Question for Day 1:

What gifts, talents, or skills did you develop in the last academic year? How will you grow or use them more this year?

Bible Quote for Day 1:

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,

as faithful stewards of God’s grace”

1 Peter 4: 10

Prayer for Day 1:

God of Love,

You are with us in every transition and change.

As we enter into this new era with excitement and even some anxiety,

we recall your deep compassion, presence, and abounding love.

We thank you for the gifts, talents and skills with which you have blessed us.

We thank you for the experiences that have brought us to this moment.

We thank you for the work of others that gives breadth and depth to our own work.

Be with us as we move forward, rejoicing with you and supporting one another.

We ask this in your Holy Name. Amen         

(Joseph P. Shadle)

Question for Day 2:

What bad habits have developed over the past year? What changes do I want to make this year?

Bible Quote for Day 2:

“Avoid the mistakes of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart”

2 Timothy 2: 22

Prayer for Day 2:

O God,

I find myself at the beginning of another year.

I do not know what it will bring.

Please help me to be ready for whatever it may be.

If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely.

If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly.

If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently.

If I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly.

I pray for this new school year,

for the ability to cooperate with others according to the way Jesus taught us to live.

"Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

May these words that he taught us become more than words.

Please free my thinking and feelings and the thinking and feelings of others,

from all forms of self-will, self-centeredness, dishonesty, and deception.

Along with my brothers and sisters,

I need this freedom to make my choices today according to your desires.

Send your Spirit to inspire me in time of doubt and indecision

so that, together, we can walk along your path. Amen

(J. Veltri, S.J.)

Question for Day 3:

What new experiences and opportunities are you looking forward to this year?

Bible Quote for Day 3:

“Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago. Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already—you can see it now”

Isaiah 43: 18-19

Prayer for Day 3:

Heavenly Father,

It’s time for me to forget the past, forget the mistakes,

and focus on what you are doing in my life today.

I know you are doing a new thing.

You are placing the right people in my life and removing the wrong ones.

You are closing old doors and preparing me for new opportunities.

The pruning process can be uncomfortable and painful,

but I know it’s for my good.

I trust you.

I ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus.

Amen.

(Joseph P. Shadle)

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Bishop Richard Challoner

During his lifetime and after his death, he was considered not only as a model of every virtue but as a saint. We are asked to pray that our Blessed Lord, through the Pope, may reward him further, by raising him to the altars of the Church as a Saint.

Prayer for the Beatification of Bishop Richard Challoner

O God who made your servant Richard,

a true and faithful pastor of your little flock in England,

raise him, we beseech you, to the altars of thy Church,

that we, who have been taught by his word and example

may invoke his name in heaven,

for the return of our country to belief in the Gospel,

and to the unity of all Christians in the one Church of Jesus Christ.

We ask this through the same Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Bishop Richard Challoner

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