Welcome Celebration for First Year Students
Theme: Appreciating our individual gifts and talents within our new school community.
Opening Hymn: Sing to the Mountains
Procession of Symbols (optional)
v A red cloth to represent a time of celebration.
v A lighted candle as a reminder of God’s constant presence.
v A cross or picture of Jesus, who said I am the way, the truth and the life.
v One acrostic[1] poster to represent our individual gifts and talents.
v A group photo of 1st years or the school crest representing community.
Penitential Rite
For the times we did not use our gifts and talents for the benefits of others, Lord have mercy.
For the times when we were not friendly and welcoming to others, Christ have mercy.
For the times we hurt others because of our actions and words, Lord have mercy.
Liturgy of the Word
Introduction to the readings: Drama (optional)
First Reading
A reading from the book of Isaiah (43:1-2, 4-5)
Do not fear for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Because you are precious in my sight, and honoured, and I love you. Do not fear for I am with you.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Mo ghrá thú a Thiarna
Second Reading
A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Philippians (4:4-7)
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
This is the word of the Lord:
Thanks be to God.
Gospel
A reading from the Gospel of Matthew 34:34-40
When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Saducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. ‘Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?’ He said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophet.”
This is the Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
Homily
Prayer of the Faithful
For our gifts and talents, may we use them for the benefit of others. Lord hear us.
For the gift of our family, may we share many times of happiness. Lord hear us.
For our friendships, for support and openness to be ourselves. Lord hear us.
For our whole school community, for tolerance, respect and love. Lord hear us.
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Communion Rite
Communion Hymn Light of Christ
Blessing of First Years (All First Year students stand.)
May God bless you as you begin your time here in (name of school.)
May Jesus be your friend to accompany you on your journey.
May the Holy Spirit inspire you in all your activities.
All: Amen.
Final Blessing
Recessional Hymn This is the Day
[1] In preparation for this celebration students could be invited to make posters of their names using the acrostic method. Thinking about their gifts and talents invite students to use ach of the letters in their forename to start a word that describes something good about themselves. See Religion for Living 1 by Connie Duffy pg 9.