Retirement prayer catholic

Our Father

Our Father,
Who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory Be

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.

The Apostle’s Creed

I believe in God,
the Father Almighty,
Creator of Heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into Hell.
The third day He arose again from the dead;
He ascended into Heaven,
sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty;
from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

Hail Holy Queen

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy,
our life, our sweetness and our hope.
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve:
to thee do we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, most gracious Advocate,
thine eyes of mercy toward us,
and after this our exile,
show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Amen.

Anima Christi

Soul of Christ, make me holy
Body of Christ, be my salvation
Blood of Christ, let me drink your wine
Water flowing from the side of Christ, wash me clean
Passion of Christ, strengthen me
Kind Jesus, hear my prayer
Hide me within your wounds
And keep me close to you
Defend me from the evil enemy
And call me at the hour of my death
To the fellowship of your saints
That I might sing your praise with them
for all eternity. Amen.

Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that any one who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help
or sought thy intercession,
was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence,
We fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins my Mother;
to thee do we come, before thee we stand, sinful and sorrowful;
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not our petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer them. Amen.

The Angelus

V- The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R- And she conceived by the Holy Spirit. (Hail Mary….)
V- Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R- Be it done unto me according to thy word. (Hail Mary….)
V- And the Word was made Flesh.
R- And dwelt among us. (Hail Mary….)
V- Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
R- That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
LET US PRAY: Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that, we to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an Angel, may by His Passion and Cross, be brought to the glory of His Resurrection through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint Michael Prayer

Saint Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God
cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits
who prowl throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Act of Contrition

O my God, I am heartfully sorry for having offended thee, and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishment, but most of all because I have offended Thee my God, Who is all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more, and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.

Miraculous Medal Prayer

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee, and for those who do not have recourse to thee, especially the enemies of the Church and those recommended to thee. Amen.

Morning Offering

Dear Lord, I do not know what will happen to me today. I only know that nothing will happen that was not foreseen by You, and directed to my greater good from all eternity. I adore Your holy and unfathomable plans, and submit to them with all my heart for love of You, the Pope, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Amen.

Guardian Angel Prayer

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

Grace Before Meals

Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Grace After Meals

We give Thee thanks for all Thy benefits, O Almighty God, who livest and reignest world without end. Amen. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Common Catholic Devotions

• Beginner’s Guide to the Rosary
• The Divine Mercy Chaplet
• More Common Catholic Prayers
• Ask for Prayers

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Prayers for those who practice the faith of the Roman Catholic Church. 

Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Our Father

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be
thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we
forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us
not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

>> Prayer Card

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Hail Mary

Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

>> Prayer Card

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Glory Be

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be,
world without end.

Amen.

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Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.

Amen.

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Nicene Creed

I believe in one God,

the Father, the Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the only-begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
consubstantial with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:by the power of the Holy Spirit
was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,
and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is adored and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins,
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come.

Amen.

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Guardian Angel Prayer

Angel of God,
my guardian dear,
To whom God’s love
commits me here,
Ever this day,
be at my side,
To light and guard,
Rule and guide.

Amen.

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Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

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Act of Contrition

My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good,
I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more,
and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us.
In His name. My God have mercy.

Amen.

> Prayer Card

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The Holy Rosary

Start by making the sign of the Cross:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Then recite the Creed:
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day He rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting.
Amen.

Then say 1 “Our Father”, 3 “Hail Mary’s” for the virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity; and then 1 “Glory Be”:
Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, On earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread, And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death. Amen.

Glory Be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen.

The Rosary is divided into three parts, each having five mysteries. While meditating on the Mysteries, recite for each Mystery: 1 “Our Father”

10 “Hail Mary’s” and
1 “Glory Be”

After each Mystery the “Fatima Prayer” is said.
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fire of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are in most need of Thy mercy.

All together this makes up one decade.

After the completion of the five mysteries (five decades), the “Hail Holy Queen” is said:
Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile show us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

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The Magnificat

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children forever.

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The Angelus

The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary:
And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of
our death. Amen.

Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.

Hail Mary . . .

And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary . . .

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord.

Amen.

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The Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

Amen.

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Salve Regina (Hail, Holy Queen)

Hail, holy Queen, mother of Mercy.
Hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope.
To thee do we cry,
poor banished children of Eve;
to thee do we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping,
in this vale of tears.
Turn then, most gracious advocate,
thine eyes of mercy toward us;
and after this our exile, show unto us
the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving,
O sweet virgin Mary.

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Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Make the Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Optional Opening Prayers

You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.
O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in You!

Our Father
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, Amen.

Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

The Apostle’s Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified; died, and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Eternal Father
Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

On the Ten Small Beads of Each Decade
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Repeat for the remaining decades
Saying the “Eternal Father” (6) on the “Our Father” bead and then 10 “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion” (7) on the following “Hail Mary” beads.

Conclude with Holy God (Repeat three times)
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Optional Closing Prayer
Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion–inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.

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Litany of Mary

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

God our Father ln Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
Most honored of virgins, pray for us.
Mother of Christ, pray for us.
Mother of the Church, pray for us.
Mother of divine grace, pray for us.
Mother most pure, pray for us.
Mother of chaste love, pray for us.
Mother and virgin, pray for us.
Sinless Mother, pray for us.
Dearest of Mothers, pray for us.
Model of motherhood, pray for us.
Mother of good counsel, pray for us.
Mother of our Creator, pray for us.
Mother of our Savior, pray for us.

Virgin most wise, pray for us.
Virgin rightly praised, pray for us.
Virgin rightly renowned, pray for us.
Virgin most powerful, pray for us.
Virgin gentle in mercy, pray for us.
Faithful Virgin, pray for us.

Mirror of justice, pray for us.
Throne of wisdom, pray for us.
Cause of our joy, pray for us.

Shrine of the Spirit, pray for us.
Glory of Israel, pray for us.
Vessel of selfless devotion, pray for us.
Mystical Rose, pray for us.
Tower of David, pray for us.
Tower of ivory, pray for us.
House of gold, pray for us.
Ark of the covenant, pray for us.
Gate of heaven, pray for us.
Morning star, pray for us.
Health of the sick, pray for us.
Refuge of sinners, pray for us.
Comfort of the troubled, pray for us.
Help of Christians, pray for us.

Queen of angels, pray for us.
Queen of patriarchs and prophets, pray for us.
Queen of apostles and martyrs, pray for us.
Queen of confessors and virgins, pray for us.
Queen of all saints, pray for us.
Queen conceived without sin, pray for us.
Queen assumed in to heaven, pray for us.
Queen of the rosary, pray for us.
Queen of families, pray for us.
Queen of peace, pray for us.

Blessed be the name of the Virgin Mary now and forever.

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Hail, Joseph

Hail, Joseph, image of the Eternal Father;
Hail, Joseph, guardian of the Eternal Son;
Hail, Joseph, temple of the Eternal Spirit;
Hail, Joseph, beloved of the Trinity.
Hail, Joseph, spouse and companion of the Mother of God.
Hail, Joseph, friend of angels.
Hail, Joseph, believer in miracles.
Hail, Joseph, follower of dreams.
Hail, Joseph, lover of simplicity.
Hail, Joseph, exemplar of righteousness;
Hail, Joseph, model of meekness and patience;
Hail, Joseph, model of humility and obedience.
Blessed are the eyes that have seen what you saw.
Blessed are the ears that have heard what you heard.
Blessed are the arms that have embraced what you embraced.
Blessed is the lap that has held what you held.
Blessed is the heart that has loved what you loved.
Blessed is the Father who chose you;
Blessed is the Son who loved you:
Blessed is the Spirit who sanctified you.
Blessed is Mary, your spouse, who honored and loved you.
Blessed is the angel who guarded and led you.
And blessed be forever all who remember and honor you.

Amen.

– Father Jean-Jacques Olier

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Act of Faith

O my God, I firmly believe that Thou art one God, in three Divine Persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost; I believe that Thy Divine Son became man and died for our sins and that He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the holy Catholic Church teaches, because Thou hast revealed them, Who canst neither deceive nor be deceived.

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Act of Hope

O My God, relying on Thy infinite goodness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.

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Act of Love

O my God, I love Thee above all things with my whole heart and soul, because Thou art all good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me, and I ask pardon for all whom I have injured.

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Pope Benedict XVI’s Prayer for Vocations

O Father, raise up among Christians
abundant and holy vocations to the priesthood,
who keep the faith alive
and guard the blessed memory of your Son Jesus
through the preaching of his word
and the administration of the Sacraments,
with which you continually renew your faithful.

Grant us holy ministers of your altar,
who are careful and fervent guardians of the Eucharist,
the sacrament of the supreme gift of Christ
for the redemption of the world.

Call ministers of your mercy,
who, through the sacrament of Reconciliation,
spread the joy of your forgiveness.

Grant, O Father, that the Church may welcome with joy
the numerous inspirations of the Spirit of your Son
and, docile to His teachings,
may she care for vocations to the ministerial priesthood
and to the consecrated life.

Sustain the Bishops, priests and deacons,
consecrated men and women, and all the baptized in Christ,
so that they may faithfully fulfill their mission
at the service of the Gospel.

This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Mary, Queen of Apostles, pray for us.

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Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.

Alternate Version:

Lord, make me a channel of thy peace,
that where there is hatred, I may bring love;
that where there is wrong,
I may bring the spirit of forgiveness;
that where there is discord, I may bring harmony;
that where there is error, I may bring truth;
that where there is doubt, I may bring faith;
that where there is despair, I may bring hope;
that where there are shadows, I may bring light;
that where there is sadness, I may bring joy.
Lord, grant that I may seek rather to
comfort than to be comforted;
to understand, than to be understood;
to love, than to be loved.
For it is by self-forgetting that one finds.
It is by forgiving that one is forgiven.
It is by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life.

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Prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas

Lord, Father all-powerful and ever-living God, I thank You, for
even though I am a sinner, your unprofitable servant, not
because of my worth but in the kindness of your mercy,
You have fed me with the Precious Body and Blood of Your Son,
our Lord Jesus Christ.
I pray that this Holy Communion may not bring me
condemnation and punishment but forgiveness and salvation.
May it be a helmet of faith and a shield of good will.
May it purify me from evil ways and put an end to my evil passions.
May it bring me charity and patience, humility and obedience,
and growth in the power to do good.
May it be my strong defense against all my enemies, visible and invisible, and the perfect calming of all my evil impulses,
bodily and spiritual.
May it unite me more closely to you, the One true God, and lead me
safely through death to everlasting happiness with You.
And I pray that You will lead me, a sinner, to the banquet where you,
with Your Son and holy Spirit, are true and perfect light, total fulfillment, everlasting joy, gladness without end, and perfect
happiness to your saints. grant this through Christ our Lord,

Amen.

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Prayer of St. Dominic

May God the Father who made us bless us.
May God the Son send his healing among us.
May God the Holy Spirit move within us and
give us eyes to see with, ears to hear with,
and hands that your work might be done.
May we walk and preach the word of
God to all.
May the angel of peace watch over us and
lead us at last by God’s grace to the
Kingdom.

Amen.

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Prayer of St. Benedict

Gracious and holy Father,
grant us the intellect to understand you,
reason to discern you, diligence to seek you,
wisdom to find you, a spirit to know you,
a heart to meditate upon you.
May our ears hear you, may our eyes behold you,
and may our tongues proclaim you.
Give us grace that our way of life may be pleasing to you,
that we may have the patience to wait for you
and the perseverance to look for you.
Grant us a perfect end–your holy presence,
a blessed resurrection and life everlasting.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

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From “The Breastplate of St. Patrick”

Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

– Cecil F. Alexander

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Prayer in Honor of St. Peter Julian Eymard

Gracious God of our ancestors,
you led Peter Julian Eymard,
like Jacob in times past,
on a journey of faith.
Under the guidance of your gentle Spirit,
Peter Julian discovered the gift of love
in the Eucharist which your son Jesus
offered for the hungers of humanity.
Grant that we may
celebrate this mystery worthily,
adore it profoundly, and
proclaim it prophetically
for your greater glory.
Amen.

Saint Peter Julian Eymard,
Apostle of the Eucharist,
pray for us!

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Prayer to Saint Christopher

Grant me, O Lord, a steady hand and watchful eye.
That no one shall be hurt as I pass by.
You gave life, I pray no act of mine may take away or mar that gift of thine.
Shelter those, dear Lord, who bear my company, from the evils of fire and all calamity.
Teach me, to use my car for others need; Nor miss through love of undue speed The beauty of the world; that thus I may with joy and courtesy go on my way.
St. Christopher, holy patron of travelers, protect me and lead me safely to my destiny.

Amen.

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The Fragrance of Christ

Help me to spread your fragrance everywhere I go – let me preach you without preaching, not by words but by my example – by the catching force, the sympathetic influence of what I do, the evident fullness of the love my heart bears to you.

– John Henry Newman

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Dear God

Dear God,
please reveal to us your sublime beauty
that is everywhere, everywhere, everywhere,
so that we will never again feel frightened.
My divine love, my love,
please let us touch
your face.

– St. Francis of Assisi

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Prayer for the Year of Faith

Eternal God, you called your Church at the Second Vatican Council to
stir into flame afresh riches of grace that abide in her heart, and bid
us seek from you a new and fiery Pentecost. In fidelity to this call,
sanctify your Church by a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit, that we
might set the world ablaze with liberating truth and radiant beauty of
your beloved Son, Jesus Christ; for you, O Father, are the
lover of mankind. Amen.

-Pope Benedict XVI

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The Rosary

The Mysteries of the Holy Rosary

• Joyful Mysteries
• Sorrowful Mysteries
• Glorious Mysteries
• Mysteries of Light

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Way of the Cross

• Led by Pope Francis
• Led by Pope John Paul II

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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)
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
(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.)
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 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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