Prayer Archives - Catechist's Aide

Most Parishes are starting up their PSR programs for the 2017/18 school year. As Catechists, that means we are planning and preparing as well. Now is as good a time as any to think about how you will open that first class. The prayer that follows is a wonderful way to begin the first day back in PSR and remind your students that we indeed must be thankful for the opportunity to gather together and learn more about our Lord and Savior – something that is not available to so many people around the world.

I am reprinting the prayer below, but full credit goes to the author, David Bennett, who originally posted it here.

Father,
We thank you for the opportunity
to begin this new school year,
and we ask that you bless
the students, faculty, and student families
that make our school a great place.
We pray that you will guide us in your ways,
so that we will seek your will
in everything that we do,
and love others as you love us.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

David Bennett

In 1789, John Carroll was appointed the first Bishop in the newly formed United States of America. In November of 1791, Carroll wrote Prayer for Our Government. The full prayer can be found here. It certainly stands the test of time, and reminds us that we need to pray not only for the Church, the clergy and our elected leaders, but for each other as well.

We recommend likewise, to your unbounded mercy, all our brethren and fellow citizens throughout the United States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of your most holy law; that they may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the world cannot give; and after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal.

Carroll’s prayer that we “may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the world cannot give” are words that need to be heard and prayed today as fervently as they were 200 years ago.

Carroll’s influence in the growth and structure of the Catholic Chuch in this country cannot be understated. For more about his life and impact on the Church, read the words of Cardinal Timothy Dolan from an address honoring Carroll in 2008.

Opening Prayer for New PSR School Year

A Prayer for America