We will begin by making the sign of the Cross Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. All: Amen We pause to think of any special intention we want to pray for today. We light our Form Candle for all our prayers today.

4th Week in Ordinary Time Reader 1: St Gilbert of Sempringham was from Lincolnshire. He began an Order (the Gilbertines) of lay sisters & brothers to care for the sick, lepers, orphans and the dying. He died in 1189 aged 105! The Order was destroyed during the Reformation and never begun again. Reader 2: “You, Lord are a shield about me, my glory, who lifts up my head. I cry aloud to the Lord. He answers from his holy mountain.” (Psalm 3:4-6) Together we pray: All: Lord surround our lives with your love, so that through the power of the Spirit we may live securely, knowing that we are created as a child of God. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen Monday 4 th February 2013 St Gilbert of Sempringham

Tuesday 5 th February Reader: Let us not lose sight of Jesus, who leads us in our faith and brings it to perfection; for the sake of the joy that was in the future, he endured the cross, disregarding the shamefulness of it, and from now on has taken his place at the right of God’s throne. (Hebrews 12:3) Together we pray: All: Be with us, Lord God, creator of all, to strengthen us on our journey, to guide us in all our doings, that we may share in the love and care for your world. Amen. David Adam, The Rhythm of Life

Wednesday 6 th February St Paul Miki and the Japanese Martyrs Reader: St Paul Miki & the Japanese martyrs were put to death for believing in Jesus in Japan in 1580 “Strive for peace with everyone and for holiness, without which you no-one will see the Lord.” (Letter to the Hebrews 12:11) Together we pray: All: Lord give us the courage to be your witnesses, to stand up for the truth, to spread peace wherever we go and to radiate your love through our lives. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen

Thursday 7 th February Reader: O God, we ponder your love within your temple. Your praise, O God, like your name reaches to ends of the earth. With justice your right hand is filled. (Psalm 47:11) Together we pray: All: Lord, open our hearts to care for all those who are in need and to share what we have with those who are needy, especially our skills and our time. We make this prayer through the name of Jesus. Amen

Friday 8 th February – St Josephine Bakhita St Josephine Bakhita was born in Sudan in 1869, kidnapped and made a child slave. She was so traumatised that she forgot the name she had been given and so was given the new name “Bakhita” by her kidnappers, meaning fortunate. Sold as a slave she was eventually bought by the Italian Consul. For the first time she was treated with warmth and respect. Taken by the family to Italy where she was entrusted to the care of the Canossian sisters and given her freedom. She received the Sacrament of Baptism and was given the name “Josephine”. She felt a call to the religious life and entered as a Canossian Sister. Her duty as door keeper in the convent meant that many experienced her forgiving and warm nature and led to her being called ‘Mother Bakhita’. She died in 1942 and was made a saint in October 2000.

Reader: Continue to love one another like brothers and sisters, and remember always to welcome strangers, for by doing this, some people have entertained angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:1) Together we pray: All: Lord our God give us the patience of St Josephine Bakhita, who found peace & freedom through forgiveness. Help us to forgive and ask for forgiveness, so that the warmth of your love can completely fill us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

School Prayer Prayer of Saint Benedict We pray Lord, that everything we do may be prompted by your inspiration, so that every prayer and work of ours may begin from you, and be brought by you to completion. Amen Saint Benedict – Pray for us