We work in the area of religious education offering support and teaching resources to post primary school RE teachers. We specifically help with the faith development of the Catholic school communities in our support areas.
The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2025 is Catholic Schools: Alive in Christ. As we look forward to celebrating Catholic Schools Week 2025, the month of November offers us a moment to remember and pray for the Holy Souls. In November we remember and pray for those who died hoping in the promise of the resurrection. We also pray for the happy repose of the souls of all of our loved ones who have gone before us. During the hustle and bustle of school life, this resource gives schools the time and space to remember that the sorrow of death will give way to Christ’s promise of eternal life with God.
“Christ is alive! He is our hope, and in a wonderful way, he brings youth to our world, and everything he touches becomes young, new, full of life. The very first words, then, that I would like to say to every young Christian are these: Christ is alive and he wants you to be alive!” – Pope Francis, Christus Vivit, Section 1.
“Dilexit nos – He loved us” – Encyclical of Pope Francis
Prayers and Reflections based on “the Human and the Divine Love of the Heart of Jesus Christ” are available on www.pioneers.ie
Information note for parish newsletter editors:
These prayers and reflections will launch on 1 November 2024.
They have been prepared for
Pioneers, Parish groups
Families,
Religion Teachers (Primary & Secondary)
University Chaplaincies,
AA / NA groups
Two versions of 16 x 9 image for Parish websites is also included
If you wish to be notified of updates, please contact prayer@pioneers.ie
NATIONAL RESOURCES FOR CSW 25 Click on links to access and download
Irish Bishop: Catholic schools follow the example of Jesus, serving all regardless of faith, creed or social background
Jan 18th, 2025 ICN Article
‘Saint Patrick on Croagh Patrick’ artwork created by Explorer’s Class in Knockrooskey National School, Westport, Co Mayo, for 2024 Catholic Primary Schools Management Association competition: Irelands Got Saints!
Source: Irish Catholic Media Office
Across the island of Ireland, from tomorrow, Sunday 19 to Saturday 25 January, the annual celebration of Catholic Schools Week will be marked by parish communities. During this dedicated week, school communities will pray, explore and discuss the 2025 theme Alive in Christ!
Next week, on each day of Catholic Schools Week, there will be a specific thematic focus: Service in Our Community of Friends; Service in Our School Community; Service in Our Family Community; Service in Our Local Community; and, Service in Our Faith Community.”
Bishop Tom Deenihan, Bishop of Meath and chair of the Council for Education of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, said, “Grounded in the dedication to service of their communities, Catholic schools continue to set a high standard in the provisions of education.
“This is the result of the dedication of all in the school community: pupils, parents, staff, parishes, and those who volunteer to serve on Boards of Management. Christ the Teacher provides the example and sign of what it is to be fully human, to be fully alive, and our schools endeavour to model the education that they provide on this example.
“Generations of people have benefited from Catholic schools and our society is all the better for their contribution to the common good. Our schools, following the example of Jesus, serve every person regardless of creed, background, faith, social status or age,” he said.
During this special week, Catholic schools will explore the meaning of Pope Francis’ introduction to Christus Vivit, “Christ is alive! He is our hope, and in a wonderful way he brings youth to our world, and everything he touches becomes young, new, full of life.” This year’s theme complements Jubilee 2025, where Pope Francis calls on Catholics to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, contemplating what it means to be fully alive as a human being – living life to the full in Christ.
Sensitive to the age-appropriateness of the various classes and years, the CSW theme will explore how we exist for one another in Christ, building from the wellbeing of the individual, extending the notion of true wellbeing to others, to our families and communities, and to the Other, in God. The 2025 theme will mediate on hope, the true purpose and meaning of human life, and, in the more senior years, on true freedom. The theme connects with Grandparents’ Day next Wednesday during Catholic Schools Week, and correspondingly with the subject of family in schools at post-primary level.
Each day’s CSW resources offers scriptural reflection on prayer, action, student voice, and concern for our common home, and these are available HERE.
Countdown to Jubilee Year 2025 in Ireland and in Rome
By ancient tradition, a Jubilee Year of the Church is called every twenty-five years, and Pope Francis has announced that the theme for the Jubilee/Holy Year 2025 is ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ (Spes non Confundit – Hope Does Not Disappoint). This theme encourages each of us to be messengers of hope in our very troubled world.
Pope Francis wrote ” In this time of preparation, I would greatly desire that we devote 2024, the year preceding the Jubilee event, to a great “symphony” of prayer. Prayer, above all else, to renew our desire to be in the presence of the Lord, to listen to him and to adore him. Prayer, moreover, to thank God for the many gifts of his love for us and to praise his work in creation, which summons everyone to respect it and to take concrete and responsible steps to protect it. Prayer as the expression of a single “heart and soul” (cf. Acts 4:32), which then translates into solidarity and the sharing of our daily bread. Prayer that makes it possible for every man and woman in this world to turn to the one God and to reveal to him what lies hidden in the depths of their heart. Prayer as the royal road to holiness, which enables us to be contemplative even in the midst of activity. In a word, may it be an intense year of prayer in which hearts are opened to receive the outpouring of God’s grace and to make the “Our Father,” the prayer Jesus taught us, the life programme of each of his disciples.
More than a million children to pray the Rosary for peace
Amy Balog ICN Article from Daily ICN Newsletter
Sep 18th, 2024
A Catholic charity is hoping to exceed last year’s milestone of more than a million children joining a campaign to pray the Rosary for peace in the world’s conflict zones.
Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is holding its ‘One Million Children Praying the Rosary’ initiative for the 19th year in a row today (Wednesday, 18th September).
ACN (UK) National Director Caroline Hull said that the charity is “hoping to surpass last year’s record of 1,039,628 children praying the Rosary for peace around the world”.
She added: “We would like to invite all our friends and benefactors here in the UK and beyond to encourage all the children they know to join this powerful initiative inspired by Our Lady of Fatima.”
This year’s motto – “Pray the Rosary and there will be peace” – places at the centre of the campaign the request made by Our Lady of Fatima in 1917.
Through this initiative, ACN is also participating in the ‘Symphony of Prayers’ campaign, which Pope Francis called for on the occasion of the 2024 Year of Prayer – and which also paves the way for the 2025 Jubilee Year.
In a statement, Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, ACN (International) President, and Father Anton Lässer, ACN (International) Ecclesiastical Assistant, wrote that everyone should “apply strength and imagination, so that in as many places as possible prayer meetings can take place…
“Go to children’s groups, schools, prayer groups, radio and television, digital platforms, social media… and win over your own children and grandchildren for the prayer of the Rosary.”
The target of a million children praying the Rosary for peace was reached for the first time on 18th September last year.
The ‘One Million Children Praying the Rosary’ campaign has taken place every year on 18th September since first being organised in Caracas, Venezuela in 2005.
There is free material – including colouring pictures for children and more information about the campaign – available online for those looking to help encourage their parishes, schools, children’s groups and families to join the initiative.
The Relics of St Bernadette are coming to Ireland for the first time These are being taken from Diocese to Diocese and schools may wish to organise a class visit.
ICN today had this report this morning
The Relics of St Bernadette of Lourdes are being brought on their first-ever visit to Ireland this week. Bishop Kevin Doran, Bishop of Elphin and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Achonry and President of the United Irish Pilgrimages to Lourdes, said: “We hope that many people will be able to share in the blessings of the Pilgrimage, by gathering to pray with Saint Bernadette in cities and towns across the country.” The International Marian Shrine at Lourdes has always had a special place in the hearts of Irish people. Countless Irish pilgrims have made the journey to the shrine for the last 166 years since the apparitions of Our Lady to Saint Bernadette in 1858. This year the people of Ireland will have the opportunity to welcome the spirit of Lourdes and Saint Bernadette to a local church in their own home diocese.
Tomorrow, 3 September, a special ceremony will be held at the grotto in Lourdes, where the holy relics of Saint Bernadette will be entrusted to Bishop Kevin Doran who, along with parishioners of the Diocese of Elphin, is currently on pilgrimage in Lourdes. The Elphin Pilgrimage will bring the relics home with them to begin the pilgrimage around Ireland, beginning in Galway Cathedral on 5 September.
Bishop Doran said: “There is a well established tradition of people bringing religious objects home from Lourdes, to share with family members and friends. This year, we have the unique privilege of bringing home the relics of Saint Bernadette, as we fly back into Knock Airport after the Elphin Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. Many people are unable to travel on pilgrimage to Lourdes, but this year Lourdes will come to them, as the Relics of Saint Bernadette make their way around Ireland. We hope that many people will be able to share in the blessings of the Pilgrimage, by gathering to pray with Saint Bernadette in cities and towns across the country.”
During September and October the relics of Saint Bernadette will journey on pilgrimage – for the very first time – to each of the 26 dioceses on the island of Ireland. This very special, once-in-life-time, opportunity will enable people of all ages experience the special gifts and charisms of Lourdes in their local diocese, and to share the grace of an encounter with Mary as Bernadette experienced it. By venerating the relics, people of faith can encounter peace and joy of heart and become credible and courageous witnesses of love.
The relics will visit cathedrals and churches in every diocese, north and south. The full programme can be found on the dedicated website here.
Welcoming the visit of the relics, Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin said: “The pilgrimage around Ireland of Saint Bernadette’s relics will be a source of hope, great joy and inspiration, especially for the many people of Ireland who have traveled to Lourdes over the years and for the dedicated groups across the island who work all year round to plan pilgrimages at parish and diocesan level. Of course Lourdes is synonymous with care and love for sick and disabled persons and it is a special sanctuary for those who struggle with worries or decisions of one kind or another.” Father Gerard Fox, Pilgrimage Director for the Diocese of Down & Connor, and member of the steering group who collaborated with the Sanctuary of Lourdes to arrange the visit said, “This is a unique opportunity for those of us engaged in bringing pilgrimages to Lourdes, to bring the message and a little ‘taste’ of Lourdes to local communities. Saint Bernadette understood her role as a messenger of Mary’s message, now she brings that message to the Church community in Ireland.”
During their visit, there will be opportunities to venerate the relics privately as well as by participating in liturgies reminiscent of the Lourdes’ pilgrimage experience. The intention is to bring Lourdes to the faithful, especially those who may not have the ability to go to Lourdes in person. It is in the music, prayer, processions and gestures that this unique spirit will be shared.
Speaking today Archbishop Eamon said “Saint Bernadette once wrote: ‘One who loves does not notice her trials; or perhaps more accurately, she is able to love them. I shall do everything for Heaven, my true home. There I shall find my Mother in all the splendour of her glory. I shall delight with her in the joy of Jesus himself in perfect safety.’
“Together with my brother Bishops in Ireland, I look forward to welcoming the relics of Saint Bernadette to all parts of the island. I encourage you to take the opportunity to encounter the beautiful and inspiring person that Saint Bernadette was and to hear the powerful message she was able to convey to the world from Our Lady.
“Please pray also that many gifts and graces will be granted during this pilgrimage,” Archbishop Martin said.
Vatican publishes theme for 2025 World Day of Peace
Aug 10th, 2024 source ICN Teachers please note for January 2025
Source: Vatican Media
The theme chosen by the Holy Father for the World Day of Peace for 2025 is “Forgive us our trespasses: grant us your peace”, corresponding to “the biblical and ecclesial understanding of the Jubilee Year”.
“Only from a genuine conversion on all levels – personal, local and international – will true peace be able to flourish,” says the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development in its statement on the theme for the Day.
The Dicastery adds that peace comes not only from an end to conflicts, “but also in a new reality in which wounds are healed and each person’s dignity is recognized”.
The World Day of Peace is observed each year on January 1, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Since its establishment in 1967 by Pope St Paul VI, the Popes have taken the occasion to offer magisterial reflections in Messages for the day, dealing with topics such as the United Nations, human rights, diplomacy, and economic development.
In its statement, the Dicastery says the theme is inspired by Pope Francis’s encyclical letters Laudato sí and Fratelli tutti, “and above all by the concepts of Hope and Forgiveness, which are at the heart of the Jubilee, a time for conversion that calls us not to condemn, but instead to bring about reconciliation and peace.”
The Dicastery goes on to note by “considering the reality of conflicts and social sins afflicting humanity today in light of the hope inherent in the Jubilee tradition of the forgiveness of sins and the cancellation of debts, together with the reflections of the Fathers of the Church in this regard, concrete principles emerge that can lead to a much needed spiritual, social, economic, ecological and cultural change.”
Season of Creation 2024: ‘To hope and act with Creation’
Ellen Teague In ICN Daily News
From 1 September (World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation) to 4 October (Feast of St Francis of Assisi), Christians around the world will celebrate the Season of Creation. The theme this year is: ‘To hope and act with Creation.’
Catholics are encouraged to organise prayer and practical initiatives to combat the environmental crisis facing our common home. This “time for creation” offers, in the words of Pope Francis, “individual believers and communities a fitting opportunity to reaffirm their personal vocation to be stewards of creation.”
The Season of Creation website has a wide variety of resources for individuals, groups and parishes which can be accessed for free. The materials available include a Celebration Guide that contains numerous ideas for activities such as prayer services, ecumenical pilgrimages and walks, or organising educational and sustainability activities. Other materials include liturgical resources for various denominations, including prayers and hymns.
This 2024 season, Christian voices are urged to support a joint advocacy initiative on 21 September promoting the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty which calls for a halt to new fossil fuel projects.
A live prayer service will be available on the website on 1 September.
‘Peace, Love and Climate Justice’
Green Christian
A new pack for churches from Green Christian. It is offered to help explore Christian responses to the global climate and environmental crisis. Focusing on the Great Commandments in Mark 12:30-31, it asks questions that connect peace, love and justice.
DVD – Stations of the Forests Columban JPIC An audio-visual lamenting the devastation of rainforests and tribal people. A Resource Booklet provides agendas and reflections for meetings.£7 inclusive of p&p from vocforjus@aol.com or download from: www.columbans.co.uk/resources/dvd-video/stations-of-therainforests/
‘On Care for our Common Home’ – 6th Form Syllabus from the Ecological Conversion Group. This can also be used as a study guide for Laudato Si’ for parishes. https://theecg.org/resources/6-form-syllabus/
Justice and Peace Scotland will host its inaugural Season of Creation Conference in September. The Conference will allow parishioners from across the country to come together and explore how we may hope and act for creation in our own dioceses and parishes. Workshops on the day will be held by Justice & Peace Scotland and SCIAF and there will be opportunities for networking and ideas-sharing among attendees. A key-note address will be delivered by Ben Wilson, Director of Public Engagement at SCIAF and a member of the Holy See delegation at COP 28.
9 September 7.30pm, Woking: Film screening of ‘X Trillion’ – About Plastic Pollution – organised by the Live Simply at St Dunstan’s Church, Shaftesbury Road, Woking, GU22 7DT. The film tells the story of an international crew of scientists, sailors, designers, engineers, and teachers who set sail on a transformative month-long voyage, 3,000 miles across the North Pacific Ocean, through the densest accumulation of ocean plastic on the planet. The producer will talk about the film and answer questions afterwards. Book free tickets at: www.tickettailor.com/events/livesimplywoking/1310232
The Season of Creation has a special significance for the Catholic Church, particularly since Pope Francis established 1 September as an annual World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. The Season of Creation is marked throughout the Christian world from 1 September to 4 October (Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi) and celebrates the joy of creation as well as encouraging awareness-raising initiatives to protect the natural environment.
This year’s theme is “To Hope and Act with Creation”. We hope that the following resources will help you and your parish community to celebrate the Season of Creation 2024. These resources are compiled by the Laudato Si’ Working Group of the Irish Bishop’s Conference & Trócaire. You can find further resources on the international Season of Creation website: www.seasonofcreation.org
“Christ is alive! He is our hope, and in a wonderful way he brings youth to our world, and everything he touches becomes young, new, full of life. The very first words, then, that I would like to say to every young Christian are these: Christ is alive and he wants you to be alive!” – Pope Francis, Christus Vivit, Section 1.
Reflecting on the theme, Catholic schools will explore what it means to be fully alive as a human being – living life to the full in Christ. Sensitive to the age appropriateness of the various classes and years, the theme will explore how we exist for one another in Christ, building from the wellbeing of the individual, extending the notion of true wellbeing to others, to our families and communities, and to The Other, in God. The theme will mediate on hope, the true purpose and meaning of human life, and, in the more senior years, on true freedom.
As is usual, the theme will be connected at primary level with Grandparents’ Day on the Wednesday of Catholic Schools Week, and with the Family in post-primary. There will be a November ‘turning to’ remembrance moment.
Catholic Schools Week 2025 will run from ~Sunday 19th January to Saturday 25th January, 2025.
Note: Sunday 26th January is not being included in Catholic Schools Week as it is the Sunday of the Word of God.
Declan sent the following today from Mrs Susan Morgan
“Please see attached a copy of a letter sent to all Heads of Religion with a copy of the new Fully Alive textbook for Year 9 students. The best way for teachers to order in Northern Ireland is through either the Derry or Newry branches of the Veritas store – details in attached letter. This will ensure that they get the best discount. The book is priced very competitively at £11.99 and with a further discount of 12 ½ % discount, this brings the price down to £10.49 per text.”
RE SOURCE 
