Education in Faith

Remembrance Day – Thursday 11 November

The following prayer service was led remotely via pre-recorded video by our Grade 6 Social Justice Leaders. We thank Mia K, Alyssa V, Elisha P, Isla K, Lilly T, Lily K, Fred F, Lucas H, Jorge S, Jack F, Xavier K and Jemma H for leading us in this opportunity for prayer. 

We come together today to remember in faith all who have served, and continue serving in our armed forces, especially those who have died and those wounded in battle. We also pray for healing and peace; that one day, all peoples will lay down their arms and embrace one another as brothers and sisters in one human family.

During World War 1 on many of the ruined fields in France and Belgium where the fighting had occurred, red poppies began to grow and flower. People saw the flowers as a symbol of remembrance for those who had died. Today, we wear poppies on Remembrance Day to honour all those who have died in wars.

We begin our prayer service by making the sign of the cross.

All: In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Lord God, be with us as we reflect and pray this morning. May this gathering, together with Remembrance Day thoughts and prayers everywhere, help move our world one step closer to the peace of your Kingdom.  We make this prayer through Christ, our Lord, All: Amen.

A reading from the Gospel of John

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.

The Gospel of the Lord.

All : Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayers of Intercession 

Let us reflect as we remember God’s promise of peace, and all who have served in our armed forces to help bring peace to our world.

For all who have served the cause of peace in our armed forces, Lord Hear Us.

All: Lord hear our prayer.

For all who have lost loved ones due to war, Lord Hear Us.

All: Lord hear our prayer.

For all who continue to suffer due to war, Lord Hear Us.

All: Lord hear our prayer.

For all who long for Your peace, Lord Hear Us.

All: Lord hear our prayer.

For all who dedicate their lives to Your peace, Lord Hear Us.

All: Lord hear our prayer.

For all who bring Your comfort to veterans and their families, Lord Hear Us.

All: Lord hear our prayer.

World War 1 ended at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month (November) in 1918 when the guns went silent. After World War 2, the day became known as Remembrance Day to recognise all people who died in all wars and conflicts. To complete our prayer service, we will listen to The Last Post and then pause for a respectful minute's silence.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McCDWYgVyps 

In Flanders fields 

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place: and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

John McCrae (1872–1918)

Closing prayer 

Lord our God, on this day of remembrance, we entrust all our prayers and needs to your never ending mercy. Help us to become ever more mindful of the bonds that unite us as a human family despite our differences. Heal our inner wounds and outward divisions, that one day our world might live in your true and lasting peace. We make this prayer to you in the name of Jesus, Your Son. Amen. 

All: In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sacramental Program

We congratulate our Grade 6 children who celebrated their Confirmation on Tuesday evening.   It has been a long and winding road, especially for our Grade 6 students, to finally celebrate this Sacrament!  We have a number of candidates who will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of Eucharist throughout the forthcoming weeks.  

Baptism

We are also delighted to share with the community that the following students will be baptised on Saturday 20 November:

• Alex F
• Autumn W
• Matthew F
• Cooper Reay

Confirmation

First Eucharist

Caitlan Taig

Religious Education Leader