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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General School/Staff Prayer Resources

RCCDSB Board Prayer

Planning Resources
What Makes an Effective Prayer Service?
(One page overview of how to put together an effective prayer service for use in our Catholic schools. Explains individual parts with helpful diagram to illustrate how they fit together.)
Eucharist Resources
NEW:   School Mass Planning Template
(Recommended for staff members planning school Masses, adapted from template in EOCCC’s Curriculum Support for Catholic Schools)
Prayer Responses for Weekday Masses
(Printable single page with responses for parts of the weekday Mass. Helpful for student and staff review at beginning of year.)
Simplified Overview of the Mass
(One page reference sheet outlining major parts of the Mass and what they mean. Will be useful for classroom and adult use.)
New:  Liturgical Calendar of the Canadian Church (Ordo), 2019-20
(Lists Mass readings, feasts, memorials etc., for each day of the liturgical year)
Daily Mass Readings from Canadian Lectionary

August

RCCDSB Summer Institute 2018 Opening Prayer
(Theme:  Reverencing the Dignity of the Whole Person, with adult faith reflection on ACBO pastoral letter, Renewing the Promise.  Easily adapted for use on other occasions)

September

NEW:   Prayers to Begin 2019-20 School Year
Challenge, Struggle and the Grace that Ignites Hope for our Future.  Catholic School Board Leadership Prayer to Begin a New Year
(Board leadership team prayer service)
Challenge, Struggle and the Grace that Ignites Hope for our Future.  Catholic School Staff Prayer to Begin a New Year
(Individual school staff prayer service)
Catholic Education Week, First Week of School Resources
CEW September Resource Kit with daily prayers for first week of school
(Contains daily prayers for elementary and secondary schools, liturgy planning guide and Eucharist planning sheet)
School Prayer Services
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:  CEW September Resource Kit with daily prayers for first week of school
(Contains daily prayers for elementary and secondary schools, liturgy planning guide and Eucharist planning sheet)
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

Orange Shirt Day/Week
Orange Shirt Day Prayer Service
(Adapted from a prayer service created by Saskatchewan Catholic School Board Association)
School/Parish Mass Resources
NEW:School Mass Planning Sheet 
(Will be helpful for staff members organizing school Masses)
Intentions for Opening School Mass
Staff Prayer Services
NEW:  Challenge, Struggle and the Grace that Ignites Hope for our Future.  Catholic School Staff Prayer to Begin a New Year
NEW:  Embracing Change, Anchored in Christ
(Staff prayer service at the start of a new school year)
NEW:  Re-Proclaiming our Distinctiveness With Warmth, Hospitality, Good Humour and Joy
(Originally composed for inaugural leadership team meeting, easily adapted for staff use)
Integrating the Catholic Faith Through Critical Analysis of the Arts, Media and Technology
(Prayer for Catholic Educators to begin school year, focusing on integrating Catholic faith through a critical analysis of the arts, media & technology)
A New Year of Leading and Serving
(Prayer service for leaders in Catholic schools at the beginning of a new calendar year – easily adapted for new school year)
New Employee Orientation Opening Prayer
(Easily adapted as staff prayer to begin new school year)
Staff Prayer to Invoke the Holy Spirit
(For the Start of a New School Year)
Additional Staff Prayers on Prayers-By-Theme Page
(See Professional Activity Prayer Services, Teacher Orientation, Inservice and Leadership Prayers)

October

School Resources:
Rosary
NEW:  Google Image Search: How to Pray the Rosary
(Lots of downloadable BLMs and guides. If in doubt about a resource, please check it with someone on staff familiar with praying the Rosary)
Printable Colouring Sheet:  How to Say the Rosary
(From coloringhome.com website)
Pinterest: The Rosary for Kids
Living Rosary Outline with Joyful Mysteries
Living Rosary Outline with Sorrowful 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)
Staff Prayers
New:  Following Jesus With Mary
(Prayer service to open PA Day, PLC or staff meeting. Reflects on role of Mary in early Church and in our lives)
Prayer to Our Lady Before a Staff 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)
Adult Faith Materials:
Who is My Mother? Reflecting on the Role of Mary in our Lives
(Excercise for Group Reflection on the Role of Mary in our Lives)
The Role of Mary in the Life of the Church
(Powerpoint presentation on Our Lady’s role in the life of Christ’s faithful.
Notes available (contact tcosentino@rccdsb.edu.on.ca )
NEW:  Fatima Anniversary Morning Prayer Announcements
(Updated Oct, 2018. For three days leading up to October 13th.  Each day briefly recounts events leading up to and including Fatima apparitions, their messages, Miracle of the Sun, and finishes with a prayer.)
Fatima links:
ETWN 100 Years of Fatima Website
(Good overview of messages, theological interpretation, photo gallery)
The Meaning of Fatima, 100 Years Later
(Our Sunday Visitor – very good overview of apparitions, messages, Church response)
Fatima’s Final Visions
(OSV, looks at the October 13th apparition, Miracle of the Sun, final message)
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day Prayer Service
Video: Thanksgiving Bulletin Board With Prayers
(Art, Literacy and Religion come together in beautiful hall display by Mrs. Halk’s Grade 2-3 class at St. Thomas Apostle in Renfrew, Ontario)
New:  Thanksgiving Colouring Pages
(Hundreds of printable Thanksgiving BLMs from Google Images)
Thanksgiving Blessing
(for inclusion in prayer service [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)
Ste. Marguerite: Model for Leaders in Catholic Education
(Prayer service begins with brief life of Ste Marguerite d’Youville, followed by Gospel, reflection, prayer of faithful, closing prayer. Suitable for board leadership team or directors council meeting. Prayer composed for Memorial of Ste. Marguerite, Oct 16, but easily adapted for use at other times)
Biography of St. Marguerite
(CCCB website)
CARFLEO St. Marguerite d’Youville Resource Page
Halloween, All Saints, All Souls (See also November below)
New:  All Hallows Eve, All Saints and All Souls:  Morning Announcements
(Explains each day’s significance, with short reading, reflection question and prayer. Suitable for elementary and secondary use)
Prayer Service for All Saints and All Souls
(Suitable for elementary and secondary school use)
New:  CARFLEO All Saints & All Souls Day Resource Page
New:  Halloween, All Saints and All Souls  Classroom Activities & Crafts
(From Katie Bogner’s Looktohimandberadiant blog)
New:  Saints Colouring Pages 
(Google image search)
Saints Colouring Pages and Resources
(4catholiceducators.com – Always an excellent place for resources)
Printable Saints Colouring Pages
(from Catholicplayground.com)
More Printable Saints Colouring Pages
(Listed in alphabetical order at coloringsaints.org)
St. John XXIII Colouring Page
St. John Paul II Colouring 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

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

Staff/Senior HS Prayers & Reflections
New: Catholic Education Week 2020 Advent Prayer – RCCDSB Adapted
(From CEW 2020 Advance Kit. Suitable for use with students, staff, trustees)
Catholic Education Week 2018 Advance Kit Advent Prayer (RCCDSB-Adapted)
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)
Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec 12)
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas and the Unborn
(One page history of Our Lady of Guadalupe and her role in restoring Aztec culture to its fullness in Christ after the conquest of Mexico. Suitable for adult reading and secondary school use)
Our Lady of Guadalupe Colouring Pages
(Google search page – lots of colouring pages to choose from. Please check copyright)
School Prayer Services
Advent/Christmas School Mass Prayer of the Faithful
(Prayer intentions were written for Advent school Mass; easily adapted for early school Christmas Mass)
Advent Prayer Service
(Prayer Service For Schools)
Week 3 Advent Celebration:  Joy
(Prayer service for schools to celebrate the third week of Advent)
Prayer to Open a Christmas Concert
(Short prayer that can be led by a student before start of concert)
Advent Prayer Service: Listening in the Light of Christ
(Adapted from Catholic Education Week 2012 Advance Kit)
Advent Wreath Candle Lighting Prayer
(Loyola Press website)
New: Weekly Prayers for Lighting Advent Wreath Candles
(Loyola Press)
Handouts
Advent Wreath Handout
(One page handout explaining the Advent wreath, the meaning of its symbols and colours)
Wish List for Christmas and Easter
(Classroom exercise for students of all ages by John Artymko, St. John Bosco Catholic School, Barry’s Bay)
Music: 
Advent Counterpoint
(Sheet music for a simple three-part Advent counterpoint for class/assembly/prayer service/Christmas concert.  Hint:  try teaching the parts to three distinct groups.  Have the first group run through once; as they begin the second time, have the second voices come in and sing it through; on the third time through, bring the third group  in, and have all three groups sing the piece together 5 or 6 times. You just need a good leader to keep all 3 groups on track.)
Lyrics to Favourite Advent Hymns
(From Domestic-church.com)
Catholic Advent Favourites:
– As He Comes, The Virgin’s Son (CBW III 301)
– Come Thou Long Expected Jesus (Sheet music: various scores)
– O Come Divine Messiah (CBW III 310)
– O Come, O Come Emmanuel (CBW III 312)
– On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry (CBW III 351)
– People Look East
   Organ setting
Classroom Resources/School Prayer
Curious Kinder Advent Calendar
(Electronic Advent calendar for JK/SK students, created by RCCDSB teachers, Rebecca Holly and Tiffany McGrath)
Advent and Christmas Activities & Resources from Katie Bogner’s Looktohimandberadiant blog
(Great classroom-friendly resources)
Advent Wreath Craft | Christmas
(Bible Preschool Lesson Plan, Printable Activities)
The Advent Wreath
(By Catherine Fournier, Domestic-Church.com)
Making Advent Wreaths
(By Catherine Fournier, Domestic-Church.com)
CatholicMom.com Advent Resources
(Lots of helpful resources and links here!)
DLTK’s Online Christmas Activities & Resources
(Printable colouring pages, craft ideas and classroom resources)
Advent-Christmas-Epiphany Clip Art
Colouring Pages
Nativity Coloring Pages
(From Clipartwizard.com.  Lots of downloadable colouring pages related to Nativity theme)
Advent Wreath Colouring Page
(From Domestic-church.com)
Advent Resources for Your Family
(By Lisa Hendey, Catholic.net)
Adult/Secondary Prayer & Reflection
Our Sunday Visitor Advent Reflection Articles
(Geared toward adults/adult faith reflection)
St. Anthony Messenger Press Resources and Information
One Prayer a Day for Advent
(Creighton University Online Ministries)
Weekly Advent Prayers from Dynamic Catholic
International
Christmas Around the World
(Lesson planning article from education-world.com on how Christmas is celebrated in countries throughout the world.  Lots of links to interesting information for young people.)
Advent: Dates, Traditions and History
(By Holly Hartman)
CCCB Resources
ADVENT: JOY and HOPE We look forward to the coming of Jesus
(CCCB National Liturgy Office)
The Celebration of Christmas Masses
(History and guidelines for Christmas Mass Liturgy. CCCB National Liturgy Office)
U.S. Bishops
Blessing of Advent Wreath
(From Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers, USCCB)
Various Advent Resources, Blessings, Reflections and Prayers from US Bishops
French Language Resources:  Avent / Noël – 2019
(Ressources excellentes de l’Office provincial de l’éducation de la foi catholique de l’Ontario [OPÉCO])
New:  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
(Friday Jan 18th to Friday Jan 25th, Christians across Canada celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity).
Canadian Council of Churches Resource Kit, 2019
RCCDSB Adapted Daily School Announcements (2018)
Additional resources:
International Resources on Vatican Website

February 

St. Valentinus
Video:  The First Valentine
(Re-enactment of the story of St. Valentine (Valentinus).  Dated, but still worth watching. Target audience, grades 4-7)
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.)
Catholic Forum:  St. Valentine of Rome
Catholic.org’s Catholic Online Saints and AngelsNovena to St. Valentinus for Couples
(With short introduction, on Aleteia.org)
Valentine’s Day Crafts & Activities
St. Valentine Colouring Pages
Valentine’s Gift Heart   Valentine’s Gift Heart (Larger Version)
(Printable cut out valentine with line for recipient’s name. Caption reads, “Receive the ________ of Christ.”  Sender can fill in a word such as, “love”,  “peace”, “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)
Danielle’s Place Valentines Day Crafts for Kids
Valentine’s Day Printables
More Printable Activities
Prayer Services
Tip:  School Mass Prayer of Faithful intentions can be borrowed from 2 prayer services below
Prayer to Celebrate Love and Family
(Prayer service for Catholic schools)
The Virtue of Love
(2 page school prayer service on the virtue of love)
Virtue of Love Resources under Monthly Virtues Resources here
Catholic.org’s Catholic Online Saints and AngelsNovena to St. Valentinus for Couples
(With short introduction, on Aleteia.org)

March

NEW:  Catholic Education Week 2020 March Prayer
(Theme:  Hope for the World.  Adapted for use in RCCDSB Schools)
St. Patrick
Praying the Legacy of St. Patrick, Missionary for Christ
(Short prayer service reflecting on how leaders in Catholic education are called to follow St. Patrick’s example of evangelization today. Easily adapted for staff use.)
Printable Christian St. Patrick’s Day Craft Activities
Colouring Pages, BLMs, Activities for St. Patrick’s Day
(Google search for Catholic St. Patrick images)
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)
NEW: Prayers to Open & Close Online Learning Sessions
Online Learning Prayers 1
(Prayer suggestions for opening/closing online learning sessions)
Online Learning Prayers 2
(Prayer suggestions for opening/closing online learning sessions)
Online Learning Prayers 3
(Prayer suggestions for opening/closing online learning sessions)
Online Learning Prayers 4
(Prayer suggestions for opening/closing online learning sessions)
Note: Additional online learning materials on Home Page.

Lent

NEW:  Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ Religion Program Resources for Lent
(Arranged by grade)
NEW:  Sister Pat Carter’s Lent Activities
(Arranged by division:  JK/SK, Primary, Junior, Intermediate)
RCCDSB Resources
Music
Hymn Suggestions for Lent
(Well-known, traditional hymns for use in school prayer services and Eucharist)
Prayer Services:  Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday Prayer Service
Lent:  A Time for Justice
(Suitable for secondary level students, staff prayer)
Adult Ash Wednesday Prayer Service
(Suitable for Secondary level and staff  prayer)
Preparing for Lent Prayer Service
(Suitable for adult, staff use)
Prayer Services: Other
Journeying with Feet, Heart and Soul.  Prayer Service for the Middle of Lent
(Suitable for elementary and secondary use)
Stations of the Cross
Stations of the Cross for Young Followers of Jesus
(Primarily Elementary Use)
Classroom 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 2020
(“We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” [2 Cor 5:20])
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 2019
(“For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God” Rm 8: 19)
Lent in 3 Minutes (New)
(Busted Halo Video)
25 Great Things You Can Do for Lent (Besides giving up chocolate)
(Busted Halo article)
The Religion Teacher Lent Activities
(Many links to resources to use with students of all ages through the Lenten season)
Catholic-Pages.com Lenten Resource Directory
(A dated, but helpful directory of links to resources for teachers and and information on Lenten prayer, customs and their history. Includes writings by Noted Catholic authors, and audio files for online listening)
Stations of the Cross in MP3
(Pope John Paul II’s reflections on the Stations.  Very clear, not too long, and well-done.  Can be burned to a CD and played for a school/classroom)
Charitable Organizations
Chalice
(Chalice is a Catholic sponsorship organization that provides food, clothing, access to health care  to children and assists their families in the developing world)
Pontifical Mission Societies – Formerly Holy Childhood Association
HCA Video Gallery
Catholic Missions in Canada
(Formerly, the Catholic Church Extension Society)
Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA)
(Papal agency for humanitarian and pastoral support)
Renfrew County Child Poverty Action Network (RCPAN)
Canadian Foodgrains Bank Lenten Worship Resources
(Ecumenical resources emphasizing biblical justice for the poor and hungry, through prayer and suggested action)
First Step Options, Pregnancy Support Services
(Located in Pembroke, ON. Serving the upper Ottawa Valley)

Holy Week & Easter Triduum

RCCDSB Resources
NEW:  Holy Week Monday Opening Prayers for K-3, 4-6, 7-12
NEW:  Holy Week Tuesday Opening Prayers for K-3, 4-6, 7-12
NEW:  Holy Week Wednesday Opening Prayers for K-3, 4-6, 7-12
NEW:  Holy Week Thursday Opening Prayers for K-3, 4-6, 7-12
NEW: Leading with the Heart and Mind of Christ. Holy Week Prayer Service for Catholic Educational Leaders
(Easily adaptable for staff use)
Holy Week School Mass Introduction and Prayer Intentions
(Suitable for elementary or secondary school use)
Stations of the Cross for Young Followers of Jesus
(Primarily Elementary Use)
Stations of the Cross Art & Prayer Booklet
(Printable personalized booklet with windows for students to draw stations. Suitable as a prayer service and as Lenten Visual Art activity)
Holy Thursday Prayer Service
(Suitable for elementary or secondary school use)
The Chrism Mass, its Symbols and Their Meaning
(A resource for teachers; suitable for use with senior elementary, secondary and staff)
Wish List for Christmas and Easter
(Classroom exercise for students of all ages)
Online Resources
NEW:  Holy Week Reflection Resources 
(From Loyola Press website)
NEW:  Holy Week Printables on Pinterest
(A word of prudence – there are so many resources here. Please review content of those you wish to hand out out to make sure they accurately convey the spirit and meaning of Holy Week)
Paper Plate Easter Basket
(Classroom art activity by Colleen and Darcy Hammond, Domestic Church.com)
Holy Week Activities, Projects, Devotions for Children
(CatholicMom.com)
Holy Week & Easter Clipart
(from Hermanoleon.org)
Images of Shroud of Turin
Resources to Prepare for Holy Week and Celebrate the Sacraments
(US Catholic Bishops)
Video Suggestions:
The Easter Story, a Twin Sisters eBook with Audio (Youtube)
(Narrates events from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday with book pages. Suitable for K – 4)
Palm Sunday
(Catholic Productions. Explains significance of Palm Sunday and Passion as fulfillment of prophecy and Biblical revelation – suitable for senior secondary, adult)
The Role of Hope in Holy Week
(Fr. Mike Schmitz.  Describes hope in terms of relationship – with Jesus)
Praying Through Holy Week
(Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Holy Week Told Through 100 Paintings
(Excellent online lesson uploaded on CARFLEO website. Suitable for senior elementary through secondary students, adults)

Easter

NEW:  Easter Season Morning Prayers to Open Online Learning
(Daily Easter Season opening prayers for Grades K-3, 4-6, 7-12)
NEW:   Online Learning Prayers:  Easter Weekdays
(Prayers for opening/closing online learning sessions: K-3, 4-6, 7-12)
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)
Books to Read with Children:
Seven Books to Share With Children for Lent and Easter 
(Maura Roan McKeegan, Catholic Exchange)
One Morning in Joseph’s Garden
https://www.amazon.com/One-Morning-Josephs-Garden-Easter/dp/0687095506
The Easter Story by Patricia Pingry
https://www.amazon.ca/Easter-Story-8X8-Patricia-Pingry/dp/0824955315
The Story of Easter by Thomas Nelson
https://www.amazon.ca/Story-Easter-Thomas-Nelson/dp/1400322383
The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story
https://www.amazon.ca/Berenstain-Bears-Easter-Story-Stickers/dp/0310720877#customerReviews
Video Suggestion
The Easter Story, a Twin Sisters eBook with Audio (Youtube)
(Narrates events from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday with book pages. Suitable for K – 4)

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

Stewardship Prayer Service
(RCCDSB Prayer Service. Best suited to senior elementary, secondary; adaptable for younger grades)
USCCB Prayers to Care for Creation
(Prayers, blessings from US Catholic Bishops, see bottom of page)
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”)
Hymn Suggestions:
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee 
(Youtube, lyrics and images, useful for elementary singalong)
Morning has Broken
(Youtube, lyrics and images, suitable for elementary, secondary, adult)
How Great Thou Art
(Many versions online)
Video:
St. Francis and The Wolf of Gubbio
(Animated story about Francis’ love for creation, animals; tells story of how Francis made peace with wolf terrorizing town of Gubbio)
Catholic Character Theme:  Stewardship
(Scripture quotes, links – from EOCCC Catholic character development resource, Our Language, Our Story)
Church Teaching – Environment, Environmental Stewardship
10 Guiding Principles for the Environment
(RCCDSB Resource, suitable for senior elementary, secondary, adult)
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
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 2021

CEW 2021 Theme:  Nurturing Hope/CULTIVER L’ESPÉRANCE
“Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31)
«Ceux qui mettent leur espérance dans le Seigneur trouvent des forces nouvelles.» (Isaïe 40,31)
Daily Sub-themes:
Monday: Preparing the Earth / Préparer la terre
Tuesday: Sowing Seeds of Gratitude / Semer la gratitude
Wednesday: Cultivating Relationships / Cultiver nos relations
Thursday: Harvesting New Fruit / Récolter de nouveaux fruits
Friday: Marvelling in Wonder / S’émerveiller
CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK 2021 PRAYER
Gracious and generous God, creator of the earth, our common home,
With each new day, we prepare the earth of our lives by sowing seeds of gratitude for all you have given.
Inspire us to cultivate relationships with all living beings. May we harvest new fruit and marvel in the
wonder at the beauty around us. Nurture us in hope.
Amen. +

Laudato Si’ Special Anniversary Year Edition, May 24, 2020-May 24, 2021

CEW 2020 Theme: IGNITING HOPE/ALLUMER L’ESPÉRANCE
Scriptural Reference:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
«Que le Dieu de l’espérance vous remplisse de toute joie et de paix dans la foi, afin que vous débordiez d’espérance par la puissance de l’Esprit Saint.» (Romains 15, 13)
Daily Sub-themes:
Monday: Our Hope in Christ / Notre espérance, c’est le Christ
Tuesday: The Hope Within Us / L’espérance en nous
Wednesday: The Hope Among Us / L’espérance au milieu de nous
Thursday: Hope for the World / L’espérance pour le monde
Friday: A Future Full of Hope / Un avenir rempli d’espérance
CEW 2020 Kits
Elementary Complete Package (RCCDSB-Adapted)
Secondary Package (RCCDSB-Adapted)
OCSTA Catholic Education Week Resource Page
Music
CEW 2020 Theme Song:  Hope by Chris Raitt
Performed by RCCDSB Music Teacher, Jessica Belanger

RCCDSB CEW 2020 Video

May

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