The Word of the Week is Care!
On Tuesday, we celebrate the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. This commemorates when Mary and Joseph would have presented Jesus to God at the temple and made an offering for
him. It reminds us that Mary and Joseph looked out for Jesus and took care of him, just as many people look after and take care of us too.
Think this week about who takes care of you and who you take care of.
What does it mean to be cared for and what difference can it make to your life?
Click on a different tabs below each day and explore the different resources we will be exploring at home and in school this week! There are enough things to do one for every day and more if you wish!
Preparing a prayer space at home or in your classrooms:
Changing the environment and atmosphere that we are in can really help inspire our prayer. There are many ways you can do this, for example, you could move into a different room, clear a space or put away your work to help you have a clear mindset. You could change the lighting or the way you are sitting to help you feel more relaxed or you could have an object or image to look at or hold to help you focus your prayer.
Liturgical Colour: Green- Ordinary Time
We are in our fourth week of Ordinary Time and therefore the liturgical colour is green. The colour green signifies hope, life and growth and during this time we explore the life and ministry of Jesus and search to follow in his footsteps and grow as a church. (If you have a piece of green paper or piece of fabric like a blanket, pillow case or cloth you could use the fabric for a prayer focus in your classroom or homes)
Bible – “All scripture is inspired by God…” Timothy 3:16
Scripture is at the centre of everything the Church does. The Word of God shapes our prayer and worship. The Bible shows us how to understand the world, how we are called to live and relate to each other.
Candle or electric candle – (you may have a lamp or fairy lights you could use)
A candle reminds us that Jesus brings light to darkness, and Jesus is the light of the world. Just as a candle burns its wick and sacrifices its body to share light, Jesus gave of his body to save us all and bring light to darkness.
Crucifix – For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. John 3:16
The crucifix reminds us the greatest act of love, Jesus’ sacrifice and death that gives us eternal life in the kingdom of heaven.
Care for those you are praying for, pray for those you are caring for
During these difficult times, now more than ever gives an incredible opportunity for the Church worldwide, to unite in prayer so that our family, friends and neighbours can know Jesus’ love and care. Here are 5 ideas on how we can care and love those we know, even when we are socially distanced:
1. Keep up contact. Make a phone call, send an email, letter or card saying that you are praying for them at this time.
2. Keep an eye out for the anniversaries of life events. Make that phone call to let people know you care.
3. Send a small gift, this doesn’t have to to be one you have bought, try making something for someone you care about.
4. Help out at home, maybe a job of chore you don’t normally do.
5. Make sure the people you pray for know how much you value them by whatever means you can find.
Yoga Self Care
Whilst it is important we care for others, it is so important we care for ourselves as well.
Why not take 10 minutes today and try a little ‘Self Care Yoga’ – all you need is a floor and yourself!
Leader/Student: Let us start our prayer by making the Sign of the Cross.
All: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Prayer is a way in which we can show care to others and hope for better future with Christ.
Pope Francis gives us a simple way to pray using our hands and fingers and focus our prayers. Have a go at trying this way of praying today…. It is a great way to help us pray for a range of people and can be done anywhere!
A Five Finger Prayer Guide
1. Thumb: Family and Friends
Your thumb is the finger that is closest to you. Start by praying for the people in your life who are closest to
you. Pray for your family and friends. Pray for your parents, your grandparents, your sisters and your
brothers, your aunts, uncles, cousins, and closest friends.
2. Index Finger: Teachers
The finger next to your thumb is the index finger. We use this finger for pointing. Pray for the people who
point you in the right direction. Pray for your teachers, coaches, catechists, tutors, priests, and anyone else
who teaches you.
3. Middle Finger: Leaders
Your middle finger is the tallest finger. For this finger we pray for the leaders of our country, our world, and
our Church. Pray for the pope and his continued leadership of the Church. Pray for the leaders of our
country to have the wisdom and judgment to lead us well.
4. Ring Finger: Sick and Poor
Our ring finger is our weakest finger. We can’t move it without the help of our other fingers. For this finger,
pray for the sick who need help and healing. Pray for the poor and suffering who need God’s comfort and
help too.
5. The Pinky Finger: You
Finally, for the smallest finger of all, pray for yourself. Jesus taught us to be humble so we pray for
ourselves last with our pinkie finger. Place your greatest needs before God in prayer.
Leader/Student: We end our prayer by making the Sign of the Cross.
All: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Although we are facing challenging times, we can still take positive steps and find reasons to be hopeful. We need each other more than ever right now!
Join us for #FriendlyFebruary and take action to boost your relationships and be a good friend to others actionforhappiness.org/february
actionforhappiness.org/january
Leader/Student: Let us start our prayer by making the Sign of the Cross.
All: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
A prayer of Joy
Lord, help me to
cherish the last time I really laughed,
value the last thing that I achieved,
respect the last time I did something that scared me.
Lord, be by my side so that I can
find joy in the smallest things,
appreciate the wonder of your creation
And live my life to the full.
Amen.
Leader/Student: We end our prayer by making the Sign of the Cross.
All: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.