The end of August ushers in the beginning of the school year for many, and we are reminded to pray for our children and for their studies throughout the upcoming year. As a mother with two in college, one in high school, and three more being taught at home, I have much to pray for, including myself and all their teachers. The following are prayers to begin a school year.
PRAYER FOR A NEW SCHOOL YEAR
“God of wisdom and might, we praise you for the wonder of our being, for mind, body, and spirit. Be with our children as they begin a new school year. Bless them and their teachers and staff. Give them the strength and grace as their bodies grow; wisdom and knowledge to their minds as they search for understanding; and peace and zeal to their hearts. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
PRAYER FOR STUDENTS
It is a beautiful and charitable thing to pray for all students. Pray for your children, and for other people’s children. Here is a wonderful prayer for students.
“Lord, Our God, in your wisdom and love you surround us with the mysteries of the universe. Send your spirit upon these students and fill them with your wisdom and blessings. Grant that they may devote themselves to their studies and draw ever closer to You, the source of all knowledge. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
GUARDIAN ANGEL PRAYER
Most of us know the Guardian Angel Prayer by heart. Some of us have prayed it every morning (or every night) with our parents. It is a short prayer, and is very easy for children to memorize. If your kids don’t know it yet, maybe you could teach it to them this year!
“Angel of God, my guardian dear; to whom God’s love commits me here. Ever this day be at my side, to light, to guard, to rule, to guide. Amen.”
A PRAYER FOR TEACHERS
Teachers have a great responsibility, and they need our prayers, too. Remember to pray for those who instruct your children! If you are a homeschooling mom, you can pray this prayer for yourself and for the other homeschooling moms that you know.
“Lord God, your spirit of wisdom fills the earth and teaches us in your ways. Look upon these teachers. Let them strive to share their knowledge with gentle patience and endeavor always to bring the truth to eager minds. Grant that we may follow Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, forever and ever.”
Do you pray for your kids in a special way as they begin a new school year?
Was it helpful to know that there are special prayers like this out there?
Share your thoughts with us! We want to hear from you.
______________
This article has been updated and was originally published in August 2016. © The Catholic Company
www.catholiccompany.com
The prayers below are freely available for non-profit evangelization purposes. Please use and adapt them as you see fit.
Follow on Twitter: @Tonycos123
RCCDSB Board Prayer
NEW: RCCDSB 2018-19 Board Theme Prayer, Reverencing the Dignity of the Whole Person
NEW: What Makes an Effective Prayer Service?
(One page overview of how to put together an effective prayer service for use in our Catholic schools. Explains individual parts with helpful diagram to illustrate how they fit together.)
NEW: School Mass Planning Template
(Recommended for staff members planning school Masses, adapted from template in EOCCC’s Curriculum Support for Catholic Schools)
August
NEW: RCCDSB Summer Institute 2018 Opening Prayer
(Theme: Reverencing the Dignity of the Whole Person, with adult faith reflection on ACBO pastoral letter, Renewing the Promise. Easily adapted for use on other occasions)
September
School/Parish Mass Resources
NEW: School Mass Planning Sheet
(Will be helpful for staff members organizing school Masses)Prayer Responses for Weekday Masses
(Printable single page with responses for parts of the weekday Mass. Helpful for student and staff review at beginning of year.)Simplified Overview of the Mass(One page reference sheet outlining major parts of the Mass and what they mean. Will be useful for classroom and adult use.)
School Prayer Services
NEW: Orange Shirt Week School Morning Announcements & Prayers: Sept 25-29, 2017
(A week of announcements, prayers, reflections and links to prepare for Orange Shirt Day as a follow-up to Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission).
NEW: Prayer Service to Begin a New School Year
(Suitable for elementary . Strong emphasis on welcoming, friendship and kindness as students begin a new school year)
NEW: Catholic Education Week Daily Prayers for First Week of School (RCCDSB-adapted resource contains short daily prayers for elementary and secondary based on 2018 theme, Fulfilling the Promise and daily sub-themes. Also includes suggested music, readings and planning sheet for Eucharistic celebrations)
Prayer Service to Invoke the Holy Spirit at the Beginning of a School Year
Prayer Service for Peace (Can be used as commemoration of September 11th or Remembrance Day)
Back to School Prayers from blog of Fr. Austin Fleming (Archd. of Boston):
• A Student’s Prayer
• A Parent’s Prayer for Students
• A Teacher’s Prayer
• A Parent’s Prayer When a Daughter Leaves Home
• A Parent’s Prayer When a Son Leaves Home
Intentions for Opening School MassStaff Prayer Services
NEW: Embracing Change, Anchored in Christ (Staff prayer service at the start of a new school year)
NEW: Re-Proclaiming our Distinctiveness With Warmth, Hospitality, Good Humour and Joy
(Originally composed for inaugural leadership team meeting, easily adapted for staff use)
Integrating the Catholic Faith Through Critical Analysis of the Arts, Media and Technology
(Prayer for Catholic Educators to begin school year, focusing on integrating Catholic faith through a critical analysis of the arts, media & technology)
A New Year of Leading and Serving (Prayer service for leaders in Catholic schools at the beginning of a new calendar year – easily adapted for new school year)
New Employee Orientation Opening Prayer (Easily adapted as staff prayer to begin new school year)
Staff Prayer to Invoke the Holy Spirit (For the Start of a New School Year)
Additional Staff Prayers on Prayers-By-Theme Page, see Professional Activity Prayer Services, Teacher Orientation, Inservice and Leadership Prayers
October
Fatima 100th Anniversary
Friday October 13th is the 100th anniversary of the final apparition of Our Lady of Fatima to the three shepherd children Jacinta, Francisco and Lucia.
Fatima 100 Year Anniversary Morning Prayers: Wed Oct 11, Thurs Oct 12, Fri Oct 13, 2017 (Each day briefly recounts events leading up to and including Fatima apparitions, their messages, Miracle of the Sun, and finishes with a prayer.)
Some links:
ETWN 100 Years of Fatima Website (Good overview of messages, theological interpretation, photo gallery)
The Meaning of Fatima, 100 Years Later (Our Sunday Visitor – very good overview of apparitions, messages, Church response)
Fatima’s Final Visions (OSV, looks at the October 13th apparition, Miracle of the Sun, final message)
prayers to consider using with school and staff:
New: Following Jesus With Mary (Prayer service to open a PA Day, PLC or staff meeting. Reflects on the role of Mary in early Church and in our lives.)
Prayer to Our Lady Before a Staff MeetingPrayer to Mary, Mother of Hope (From prayer in Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Exhortation, Jesus Christ Alive in His Church, the Source of Hope for Europe , 2003)
Marian Prayers
(Classic, papal, litany, novena and other Marian prayers from University of Dayton Mary Prayer Page)
Rosary
Printable Colouring Sheet: How to Say the Rosary
(From coloringhome.com website)
Pinterest: The Rosary for Kids
Living Rosary Outline with Joyful Mysteries
Living Rosary Outline with Sorrowful MysteriesLiving Rosary Outline with Glorious MysteriesLiving Rosary Outline with Mysteries of Light Mysteries of the Rosary for Youth
(By Deacon Doug McManaman)
Teaching the Rosary to High School Students (From Engagingfaith.blogspot.com Practical advice for teaching the Rosary, with helpful links resources related to Mary)
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day Prayer ServiceThanksgiving Blessing (for inclusion in prayer service) by Teresa Cosentino, PVNCDSB)
Catholic Catechist Thanksgiving prayers and resourcesThanksgiving ideas from Catholicmom.com
St. Marguerite D’Youville
St. Marguerite D’Youville Feast Day School Morning Announcement
(Feast day of St. Marguerite October 16, 2017)
Kateri Tekakwitha (Canonization October 21, 2012)
See Kateri Tekakwitha Resource Page for prayers, classroom activities, stories etc.,
New: All Hallows Eve, All Saints and All Souls: Morning Announcements
(Explains each day’s significance, with short reading, reflection question and prayer. Suitable for elementary and secondary use)
November
Feasts of All Saints and All Souls
New: All Hallows Eve, All Saints and All Souls: Morning Announcements
(Explains each day’s significance, with short reading, reflection question and prayer. Suitable for elementary and secondary use)
Prayer Service for All Souls and All Saints
Heaven, Hell and Purgatory in the Catechism of the Catholic Church
(Good reference for what the Church teaches for when questions related to All Saints and All Souls arise. Some nuance and simplification may be needed)
Related Links:
New: Halloween, All Saints and All Souls Classroom Activities & Crafts
(From Katie Bogner’s Looktohimandberadiant blog)
New: Saints Colouring Pages
(Google image search)
Saints Colouring Pages and Resources
(4catholiceducators.com – Always an excellent place for resources)
Printable Saints Colouring Pages
(from Catholicplayground.com)
More Printable Saints Colouring Pages
(Listed in alphabetical order at coloringsaints.org)
St. John XXIII Colouring Page
St. John Paul II Colouring PagesSPQN Resources on Saints
(Great links to information on saints of all kinds)
Catholic Catechist.org Prayers and Activities
Questions and Answers on Saints and Sainthood from St. Anthony Messenger Press
Remembrance Day
Prayer Service For Remembrance Day (best suited to secondary school and adults)
Remembrance Day Prayer Service (best suited to secondary school and adults)
Remembrance Day Prayer (Short prayer that can be used with announcements or as part of prayer service)
Prayer Service for Peace (Can be used as commemoration of September 11th or Remembrance Day)
Reflection on Peace
Veterans’ Affairs Canada Teachers’ Resources Page
Planning Template for School Remembrance Day Service
(Template from EOCCC resource, Curriculum Support for Catholic Schools)
Bullying Awareness Week 2016
RCCDSB Resource Package, Reverencing the Dignity of All
Restorative Justice Week 2013: “Inspiring Innovation” (Nov 17th-24th)
Correctional Services Canada Restorative Justice Web PortalChurch Council on Justice and Corrections Services Resources (See Prayers and Theological Reflections for a helpful prayer service – dated 2010 but still current)
Advent-Christmas
RCCDSB Resources
Prayers from Revised Translation of the Order of Mass
(Printable 2-sided flyer, easy reference sheet for students & staff)
– School Prayer Services
New: Advent Prayer Service
(Prayer Service For Schools, updated 2017)
New: Week 3 Advent Celebration: Joy
(Prayer service for schools to celebrate the thrid week of Advent)
New: Prayer to Open a Christmas Concert
(Short prayer that can be led by a student before start of concert)
Advent Prayer Service: Listening in the Light of Christ
(Adapted from Catholic Education Week 2012 Advance Kit)
Advent Wreath Candle Lighting Prayer (Loyola Press website)
– Handouts
Advent Wreath Handout (One page handout explaining the Advent wreath, the meaning of its symbols and colours)
Wish List for Christmas and Easter (Classroom exercise for students of all ages by John Artymko, St. John Bosco Catholic School, Barry’s Bay)
– Staff Prayer Services & Reflections
Expectant Waiting in Joyful Hope (Advent Prayer Service for Staff )
Adult Advent Prayer ServiceHistory, Mystery & Majesty Advent Staff Reflection Guide
We Who Believe: Growing in Adult Faith, Advent Reflection Exercises (EOCCC, 2013. See pages 1-10: Hope in Advent, Peace in Advent, Joy in Advent, Love in Advent)
– Music: Advent Counterpoint (Printable sheet music for a simple three-part Advent counterpoint for class/assembly/prayer service/Christmas concert. Hint: try teaching the three parts to three distinct groups. Have the first group run through once; as they begin the second time, have the second voices come in and sing it through; on the third time through, bring the third group in, and have all three groups sing the piece together 5 or 6 times. You just need a good leader to keep all 3 groups on track.)
Lyrics to Favourite Advent Hymns (From Domestic-church.com)
Catholic Advent Favourites:
– As He Comes, The Virgin’s Son (CBW III 301)
– Come Thou Long Expected JesusVersion set to Alleluia, Sing to JesusAnother version (different tune)– O Come Divine Messiah (CBW III 310)
– O Come, O Come Emmanuel (CBW III 312)
– On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry (CBW III 351)
– People Look East
Organ setting
Downloadable Classroom Activity & School Prayer Resources
New: Advent and Christmas Activities & Resources from Katie Bogner’s Looktohimandberadiant blog
(Great classroom-friendly resources)
Nativity Coloring Pages
(From Clipartwizard.com. Lots of downloadable colouring pages related to Nativity theme)
Advent Resources for Your Family (By Lisa Hendey, Catholic.net)
Christmas Around the World
(Lesson planning article from education-world.com on how Christmas is celebrated in countries throughout the world. Lots of links to interesting information for young people.)
Advent: Dates, Traditions and History
(By Holly Hartman)
Advent Wreath Craft | Christmas
(Bible Preschool Lesson Plan, Printable Activities)
Advent Wreath Colouring Page (From Domestic-church.com)
The Advent Wreath
(By Catherine Fournier, Domestic-Church.com)
Making Advent Wreaths
(By Catherine Fournier, Domestic-Church.com)
CatholicMom.com Advent Resources
(Lots of helpful resources and links here!)
Advent Resources and Activities from Resources for Catholic Education Website (Great resources and activities posted by Gilles Cote)
Our Sunday Visitor Advent Reflection Articles (Geared toward adults/adult faith reflection)
St. Anthony Messenger Press Resources and InformationDLTK’s Online Christmas Activities & Resources (Printable colouring pages, craft ideas and classroom resources)
Advent-Christmas-Epiphany Clip ArtCCCB Resources
ADVENT: JOY and HOPE We look forward to the coming of Jesus (CCCB National Liturgy Office)
The Celebration of Christmas Masses (History and guidelines for Christmas Mass Liturgy. CCCB National Liturgy Office)
U.S. Bishops
Blessing of Advent Wreath (From Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers, USCCB)
Various Advent Resources, Blessings, Reflections and Prayers from US BishopsFrench Language Resources: Avent / Noël – 2017
(Ressources excellentes de l’Office provincial de l’éducation de la foi catholique de l’Ontario )
Trousses d’animation pour l’élémentaire et le secondaire
January
January – Serving in the Love of Christ: Serving With Humility
(Adapted from Catholic Education Week Advance Kit. Suitable for school assembly or classroom prayer; for opening school council, staff, trustee, parent meeting or as adult faith reflection)
A New Year of Leading and Serving
(Prayer service for leaders in Catholic schools at the beginning of a new calendar year)
Brother André Resources (Feast Jan 6, 2014)
Classroom Reflection and Prayer With Brother André’s Life Story
St. Andre Bessette Colouring Page
(By Mary MacArthur, www.snowflakeclockwork.blogspot.ca)
Link to St. Joseph’s OratoryDigital presentation on Oratory and Brother André
(excellent for classrooms with smart boards)
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
(Sunday Jan 19th to Sunday Jan 26th, Christians across Canada celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity).
RCCDSB Adapted Daily School Announcements Additional resources:
International Resources on Vatican Website
February
St. Valentinus and Valentine’s Day Activities
(February 14th, 2018 falls on Ash Wednesday. Many Catholic schools are holding their Valentine’s Day activities Tuesday February 13th, and celebrating Ash Wednesday on the 14th. Here are some links related to the martyr St. Valentinus, and Valentine’s day-related colouring and crafts activities for children.)
NEW: St. Valentine, the Real Story
(700 Club: Father Frank O’Gara of Whitefriars Street Church in Dublin, Ireland, tells the real story of the man behind the holiday—St. Valentine.)
Valentine’s Gift Heart
Valentine’s Gift Heart (Larger Version)
(Printable craft activity with a cutout valentine with a line for recipient’s name, and caption that says “Receive the ________ of Christ.” The giver can fill in with a word like “love” or “peace” or “joy.” Shared by RCCDSB teachers Dana Cotnam and Mandy Cotnam)
Little Owl Love Valentine’s Lunch Bag Decoration Activity(From Katie Bogner’s Looktohimandberadiant blog)
A Friend Loves at All Times Printable Valentine’s Colouring Page(From Katie Bogner’s Looktohimandberadiant blog)
Before My Eyes Valentine’s Colouring Page(From Katie Bogner’s Looktohimandberadiant blog)Catholic.org’s Catholic Online Saints and AngelsCatholic Forum: St. Valentine of Rome
Danielle’s Place Valentines Day Crafts for Kids
Valentine’s Day Printables
More Printable Activities
March
St. Patrick
Printable Christian St. Patrick’s Day Craft Activities
Images, BLMs, Activities for St. Patrick’s Day on Printerest
St. Patrick’s Breastplate Prayer
(Printable colouring sheet from Katie Bogner’s looktohimandberadiant blog)
St. Patrick: His Life and Online Articles from Franciscan Media
Video: Life of St. Patrick from Catholic Saints Online
Video: St. Patrick – The Irish Legend (Fox Family Entertainment. Well done feature length movie on the life of St. Patrick. Not recommended for primary-junior aged students)
Lent
RCCDSB Resources
Music
Hymn Suggestions for Lent
(Well-known, traditional hymns for use in school prayer services and Eucharist)
Prayer Services: Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday Prayer Service
Lent: A Time for Justice(Suitable for secondary level students, staff prayer)Adult Ash Wednesday Prayer Service(Suitable for Secondary level and staff prayer)Preparing for Lent Prayer Service(Suitable for adult, staff use)
Prayer Services: Stations of the Cross
Stations of the Cross for Young Followers of Jesus
(Primarily Elementary Use)
Classroom ResourcesStations of the Cross Art & Prayer Booklet(Printable personalized booklet with windows for students to draw stations. Suitable as a prayer service and as Lenten Visual Art activity)My Lenten Calendar(Downloadable Ash Wednesday to Easter calendar for helping students understand the meaning of Lent. Each day, students are invited to colour a square and record for their personal Lenten observances: – to be helpful, – to be kind , – as a sacrifice . Can be modified to suit class needs.)
ReflectionsLent: A Season of Grace (Reflection on Lent, Primarily for Adults/Staff, suitable for use with secondary and senior elementary)
The Chrism Mass, its Symbols and Their Meaning (Resource for teachers; suitable for use with senior elementary, secondary and staff)
External Links
Pope Francis
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR LENT 2018
(“Because of the increase of iniquity, the love of many will grow cold” )
CCCB
Celebrating the Season of Lent
(Explains significance of Lenten practices, liturgies and their historical roots)
Classroom Resources
Lent: Ideas for 40 Days – Katie Bogner’s Looktohimandberadiant Blog(Lots of solid and creative downloadable/printable resources from this religious educator) Lenten Activites for Children from Catholic Mom.com
(Great resources for teachers and parents!)
Lent for Little Ones (4 weekly activities for young children during Lent from domestic-church.com)
Links to Lent Resources and Activities (From Michel Coté’s Catholicfaitheducation.blogspot.com site – great selection, lots for teachers and parents to browse)
Images: Catholic School Bulletin Boards for Lent (Google Images
Images: Catholic School Bulletin Boards for Lent (Pinterest)
Lenten Activities for Kids (Pinterest)
Lenten Activities for Children (Catholicicing.com)
Lenten Activities for Children (Loyola Press)(Provides suggestions to help make Lent more meaningful for elementary students in each division)The Religion Teacher Lent Activities
(Many links to resources to use with students of all ages through the Lenten season)Secondary Student/Adult Faith ResourcesMESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR LENT 2018(“Because of the increase of iniquity, the love of many will grow cold” )
Lent & Easter
(Collection of recent articles on Lenten practices and traditions, from Franciscan Media)
Sunday Soundbites from Franciscan Media (90 second homily based on each Sunday’s readings, by Franciscan Fr. Greg Friedman)
Lent in 3 Minutes (New)(Busted Halo Video)25 Great Things You Can Do for Lent (Besides giving up chocolate)
(Busted Halo article)The Religion Teacher Lent Activities
(Many links to resources to use with students of all ages through the Lenten season)Catholic-Pages.com Lenten Resource Directory
(A dated, but helpful directory of links to resources for teachers and and information on Lenten prayer, customs and their history. Includes writings by Noted Catholic authors, and audio files for online listening)Stations of the Cross in MP3(Pope John Paul II’s reflections on the Stations. Very clear, not too long, and well-done. Can be burned to a CD and played for a school/classroom)Charitable Organizations
Chalice
(Chalice is a Catholic sponsorship organization that provides food, clothing, access to health care to children and assists their families in the developing world)Pontifical Mission Societies – Formerly Holy Childhood Association
HCA Video Gallery
Catholic Missions in Canada
(Formerly, the Catholic Church Extension Society)
Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA)
(Papal agency for humanitarian and pastoral support)
Renfrew County Child Poverty Action Network (RCPAN)
Canadian Foodgrains Bank Lenten Worship Resources
(Ecumenical resources emphasizing biblical justice for the poor and hungry, through prayer and suggested action)
Holy Week & Easter Triduum
RCCDSB Resources
Holy Week School Mass Introduction and Prayer Intentions
(Suitable for elementary or secondary school use)Stations of the Cross for Young Followers of Jesus(Primarily Elementary Use)Stations of the Cross Art & Prayer Booklet(Printable personalized booklet with windows for students to draw stations. Suitable as a prayer service and as Lenten Visual Art activity)Holy Thursday Prayer Service(Suitable for elementary or secondary school use)The Chrism Mass, its Symbols and Their Meaning(A resource for teachers; suitable for use with senior elementary, secondary and staff)Wish List for Christmas and Easter
(Classroom exercise for students of all ages)Online Resources
NEW: Holy Week Reflection Resources (From Loyola Press website)
NEW: Holy Week Printables on Pinterest
(A word of prudence – there are so many resources here. Please review content of those you wish to hand out out to make sure they accurately convey the spirit and meaning of Holy Week)Paper Plate Easter Basket
(Classroom art activity by Colleen and Darcy Hammond, Domestic Church.com)Holy Week Activities, Projects, Devotions for Children
(CatholicMom.com)Holy Week & Easter Clipart
(from Hermanoleon.org)Images of Shroud of TurinResources to Prepare for Holy Week and Celebrate the Sacraments(US Catholic Bishops)
Easter
Octave of Easter Prayer Service for Catholic Educators
(Prayer service for administrative leaders, easily adapted for other staff or school-wide use)
NEW: Easter – 50 Days to Celebrate Classroom Resources (Another great collection of classroom-friendly resources from Katie Bogner’s looktohimandberadiant blog)
Easter Resources for Children’s Ministry
(Classroom-ready crafts, colouring pages, activities downloadable from ministry-to-children.com)
Easter Colouring Pages
(From Clipartwizard.com)
Easter to Pentecost
(Seasonal feature from St. Anthony Messenger Press with articles, sound bites and video)
Paper Plate Easter Basket
(Classroom art activity by Colleen and Darcy Hammond, Domestic Church.com)
Holy Week & Easter Clipart
(from Hermanoleon.org)
Easter Vocabulary Flash Cards (Pinterest collection of various Easter-related flash cards)
Divine Mercy (1st Sunday after Easter)
See our Divine Mercy Page for downloadable children’s colouring pages, links to videos and more information on the Divine Mercy Chaplet prayer.
NEW: Living God’s Mercy
(Prayer highlighting our call to be the merciful hands and feet of Jesus. Suitable for elementary and secondary use.)
EWTN Introduction and Resources
Divine Mercy Chaplet Instructions
Divne Mercy Colouring Pages and Word Search for Kids
St. Kateri Tekakwitha Memorial: April 17
Resources to help schools celebrate the feast day of St. Kateri can be found at our Kateri Tekakwitha Page.
(Note: In the Canadian liturgical calendar, The Memorial of St. Kateri falls on April 17th. In the American liturgical calendar, the Memorial of St. Kateri falls on July 14th).
Earth Day
Earth Day Prayer from Appleseeds.org
(Suitable as part of classroom/school prayer service. Just add: “We make this prayer to You through Christ, our Lord. Amen”)
Catholic Character Theme: Stewardship(Scripture quotes, and many links to online resources from Catholic character development resource, Our Language, Our Story)St. Francis and the Birth of Earth Day(Provides a short history of Earth Day, uses St. Francis’ Peace Prayer)Stewardship Prayer Service(RCCDSB Prayer Service)Environment, Environmental StewardshipCatechism of the Catholic Church No 279-324 See also Catechism of the Catholic Church No. 325-354Compendium on Social Doctrine of the Church. Chapter 10 Safeguarding The EnvironmentTen Commandments for the Environment
(Summarized from Compendium for Social Doctrine of the Church by Bishop Giampaolo Crepaldi, Secretary of Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace)RCCDSB Stewardship Resource: 10 Guiding Principles for the Environment (From the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church)
17 x 11 Colour Poster (PDF)
8.5 x 11 Colour (PDF)Catholic Social Teaching Themes
Catholic Social Teaching – Key Principles Reference Sheet(Succinctly outlines key principles – suitable for classroom display or as reference guide when developing Catholic curriculum)Catholic Social Teaching – Key Principles Pamphlet(4- page reference pamphlet with succinct definition, scripture & Church teaching references, brief explanation of each CST theme)Catholic Social Teaching – Key Principles Booklet
*Additional Resources on the environment can be found on Religious Education/Social Justice Page under “Justice Resources & Links/The Environment, Environmental Stewardship”
NEW: Catholic Education Week 2019
OCSTA Announcements
June 18/18 Memo With 2019 Theme and Daily Sub-Themes
Catholic Education: Living as Joyful Disciples/L’éducation catholique: vivre en disciples joyeux
Monday: Rooted in Prayer/Enracinés dans la prière
Tuesday: Living in Community/Vivre au Coeur de la communauté
Wednesday: Doing Justice and Creating Hope/Semer la justice et inspirer l’espérance
Thursday: Journeying Together in Faith/Cheminer ensemble dans la foi
Friday: Sharing the Good News/Partager la bonne nouvelle
Catholic Education Week 2018
Dates: Sun May 6 – Fri May 11, 2018
Theme: Catholic Education: Renewing the Promise/Renouveler la Promesse
Scriptural Reference:
“For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our god calls to him.” (Acts 2:39)
Daily Sub-themes:
Five sub-themes for Catholic Education: Renewing the Promise/Renouveler la Promesse —
Monday: Remembering the Promise
Tuesday: The Promise is Within You
Wednesday: Praying the Promise
Thursday: Living the Promise
Friday: Proclaiming the Promise
Community Resources and Sample Templates (RCCDSB-Adapted) Click Here
Includes the following contents:
Cover Page (RCCDSB-Adapted)
April School Newsletter (RCCDSB-Adapted) Parish Bulletin Announcement (RCCDSB-Adapted) Sample Church Presentation (RCCDSB-Adapted)
Elementary Schools CEW 2018 Package (RCCDSB-Adapted)
May
Living Rosary
Living Rosary Outline with Joyful Mysteries
Living Rosary Outline with Sorrowful Mysteries Living Rosary Outline with Glorious Mysteries Living Rosary Outline with Mysteries of Light Mysteries of the Rosary for Youth
(By Deacon Doug McManaman)Teaching the Rosary to High School Students(From Engagingfaith.blogspot.com Practical advice for teaching the Rosary, with helpful links, resources related to Mary)
Prayers to Our Lady
Prayer to Our Lady Before a Staff Meeting
Prayer to Mary, Mother of Hope (Adapted from longer prayer in Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Exhortation on Jesus Christ Alive in His Church, the Source of Hope for Europe (Ecclesia in Europa), 2003)
Marian Prayers
(Good online collection of classical, papal, litany, novena and other Marian prayers from the University of Dayton’s Mary Prayer Page)
Mother’s Day
New: Thanksgiving for the Gift of Mothers. Prayer Service for the Month of May
(Most suitable for senior elementary, secondary and adults)
June
New: Prayer Service for Canada Day
(Suitable for elementary, secondary, adult, parish use; can be used at end of school year in anticipation of Canada Day celebrations)New: End of School Year Prayer of the Faithful(Suitable for end of year school Mass or prayer service)Graduation Prayer ServiceSome Graduation Thoughts(Ideas that might help preparing address to graduating students)Looking Back and Looking Ahead: The Value of Friendship(End-of-year student reflection sheet and prayer exercise on the subject of friendship)End of Year Staff PrayerA Year of Growth and Blessings(Prayer to begin inservice for new teachers at end of year. Easily adapted for school staff)
Retirement Prayers
Prayer for Retiring Cleaning Staff Member
End of Year Prayer Services from York Catholic Gifts of Love Prayer Collection:
Angels Among Us A Prayer Service in Honour of our Volunteers
Nurturing Our Inner Gardens A Liturgy to Celebrate the End of the School YearWe Are Gifts A Teachers’ Year End Liturgy
Other Relevant Prayer Services:
Rejoicing in Hope(Prayer to celebrate gifts of Joy and Hope in Catholic Schools, suitable as end-of-year prayer)
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religiouseducation.rccdsb.edu.on.ca
The prayers below are freely available for non-profit evangelization purposes.
Please use and adapt them as you see fit.
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Categories (in alphabetical order)
Adult Faith
Blessings and Special Prayers
Bereavement Prayers
Bullying & Safe Schools
Children’s Prayers
Dignity
French Language Prayers
New: Graduation
New: Indigenous Peoples
Justice
Leadership
Life (Prayers for)
Mary
New: Mercy
Natural Disasters
New Evangelization
Peace
Professional Activity
Retirement
Retreats
School Council Activity
School Improvement & Safe Schools
Special Education & Special Needs
Stewardship
Strategic Planning
Teacher Inservice/Orientation
Unity
Virtues
Vocation
Wellness
NEW: What Makes an Effective Prayer Service?
(One page overview of how to put together an effective prayer service for use in our Catholic schools. Explains individual parts with helpful diagram to illustrate how they fit together.)
NEW: What Makes an Effective Prayer Service?
(One page overview of how to put together an effective prayer service for use in our Catholic schools. Explains individual parts with helpful diagram to illustrate how they fit together.)
NEW: School Mass Planning Template
(Recommended for staff members planning school Masses, adapted from template in EOCCC’s Curriculum Support for Catholic Schools)
Adult Faith – Prayers, Reflection Exercises and Links
The Door of Faith
(Prayer for Catholic educators/leadership at the start of the Year of Faith)Faith, Professionalism and Wellness(5 minute prayer service to open a PA session or day) Our Journey in Faith(Prayer to open board wide school council gathering)Educating in the Light of Faith(Suitable for Inservice/New Teacher Induction)The Gift of Faith(Prayer service to celebrate the virtue of Faith)Disciples and Citizens(Opening Prayer, TPA Inservice, Curriculum Inservice, Staff or Leadership Meeting)RCCDSB Adult Faith Resource PageRCCDSB Year of Faith Resource Page
Blessings and Special Prayers
New: Blessing for Crucifixes
(Suitable where crucifixes are being blessed for new school or given out for special purpose. Adapted from various blessings for religious articles)Commissioning Prayer for School Council Chairs(Suitable for use during Mass or as part of a prayer service)Ground-breaking for a New School Prayer ServiceBlessing of Land for a New School(Included in Ground-breaking prayer above, can be used alone)Morning Offering(Composed by Mr. Tony Contant’s class at St. James Catholic School, Eganville)Blessing of Rosaries and Commissioning Prayer for New StaffPrayers for a Priest Who Has DiedPrayer to Bless a New Play StructureChildren’s Prayer Links(Loyola Press website)
Bereavement Prayers
Prayers for a Priest Who Has Died
New: Prayer for Member of School Community Who Has Died
(Suitable for staff or whole school use; you may wish to include parish priest, if available)
Prayer Service for a Colleague Who has Died
(Earlier version of above prayer. Suitable for staff use)Prayer for a Friend/Colleague Who has Died
(Closing prayer from above prayer service)Catholic Funerals and Eulogies, the Pall and the Flag
(CCCB, 2006. Explains why Funeral Mass is not proper place for eulogy, and how deceased person may be appropriately remembered during the Mass and homily. Also explains the significance of the pall – reminder of Baptism, new life in resurrected Christ – and flag )Suggested Readings for a Catholic Funeral(From St. John the Baptist Catholic parish, Brighton, MN. Links to readings are from American NAB translation. A funeral service in Canada should use the NRSV translation in the Canadian lectionary. Nevertheless, still a good reference list – both for funerals and school memorial services/prayer services)
Bullying and Safe Schools
RCCDSB Resource Package, Reverencing the Dignity of All
(Bullying Awareness Week AM announcements and prayers, classroom exercises)Scripture Reflections Around Bullying Issues(Anti-bullying prayer service can be built around these reflections.)
Children’s Prayers
Children’s Prayer Links
(Loyola Press website)
Dignity
NEW: RCCDSB 2018-19 Board Theme Prayer, Reverencing the Dignity of the Whole Person
French Language Prayers
Various French Language Prayers
(From website of Office Provincial de l’Éducation de la foi Catholique de l’Ontario )
Viens Allons Prier! Quand la prière résonne dans les murs de la famille…et de la vie… (Organisme catholique pour la vie et famille, 2001. Good collection of basic French language prayers see page 5 and page 6)
New: Graduation
End of School Year Prayer of the Faithful
(Suitable for end of year school Mass or prayer service)
Graduation Prayer ServiceSome Graduation Thoughts (Ideas that might help preparing address to graduating students)
Looking Back and Looking Ahead: The Value of Friendship (End-of-year student reflection sheet and prayer exercise on the subject of friendship)
Indigenous Peoples
New: Orange Shirt Week School Morning Announcements & Prayers: Sept 25-29, 2017
(A week of announcements, prayers, reflections and links to prepare for Orange Shirt Day as a follow-up to Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission).
New: Prayer for Truth and Reconciliation (Prayer of repentance and solidarity with Indigenous Peoples following Canada’s Truth & Reconciliation Commission)
RCCDSB Kateri Tekakwitha Page
RCCDSB World Religions Page – Scroll down to “Indigenous Spirituality” section.
Justice
Litany of Witnesses to God’s Justice
Leadership Prayers
New: Maintaining Relevance Today, Tomorrow and Into the Future
(Prayer for Catholic Educational staff and leaders on the ongoing relevance of Catholic education for today’s world)
New: Walking Forward Together. Prayer for Leaders in our Catholic Educational Community (Liturgy of the word to open a daytime meeting of leaders in local Catholic educational community, including clergy or parent councils, administrators, senior admin etc., with focus on dialogue, honouring one another’s gifts, and walking forward together)
New: Ste. Marguerite: Model for Leaders in Catholic Education
(Prayer service begins with brief life of Ste Marguerite d’Youville, followed by Gospel, reflection, prayer of faithful, closing prayer. Suitable for board leadership team or directors council meeting. Prayer composed for Memorial of Ste. Marguerite, Oct 16, but easily adapted for use at other times)
New: Integrating the Catholic Faith Through Critical Analysis of the Arts, Media and Technology
(Prayer for Catholic Educators to begin school year, focusing on integrating Catholic faith through a critical analysis of the arts, media & technology)
New: Leadership in Demanding Times
(Prayer service with brief adult faith reflection on leadership. Suitable to open leadership meeting)
April prayer in preparation for Catholic Education Week: “Leading in the Light of Christ” (Adapted from OCSTA CEW 2012 Advance Kit)
A New Year of Leading and Serving (Prayer service for leaders in Catholic schools at the beginning of a new calendar year)
Prayer for Leaders in Catholic EducationWaiting in the Upper Room Staff Prayer ServiceServant Leadership Prayer ServiceLiving and Working as Church
Life (Prayers to Support Life)
New: Thank You for the Gift of Me
(Suitable for the end of Theme Three unit in the Fully Alive Program)
Prayer for Life (Prayer service to be used before Relay for Life or other activities in support of life)
Prayer for Life by Pope John Paul II
Mary
New: Fatima 100 Year Anniversary Morning Prayers: Wed Oct 11, Thurs Oct 12, Fri Oct 13, 2017
(Each day briefly recounts events leading up to and including Fatima apparitions, their messages, Miracle of the Sun, and finishes with a prayer.)
New: Following Jesus With Mary (Prayer service to open a PA Day, PLC or staff meeting. Reflects on the role of Mary in early Church and in our lives.)
Prayer to Our Lady Before a Staff Meeting
Prayer to Mary, Mother of Hope (Adapted from longer prayer in Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Exhortation on Jesus Christ Alive in His Church, the Source of Hope for Europe , 2003)
Teaching the Rosary to High School Students (From Engagingfaith.blogspot.com Practical advice for teaching the Rosary, with helpful links resources related to Mary)
Marian Prayers
(Good online collection of classical, papal, litany, novena and other Marian prayers from the University of Dayton’s Mary Prayer Page)
Rosary and Living Rosary Outlines
(See October and May sections of Monthly/Seasonal Prayer Page)
Adult Faith Presentations on Mary (See Adult Faith Page, under “Mary”)
Mercy
NEW: Living God’s Mercy
(Prayer highlighting our call to be the merciful hands and feet of Jesus. Suitable for elementary and secondary use.)
Natural Disasters
Renfrew County CDSB Resources
Day of Hope Prayer ServiceCatechism Selections for Addressing Questions Arising From DisastersAlgonquin & Lakeshore CDSB ResourcesALCDSB Resources (Fifteen pages of helpful prayer resources and readings in response to disasters)
Prayer Service of Solidarity (In Light of Tsunami Disaster)
Sudbury CDSB Prayers
Prayers for Victims of Hurricane Katrina (adaptable to other circumstances)
CARFLEO
CARFLEO Tsunami (2005) ResourcesFrom U.S. Bishops’ ConferencePrayer to Blessed Virgin Mary,Prayer for Intercession of the Saints,Prayer to Blessed TrinityRoman Catholic Diocese of Joliet, IllinoisHurricane Katrina Prayer SuggestionsSolidarity/Relief Effort Pages and Links
Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace
Caritas Intarnational
New Evangelization
New: Putting out into the Deep. A Prayer for Catholic Educators in the New Evangelization
(Suitable for opening a staff meeting, PA day or conference)
Peace
Prayer Service for Peace
(Can be used as commemoration of September 11th or Remembrance Day)
Reflection on Peace
Professional Activity Prayer Services
New: Following Jesus With Mary
(Prayer service to open a PA Day, PLC or staff meeting. Reflects on the role of Mary in early Church and in our lives.)
New: You Are the Light of the World
(Short prayer service to open PA day, staff, leadership or school council meeting)
New: Claiming our Role as Global Stewards: Closing the Gaps (Short prayer service to begin Oct 11, 2013 PA Day, suitable for PLC/Staff Meeting)
Planting in Hope, Nurturing in Love
(Short prayer service to begin a PA day, PLC or Staff Meeting)
Faith, Professionalism and Wellness
(5 minute prayer service to open a PA session or day)
Wellness Caring for God’s Temple
(Suitable for opening a PA day or staff inservice)
Making a Difference in our Catholic Schools
(20-30 minute prayer service to open a PA day – can involve 20 or more participants)
The Gift of Catholic Curriculum (One page prayer service suitable for opening a curriculum inservice meeting)
Educating in Christian Hope (1 page opening prayer for Curriculum inservice or PA Day)
Learning Together in Wonder and Awe (Prayer Service to open Professional Activity Day, PLC, Staff Meeting)
Servant Leadership Prayer Service (Prayer service for leaders in Catholic school systems)
Tending the Fertile Ground of the Heart (Opening Prayer Staff Meeting, PLC, PA Day)
Teaching and Learning in the Spirit (Opening Prayer suitable for PA day or inservice)
Retirement
Prayer for Retiring Cleaning Staff Member
Retreat Prayers and Outlines
Nurturing the Seeds of the Kingdom
(Prayer to Invoke Holy Spirit at start of a staff retreat)
Staff Twilight Retreat Outline (From EOCCC’s Curriculum Support for Catholic Schools)
Confirmation
New: Confirmation Retreat Opening PrayerNew: Confirmation Retreat Closing Prayer (Can be shortened/simplified to suit needs)
New: Daily Prayer to the Holy Spirit
(For student use in preparation for receiving Sacrament of Confirmation)
School Council Prayers
New: You Are the Light of the World
(Short prayer service to open PA day, staff, leadership or school council meeting)
New: Commissioning Prayer for School Council Chairs
(Suitable for use during Mass or as part of a prayer service)
New: Planning the Road Ahead in our Catholic Schools
(Prayer service regional school council gathering, suitable for strategic planning)
Stewards of God’s Gifts
(Prayer service to open board wide school council gathering)
Our Journey in Faith (Prayer to open board wide school council gathering)
Charting the Future in Challenging Times
(From School Council Professional Development Evening)
Building a Culture of Wisdom and Peace (Opening Prayer for School Council Gathering)
Catholic Schools: Educating the Soul (Opening Prayer for School Council Gathering)
Catholic Schools: Educating the Soul in a Tecnhological Age (Opening Prayer for School Council Gathering)
School Improvement and Safe Schools Prayers
School Improvement and Safe Schools Planning Prayer
(Safe Schools PA day opening prayer)
Catholic Schools: Safe Places to Grow (Prayer service for school improvement planning, safe schools and student achievement PA days)
Special Education & Special Needs
New: Special Olympics Opening Prayer
Embracing the Road to Independence (Prayer service to open PA day for EAs and ECEs working with special needs students)
Helpers on the Road to Independence (Prayer service to open PA day for EAs and ECEs working with special needs students)
Prayer for Assistive Technology Teachers
(Prayer before working with students using AT)
Ephthata – Be Opened (Prayer service for special needs educators inservice)
Every Educator a Special Educator (Prayer to begin Special Education inservice or PA Day)
See Also Jan Bentham’s Prayers:
A Prayer for Our Special Children (Prayer asking God’s blessings on our Special Needs Students and those who care for them)
A Tale of a Good Samaritan Teacher (A Parable for Teachers based on Luke 10)
Stewardship Prayers
Stewardship Prayer
Stewardship of God’s Gifts (One page prayer service to begin a PA day)
Stewards of God’s Gifts (Prayer service to open board wide school council gathering)
Strategic Planning
Planning the Road Ahead. A Prayer for Strategic Planning in our Catholic School Board
(Prayer service to open a strategic planning session for Board Parent Involvement Council)
Planning the Road Ahead in our Catholic Schools (Prayer service regional school council gathering, suitable for strategic planning – slightly adapted from prayer above)
Teacher Inservice/Orientation Prayers
New: Following Jesus With Mary
(Prayer service to open a PA Day, PLC or staff meeting. Reflects on the role of Mary in early Church and in our lives.)
New: You Are the Light of the World
(Short prayer service to open PA day, staff, leadership or school council meeting)
Bringing the Light of Christ’s Gospel to the World (New Employee Orientation session opening prayer – easily adaptable to other staff gatherings)
Servants of the Good News (Opening Prayer for Staff PA Day/NTIP/Leadership)
Fostering a Eucharistic Life (Opening Prayer for Inservice/Staff or Leadership Meeting)
Disciples and Citizens (Opening Prayer, TPA Inservice, Curriculum Inservice, Staff or Leadership Meeting)
Reaching out Through our Distinctive and Inclusive Story (Easily adapted as staff prayer for a variety of occasions)
Labourers in a Wondrous Harvest (Suitable for opening a teacher inservice or professional activity for teachers/administrators)
A Year of Growth and Blessings (Prayer for end-of-year new teacher inservice)
Educating in the Light of Faith (Suitable for Inservice/New Teacher Induction)
Unity
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Announcements, 2014
(Morning announcements adapted from resources posted on Vatican’s website)
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Announcements 2011
(From Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, 2011. These daily prayer services can also be used individually as prayers for unity among Christians on other occasions)
Virtues
Faith
The Gift of Faith
(Prayer service to celebrate the theological virtue of Faith)Hope
Educating in Christian Hope
(1 page opening prayer for Curriculum inservice or PA Day)Planting in Hope, Nurturing in Love(Short prayer service to begin a PA day, PLC or Staff Meeting)Day of Hope Prayer Service
(Prayer service for natural disasters)
Rejoicing in Hope
(Prayer to celebrate gifts of Joy and Hope in Catholic Schools)
Love
NEW: Prayer to Celebrate Love and Family
(Prayer service for Catholic schools)
The Virtue of Love
(2 page school prayer service on the virtue of love)
More virtues-related resources on Virtues, Equity & Inclusivity Page
Vocation
NEW: Prayer for My Vocation
(Suitable for use with career day/retreat)
Wellness
Wellness Caring for God’s Temple
(Suitable for opening a PA day or staff inservice)
Caring for the Temple
(A practical reflection on what it means to care for the temple of ourselves)
Faith, Professionalism and Wellness
(5 minute prayer service to open a PA session or day)
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religiouseducation.rccdsb.edu.on.ca
This month, many students and teachers are headed back to school. Pray these prayers from Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers on your own or with your children as they begin a new semester.
Prayers to Begin a School Year
God of wisdom and might,
we praise you for the wonder of our being,
for mind, body and spirit.
Be with our children as they begin
a new school year.
Bless them and their teachers and staff.
Give the strength and grace as their bodies grow;
wisdom and knowledge to their minds
as they search for understanding;
and peace and zeal to their hearts.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer for Students
Lord our God,
in your wisdom and love
you surround us with the mysteries of the universe.
Send your spirit upon these students
and fill them with your wisdom and blessings.
Grant that they may devote themselves to their studies
and draw ever closer to you,
the source of all knowledge.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer for Teachers
Lord God, your spirit of wisdom fills the earth
and teaches us in your ways.
Look upon these teachers.
Let them strive to share their knowledge with gentle patience
and endeavor always to bring the truth to eager minds.
Grant that we may follow Jesus Christ, the way, the truth and the life,
forever and ever.
Amen.
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