Prayer Service for First Day of School Monday August 19, 2019 11am

Greeting: Mr Goldberg

Good Morning!
We are here today to celebrate the beginning of another school year. We welcome our
new and returning students, teachers, and staff to our St. Matthew’s family. Belonging to
God’s family is very special. We come to know who we are by accepting God’s gift of love
and nurturing one another. We are called to follow the example of Jesus by showing
respect, kindness, understanding and compassion. The more we follow Jesus, the more
we become like Him as we follow our theme this year: “Empowering Leaders, One Faith-
Filled Day at a Time”. Let us begin by showing our love to others and asking Jesus to
guide us throughout the school year.

Please join us with joyful hearts as we begin our prayer service, reading the entrance
antiphon which can be found on page 892 in the back of the Breaking Bread. Page
892 in the back. Please stand.

(wait for 3 seconds)

Turn your eyes, O God, our shield; and look on the face of your anointed one; one day
within your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.

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.

Turn your eyes, O God, our shield; and look on the face of your anointed one; one day
within your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.

Opening Prayer: Father Peter/Deacon

Heavenly Father, you have invited us here today to celebrate our willingness to nurture
one another to grow as a Christian community at St. Matthew’s School. Help us to
prepare for this school year so that we may become the best that you want us to be.
Unite us in love and peace. Guide our learning. Continue to challenge us as we share
hope and bless us with open hearts as we begin anew.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

ALL: Amen
First Reading: LeiAnn Galvez Judges 2:11-19

A reading from the book of Judges:

The children of Israel offended the LORD by serving the Baals.

Abandoning the LORD, the God of their fathers,
who led them out of the land of Egypt,
they followed the other gods of the various nations around them,
and by their worship of these gods provoked the LORD.
Because they had thus abandoned him and served Baal and the Ashtaroth,
the anger of the LORD flared up against Israel,
and he delivered them over to plunderers who despoiled them.
He allowed them to fall into the power of their enemies round about
whom they were no longer able to withstand.
Whatever they undertook, the LORD turned into disaster for them,
as in his warning he had sworn he would do,
till they were in great distress.
Even when the LORD raised up judges to deliver them
from the power of their despoilers,
they did not listen to their judges,
but abandoned themselves to the worship of other gods.
They were quick to stray from the way their fathers had taken,
and did not follow their example of obedience
to the commandments of the LORD.
Whenever the LORD raised up judges for them, he would be with the judge
and save them from the power of their enemies
as long as the judge lived;
it was thus the LORD took pity on their distressful cries
of affliction under their oppressors.
But when the judge died,
they would relapse and do worse than their ancestors,
following other gods in service and worship,
relinquishing none of their evil practices or stubborn conduct.

The Word of the Lord

All: Thanks be to God

Responsorial Psalm: LeiAnn Galvez Psalm 106
The Responsorial Psalm is “Remember Us, O Lord, as you favor your people”

ALL: Taste and see the goodness of the Lord

They did not exterminate the peoples,

as the LORD had commanded them,
But mingled with the nations
and learned their works.
ALL: Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.
They served their idols,
which became a snare for them.
They sacrificed their sons
and their daughters to demons.
ALL: Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.
They became defiled by their works,
and wanton in their crimes.
And the LORD grew angry with his people,
and abhorred his inheritance.
ALL: Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.
Many times did he rescue them,
but they embittered him with their counsels.
Yet he had regard for their affliction
when he heard their cry.
ALL: Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.

Alleluia: LeiAnn Galvez

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia

All: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia

Gospel: Father Peter/Deacon Matthew 19:16-22

A young man approached Jesus and said,

“Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?”
He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good?
There is only One who is good.
If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
He asked him, “Which ones?”
And Jesus replied, “You shall not kill;
you shall not commit adultery;
you shall not steal;
you shall not bear false witness;
honor your father and your mother;
and you shall love your neighbor as yourself,”
The young man said to him,
“All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?”
Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go,
sell what you have and give to the poor,
and you will have treasure in heaven.
Then come, follow me.”
When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad,
for he had many possessions.

The Gospel of the Lord.

ALL: Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Homily: Deacon Dan

General Intercessions:
Deacon Dan: As we prepare for this new school year, let us offer our prayers and
petitions at this time:

Amy Rubino:
Our response is Lord hear our prayer.

ALL:Lord hear our prayer.

For Pope Francis, Father Peter Naah, all our deacons and all Church leaders, that they
would be guided by the Holy Spirit as they lead us to holiness.
We pray to the Lord.

ALL:Lord hear our prayer.

For the St. Matthew’s community, that our prayers are heard and we would continue to
grow as one body.
We pray to the Lord.

ALL:Lord hear our prayer.

For principals and teachers, and all those in leadership positions, that they would follow
Jesus’ example as they spread God’s word.
We pray to the Lord.

ALL:Lord hear our prayer.

For all new and returning students, teachers, aides, staff, and families in our school, that
we would nurture one another as we become more like Jesus.
We pray to the Lord.

ALL:Lord hear our prayer.

For the parents who care for and love us, and that we would show them our love and
appreciation in return.
We pray to the Lord.

ALL:Lord hear our prayer.

For those who are sick, especially those in our parish and school, that they will receive
peace and strength from the Holy Spirit.
We pray to the Lord.

ALL:Lord hear our prayer.

For those who have died, all the poor souls in purgatory, and for all those with no one to
pray for them. We pray to the Lord

ALL:Lord hear our prayer.

Father Peter/Deacon:
Father, you have heard your children call to you. Strengthen them and continue guiding
them by the example of your Son, Jesus Christ.
All: Amen

Father Peter/Deacon:
Let us pray the prayer that Jesus taught us.

ALL: recite Our Father

Conclusion:
Father Peter/Deacon:
O loving God, You are our shepherd. We fear nothing because You are with us night and
day. You guide us when we stray and lead us home to You. We are always in Your care
and safe within Your arms. You have shown us great love and how to share that love with
others. Help us to always lead, shepherd, and guide your children.
We ask this through Christ, Our Lord.

All: Amen

Amy Rubino:
Please join us in praying the prayer to St. Michael which can be found on the back cover
of the Breaking Bread: (wait for 3 seconds)

Saint Michael, the archangel, defend us in battle.

Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God, thrust into Hell Satan
and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen

Closing Remarks: Mr. Goldberg