At The Trinity Catholic School, we warmly welcome families from many different faiths and traditions. As a Catholic school, some aspects of school life include religious language and practices that may be unfamiliar to non-Catholic parents and carers.
Students are encouraged to participate respectfully in school worship but are not expected to practise Catholic beliefs.
This page is designed to explain commonly used terms in clear, everyday language and to help you feel confident about what your child may experience at school.
Worship and Prayer
Celebration of the Word
A “Celebration of the Word” is a short, structured gathering centred on listening and reflecting on the Word of God (the Bible), and are intended to be inclusive, reflective, and accessible to students of all faith backgrounds. They are led each morning by staff and students.
Word of the Week
Each week, we have a different “Word of the Week” that focuses our attention on a single theme for the week. These are based off the Liturgical Seasons (see below) and form the basis for our Celebrations of the Word that week.
Liturgy
The word liturgy refers to a structured act of public worship in the Catholic Church. The most regularly celebrated Liturgy at Trinity is Mass (see below), but there are others such as Ash Wednesday Liturgy.
Mass
Mass is the central act of worship in the Catholic Church and includes readings from the bible, prayers, a homily (short talk) by a priest and holy communion (the sharing of bread and wine). We celebrate Mass at the start and end of the school and have other Masses throughout the year, such as to celebrate Holy Days of Obligation (days we are obliged to go to Mass) and to mark out Retreat Days (one per year group).
People and Places
Priest
A priest is an ordained minister in the Catholic Church who leads Mass and offers spiritual guidance. Priests may visit the school for Masses, liturgies, or special celebrations.
Chaplain
Our Chaplains supports the spiritual and pastoral wellbeing of students and staff. This role focuses on care and community, rather than formal religious instruction. You can find more about our Chaplains here.
Chapel
We’re lucky to have a peaceful chapel in our school, open to all students regardless of their faith.
Catholic Terms
Sacrament
A sacrament is a special religious ceremony in the Catholic Church, such as Baptism, Confirmation, or Holy Communion.
Feast Day
A feast day is a special day in the Church calendar that celebrates an important religious figure or event.
Liturgical Seasons
The Catholic Church follows a yearly cycle called the Church Year (or liturgical year). This calendar helps Catholics reflect on different parts of Jesus’ life and teachings throughout the year.
In school, the Church Year may shape assemblies, prayers, Religious Education lessons, and special events. Families and students are not expected to have prior knowledge of this cycle.
1. Advent (late Nov–Dec)
A time of preparation and reflection leading up to Christmas.
2. Christmas (Dec–early Jan)
Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
3. Lent (Feb–Mar/Apr)
A reflective period focused on self-discipline, generosity, and helping others.
4. Holy Week (week before Easter)
Remembers the final days of Jesus’ life.
5. Easter (Mar/Apr–May)
Celebrates new life and the belief that Jesus rose from the dead.
6. Pentecost (50 days after Easter)
Celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit and is often called the “birthday of the Church.”
7. Ordinary Time (two periods during the year)
Focuses on Jesus’ teachings and everyday Christian living.
