-I. Camillo
To Msgr. Robert E. Weiss for always being an inspiration, for encouraging us to believe in the power of prayer, for your spiritual guidance and ongoing support of all of us at Immaculate High School.
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Table of Contents Immaculate High School Student Prayer Book
Dedication 3 50th Anniversary Prayer 7 Traditional Prayers 8-19 Everyday Prayers 20-25 Reflective Prayers 26-32
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50th Anniversary Prayer O Heavenly Mother, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I recognize the glory of your highest title, Loving Mother, dispenser of Please present my need before your The Immaculate Heart of Mary! Loving Son Jesus. Endless blessings, You who continuously intercedes on our behalf, We would like to thank all of the students, parents, teachers, staff and alumni for their contributions in creating this prayer book.
The Prayer Book Leadership Team: Katy Cassetta, Ilona Ludanyi, Arianna Shovak, and Caitlin White With photos by Lauren Barrett (Friend of IHS), Theresa Ludanyi & Samantha Kohler. Drawing by Isabelle Camillo. Printing compliments of The Knights of Columbus
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God of love Creator of every moment of joy-filled friendship, of each sign of grace, each spark of hope, all wonders and every warm-hearted gesture; here we are, old and growing older friends, sharing remembrances and the news of our years. We remember with gratitude being touched by the friends whose lives are no longer earthbound In the midst of this present moment of celebration and fellowship, we affirm the value of every breath you offer us, every heartbeat, every step we take, every dream to which you still call us, every lesson life continues to teach us, and every opportunity to speak and act with loving-kindness. Bless this anniversary with your presence, and keep us all always in your peace. Amen.
Nicolette Stocks
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Traditional Prayers
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. - Psalm 23 King James Version (KJV)
Padre Nuestro, Queestas en el cielo. Santificado sea tunombre. Venga a nosotrostureino. Hagasetuvoluntad en la tierra Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada dia. Perdonanuestrasofensas, Como tambiennosotrosperdonamos A los quenosofenden. No nosdeiescaer en la tentacion Como en el cielo. Y libranosdel mal. Amen. Benditaeres entre todaslasmujeres. Dios te salve, Maria Llenaeres de gracia: El Senor escontigo. Y bandito es el fruto de tuvientre: Jesus.
Submitted by: Sue Nolan, Business Manager, Chris Kennedy, Cyril Brown, Gilson Lojano, Logan Monaco & Giovanni Fardella
The Serenity Prayer Bless us O Lord and these thy gifts which we are about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord. Amen. Submitted by: Christiana Pitrelli
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.
Submitted by: Lauren Cirone, Mikhaela McFarlin & Nicole Palmieri
Jeremiah 29:11
“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”
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-T. Ludanyi
Submitted by: Rachel Hewitt
-L. Barrett
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Memorare
Bless This Day
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
The Nicene Creed
This day is full of beauty and adventure, help me Lord to be fully alive to it all. During this day, may I become a more thoughtful person a more prayerful person, a more generous and kindly person. Help me not to be turned in on myself but to be sensitive and helpful to others. Let me do nothing today that will hurt anyone, but let me help at least a little, to make life more pleasant for those I meet. When night comes, may I look back on this day without regrets; and may nobody be unhappy because of anything I have said or done or failed to do. Lord God, bless this day for me and all of us. Make it a day in which we grow a little more like your Son, and gentle as Mary His Mother. Amen.
Submitted by: Jenna Gaspirinni, Isabel Kent, Danielle Marcone & Rosanna Lifrieri
Guardian Angel Prayer Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom God’s love commits me here, Ever this day, be at my side, To light and guard, Rule and guide. Amen
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary. and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified. who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Submitted by: Stephanie Maurina
Submitted by: Amy Bohling, Evan Doering, Fionna Henderson, Laura Mezzetta, Brianna Policarpio, Tiffany Saviano
Hail Mary
Submitted by: Abby Allen, Meghan DiBella, Alec Head, Alex Hess, John Leonard, Tess Michaelson, Chris Mok, Matt Olencki, Ryein Troiano
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-L. Barrett
An Irish Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Submitted by: Katherine Cassetta, Kayla Lanza& Nolan Ames
Submitted by: Shane Conciatore
-L. Barrett
Hail Mary, full of grace. Our Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
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Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
1 John 4:16b, 18a
“God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in the. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.”
Submitted by: Amanda Witkowski
Submitted by: Rachel Hewitt
Psalm 37:23-25
The valiant one whose steps are guided by the LORD, who will delight in his way, May stumble, but he will never fall, for the LORD holds his hand Neither in my youth, nor now in old age have I seen the righteous one abandoned Submitted by: Elizabeth Maker
Father of Light and Wisdom, thank you for giving me a mind that can know and a heart that can love. Help me to keep learning every day of my life-no matter what the subject may be. Let me be convinced that all knowledge leads to you and let me know how to find you and love you in all the things you have made. Encourage me when the studies are difficult and when I am tempted to give up Enlighten me when my brain is slow and help me to grasp the truth held out to me. Grant me the grace to put my knowledge to use in building the kingdom of God on earth so that I may enter the kingdom of God in heaven. Amen. Submitted by: Ronan Doherty & Makinsey Jarboe
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-L. Barrett
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen. Submitted by: Audrey Sedensky
Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Submitted by: Alec Arconti, Andres Idrovo, Savannah Plaisted, Joseph Taylor & Katie Robbins
Prayer for healing and strength
“But if the Spirit of him who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you” (Romans 8:11)
Philippians 4:13
I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me. Submitted by: Colm Doherty
Revelation 22:17
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let the hearer say, “Come.” Let the one who thirsts come forward, and the one who wants it receive the gift of life-giving water. Submitted by: Celine Demers
Lord, make me a channel of thy peace, that where there is hatred, I may bring love; that where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness; that where there is discord, I may bring harmony; that where there is error, I may bring truth; that where there is doubt, I may bring faith; that where there is despair, I may bring hope; that where there are shadows, I may bring light; that where there is sadness, I may bring joy. Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort than to be comforted; to understand, than to be understood; to love, than to be loved. For it is by self-forgetting that one finds. It is by forgiving that one is forgiven It is by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life. Submitted by: J.P. Crotty, Matt Gerbo & Thomas Reese
Psalms 37:4
Take delight in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Submitted by: Dominic Coppola
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Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Submitted by: Marissa Steinerd
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven- time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing. A time to search and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak.8A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace.
Serenity Prayer Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever in the next. Amen.
Submitted by: Brittany Habcsak, Makenzie Rizzo & A.J. Vitiello
Psalms 46:5
“God is within her, she will not fail. God will help her at break of day.” Submitted by: Isabella Cipollone
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Submitted by: Krista Segreti
Psalms 136 : 1-3
-L. Barrett
Prayer to the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary
Praise the LORD, for he is good; for his mercy endures forever; Praise the God of gods; for his mercy endures forever; Praise the Lord of lords; for his mercy endures forever. Submitted by: Madeline Werdann
Submitted by: Douglas Girardot
Father, you prepared the Virgin Mary to be the worthy mother of Your Son. You let her share beforehand in the salvation Christ would bring by His death, and kept her sinless from the first moment of her conception. Help us by her prayers to live in Your presence without sin. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Psalm 103:1-5
Act of Contrition
Psalm 23:4
Submitted by: Matthew Giorgio
Submitted by: Nicole DiMauro
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“Lord, no one is a stranger to you and no one is ever far from you loving care. In your kindness watch over refugees and exiles, those separated from their loved ones, young people who are lost, and those who have left or run away from home. Bring them back safely to the place where they long to be and help us always to show your kindness to strangers and those in need.”
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You, and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell, but most of all because they offend you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to confess my sins, to do penance and to amend my life Amen. Submitted by: Luke Cropsey
“Bless the Lord, oh my soul, And all that is in me; Bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, oh my soul, And do not forget all that you receive from Him. He pardons all your sins, and heals all your diseases. He ransoms your life from corruption, And crowns you with love and mercy.” Submitted by: Martha Haddad
“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me” Submitted by: Logan Monaco
Saint Prayers Saint Anthony,
Saint Anthony please come around, something is lost that must be found. Submitted by: Rachel Meurer
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Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle, be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen. Submitted by: Kyle Buzzi, Sean Fahey, Will Hatcher, Colleen Hawk, James Parris & Joe Maloney
O God, deliver us through the intercession of Thy holy bishop and martyr Blaise, from all evil of soul and body, especially from all ills of the throat; and grant us the grace to make a good confession in the confident hope of obtaining Thy pardon, and ever to praise with worthy lips. Thy most holy name. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Submitted by: Jeremy Fisher
The Prayer of St. Patrick
I arise today Through the strength of heaven; Light of the sun, Splendor of fire, Speed of lightning, Swiftness of the wind, Depth of the sea, Stability of the earth, Firmness of the rock. I arise today Through God’s strength to pilot me; God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me, God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me, God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me, God’s way to lie before me, God’s shield to protect me, God’s hosts to save me Afar and anear, Alone or in a multitude. Christ shield me today Against wounding Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me. I arise today Through the mighty strength Of the Lord of creation. Submitted by: Brian Kerins & Zachary Zuccala
St. Joseph of Cupertino Prayer
O St. Joseph of Cupertino who by your prayer obtained from God to be asked at your examination, the only preposition you knew. Grant that I may like you succeed in the (here mention the name of Examination) examination. In return I promise to make you known and cause you to be invoked. O St. Joseph of Cupertino pray for me O Holy Ghost enlighten me Our Lady of Good Studies pray for me Sacred Head of Jesus, Seat of divine wisdom, enlighten me. Remember, when you succeed in the exams then you should thank St. Joseph of Cupertino. Submitted by:Giovanni Fardella & Jillian Pruner
Saint Lucy
Whose beautiful name signifies ‘LIGHT’ by the light of faith which God bestowed upon you increase and preserve His light in my soul so that I may avoid evil, Be zealous in the performance of good works and abhor nothing so much as the blindness and the darkness of evil and sin. Obtain for me, by your intercession with God Perfect vision for my bodily eyes and the grace to use them for God’s greater honor and glory and the salvation of souls. St. Lucy, virgin and martyr Hear my prayers and obtain my petitions. Amen. Submitted by: Cassandra Varian
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St. Sebastian’s prayer
Dear Commander at the Roman Emperor’s Court, you chose to be also a soldier of Christ and dared to spread faith in the King of Kings – for which you were condemned to die. Your body, however, proved athletically strong and the executing arrows extremely weak. So another means to kill you was chosen and you gave your life to the Lord. May athletes be always as strong in their faith as their Paton Saint so clearly has been. Amen Submitted by: Ronan Doherty
St. Teresa of Avila
Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you, All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices. Submitted by: Nicole DiMauro
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life. Submitted by: Lauren Garvey & Ian Hall
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Novena to Saint Raphael the Archangel
Glorious Archangel Saint Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace. You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners. I beg you, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels. Because you are the medicine of God, I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul and the ills that afflict my body. I especially ask of you the favor of blessing Immaculate High School during their 50th anniversary and the great grace of purity to prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Submitted by: Helena Sabo
Prayer to Saint Anne
O glorious Saint Anne, I beg you, by the passion of my most loving Jesus, the Son of Mary, your most holy daughter, to assist me in all the necessities both of my body and my soul. Venerable Mother, I beg you to obtain for me the favor I seek in this novena…(State your intention here.)…and the grace of leading a life perfectly conformable in all things to the Divine Will. I place my soul in your hands and in those of your kind daughter. I ask for your favor in order that, appearing under your patronage before the Supreme Judge, He may find me worthy of enjoying His Divine Presence in your holy companionship in Heaven. Amen. Submitted by: Tori Flanagan
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Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
Prayer to Saint Rita
(Patroness of Impossible Causes) O glorious St. Rita, your pleadings before the divine crucifix have been known to grant favors that many would call the impossible. Lovely St. Rita, so humble, so pure, so devoted in your love for thy crucified Jesus, speak on my behalf for my petition which seems so impossible from my humbled position. (Here mention your request ). Be propitious, O glorious St. Rita, to my petition, showing thy power with God on behalf of thy supplicant. Be lavish to me, as thou has been in so many wonderful cases for the greater glory of God. I promise, dear St. Rita, if my petition is granted, to glorify thee, by making known thy favor, to bless and sing thy praises forever. Relying then upon thy merits and power before the Sacred Heart of Jesus I pray. Amen. Submitted by: Isabela Ricardo
O Great St. Joseph of Cupertino who while on earth did obtain from God the grace to be asked at your examination only the questions you knew, obtain for me a like favour in the examinations for which I am now preparing. In return I promise to make you known and cause you to be invoked. Through Christ our Lord. St. Joseph of Cupertino, Pray for us. Amen. Submitted by: Giovanni Fardella
O Little Therese of the Child Jesus Please pick for me a rose from the heavenly garden and send it to me as a message of love. O Little Flower of Jesus, ask God to grant the favors I now place with confidence in your hands ( mention your special prayer request here ) St. Therese, help me to always believe as you did, in God’s great love for me, so that I may imitate your “Little Way” each day. Submitted by: Marissa Steinerd
A Prayer to St. Gertrude, Patron Saint of Cats
St. Gertrude of Nivelles, ask you I pray Safeguard my kitties this and each day. Defend them from those who might wish them harm. Keep them at home safe from danger and storm. Instill in me wisdom to care for them well. Pray, fill me with strength never to yell. And Gertrude, a last thing I beseech from thee, Protect my sofa from claws and my carpets from pee. Amen. Shelby Alves
Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God. I place in you all my interests and desires. Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly powers, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary in contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press in Him my name and kiss His fine head for Him and ask him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. Oh, St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls - pray for me. Amen Submitted by: Joey Crowley
O God, who, among the many marvels of Your Grace in the New World, did cause to blossom on the banks of the Mohawk and of the St. Lawrence, the pure and tender Lily, Kateri Tekakwitha, we thank You, the favor we begged through her intercession, that this Young Lover of Jesus and of His Cross will now be counted among the Saints of Holy Mother Church, and that our hearts may be enkindled with a stronger desire to imitate her innocence and faith. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen. Submitted by: Kristina Mancini
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A Prayer for Life
Today I pray for you: A heart free of sadness; A mind free of worries; A life full of gladness; A body free of illness And a spirit full of God’s blessings! -Anonymous
My Vision
Be my vision, Lord this day and every day The center of my life The focus of my thoughts Be my wisdom, Lord inspiration of my words every situation your Spirit my support. AMEN Submitted by: Nanci Stockman
-L. Barrett
Father in Heaven, this year is a very important year for all the faculties and students in Immaculate. Please give us strength and energy to endure a great school year, please bless us in grace. This year is also important for myself. Since I am a junior, I need to focus more on my academy and start to think about my future. God please pray for me, make me strong to confront every difficulties and make me wise to choose a proper way. I wish I can do my best and improve myself. God pray for us again! Amen!
Prayer for the School Year
Father, We thank you for the opportunity to begin this new semester ( year) and we ask that you bless the students, faculty, and student families that make our school a great place. We pray that you will guide us in all ways, so that we will seek your will in everything we do. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord Amen.
Courage
Dear Lord, Thank you for giving me the courage to move on and keep going with my life. Everything that has happened this year is because of You. So thank you, Lord for my future is limitless. Amen Submitted by: Lauren Barrett
Make Our Way
Guide me to do what is right today and every day. Let us make our way together, Lord Wherever you go I must go and Through whatever you pass, there too I will pass. I ask this in your name. AMEN Submitted by: Nanci Stockmann
Submitted by: Kristal Zhou
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Grace
Grant me the grace dear Lord To desire all that is pleasing to you, To examine it prudently To acknowledge it truthfully To accomplish it perfectly! Submitted by: Mary Fredlund, Alumnus Parent
A RUNNER’S PRAYER
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Bless this track we’re running on; And if we do our very best, We know that God will do the rest. Amen.
Submitted by: Jenna Gaspirrini & Diana Kirkman
Prayer for before athletic games or practices: “Matthew, Mark, Luke and John bless this field (or court) we’re playing on, If we do our very best, we know that God will do the rest.” Submitted by: Sean Decker & Bonnie VosWinkle
Pray for the peace between the different countries, and different people all over the world. Especially relationship between the Chinese and the American. Submitted by: Ziwen Wang
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Eternal God Bless all schools, colleges, and universities, especially Immaculate High School, that they may be lively centers for sound learning, new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom; grant that those who teach and those who learn may find you to be the source of all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. Submitted by: JP Baughman
Life seems full of stresses Lord Sometimes I fear for myself Torn between one tension and another I lose my nerve and feel the need to get away Enfold me Lord Shield me from the frailty of my spirit Protect me from my own powerless will Free me from all anxieties and doubts Give me the vigor to push on And continue with the mission You have chosen me to task Help me remember Lord That You are there beside me And if I fall at times Be there to carry me. Amen.
Prayer for a Student
Lord, we pray for the protection of Immaculate High School. We ask that you would guard their heart and their mind in Christ Jesus. That you would wrap them up in Your love, And deliver them from all evil. Lord, we pray that you would give Immaculate High School students great enthusiasm for their studies. May you inspire them each and everyday. May each seminar and class bring fresh inspiration to their work. May each moment be filled with the energy they need for their tasks. Lord, we pray that Immaculate High School faculty and students would know the hope to which they are called. That their life would be transformed by revelation from Heaven. That You would inspire their direction And gently lead them into their destiny. Lord, we especially pray for Immaculate alumni at college. May they come to know Your goodness and love, To walk in Your freedom and grace All the days of their life. Amen.
Father of goodness and love, hear our prayers for the sick members of our community and for all who are in need. Amid mental and physical suffering may they find consolation in your healing presence. Show your mercy as you close wounds, cure illness, make broken bodies whole and free downcast spirits. May these special people find lasting health and deliverance, and so join us in thanking you for all your gifts. We ask this through the Lord Jesus who healed those who believed. Amen. Submitted by: Justin Maurina
Submitted by: Emma Connolly
Submitted by: Courtney Campagna
Contentment Immaculate high school has already been prayed for 50 years. Thanks for those amazing years. Thanks for everyone who worked and prayed for this wonderful school. Thanks god who loves immaculate like a parent. We pray for you, Immaculate high school. Submitted by: Wedny Wu
“Dear Glorious Father, I pray that I will stay focused on you today. I pray that You will constantly remind me to be content in all of my circumstances. I pray that You will fill me up that I may be joyful all day, even if stress creeps in. I know that through my contentment, You will be glorified. I want to honor You, Father, in all that I do. I praise Your Holy Name! Amen” Submitted by: Peter Jennings
-S. Kohler
At the Rising of Your Sun Lord God, Creator of light, at the rising of your sun each morning, let the greatest of all lights your love - rise, like the sun, 23
Game Day Prayer
O God our heavenly father, As we start another day, Please guide and protect us, As we travel on our way. Be with us as we work at school, Be with us as we play. Help us do our best for you now and everyday.
God, may you fill our hearts with passion and desire so we may play our game today with all our might. May you give us the strength to work as a team so we may come out victorious. Thank you for this beautiful day to have a fair and fun game. Amen.
Submitted by: Jenna Pannese & Joseph Suarez
written by Jillian Fredette
Prayer Before a Journey
Lord our God, before you there are no secrets; nothing is hidden from your eyes and nothing happens without your permission. Grant me the happiness of beginning this trip entrusted to you; permit me to go and to return in peace and tranquility, in your infinite love and mercy. Accompany me with your loving security and direct my footsteps with the steady love of your heart, keeping me always close to you, Lord. May I see clearly the obstacles of my journey, and may I keep safe from affliction and despair, thanks to your blessing and care. Blessed are you, O Eternal God; you have protected me in such a way that by the light of your presence I shall always find new roads and fulfilling answers to my yearnings. Amen. Submitted by: Katie McAdams
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Athlete’s Prayer
Words of Champions Help me to play the game, dear Lord, with all my might and main; Grant me the courage born of right, a heart to stand the strain... Send me a sense of humor, Lord, to laugh when victory’s mine; To laugh, if I should meet defeat, without a fret or whine... Give me the grace to follow rules, to ‘fess up when I’m wrong, When silence or some other thing wins plaudits from the throng... When foes are tough and fighting fierce and I am getting weak, Dear God, don’t ever let me show a broad, bright, yellow streak. And teach me, Lord, life’s game to play just one day at a time. With Thee as coach and trainer, Lord, real victory must be mine. Submitted by: Mackenzie Riofrio
Hope everyone can have a good year, and every student can get good grades. Everyone’s pain can be overcoming. Submitted by: Yifan Zhang
God, let me play well but fairly. Let competition make me strong but never hostile. Forbid me to rejoice in the adversity of others. See me not when I am cheered, but when I bend to help my opponent up. If I know victory, allow me to be happy; if I am denied, keep me from envy. Remind me that sports are just games. Help me to learn something that matters once the game is over. And if through athletics I set an example, let it be a good one. Submitted by: Jordan Markward
Father, keep our servicemen and women physically safe and health, and guard them from the evil one. Help them resist all temptation, be a Shield around them, and guard them as the apple of Your eye. In the powerful name of Jesus we pray, amen. Father, moms and dads, wives and children are worried as their loved ones are re-deploying or are in the terror zone of Iraq or Afghanistan for year-long duty. God of all comfort, please comfort their hearts, wrap your love around them like a warm quilt, and let them know that they can come to your throne of grace any time, day or night, to pray for their soldier. Send your angels around every one of our servicemen and women, and protect them with your hand upon them. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Dear Lord, In the struggle that goes on through life We ask for a chance that is fair, A chance that is equal with all the strife, The courage to strive and to dare; And if we should win, let it be by the code, With our faith and our honor held high; And if we should lose, let us stand by the road And cheer as the winners go by. Submitted by: David Bono
Submitted by: J. Bailey Bellone
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Take My Hand
Lord, please take my hand so that I may feel the strength needed to meet my daily challenges. You are my rock, my mentor, my inspiration. Let me never forget that You will always love me for who I am. -Anonymous
Summit Grace
For this time and this place, For your goodness and grace, For each friend we embrace, We thank thee, O Lord.
Submitted by: Christopher Impellizzeri
Deep down in me I knew it was a lie, and He knew it. You can’t pray a lie. Submitted by: Yuchao Jia
Blessings
Lord, thank you for all these blessings you give to me. I know I sometimes take them for granted, so help me appreciate everything you have given me. When I feel my life is awful, remind me of all the blessings I have. Submitted by: Katy Cassetta
Demons
-L. Barrett
She fought her inner demons She just couldn’t win She was swallowed by the darkness The dark that lies within, But then God came and saved her He offered her His hand Now she lives in the light But only by a strand Dear God, please help me overcome the demons I sometimes feel inside me, and hold me up above the surface. Submitted by: Cat White
There are things that I can't control, but help me God to be more accepting of everything that comes to me. Amen.
A Prayer for the Addicted
Only once, she said, Why not give it a try? She hoped it would calm The raging storm inside She drifted from reality She never even knew How to overcome her addiction What it would put her through Dear Lord, please help those who suffer from addictions, that they may recover quickly and healthily. Aid them in overcoming this difficult obstacle. Written by Cat White
Does God Exist?
Lord, sometimes I feel You are not with me. Sometimes I feel alone in this world full of hardships, troubles and tragedies. Please be at my side and help me to remember that You do exist and are always with me. Submitted by: Katy Cassetta
Submitted by: Ilona Ludanyi
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CHANGE
-S. Kohler
Strength
God, sometimes it’s really hard to talk to you. I see terrible things. I experience things that aren't fair. I hear people tell me that You are not real. Help me not to fall into these traps laid by Satan. Strengthen me so that he may have no power over me and let me continue to see your light, glowing like a beacon, in the darkest of times. Amen. Submitted by: Ilona Ludanyi
Anxiety
Sometimes I get so nervous. My body will start to shake and my head will swirl with “what if ’s”. Whether it’s something for school, a friendship, a sport, or just my brain trying to get the best of me, I become a worrywart. You know this, God. Help me to take a breath in these moments, and just take a minute to trust in you before I go on with what I have to do. Help me to look to you in times of worry. Amen. Submitted by: Ari Shovak
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A big change is coming and I am afraid. Whether the new will be happy or sad, change is hard. Holy Spirit, walk with me from before to after. Mother Mary, hold me in your arms. Jesus, remind me of your constant presence. I’m not sure I am ready and I need You with me. -Anonymous
Hatred
God, sometimes I feel hatred in my heart. I feel hate and anger towards people who have wronged me. Cleanse my heart and wash away the anger which has burned it. Make me willing to forgive and let go of the hate which chains me. Submitted by: Katy Cassetta
Forgive
Looking back, I only can think Of what would’ve happened if my God let me sink Sink down beneath the surface, down into the black And once you are there, there’s no getting bac Unless You have the will to live And if you do you will learn to forgive Break through the surface, out of the black, And once you are there, there’s no going back The Lord helps those who help themselves, dear God please help me forgive those who have hurt me and let go of anger. Submitted by: Cat White
I love to look at Your world and see everything that You made. I am so blessed to be here and see Your greatness. Amen. Submitted by: IlonaLudanyi
Friends
Thank you, Dear God, for my friends. They are the people in my life that help me smile, keep me on the right path, and are always there for me. Help me to be the best friend I can be to them, so that when they need comforting or guidance I can be right there to help them. Bless our friendship and keep it strong. Amen.
Nature
Lord, thank you for nature. Thank you for creating a beautiful world in which we can live. Let me show how much I appreciate your creation and world by taking care of it and respecting it. Submitted by: Katy Cassetta
Submitted by: Ari Shovak
Loving God, Light
God, sometimes I find myself in darkness, sorrow, and suffering, but then I remember the light at the end of the tunnel, You! Amen.
Lord Jesus, may everything I do begin with You, continue with Your help, and be done under Your guidance. May my sharing in the Mass free me from my sins, and make me worthy of Your healing. May I grow in Your Love and Your service, and become a pleasing offering to You; and with You to Your Father. May the mystery I celebrate help me to reach eternal life with you.
We give thanks and rejoice in the hard work, fun, and fellowship that our staff, volunteers, and all those unknown to us played in making our event a wonderful experience for all. May we find gladness and satisfaction in all of our successes, and even in our challenges and lessons. May this experience of teamwork and sacrifice strengthen our bond as a staff and deepen our commitment to our mission to serve others. Grant all us rest and renewal in the coming days so that we may continue to serve you faithfully and without ceasing. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus the Christ. Amen. Submitted by: David Mercier
Submitted by: Kendra Dascano
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-S. Kohler
Star of the Sea, Light Our Way
Star of the Sea so radiant in the glory of Gods Love, Your crown outshining all the stars of heaven up above, O, lovely Queen of Peace, gowned in azure’s of the sea, Help us find the way to Jesus, in your wise serenity. We ask you Pearl of Grace to grant us vision, courage, will, So ‘peace on earth’ , that miracle, at last might be fulfilled! Dear Mother of the Church , blessed beacon of God’s Light, May you always guide your children on the stormy seas of life. Make our hearts into safe harbors, where dear Jesus is received Hear our prayer, O, Spiritual Vessel, Mother of God, Star of the Sea. Submitted by: Emily Giampietro
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Almighty God, Our loving Father, Thank You for making everybody being able to witness this memorable event of our school We thank You for giving us fifty long years of grace We thank You for Your Guidance in times we needed You most And we thank You for the privilege of making us all part of this momentous day. As we move forward, bless us Lord with will power and determination so that we will continue guide your children in the way of faith and education Help us to bring all walks of life and all types of people, together in the light of your love, help us so, …that we should accept individual differences …that we should grow in love the of you …that we should trust your plan for us Lord, make us dream not only for our students and faculties personal goals, but for everyone who will come. Lord hear our prayer, Amen. Submitted by: Emma Beers
Lord, I pray the students in this school would show proper respect for the authorities you have placed over them and recognize all authority comes from you. Help them to speak and act in a way that is respectful of all teachers, administrators, and other school staff. Submitted by: William Gasparrini
Prayer for Future
Loving God, each day as I step further into my future, give me the courage, knowledge and patience that I need. Remind me that you always journey with me and that you will never lead me into anything that you won’t lead me through. Thank you for the gift of my life. May the way I live be my gift back to you with your love and guidance In Jesus’ name Amen. Submitted by: Caroline Beal
For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.” But now, O God, strengthen my hands. Submitted by: Daryn Harris
Father, thank you for bringing me into your family. May I never disappoint you in the way I treat others. May they see in me the qualities of character that can only be attributed to your presence in my life. To you be the glory and the honor, forever and ever, through Jesus my Lord. Amen. Jiali Duan (Lily)
Father, thank you that you sent your Son to bring me life Life in the fullness Life for eternity Thank you that I share in Christ’s resurrection life That Christ is alive in me And His Spirit dwells deeply in my being Right now I receive your healing I receive the same power that raised Christ from the grave I receive Your life I receive Your strength Thank you that all things are possible for those who believe Thank you that you are moving in me right now May I continue to receive from you This hour and every hour. Amen. Jason Salazar 31
Lord Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, go back into my memory as I sleep. Every hurt that has ever been done to me, heal that hurt. Every hurt that I have ever caused another person, heal that hurt. All the relationships that have been damaged in my whole life that I am not aware of, heal those relationships. But, O Lord, if there is anything that I need to do, If I need to go to a person because he or she is still suffering from my hand, bring to my awareness that person. I choose to forgive, and I ask to be forgiven. Remove whatever bitterness may be in my heart, Lord, and fill the empty spaces with your love. Amen. Submitted by: Kyle Danisavage
Jesus time, the dogwood grew To a stately size and a lovely hue. ‘Twas strong & firm it’s branches interwoven For the cross of Christ its timbers were chosen. Seeing the distress at this use of their wood Christ made a promise which still holds good: “Never again shall the dogwood grow Large enough to be used so Slender & twisted, it shall be With blossoms like the cross for all to see. As blood stains the petals marked in brown. The blossom’s center wears a throny crown. All who see it will remember me. Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree. Cherished and protected this tree shall be A reminder to all of my agony.” Submitted by: Ayanna Simmons
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50th ANNIVERSARY PRAYER
Dear Lord and Good Teacher, We thank you for giving us the opportunity to celebrate this wonderful occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Immaculate High School. At this special time we give thanks for all of you who are here present and all those who have contributed to the life and success of this school throughout the 50 years history. * We thank you for our parish priests and parishioners for providing the material and spiritual support to our school for all these years. * We thank you for the Diocese of Bridgeport and their staffs for providing direction and guidance to our principals, faculty and school staff. * We thank you for the principals, faculty and whose leadership and dedication to Catholic schools makes our schools strong. * We thank you for parents who entrust their children to Immaculate. * We thank you for all benefactors whose generous support assists us in providing the very best for our young. * We thank you for all current students and the one who went through Immaculate High and now offering distinguished services to our people and our country. * We thank you for the life of those who worked and served at the school and now have departed, may they rest in peace. Almighty Lord, as we mark and celebrate 50 years of service to this community, we also give thanks for those who have learned about you here, those who have grown in faith here and those who have made Immaculate High School a special place. May the staff, parents and children always value their time and each other’s efforts at this school. May they look back in appreciation and forward in hope. AMEN Submitted by: Michelle Curtis