Our Eucharistic Celebration Theme: “You are the light of the World” September 19th 2013 Entrance Song: Canticle of the sun Our Eucharistic Celebration

Canticle of the sun. Entrance song.

The heavens are telling the glory of God, And all creation is shouting for joy! Come, dance in the forest, come, play in the field, And sing, sing to the glory of the Lord. Chorus

Praise for the sun, the bringer of day, he carries the light of the Lord in his rays; the moon and the stars who light up the way unto your throne. Verse One

The heavens are telling the glory of God, And all creation is shouting for joy! Come, dance in the forest, come, play in the field, And sing, sing to the glory of the Lord. Chorus

Praise for the earth who makes life to grow, the creatures you made to let your life show; the flowers and trees that help us to know the heart of love. Verse Five

The heavens are telling the glory of God, And all creation is shouting for joy! Come, dance in the forest, come, play in the field, And sing, sing to the glory of the Lord. Chorus

Principals Opening Address.

Opening Address.

We bring to the altar a candle representing the Light of Christ We bring to the altar a candle representing the Light of Christ. As we begin our journey we trust that God’s light will shine on us every step of the way. Poor Claire sisters-In gratitude for the life and the witness of all the Poor Claire sisters, we place at the altar an offering of lace. Our school emblem challenges us to a life of justice and love. As we offer it we pray that during the coming year we be true to its call. Seeds represent beginnings. As we offer these seeds we are called to face the challenge before us in this new school year-the challenge to walk the road ahead responsibly, enthusiastically and always in the light of Christ and His Gospel message. With this offering of the Lourdes plaque comes our appreciation of our annual pilgrimage to Lourdes. May it continue to help bond us in a deep awareness of real life issues. The football represents the sporting side of our education. May it continue to enliven, enrich and steer our lives in a positive healthy direction. Presentation of Gifts

As we gather to celebrate the coming together of our school community for a new year let us ask forgiveness: For the times we have failed to use the talents You have given us. Lord have mercy… For the times that we have hurt each other by word or deed. Christ have mercy… For the times we have been an obstacle to the progress of others.   Penitential Rite

Heavenly Father, as we gather to celebrate our new school year, we invite you to journey with us. Give us hope as we look forward to this new school year with anticipation and enthusiasm. Give us the courage to walk together with companions who are already familiar to us and with new companions who have joined us. We pray that your light will shine ever more brightly in our lives. May we feel the warmth of your love, and may others see the light of your son, Jesus, in our actions and in the way we give of ourselves. Help us share the light of Christ with others. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son. Amen Opening Prayer

Liturgy of the Word

First Reading: A reading from Colossians 3:12-14, 23 You are God’s chosen people. Always be ready to care for others, and to be kind and gentle. Be patient and calm and never boast about or be proud of your goodness. Just as God always forgives you, so you must always be forgiving towards others. Fill your hearts with love, and whatever you do, do it for God. This is the Word of the Lord. Response: Thanks be to God. First Reading: A reading from Colossians 3:12-14, 23

Refrain: I will search in the silence for your hiding place Refrain: I will search in the silence for your hiding place. In the quiet, Lord, I seek your face. Psalm: Hiding Place

Where can I discover the well springs of your love Where can I discover the well springs of your love? Is my searching and seeking in vain? How can I recover the beauty of your word? In the silence I call out your name. Verse 1

Where can I find shelter to shield me from the storm, to find comfort, though dark be the night? For I know that my welfare is ever in your sight. In the shadows I long for your light. Verse 2

Lead me in your footsteps along your ancient way Lead me in your footsteps along your ancient way. Let me walk in the love of the Lord. Your wisdom is my heart’s wealth, a blessing all our days. In the silence I long for your world. Verse 3

Second Reading A reading from Philippians 4:6-9 May the peace of God guard your heart and your thoughts. Rejoice the Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and thanksgiving let your request be made known to God and the peace of God will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, Brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise ,think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do and the God of peace will be with you. The word of the Lord. Second Reading

Gospel: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 5:13-16: Jesus said to his disciples: 'You are the salt of the earth. but if salt becomes tasteless, what can make it salty again? It is good for nothing, and can only be thrown out to be trampled underfoot by men. 'You are the light of the world. A city built on a hilltop cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine in the sight of men, so that, seeing your good works, they may give the praise to your Father in heaven.' This is the Gospel of the Lord.  Alleluia

Gospel: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 5:13-16: The Lord be with you, Response: And with your spirit A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 5:13-16 Response: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ. Gospel: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 5:13-16:

Prayers of the Faithful Let us make our prayers to God as we pray at the beginning of our school year: Prayers of the Faithful

Prayers of the Faithful Lord, we ask you to bless our new school year. May we be happy and learn new, interesting things. We ask you to bless all our teachers and students, especially the first years, who are new to the school. Lord, bless our efforts and grant us your success. Lord Hear Us Prayers of the Faithful

Prayers of the Faithful Lord, we pray for last year’s Leaving Cert classes, Sister Helen Lane, Mary O’ Neill our school Secretary and Ms.Dineen, as they begin a new stage in their lives, may they be confident in themselves and be happy and content. Lord Hear Us. Prayers of the Faithful

Prayers of the Faithful We pray for peace. Lord, bless the dreamers and visionaries of our world, those who offer a vision of hope, the peacemakers and those persecuted for speaking out for justice. May all the people of our world live in harmony. Lord Hear Us Prayers of the Faithful

Prayers of the Faithful We pray for the teaching and administrative staff in our school. As we begin a new year, we pray that we will work well together, so that we will do the best we can for each other . Lord Hear Us Prayers of the Faithful

Prayers of the Faithful We pray for our families and friends. We remember especially those who have died, by remembering them today, we make them present with us.May they rest in peace. Lord Hear us Prayers of the Faithful

Prayers of the Faithful We pray to the Lord, during this coming year, help us to live in this school as a caring community. Lord Hear Us. Prayers of the Faithful

Prayers of the Faithful For all who find school life difficult that they may be helped through the support and kindness of others. Lord Hear us Prayers of the Faithful

Communion Hymn Here I am Lord

Communion Reflection “A Blessing” John O’Donoghue May the light of your soul guide you. May the light of your soul bless the work that you do with the secret love and warmth of your heart. May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul. May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light and renewal to those who work with you and to those who see and receive your work. May your work never weary you. Communion Reflection

“A Blessing” John O’Donoghue May it release within you wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration and excitement. May you be present in what you do. May you never become lost in bland absences. May the day never burden. May dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities and promises. Communion Reflection

Communion Reflection “A Blessing” John O’Donoghue May evening find you gracious and fulfilled. May you go into the night blessed, sheltered and protected. May your soul calm, console and renew you. . Communion Reflection

Lord God be with us in the weeks ahead as we settle into the New Year Lord God be with us in the weeks ahead as we settle into the New Year. May we resolve to work well, to help each other and to enjoy the months ahead. We make our prayers through Christ our Lord. Final Prayer

God of New Beginnings, guide us with your spirit as we begin our new school year. May we be aware of our talents and giftedness and use them to be a light in one another’s lives. May we realise how important each of us is and help us to share the light of Jesus in our school and in the world. Amen Closing Prayer

This Little Light of Mine. Recessional Hymn

Chorus This little light of mine, I’m going let it shine, Every day, every day, every day, every way, Gonna let my little light shine . Chorus

The light that shines is the light of love, Hides the darkness from above, Shines on me and it shines on you, It shows what the power of love can do. I’m gonna shine my light both bright and clear Shine my light both far and near, In every dark corner that I find, I’m gonna let my little light shine. Verse

Chorus This little light of mine, I’m going let it shine, Every day, every day, every day, every way, Gonna let my little light shine . Chorus