Prayers for the week 2 – 6 July 2018 In our school chapel there are five sumptuous stained glass windows. They were made by the German company, Mayer & Co of Munich over 100 years ago. The company are still working today and have an international reputation for the glass that they produce. Four of the windows focus on moments in the life of Jesus. The fifth window is a beautiful depiction of Mary. Next time you are in Chapel, have a close look at the windows and reflect on the stories that they tell.

Monday 2 July Lord God We pray for all families, especially those families that make up our community at Upton Hall. Let us be led in example by your Holy family. Bring us together in love and, as we approach the summer holidays, help us to enjoy the time we will spend together. Give us the strength we need to overcome any family difficulties that we are facing. Help us not to be too demanding of our family, but rather try to give more than we take. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord Amen Jesus, Mary and Joseph at Nazareth

Tuesday 3 July A reading from the Gospel according to Mark One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Do not stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”  Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them. Our Lord Blessing Little Children Lord, Help us always to retain a childlike wonder and a thirst for knowledge and understanding. May we never succumb to cynicism or become world-weary. Through our hope and optimism let us be an example to others of how to live like children in the world and to receive the Kingdom of God. Amen

Wednesday 4 July A reading from the Gospel according to Luke As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet, and listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken away from her.” Jesus, Mary and Martha at Bethany Lord, Open our hearts to your word. May we never be too busy or distracted to listen to your voice. Let our lives be guided by your love. Amen

Thursday 5 July A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”  He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress.  Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.”  He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.”  When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour?  Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” The Agony in the Garden Lord, Grant us the courage to persevere when times are difficult. When things are challenging in school or when we are finding it hard at home, let us remember that you are there for us. Help us to be sensitive and supportive when we notice those in need, whether in our form group or in our family. Amen

Friday 6 July Examen Maria Immaculata 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. Maria Immaculata 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

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