Monthly-Seasonal Prayer

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

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RCCDSB Board Prayer

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.)

September

School/Parish Mass Resources
Prayer Responses for Weekday Masses
(Printable single page with responses for parts of the weekday Mass. Helpful for student and staff review at beginning of year.)
Simplified Overview of the Mass
(One page reference sheet outlining major parts of the Mass and what they mean. Will be useful for classroom and adult use.)

School Prayer Services
NEW:  Orange Shirt Week School Morning Announcements & Prayers:  Sept 25-29, 2017
(A week of announcements, prayers, reflections and links to prepare for Orange Shirt Day as a follow-up to Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission).
NEW:  Prayer Service to Begin a New School Year
(Suitable for elementary [and secondary, with some minor changes].  Strong emphasis on welcoming, friendship and kindness as students begin a new school year)
NEW:  Catholic Education Week Daily Prayers for First Week of School
(RCCDSB-adapted resource contains short daily prayers for elementary and secondary based on 2018 theme, Fulfilling the Promise and daily sub-themes.  Also includes suggested music, readings and planning sheet for Eucharistic celebrations)
Prayer Service to Invoke the Holy Spirit at the Beginning of a School Year
Prayer Service for Peace
(Can be used as commemoration of September 11th or Remembrance Day)
Back to School Prayers from blog of  Fr. Austin Fleming (Archd. of Boston):
• A Student’s Prayer
• A Parent’s Prayer for Students
• A Teacher’s Prayer
• A Parent’s Prayer When a Daughter Leaves Home
• A Parent’s Prayer When a Son Leaves Home
Intentions for Opening School Mass
Staff Prayer Services
NEW:  Embracing Change, Anchored in Christ
(Staff prayer service at the start of a new school year)
NEW:  Re-Proclaiming our Distinctiveness With Warmth, Hospitality, Good Humour and Joy
(Originally composed for inaugural leadership team meeting, easily adapted for staff use)
Integrating the Catholic Faith Through Critical Analysis of the Arts, Media and Technology
(Prayer for Catholic Educators to begin school year, focusing on integrating Catholic faith through a critical analysis of the arts, media & technology)
A New Year of Leading and Serving
(Prayer service for leaders in Catholic schools at the beginning of a new calendar year – easily adapted for new school year)
New Employee Orientation Opening Prayer
(Easily adapted as staff prayer to begin new school year)
Staff Prayer to Invoke the Holy Spirit
(For the Start of a New School Year)
Additional Staff Prayers on Prayers-By-Theme Page, see Professional Activity Prayer Services, Teacher Orientation, Inservice and Leadership Prayers

October

Fatima 100th Anniversary
Friday October 13th is the 100th anniversary of the final apparition of Our Lady of Fatima to the three shepherd children Jacinta, Francisco and Lucia.
Fatima 100 Year Anniversary Morning Prayers: Wed Oct 11, Thurs Oct 12, Fri Oct 13, 2017
(Each day briefly recounts events leading up to and including Fatima apparitions, their messages, Miracle of the Sun, and finishes with a prayer.)
Some links:
ETWN 100 Years of Fatima Website
(Good overview of messages, theological interpretation, photo gallery)
The Meaning of Fatima, 100 Years Later
(Our Sunday Visitor – very good overview of apparitions, messages, Church response)
Fatima’s Final Visions
(OSV, looks at the October 13th apparition, Miracle of the Sun, final message)
prayers to consider using with school and staff:
New:  Following Jesus With Mary
(Prayer service to open a PA Day, PLC or staff meeting. Reflects on the role of Mary in early Church and in our lives.)
Prayer to Our Lady Before a Staff Meeting
Prayer 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 [Ecclesia in Europa], 2003)
Marian Prayers
(Classic, papal, litany, novena and other Marian prayers from University of Dayton Mary Prayer Page)
Rosary
Printable Colouring Sheet:  How to Say the Rosary
(From coloringhome.com website)
Pinterest: The Rosary for Kids
Living Rosary Outline with Joyful Mysteries
Living Rosary Outline with Sorrowful 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)
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day Prayer Service
Thanksgiving Blessing
(for inclusion in prayer service) by Teresa Cosentino, PVNCDSB)
Catholic Catechist Thanksgiving prayers and resources
Thanksgiving ideas from Catholicmom.com
St. Marguerite D’Youville
St. Marguerite D’Youville Feast Day School Morning Announcement
(Feast day of St. Marguerite October 16, 2017)
Kateri Tekakwitha (Canonization October 21, 2012)
See Kateri Tekakwitha Resource Page for prayers, classroom activities, stories etc.,
New:  All Hallows Eve, All Saints and All Souls:  Morning Announcements
(Explains each day’s significance, with short reading, reflection question and prayer. Suitable for elementary and secondary use)

November

Feasts of All Saints and All Souls
New:  All Hallows Eve, All Saints and All Souls:  Morning Announcements
(Explains each day’s significance, with short reading, reflection question and prayer. Suitable for elementary and secondary use)
Prayer Service for All Souls and All Saints
Heaven, Hell and Purgatory in the Catechism of the Catholic Church
(Good reference for what the Church teaches for when questions related to All Saints and All Souls arise.  Some nuance and simplification may be needed)
Related Links:
New:  Halloween, All Saints and All Souls  Classroom Activities & Crafts
(From Katie Bogner’s Looktohimandberadiant blog)
New:  Saints Colouring Pages 
(Google image search)
Saints Colouring Pages and Resources
(4catholiceducators.com – Always an excellent place for resources)
Printable Saints Colouring Pages
(from Catholicplayground.com)
More Printable Saints Colouring Pages
(Listed in alphabetical order at coloringsaints.org)
St. John XXIII Colouring Page
St. John Paul II Colouring Pages
SPQN Resources on Saints
(Great links to information on saints of all kinds)
Catholic Catechist.org Prayers and Activities
Questions and Answers on Saints and Sainthood from St. Anthony Messenger Press
Remembrance Day
Prayer Service For Remembrance Day  (best suited to secondary school and adults)
Remembrance Day Prayer Service (best suited to secondary school and adults)
Remembrance Day Prayer (Short prayer that can be used with announcements or as part of prayer service)
Prayer Service for Peace (Can be used as commemoration of September 11th or Remembrance Day)
Reflection on Peace
Veterans’ Affairs Canada Teachers’ Resources Page 
Planning Template for School Remembrance Day Service
(Template from EOCCC resource, Curriculum Support for Catholic Schools)

Bullying Awareness Week 2016
RCCDSB Resource Package, Reverencing the Dignity of All
Restorative Justice Week 2013:  “Inspiring Innovation”  (Nov 17th-24th)
Correctional Services Canada Restorative Justice Web 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

RCCDSB Resources
Prayers from Revised Translation of the Order of Mass
(Printable 2-sided flyer, easy reference sheet for students & staff)
– School Prayer Services
New: Advent Prayer Service
(Prayer Service For Schools, updated 2017)
New: Week 3 Advent Celebration:  Joy
(Prayer service for schools to celebrate the thrid week of Advent)
New:  Prayer to Open a Christmas Concert
(Short prayer that can be led by a student before start of concert)
Advent Prayer Service: Listening in the Light of Christ
(Adapted from Catholic Education Week 2012 Advance Kit)
Advent Wreath Candle Lighting Prayer
(Loyola Press website)
– Handouts
Advent Wreath Handout
(One page handout explaining the Advent wreath, the meaning of its symbols and colours)
Wish List for Christmas and Easter
(Classroom exercise for students of all ages by John Artymko, St. John Bosco Catholic School, Barry’s Bay)
– Staff Prayer Services & Reflections
Expectant Waiting in Joyful Hope (Advent Prayer Service for Staff )
Adult Advent Prayer Service
History, Mystery & Majesty Advent Staff Reflection Guide
We Who Believe: Growing in Adult Faith, Advent Reflection Exercises
(EOCCC, 2013.  See pages 1-10:  Hope in Advent, Peace in Advent, Joy in Advent, Love in Advent)
– Music: 
Advent Counterpoint
(Printable sheet music for a simple three-part Advent counterpoint for class/assembly/prayer service/Christmas concert.  Hint:  try teaching the three parts to three distinct groups.  Have the first group run through once; as they begin the second time, have the second voices come in and sing it through; on the third time through, bring the third group  in, and have all three groups sing the piece together 5 or 6 times. You just need a good leader to keep all 3 groups on track.)
Lyrics to Favourite Advent Hymns
(From Domestic-church.com)
Catholic Advent Favourites:
– As He Comes, The Virgin’s Son (CBW III 301)
– Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
Version set to Alleluia, Sing to Jesus
Another version (different tune)
– O Come Divine Messiah (CBW III 310)
– O Come, O Come Emmanuel (CBW III 312)
– On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry (CBW III 351)
– People Look East
   Organ setting
Downloadable Classroom Activity & School Prayer Resources
New:  Advent and Christmas Activities & Resources from Katie Bogner’s Looktohimandberadiant blog
(Great classroom-friendly resources)
Nativity Coloring Pages
(From Clipartwizard.com.  Lots of downloadable colouring pages related to Nativity theme)
Advent Resources for Your Family
(By Lisa Hendey, Catholic.net)
Christmas Around the World
(Lesson planning article from education-world.com on how Christmas is celebrated in countries throughout the world.  Lots of links to interesting information for young people.)
Advent: Dates, Traditions and History
(By Holly Hartman)
Advent Wreath Craft | Christmas
(Bible Preschool Lesson Plan, Printable Activities)
Advent Wreath Colouring Page
(From Domestic-church.com)
The Advent Wreath
(By Catherine Fournier, Domestic-Church.com)
Making Advent Wreaths
(By Catherine Fournier, Domestic-Church.com)
CatholicMom.com Advent Resources
(Lots of helpful resources and links here!)
Advent Resources and Activities from Resources for Catholic Education Website
(Great resources and activities posted by Gilles Cote)
Our Sunday Visitor Advent Reflection Articles
(Geared toward adults/adult faith reflection)
St. Anthony Messenger Press Resources and Information
DLTK’s Online Christmas Activities & Resources
(Printable colouring pages, craft ideas and classroom resources)
Advent-Christmas-Epiphany Clip Art
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 Bishops
French Language Resources:  Avent / Noël – 2017
(Ressources excellentes de l’Office provincial de l’éducation de la foi catholique de l’Ontario [OPÉCO])
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 Oratory
Digital presentation on Oratory and Brother André
(excellent for classrooms with smart boards)
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
(Sunday Jan 19th to Sunday Jan 26th, Christians across Canada celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity).
RCCDSB Adapted Daily School Announcements
Additional resources:
International Resources on Vatican Website

February 

St. Valentinus and Valentine’s Day Activities
(February 14th, 2018 falls on Ash Wednesday.  Many Catholic schools are holding their Valentine’s Day activities Tuesday February 13th, and celebrating Ash Wednesday on the 14th.   Here are some links related to the martyr St. Valentinus, and Valentine’s day-related colouring and crafts activities for children.)
NEW:  St. Valentine, the Real Story
(700 Club:  Father Frank O’Gara of Whitefriars Street Church in Dublin, Ireland, tells the real story of the man behind the holiday—St. Valentine.)
Valentine’s Gift Heart
Valentine’s Gift Heart (Larger Version)
(Printable craft activity with a cutout valentine with a line for recipient’s name, and caption that says “Receive the ________ of Christ.”  The giver can fill in with a word like “love” or “peace” or “joy.”  Shared by RCCDSB teachers Dana Cotnam and Mandy Cotnam)
Little Owl Love Valentine’s Lunch Bag Decoration Activity
(From Katie Bogner’s Looktohimandberadiant blog)
A Friend Loves at All Times Printable Valentine’s Colouring Page
(From Katie Bogner’s Looktohimandberadiant blog)
Before My Eyes Valentine’s Colouring Page
(From Katie Bogner’s Looktohimandberadiant blog)
Catholic.org’s Catholic Online Saints and Angels
Catholic 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 Resources
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)
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, [something helpful] – to be kind [something kind], – as a sacrifice [something left behind]. Can be modified to suit class needs.)
Reflections
Lent:  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” [Mt 24: 12])
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 Resources
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR LENT 2018
(“Because of the increase of iniquity, the love of many will grow cold” [Mt 24: 12])
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 Turin
Resources 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 Stewardship
Catechism of the Catholic Church No 279-324 
See also Catechism of the Catholic Church No. 325-354
Compendium on Social Doctrine of the Church. Chapter 10 Safeguarding The Environment
Ten 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”

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

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