Prayer on Leaving
God our Father,
We can look back over the last few years
And recall the friendships that have formed
And the good relationships that we have developed.
We give thanks for all who have enriched our lives in various ways:
At home, in school,
In church, and in the local community.
We are conscious too, Father, of mistakes that have been made and
relationships that have gone sour.
We ask for healing of what has been negative in the past, as we place
ourselves into your hands,
Inspire us in the years ahead to live in such a way that we readily apologise
when things go wrong, as well as expressing thanks and encouragement to
those who are a part of our lives.
We give thanks. Father, for the gifts, talents and skills that you have given to
each one of us.
We think of people who may have received less than others but have made
much of themselves.
We remember, too, those who have overcome great difficulties, and all who
have inspired us because they have given of their best.
In giving thanks for what has been in the past, we ask for your blessing on
our present and future.
We pray for wisdom in setting our priorities and in making our choices, that
we may live fully and make our part of the world a better place because of
the care and compassion that we bring into it. Amen.
Sample Closing Mass
Today's theme is 'Goodbye'. We'll be thinking about what it feels like to have to
leave people and places and go off to start a new life somewhere else. We'll be
thinking of what that word 'Goodbye' really means.
It is hard to wave goodbye. It is one of the most difficult things our hands have to
do - more difficult even than writing, or painting, or playing.
Yet, very soon, after waving goodbye, some of us will have the excitement of
making new friends and of learning our way around a new school.
With us, we will take the confidence, the pride and the sense of achievement,
which we have gained here.
We also know that God will be with us there as he is with us here.
So, with a feeling of excitement and joy, we begin our Mass.
PRIEST First Prayer
Lord, bless those who are leaving our school today. Look after them - and keep
them happy in your service.
Help them to make full use of all the opportunities you send them, through Christ
our Lord. Amen.
First Reading
This reading is from Saint Paul's letter to the people of Rome.
In it, he reminds us of the way we should live, as Christians.
It is good advice for anyone about to go to a new school.
"Be a real family, warm-hearted in your care for one another.
Look forward to God's new world with gladness.
In hard times, stand your ground: never forget to pray.
Share other people's happiness and other people's sadness.
Learn to respect everybody.
As far as you can, be friends with everybody."
The Word of the Lord...
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel (Matthew 11: 28-30)
Jesus is reminding us that we shall manage better if we work with Him.
He does not expect us to do everything on our own.
He wants to help us.
"Come here to me
All you who are tired with hard work.
I will put new life into you.
Let me show you how to live.
I will go at your pace and see you through.
And I will give you the secret of a quiet mind: PULLING WITH ME IS EASY.
THE LOAD WITH MY HELP IS LIGHT."
This is the Gospel of the Lord ...
Bidding Prayers
1. We give thanks for the years we have had here at (name) school. We pray that
we will have a good and happy time at our new schools.
2. We thank God for looking after us in this school and pray that he will look after
us in our new schools. We pray that we will fit into our new schools quickly and
easily.
3. We pray that the students who are coming into this school next year will settle
in quickly and have a happy time.
4. We pray for all the young adults who haven't had a chance to go to school, to
learn about sports, music, maths, religion etc. We pray that they may know about
God, even though they can't go to school. Thank you for schools.
5. We pray that we may be more helpful in our homes and not grumble when our
plans are upset. We pray that, during the summer holidays, we will make our
parents feel glad that we are on holiday and not glad when we go back to school.
6. We pray for (adults' names) who are also leaving our school and beginning
new stages in their lives.
7. Let us now ask Mary, who was with Jesus at every new stage in his life, to
help carry our prayers to heaven.
Hail Mary...
PRIEST - Second Prayer
Father, your Son, Jesus, was always ready to face any challenge.
Help those who are leaving this school to face the future with hope and joy.
We make this prayer, as we offer these gifts, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRIEST - Third Prayer
God our Father, we are going out from your house now, but we do not have to
say 'Goodbye' to you; you are always with us.
Help us.to remember your presence always, and to help other people to be
happy in remembering it too. We make our prayer through Jesus, your Son, who
lives and reigns with you for ever...
FINAL HYMN: "Walk in the light" by Damian Lundy (Hymns Old and New
number 547)
