We begin in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
God of love, Jesus the teacher,
Spirit of wisdom:
On today, this first day of our school year,
We place our dreams and our cares before you.
Be with us in our hope,
Be with us in our anxiety,
Be with us in our learning
Be with us in our friendships
Let us know that you are always walking with us,
Giving us courage and strength for the journey through this school year.
Bless the students, teachers and staff gathered in this school; For those new to the school, may they feel welcomed. For those who will be graduating at the end of this year, may they extend their gifts of leadership. For the staff of this school, may they grow in their love of this community, Amen.
Last Saturday was the feast of Saint Gregory the Great, patron of St. Gregory the Great Academy in Woodbridge. Saint Gregory was a holy man. He showed great courage introducing new ideas into the Church.
Monday was the Feast of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, who was a model of courage and compassion and a champion for justice. Her words and actions have been a source of inspiration to millions of people around the world.
Monday was also Labour Day, an annual holiday which celebrates the achievements of all workers and signifies the end of summer.
Let us pray using the words that Jesus taught us:
Our Father Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done,
On earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
We close in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.