Prayer Observance

At St. John of God School, the greatest emphasis is placed on providing a religious education for all students. In order for this to be done, we ask God to bless our work and we, as a school community, recognize the importance of both formal and informal prayer. On a regular basis, the following prayers will be said. Your kind cooperation in teaching your child and praying regularly the prayers for his/her grade is greatly appreciated.

Prayers

“Sign of the Cross” (Grades Preschool-8)

In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“The Lord’s Prayer” (Grades Preschool-8)

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

“Hail Mary” (Grades Preschool-8)

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you, blessed art you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

“Glory Be” (Grades Preschool-8)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen.

“Prayer before Meals” (Grades Preschool-8)

Bless us, O Lord, and these your gifts, which we are about to receive from your bounty, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

“Prayer after Meals” (Grades Preschool-8)

We give You thanks for all Your benefits, O Almighty God, who lives and reigns forever; and may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy or God, rest in peace. Amen.

“Morning Offering” (Grades Preschool-8)

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you all my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day, for all the intentions of your Sacred Heart, in union with the holy sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for my sins, for the intentions of all our associates, and for the general intention recommended this month. Amen.

“Act of Contrition” (Grades 2-8)

O my God, I am sorry for my sins. In choosing to sin and failing to do good, I have sinned against you and your church. I firmly intend, with the help of your Son, to make up for my sins and to love as I should. Amen.

“The Prayer to My Guardian Angel” (Grades Preschool-8)

Angel of God, my Guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

“Salute to the Cross” (Grades Preschool-8)

Unto the King Eternal, immortal and invincible, the only God be honor and glory forever. Amen.

“Memorare” (Grades 5-8)

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother, to you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful; O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions; but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

“The Hail Holy Queen” (Grades 5-8)

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope.  To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve.  To you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.  Turn then, Most Gracious Advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.  O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!  Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

“Apostles Creed” (Grades 5-8)

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.  I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.  Amen

Religious worship is an integral part of a child’s growth and a central part of the Catholic identity of the school. Grades 3-8 will lead several school Liturgies during the year school.  In addition, each grade is required to lead a Sunday School Family Mass.  Students are required to wear their school uniform at Mass.  During various liturgical seasons, the Student Council or the Religion Committee plan school liturgies/prayer services under the guidance of the religion coordinator.