Sunday
20TH AUGUST
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
​Matthew 15: 21-28
20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
​Matthew 15: 21-28
The Canaanite Woman's Faith
Gospel Reflection
Leader: Let us reflect on faith as we
pray the Penitential Rite together.  
Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  
All: Amen.  
Leader: Lord Jesus, you show mercy to all.  
All: Lord, have mercy.  
Leader: You see our faith and fill our needs: Christ, have mercy.  
All: Christ, have mercy.  
Leader: In you we are reconciled: Lord, have mercy.  
All: Lord, have mercy.  
Leader: We ask this through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen. 
Image by Jerry Worster. Used with permission. Non-Commercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0) 

Monday
21ST AUGUST
St Pius X  ​
St Pius
St Pius X was a humble pope who cared especially for the poor of the world. He wrote in his will, “I was born poor, I have lived poor, and I wish to die poor.”  
View the Caritas information, videos and images about Catholic Social Teaching with regard to the poor. (Select your year level on the appropriate tab.)  The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor offers a suitable reflection for Secondary Students.  
We pray- Gentle father of the poor, help us to imitate your charity toward those we meet, in our words and through our actions.  We ask this prayer through Christ our Lord, Amen.  
​Image by Lawrence OP. Used with permission, Non-Commercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)
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Tuesday
22ND AUGUST
Psalm 84: Peace 
(from today’s lectionary readings) 
Leader: As the candle is lit, let us breathe in God’s peace. May we rest in the stillness of this moment as we continue to focus on our breathing. 
All: The Lord speaks of peace to his people. 
Leader: May our breath ‘in’ fill us with kind thoughts. May our breath ‘out’ take away any fears or worries that we have.  
All: The Lord speaks of peace to his people. 
Leader: As we listen to the music, let us think of places of peace for us and thank God for the gift of peace. (Pause for reflection)  
All: The Lord speaks of peace to his people. 
Leader: We remember once more the ancient words that tell of God’s care for us, that God knows our needs- 
All: The Lord speaks of peace to his people. Amen. 
Creative Commons image by Just me Julie. Used with permission. Non-Commercial-Share-Alike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) 

Wednesday
23RD AUGUST
Why not share grace before meals with your class today. It is the concept of gratitude we need to impart, not exact words. Therefore, you may have your own prayers before meals. Grace in the early years can also be sung. (See 1,2,3 God Loves Me for Michael Mangan’s Version)  
Creator God, this meal is a sign of your love for us: bless us and bless the food we are about to eat. Help us to give you praise each day through our actions. We make our prayer in Jesus’ name, Amen.  
Creative Commons image by David Woo. Used with permission. No-Derivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-ND  

Thursday
24TH AUGUST
The Feast of st Bartholomew
Feast of St Bartholomew (apostle)
St. Bartholomew, a doctor in the Jewish law, was a dear friend of St. Philip the Apostle. He recognised Jesus as the Son of God.  After having received the gifts of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost, St Bartholomew evangelized in Asia Minor, North-western India, and Greater Armenia.  
Take a walk around your school to see if you recognise God in the surroundings. Using your iPad take a photo of something that has captured your attention.
​Spend time reflecting on the meaning of this image for you. What is God saying to you through this image? What is your reply or prayer to God who loves you?  
Creative Commons image by Mazur/Catholic News. Used with permission. Non-Commercial-Share Alike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) 

Friday
25TH AUGUST
Daffodil Day​
Daffodil Day
​See the website for ideas about how to be involved in Daffodil Day if it is appropriate. Prayer is one way you can show support for those who have cancer. 
Loving God, source and destiny of all life, we ask for your gentle and comforting presence for those who struggle with illness.  Give them, we pray, the courage and hope of faith in your promises. Be near to their families and give them the grace of your peace. 
We ask this prayer in Jesus’ name, Amen.  
Creative Commons image by Sabrina S. Used with permission. 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)