1. Prayers for the week 18 – 22 June 2018
Throughout history, humans have migrated across the globe making their homes in new places. Yet, at this moment, we are experiencing the largest refugee crisis in modern history. Conflict, poverty and violence have forced tens of millions of people away from their homelands into unknown futures because the insecurity and danger of the journey is preferable to the unsafe conditions at home.
We know God is with our sisters and brothers seeking refuge. Will we answer the call to stand with them and recognize that we share their journey?
From the Book of Deuteronomy "For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them food and clothing. You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt." 

2. Monday 18 June F
For the first reflection of the week, copy and paste the link below into Youtube. The clip gives a concise report about the current refugee crisis.
Almighty and merciful God, whose Son became a refugee and had no place to call his own; look with mercy on those who today are fleeing from danger, homeless and hungry. Bless those who work to bring them relief; inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts; and guide the nations of the world towards that day when all will rejoice in your Kingdom of justice and of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

3. Tuesday 19 June
O Blessed Mary, Mother of Mercy, you fled into exile in the moonlight, carrying your son, our Lord Jesus. You shared his journey to the Cross, and are now robed in the light of peace.
Mary, Mother of the Poor, watch over migrants and refugees holding their families close on fearful journeys. Comfort and protect them, we pray, as they walk beneath the shining stars.
Bless our communities, loving Mary, fill our hearts with compassion, help us to shelter the stranger, and share the goodness of God’s consoling love with all our neighbours.
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

4. Wednesday 20 June
Our prayer this morning is for all those, including refugees, who feel lost in this world.
Lord God, no one is a stranger to you and no one is ever far from your loving care. In your kindness, watch over refugees and victims of war, those separated from their loved ones, young people who are lost, and those who have left home or who have run away from home. Bring them back safely to the place where they long to be and help us always to show your kindness to strangers and to all in need.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Amen

5. Thursday 21 June
God of our Wandering Ancestors, Long have we known that your heart is with the refugee: That you were born into a family of refugees fleeing violence in their homeland, who then gathered up their hungry child and fled into alien country. Their cry, your cry, resounds through the ages: "Will you let me in?" Give us hearts that break open when our brothers and sisters turn to us with that same cry. Then surely all these things will follow:
Ears will no longer turn deaf to their voices.
Eyes will see a moment for grace instead of a threat.
Tongues will not be silenced, but will instead advocate.
Hands will reach out — working for peace in their homelands, working for justice in the lands where they seek safe haven.
Lord, protect all refugees in their travels. May they find a friend in us, and so make us worthy of the refuge we have found in you.
Amen.
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6. Thursday 21 June Earth Day
A Prayer for Our Earth
All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe
and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth,
so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives,
that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain
at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature
as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle
for justice, love and peace.
Amen Pope Francis, Laudato Si’

7. Friday 22 June
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.
Enjoy the Wirral Way Walk today. Remember that it is a sponsored walk to raise funds for the charity Change a Child’s Life working in Kenya.
As you look ahead, with what spirit will you enter next week?
Ask God to help you.

8. 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