CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2026
FOREWORD
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2026
One of the great strengths of our Catholic schools is the way they create spaces of genuine belonging. They are communities where each person is welcomed, valued, and encouraged to grow. Catholic Schools Week offers us a moment each year to pause and recognise this daily work: the teaching, guiding, and caring that shape the lives of our young people in ways far deeper than academics alone.
This year’s theme, A Home for All , invites us to reflect on what it truly means to build communities grounded in the Gospel. A home is more than a place; it is an experience of being known, listened to, and loved. Our schools strive to offer that experience every day, becoming extensions of the first place where faith and hope are learned, the home of the heart.
a home for all
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK 2026
The early Christian communities understood this well. Their homes became places where bread was broken, stories shared, and hope strengthened. Pope Leo XIV captures this beautifully when he writes, “Jesus does not abandon the table of love; even in our frailty, He continues to sit with us.” This image speaks powerfully to our theme, a reminder that true welcome mirrors Christ’s own unwavering hospitality.
But A Home for All is more than a comforting phrase. It calls us to build cultures of intentional welcome and humility, to notice who may feel unseen, and to ensure our mission is not simply displayed but lived. It challenges us to create communities where differences are honoured and peace is intentionally nurtured.
As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, may this theme inspire us to open our doors and our hearts ever wider. May our schools continue to reflect God’s home, places where Christ is encountered, unity is strengthened, and every person knows they belong.
Ryan Gato Head of Religious Education and Spirituality
THEME PRAYER
BUILDING GOD’S HOUSE TOGETHER
Loving God, we long to live in an authentic community that brings us together in Your name.
Help us move beyond surface level relationships to the deep, meaningful connections that reflect Your heart for fellowship among Your people.
Teach us to listen well, offer grace generously, and commit to all peoples even when relationships become difficult or inconvenient.
Give us wisdom to know how to encourage others – to live in right community that respects and cares for all.
May we prioritise relationships over tasks and value authentic community as essential rather than optional.
Together may we demonstrate Your love to a world that desperately needs to see genuine care and commitment among Your people.
Make our relationships be a testimony to the transforming power of Your grace.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
LITURGY OF THE WORD PRIMARY
“BE MERCIFUL JUST AS YOUR FATHER IS MERCIFUL” (LUKE 6:36)
This Liturgy of the Word can be celebrated as a whole school or with smaller groups. This Liturgy of the Word is not a Mass. It is based on the Gospel reading provided, and it would not be appropriate to replace the Gospel with another without also revising the corresponding prayers and reflection.
PRIMARY SCHOOL LITURGY PREPARATION
PRAYER SPACE
• White Cloth (until Pentecost Sunday)
• School Candle
• Cross
• Book of the Gospels or Children's Bible
• Fresh flowers, plant or greenery.
BREAKING OPEN THE WORD
• Place the four Prompts and responses on 8 separate PowerPoint slides to be displayed on screen during this time. (See following pages)
• Prepare and print large, printed letters spelling KINDNESS to assist with the kindness acrostic prayer. Select 8 students to hold up a letter during the reading of Acrostic Prayer as each line is read (see point below).
• Print out 1 copy of each line from the Acrostic prayer KINDNESS. Provide one to a selection of students, staff members, parent or visitor to stand up and read their letter and corresponding text in order. Consider having the students in different places around the room/hall/Church to show the prayer emerging from the community.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Presider: We acknowledge and respect the spiritual relationship the Aboriginal people have with this country. We acknowledge the (school to insert) People, the Traditional Owners of the land on which we gather today.
We pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We commit ourselves to work alongside Indigenous people for reconciliation and justice.
OPENING SONG
Schools are encouraged to choose from the suggested resources at the back of this resource book
OPENING PRAYER
Presider: Sign of the Cross. God of Compassion, in celebrating the richness of Catholic education, help us to grow with hearts that are gentle and kind, and teach us to notice the needs of others around us. Guide our words and actions, so that we listen with care and offer help with willing and generous spirits.
All: Amen.
PREPARING TO HEAR THE WORD
Presider: To begin we are going to play a word game. With each word that I say, I want you to say the opposite. So, if I say ‘happy,’…you would say ‘sad.’
Suggested words to use – big and small, tall and short, up and down, close and open, stop and go, over and under, etc. End with love and hate.
It is easy to love people who show love to us. But what about people who show hate to us? Jesus wants us to love them too. Jesus wants us to love everyone. We listen to the Scripture story from Saint Luke about loving people who hurt us.
GOSPEL
Reader: A reading from the Holy Gospel of Luke (6:31-36) Do for others what you want them to do for you. If you love only the people who love you, why should you receive a special blessing? Even wicked people love those who love them. And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you receive a special blessing? And if you lend only to those you expect will give it back, why should you receive a blessing? No! Love your enemies and do good for them; lend and expect nothing back. You will then have a great reward and you will be children of the Most High, God, for he is good to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful just as your God is merciful. The Gospel of the Lord.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
BREAKING OPEN THE WORD
You might reflect on the Gospel using the prompts below, or add your own personal reflection.
Presider: Jesus wants us to love one another, even the people who are mean to us. It may feel a bit strange to do this, but this is what Jesus asks of us. Just like in the game we just played, Jesus asks us to do the opposite of what we might feel like doing when we’ve been hurt.
How can we be kind to people who may not be kind to us? Pause.
Kindness Scenarios
Present scenarios one at a time (below) allowing the students answer each question. Use pre-prepared PowerPoint Slides for students to see them on screen.
1) Someone yells at you. Answer: Speak kindly to them anyway.
2) Someone hits you. Answer: Don’t hit back, just walk away and get a teacher to help you.
3) Someone takes something that is yours. Answer: Give them what they need. Don’t steal something from them.
4) Someone asks you for something. Answer: Give it to them.
Presider: Now I know what you might be thinking: Why should I be nice to someone who is mean to me?
Take a moment and think: Have you ever made a mistake or spoken rudely before?
Allow some thinking time or even some sharing time.
Even though you have made mistakes you are still loved by your parents and your family, and Jesus still loves you. So, when someone makes a mistake, we should show some understanding and mercy. We need to give the people who hurt us time to fix up their mistake. We can tell them kindly they have hurt us and that’s not ok and then give them time to fix the situation.
Possible questions for students to reflect on in silence.
• Can you love someone who has hurt you?
• How can you show kindness and patience to those who are mean to you?
Kindness Prayer
K is for being kind to others, even those that hurt our feelings.
I is for including others in our prayers and play.
N is for needing to show compassion to people who are hurting and sad.
D is for deciding to be loving to all.
N is for nobody being left out of any games.
E is for everyone being friends.
S is for showing others respect.
S is for sharing with others when we can.
CLOSING PRAYER
Presider: Jesus taught us to love one another as He loves us. He showed us that compassion means noticing when someone is in need and choosing to walk beside them. As we celebrate the gift of Catholic education this week, may we remember that every act of compassion helps us grow closer to God. We ask God to guide us to be kind to our friends, and gentle even with those who have hurt us, so that our Catholic school may truly be a place of love, welcome, and hope.
All: Amen.
Sign of the Cross.
CONCLUDING SONG
Schools are encouraged to choose from the suggested resources at the back of this resource book.
Adapted from Words for the Journey for Kids Lisa Freemantle & Les Miller
LITURGY OF THE WORD SECONDARY
“AND WHO IS MY NEIGHBOUR?”
(LUKE 10: 25-37)
This Liturgy of the Word can be celebrated as a whole school or with smaller groups. This Liturgy of the Word is not a Mass. It is based on the Gospel reading provided, and it would not be appropriate to replace the Gospel with another without also revising the corresponding prayers and reflection. Please consider including familiar or reflective music, symbols for a prayer space, and thoughtful arrangement of students. Visual images that reflect our neighbours near and far would also be a meaningful inclusion.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Presider: We acknowledge and respect the spiritual relationship the Aboriginal people have with this country.
We acknowledge the (school to insert) People, the Traditional Owners of the land on which we gather today.
We also acknowledge the Awabakal, Biripi, Darkinjung, Gamilaroi, Wiradjuri, Worimi and Wonnarua People who are the traditional owners of the land on which our schools are built. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We commit ourselves to work alongside Indigenous people for reconciliation and justice.
OPENING SONG
Schools are encouraged to choose from the suggested resources at the back of this resource booklet on p27.
INVITATION TO PRAYER
Presider: Sign of the Cross.
Loving God,
You gather us into our Catholic school community where compassion, welcome, and gentle care reveal Your presence.
Strengthen in us a spirit that looks outward with kindness, and whose quiet acts of service help nurture Your goodness among us.
As we come together to celebrate Catholic Schools Week, open our hearts to Your Word.
Strengthen us to walk the path of the Gospel with courage.
Shape us into people who bring Your peace to one another.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
GOSPEL
Reader: A reading from the Gospel of Matthew (7: 24-27)
Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.
The Gospel of the Lord.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
REFLECTION
Presider: What are you building your life on? What is most important to you? The years of secondary school are full of increasing pressures – part-time work, sport, study, new friendships, exploring new hobbies, making decisions between right and wrong. All of these require us to pause and consider not only what we want to do, but who we want to be. It is easy to get caught in the trap of what everyone else is doing. However, Jesus asks us not to build our lives on the shifting sands of what others find important.
Jesus asks us to build our lives on His words. These Words, He says, are like rock – a firm foundation from which we can build a life of which we can be proud. He does not promise that our lives will be free from troubles – there will be rain, there will be floods, there will be winds. However, if we base our life on what He has to teach, we can be sure that we will withstand these troubles and invite others into this home.
If we take the theme ‘A Home for All’ seriously, then building on rock means creating spaces where others feel safe, known and valued. A home is not just walls and a roof… it is an experience of deep community. In our Catholic school, we can make a home for others in simple, practical ways: by noticing the person who is sitting alone, by inviting someone new into their friendship group, by refusing to participate in gossip, and by standing up gently but firmly when someone is excluded. Each of these helps build a culture where everyone has a place at the table.
Building on Jesus’ words also means shaping our decisions around compassion and justice. When we choose kindness over popularity, service over self-interest, and courage over comfort, we lay foundations for a strong Catholic school community. In this way, our school community becomes more than just a place of learning, it becomes ‘A Home for All.’
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Presider: In this Catholic Schools Week let us strive to be a home, reflecting God’s desire that there is room for all with Christ’s love as our foundation.
Let us pray to our Loving God.
Reader: For our Church, may our faith in Jesus Christ bring all Christians to give generously and support unconditionally those in need. Let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Reader: For our Catholic School, may it be a place that treats all with respect. Let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Reader: For all who suffer, may we be compassionate, kind and understanding. Let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Reader: For those who feel isolated, unloved and lonely, may the love of God and the love of fellowship warm their hearts. Let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Reader: For those who are displaced from their homes because of violence, fear and war, may peace prevail. Let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, hear our prayer.
Leader: With our prayers brought to our loving God, may we as followers of Jesus, also be the answer to the prayers of others.
All: Amen
CLOSING PRAYER
Presider: Loving God, as we build our Catholic school community together, help us to love You with sincere hearts and to let that love shape the way we welcome others.
In our Catholic school, may we see each person as someone who belongs at Your table, and may we recognise the neighbours You place before us each day. Strengthen us as we go forth into the world, so that we may carry Your spirit of welcome wherever we go.
All: Amen
Sign of the Cross.
CONCLUDING SONG
A hymn that celebrates the uniqueness of your Catholic school should be chosen to close the Liturgy. Please see the music resources provided in this package.
STAFF PRAYERS AND REFLECTIONS
REFLECTION #1
BUILDING OUR CATHOLIC SCHOOL COMMUNITY
Leader: Relationships are at the heart of our Catholic school community. As Christians we have the teachings of Jesus, the model of agape love – the love that is selfless and unconditional to build our Catholic school community, creating an environment of fellowship, service, forgiveness and unity. The Scripture from the Acts of the Apostles illustrates how our early faith community demonstrated this regard for each other.
Reader: A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (2:42-47)
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people.
The Word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
Leader: Scripture consistently portrays the Church as a body where each part needs the others to function effectively, demonstrating that isolation is contrary to God’s design for His people. In Scripture, an authentic community is characterised by mutual care, shared resources, transparency about struggles, and commitment that goes beyond convenience or personal preference.
Take some time to reflect on what it means to be a Catholic school community where everyone feels known, loved and supported.
REFLECTION PROMPTS
• As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, how has Catholic education shaped your faith, your relationships, or the way you understand compassion and community?
• Consider whether your spiritual practices are rooted in shared experiences or primarily individual. What might shift if you leaned more into communal rhythms?
• Discuss with the person next to your practical steps you can take – such as initiating deeper conversations, offering support, or modelling transparency – to help others grow alongside you.
Leader: Loving God, we long to live in an authentic community that gathers in Your name, so we turn to You in prayer.
Reader 1: Loving God, draw us beyond surface level relationships into deep, meaningful connections that reflect Your heart for fellowship among Your people.
Reader 2: Loving God, as we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, remind us of the gift of Catholic education, where faith, learning, and community help shape us to live as disciples of Jesus.
Reader 1: Loving God, help us commit to all people, even when relationships become difficult, uncomfortable, or inconvenient.
Reader 2: Loving God, inspire us to build a school community that welcomes all, values every person’s dignity, and reflects Your love in our words and actions.
Reader 1: Loving God, give us wisdom to know how to encourage others and how to live in right community that respects and cares for all.
Reader 2: Loving God, shape our priorities so that we value people over tasks and see authentic community as essential rather than optional.
All: Loving God, let our relationships become a living testimony to the transforming power of Your grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
THE GOLDEN RULE
“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.” MATTHEW 7:12
“If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” ST TERESA OF KOLKATA
Leader: Jesus was a man who accepted the ordinary people of His time. He also reached out to those that were sick, the sinners and those who were deemed unclean and outcast. He treated them with compassion and love and was willing to be with them and serve them.
Imagine living in a world where everyone treats others, in thought and deed, the way that we all want to be treated – with fairness, kindness, generosity, and love. Rather than sizing one another up, trying to determine who is better or worse, who is good or bad, we instead choose to love one another because that’s how we want to be treated.
How different would our world, our Catholic school community, and our homes look if we committed to helping the ones around us who are hurting?
The writer of Proverbs penned these words: “If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord – and He will repay you!” (Proverbs 19:17 NRSVCE)
There are those who are financially or materially poor. Maybe they were born into a cycle of poverty, have hit hard times, or are physically or mentally unwell. But there are also those – like Jesus mentioned in Matthew 5 – who are poor in spirit.
We are called to give generously to those in need, caring for the vulnerable, and living in good relationship with all in our community.
Jesus echoed this theme, explaining that good works like feeding the hungry, clothing the needy, showing hospitality to strangers, and visiting the sick will not go unnoticed. In fact, when we do such things, we're serving Jesus (Matthew 25:40).
No one can do everything, but we all can do something.
We are called and compelled by God’s Spirit to love the people made in His image.
John put it this way: “If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion – how can God’s love be in that person?” (1 John 3:17 NRSVCE)
When we serve others out of love, we are serving God. I invite you to reflect our what our Catholic school community means to you and on the ways we can build community together?
REFLECTION PROMPTS (CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK FOCUS)
• What ways do you serve God to build a community of respect and love within our Catholic school?
• How do you want to serve others as part of Catholic Schools Week and beyond?
• What is one thing you can do today, tomorrow, or next month to help make our school truly ‘A Home for All’?
After a short reflection time, invite staff to pray to God.
Leader: Turn to God, speak to God about your desire to make a change to the lives of others. Talk to God as you would a friend.
CLOSING PRAYER
Leader: Lord, guide us to serve You by building a community of respect and love.
As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, strengthen our commitment to creating ‘A Home for All.’
Grant us compassion to support others and help us nurture a school community where every person is welcomed, valued, and loved.
May we always reflect Your light in all that we do, as we walk in faithful service to You.
All: Amen.
Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
All: Amen.
https://www.gotquestions.org/Golden-Rule.html
PRAYER & REFLECTION #3
MEDITATIVE PRAYER (APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MINS)
Begin with some gentle reflective music. Read this meditation at a reflective pace. Create a prayer focus that includes a Bible, a bowl for names and symbols of a community – a table, a chair, etc.
Leader: I invite you into a space of stillness. A space to reflect, and to reconnect with the quiet places in our hearts. A moment where we can be honest about our struggles, and open to God’s gentle presence. Life can be overwhelming; maybe you’re facing something particularly challenging. Whether it’s tension in our relationships or stress meeting demands of school life, uncertainty in the workplace, world events, or just the quiet ache of anxiety that we don’t often speak about. Whatever it is, you are not alone, please remember that God remains close. Not distant or unreachable, but deeply present.
Take a few minutes now to slow down, let these thoughts settle within us, and be present together with God.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Take a moment to sit comfortably. If you’re able, gently close your eyes.
Let’s begin by noticing your breath. Inhale slowly and exhale slowly. Again, breathe in, and out.
Let your breathing become steady and calm. Become aware of what you’re carrying today. What’s been sitting heavily on your heart?
Where do you feel this tension?
In your mind, your body, your work or your relationships? You don’t need to fix anything in this moment. Just bring it into the light and let it be seen by God.
Listen to these words from Philippians (4:6-7)
“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Read this Scripture through twice.
Let these words rest in you: “You are not alone. You are enough.” Quiet music for a minute or two.
God invites us to care for ourselves and for one another, to take the small steps we need toward healing and hope in our school community.
Let us pray for the strength to take the steps we know we need to take to ensure we take care of our relationship with God.
We know that each of us holds the power to care for our health and for our mind. Help us to trust God’s loving presence and the courage that God gives us. Remind us, loving God that we are never alone and deeply loved.
Help us to be bold, to be open to connection and community, even when it feels vulnerable. God, give us the courage to love and support each other.
Help us to live fully, not in isolation, not just surviving, but rooted in joy, connection, and community and You.
In this Catholic Schools Week, let us build each other up.
Let us create spaces that are strong and safe, full of grace and laughter and honesty. Let this Catholic school be such a place.
Distribute paper that’s appropriate for writing a name on.
Take a moment to think of someone, this could be someone you work with, someone you live with, a friend, or someone you know who might be struggling right now. Hold their name in your heart.
Ask God to bless them to fill their life with courage, healing, and deep connection.
Please write their name on a slip of paper and place it in our prayer bowl. Quiet music; allow enough time for staff to place names in bowl.
Let us pray.
Lord, today, we ask for Your peace. Not the kind the world can give, but the peace that only You can offer.
When we feel overwhelmed, remind us that You walk with us. When we don’t know what to say, help us to listen.
When we are afraid to love, remind us that love is what we were made for. And when we forget our worth, speak it back to us in silence. Fill our hearts with peace, our minds with clarity, and our lives with Your love.
Leader: Loving God, we long to live in an authentic Catholic community that brings us together in Your name. Help us to move beyond surface level relationships into deep, meaningful connections that reflect Your heart.
Side A: Lord, help us love one another deeply.
Side B Shape us into a Catholic school community that reflects Your love.
Side A: Let our lives be marked by connection and compassion.
Side B: May our relationships be a testimony to Your transforming grace.
Leader: May these words be our strength today and always. In Jesus’ name we pray.
All: Amen.
Sign of the Cross.
PRIMARY STUDENTS PRAYERS AND REFLECTIONS:
#1 A PRAYER FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
Sign of the Cross.
Dear God, in this Catholic Schools Week, Let Your light shine amongst us.
Let Your grace rain down, bringing hope to each person we encounter, bring wisdom to our teachers, staff and leaders. Keep us strong when our days are hard and protect us from harm. Let our Catholic school be ‘A Home for All’; a place to grow and belong. St Thomas Aquinas, Patron Saints of Catholic Schools, pray for us.
Sign of the Cross.
#2 BUILDING OUR CATHOLIC SCHOOL COMMUNITY TOGETHER (MARK 25:37-40)
Early Stage 1 & Stage1 We Gather
Leader: Sign of the Cross.
Loving God, as we come together to celebrate Catholic Schools Week, we thank You for our caring community. Help us to make our school feel like a home that is filled with love for each other. We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ.
All: Amen.
We Listen to God’s Word
Leader: As we listen to God’s Word, we are reminded that when we care for others, we are showing our love for Jesus.
Reader: A reading from the Gospel of Mark (25:37-40)
Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask him,
“When did we give you something to eat or drink, or when did we welcome you as a stranger or give you clothes to wear or visit you while you were sick or in gaol?”
The king will answer, “Whenever you did it to the least of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
We Respond
Leader: Our scripture reading today reminds us that caring for others is important to God and important to our community. There are lots of ways to we can serve others. Watch this short video about two young men who make an impact on others in their community.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B57hZoi35MU
Serving others doesn’t need to be a big job that’s just for adults.
In this Catholic Schools Week, let’s think about some small ways we can serve people around us so that together we can build ‘A Home for All.’
We Go Forth
Leader: Let us pray,
May God give us hearts that serve others.
May God give us hearts that care for others. Amen.
Sign of the Cross. (adapted from Liturgy Brisbane: Praying Together)
#3 MEDITATION ~ WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?
(JOHN 3:18-23 & LUKE 2:14)
Primary
When delivering this meditation consider the pace of the text when reading to the students; consider the seating arrangement.
Preparation: Set up a prayer focus that contains the words – Peace; Sign of Peace; Prince of Peace; Blessed are the Peacemakers ~ For they shall be called children of God.
Place the words for the closing prayer on the screen:
May we be safe; may we be happy.
May we live in peace with each other – at home, at school.
May there be peace around the world.
May our hearts be filled with love and kindness.
May our homes be places of love and kindness.
May our Catholic school be a special place of love and kindness. Amen.
Quiet Reflective Music.
Peace for the World “…and on earth peace.” (Luke 2:14) (Slide 1)
Sign of the Cross.
Leader: If we look around, we often see things that are upsetting. There are places around the world that have been fighting for a long time. In this Catholic Schools Week, we pray for peace in our world and our Catholic school community. We pray for a world that feels like a safe home for all.
It’s not easy to live in peace. Even in our families, our classrooms and our playgrounds, disagreements happen. We get angry and hurt those around us from time to time.
Jesus asks us to be a peacemaker, particularly when we are angry or hurt and having trouble in our friendships.
Jesus keeps reminding us to live in peace with each other. Pause.
Leader: Do you ever find it hard to decide what is the right thing to do?
Whether something is right or wrong? The Gospel of John speaks to us about the right things to do so we can live in peace with each other.
Let’s prepare ourselves to listen to the Word of God.
Gospel
Reader: A reading from the Gospel of John (3:18-23).
Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.
And this is His commandment, that we should believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He has commanded us.
The Gospel of the Lord.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Leader: Jesus asks us to be respectful and not make bad choices that hurt our friends. We are asked to be a responsible friend and not ruin games or friendships.
Jesus also asks us that if our feelings are hurt that we don’t get back at our friends and hurt them too. That we try to talk to our friends about what happened and fix the problem together.
Being a peacemaker is a great way to be. Jesus said: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.”
We want our friends to be peacemakers. They’re the best friends you can have. They are the best friend to be.
Make peace in your classroom, on the playground, at home. Be a peacemaker.
Closing
Prayer
Leader: Dear God, we pray for the courage to be peacemakers in our community. To be good friends to all in our class and in our Catholic school.
Let us pray together, the words on the screen.
May we be safe; may we be happy.
May we live in peace with each other – at home, at school.
May there be peace around the world.
May our hearts be filled with love and kindness.
May our homes be places of love and kindness.
May our Catholic school be a special place of love and kindness. Amen.
Sign of the Cross.
SECONDARY STUDENTS PRAYERS AND REFLECTIONS:
#1 “LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR” (MARK 12:28-33)
Call to Prayer
Staff or student leader welcomes the gathering to the prayer for Catholic Schools Week. The following outline of the theme and a call to prayer could be used.
Leader: Today, our community celebrates Catholic Schools Week. Our theme this year, ‘A Home for All’, is not a reflection of a static reality, but an invitation to deepen our commitment to one another. The passage we will hear today from the Gospel of Mark reminds us that love is not just a feeling but an action. It challenges us to acknowledge the presence of God, to love Him, and to love one another. It is in and through this love that our communities become resilient places of welcome, where all have a place at the table.
Opening Prayer
Leader: Sign of the Cross.
Loving God, you have called us to love one another as You love us. Help us to open our hearts to Your Word today, so we may reflect Your love in our actions, words, and thoughts.
May this time of prayer inspire us to live as true neighbours to all, spreading kindness, compassion, and understanding.
Amen.
Reading / Litany
The responses for each passage should be displayed on the screen.
Reader 1: He asked Him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
Reader 2: When we believe that we need to remain in control of everything in our own lives.
All: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
Reader 2: When we put faith only in our own abilities.
All: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
Reader 2: When we turn to approval from others to affirm our own worth.
All: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
A suitable pause is taken.
Reader 1: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
Reader 3: When we love the things of this world more than what is beyond this world.
All: Love the Lord your God.
Reader 3 : When we feel that our troubles are overwhelming.
All: Love the Lord your God.
Reader 3: When we feel isolated, alone, and beyond reach of others.
All: Love the Lord your God.
A suitable pause is taken.
Reader 1: The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Reader 4: When we fail to show compassion for those in our community.
All: Love your neighbour as yourself.
Reader 4: When we see a stranger in need.
All: Love your neighbour as yourself.
Reader 4: When it is inconvenient to offer our love to others.
All: Love your neighbour as yourself.
Closing Prayer
Leader: Heavenly Father, thank you for teaching us the importance of love. Help us to live out Your commandment in our daily lives, spreading compassion and understanding wherever we go. May we always strive to be neighbours who bring light and hope to the world and builds a home for all. Amen.
Sign of the Cross.
FRATELLI TUTTI: WHO IS MY NEIGHBOUR?
(LUKE 10:25-37) LECTIO DIVINA
Preparation: Place onto a PowerPoint the Scripture, the Lectio Divina prompts below and the questions for partner sharing when processing the Gospel.
Opening Song Schools are encouraged to select an appropriate song for this celebration.
Opening Prayer
Sign of the Cross.
Leader: This Catholic Schools Week, we contemplate what it means to be ‘A Home for All’ – to be the place where everyone feels they belong, where they are seen and where they are heard. Where they are loved unconditionally. That is a real challenge for every person at this school. A challenge where the model of Jesus Christ and his love for all is guide to our life and relationships.
We should ask ourselves…
What does it mean to truly put others first?
Does it cost us anything? Or is it an opportunity to truly grow into the person God wants us to be?
When we listen to the Gospel of Luke, we hear of a time where Jesus demonstrated the opportunity to put others first, about a time that a man acted in the way that allowed them to be the person that God wanted them to be.
We listen to God’s Word.
Gospel
Reader: A reading from the Gospel of Luke (10:25-37)
A lawyer ... desiring to justify himself, said ..., “And who is my neighbour?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped, beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise, a Levite, when he ... saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, ... came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, ... bound his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he gave two denarii to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbour to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed mercy on him.” And Jesus said to him, “Go and do like-wise.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Praying the Gospel - Lectio Divina
Lectio Divina (include the following onto a handout or PowerPoint)
• Read the Scripture again to yourself. Notice how you feel.
• Share a word, phrase, or sense that touches you.
Processing the Gospel Together
Consider these questions to guide partner sharing.
• What aspects of this Scripture challenge you the most?
• How have you experienced this parable in your everyday life, either as victim or as a Samaritan?
• What groups are most likely to feel excluded or uncomfortable in our school and how could we be more inviting and supportive for them? How can we grow to be an authentic Catholic school?
• Gospel hospitality calls us to put aside differences and serve without question. In this Catholic Schools Week, what contribution can you make, personally or as a school to nurture hospitality?
Closing Prayer
Leader: Come Holy Spirit, show us Your beauty, reflected in all the peoples of the earth, Free us from fear of those we see as foreigners or strangers, and those people who unsettle or challenge us. May we discover anew that everyone is important. That different faces of the one beloved humanity are cherished by God. Help us give ourselves in loving service and compassion in your Holy Name. Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help, Pray for us.
All: Amen.
Sign of the Cross.
Copyright – Marist Laity | 2025 | All Rights Reserved
NEWSLETTER INSERT
‘A HOME FOR ALL’. CELEBRATING CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
MONDAY MAY 18 – FRIDAY MAY 22, 2026
Our Diocesan theme for Catholic Schools Week is ‘A Home for All.’ This commitment to intentionally build our communities that serve with kindness and compassion in the light of the Gospel help us all to grow in our appreciation of each other. For in God’s home, there is always room, and always love.
As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, we are reminded of the irreplaceable role we play in building a community that feels like a home for us all. Our Catholic Schools thrive at fostering a sense of belonging. What a joy it is to work with our families and caregivers, our parishes and communities in the nurturing of the young people in our care.
We commend our Catholic Schools for the welcome, service, community and care they deliver to our young people and families. May our Catholic Schools become living signs of God’s house, where the table is wide, the doors are open and the Spirit binds us together in peace.
RESOURCES
Resource Collections:
As One Voice 1, 2, and The Next Generation
AOV1, AOV2, AOVNG Catholic Worship Book 1 and 2
CWB l, CWB ll Gather Australia GA
Psalms for Feasts and Seasons
PFS Digital Download (GIA, OCP, Marist Music, or OCP) DD
For teachers new to the Catholic Tradition:
School Liturgies Made Easy by Lisa Freemantle and Carmela Caporiccio Novalis Publishing, 2012, Canada. Available from Garratt Publishing at; garrattpublishing.com.au/product/9782896464081/
For music copyright compliance advice please look see the page “Musical Copyright for School Liturgy” under ‘Faith Life’ on the Catholic Identity/Catholic Curriculum Sharepoint site.
MUSIC
Suggested Music
Title
We Are One Body
One Body
One Bread One Body
We Are Many Parts
We are the Church
To the Ends of the Earth
United as One
One Body in Christ
Live the Gospel
Though We Are Many
Go Make a Difference
Mission to Love
I Send You Out
Go Out In The World
Go Out!
We are One
Hearts on Fire
Inspired to Serve
No Hands But Ours
Will You Come and Follow Me
These Hands
Together as One
One Faith One Hope One Love
We are God’s Hands
Welcome to All
God Made Them All
One Body One People
If Not For The Kingdom
Send us Out
Artist
Dana Scallon
Trisha Watts / Monica O’Brien
John Foley
Marty Haugen
Christopher Walker
Robert Galea
Matthew Walker
Resource/Album
AoV 2-146
AoV 1-129
AoV 1-086
AoV 2-150
AoVNG 134
AoVNG 139
Amanda McKenna AoVNG 102
James Maher
Judy Bailey
Steve Angrisano
AoVNG 92
AoVNG 133
AoVNG 52
Anne-Marie Higgins AoVNG 95
John Angotti
Ed Bolduc
Trisha Watts
Chris DeSilva
Michael Mangan
Judy Bailey
Amanda McKenna
John Bell & Graham Maule
Andrew Chinn
Andrew Chinn
Andrew Chinn
Michael Mangan
Michael Mangan
Gen Bryant
AoVNG 75
AoVNG 54
AoVNG 53
AoVNG 142
AoVNG 62
AoVNG 79
AOVNG 100
AOVNG 149
Together As One
Many Roads One Journey
Welcome to All
Setting Hearts on Fire
True Colours Shine
Send Us Out