Catholic Identity

Creator God, we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, as we walk together on your path of love, hope and faith.

Thank you for the gifts of our school, 

our environment, our families and friends.

May our school be a place of learning, care, welcome and celebration.

Mary our Mother, pray for us.

St Mary of the Cross, pray for us. 

Amen

This year’s theme for C.E.Sandhurst schools is

“Let the words you speak always be full of grace.”

As we continue to spread the Good News, we are called to be people of dialogue, 

using our words as instruments of love.

We will encourage those in our care to speak kindly to one another in the classroom, the playground, on the bus, in the car and at home.

On Sunday, the readings focused on how we, as Christians, can go forth from celebrating Mass to be better people - to regulate our behaviour - and teach others to do the same. The question is how the community can face such issues of human unkindness and sinfulness to help each other in the spirit of love that Jesus proclaimed. The reading of Matthew comes straight after the parable of the lost sheep when the shepherd uses all possible ways to find the lost sheep and return it to the herd. The main point in Matthew's gospel is the joy the shepherd expresses when the lost one returns. This reading suggests we, too, are to find all possible ways to bring our lost ones back to the group thought, love, mercy, and compassion so no one is excluded from our group. 

If a relationship is good and strong, one can recommend to the other that they have done something wrong and to improve it. This conversation is best made in private so as not to embarrass anyone, and the process of denial or repentance can proceed, and behaviour reform can occur.

Our Confirmation promises that through the gift of the Holy Spirit, you will have the wisdom, strength, and courage to be a person who helps and is willing to listen to what others say - to be Spirit-filled people filled with God's love.

Prayer for Wisdom to Deal with Difficulties 

Mighty God, 

You can do all things and no plan of Yours can ever be restrained. 

You direct the lives of Your children and You purposefully plan every circumstance. 

Grant me, Lord, the wisdom to understand the difficulties along my path and allow me to feel and see Your comforting hand in the midst of these troubles. 

Bless me with a faith that gives me the confidence to face difficulties unfazed, knowing that Your plans are always perfect. 

Amen.

Prayer to have the Courage to Share Your Gospel 

Holy Trinity, 

We thank You for the riches we have inherited as God’s children. 

We thank You that by Your grace and mighty power, we have been given the privilege of serving You and spreading the Good News of the endless treasures of knowing You. 

We ask for the power of Your Holy Spirit to overcome us and make us worthy vessels for Your service. Through Your power, embolden us and guide our words as we share Your gospel with the world. 

Amen.