Daily Lenten Reflections

on Overcoming the Seven Deadly Sins with Fr. Josh Johnson

Pray40 ~ via the Hallow app

All Sacred Heart Students and Families have a free access to the Hallow app. Simply click on the images below.

All things New Prayer

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

Ever-present God, just as you accompanied our biblical ancestors, so, too, you accompanied our ancestors who came to Central Minnesota generations ago to begin a new life and set down their roots of faith in our churches.  Be with us now as we, the people of the Diocese of St. Cloud, embark on a new, uncharted journey, heeding your call for renewal and transformation.  Send forth your gifts of courage, compassion, trust and collaboration.  Help us discern the best ways we can fulfill your call to missionary discipleship with vibrant communities and effective ministries.  Open our hearts to the stirrings of the Holy Spirit and give us the grace we need for this journey as you make all things new.  We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, with the intercession of Mary, our Mother and St. Cloud, our patron. Amen.

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

That in all things, God may be glorified.

Catholic Liturgical Calendar Teacher Guide

Objective:

Teachers will develop a foundational understanding of the Catholic liturgical calendar, key feast days, seasons, and traditions to effectively teach students and integrate Catholic values into daily learning.

Implementation Timeline:

This will be a year-long instructional guide, with lessons and activities aligning with key seasons and feast days.

Lesson Plan & Calendar Guide

August – Teacher Formation & Preparation

• Objective: Provide teachers with foundational knowledge of the liturgical calendar.

• Activities:

• Faculty meeting: Overview of the Liturgical Calendar

• Training on how to incorporate Catholic traditions in daily lessons

• Introduction to key prayers, Mass parts, and traditions

September – Introduction to the Liturgical Year

• Objective: Introduce students to the structure of the Catholic liturgical year.

• Focus: What is the Liturgical Calendar?

• Key Topics:

• The cycle of the liturgical year

• Ordinary Time (Green) – Understanding the importance of day-to-day faith

• How the calendar prepares us for major feast days

October – Marian Devotion & The Rosary

• Objective: Teach the significance of Mary in Catholic tradition.

• Focus: The Rosary & Our Lady of the Rosary Feast (Oct. 7)

• Key Topics:

• Teaching students the mysteries of the Rosary

• The role of Mary in the liturgical calendar

November – All Saints & All Souls

• Objective: Teach students about the Communion of Saints and praying for the deceased.

• Focus: All Saints' Day (Nov. 1) & All Souls' Day (Nov. 2)

• Activities:

• Research on patron saints

• Writing prayers for loved ones who have passed

December – Advent & Christmas Season

• Objective: Prepare students for the coming of Christ through Advent.

• Focus: Advent (Purple) & Christmas (White)

• Key Topics:

• The four weeks of Advent & significance of each candle

• The Nativity Story

• Teaching about the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Jan. 1)

January – The Epiphany & Baptism of Jesus

• Objective: Understand the significance of the Epiphany and Jesus’ baptism.

• Focus: Epiphany (Jan. 6) & Baptism of the Lord

• Activities:

• Scripture reflection on the visit of the Magi

• Discussion on the meaning of baptism

February – Ordinary Time & Lent Preparation

• Objective: Help students understand repentance and preparation for Easter.

• Focus: Ordinary Time leading into Lent

• Key Topics:

• The importance of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving

• Ash Wednesday & the meaning of sacrifice

March – Lent & Holy Week | Lenten Teaching & Learning Packet for Teachers

• Objective: Deepen students’ understanding of Christ’s Passion.

• Focus: Lent (Purple) leading into Holy Week

• Key Topics:

• Stations of the Cross

• The significance of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil

April – Easter & Divine Mercy

• Objective: Celebrate the resurrection of Christ and Divine Mercy.

• Focus: Easter (White) & Divine Mercy Sunday

• Activities:

• Explaining the joy of Easter

• Introduction to the Divine Mercy Chaplet

May – Marian Devotion & Pentecost

• Objective: Teach students about the role of Mary and the Holy Spirit.

• Focus: Month of Mary & Pentecost

• Key Topics:

• May Crowning & Rosary

• The Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church

June – The Sacred Heart & End of Year Reflection

• Objective: Celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus and reflect on the liturgical year.

• Focus: Feast of the Sacred Heart & preparing for summer

• Activities:

• Classroom devotion to the Sacred Heart

• Reflection on the students’ spiritual growth

Additional Teacher Resources

• Weekly Mass Prep: Provide teachers with resources to help students understand the readings.

• Monthly Saints Spotlight: Highlight a different saint each month in class discussions.

• Interactive Calendar: A classroom display of the liturgical year with color-coded seasons.

• Classroom Prayer Integration: Encourage prayer aligned with the liturgical calendar.

Apostles' Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
He descended into hell;
on the third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from there He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting.

Amen.

First Friday Adoration

At Sacred Heart Area School, we observe First Friday Adoration, a cherished Catholic tradition dedicated to honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus. During this time, the Blessed Sacrament ~ the consecrated Eucharist, which Catholics believe is the true presence of Jesus ~ is displayed in a sacred vessel called a monstrance on the altar.

Students and staff are invited to spend time in quiet prayer and reflection. This sacred experience fosters spiritual growth, reverence, and a deeper connection with faith. Even for those who may not share the Catholic belief in the Eucharist, we ask that everyone maintain a respectful and prayerful silence as a sign of courtesy and reverence.

As students and staff enter and exit the church, it is important to move quietly and reverently to preserve the peaceful and sacred atmosphere of Adoration. This is a special time for stillness, personal reflection, and a deepened awareness of God’s presence in our lives.

The Penitential Act

The Penitential Act is a part of the Catholic Mass that takes place at the beginning of the celebration, after the introductory rites and before the Gloria. It serves as a moment for the congregation to reflect on their sins, seek forgiveness, and prepare their hearts for the celebration of the Eucharist. The Penitential Act emphasizes the themes of humility, repentance, and God's mercy.

Structure of the Penitential Act:

1. Introductory Dialogue:
   The priest invites the congregation to acknowledge their sins, often saying:
   “Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.”

2. Confiteor (I Confess):
   One common form of the Penitential Act is the Confiteor, where the congregation confesses their sins aloud. It goes like this:
   “I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary, ever Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.”
   The congregation responds, saying:
   “May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.”

3. Other Forms:
   In some Masses, particularly during the seasons of Advent and Lent, the Kyrie (Lord, have mercy) is sung or said following the Confiteor. The priest or deacon may say:
   “Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.”
   This is followed by the congregation's response:
   “Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.”

4. Absolution by the Priest:
   After the Penitential Act, the priest pronounces a general absolution, saying:
   “May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.”
   This absolution is a prayer of mercy and is not the same as the sacrament of reconciliation (confession) but prepares the congregation to partake in the sacred mysteries of the Mass.

Significance of the Penitential Act:

The Penitential Act reminds the faithful that before they approach the altar to receive the Eucharist, they should first examine their hearts and seek reconciliation with God. It helps the congregation reflect on their need for God’s mercy and forgiveness. It also sets the tone for the Mass by focusing on the themes of repentance, mercy, and preparation to encounter Christ in the Eucharist.