Celebrating Catholic Schools Week 2017
This years Catholic Schools' Week commences on Sunday 29th January and runs through to February 4th 2017.
The theme for this year is: Catholic Schools: Challenged by Pope Francis to Care for our Common Home.
We are now being called into action to care for our world and to care for each other. The Church reminds us that we have a duty of care to the world and everything in it, for she must above all protect mankind from self-destruction. Pope Francis facilitates the type of learning that reminds us that we can change the world by changing our ways through receiving a good education.
In a homily delivered many years ago, we heard the following phrase: Our world is hurting to be loved.
We are stewards of creation, and, therefore, it is our job to be aware of the many issues that damage our world: pollution, climate change, drought, loss of biodiversity and the reducing respect for the dignity of all of Gods creation.
The challenge for all of us is to examine our lifestyles by asking ourselves:
- Are my actions impacting on existing environmental issues?
- Am I resolved to making the world a better place for the next generation?
- Am I aware that people in the developing countries are suffering because of the actions and attitudes of the rest world and that the world is, in fact, a common home for all?
- Can I improve my personal actions for the common good?
Please see below the Catholic Schools' Week Prayer that can be used throughout this week during morning assemblies, registration and at the beginning of lessons.
Prayer
Prayer to Care for Our Common Home
Father of all,
Creator and ruler of the universe,
You entrusted your world to us as a gift.
Help us to care for it and all people,
that we may live in right relationship �
with You,
with ourselves,
with one another,
and with creation.
Christ our Lord,
both divine and human,
You lived among us and died for our sins.
Help us to imitate your love for the human family
by recognising that we are all connected �
to our brothers and sisters around the world,
to those in poverty impacted by environmental devastation,
and to future generations.
Holy Spirit,
giver of wisdom and love,
You breathe life in us and guide us.
Help us to live according to your vision,
stirring to action the hearts of all �
individuals and families,
communities of faith,
and civil and political leaders.
Triune God, help us to hear the cry of those in poverty, and the cry of the earth,
so that we may together care for our common home.
Amen.