different times of the year. Mass is celebrated regularly in church.
We have a group of children who are trained altar servers and serve in both school and the parish. We also have members of staff who are Eucharistic ministers in church and serve in school and family Masses too.
We also share many Liturgies together during the year, reflecting the church's calendar, such as Christingle.
I am pleased to say that all our Masses and liturgies are very well attended by parents/carers, family members, governors and parishioners who are always most welcome!
Sacramental Programme
The children are able to receive three Sacraments during their time at St. Joseph’s:
- The Sacrament of Reconciliation - Year 3
- First Holy Communion - Year 4
- Confirmation - Year 6
Our school prides itself on strong links between the Parish, school and home. This means that the preparation for these sacraments remains very strong.
Parents are encouraged to attend workshops with their child, in order to be fully involved in the preparation for the Sacraments.
Reconciliation
Year 3 take the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The sacrament of Reconciliation is received by baptised Catholic children at the end of Year 3.
All children in Year 3 are included in the celebration of the sacrament and our inclusive ethos ensures that those children who are not baptised Catholics are enabled to participate as fully as possible in supporting their classmates during the programme.
Year 3 take a step along their Faith Journey, by receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a chance to say sorry to God for the things they have done that have hurt God, others and themselves. When God created man, in his image and likeness, he knew we would make wrong choices so he gave us the gift of Reconciliation so that we have the opportunity to put our wrongs, right and grow closer, to God; following in his ways.
The children will learn the Act of Contrition;
O my God, because you are so good,
I am very sorry that I have sinned against you,
And by the help of your grace, I will try not to sin again.
Holy Communion
As from September 2018, children in Year 4 receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
The children prepare thoroughly for this Sacrament. The preparation takes place during RE lessons and there are also meetings between school, parents, and our parish priest Father Firth.
The children receive Holy Communion after Easter. This sacrament is widely celebrated by the entire school and parish community.
Confirmation
Year 6 children were confirmed by Bishop Marcus at St. Joseph’s along with children from St. Stephen’s parish, Skipton. The children received the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide them in life. Thank you to all involved especially the catechists who prepared the children so well.
Children in Year 6 receive the sacrament of Confirmation. Here they learn to grow in faith whilst considering the role of the Disciple. The Bishop confirms the children, during a moving service.
If you do not attend St Joseph’s Primary School, but you are interested in preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion, Confirmation or would like to know more about the Catholic Faith please come and ask Mrs Hargreaves in school.
Mass
We regularly attend and lead Mass at St Joseph's parish, especially of Feast Days.
Our Leavers' Mass 2025
Catholic Social Teaching
At St. Joseph's CST is embedded into the curriculum. We are called to put our faith into action. CST underpins the essence of our school life. We use CAFOD's CST resources and the mascots to support the children's understanding of the principles. Click on the PDF link above. 
Catholic Social Teaching_at_St__Josephs.pdf
To learn more see links below:
Jubilee Pilgrims of Hope /docs/Jubilee_Year_-_Plan_of_Activities_.pdf
Every 25 years, we have a Jubilee Year. This Jubilee Year is entitled ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ and starts on 24th December 2024 going through to 14th December 2025. Pope Francis has invited us all to celebrate the Jubilee year with, “Deep faith, lively hope and active charity.” The theme of Jubilee 2025 is Hope: the hope that comes from knowing we are loved by God, the hope we can bring to those in most need, and the hope we can bring to our common home, the earth. There will be opportunities for the whole school community to experience the joy of sharing their faith in prayer and worship, and take action together as pilgrims of hope in service to God’s kingdom of love, justice and peace. A Jubilee year is a special year of grace, in which the Catholic Church offers the faithful the possibility of asking for a plenary indulgence – a remission of sins for themselves or deceased loved ones.
/Doors_of_Hope.pdf
Good Shepherd Appeal
Our Mini Vinnies regularly visit Leeds Cathedral to attend the Mini Vinnie Mass and present the Bishop with our donations raised in the Good Shepherd Appeal.
Choir visit - Cravenside
Each class in KS2 have enjoyed Carol Singing in our local community.
Big Walk
All our children enjoyed taking part in the Big Walk. Our Mini Vinnies designed outdoor prayer stations and our parish catechists and some members of the SVP join us to support our pilgrimage. So many parents came to support their family with this wonderful community event This helped raise money for CAFOD and to raise money the Good Shepherd Appeal during Lent. True Faith in action See our Mini Vinnie Page.
CAFOD
St Joseph's regularly supports CAFOD. Mrs Spinner leads assemblies and workshops on Catholic Social Teaching.
Mini Vinnies Penitential Service
Last year, all of KS2 respectfully took part in a Lent Reconciliation Service led by our Mini Vinnies followed by individual confessions with Fr Reid. This year our services, in Advent and Lent, have been led by Fr Philip.
School service of Remembrance
In this special month of November, we pray for all those who have died. Father Phillip came into school and led a prayer service with the children in KS2 . It was a very beautiful and reflective. Five candles were lit from the Pascal Candle, (one for each class)
Service of Remembrance
Service of Remembrance at the cenotaph in Barnoldswick to remember and honour those killed or injured in conflicts around the world. Representatives from school attended the service.
Harvest
Our Mini Vinnies went to church to display all our amazing Harvest donations for West Craven Food Bank.
Thank you to all our families. Your generosity will help so many locally.
Sacrament of the Sick
The Mini Vinnies joined Mass and then served the parish afterwards.
Other Faiths
Within our RE curriculum, each term we learn about other faiths in a special "Other Faiths Week". We also visit other faith's places of worship. Last year, Class 1 and Year one visited the Mosque in Nelson. Year two and Class 3 visited the Gurdwara in Preston. Class 4 and 5 will visit the Hindu Temple in Bradford.
In Autumn term of 2025/26, we learnt about Hinduism. In Spring Term of 2025/26, we learnt about Buddhism.
Stations of the Cross
We visited church to learn about the Stations of the Cross. Father took the children around various areas of church and explained the different stations. The children listened attentively.
Class 4 Assembly - Saints
Class 4 delivered their class assembly about what is means to be a saint. They hosted a quiz about our class saint and told us all about St. Oscar Romero. Thank you to the families who supported this.
Class 5 Assembly - the start of Advent
Class 5 led Celebration of the Word at the start of Advent, spreading the message of Hope.
Class 5 Assembly - Respect
Last year, Class 5 delivered the whole school assembly on the virtue of 'Respect'. They planned it and decided each reading and prayer. Well done Class 5!
Shoebox Appeal
The school listened to an assembly for the Shoebox Appeal. Families then collected items to send to families in Ukraine.
Class Charities
Each class, has a nominated charity, which the children have worked together and selected. Each class has a special charity event to raise money. In Lent, each class puts any spare change in their Class money box.
Last year, each class had to pitch ideas for a Class Charity and sponsorship event, putting our faith into actions. Class 5 worked in teams to create presentations to pitch to the class.
Mini Vinnie Food Bank Appeal
Each month of 2026, a class has been actioned by the Mini Vinnies to fill a box for the Food Bank.
In February, Class 5 filled their box. They visited the Food Bank with Mr and Mrs Lucas to see the amazing work they do and fill some boxes!
Rosary
The Mini Vinnies regularly open the prayer room and invite the school to pray the Rosary, especially during the months of May and October and most recently for Pope Francis.
Reconciliation for Advent
Class 4 and 5 took part in a Penitential Service as part of our preparations in Advent. Thank you to our Mini Vinnies who led us in reflection.
Outdoor Liturgy
We held a liturgy for Mary in the month of May. It was well attended by parents and catechists from the Parish. Children brought flowers from home to crown our Mary statue. We processed around her as a school. It was a beautiful liturgy.
Altar Servers
Children in Key Stage 2 have the opportunity to train to become altar servers .
Our Prayer Garden
Classes regularly use our beautiful prayer garden within the class worships.
Class 3 added lovely prayer flowers to our prayer garden to begin Spring.
Class 1 Prayer Bags
Throughout the Liturgical Year, Class 1 have the opportunity to take home a prayer bag to use with their families at home.
Class 1 worship with our buddies
Each week, 2 Reception children write invitations to their Buddy in Class to invite them to their Child-Led worship.
Class 1 Family Worshop
Class 1 had a 'Stay and Pray' session with families, allowing families to join together in their Class Celebration of the Word.
Parish Partnership - Our Christmas Fayre
Our parish and school family joined together for a Christmas day of fun!
Advent/Christmas/Epiphany
Class 5 joined schools across the country in a Carol Service with Mark 10 Mission.
School joined together in celebration and Advent and upcoming Christmas festivities with a Mass and school carol service.
Fr O'Reily led our Epiphany mass in school this year.
Year 6 Retreat
Our Year 6s joined members of the Parish for a retreat day to finish their journey at St Joseph's, themed around Class 5's Saint and their journey of faith.
September Staff Retreat
Our school year began with staff coming together in Threshfield for a staff retreat.
