MONDAY – OUR HOPE IN CHRIST

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“Christ is alive! He is our hope, and in a wonderful way, he brings youth to our world, and everything he touches becomes young, new, full of life.”

(Pope Francis, Apostolic Exhortation to Young People, Christus Vivit, #1)

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC SUGGESTIONSBecause he Lives by Matt MaherIn Christ Alone by Owl CityMy Hope is in You by Aaron ShustMy Hope is You by Third DaySomething Which is Known by Gregory Norbet (CBW 3 #393)

CALL TO PRAYERThis year’s theme, Igniting Hope, seems to suggest that hope is like a fire that we are trying to kindle in our world… A fire that provides light and warmth, but that needs our effort if it is going to reach people and make a difference. At a time when many people seem to have lost hope, we believe that the message of God’s love in Jesus can inspire people with hope, knowing that we are loved and forgiven, and that we have the ability to bring God’s transforming love into our world through our words and actions. At the start of Catholic Education Week 2020, we ask God to make us witnesses to hope… People who have that spark of hope in their hearts, and who are able to share it effectively with others.

Let us begin with the Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

OPENING PRAYERGod our companion and guide, in a world of change, confusion, and turmoil, we know that Jesus lives, and by his Resurrection, he has triumphed over the forces of evil, hatred, and death. Help us to root our hope firmly in Jesus and his love for us, and to share our hope with others, so that we may look to the future with confidence. May our faith inspire us to help build a world of hope, promise, and transformation, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 1:3-4, 8-9, 21A reading from the First Letter of St. Peter

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy, he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in Heaven for you… Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls… Through him, you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God.

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Prayers of the Faithful Reflecting the Needs of Your School

CLOSING PRAYERGod of every time and place, you know the struggles and challenges we face. When we are discouraged, inspire us anew, with the hope that comes from our relationship with Jesus and his risen life. Be light for us in moments of darkness and fear, and reassure us that we are your beloved children, never alone, and never abandoned. May our faith in Jesus open our eyes to a future full of goodness and wonder, full of blessings and hope. Praise and glory to you, Lord, through Jesus Christ, now and forever. Amen.

“In a society marked by personality cults, we are called to bear witness to Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, and to reverence him in the poor, the lowly, and the marginalized.

This Moment of Promise, 1989

TUESDAY – THE HOPE WITHIN US

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“Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road?” Luke 24:32

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC SUGGESTIONSWe are the Light by Jesse Manibusan (Spirit & Song #141)Hope to Carry On by Rich Mullins (Spirit & Song #181)Go Make a Difference by Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomaszek (Spirit & Song #113)

CALL TO PRAYERWhen the disciples lost their friend, Jesus, they felt abandoned. They did not understand how to move forward. In other words, they had no hope. They meet a stranger who brings the hope back to them. Reflecting on the experience of meeting Christ again, one of the apostles asks, “Were not our hearts burning when we heard him speak?” Hope is a conviction; it leaves us with burning hearts. God gives us the gift of hope, dwelling within us. In the reflection today, remember this phrase, “Were not our hearts burning?” There are prophets among us every day who ignite the fire within us as God works through them.

Let us begin with the Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

OPENING PRAYERGod of all people, your Son brought hope to the world. Jesus showed us that God’s love is inclusive and there for everyone. Help us to see this hope alive in our world today. When we feel defeated by the darkness that humanity can inflict upon the world, help us to remember that hope dwells within us, through the limitless love of our God. Amen.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 24: 28-32A reading from the Gospel according to Luke. Glory to you, O Lord.

As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?”

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayers of the Faithful Reflecting the Needs of Your School

CLOSING PRAYERGod of love, we thank you for the gifts that you give so freely. Help us to fully embrace the gift of hope that is within us, and strengthen us to bring this hope to others. We make our prayer through your Son, Jesus Christ, in union with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“In a world which ignores the human thirst for God, we are called to share the living waters of our faith.”

This Moment of Promise, 1989

WEDNESDAY – THE HOPE AMONG US

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“Today, amid so much darkness, we need to see the light of hope, and to be men and women who bring that hope to others.” (Pope Francis, Inaugural Mass, 2013)

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC SUGGESTIONSLighthouse by CollabroChrist be our Light by Bernadette Farrell (Celebrate in Song #6.31)

CALL TO PRAYERAs we reach the midpoint of Catholic Education Week, we have reflected on the fact that our hope is in Christ, and that this hope lives within us. Now we look around and see how that hope is shared within the Catholic community. That hope is like a light that guides us, together, on what is sometimes called, “the path of righteousness,” or “the way of truth.”

Let us begin with the Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

OPENING PRAYERJesus, you told us that you are the light of the world, and that whoever follows you, will not be walking in the dark, but will have the light of life. It is hard to know sometimes, which way to go, even when we want to follow you. But I know, too, that I don’t have to walk this way alone, and that you have given me a community to walk with me. Help me to resist the temptation to be alone on my journey, and give me the courage to trust the people that you send to accompany me. In the certainty of our shared faith, let me be a leader, as well as a follower, and be willing to show the way of faith to others. I pray this prayer in the name of your Heavenly Father, who was always your guiding light. Amen.

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 5:14-16A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord.

Jesus said to his disciples, “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in Heaven.”

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayers of the Faithful Reflecting the Needs of Your School

CLOSING PRAYERGod, creator of light, we thank you for showing us the way to you, through all the wonderful things you have made, through your Holy Word in the scriptures, and most clearly, the loving witness of your son. We are blessed to have so many people who continue to lead us through their own commitment to your community. Help us to be authentic and credible witnesses to your life within our community and to others as well. In the spirit of Jesus, we make this prayer. Amen.

“In a time which often seems to be without goals or ennobling aspirations, we are challenged to declare ours and to dedicate our lives to their achievement.”

This Moment of Promise, 1989

THURSDAY – HOPE FOR THE WORLD

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“To protect creation, to protect every man and every woman, to look upon them with tenderness and love, is to open up a horizon of hope, it is to let a shaft of light break through the heavy

clouds.”(Pope Francis, Inaugural Mass, 2013)

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC SUGGESTIONSDo Something by Matthew WestCome with Me into the Fields by Dan Schutte (Glory & Praise #11)

CALL TO PRAYERIn the pastoral letter, Renewing the Promise, we are reminded, “The Christ-centered mission of each school, by its very nature, contains a call to service in the greater community. Catholic schools form disciples with a social conscience who put their faith into action. Students and staff help to promote engagement with the local and global community through their many acts of charity and by their witness to social justice and environmental stewardship.” Let us, through our engagement in the world, be a sign of hope for others.

Let us begin with the Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

OPENING PRAYERJesus, you who called many people into discipleship, help me to respond to the needs of those in the world who could use some help. So often people lose hope, because they feel alone, or feel they are the only ones who care. But, we know that fear is overcome by solidarity, and that by working together as part of a faith community, we can live out the promise you made to your disciples, “As long as you did it to the least of these, you did it to me.” Give us strength to work together in your name, for a better world. Through your Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 9:35-38A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord.

Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom, and curing every disease, and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.”

The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayers of the Faithful Reflecting the Needs of Your School

CLOSING PRAYERCreator of all things, we live in a world where your wonderful works are being undone by greed, conflict, and apathy. Through your Holy Spirit, animate and inspire us to be a part of the restoration of the world, so that it can once again become the way you envisioned it; startlingly beautiful, richly bountiful, unimaginably biodiverse, and a common home to be shared by all. By our actions, may we give witness to the connections among justice, peace, and the stewardship of creation. Through your Son and our Lord, Jesus Christ, whose preaching was all about your reign here on earth. Amen.

“In a world marked by poverty, oppression and war, we are commanded to work for justice and peace.”

This Moment of Promise, 1989

FRIDAY – A FUTURE FULL OF HOPE

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“The very first dream of all, is the creative dream of God our Father, which precedes and accompanies the lives of all his children. The memory of this blessing, that extends from

generation to generation, is a precious legacy, that we should keep alive, so that we too, can pass it on.”

(Pope Francis, Apostolic Exhortation to Young People, Christus Vivit, #194)

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC SUGGESTIONSThere is a Cloud by Elevation WorshipFuture/Past by John Mark McMillanWaymaker by Michael W. SmithBe Still, My Soul by Kari Jobe

CALL TO PRAYERIt can be tempting to spend a lot of time thinking about the future – and dreaming about the future can be a form of escaping from the present. But, for Pope Francis, Christians have a duty to look toward the future, and to think about what type of future Jesus wants us to build, for ourselves, our communities, and our world. We are part of God’s creative dream for his world, and we have a role to play in shaping that future in keeping with Gospel values. Our actions today, taken in faith, will help to ensure a hope-filled future for future generations.

Let us begin with the Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

OPENING PRAYERWise and generous God, we look toward the future with hope, because we know that you, the timeless one, are already there waiting for us, inviting us to embrace your dreams for us. As we look eagerly toward the future you are preparing for us, help us to lay the foundations of that future here and now, with love, courage, and vision, using your gifts to faithfully build up the Kingdom of Jesus. We pray in his name, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 16:1, 3, 4aA reading from the book of Proverbs.

The plans of the mind belong to mortals, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The Lord has made everything for its purpose…

The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Prayers of the Faithful Reflecting the Needs of Your School

CLOSING PRAYERGod, source of all that is, the past, the present, and the future are all held in your loving hands. Help us to be people of Christian hope as we move forward, builders of a world of justice, peace and compassion, according to Jesus’ teachings. In moments of fear, give us courage and confidence. In times of worry and uncertainty, remind us of your constant, unshakeable presence. Bless our future, Lord, and bless us who are the citizens of that future, for we pray in the name of the Risen One, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“In an age which seems more fearful of the future, we are directed to give an account of the hope that is within us.”

This Moment of Promise, 1989