Celebration of the Word

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England dedicated 2020 to ‘The Year of the Word’. During the special year, the Church encouraged schools to celebrate, live and share God’s Word. As a school we already do this in so many ways. Various prayers and activities will be taking place during this year to encourage our daily living out of the ‘Gospel’ which simply means ‘Good News’. Let us help one another to be ‘Good News’ to everyone we meet, both in word and deed.

Lectio Divina

(Latin for ‘Divine Reading’)

There are various approaches to Lectio Divina a simple approach is to see Lectio Divina as a way of encountering God through Scripture – normally, by taking a specific passage from the Bible as the basis for this prayer.

Four Steps of Lectio Divina by James Martin SJ.

• 1^st Reading (Lectio): What does the text say? First you read the text. Then you look at what is going on in this Bible passage?

• 2^nd Meditation: What is God saying to me in the text? At this point, you ask whether there is something that God might want to reveal to you through this passage. Often, it might connect with something in your life.

• 3ʳᵈ Prayer: What do I want to say to God about the text?

• 4^th Action: What do I want to do based on my prayer? Finally, you act. Prayer should move us to action, even if it simply makes us want to be more compassionate and faithful.

The story of the ‘The Good Samaritan’ is a good Gospel to use for Lectio Divina.

Luke 10: 25-37

Celebration of the Word

1) Gather:

• Prepare the prayer space (e.g., Prayer Table, Power Point, Focal point, music, Symbols being used)
• Have everyone quiet. Welcome everyone to this time of prayer as you gather as a faith community. Light the Candle. Have the scripture prepared and share your theme
• Make the sign of the Cross to begin this time of prayer

2) The Word:

• Read the Scripture and everyone listens
• Pray with the Scripture in your heart
• Listen to what the Lord is saying to you through the scripture passage

3) Response:

• A time of reflection and prayer on the Word
• Enable connection with the Scripture and our everyday lives
• How do you connect to this reading? This may be shown through a reflection, song, music, drama, tableaux, art, discussion

4) Mission:

• How will this Scripture passage change you?
• What is it calling you to do in your life
• How will you go and share this with others

Finish with a prayer, sign of the cross and turn off the candle

Gospel Reading for Sunday 1st November 2026 
All Saints – Solemnity    

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 5:1-12

At that time: Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.’

The Gospel of the Lord
Response: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.