Path to Life

Gathering Prayer and Acknowledgement of Country

Today we gather in the presence of our God of abundant blessings, representing Diocesan school communities. We unite, in the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Be with us God as we are welcomed into this time of learning and conversation, as we celebrate the launch of Path to Life: A Framework for Pastoral Care and Wellbeing for Systemic Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Wollongong. We give thanks for this time of gathering and the opportunity to reflect on our challenge as educators, to pave the way for all students and staff in Catholic schools.

Within our Diocese of Wollongong there are four Aboriginal nations and many language groups. These four nations are:

the tharawal nation- Macarthur Region

the dharawal nation - Illawarra Region

The Gundungurra Nation The Gundungurra Nation Southern Highlands / Oran Park

And the yuin nation- Shoalhaven Region

Calling to mind the Aboriginal peoples that walk and have walked on this land, we now stand in footsteps millennia old. May we acknowledge the traditional owners whose resilience and beauty, cultures and customs continue to nurture this land. We honour the presence of these ancestors who reside in the imagination of this land and whose irrepressible spirituality flows abundantly through all creation.

Our Diocesan vision and missionencourages usto provide all students in our carewith the opportunity to live life to the fullestand to strive to develop the whole person:spiritually, intellectually, physically and socio-emotionally.

The Spiritual path enhances our ability to question and seek meaning and purpose in our lives. It helps us to integrate our beliefs and values into daily living. The spiritual path helps to bring harmony between what lies inside our hearts and what lies outside in our world. This path connects us with the transcendent, and inspires us to imagine the immensity of a God, which can never be completely known. RESPONSE : Creator God, inspire us on the path to life

The Physical path is about caring for our physical health. It enhances our ability to understand how making healthy lifestyle choices today will affect how we feel tomorrow, how long we live, and perhaps more importantly, helps us to sustain the quality of our lives. RESPONSE : Creator God, sustain us on the path to life

The Emotional and Social path enhances our ability to handle our emotions in a constructive way, enabling us to maintain a positive emotional state. It increases our ability to be aware of, to participate in, and to feel connected to our community. It empowers us to develop healthy relationships and to contribute to the welfare of the community. RESPONSE : Creator God, empower us on the path to life

The Intellectual path enhances not only our ability to continually acquire, develop, articulate, express and apply critical thinking and intuitive skills but to continuously seek new challenges and keep an enlightened, open mind. This expands our potential for sharing skills and knowledge with others. RESPONSE : Creator God, enlighten us on the path to life

For Jesus said: “I have come so that they may have life and have it abundantly” John 10:10

Prayers of Intercession Creator God, the centre of our school communities, we come before you confident our prayers will be heard: May our Catholic schools be Christ centered communities that proclaim the Good News of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. All: Gracious God, hear our prayer May our Catholic schools be communities that foster the development of the whole person and value each person’s unique gifts. All: Gracious God, hear our prayer May our Catholic schools be communities that create safe, supportive and respectful learning and teaching environments that foster student wellbeing. All: Gracious God, hear our prayer May our Catholic schools nurture the capacity of each learner so they grow in wisdom and live in right relationship with God and all creation. All: Gracious God, hear our prayer

It is the desire of Jesus we live our lives to the full. It is also the keen desire of every person to live a life, walking in his footsteps. All: We give thanks loving God for your presence in all creation. May we continue to use our gifts to build your kingdom. Stir our hope and imagination as we share with our colleagues today, and continue to inspire our passion for Catholic Education. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen. Closing Prayer

All That We Should Be Sometimes we fail to be everything we can, And in our weakness you lead us back again. Though less than we are called to be, In your mercy you raise us and you heal. Lord make us all that we should be You read our hearts We are in your hands We humbly seek your Holy Will All we can be for your glory!

Lord, make us all that we should be. All we can be for your glory! Always you reach with an ever loving hand, And lift us into your living light again, To be your body as we should, So all have life and have it to the full.

Lord make us all that we should beYou read our heartsWe are in your hands We humbly seek your Holy Will All we can be for your glory! Lord make us all that we should beLord make us all that we should beLord make us all that we should beAll we can be, for your glory!

Lord make us all that we should be All we can be, for your glory! Lord make us all that we should be. Copyright 2010 Jen Charadia, Renewal Productions.