6th January is the feast of the Epiphany – it is a holy day of obligation - all Catholics should participate in Mass where possible. We are marking the day with the attached short prayer service which you are invited to use as part of your prayer with your form class this morning please.

Please make sure you have sound/speakers on, and that the pupils listen reverently and answer the prayers when called to do so. Alternatively you might like to read through the prayers/reflections yourself for the pupils.

“When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, … behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is the new-born king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.’ …. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” 

The feast of Epiphany today brings the Christmas season to an end. 

“The Work of Christmas” composed by Howard Thurman, an African-American theologian, educator, and civil rights leader.

When the song of the angels is stilled,
when the star in the sky is gone,
when the kings and princes are home,
when the shepherds are back with their flocks,
the work of Christmas begins:
to find the lost,
to heal the broken,
to feed the hungry,
to release the prisoner,
to rebuild the nations,
to bring peace among the people,
to make music in the heart.

Blessings on all you do,

Sr. Marjorie

Chaplaincy coordinator

 

 

St Patrick’s High School Oratory.

Rosary said each morning all staff and pupils are invited.

Form groups are invited to come to the School Oratory, during one of their RE classes to say the rosary.

Our Morning Rosary will continue again each morning next week in our beautiful school Oratory..

Thank you to staff and students who joined our prayer time this week – looking forward to seeing the numbers continue to grow even more next week.

Thank you to all form teachers who are praying a decade of the rosary each morning with their form class.

“When you pray the Holy Rosary, you have Our lady’s hand. When you pray the Holy Rosary, you have the power of God in your hands”

 

 

 

To begin

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

Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God.

Centre yourself now in silence. Take five deep breaths in and out. As you breath out try to exhale all worries/concerns you are holding onto.

As you breath in invite God and his Spirit into your heart –‘Holy Spirit of God come to me now and remain with me’ – repeat this as often as you need.

Allow your mind to become a little quieter. Put everything except this prayer away from you.

Give yourself a few minutes of stillness to calm yourself before you begin. Become aware of God’s Spirit with you inspiring you in your prayer.

Lord, as the weeks have gone by, lockdown has gotten hard. Although restrictions are beginning to be lifted, there is still a pervading sense of nervousness and unease. The last few weeks have been challenging. They’ve gotten busier and I feel as if I have so much to do. While some decisions have been made about what my future might look like, I feel as if there is a lot of uncertainty. It feels as if I am walking across a bridge, but it is very foggy and I’m not sure of what is ahead. At this time, now more than ever, I need to know that you are with me, holding my hand, helping me get through these challenging times. Comfort me and all those I know, help us to have faith that you are holding us up in your love.

This is a bridge in Vietnam. Watch this video because it tells us a little bit more about this architectural and spiritual masterpiece:

 https://edition.cnn.com/videos/architecture/2018/08/01/giant-hands-cradle-bridge-invietnam-style-orig-lon.cnn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MnxZ7h9Kao&list=RD0MnxZ7h9Kao&start_radio=1  Bridge over troubled water virtual choir(Pause now with your own reaction to this video and to the image in it. What does it say to you about these times you and your friends/family are walking through? Is the image enough?
Is there a better image for you of these times? One that suggests, perhaps, God walking with you as you walk the bridge? As you reflect on these questions, perhaps play some quiet music in the background, e.g. , Nada te turbe. The words translate as “Let nothing disturb you,  Patience gains all; nothing is lacking to those who have God: God alone is sufficient.” (St Teresa of Avila

See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go1-BoDD7CI )

A word from scripture

A reading from the Gospel according to John-

 I will not leave you orphans; I will come back to you. In a short time the world will no longer see me; but you will see me, because I live and you will live. On that day you will understand that I am in my Father and you in me and I in you.

To conclude Pray these or words of your own in response to today’s prayer. - God you are constant and unfailing. In these uncertain times, hold me close, bring me your peace. - God you are loving and merciful. In these challenging times, help me bring your peace and love to others. - God you are strong and faithful. Breathe your strength into me, make me brave and kind, focused and aware of what needs to be done. Help me to be gentle and kind to myself. - God you are my friend. Help me to reach out to others for help and friendship. I need others and they need me.

Conclude by saying slowing the Our Father…. … and by blessing yourself, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN

 

 

I trust and pray that you are all keeping safe and well.  I would encourage you to take some time for yourself today or sometime this week to sit and relax while you listen to the following two songs. Please keep in your prayers all those who are suffering the effects of this corona virus.

"Saving Grace" by Kodaline - if you click on the link below you will see many familiar scenes during this time of lockdown - some words from the song are 'when you are scared and your lonely - when there's no one to hole you - I just want you to know - I'll be by your side.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGYa8KuoTqA

One more Day sung by Eabha Mahon -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQ45bOPiRnU

I hope you all enjoy these songs and words of reflection. Have a good week
Blessings on all that you do.
Sr. Marjorie

 

 

As you are aware it is a Catholic tradition to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary during May. Today is the feast of Our Lady of Fatima.

Pope Francis is encouraging us to rediscover the Rosary I. attach for you, some information that you might like to use, for you personal prayer.

Many times when we are finding any situation difficult, we turn to prayer, but when our prayers are not instantly answered, we give up. Today, I want to encourage you not only to pray but to pray persistently. Give your worries, concerns or intention to God as you pray

Remember, He promises that when we seek Him, we will find Him. Let's today, through the intercession of Our Blessed Lady, seek and pray with all our hearts.

Blessing on all that you do

Sr. Marjorie

 

 

 

 

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

Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God

Heavenly Father, we bring before you today all those who are facing various needs or illnesses.

Give them hope and the courage they need.

Comfort them in their pain, calm their fear and anxiety.

Lord our God surround all those we pray for today in your love and peace.

I pray that you would give me strength to be strong in all that I face today and every day.

Carry me when I am weak to move or pray and forgive me when I get things wrong.

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. Amen

One reason to pray is because God asked us to “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” Phil4;6 There is peace in Christ

 

 

 

THANK YOU for all the lovely May altars – please continue to send in your photos. Remember to pray the rosary each evening at 6pm. Holy Mary, Mother of God pray for us.

 

 

 

You are invited to get your May altar ready. This Friday is the 1st of May. See the project set below to make your own May altar.

The month of May is traditionally devoted to Our Blessed lady. Pope Francis has asked us to make a special effort to pray the rosary during the month of May.

"Contemplating the face of Christ with the heart of Mary, our mother will make us even more united as a spiritual family and will help us overcome this time of trial. There are many good models of this prayer on you tube to help you".

Pope Francis wrote two prayers attached here for you, that can be recited at the end of the rosary.

Both prayers acknowledge Mary's closeness to her Son's followers, and ask for her protection and for her intercession just as she interceded with Jesus on behalf of the newly weds at Cana - "We know that you will provide, so that as at Cana in Galilee, joy and celebration may return after this time of trial," - from one of Pope Francis' prayers. 

Pope Francis' prayers also include specific intentions, for those who are sick, for those who care for them, for those  who have died and those who mourn for them, for scientists seeking cures and vaccines and for government leaders who must find a way to protect their people.

You as a family are invited to take 15 minutes each evening at 6pm to pray the rosary.

Send pictures of your May Altar to:

5230187ICTSupport@stpatricks.keady.ni.sch.uk

 

 

 

A personal prayer in this time of challenge

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

Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God.

In John 14:13-14 Jesus says, “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”

Pause  - speak you prayer intention now to God in the quiet of your heart. Now as you sit with God, listen to the following song and watch the lovely images.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuXB1a3NBCw  El Shaddai = this is a Hebrew word and it translate into English as God Almighty

God our Father, Creator of the world, almighty and merciful, out of love for us You sent your Son into the world as the doctor of our souls and our bodies, look upon your people who, in this difficult time of confusion and dismay in many regions of Europe and the world, turn to you seeking strength, salvation and relief, deliver us from illness and fear, heal our sick, comfort their families, give wisdom to our rulers, energy and reward to our doctors, nurses, all key workers and volunteers, eternal life to the dead. Do not abandon us in the moment of trial but deliver us from all evil.

Litany of the Saints https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Xh8oXmynvQ

Help me Lord to grow stronger spiritually.

Help me Lord to speak to you in prayer more often.

Help me Lord to stand strong now in my faith

Help me Lord to be the person you want me to be.

Pray the Our Father…

Glory be to the Father and….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pXO7TugBjI&list=PLoPZvulQ58At_Fbfsv7wv_PtH0zPYffYb&index=9  Hold on The Light Will Come

 

 

 

A Prayer in this time of challenge  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCzLU8gnWAQ

God of Love, we your people turn to you with prayerful hearts and with confidence in your loving presence among us now and in every moment of our lives. We stand before you as a people of hope, trusting in your care and protection. May we be comforted by your love in these anxious times.

Generous and Merciful God, fill us with compassion and concern for others, young and old; that we may look after each other in these challenging times, especially those among us who are vulnerable. May your example give us the courage we need to go to the margins, wherever they may be. Heal us of our fear.

Healing God, bring healing to those who are sick with the Coronavirus and be with their families and neighbours. We pray especially who those who are isolated, that they may know your love. Stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.

God of Strength, accompany all those who serve us with such love and generosity in the medical profession and in all our healthcare facilities.  We give thanks for their continued work in the service of people. We ask you to bless them, strengthen them and guide them with your abundant goodness.

God of Wisdom, we ask you to guide the leaders in healthcare and governance; that they may make the right decisions for the wellbeing of people.

O God of creation and God of life, we, your people, place ourselves and our world in your protection and love. May your peace be with us and enfold us today, tomorrow and during the time ahead.

We make our prayer through the intercession of Mary our Mother, and all the saints.
St Patrick, pray for us. St Jean Baptist. Pray for us St, Brigid, pray for us. St Malachy, pray for us St. Colmcille, pray for us May all the saints of God, pray for us.  Amen!    

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday - (Easter/Resurrection Sunday) - Holy Week Prayer

As we awake this Easter morning we know the joy of those who came to the tomb on that first day of the week, that first Sunday. The Lord is truly risen, Alleluia. Having set out on the journey of the Easter Triduum we arise this morning and welcome the light of life.

 Scriptures tell us ‘It was very early on the first day of the week and still dark, when Mary of Magdala came to the tomb. She saw that the stone had been moved away from the tomb…Till this moment they had failed to understand the teaching of Scripture, that he must raise from the dead’. (John 20:1-9)  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzy7jFNUc3w Christ the Lord is risen

Gather with other members of your household. On a table or in a sacred space, safely place a lighted candle in the centre. You might include some of the following items on the table: an unlit individual (baptism) candle; any photos of family baptisms; a bowl of water and a green branch, a bible, open on John 20:1-9; your Easter egg, if it isn’t eaten already! If there are flowers in the garden why not head out and pick some for the space before you start your prayer together.

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

Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God

An Easter Litany

This is the day the Lord has made. Response -  Alleluia, alleluia!

God’s love has no end. Response -  Alleluia, alleluia!.

God has raised us up. Response -  Alleluia, alleluia!

And given us the gift of new life. Response - Alleluia, alleluia!

Reading It was very early on the first day of the week and still dark, when Mary of Magdala came to the tomb. She saw that the stone had been moved away from the tomb … Till this moment they had failed to understand the teaching of Scripture, that he must raise from the dead. (From the Gospel of the day, full text John 20:1-9)

Reflection In his Easter Sunday greeting in 2019, Pope Francis addressed these words to every Christian: ‘Christ is alive! He is our hope, and in a wonderful way he brings youth to our world. Everything he touches becomes young, new, full of life …

Christ is alive and he wants you to be alive! He is in you, he is with you and he never abandons you.’

On this Easter morning take a moment to recognise and appreciate all the signs of hope and new life around us: light … water … flowers … eggs … baptism memories and photos … one another!

Lord God,
You loved this world so much,
That you gave your one and only Son,
That we might be called your children too.

Lord, help us to live in the gladness and grace
Of Easter Sunday, every day.
Let us have hearts of thankfulness
For your sacrifice.

Let us have eyes that look upon
Your grace and rejoice in our salvation.
Help us to walk in that mighty grace
And tell your good news to the world.
All for your glory do we pray, Lord,

Amen.

Intercessions

On this Easter day, as we look upon our burning candle we take a moment to remember and pray for all those who need to hear the good news of resurrection this day, and for all those bringing life to others in so many ways in these very days.

We pray for our needs and the needs of the world this day. We remember in our prayer … (bring your intentions to God)

Lord, who raises us up from our graves and calls us to new life, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.

Our Father …

Prayer Lord of all life, we have journeyed to Easter and in the most difficult of trials we proclaim still the joy of your resurrection, we embrace with gladness the new life to which you call each one of us. Bless us, our families and all the world, with your constant presence that we may give you thanks every day and share the good news of our faith with all we meet. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Acclamation Christ is risen. Alleluia, alleluia!

 

 

 

Saturday (Holy Saturday) - Holy Week Prayer

The Easter Vigil is rich in symbol and ritual action. While we will not experience it in quite the same way this year, it typically unfolds as follows, in four parts. The celebration begins around the light of the Easter fire. The fire is blessed, the Easter Candle is lit and this light is shared before we sing our great proclamation of Easter, the Exsultet.

In the second part of the night we vigil with the stories of our salvation, the great stories from the Old Testament proclaimed in the light of our Easter faith and culminating in the proclamation of the resurrection in the Gospel reading.

Now in the third part we are ready to do what our whole Lenten journey has been about –  to renew our own baptism before we complete our celebration of the vigil with the Liturgy of the Eucharist in which we receive the nourishment and grace of the Body of Christ to sustain us in the Christian journey. On this greatest of nights in the life of the Church we keep vigil with the Lord. Although this year’s Vigil cannot be celebrated in all its richness, in the darkness of these days we can dare to rejoice. Because, through the resurrection, the risen Lord has conquered all darkness and overcome the power of death.

Saturday (Holy Saturday) - Holy Week Prayer

Holy Saturday is a day of patient waiting when we, as Church, prayerfully reflect on the passion and death of Christ and await his resurrection. It is a day of fast as we ready ourselves for the feast of Easter.

Gather with other members of your household, if you can. • On a table or in the sacred space, place an unlit candle in the centre with an individual candle beside it for each person who has gathered. People might like to use their own baptism candle if they have it. Include a bible, open on Genesis 1 and a bowl of water and a small branch of greenery. If there are flowers in the garden you might have some in a vase close by. 

Night ritual of lighting the candle Lighting of the Candle At the beginning of this prayer ritual, people may wish, if they can, to go out to their garden and into the darkness of the night. One person lights the main candle and says the following: May the light of Christ rising in glory dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds, and bring us hope, peace and newness of life. Then lighting each household member’s candle in turn, says: The light of Christ with the response as each candle is lit: Thanks be to God.

Quiet reflection Take a moment to look upon the flame of your candle and consider what it means for you to welcome Christ as the light of your life on this night.

Opening Prayer On this blessed night we give you thanks, Lord God, that your light has come into our world to overcome the darkness. May its flame burn ever bright in our hearts that we may be filled everyday with the joy of our Easter faith. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The lit candles can now be placed beside the bible.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

After the sabbath, and toward dawn on the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala and the other Mary went to visit the sepulchre … But the angel spoke; and he said to the women, ‘There is no need for you to be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said he would. Come and see the place where he lay, then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and now he is going before you to Galilee; it is there you will see him.’ Now I have told you.’ Filled with awe and great joy the women came quickly away from the tomb and ran to tell the disciples.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Thanks be to God

Reflection ‘There is no need for you to be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said he would.’ These words bring us to the deepest truth of our faith. In Jesus’ passage from death to life, we are redeemed, we are saved, we are given the promise of fullness of life in God. Through our baptism and our belief in the resurrection, our fears, our doubts, our lives are transformed. Easter faith invites us to welcome the gift of this transformation into the core of our being. On this night we can begin again. Yet we can only do this by welcoming the risen Lord, Christ who is our guiding light, into our lives.

As Pope Francis reminds us ‘We are not self-sufficient; by ourselves we flounder: we need the Lord, like ancient navigators needed the stars’. (Words from special blessing on 27 March) On this night we proclaim Christ as our morning star who never sets, our light and our way who guides us along the true path.

Intercessions

We take a moment to unite in prayer with the Church across the world on this night, remembering especially…..

 We pray for our needs and the needs of the world this day. We remember in our prayer… (Bring your intentions to God) Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.

Our Father …

Final acclamation Together we acclaim: Jesus Christ is risen. Alleluia, alleluia!

Sign of the Cross … Lord God,
On the Sabbath,
Jesus rested.
He was in the grave.
He had finished his work.

To most people’s eyes,
It looked as if it were all over.
He was dead and buried.

But only as a seed dies when it is planted in the earth,
Not to decay, but to spring to new life.
Teach us to take refuge in you when we are afraid
Teach us that death is not our end

Teach us to hope always in you
And in the resurrection, the making of all things
New.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord,

Amen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuQFGWAd7wQ&list=PLNbwoRVHLNM4LlBvjWZv2brmWgV0YgwyY  He is risen

 

 

 

 

 

Friday (Good Friday) - Holy Week Prayer

On this Good Friday day of fast and abstinence, the Church gathers in silence as we take up our prayer from the liturgy of Holy Thursday.

The silence echoes more profoundly this year, perhaps, than in any other year in our living memory. Yet in that silence sits our deepest truth.

The liturgy of the day has three key elements: the proclamation of the Passion, the Solemn Intercessions and the Adoration of the Cross.

Scripture tells us Then they took charge of Jesus, and carrying his own cross he went out of the city to the place of the skull, or, as it was called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified him with two others, one on either side with Jesus in the middle …

Jesus knew that everything had now been completed, and to fulfil the scripture perfectly he said: ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar full of vinegar stood there, so putting a sponge soaked in vinegar on a hyssop stick they held it up to his mouth.

After Jesus had taken the vinegar he said, ‘It is accomplished.’ And bowing his head he gave up the spirit. (John 19:17-30) 

Gather with other members of your household, if you can. • Place a cross on a table or in a sacred space, together with an unlit candle. If you don’t have a cross, you may be able to make a simple cross with something from the garden.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLJ0IjLAmOA Where you there when they crucified my Lord.

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

Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God

Opening Prayer

God of all life, we turn to you in prayer on this Good Friday, bringing the sickness and pain of our lives and of our world to the foot of the cross. On this day may your cross stand as a sign of hope for us in the midst of our time of trial, bringing courage and peace to each of our hearts. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reading

Then they took charge of Jesus, and carrying his own cross he went out of the city to the place of the skull, or, as it was called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified him with two others, one on either side with Jesus in the middle… At the place where he had been crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been buried. Since it was the Jewish Day of Preparation and the tomb was near at hand, they laid Jesus there. (From the Gospel of the day – see John 18:1-19:42 for full text)

Lord God,
Jesus cried out to you on the cross,
“Why have you forsaken me?”
You seemed so far from his cry
And from his distress.

Those who stood at the foot of the cross
Wondered where you were,
As they saw Jesus mocked and shamed and killed.
Where were you then?

Lord God,
We, too, ask where you are,
When there is trouble and suffering and death,
And we cry out to you for help.

Be near to us, and save us
So that we may praise you for your deliverance.

Lord God,
We wait, on Friday, for the resurrection of Sunday
And sometimes our lives seem a succession of Fridays
And we cannot see what is “Good.”

Teach us to call your name
As Jesus did.
Make us to trust in you like little children.
In Jesus’ name,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baxQqo891tw  Behold the wood of the cross

Reflection

Jesus has taken on our suffering and born our pain on the cross. Even in this time of great trial and suffering across the world, we can trust in the Lord who embraces us with his saving love. As Pope Francis reminded us during his special blessing on 27 March, ‘The Lord awakens so as to reawaken and revive our Easter faith.

We have an anchor: by his cross we have been saved. 

We have a rudder: by his cross we have been redeemed.

We have a hope: by his cross we have been healed and embraced so that nothing and no one can separate us from his redeeming love’.

Ritual action

Each person in the household is invited to take up the cross in turn. As you look upon the cross, welcome into your heart the truth that by his cross, we have been saved, we have been redeemed, we have a hope. In quiet prayer, bring to God what needs healing in your life. When you are ready, conclude with the acclamation - ‘We adore your cross, O Lord. Have mercy on us’ - before passing the cross to another.

Amen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5CwFCELqWM Jesus remember me

Intercessions:-

Light the candle. As we light this candle we take a moment to remember and pray for all who are suffering and enduring the hardships of this present time. As people of hope, we place their pain at the Cross, confident of God’s comforting and healing embrace.

We pray for our needs and the needs of the world this day.

We remember in our prayer … (Bring your intentions to God) Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.

Our Father …

Prayer:-

God of our hope, source of our consolation, we embrace your cross and recognise you as our courage and strength. Take root in our hearts as we make our journey through Holy Week that we may hold firm onto your love that saves us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Blessing:-

The Lord bless us and keep us; The Lord make his face shine on us and be gracious to us; The Lord turn his face toward us and give us his peace both now and forever. Amen. Sign of the Cross …

To do Take a quiet moment today in the garden or by a window and look out at the trees, thinking about what Jesus’ sacrifice of love on the cross means for you. If there is someone to whom you need to say sorry, do so today by whatever means you have, in person, phone, text…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday (Maundy Thursday) - Holy Week Prayer

(I hope you can tune into your parish web-cam to take part in the sacred liturgy 

The triduum The Great Triduum of the Church Begins ‘Triduum’ comes from the Latin word for ‘three days’. The Easter Triduum begins with Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, reaches its peak moment in the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night and concludes with Evening Prayer on Easter Sunday. These three days represent the highpoint of our entire year as Christians. The Easter Triduum is to the year what Sunday is to the week.

Mass of the Lord’s Supper At the heart of Holy Thursday is Jesus’ command to serve others, modelled by Jesus in the washing of feet and the gift of himself in the Eucharist. ‘Do this in memory’ is a call to us as members of the Christian community to be a Eucharistic people. This means not only receiving the precious gift of Christ in the Eucharist but living Eucharist in our daily actions of care and service to one another.

Gather with other members of your household, if you can. • Place a jug of water, a bowl and towel on a (kitchen) table or in the sacred space, together with an unlit candle.

The Readings of today place before us the gift of the Eucharist and the self-giving of Christ for our redemption. As Christ has done for us, so we are called to do.

How do we follow the example of Christ in our own lives? In these challenging days, where are we witnessing people living this example of loving service for the sake of others? • The washing of feet has been called a homily in action. While it cannot take place this year, you are invited to pour water from the jug into the bowl in grateful remembrance of all those in our very midst living this call of Christ to ‘Do this in memory of me’. Light your candle at this point to remember and pray for all those who are making Christ present in our world in these days through their loving service.

• As you make your Act of Spiritual Communion take some time to truly welcome the presence of Christ into your very being and to give thanks to God for the gift of the Eucharist and the life to which it calls you.

In the name of the Father

Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God

Opening Prayer Loving God, in the gift of your Eucharist you have shown the depth of your love for us. In the washing of feet, you call us to share this love in our service of others. Help us to welcome your saving presence into our lives. Grant us the courage to bring your love to those with whom we share our lives and to all those in need. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

Reading

Jesus knew that the Father had put everything into his hands, and that he had come from God and was returning to God, and he got up from table, removed his outer garment and, taking a towel, wrapped it around his waist; he then poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel he was wearing. ..‘Do you understand’ he said ‘what I have done to you? You call me Master and Lord, and rightly; so I am. If I, then, the Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you should wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you.’ (From the Gospel of the day – see John 13:1-15 for full text) Reflection ‘I have given you an example so that you may do what I have done for you’. The love of Jesus is being poured out into our world in so many extraordinary ways in these days. This love demonstrates to us that we are not isolated individuals, even if we are in isolation from one another. Divine love unites each one of us. Pope Francis, during the special blessing he gave on March 27th, spoke of how ‘our lives are woven together and sustained by ordinary, often forgotten people; doctors, nurses, supermarket employees, cleaners, caregivers, providers of transport, law and order forces, volunteers, priests, religious men and women and so many others who have understood that no one reaches salvation by themselves.’ Today the washing of feet goes on, the love of God endures. Take a moment to reflect on the many ways you witness and give witness to ‘the washing of feet’ in your life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rh4xEvMVQQ   Servant King

My Most Precious Lord Jesus, this night You gathered with Your Apostles to share with them Your last meal.  But this was no ordinary meal.  This was the gift of Your most Sacred Body and Blood, soon to be broken and poured out on the Cross for the salvation of the world.  

Allow me, dear Lord, to spend this night in prayer and meditation with You.  After the meal, You invited Your disciples to join You for one hour, to stay awake and keep vigil as You prepared for Your arrest.  The disciples fell asleep, leaving You in Your bitter agony alone.

I accept Your gentle invitation of love, dear Lord, to spend this night in vigil with You.  May I enter Your Heart as it faced the coming persecution You were to endure for my sins.  

Lord, when I face the crosses of my own life, give me Your divine courage and strength to say “Yes” to the Will of the Father.  Your love for me is abundant and is perfect in every way.  Help me to know that love, to embrace it and to allow it into my life. I make my vigil with You this night, dear Lord.  I love You, help me to love You with all my heart.  Jesus, I trust in You.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkivkORaeJA Stay here and keep watch with

John 13:1-17; John 13:34-35

Lord God,
You sent your Son into the world,
And before his hour had come,
He washed his disciples’ feet.

You had given all things into his hands.
He had come from you, and was going to you,
And what did he do?
He knelt down on the floor,
And washed his friends’ feet.

He was their teacher and their Lord,
Yet he washed their feet.
Lord God, help us learn from his example;
Help us to do as he has done for us.

The world will know we are his disciples
If we love one another.
Strengthen our hands and our wills for love
And for service.

Keep before our eyes the image of your Son,
Who, being God, became a Servant for our sake.
All glory be to him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, now and forever.

Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdmgpMfnjdU Servant song

Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.” John 13:8

It was a beautiful image of the deepest humility ever witnessed.  Jesus, the Eternal Son of God, the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity, was exercising the duty of a servant.  One by one, Jesus went around and cleansed the feet of His disciples. It was the celebration of the Passover. A holy feast, a remembrance of God’s saving action to their ancestors the night they were set free from slavery in Egypt.  However, this Passover “remembrance” was certainly one to be remembered and embraced.

Peter was overwhelmed by Jesus’ humility and at first refused to have his Lord wash his feet.  But Jesus says something that rings true for all eternity: “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.”  This was no ordinary washing, it was not in reference only to the washing of Peter’s dirty feet, it was an eternal washing of his immortal soul, and the “water” would soon flow forth from the pierced and Sacred Heart of Jesus Himself.

Rite to replace the washing of feet

At this point in the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, we normally follow the words of Jesus in the Gospel and wash the feet of a few people to reflect this action shown to us by Christ.

But today we follow that command in a different way.

Ritual Action While safety advice may mean this is not possible, if it is possible and a number of the household are present, people are invited to follow the example of Jesus and to take it in turn to wash and dry the feet of another.

As those gathered do so, be aware of how it feels personally to both receive and do this sacred action.

If praying by yourself, or if unable to have your foot washed, at this time pour the water into the bowl and unfold the towel at this time.

Intercessions

Light the candle.

For when we ask where is God, the words of this night remind us. 

‘Where charity and love abide there is God’.

We light this candle of hope, as all those involved in the fight against Covid 19, give hope to us all.

As we light this candle we take a moment to remember and pray for all those many people who are living the example of Jesus in these very days. (Pause)

We pray for our needs and the needs of the world this day.

We remember in our prayer… (Bring your intentions to God) Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.

(A candle is lit beside the bowl)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rh4xEvMVQQ  Servant King I invite you to listen and reflect on the words and images in this beautiful hymn again

Less than twenty-four hours later, Jesus would be on a cross, and a Roman soldier would pierce His heart with a lance.  From His heart flowed blood and water, the new font of grace and mercy itself.

Every time we renew our Baptism, receive His Spirit more deeply into our lives and consume His sacred Body and Blood, we participate in this cleansing action of Christ to Peter and the other disciples. 

Jesus looks at each one of us, with a gaze of love, and says, “Unless I wash you…” What is your response to our Lord?

It takes humility to accept the humblest act of mercy ever known.  We must humbly acknowledge that we need our Lord to cleanse us, to wipe the dirt from our souls, to redeem us and to offer us the inheritance of everlasting life.

It is at that Last Supper, the beginning of the first Triduum of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday, that our Lord gazes through Peter to each one of us and offers to cleanse us of all sin.

What is your response?

How humble are you in your reception of this gift?

How deeply do you believe in the saving Sacrifice of our divine Lord?

Reflect, this night, upon those sacred words of our Lord and hear them spoken to you: “Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me.” 

My merciful Lord, Your humility is awe-inspiring and overwhelming.  Please wash me clean with the blood and water flowing forth from Your pierced Heart.  Help me to receive this gift in the way it was given: with humility. I thank You, I say “Yes” to Your gift, I receive You and I invite You to cleanse me.  I am a sinner, dear Lord. I need Your cleansing action in my life. Jesus, I trust in You.

Say “Yes” to this offer of perfect humility and mercy from our Lord and let the saving Sacrifice of the Son of God enter more deeply into your life than ever before.

On that first Holy Thursday, Jesus also offered an example of the perfect humility and service that we are called to imitate as we become one with Him.  He washed the feet of His Apostles to teach them and us that His Body and Blood are given so as to enable us to love as He loved.  The Eucharist transforms us into true servants who are called to humility

We are called to humble service of others.  This service will take on various forms, but it is what we are called to.

Do you serve those around you? 

Do you humble yourself before others to care for their most basic needs? 

Do you show them you love them by your actions? 

This is at the heart of Holy Thursday.  Humble service is a beautiful expression of our own intimate union with the Son of God.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKxfIpVH-lo Soul of my saviour

Lord, help me to understand what it means to be a servant.  Help me to live this humility in my actions.  May the gift of Your most Sacred Body and Blood transform me into the person You desire me to be.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Our Father …

Prayer:-

God of mercy and compassion, may we be sustained by your abiding presence with us as we continue our journey through Holy Week. May the example of your son call us to the service of others, knowing that we have the strength to do your will through the gift and nourishment of your Eucharist. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Blessing

The Lord bless us and keep us; The Lord make his face shine on us and be gracious to us; The Lord turn his face toward us and give us his peace both now and forever. Amen.

Sign of the Cross …

To do

Try to make a special effort to share a family meal today or if you are not with family to give them a call.

Say a grace before and after your meal.

Share a favourite recipe on social media or elsewhere.

Remind yourself of this year’s Trócaire Lenten campaign (see trocaire.org and your Trócaire box) and think about how you can support their work

 

 

 

 

Wednesday (Spy Wednesday) - Holy Week Prayer

Today we see Judas plot Jesus’ betrayal. He sold his friendship with him for thirty pieces of silver. We might shake our head in disapproval. However, we too, can let our own selfish thoughts and actions disrupt our relationship with God and with each other.

Scripture tells us ‘One of the Twelve, the man called Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests and said, ‘What are you prepared to give me if I hand him over to you?’

They paid him thirty silver pieces, and from that moment he looked for an opportunity to betray him.’ (Matthew 26:14-25)

 begins: • Gather with other members of your household, if you can. • Place in your sacred space some silver coins and/or a picture of the prodigal son – that perfect image of God’s loving forgiveness. • Light the candle safely.

This ritual should be celebrated quietly and slowly giving time to reflect on one’s life and to open your heart to the forgiving and healing love of God.

In the name of the Father and of the Son.

Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God

Examination of Conscience

Let us pause, deep down in the silence of our heart, to examine our conscience

(Pause – and take your time)

How have I failed to love God, failed to do what is right, failed to love others?

Confession of Sin

Using your own words, in the silence of your heart, speak directly to God about your sins.

(Pause – and take your time)

‘Lord, I did this …, this …, this … Forgive me!’ and ask for pardon with all your heart.

Act of Contrition

Then say: O my God, I thank you for loving me, I am sorry for all my sins, help me to live like

Jesus and not to sin again. Amen.

Commitment to Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation

Dear Lord, I firmly amend, once I can, to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, but good

Lord forgive me now. Amen.

 At your feet song of repentance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlARyE78vjw

Matthew 26:27-56; 1 Corinthians 1:18

Lord God,
We tremble to think
That it was one of Jesus’ own friends who betrayed him.
One who sat by him, who broke bread with him.

Give us strength, we pray,
To walk faithfully with Jesus,
Even when the road we walk is rocky
Even when the message of the cross seems like foolishness
And even when we feel betrayed.

You, Lord, are always faithful.
We stumble, we become lost,
But you are steady and sure.

Give us the grace to endure our troubles,
And reveal to us the glory of your kingdom,
Through your son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MljFNaWoYEs Passion song

Blessing:- The Lord bless us and keep us; The Lord make his face shine on us and be gracious to us; The Lord turn his face toward us and give us his peace both now and forever. Amen.

Spend a few minutes reflecting.  Speak your won personal prayer intentions/prayers now to God.

Listen and watch these beautiful images Mary mother of God -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSdLG0sHv3g

To do Think of three good things in your life and thank God for them. Make a random act of kindness for someone in your house or elsewhere. Pray an online Stations of the Cross see chaplaincy section of website. Practice reconciliation where there are disagreements. Read the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) or view it told in a YouTube clip. Access one of the Gospels and read the account of Jesus’ death on the cross.

 

 

 

 

Gather with other members of your family/household, if you can. • Place a family picture or pictures of loved ones in your sacred space. • Light the candle safely.

In the name of the Father and of the….

Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4Svh-9ohg4 Bless the Lord my soul and bless God’s holy name

Opening Prayer Lord the pain of being betrayed by someone you loved and trusted must have been hard. Was your life not worth more than thirty pieces of silver? Lord help us to appreciate our family and friends – each one unique, each one a gift from you. Help us always to be honest with them in our words and in our actions. Help us to work so that true love, harmony and peace may reign among us. Amen.

John 13: 21-33, 36-38

Jesus Talks About His Death

²¹ After Jesus said this, he was very troubled. He said openly, “I tell you the truth. One of you will turn against me.”

²² The disciples all looked at each other. They did not know whom Jesus was talking about. ²³ One of the disciples was sitting^[a] next to Jesus. This was the disciple Jesus loved. ²⁴ Simon Peter made signs to him to ask Jesus who it was that he was talking about.

²⁵ That follower leaned closer to Jesus and asked, “Lord, who is it that will turn against you?”

²⁶ Jesus answered, “I will dip this bread into the dish. The man I give it to is the man who will turn against me.” So Jesus took a piece of bread. He dipped it and gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. ²⁷ As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered him. Jesus said to Judas, “The thing that you will do—do it quickly!” ²⁸ None of the disciples at the table understood why Jesus said this to Judas. ²⁹ He was the one who kept the money box. So some of the disciples thought that Jesus was telling Judas to buy what was needed for the feast. Or they thought that Jesus wanted Judas to give something to the poor.

³⁰ Judas accepted the bread Jesus gave him and immediately went out. It was night.

³¹ When Judas was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man receives his glory. And God receives glory through him. ³² If God receives glory through him,^[b] then God will give glory to the Son through himself. And God will give him glory quickly.”

³³ Jesus said, “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me. And what I told the Jews, I tell you now: Where I am going you cannot come. ³⁶ Simon Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, where are you going?”

Jesus answered, “Where I am going you cannot follow now. But you will follow later.”

³⁷ Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I am ready to die for you!”

³⁸ Jesus answered, “Will you really die for me? I tell you the truth. Before the rooster crows, you will say three times that you don’t know me.”

When you have read the following reflection, I invite you to play the following song – Bring it to the Table :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBEKQ8M_kB4&list=RDMMLBEKQ8M_kB4&start_radio=1

Picture yourself as one of the disciples sitting around the table in this scene. I imagine that their natural human reaction to Jesus’ words would be one of apprehension. They did not know who would betray Jesus, and they did not know where he was going and why they wouldn’t be able to follow him there. Peter is particularly concerned. First, he asks John to find out who the betrayer will be. I imagine that a small part of Peter is afraid it might be him. Later, when Jesus tells his friends that they cannot follow him, Peter protests, saying, “Master, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Although his zeal to follow Jesus is admirable, we know that when the time comes, his fear wins out and he denies Jesus. In this moment, the apostles could not see the sorrowful mysteries that were about to unfold. Neither could they see the glorious resurrection that would follow. But we can. We know this story and we know how it ends. Although we are headed into somber days during which we will watch as Jesus is abandoned, humiliated, and put to death, we know that Easter is waiting on the other side. Jesus endured his passion so that we might live without fear. He suffered so that we might be reunited with him after we’ve denied him and hidden our faces. So let’s recognize that we, like Peter, can be weak and fearful. But we, like Peter, can one day dwell with Jesus forever in eternal life.

Lord, help us always to get along. Help us never to betray each other in word or action. Help us to grow in love for each other.

Intercessions Light the candle

As we light this candle we pray especially for harmony and peace among family and friends, among nations and peoples. (Pause)

We pray for our needs and the needs of the whole world. We remember in our prayer … (Bring your intentions to God) Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer. Say Our Father…..

Pray together St Francis prayer:-

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 And where there is sadness, joy. Amen

Matthew 26:36-46; Hebrews 5:7-9

Lord God,
The message of the cross is difficult to take.
How can death give way to life? How can weakness be strength?

Yet your word says that Jesus, being God,
Took on human flesh
And suffered the worst kind of death.
How can this be?

This message is indeed difficult to take.
But your foolishness is wiser than our wisdom.
Your weakness is greater than our strength.
Help us to know that none of us can boast before you.

It is only in Christ Jesus that we can boast.
In his name, we ask you to help our unbelief.
That we may love you and walk in the way Jesus taught us.
In his name,

Amen.

The Rosary - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L-Op-3DUPw

Prayer to St. Roch

O Blessed Saint Roch,
Patron of the sick,
Have pity on those
Who lie upon a bed of suffering.

Your power was so great
When you were in this world,
That by the sign of the Cross,
Many were healed of their diseases.

Now that you are in heaven,
Your power is not less.
Offer, then, to God
Our sighs and tears
And obtain for us that health we seek
Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

The Lord bless us and keep us; The Lord make his face shine on us and be gracious to us; The Lord turn his face toward us and give us his peace both now and forever. Amen.

Glory be to the Father….

In the name of the Son….

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVBQYnfkiBM  Holy God we praise thy name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the name of the Father….. Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orL-w2QBiN8 The lonely Shepherd

Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, though in our weakness we fail, we may be revived through the Passion of your Only Begotten Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Gospel – John 12:1-11

¹ Six days before Passover Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.
² They gave a dinner for him there, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him.
³ Mary took a litre of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and
dried them with her hair; the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
⁴ Then Judas the Iscariot, one of his disciples, and the one who would betray him, said,
⁵ “Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days’ wages and given to the poor?”
⁶ He said this not because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief and held the money bag
and used to steal the contributions.
⁷ So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Let her keep this for the day of my burial.
⁸ You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”
⁹ The large crowd of the Jews found out that he was there and came, not only because of him, but also to
see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.
¹⁰ And the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus too,
¹¹ because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him.

Lord God, six days before his death, your son sat with Lazarus,
Whom he had raised from the dead, And ate dinner with his friends.

Once again, your gospel tells us, Martha served, And Mary knelt at Jesus’ feet to anoint them with costly perfume. The disciple who was about to betray him Said that it was a waste.

He didn’t care about the poor, really – He just wanted to fill his own pockets
And make Mary feel ashamed.

Lord God,
Often we cannot discern what is best:
When to pour out costly perfume for your sake,
Even if the world thinks it a waste.

When to be busy serving,
Or when to rest at your Son’s feet and learn.
Give us ears to hear you and eyes to see.
For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen

We pray for Christian people, that through the suffering of disunity there may grow a rich union in Christ. 

Lord, hear us. 

We pray for those who make laws, interpret them, and administer them, that our common life may be ordered in justice and mercy for all. 

Lord, hear us. 

We pray for the sick, 

that they may be given the blessings of peace and security We pray for all those who are ill because of the virus may they feel the comfort of those caring for them. 

Lord, hear us. 

We pray for all health care workers,

That they may be kept safe during their selfless work of caring for all those who are in hospital at this worrying time.

Lord, hear us

We pray for the departed in Christ, 

that they may find mercy on the day of Christ. 

Lord, hear us.  

We pray with Mary, who shared the agony of her son. Hail Mary … .

Let us pray for a moment in silence.- make your own prayer intention..

Lord hear us

Pray the Our Father

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made and forgive the sins of all those who are truly sorry. Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that, lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, we may receive from you, the God of all mercy, perfect forgiveness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Please pray the rosary with those living in your home The Rosary - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L-Op-3DUPw

 

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIUk0YCi15w

Palm Sunday Prayer

In the name of the Father and of the Son…

Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God

Gracious God, you have heard the cries of your suffering people. You have sent Jesus to us to be our Redeemer and brother. Open our eyes to see the immensity of your love for us and the wonder of what you have done for us. Give us the courage to be your hands and heart for those who are in pain. Give us the wisdom to speak out for justice and righteousness. May your will be done in us today and always. Amen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YApEIjvE6S4 Hosanna

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evtOaOl1XSo Why did Jesus ride into Jerusalem riding on a donkey

Matthew 21:1-11; Ps 118:1-2; Ps 118:19-29

Lord God,
I give you thanks, for you are good, and your mercy is endless.
Here I stand, at the start of this holy week,
This week in which your church remembers Jesus’ passion and death,

And I am distracted by many things.
Turn my eyes now to the One who comes in your name
The one who opens the gates of righteousness
The one who answers when we call.

I bless you, Lord, for shining your light upon me,
And for sending your son to us, in human frailty.
To walk the road we walk.
Open my eyes that I may see him coming,

And may praise him with a pure heart.
And may walk in the way of his suffering,
And share also in his resurrection.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever.

If younger children are with you at prayer this is a lovely moving short film fitting for this time

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8j8802Mw-0 The donkey that no one could ride.

Say together:- Our Father who art in heaven…..

Glory be to the Father and…..

In the name of the Father and of the Son…

 

 

 

 

Community is not bricks and mortar; it doesn’t depend on geography or proximity. Real community is built on the bonds that tie us together because of who we are, what we believe and what we dream of together. For Christians, community is always about love because we believe that God is love.  This God of love invites you to spend time with Him in prayer and reflection.

At the start, you are called to centre yourself as you begin to pray. Then there is piece ( a picture/music) to reflect on. This prayer also includes a line from scripture, you might like to repeat this slowly a few times.

At the end, you are called to reach out in faith, hope and love to all those you love and care about. In this prayer, there’s also a moment or two of gratitude. This is important to have because even in the darkest of days, we need to see through the gloom and be grateful for what we have.

This prayer will take about five to ten minutes of your time. If you want to extend your prayer time, you can use reflective music to help quieten you down.  The prayer time also has suggested hymn or song. These can be used or not.

The link to the YouTube clip for each hymn or piece of music is also provided. But don’t allow yourself to get distracted by YouTube! (To avoid distraction, it might be better to have the music lined up before you start especially if there are ads. at the start of the music!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlprozGcs80 This one of my favourite pieces to listen to as I prepare for prayer

To begin-  In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God.

Centre yourself now in silence. Take five deep breaths in and out.

Allow your mind to become a little quieter. Put everything except this prayer away from you. Give yourself a few minutes of stillness to calm yourself before you begin. Become aware of God’s Spirit with you inspiring and calming you in your prayer.

My prayer today

In our Catholic tradition, we understand that Mary is not just Jesus’ mother, she is our spiritual mother too.  Here is a picture of Mary for you to meditate on for a moment; Mary was present at so many of the times her Son suffered – she is now present with you too.

Spend some time with this image. What do you see? What jumps out at you? What feelings are evoked from looking at this image. Take some time to imagine yourself as the baby in this image (as strange as that might seem at first!).

 Imagine yourself being held in love by Mary, our mother. Imagine the care she lavishes on you and the sense of security and contentment you feel. You have no words and so are just surrender to this feeling of being held and protected.

Please say one Hail Mary……..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsvgrYBeXMo Hail Mary Gentle woman

After listening to the hymn, pray the words of Pope Francis:-

Mary, you always shine on our path as a sign of salvation and of hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who at the cross took part in Jesus' pain, keeping your faith firm. You know what we need and we are sure you will provide so that, as in Cana of Galilee, we may return to joy and to feasting after this time of trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform to the will of the Father and to do as we are told by Jesus, who has taken upon himself our sufferings and carried our sorrows to lead us, through the cross, to the joy of the resurrection. Amen.

A word from scripture Luke 2:19

 And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. (you might like to repeat this a number of times as you give your thoughts prayers or concerns over to her safe keeping today)

To conclude Pray these or words of your own in response to today’s prayer. –

 Mary teaches us how to make wise decisions, discerning your will and living out her decisions with great faithfulness. Help us Lord, to make wise decisions too in these troubling times and then to have the courage to live our lives full of grace too. –

Mary teaches us how to love, loving your son and loving us too.
Help us Lord, to love others as you love us. –

Mary teaches us how to stand in solidarity with those who suffer, standing as she did at the foot of your cross.
Help us Lord, to stand in prayerful solidarity with those in our world who cry out for help and compassion.

Make you own prayer intention now…..

Conclude by saying slowly firstly the Hail Mary and then the Our Father…. … and by blessing yourself, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN                                                   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dcs6WPjZi0k&list=PL4EAD6659ABFE6965 Hymn to Our Lady

 

 

 

 

 

 

St Patrick's have been celebrating all that is good about Catholic education. The themes for each day for CSW were shared with all form classes throughout the school. A stimulation, visual image was renewed each day on the school plasma screens to remind staff and pupils that this was a special week.

On Thursday,16^th January some staff and pupils attended the Armagh Diocesan Schools Service, in St John Baptist Church During the Liturgy we were reminded about our call to love the earth.

All schools were invited to have a tree blessed and plant in their school grounds. The hope is that throughout Ireland hundreds of tress will be planted as a reminder of our collective responsibility to live in harmony with God’s Creation.

Bishop Michael Router blessed our tree at a special assembly on Tuesday 28^th and our tree was planted on Wednesday 5^th February, 2020 – it is hope that our ethos and environmental group will take care of this tree and allow it to continue to be a connect us with our spirituality.

O Lord, grant us the grace to respect and care for Your creation. Lord, bless all of your creatures as a sign of Your wondrous love.

O Lord, help us to end the suffering of the poor and bring healing to all of your creation.
Lord, help us to use our technological inventiveness to undo the damage we have done to Your
creation and to sustain Your gift of nature.
Lord, graciously hear our prayer.

Sr. Marjorie

 

 

 

 

Another great example of our ability to show love and concern for those who need our help. Thank you to each and every person who contributed to this very worthy appeal.

“There are some children who have never received a gift from anyone and they have so much joy when they receive a shoebox… The shoeboxes collected and donated by our pupils help us to reach children of all ages… Thank you for helping us to share the Good News.”

It says in scripture that you cannot have faith without actions this is seen in the generosity of all who contributed to our appeal.

Lord when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison and did not help you. Jesus will reply I tell you the truth whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine you did for me.

Two moral values that our school promotes are:

1.Respect for ourselves

2.Consideration for others

Therefore in getting involved in this very worthwhile project we are putting theses morals into action and also helping to improve the lives of the children who will receive them.

Always in our religious education classes, we try to promote gospel values and to make the teachings of Jesus a reality for our world today: “Love your neighbour as you love yourself.

During our RE classes, we watched the DVD of the children receiving their boxes

This use of media certainly evoked a great sense of compassion among our pupils and staff as they have contributed well in excess of 200 boxes again this year.

Jesus is making a very important statement here if you help someone in need then you are actually helping Jesus himself. Often in scripture Jesus reminds us that it does not matter how rich or poor you are, anyone can give. What matters is the attitude with which you give and our basic Christian attitude was to put our words into action in completing theses boxes.

Because of people like you, over a million children overseas will experience the joy of receiving a present this Christmas.

And through each simple gift of a shoebox, we can show God's love to children who may never have felt loved before. Thank you again for completing your shoe box it will make a huge difference to the lives of these children.

Your support in completing this project was greatly appreciated. God loves a cheerful giver and in this instance so did I!

Enjoy the photos!

Thank you

Sr. Marjorie

 

 

 

 

 

Internal Summer Exams begin we place all our pupils into the hand of Jesus and entrust all their intentions to His loving care.

Pupils are encouraged to prayer the following before they complete all of their exams Sacred Heart of Jesus I place all my trust in You. – Sr. Marjorie

Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena Prayers

O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.”

Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of…(Mention your Intention Here)

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be to the Father…

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.” Behold, in your name, I ask the Father for the grace of…(Mention your Intention Here)

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be to the Father…

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away.” Encouraged by your infallible words I now ask for the grace of…(Mention your Intention Here)

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be to the Father…

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of you, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, your tender Mother and ours.

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 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!

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

St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us.

Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

Blessings before the Summer Holidays
Take time to claim your strength; this is a gift from God.
Take time to have fun; it is God’s way of teaching you your strengths.
Take time to grow yourself; only you can grow you.
Take time to trust yourself; God trusts you.
Take time to be self-reliant; it is better than being dependent.
Take time to share with others; they will bless you and you will bless them.
Take time to have hope; you are a child of God. 
Lord God,
We put ourselves into Your hands, and pray that You will bless us and our families during the wonderful months of summer. May we all help make our home a place of relaxation, joy, love, peace and safety.
May we be generous and considerate, not thinking only about ourselves, but helping others enjoy the blessings of summertime.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

A Summer Blessing
May you walk with God this summer in whatever you do and wherever you go. May you talk to God this summer and every day and in every situation. May you talk with God every day.
Prayer for the summer break
Lord, what about you and me? I don’t want to forget you just because I’m away from my normal routine. Keep close to me, Lord, and remind me that my relationship with you should never take a break.
Prayers for the children /young adults
Loving God, we pray for all children as they prepare for a new season in their lives.
As they start nursery or school for the first time – give them joy in new experiences
As they move to new classes/new year group – give them confidence in growing friendships
As they move to new schools/from primary to St. Patrick’s – give them strength in their growing independence
As they move on to college or university – give them wisdom in their maturity
And for all the teachers, assistants, helpers, carers and volunteers who teach and nurture our children and young people, we ask for your blessing, your joy, your wisdom and your patience as they re-charge their batteries over the summer break, ready for the new term!
We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen

 
From an old Gaelic Blessing: “May the road rise to meet you May the wind be always at your back May the sun shine warm upon your face May the rain fall soft upon your fields And until we meet again May God hold you in the palm of his hand.”
Prayer for all students and school leavers this summer:
O God of all beginnings and endings, we praise and thank you for the gift of this school year. It has been a time filled with grace and blessings, with challenges and opportunities, joys and sorrows. The days have passed quickly, O Lord. The weeks, the months, the seasons, the holidays and holy days, the exams, breaks, and assemblies.  All have come forth from your hand. While we trust that your purposes have always been at work each day, sometimes it has seemed difficult to understand and appreciate just what you have been up to in our school.

Give us the rest and refreshment we need this summer. Let our efforts of this past year bear fruit. Bring all of our plans to a joyful conclusion and bless us, according to your will, with the fulfillment of our summer hopes and dreams. Watch over us in the weeks of rest ahead, and guide each day as you have done this past year. For those of us returning, help us come back to school with a new spirit and a new energy. May all of us, including those who have left, continue to grow in wisdom, knowledge and grace all the days of our lives. Amen.

 
REFLECTION:
Summer's a great time to experience this world, and to look and
listen for God in a special place far from the interference of
civilization. A boat on the water is a wonderful place to appreciate
the blessings of summer. But, for you, it might be a hike in the
mountains or camping in a forest. Your favourite summer place might
be a stretch of beach, a country road, a bike path, your backyard
garden or a picnic blanket in a park.   There is a story about St. Francis, the great lover of God in all of creation. One day while at prayer he came upon a very old and knurled tree. He said to the tree: “Show me the beauty of God” and immediately the tree bloomed in full splendour.
God created summer and has filled the season with wonders to
behold if only we take the time to look and listen.  Let's all make time to experience God in the stillness and beauty of the world He created before we created so many of the distractions that can separate us from Him. You just might hear in a birdsong, smell in a flower, see in a sunset, taste in a fresh ear of sweet corn, feel in a summer breeze, or notice in a comment from a
child a lesson from God that will refresh and sustain you when you
return to your daily routine. 

That each of us will recognize and give thanks to You, O Holy
Creator, for all the gifts of creation, we pray:

2. That we will remember that You, O God, have made us a little
less than the angels. You have crowned us with glory, honour
and intellect, for this we pray:

3. That as stewards of God’s creation, we will respect and
treasure all the gifts of Your beauty, O Sustainer of us all, we
pray:

4. That all those who bring beauty into our lives: artists,
musicians, actors, sculptors, poets, authors, chefs, bakers, and
inventors be filled with creativity to enrich our world; we pray:

5. That during this time of summer may we be refreshed and
renewed and sing of Your greatness, O God, we pray:

6. That we see the beauty of You, O God, in the faces of the
youth as well as in the weathered faces of the elderly, we
pray:

7. That we will be alive with the beauty of God and sing of Your
glory, O Heavenly Creator, we pray:

Loving God, we are privileged with the gift of time, the days of the
week, the months of the year along with the four seasons that
parallel the life cycle.
You have blessed us with the ability to think and to learn, and to
make choices. We are gifted with our five senses that drink in the
wonders around us and the glories of summer.
We realize the fragility of our human condition and we readily accept one another as gift.
Bless all who bring beauty and joy into our lives through their
creative talents.
We pray for all who assist us in leading happy and productive lives
so that we are cognizant of Your love in creation all around us.
We remember in prayer all the sick and dying, the lonely, the broken-hearted, the lost and most especially for all our families, relatives and friends. Bless us with a happy and serene spirit.

 

 

 

 

 

What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us

are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.

We said a ‘fond fare-well’ to our year 14 students – with a day filled with many different activities.

In the morning the pupils were all treated to a cooked breakfast in the dining hall. Then we were delighted and honoured to welcome Fr. Peter Mc Verry SJ who gave an emotive and very challenging talk to the pupils.

Fr P. Mc Verry has worked as a priest to support people experiencing homelessness, drug mis-use and those who are socially disadvantaged for over 35 years.  Fr Peter recently received a ‘People of The Year Award’. The Awards are given to people who bring joy and light to the lives of others or have supported others in their darkest hours. These are individuals who have demonstrated their courage and energy in Ireland and throughout the world. Fr. Peter McVerry S.J. (second time awardee), for a lifetime dedication to helping the homeless.

The’ Mc Verry Trust’ is one of the leading homeless charities, doing incredible challenging and valuable work, making a huge difference in the lives of those who are the most vulnerable in our society. Our year 14 pupil were inspired and challenged by what they heard.

eThe day also included Mass. Mrs Corr HOY introduced the theme and spoke and advised the pupils that their life was a journey and she was proud and delighted to have shared the last number of years as their Head Of Year. “Don’t wait for the perfect moment – take the moment, make it perfect!”

Once again our choir provided uplifting music for the Mass – Mrs Doherty stepped in to help the girls out – Thank you Mrs Doherty.

It was lovely to have some of parents join us for Fr Mc Verry’s talk and the celebration of the Mass.

Parents were delighted to read what the pupils had written in year 8 about the hopes and dreams for their time in St. Patrick’s. Many of the pupils were amused at what they had written.

Thank you to Fr Carville for celebrating the Mass with us and Fr. Mc Verry for concelebrating and giving us more inspirational thoughts in  the homily.

After the Mass Mrs Corr had a lovely tribute for the pupils – she had prepared a PowerPoint of photographs recalling some of the highlights of their time here in St. Patrick’s – this brought both laughter and tears for some.

The fun outside activities were enjoyed by all.

We wish our pupils all the best in their exams – please remember to stay calm, give your best and to say the prayers you were given.  God bless. Sr. Marjorie

 O Great St. Joseph of Cupertino who while on earth did obtain from God the grace to be asked at your examination only the questions you knew, obtain for me this same favour in the examinations for which I am now preparing. In return I promise to make you known and cause you to be invoked.
Through Christ our Lord.
St. Joseph of Cupertino, Pray for us.
Amen.

O St. Joseph of Cupertino who by your prayers obtained from God to be asked at your examination, the only questions you knew. Grant that I may like you succeed in the (here mention the name of Examination eg. History paper I) examination. In return I promise to make you known and cause you to be invoked.
O St. Joseph of Cupertino pray for me
O Holy Spirit enlighten me
Our Lady of Good Studies pray for me
Sacred Head of Jesus, Seat of divine wisdom, enlighten me.

Prayer Before an Examination

Dear Lord, as I take this exam, I thank you that my value
Is not based on my performance, but on your great love for me.
Come into my heart so that we can walk through this time together.
Help me, not only with this test, but the many tests of life that are sure to come my way.

As I take this exam, bring back to my mind everything I studied
and be gracious with what I have overlooked.
Help me to remain focused and clam, confident in the facts and in my ability,
and firm in the knowledge that no matter what happens today you are there with me.  Amen