Our School Houses

When thinking about whom to name our houses after we were inspired by the values embodied by the Archangels Michael (Red), Raphael (Green), Uriel (Yellow) and Gabriel (Blue). When the children start their journey at St Catherine’s they are allocated to one of these four houses.  Siblings are allocated to the same house as their brother or sister. We know that the children take great pride in being a member of their house. House stars are awarded to children who have demonstrated positive learning behaviours and followed the gospel values through their words and actions.  At our Celebration Assemblies the house with the most stars for the week are presented with our special ‘Respect’ trophy. This is celebrated weekly in our newsletter.

The existence of archangels and their appearances in faith history are deeply rooted in the sacred writings of the three great monotheistic religions — Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. These celestial beings serve as messengers, protectors, healers, and guides, each with a unique mission and divine attribute. In our school, we strive to embody the virtues of these archangels — courage, truth, healing, wisdom, and divine love — and bring these values into the lives of everyone we encounter.

🛡️ Michael — The Protector

Archangel Michael is traditionally regarded as the first angel created by God and the commander of the heavenly hosts. He is the champion of justice, truth, and divine strength. His name means “Who is like God?” — a rhetorical question that affirms God’s unmatched power.

• Michael is often depicted in scripture and art wielding a flaming sword or spear, standing triumphant over evil forces.
• He is the patron of soldiers, police officers, and all who defend the innocent and uphold justice.
• In the Book of Revelation, Michael leads the battle against the dragon, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
• He offers protection not only physically but also emotionally and spiritually, shielding us from fear, negativity, and temptation.
• When we feel overwhelmed, lost, or in danger, we can call upon Michael to give us courage, clarity, and strength to persevere.

Michael Prayers

 

📣 Gabriel — The Messenger

Gabriel, whose name means “God is my strength,” is the archangel of communication, clarity, and divine messages. He plays a pivotal role in announcing God’s plans to humanity.

• Gabriel appears in the Book of Daniel, explaining visions and prophecies, and later in the New Testament, delivering the news of Christ’s birth to Mary.
• He is also revered in Islam as the angel who revealed the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad.
• Artistic depictions often show Gabriel with a lily (for purity), a trumpet (heralding divine news), or a quill and scroll (representing wisdom and communication).
• Gabriel helps us find our voice, speak our truth, and listen to the whispers of our soul.
• He inspires creativity, supports writers and artists, and encourages us to live authentically and with purpose.

Gabriel Prayers

 

💚 Raphael — The Healer

Archangel Raphael, whose name means “God heals,” is the divine physician and guide of travellers. He brings healing to body, mind, and spirit, and teaches us to embrace joy and love as pathways to wholeness.

• In the Book of Tobit, Raphael disguises himself as a human to guide Tobias on a journey, healing his father’s blindness and protecting him from danger.
• He is the patron of doctors, nurses, healers, and all who care for the sick and suffering.
• Raphael encourages us to seek healing through nature, relationships, and spiritual practices.
• He works alongside Michael to remove fear and emotional blockages that hinder our well-being.
• When we are on a journey — physical or spiritual — Raphael ensures we travel safely and with divine guidance.

Raphael Prayers

 

🔥 Uriel — The Inspirer

Archangel Uriel, whose name means “Light of God,” is the angel of wisdom, illumination, and prophecy. He brings clarity in confusion and comfort in sorrow.

• Uriel is believed to have warned Noah of the coming flood and to have given Adam the book of celestial knowledge.
• He is often depicted holding a flame or a book, symbolizing enlightenment and divine truth.
• Uriel governs the realm of ideas, philosophy, and intellectual pursuits, making him a guide for students, thinkers, and seekers of truth.
• He helps us transform pain into understanding and loss into spiritual growth.
• Uriel’s presence is subtle yet profound — he whispers insights into our hearts and lights the path when we feel lost in darkness.

Through the stories and symbols of these archangels, we are reminded that divine help is always near. Whether we seek protection, guidance, healing, or wisdom, the archangels offer us a spiritual compass to navigate life with faith, hope, and love. Let us honour their presence by living out their virtues in our daily actions and relationships.

Uriel Prayers

Angel of God

Angel of God,
my guardian dear,
to whom God’s love commits me here,
ever this day be at my side,
to light and guard, to rule and guide.
Amen.

Prayer to the Archangels

Heavenly King, You have given us archangels
to assist us during our pilgrimage on earth.
Saint Michael is our protector; we ask him to come to our aid
and protect us from danger.
Saint Gabriel is a messenger of the Good News; we ask him to help me
clearly hear Your voice and to teach us the truth.
Saint Raphael is the healing angel; we ask him to take our needs for
Healing and that of everyone we know.
Saint Uriel is the comforter; we ask him to comfort us in times
of great loss.
Help us, O Lord, to realise more fully the reality of the archangels
and their desire to serve us at St Catherine’s.
Holy angels, pray for us.
Amen