“Remembrance” – Whole School Resources

Gather

Every prayer time begins with us gathering together.
To help us focus, you might dim the lights, light a candle if you have one, or move a cross or religious object to the front to focus on. As students are entering the room this morning, you might like to play this instrumental music to help create a calm atmosphere.

We end by inviting you to make the sign the cross

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

Let us gather together and bring to mind those intentions on our hearts

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

Welcome to our prayer resources for this week! Today is our “Hear” day, where we pause to listen, reflect, and anchor ourselves in prayer and tradition.

As we move through November, a season deeply marked by All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day, and Remembrance Sunday our focus word of the week is Remembrance.

Remembrance is a powerful anchor in our faith and across the world. The church guides us to slow down and hold space for those who have gone before us, from the great saints of our history to our own family members and friends.

In this episode of Nun the Wiser, the team explores how Jesus used the tradition of the Last Supper not as a rigid rule, but as a vibrant, living connection and a final gathering with friends. Remembrance isn’t just about looking back with sadness; it’s about telling stories, keeping bonds alive, and stepping through grief into joy and celebration.

If you haven’t finished your poppies yet, take a few quiet moments today to complete them.

• Who you are remembering today: A family member, a friend, a historical figure, or even a beloved pet.
• The stories that shaped you: Think about someone whose life has left a mark on yours, and take a moment to thank God for the gift of having known them.

Let us quiet our hearts and pray together:

Loving God of all generations,

At this time of year when the leaves fall and the seasons turn, we pause to remember. Thank you for the lives of all the saints, loved ones, and ancestors who have gone before us—those we knew and loved, and those whose names are known only to you.

Thank you for the gift of tradition, for the comfort of shared stories, and for the promise that love never truly ends. As we hold our memories close and as we look toward the peace we hope for in our world hold us in your container of grace.

Help us to honour those who have passed by living lives of courage, kindness, and love, trusting that they rest safely in your eternal heart.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

Let us finish by remembering God is with us throughout this day by inviting you to make the sign the cross…

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

Gather

Every prayer time begins with us gathering together.
To help us focus, you might dim the lights, light a candle if you have one, or move a cross or religious object to the front to focus on. As students are entering the room this morning, you might like to play this instrumental music to help create a calm atmosphere.

We gather by remembering Jesus is with us as we make the sign of the cross.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Welcome to our Think Day resources! Today, our focus turns to the theme of remembrance, honoring the remarkable saints, ancestors, and figures who have gone before us and shaped the world we live in today.

As we pause to remember, we are combining our reflection time with a hands-on creative activity: crafting our own toilet roll saints using paper, card, and recycled tubes!

Remembrance isn’t just about looking back at history books; it’s about recognising the living chain of stories, kindness, and faith that connects us to others. Whether we think of the church’s official saints, inspirational historical figures, or loved ones who have guided us personally, remembering them helps shape who we are today.

As you settle into your “Think Day” session, grab your materials and get creative.

While you finish shaping, cutting, and decorating your toilet roll saints and paper robes, use these discussion questions to spark conversation around your tables:

• Who is your chosen Saint or inspirational figure, and why did you pick them?
• What is one quality or superpower that person had (e.g., courage, patience, kindness) that you would like to bring into your own life?
• Why do you think it is important to remember people who lived long before us?
• If someone made a toilet roll figure representing you and your best qualities, what symbol or item would you hold in your hands?

Take your time shaping your figures, sharing stories, and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere as your saints come to life.

Let us quiet our hearts, hold our finished creations (or keep working gently on them), and pray together:

Loving God,

Thank you for the gift of memory, and for the incredible people who have gone before us. Thank you for the saints, heroes, and loved ones whose stories inspire us to live with greater courage, love, and compassion.

As we’ve worked with our hands today crafting these figures, help us to remember that we are part of a much bigger story. Guide us to be lights in our own communities, just as those before us were lights in theirs.

Bless our thoughts, our creativity, and our time together today.

In your name, we pray.

Amen.

Let us finish by remembering God is with us throughout this day by inviting you to make the sign the cross…

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

Gather

Every prayer time begins with us gathering together.
To help us focus, you might dim the lights, light a candle if you have one, or move a cross or religious object to the front to focus on. As students are entering the room this morning, you might like to play this instrumental music to help create a calm atmosphere.

We gather together as one community by making the sign of our faith the sign of the cross….
In the name of the Father and of Son and of the Holy Spirit Amen

Welcome to our “Do” Day resources! Today is all about putting our theme of remembrance into motion. Remembrance isn’t just something we talk about or look at—it is something we do. Through active participation, movement, and thoughtful choices, we connect ourselves to the legacy of those who have gone before us.

Intro to Remembrance

When we talk about remembering the saints, heroes, and loved ones who paved the way, it naturally leads to a question: How do we carry their legacy forward? Today’s session gets everyone moving, thinking on their feet, and engaging directly with what it means to stand up for values like peace, courage, community, and remembrance.

Active Game: “Pick a Side” (Remembrance Edition)

Get everyone up and moving! In this special remembrance-themed version of “Pick a Side,” the room is split down the middle (Designate one side as Side A and the other as Side B). Read out each scenario or choice below, and participants must physically walk to the side of the room that represents their response.

Once everyone has chosen, take a brief moment to hear a quick thought from each side before moving to the next round.

Round Scenarios:

1. How do you prefer to keep a memory alive?
   • Side A: Sharing stories and talking about them out loud.
   • Side B: Keeping a quiet photo, token, or keepsake to yourself.
2. When thinking about historical heroes and saints…
   • Side A: I am most inspired by their courage in difficult times.
   • Side B: I am most inspired by their kindness and everyday service to others.
3. Tradition vs. Innovation:
   • Side A: Following old, time-tested traditions gives us a strong anchor.
   • Side B: Creating new traditions is better because it fits who we are today.
4. Action in the community:
   • Side A: Standing up publicly for what is right (like peace or justice).
   • Side B: Doing quiet, behind-the-scenes acts of service for others.

Closing Prayer

Let us close our active day by grounding our energy in a shared prayer:

God of action and presence,

Thank you for the energy, voices, and enthusiasm of everyone here today. You didn’t just give us memories to look back on—you gave us hands to work, feet to walk, and hearts to care.

As we move from our games and reflections into the rest of our week, help us to live out our remembrance. May the courage of the saints and those who went before us inspire us to stand up for peace, choose kindness, and support one another.

Bless our steps today and always.

In your name, we pray.

Amen.

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

We gather together as one community by making the sign of our faith the sign of the cross….
In the name of the Father and of Son and of the Holy Spirit Amen

“Let’s quiet our minds and settle into our seats for our form prayer today. As we hear this passage from Matthew’s Gospel, try to imagine yourself standing in the quiet darkness waiting for the bridegroom’s arrival.”

‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ At that time: Jesus told his disciples this parable, ‘The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, “Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.” Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” But the wise answered, saying, “Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.” And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterwards the other virgins came also, saying, “Lord, lord, open to us.” But he answered, “Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.” Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.’

“Now let’s look closer at the details. In this story, the oil represents the inner preparation, faith, kindness, and character that we build up over time—things that you cannot simply borrow from someone else at the last minute.”

• Turn and Share (1 minute in pairs or quiet thought):
  • What does the “oil” represent in your own life as a student? (For example: your patience, studying for a test over time instead of cramming, or keeping your faith strong when life gets busy).
  • Have you ever felt caught unprepared because you left something vital to the last minute?

“Let’s take a moment of complete silence to speak to God directly from our hearts. Ask Him to help you keep your spiritual lamp burning bright this term.”

• Guided Silent Prayer Prompts:
  • Lord, help me not to drift through life waiting for tomorrow, but to be ready to do good today.
  • Jesus, give me the strength to invest in the things that truly matter—kindness, honesty, and love for others—rather than running out of energy for what is good.

“Let’s spend the next couple of minutes in restful quiet. Just breathe normally, let go of any stress from morning lessons or upcoming assignments, and rest in the light of Christ’s presence.”

(Keep total silence for 2 full minutes, allowing students to center themselves.)

“Let’s close our prayer together by asking God to help us carry this light into the rest of our school day.”

Loving God,

You invite us to stay awake and keep our hearts ready for Your love.

Help us to fill our daily lives with patience, compassion, and hope, so that our lights may always shine brightly for others.

Give us the wisdom to make good choices today, supporting those around us who might be running low on energy or encouragement.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.