An invitation to prayer (June 15-24)

The Institute for Catholic Education has extended an invitation to those involved in and those who care for Catholic Education in the province of Ontario to come together in prayer.

As the school year comes to a close, we look back and reflect.

From the difficult first steps back to ‘normal’ to the heartbreaking news of the war in Ukraine and the recent mass shootings to the hope-filled anticipation of the Holy Father’s journey to Canada this July, “unprecedented” has become our new normal. As an education community, we have embraced the opportunities to accompany one another in hope even through these uncertain times. We have embraced the call to restore, renew and rebuild.

The Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a series of prayers to prepare for the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (Friday, June 24, 2022).

A novena is an ancient form of prayer in the Catholic tradition consisting of nine consecutive days of prayer leading up to a particular feast day where a particular blessing or grace is sought.

“The hope is that schools, school boards, parishes and parents can join in this devotional prayer seeking the comfort, mercy, strength and love that is shown to us in the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,” said HWCDSB Chairperson Patrick J. Daly.

The Novena, prepared by the Institute for Catholic Education, begins with one day of preparation on June 15, followed by nine consecutive days of prayer, June 16-24, “in thanksgiving for all we have received and in supplication for all we still need.”

Recognizing the many complex and significant challenges of this school year, Daly added his prayers for students and staff across the system.

“May we all find consolation in the love of Christ burning for us.”