1. Prayers for the week 24 - 29 September 2018
Prayer theme: Excellence
Excellence is one of the FCJ values.
We set the highest possible standards in supporting each other as we try to always do our best, pursuing our dreams.

2. Monday 24 September Message from Pope Francis
Dear young people, do not bury your talents, the gifts that God has given you! Do not be afraid to dream of great things!
God, we pray that we risk more than others think is safe, care more than others think is wise, dream more than others think is practical, expect more than others think is possible. We ask this through Jesus Christ who is our example. Amen.
(Claude Bisell)

3. Tuesday 25 September
2 Tim 1: 6 I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Generous God, we thank you for the gifts you have given us. Help us to become more aware of who we are and all the good we can do when we believe in ourselves as You believe in us. Amen.

4. Wednesday 26 September
Be who are meant you to be and you will set the world on fire!
(Saint Catherine of Siena, 13th century)
Catherine of Siena used all her gifts and talents for the service of all God’s people. She was a spiritual writer, theologian and a woman of deep prayer. She also reached out to the poor and the sick.
Take a moment to pause and ask yourself the question “Who am I, how do I feel about myself and what difference could I make?
God, help me to work together with you and help me to always do the best I can. Amen.

5. Thursday 28 September
“If one man can destroy everything, why can't one girl change it?”
― Malala Yousafzai, I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban
Loving God, Thank you for giving us people like Malala, who’s courage is stronger than their fears, and all those we can look up to. Help me to be a good example to others. Amen.

6. Friday 29 September 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.
As you look ahead, with what spirit will you enter next week?
Ask God to help you.

7. 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