Prayers for teachers at the beginning of the year

Lord Jesus, we ask for Your help as we begin this new school year. Allow us to experience Your presence in the many blessings You put before us. Open our eyes to the new challenges and exciting opportunities that this new school year brings. Open our heart and mind to new friends and new teachers. Give us a generous spirit to be enthusiastic with our studies and courage to accept new opportunities. Help us to be attentive to one another and let us experience Your presence in our new friends. Jesus, inspire us to do our best this year! Amen

Lord, Give us insight to see realistically “what is”; but make us dreamers and give us vision of all the possibilities for “what can be.” Use us as your instruments to form, inform, reform, and transform those who come to us. We ask this in your name, Jesus Christ. Amen

Loving Creator, Map your goals for us in our hearts. Make our classrooms oases in the busy world. Make them places of warmth and trust. May our affirmation of our students enable them to know that their opinion counts. Free them to stretch themselves as they seek holistic growth in a safe, nurturing, Christian environment. Amen

Dearest Father in Heaven, Bless us all and bless this day of new beginnings. Smile upon this staff and student body, And surround us, Lord, with the soft mantle of your love. Teach this community to follow in your footsteps, And to live life in the ways of Love, faith, hope and charity. We ask this through your name, Jesus Christ… Amen

God, I am not sure if you really exist. Accept me with all my doubts and fears and show yourself to me in such a way that I can somehow move forward. Show yourself to me as love, Show yourself to me as forgiveness Show yourself to me as new life, as the promise of a new beginning. Amen

Lord God, You are a global God. Grace us and grace our students with global vision in our mission to spread your love. May we be trailblazers as we bring that “touch of magic,” that touch of your love, to those we meet each day. We make this prayer in your name, Jesus Christ. Amen

Loving Father: Make us feeling people, who empathize with the many emotions which pervade our buildings each day. May we harness the energy of those feelings and use it in building a learning community of students, faculty, administrators, staff, and parents within the nurturing environment of our schools and homes. Amen

May the blessing of the Holy Trinity go with us today. May God’s strength keep us secure. May Christ our true Wisdom guide our learning. May the Holy Spirit make us glad and good. May the enfolding of the Trinity hold us and bring us, at day’s end, safely home. Amen.

Lord, keep us strong so that we can carry out your works: feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, clothing the naked and being a voice for those who suffer persecution. Bless us this year, so that we may all experience rich friendships, authentic success, and purpose in all we do. Amen

Lord God, In our work as Catholic students and teachers, let us reach out to all, remembering that anonymity is not acceptable for anyone in our communities. May we live our lives so that people recognize you in us…so that wearing the cross would not be incongruous to those who know us. May those in our schools be “pearls” to us, valued for the unique beauty they bring to our communities. Amen

Creator God, May our lives be quilted together in love made visible, as we laugh, love, labour, and learn together. Enliven our spirits that our inner beings may give form and strength to all we do. Finally, grant that we who serve in Catholic schools may love you much, may love one another, and may never forget why we came! Amen.

Loving God, Look upon these students. Let them enjoy their learning and take delight in new discoveries. Help them to persevere in their studies and give them the desire to learn all things well. Look upon these teachers. Let them strive to share their knowledge with gentle patience and endeavour always to bring the truth to eager minds. Grant that students and teachers alike may follow Jesus Christ, the way, the truth, and the life, forever and ever. Amen

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The prayers below are freely available for non-profit evangelization purposes. Please use and adapt them as you see fit.

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General School/Staff Prayer Resources

RCCDSB Board Prayer
2018 Board Theme
NEW:  RCCDSB 2018-19 Board Theme Prayer, Reverencing the Dignity of the Whole Person
NEW:  RCCDSB 2018-19 Board Theme Staff Prayer Service:  Reverencing the Dignity of the Whole Person
NEW:  Leading With Reverence for the Gift of One Another
(Suitable for opening PA Day, PLC, Retreat)
Planning Resources
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.)

Eucharist Resources

NEW: School Mass Planning Template
(Recommended for staff members planning school Masses, adapted from template in EOCCC’s Curriculum Support for Catholic Schools)
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.)

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

CEW First Week of School Resources
CEW 2019 Theme: LIVING AS JOYFUL DISCIPLES / VIVRE EN DISCIPLES JOYEUX

“Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy.” (1 Peter 1:8)Daily Sub-themes: Monday: Rooted in Prayer / Enracinés dans la prièreTuesday: Living in Community / Vivre au coeur de la communautéWednesday: Doing Justice and Creating Hope / Semer la justice et inspirer l’espéranceThursday: Journeying Together in Faith / Cheminer ensemble dans la foiFriday: Sharing the Good News / Partager la bonne nouvelleCEW September Resource Kit with daily prayers for first week of schoolSchool/Parish Mass ResourcesNEW:School Mass Planning Sheet

(Will be helpful for staff members organizing school Masses)
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 HomeIntentions for Opening School MassStaff Prayer Services
NEW: RCCDSB 2018-19 Board Theme Staff Prayer Service: Reverencing the Dignity of the Whole Person
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

School Resources:
Rosary
NEW: Google Image Search: How to Pray the Rosary
(Lots of downloadable BLMs and guides. If in doubt about a resource, please check it with someone on staff familiar with praying the 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)

Staff PrayersNew: Following Jesus With Mary (Prayer service to open PA Day, PLC or staff meeting. Reflects on 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)

Adult Faith Materials:Who is My Mother? Reflecting on the Role of Mary in our Lives (Excercise for Group Reflection on the Role of Mary in our Lives)

The Role of Mary in the Life of the Church (Powerpoint presentation on Our Lady’s role in the life of Christ’s faithful.

Notes available (contact [email protected] )
NEW: Fatima Anniversary Morning Prayer Announcements
(Updated Oct, 2018. For three days leading up to October 13th. Each day briefly recounts events leading up to and including Fatima apparitions, their messages, Miracle of the Sun, and finishes with a prayer.)Fatima 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)
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day Prayer ServiceVideo: Thanksgiving Bulletin Board With Prayers(Art, Literacy and Religion come together in beautiful hall display by Mrs. Halk’s Grade 2-3 class at St. Thomas Apostle in Renfrew, Ontario)
New: Thanksgiving Colouring Pages(Hundreds of printable Thanksgiving BLMs from Google Images)Thanksgiving Blessing(for inclusion in prayer service )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)

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)

Biography of St. Marguerite(CCCB website)

CARFLEO St. Marguerite d’Youville Resource Page

Halloween, All Saints, All Souls (See also November below)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 Saints and All Souls (Suitable for elementary and secondary school use)

New:  CARFLEO All Saints & All Souls Day Resource Page
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 ActivitiesQuestions and Answers on Saints and Sainthood from St. Anthony Messenger Press

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
New: The Legacy Series Stories of the Second World War
(Six videos and downloadable lesson plans from Canada’s Aviation and Space Museum)

Veterans’ Affairs Canada Teachers’ Resources PagePlanning 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 Portal

Church Council on Justice and Corrections Services Resources (See Prayers and Theological Reflections for a helpful prayer service – dated 2010 but still current)

Advent-Christmas

New: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas and the Unborn
(One page history of Our Lady of Guadalupe and her role in restoring Aztec culture to its fullness in Christ after the conquest of Mexico. Suitable for adult reading and secondary school use)
New: Our Lady of Guadalupe Colouring Pages
(Google search page – lots of colouring pages to choose from. Please check copyright)

New: Catholic Education Week Advance Kit Advent Prayer (RCCDSB-Adapted)
RCCDSB Resources
Prayers from Revised Translation of the Order of Mass
(Printable 2-sided flyer, easy reference sheet for students & staff)– School Prayer Services
Advent/Christmas School Mass Prayer of the Faithful
(Prayer intentions were written for Advent school Mass; easily adapted for early school Christmas Mass)Advent Prayer Service(Prayer Service For Schools)Week 3 Advent Celebration: Joy(Prayer service for schools to celebrate the third week of Advent)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)
New: Weekly Prayers for Lighting Advent Wreath Candles(Loyola Press)– 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(Sheet music for a simple three-part Advent counterpoint for class/assembly/prayer service/Christmas concert. Hint: try teaching the 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 Jesus (Sheet music: various scores)
– 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
Classroom Resources/School Prayer
New: Curious Kinder Advent Calendar

(Electronic Advent calendar for JK/SK students, created by RCCDSB teachers, Rebecca Holly and Tiffany McGrath)

New: Advent and Christmas Activities & Resources from Katie Bogner’s Looktohimandberadiant blog

(Great classroom-friendly resources)
Advent Wreath Craft | Christmas
(Bible Preschool Lesson Plan, Printable Activities)
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!)

DLTK’s Online Christmas Activities & Resources (Printable colouring pages, craft ideas and classroom resources)

Advent-Christmas-Epiphany Clip ArtColouring Pages
Nativity Coloring Pages

(From Clipartwizard.com. Lots of downloadable colouring pages related to Nativity theme)Advent Wreath Colouring Page(From Domestic-church.com)Advent Resources for Your Family(By Lisa Hendey, Catholic.net)Adult/Secondary Prayer & ReflectionOur Sunday Visitor Advent Reflection Articles
(Geared toward adults/adult faith reflection)

St. Anthony Messenger Press Resources and Information

New:  One Prayer a Day for Advent
(Creighton University Online Ministries)
New:  Weekly Advent Prayers from Dynamic CatholicInternational
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)CCCB 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 – 2018
(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
(Friday Jan 18th to Friday Jan 25th, Christians across Canada celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity).
Canadian Council of Churches Resource Kit, 2019
RCCDSB Adapted Daily School Announcements (2018)
Additional resources:

International Resources on Vatican Website

February

St. Valentinus and Valentine’s Day Activities
Links related to martyr St. Valentinus, Valentine’s Day colouring & craft resources/activities
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.)
NEW: St. Valentine Colouring Pages
Valentine’s Gift Heart
NEW: Video: The First Valentine

(Re-enactment of the story of St. Valentine (Valentinus). Dated, but still worth watching. Target audience, grades 4-7)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 ActivitiesNovena to St. Valentinus for Couples(With short introduction, on Aleteia.org)Prayer ServicesTip: School Mass Prayer of Faithful intentions can be borrowed from 2 prayer services belowPrayer to Celebrate Love and Family(Prayer service for Catholic schools)The Virtue of Love(2 page school prayer service on the virtue of love)Virtue of Love Resources under Monthly Virtues Resources here

March

St. Patrick
NEW: Praying the Legacy of St. Patrick, Missionary for Christ
(Short prayer service reflecting on how leaders in Catholic education are called to follow St. Patrick’s example of evangelization today. Easily adapted for staff use.)
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: Other
NEW: Journeying with Feet, Heart and Soul. Prayer Service for the Middle of Lent (Suitable for elementary and secondary use)

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 2019
(“For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God” Rm 8: 19)
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 2019
(“For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God” Rm 8: 19)
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)

First Step Options, Pregnancy Support Services (Located in Pembroke, ON. Serving the upper Ottawa Valley)

Holy Week & Easter Triduum

RCCDSB Resources

NEW: Leading with the Heart and Mind of Christ. Holy Week Prayer Service for Catholic Educational Leaders
(Easily adaptable for staff use)

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

Dates: Sun May 5 – Fri May 10, 2019
Theme: Catholic Education: Living as Joyful Disciples/L’éducation catholique: vivre en disciples joyeux
Scriptural Reference: “Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy.” (1 Peter 1:8)

Daily Sub-themes:
Five sub-themes for Catholic Education: Renewing the Promise/Renouveler la Promesse —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

Table of contents

1 RCCDSB Catholic Education Week Video
2 Jericho-style prayer walk around the school
3 Pray through the school
4 Pray for teachers and students with Scriptures – 5 Bibles verses
5 Get the FREE Printables: 10 Powerful Prayers for Your Child’s School Year + 5 Bonus Prayers for Teachers
6 Your Turn
7 Helpful Prayer Resources for Parents

RCCDSB Catholic Education Week Video

Catholic Education Week Kits
Elementary
Complete Elementary Kit (RCCDSB-Adapted)
Elementary Lessons (from goodnewsforall.ca):

Day 1 LessonsDay 2 LessonsDay 3 LessonsDay 4 LessonsDay 5 LessonsSecondary
Complete Secondary Kit (RCCDSB-Adapted)

RCCDSB Mental Health-Safe Schools-Indigenous Education Kit

Daily Prayer Services on Powerpoint (RCCDSB-Adapted)
(Elmentary use, suitable for secondary)

Elementary Schools CEW 2018 Package (RCCDSB-Adapted)

Complete Elementary Package as Single Downloadable Document

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

How to pray for teachers, students, and schools consistently

I’ve been a student, a teacher, and now a parent of a student, and through it all I’ve learned that everyone involved in the education of school-age children could use our prayers. Whether you are a public school, private school, or homeschool family, a great way to start the school year is to pray for teachers, students, and schools. Our classrooms need our prayers!

If you need a little inspiration for how to pray for teachers, students, and schools, here are three of my favorite ways to do it:

Jericho-style prayer walk around the school

No marching needed, but head out to the school grounds and pray while walking around the school! Go with a list of seven different areas to pray for and and pray for one each time you walk around, or go without a plan and let God lead your prayers. And if you homeschool, you can do this around the perimeter of your home. For inspiration, watch this video of pastor Mark Batterson talk about his prayer walk around Washington D.C., from his video bible study, The Circle Maker.

Pray through the school

My last year of teaching, I had the privilege of walking through the elementary school where I worked along with some parents from the community during the week before school started and pray over each classroom. We received permission from the administration to do this after work hours and it was amazing. We prayed for each teacher by name and prayed over common areas such as the lunch room, gym, and playground as well. This can be done throughout the home for homeschoolers. And ask someone to pray for YOU as the teacher in that case, too!

Pray for teachers and students with Scriptures – 5 Bibles verses

There are so many areas where this could be applied, but here are five examples of scriptures for teachers:

The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. — Romans 13:4

The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. — Matthew 10:24

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. — 2 Timothy 3:16

Command and teach these things. — 1 Timothy 4:11

In everything set them an example by doing what is good.In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. — Titus 2:7

Pick out specific scriptures when praying for students, teachers, aides, staff, and administration. Keep them on notecards in the car with you to pray while you wait in line to pick up your kids after school.

Pray for Teachers and Students – Sample Prayer # 1

Lord, I pray the students in this school would show proper respect for the authorities you have placed over them and recognize all authority comes from you. Help them to speak and act in a way that is respectful of all teachers, administrators, and other school staff. (Inspired by Romans 13:1-5)

Pray for Teachers and Students – Sample Prayer # 2

Almighty God, You have given my kids all the talents, abilities, and spiritual gifts they need to follow Your plan for their lives. Lord, help them use those gifts to serve You first and others second, so that Your will is accomplished in their lives. Lord, fill their lives with trusted teachers and advisers who can lead them toward You and Your promises. Help them turn to you as they learn and grow so they can lead fruitful and prosperous lives. Amen. — by Erin MacPherson, excerpted with permission from The Christian Mama’s Guide to the Grade School Years

Pray for Teachers and Students – Sample Prayer # 3

Almighty God, because we love our children, because our hearts yearn for their schools, we cannot remain silent. We will not stop praying until their righteousness shines like the dawn, and their salvation blazes like a burning torch. May they be called the Holy People and the People Redeemed by the Lord. And may their schools be known as the Desirable Place and the City No Longer Forsaken (Isaiah 62:1, 12). In Jesus’ name, amen. – by Fern Nichols, excerpted with permission from Moms in Prayer: Standing in the Gap for Your Children

Get the FREE Printables: 10 Powerful Prayers for Your Child’s School Year + 5 Bonus Prayers for Teachers

How should parents pray for their child’s school year? How can we engage in spiritual warfare on their behalf and pray for all the social and academic challenges they will face?

These prayers are based on Scriptures and will teach you to pray with confidence for your child’s protection, spiritual growth, and intellectual development in the new school year.

Get the FREE printable school-year prayers now…

* * *

Your Turn

In what ways do you pray over your kids and their teachers at the start of the school year and throughout the year? Leave a comment on our blog. We’d love to hear from you!

Helpful Prayer Resources for Parents

P.S. When you sign up to receive our free prayers printable, you’ll get a discount code to save on the products below!

www.faithgateway.com

+Sign of the Cross Leader

Loving God, thank you for the joys that summer brought to us. You have blessed us with time to spend with family and friends, rest and relaxation, and a break from school work. As we return to our studies, inspire us to take on a new interest in new classes and new topics. Be with us as we discover old friendships and start new ones. Amen.

Reader 1A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 5:13-16)

“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”Leader

Take a moment to reflect on your summers. When were you “salty”? When were you “light”? (Pause) Now think of the coming school year. How can you be the salt for this school? Who will you inspire today?

Leader Let us offer prayers of petition to our Lord.

Reader 2 The response is, “Lord, hear our prayer.”

For our school, may it continue to be a beacon of light to the students, teachers, staff, and parents involved in this community.
We pray to the Lord. (Lord, hear our prayer.)

Reader 3 For the Church, may it continue to bring light to those in darkness.

We pray to the Lord. (Lord, hear our prayer.)

Reader 4 For all people who have made this new school year possible, especially faculty and staff. Bless their work now and throughout this school year.