1. Prayers for the week 8 - 12 October 2018
Prayer theme: Dignity
Dignity is one of the FCJ values. It is important because each person is made in the image of God. Everyone has to be listened to and what they say is heard.
This sense of dignity and respect:
is treasured in the school community, nurtured and enhances the life of the school
provides opportunities for each person to recognise and celebrate their own self-worth
demands, when challenging circumstances arise, that we seek dignified solutions for all.

2. Monday 8 October
From St. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. How is this relevant to today’s society? God, You love each of us equally. May we be always aware of this and treat everybody with dignity and respect. We pray this through Jesus Christ, our companion. Amen.

3. October is ‘Black History Month’
Tuesday 9 October
October is ‘Black History Month’
I dream a world where no one will scorn, where love will bless the earth and peace its path adorn. I dream a world where all will know sweet freedom’s way, where greed no longer saps the soul nor avarice blights our day. A world I dream where black or white, Whatever race you be, will share the bounties of the earth and everyone is free, where wretchedness will hang its head and joy, like a pearl, attends the needs of all humankind- of such I dream, my world!

4. Wednesday 10 October
God, You have given all people one common origin. It is your will that we are all gathered together as brothers and sisters, as one family rooted in yourself. Fill our hearts with the fire of your love and with the desire to ensure justice and dignity for all. By sharing the good things you give us, may we secure an equality for all our brothers and sisters throughout the world. May there be an end to division, strife and war. May there be a dawning of a truly human society built on love and peace. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our companion. Amen.

5. Thursday 11 October
God, Loving Father and Mother, We pray for all those affected by recent hurricanes and typhoons in the United States, the Philippines, China and Indonesia. For those who are suffering we pray that they will find comfort in you and in the loving kindness of those there to help them; bringing aid and saving lives. Help those who have lost loved ones find love and support in others. Heal those who are hurting and give courage to those who have lost much as they start to rebuild their lives. For all those who are trying to help: give wisdom to know where to start; give courage to face the challenges; give energy and strength to work in difficult conditions. We don't understand why these natural disasters happen but we trust that You, our God, love and care for all of us, especially for those in need and that You are with us. Amen.

6. Friday 12 October
Examen
Be silent and place yourself in God’s loving presence. Think about the good things that have happened this week and give thanks.​
Who have you left a good memory with this week?
Look back over your week. Where have you felt joy and what has been difficult and challenged you? In the quiet of your heart, tell God about your experiences.​ Give thanks for who you are.
As you look ahead, with what spirit will you enter next week?
Ask God to help you.

7. Afternoon Prayer and Reflection
Lord
Thank you for the morning, for watching over me and walking with me. May I find joy and understanding this afternoon, in all I do. Grant me the zest and the strength I need to work for you until nightfall. Amen
Let us pause for a few moments in silence and remember those family members and friends who need our prayers and support today…………
Let us ask Mary, our Mother, to join us in our prayers as we say:
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen
We end our reflection with a prayer inspired by our foundress followed by the school prayer:
Loving Father, life-giving spirit – Marie Madeleine believed in your power, hoped in your promises and lived for your glory. We ask her to pray for us and be with us as we carry the FCJ spirit into the 21st century. Protect and guide the pupils and staff at Upton and at all FCJ schools in this country and around the world. Amen
May the Lord bless us and keep us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen