Our Faith Community

At The Willows Catholic Primary School, we are proud to belong to a welcoming community united by faith, friendship and a shared commitment to following Jesus.

Our faith community extends beyond the school gates. Children, staff, parents, governors, parishioners and members of the wider Church all have an important part to play in helping our pupils grow in faith.

By working together, we help children understand that they belong to a much wider family and that each of us has a responsibility to care for others.

Our Parish – The Holy Cross

We are fortunate to have a close relationship with the Parish of the Holy Cross, particularly St John the Evangelist Church, which stands beside our school.

Our parish priest, Father Andrew Broster, is a valued member of our school community. His involvement in school life helps children develop their understanding of the Catholic faith and strengthens the partnership between school and parish.

Throughout the year, classes have opportunities to join parishioners for weekday Mass. We also come together for special Masses, liturgies and celebrations during the Church's year.

These experiences help children appreciate that the Church is a living community of faith, prayer and service.

The school also works in partnership with the parish to support children and families preparing for the Sacraments, recognising the important role these occasions play in their journey of faith.

Families are warmly encouraged to participate in parish life and join the community for Mass.

You can find Mass times and further information on the Parish of the Holy Cross website.

Families Growing Together in Faith

Parents and carers are the first educators of their children in faith, and we value the partnership between home, school and parish.

Throughout the year, we invite families to join us for Masses, class-led Celebrations of the Word, liturgies and other important occasions.

We encourage families to share prayers, talk about the Gospel and help children recognise opportunities to show kindness and compassion in their everyday lives.

We recognise that families have different experiences and relationships with faith. Whether practising Catholics, members of another faith tradition or families without a religious faith, everyone is welcomed and respected within our school community.

Mini Vinnies – Putting Faith into Action

Our Mini Vinnies help children understand that following Jesus means recognising the needs of others and responding with love.

Inspired by St Vincent de Paul and the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society, Mini Vinnies encourage children to put their faith into practice through prayer, service and practical acts of kindness.

Through Mini Vinnies, we are developing opportunities for pupils to identify ways they can help others, support charitable activities and contribute positively to the school and wider community.

This gives children a meaningful voice in our Catholic life and helps them understand that they are never too young to make a difference.

Supporting Our Local and Wider Community

We encourage children to recognise that they belong to several communities: their family, class, school, parish, local area and the worldwide Church.

Through charitable activities, community events and opportunities to help others, children develop an awareness of the needs of people beyond their immediate surroundings.

Catholic Social Teaching guides this work, reminding us of the importance of solidarity, justice, human dignity and care for those who are vulnerable.

We want children to understand that serving others is an important expression of our faith.

Welcoming Everyone

Our commitment to the dignity of every person is also reflected in our work towards becoming a School of Sanctuary.

We teach children that every person is made in the image and likeness of God and deserves to feel safe, welcomed and respected.

Through this work, children develop understanding and compassion for people who have been forced to leave their homes and seek safety elsewhere.

We encourage everyone in our school community to demonstrate welcome through their words and actions.

You can learn more on our School of Sanctuary page.

Part of the Wider Catholic Family

The Willows belongs to the Diocese of Lancaster and is part of the Blessed Edward Bamber Catholic Multi Academy Trust.

These connections strengthen our Catholic identity and offer opportunities to work with other schools, celebrate our shared faith and support one another.

We want children to understand that they belong to a worldwide Church, united by faith in Jesus Christ and called to work for a more loving and just world.

Living Our Faith Together

Our faith community is built on the relationships we share and the actions we take.

When we welcome others, support families, help those in need and celebrate together, we show what it means to belong to a Catholic community.

Together, we strive to make The Willows a place where God's love is known, shared and lived every day.