From May 1 to 6, we invite the Ottawa Catholic School Board family to celebrate Catholic Education Week virtually. Our theme this year is “Rebuild. Restore. Renew. Together in Gratitude.” Check out the daily #CathEdWeek challenges and prayers below as we celebrate the many gifts God has given our faith-filled community.
Monday, May 2 | Rediscover Redécouvrir
Capture by video or photo of something you have rediscovered in nature! Be sure to share it using the hashtags #ocsbGratitude and #CathEdWeek.
Prayer:
Gracious God,
You taught us that where two or three are gathered in your name, you are there. During the last two years, we have been isolated from friends and extended family. Help us to rediscover the beauty and value of these relationships. It is in the community that we find your love and share your love with each other. As the Body of Christ, help us rediscover how to bring your love so we can make Jesus present in our world.
We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, our Risen Lord. Amen.
Tuesday, May 3 | Rebuild Rebâtir
To rebuild, communities must work together and focus on unity to be productive, supportive, and healthy. Capture by video or photo of your collaborative “rebuild.” Be sure to share it using the hashtags #ocsbGratitude and #CathEdWeek.
Prayer:
Creator God,
You call us to be in a relationship with one another. Sometimes our relationships need to be rebuilt, but the rebuilding requires effort from both sides to succeed. May we have the courage to take the responsibility to rebuild our relationships so we can live in peace and joy with one another. Remind us, Loving Lord, to respect one another’s dignity and personhood. When difficulties arise, may we act in supportive and sensitive ways. Help us be good “neighbours” if our friends are in conflict. May we always speak the truth with compassion and grace so we can make you present in our world.
We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, our Risen Lord. Amen.
Special Event:
Catholic Education Week Mass & Director of Education Commendation Awards at 7:30 pm. Presided by Archbishop Marcel Damphousse.
Wednesday, May 4 | Restore Rétablir
Praying in Colour is an active, meditative, and restorative prayer practice that is both process and product. The product is a colourful design or drawing that is a visual reminder of the time spent in prayer and meditation. Share a video or photo of your restorative practice using the hashtags #ocsbGratitude and #CathEdWeek.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Master Teacher and Saviour,
Guide us to serve the poor, vulnerable and the needy in your name. Help us see the dignity of every person created in your image and likeness. Give us the courage and strength to restore the Kingdom that you desired from the very beginning. A Kingdom of love, peace, mercy and compassion where we may be Rebuilt, Restored and Renewed in your image now and always.
We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, our Risen Lord. Amen.
Thursday, May 5 | Renew Renouveler
Renewing our prayer life can renew our spirits. Let us pray for a renewal of spirit as we come out of some challenging times. Capture by video or photo you practising your spiritual renewal. Be sure to share your message using #ocsbGratitude and #CathEdWeek.
Prayer:
Loving God,
You give us the gift of faith, and we seek to renew our prayer life so we can rebuild our relationship with you and each other. We are ever grateful that you are always there for us. Help us renew our prayer life so we may always feel your presence in our lives.
We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, our Risen Lord. Amen.
Friday, May 6 | Rejoice Se réjouir
What gives us a deep, spiritual joy is knowing how much God loves each and every one of us and knowing that Jesus is more powerful than any struggle or pain—more powerful than death itself. As Jesus’ disciples, we want to share that joy, especially with those who may be carrying heavy burdens or who need to be reminded of how much God loves them. Every day, each of us can be a messenger of joy in a world that badly needs it. Capture by video or photo of you rejoicing in gratitude. Be sure to share your message using #ocsbGratitude and #CathEdWeek.
Prayer:
Loving God,
As we come to the end of Catholic Education Week, we rejoice to be your children, to be part of your family, entrusted with the building of your kingdom. Fill us with joy that no difficulties can take from us, and help us share our joy with those who may be struggling, worried, lonely or afraid. May the joy of Jesus’ Gospel radiate out from us to bring hope, renewal, and healing.
Praise to you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Amen.
