How many times in our lives have we said or heard someone say "we need to find time for something in our lives." This statement creates particular challenges. Finding time can often be a challenge. What would happen if we swapped "find time" with "Make time?" We give our time to the things we value. How do we make time for God each day?
At Saint Olaf's we make time for God in our lives by intentionally creating time for collective prayer. Our faculty begins each day in prayer before the students arrive. We use this time to pause, center ourselves, and welcome God into our lives as we prepare to serve the students entrusted to our care.
Once our students have arrived a student leads the entire community in prayer. Each day a student leads our community through the following prayerful experienced;
Good Morning Saint Olaf’s Catholic School. Please stand as we begin our day together in prayer.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Reading for the day
Pause Silent reflection.
Let us say the words that Jesus taught us;
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.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Please face your flag.
I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Now let us join together in reciting our school mission statement.
We Rise as a community of learners, continually growing as Christ-centered individuals throughout life’s journey. Responsibly, Intellectually, Spiritually, and Emotionally.
How will you live our school’s mission today?
Have a great day Vikings. Know you are cared for and loved.
It is a powerful moment to witness our students guiding our community through this experience. Allowing our entire community to pause and open our hearts to the Lord at the start of our day offers us the opportunity to grow closer to God. However, just as important as it is time to make time for God at the beginning of the day it is just as important to make time for the Lord at the end of a busy day.
Our lives can be harried and often feel like we are running from one place to another. We pause again at the end of the day to reflect and thank the lord for the day and gifts we have been provided. Our students guide our community through this prayer experience to conclude our day;
Good Afternoon Saint Olaf’s Catholic School. Please stand as we end our day together in prayer.
What was the best part of your day?
When was I closest to God today?
How did I live our school’s mission today?
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Let us say the words that Jesus taught us;
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.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Now let us join together in reciting our school mission statement.
We Rise as a community of learners, continually growing as Christ-centered individuals throughout life’s journey. Responsibly, Intellectually, Spiritually, and Emotionally.
Have a great day Vikings. Know you are cared for and loved.
Making time for what is essential in life is a common practice. Making time to pause, reflect, and open ourselves to God through prayer creates a communal experience and offers all in our community to join together. We invite you to join us no matter where you are to pause at the beginning or end of your day for reflection and to make space in your life for God.