We bless ourselves in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Today is the birthday of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary brought Jesus into the world even though she was very young. She had to leave her country until it was safe to return to her home in Nazareth. Mary is a model of courage.
Throughout this month we celebrate and reflect on the virtue of courage.
Whenever we face a difficult situation, we should remember that God will give us the strength to deal with it…and make us brave. Jesus expects us to have courage to take care of the poor, hungry and sad. In doing so we take initiative and demonstrate Christian leadership.OCGE4c
Listen to this prayer about our hopes for the school year:
May smiling faces welcome you
May helping hands welcome you
May kind teachers welcome you
May fears fly away
temper go away
lies stay away
May you make new friends
learn new things
grow strong limbs
May God make you thoughtful
Jesus make you happy
Spirit make you courageous
Amen.
On this special day when we celebrate the feast of the nativity of the blessed virgin Mary, we close with our special prayer to Mary.
Hail Mary, Mother of Grace, the Lord is with you,
Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
We close in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
