Sunday, January 29
Celebrating Your Parish

Today we celebrate the integral connection between parish communities and Catholic schools. 

Each Sunday, the parish community comes together to celebrate the Mass. During Catholic Schools Week, many parishes invite adults and students from the school community to take a special role in the liturgy.

Three Ways to Celebrate the Parish-School Connection

1. Invite the parish and school choirs to combine talents in leading the music at Sunday Mass.
2. Have students make ahead of time thank you cards or special prayer cards to distribute to parishioners at the end of Mass. Messages could be simple, such as “Thank you for supporting our school” or “Please pray for our students and teachers.”
3. During the announcements, take time to invite teachers, students, and staff to stand. Also, recognize former students and staff members, and parents of students currently attending your parish’s Catholic school.

• Make digital thank you cards for parishioners that could be distributed via email or social media utilizing the parish distribution list in collaboration with the parish staff. The cards could be designed digitally or made by hand and scanned.
• Consider making a digital presentation (slideshow or video) of students and staff thanking parishioners. Share the presentation before or after live-streamed Mass or share it on social media. Be sure to follow all school and diocesan child-safety guidelines.
• During Mass, include a prayer intention for all students and teachers, especially those in your Catholic school. As an addition or alternative, take time to invite teachers, students, and staff to stand and be recognized during the announcements. Also recognize former students and staff members and parents of students currently attending your parish’s Catholic school.
   

Catholic Prayers and Practices for Young Disciples and Catholic Prayers and Practices contain the Order of Mass, including the responses and longer prayers of the Mass (Gloria, Creed, and Eucharistic Prayer acclamations). Major signs and symbols of the Church—many a part of the Mass—are also explained.