“Gratitude” – Whole School Resources

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.” (Psalm 107:1)

Good morning, we invite you begin our time of prayer today by making the sign of the cross…

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

The word of the week is a good one – it’s Gratitude!

Gratitude is being thankful for what we have… and there is so much to be grateful and thankful for in our community, especially as we come to the end of another school year together!

Let’s hear from some more from our Becket community on this week’s theme…

Now let’s start sharing some gratitude!

In your form groups, discuss the following question, which will also help you prepare for our end-of-year celebrations in the coming days! …

What memories are you most grateful for from this academic year?

What is something you have achieved this year that you are proud of?

Which school event, trip, retreat, celebration, or achievement stands out as a highlight for you?

What is one thing about your form or year group that you appreciate?

Let us pray together…

The Glory Be is a short prayer Catholics say to praise God – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It’s a way of showing gratitude for God’s presence, power, and love, now and always. We pray it to thank God and to remember that His glory lasts forever.

We invite you to say together…
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.

Let us finish this time of prayer together, by making the Sign of the Cross.

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

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Good morning everyone, let us begin our time of prayer today by making the sign of the cross…

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

We’re now going to watch a short video called “An Experiment in Gratitude.”

As you watch, think about the people in your life who have been the greatest positive influences…

Let’s pause for a moment of reflection.

What stood out to you in the video?

If you were taking part in the experiment, who would you choose to write to?

The experiment shows that expressing gratitude doesn’t just make someone else feel appreciated – it also makes us happier. In fact, researchers found that when people are going through difficult times, expressing gratitude can lead to some of the biggest improvements in their happiness and wellbeing.

As Christians, this is something we recognise too. Gratitude helps us notice God’s presence in our lives through the people and blessings He gives us each day.

So today, we’d like to give you a simple mission.

Before the end of this week, share some gratitude with someone who is special to you.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. You could:

• Send a text message.
• Mention it in a conversation.
• Write a note or letter.
• Make a phone call, just like the people in the experiment.

Take the opportunity this week to let someone know the positive difference they have made in your life.

Let Us Pray together…

Loving God,

We thank You for the people who enrich our lives.

Thank You for family members, friends, teachers, and all those who support and encourage us.

Help us never to take these people for granted.

Give us grateful hearts that recognise the blessings You place before us each day.

Give us the courage to express our gratitude and to share words of kindness with others.

May we become people who notice the good, celebrate the gifts of others and spread Your love through simple acts of appreciation.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Let us finish this time of prayer together, by making the Sign of the Cross.

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

“Every good and perfect gift is from above.” (James 1:17)

Good morning everyone, let us begin our time of prayer today by making the sign of the cross…

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

Giving thanks is a central part of being a Christian. For Catholics, giving thanks (which is what the word Eucharist translates to) is the source and summit of our faith. Let’s find out a little more about our duty to give thanks – not just at Mass, but in our every day life…

Today we are going to listen to a song called “Gratitude” as you design your own Gratitude Journal page, inspired by the example provided and to help us truly reflect on thanksgiving in our every day life. There is no right or wrong way to create it. Think about what would help you reflect, pray and notice God’s blessings in your daily life.

You might choose to include sections such as:

• Things I am grateful for
• A daily affirmation or positive thought
• Something I am proud of
• A prayer intention
• A space for hopes or goals for tomorrow

You may also wish to add colours, illustrations, Bible verses, doodles or any other elements that make your journal personal and prayerful.

As you create and listen to the lyrics of the song, we invite you to consider:

• What helps you remember God’s presence in your life?
• What encourages you on difficult days?
• What would help you become a more grateful person?

When you have finished designing your page, take a moment to write a short prayer of gratitude somewhere within your journal.

Let us pray together with gratitude…

Lord Jesus,

Thank you for the gift of life, for our families and friends, for our school community, and for the opportunities before us.

Help us not to take these gifts for granted. Open our eyes to the blessings that surround us each day. Teach us to say thank you with our words, our actions, and the way we treat others.

May grateful hearts lead us closer to you.

Amen.

Let us finish this time of prayer together, by making the Sign of the Cross.

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

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
(Psalm 118:24)


End of Year Liturgy Prep!

It’s that time of year again! Another school year is drawing to a close and, on Friday 24th July, we will gather together as a school community to celebrate. Our Word of the Week will be Celebration and that’s exactly what we’re going to do!

Our final day together provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all the joys, successes, achievements, memories, friendships and laughter we have shared throughout the year and to give thanks to God for them all.

So let’s bring the positive vibes and make this end of year celebration one to remember! 

As is our tradition, every form group is asked to create a reflection for a specific part of this academic year that will be presented in the celebration.

Each form will also be asked to contribute a decoration or offering to our prayer display or the sanctuary for the celebration.

Please check the google doc below to see what your form groups preparation task(s) are and please complete these preparations during form time prayer in the next week. 

Click the link below:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QyTCiDwU6OjnnOJi8kYD0JsPJ0X3qYHNn2IJxniTL3I/edit?usp=sharing

Poster templates for the reflections for all form groups can be collected from the staffroom.  

Let us join in making the sign of the cross…

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

Gratitude Prayer

Loving God,

Thank You for all the blessings of this academic year – for our learning, our friendships and the support of our form communities. Thank You for the kindness and encouragement we have shared along the way.

As we look ahead to the weekend, help us to rest, enjoy time with those we love and appreciate the many gifts You have given us.

May we always be grateful for Your presence in our lives.

Amen.

Let us finish this time of prayer together, by making the Sign of the Cross.

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