Catholic Education Week: Igniting HopeMonday, May 4, 2020

Our Hope in Christ

Happy Catholic Education Week! This year’s theme is Igniting Hope and today’s subtheme is Our Hope in Christ.

Introduction:Hope is our trust that God offers the kingdom of Heaven and eternal life as our happiness. Hope is the confidence that God is always with us, supporting and strengthening us during times when we might feel worried or alone. Hope keeps us from becoming discouraged and sustains us during difficult times. Hope reminds us that even when we may be struggling with the fact that many things we may have been looking forward to have had to be cancelled or postponed, God can guide us to find new ways to come together and to be together. Pope Francis has said, “Even if we are isolated, thought and spirit can go far with the creativity of love.”1 God’s almighty power, infinite goodness and faithfulness to his promises are the pillars of our hope.

And so let us begin in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen+

Opening Prayer:O God, our Creator, you are our hope and light. We are your people, a people of hope. Bless us, O Lord, and send your Spirit upon us. It is through our love and caring, that you give us hope, and that we are able to bring light to each other. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen+

Scripture Reading:A reading from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans

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.

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

1 https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-04/pope-francis-holy-week-2020-message-coronavirus.html

Discussion:What does it mean to “abound in hope?” In this reading we are asking God to fill us with so much hope that we can’t help but share it with everyone. What are some ways that you can bring hope to those around you this year in the midst of concerns about COVID-19?

Reading and Guided Reflection Question: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. The very first words then, that I would like to say to every young Christian, are these: “Christ is alive and he wants you to be alive!”-Pope Francis, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Christus Vivit to young people, 2019

When we are “full of life,” we are able to find gratitude even in the midst of hard times. What are some positive things you and your family may be able to identify or feel grateful for during these times of social distancing and isolation?

Our Father:Let us pray together the words that Jesus taught us.

Our Father...

Closing Prayer:Spirit of Jesus, bring calm to my mind, peace to my heart and silence to my soul. In the silence may I hear your voice. In the peace may I see your face. And in the calm may I know your love for me. Amen+

We close in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen+

Closing Song:Christ, Be Our LightSong: Christ be Our Light

Catholic Education Week: Igniting HopeTuesday, May 5, 2020

The Hope Within Us

Happy Catholic Education Week! This year’s theme is Igniting Hope and today’s subtheme is The Hope Within Us.

Introduction:Hope within us refers to our ability to look inside ourselves for strength and peace. It reminds us to trust God and ourselves in difficult situations. Hope within us reminds us that we can handle whatever situation we may be facing because God is always with us. Hope within us brings confidence and courage. Hope within us helps us to feel less worried and alone. Hope within us guides us to use our creativity to find new and wonderful ways to show love to our family members and friends during these pandemic times. God’s almighty power, infinite goodness and faithfulness to his promises are the pillars of our hope.

And so let us begin in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen+

Opening Prayer:God of love, you are our hope and our light. Inspire us with confidence, so that we may recognize the hope that is within us. Teach us patience, so that we may let go of our timing and trust in yours. Help us to “unwrap” the many gifts you have given us, in order to become the loving people you call us to be. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen+

Scripture Reading:A reading from the Book of Isaiah (Isaiah 40:31)

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Discussion:This reading helps us to recognize the hope within us because it reminds us of the strength and courage that we each possess when we are able to trust God. The image of an eagle flying high can make us think of strength. What are some other images that remind you of strength? Can you see yourself in any of these images?

Reading and Guided Reflection Question:“For believers, for us Christians, like Abraham, like Saint Joseph, the hope that we bring is set against the horizon of God, which has opened up before us in Christ. It is a hope built on the rock which is God.”2

-Pope Francis, Mass for the Inauguration of the Pontificate, March 2019

When Pope Francis talks about hope that is built on a rock, he is reminding us of the inner strength that we all have. Can you think of a time when the hope of someone you know made a huge difference and helped others get through a hard time?

Our Father:Let us pray together the words that Jesus taught us.

Our Father...

Closing Prayer:Loving God, Continue to strengthen us to be a source of hope. You are the hope that dwells within us in the form of endless love and compassion. May we bring this to others. Amen+

We close in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen+

2http://www.popefrancishomilies.com/hope

Closing Song:You Raise Me Uphttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DorNUsi5LE

Catholic Education Week: Igniting HopeWednesday, May 6, 2020

The Hope Among Us

Happy Catholic Education Week! This year’s theme is Igniting Hope and today’s subtheme is The Hope Among Us.

Introduction:Hope among us refers to the ways we can be sources of hope to one another. It reminds us to reach out to one another in times of struggle. Hope among us reminds us that by coming together in faith, we can handle whatever situation we may be facing. Hope among us reminds us of the great gifts we can offer to one another in times of discouragement. Jesus said, “For when two or three gather together in my name, I am there with them.”3 Hope among us guides us to work together to use our creativity to find new and wonderful ways to show love to our family members and friends during these pandemic times. God’s almighty power, infinite goodness and faithfulness to his promises are the pillars of our hope.

And so let us begin in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen+

Opening Prayer:Loving God, you are always here among us, giving us hope. Give us eyes to see the beauty in each person we meet and to see that you have created your children in goodness and love. Give us wisdom to know that our hope lies in our shared faith in you and in the love we receive through your son, Jesus. Help us to always walk in your light, with hope in the goodness of our community. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, our brother and friend. Amen+

Scripture Reading:3 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+18%3A20&version=NRSV

A reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 5:5-11)

For you are all children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness…Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, as indeed you are doing.

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Discussion:In this reading, God reminds us of the importance of gathering in community so that we can help each other to grow in faith and love. Everyone has gifts to offer and it is important to God that we use them as a way to be a source of hope to one another. God calls us to use our gifts to “encourage one another and build each other up.”

What gifts do you possess that bring out the best in others? How does God call you to encourage and offer hope to your friends and family?

Reading and Guided Reflection Question: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.”4

In the reading above, Pope Francis uses light as a symbol of the hope among us. Light is a powerful image; it brings warmth and energy. Note that we do not need to be perfect in order for God’s light to shine through us. One important way to support one another is to be open and honest about our sadness as well as our happiness. We can find hope among us by sharing with and trusting one another. How do you “let your light shine” and share hope with the people you encounter each day? What is one new gift, talent, or skill that you can learn and use to spread messages of hope and reflect the light of God for the world?

Our Father:Let us pray together the words that Jesus taught us.

Our Father...

Closing Prayer:

4http://www.popefrancishomilies.com/hope

God of compassion and love, open our hearts to the warmth of your radiant light. Strengthen us so that we may be sources of hope for one another. Guide us to be the loving people you call us to be, as we work together to build your kingdom here on Earth. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen+

We close in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen+

Closing Song:We Are Calledhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDljPsRIryo

Catholic Education Week: Igniting HopeThursday, May 7, 2020

Hope for the World

Happy Catholic Education Week! This year’s theme is Igniting Hope and today’s subtheme is Hope for the World.

Introduction:Hope for the World reminds us to trust that God offers the kingdom of Heaven and eternal life as our happiness. When we have hope for the world, we are able to see how our positive actions can make a big difference. Hope is the confidence that God will always be with us, make us happy now, and help us to live, so that we will be joyful with God forever. Each of us is called to play a part in bringing this vision of hope to the world. God’s almighty power, infinite goodness and faithfulness to his promises are the pillars of our hope.

And so let us begin in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen+

Opening Prayer:God of all people, you give us hope for the future. Your gift is Jesus, your Son, who brings your love and care to our world. There is nothing that his love cannot overcome. Today we pray that all will know that love brings hope for the world. Help us all to live like Jesus, bringing peace and goodness to our community. Help us to love like Jesus, to become messengers of this hope to all. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, prince of peace. Amen+

Scripture Reading:A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark.

All: Glory to you O Lord.

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.”

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

Discussion:This Gospel reading reminds us that we are called to be messengers of hope to the whole world, even in the midst of difficult times. This year amidst the concerns about COVID-19, many people may be especially in need of encouragement and “good news.” What are some hopeful messages that you can offer to the world during this time? Can you think of creative ways in which to share these messages?

Reading and Guided Reflection Question:Once we start to think about the kind of world we are leaving to future generations, we look at things differently; we realize that the world is a gift which we have freely received and must share with others.-Pope Francis, Laudato Si, 159

The above reading comes from Laudato Si, Pope Francis’ letter addressed to every person on this planet, which asks us all to protect the Earth, our Common Home. In the letter, he reminds us that the Earth is God’s gift to us, that it is full of beauty and wonder, and that it belongs to everyone. Pope Francis asks us to reflect on ways we are grateful for this world, and to recognize that we can play our part in caring for and protecting the Earth. What are some ways that you show hope for the world through actions of love and care for the Earth?

Our Father:Let us pray together the words that Jesus taught us.

Our Father...

Closing Prayer:Lord Jesus, help us to reach beyond our comfortable boundaries to those who long for your love and justice. Help us to be protectors of your world, and living signs of your joyful hope. May we speak for our beautiful but wounded planet as caring family members, responsible citizens, and stewards of creation. We pray this in the name of your Father, the Creator, and your sustaining Spirit. Amen+

We close in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen+

Closing Song:Hope (Catholic Education Week 2020 Theme Song)Closing Song: Hope (Catholic Education Week 2020 Theme Song)https://www.ocsta.on.ca/ocsta/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/3-Hope-1.wav

Lyrics (https://www.ocsta.on.ca/ocsta/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2-Lyrics.pdf)

Music Sheet (https://www.ocsta.on.ca/ocsta/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/4-Sheet-Music.pdf)

Catholic Education Week: Igniting HopeFriday, May 8, 2020

A Future Full of Hope

Happy Catholic Education Week! This year’s theme is Igniting Hope and today’s subtheme is A Future Full of Hope.

Introduction:Today we celebrate a future full of hope. We see how Jesus breathes hope into our world through His life, death and resurrection. We give thanks for the recognition that each day is a new day, and that the future offers us endless opportunities. God’s almighty power, infinite goodness and faithfulness to his promises are the pillars of our hope.

And so let us begin in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen+

Opening Prayer:O God, our Creator, you are our hope and light. We are your people, a people of hope. Bless us, O Lord, and send your Spirit upon us. It is through our love and caring, that you give us hope, and we bring light to each other. Help us, O Lord, to keep our hope centered on you and may we bring light to each other. May your love inspire us, and your light sustain us. May a future full of hope bring us closer to you. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen+

Scripture Reading:A reading from the prophet Jeremiah

I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for. Then you will call to me. You will come and pray to me, and I will answer you. You will seek me, and you will find me, because you will seek me with all our heart.

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Discussion:This reading can be a great source of comfort for anyone who is feeling worried or uncertain about the future. It reminds us to trust that God has a plan for each one of us. We are invited to look forward to the future with hope as we search our hearts and ask for God’s help in discovering the gifts we have been given that will help us to be the people we were meant to be.

Who are some people in your life who can help you figure out how to become the person God made you to be? What are some ways that you will be able to use your talents to contribute to a future full of hope?

Prayers of the Faithful:God of Hope, you have given us a mind to know you, a will to serve you, and a heart to love you. Be with us in all we do, so that your light of hope may shine in our lives.

The response is: With a future full of hope, Lord, hear our prayer.

R. With a future full of hope, Lord, hear our prayer.

For our Church: May it be a true light of hope to all nations, we pray. R.

For our hope in Christ: May the spirit of your son, Jesus, guide our words and actions, we pray. R.

For hope within us: May the love of God that embraces us all, be known to us each day, we pray. R.

For hope among us: Especially for those struggling with loneliness, poverty, and illness; May we be called as witnesses to the life-giving spirit of Jesus in our society, we pray. R.

For hope for the world and its leaders, striving to ease the sufferings of people: May our leaders be instruments of God’s faith, hope and love, we pray. R.

For a future full of hope: May we be committed to your call to discipleship and friendship with Jesus, we pray. R.

Our Father:Let us pray together the words that Jesus taught us.

Our Father...

Closing Prayer:Loving God, you sent your son, Jesus, to be our hope. We feel his promised spirit at work within us. We recognize his risen presence among us as we gather in his name in prayer, and celebrate the Eucharist. He is the hope which inspires us to share as members of the Catholic educational community, in your Church’s mission to announce the Good News to the whole world. We thank you for the gift of Catholic education. May it continue to be a place where Christ ignites within us, an abiding confidence, in a future filled with hope. We make this prayer through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen+

We close in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen+

Closing Song:Go Make a Differencehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDjQEoItGzQ