Starting tomorrow, you are cordially invited to embrace nine days of prayer — a novena — invoking God's grace upon the families, students, teachers, and staff of the Diocese of Lansing's schools as we embark upon a new academic year. The text of the novena is below. The novena concludes upon the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary, September 12. Holy Mary, Seat of Wisdom, pray for us!
The Diocese of Lansing contains 36 Catholic schools spread across 10 counties including four regional high schools. In total, diocesan schools educate over 8,400 students. What is more, Diocese of Lansing schools have witnessed a 10% increase in student numbers since 2020. Deo gratias. This year it looks like student numbers may well be up again. Deo volente.
Diocese of Lansing | Back to School Novena | September 4 to 12, 2024:
Day 1 | A prayer for Guidance: Dear Heavenly Father, as we embark on a new school year, we humbly come before you seeking divine guidance. Bless our schools with wisdom, insight, and discernment as we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. May your Holy Spirit inspire all those involved in education to lead with integrity, compassion, and faithfulness. We entrust our plans and aspirations into your loving hands, knowing that with you, all things are possible. Amen.
Day 2 | A prayer for Saints and Scholars: Lord Jesus, we lift up to you all the students who walk through the doors of our Catholic schools this year. Grant them a hunger for knowledge, a thirst for truth, and a heart open to your teachings. Bless them with courage to speak the truth, perseverance to overcome obstacles, and joy in learning. May they grow, not only in academic knowledge, but also in wisdom, virtue, and love of our Lord, becoming beacons of his light in your world. Amen.
Day 3 | A prayer for Parents: Loving God, We thank you for the gift of parents. Bless them with wisdom, strength, and patience while they nurture and support their children’s educational journey. As primary educators in their home, grant them the grace to be active partners in their children’s learning and model faith, virtue, and love. Help them to cultivate a spirit of collaboration with teachers and administrators as they work together for the well-being of their children. Amen.
Day 4 | A prayer for Educators and Staff: O God, source of all wisdom, we pray for all educators and staff in our Catholic schools. Grant them the grace to inspire and catechize families, students, and staff, guiding them with gentleness and understanding. Help them to see Christ in each child and family as they minister to them. May they be instruments of your love and grace. Amen.
Day 5 | A prayer for Mission: Heavenly Father, We come before you asking for grace and strength to ensure our Catholic schools grow in the authentic mission of Catholic education. May they be guided by gospel values as they strive to cultivate environments that foster spiritual growth, academic excellence, and community solidarity. Strengthen their commitment to your Truth as they seek to attract, form, train, and retain faithful, excellent teachers and administrators. Allow our bishop’s mission to permeate the Stewardship for Saints and Scholars Campaign as we strive to help lead the children and families of the Diocese of Lansing to heaven. Amen.
Day 6 | A prayer for Affordable Education: Lord Jesus, You sent your disciples out with no funds or cloaks to preach the gospel, let us trust in your Spirit to inspire disciples in the Diocese of Lansing to give generously so that financial assistance for current and new Catholic school families may grow. Bless our schools with the resources and support they need to fulfill our mission with joy and integrity. Amen.
Day 7 | A prayer for Accessible Education: O God, We pray that our school communities may be places of welcome, belonging, and commitment to your truth and love. May we grow in the ability to assist students with special needs and enhance services throughout all our schools. Make our schools beacons of hope and centers of grace, where all feel valued, supported, and empowered to fulfill their God-given potential and become saints on earth and in heaven. Amen.
Day 8 | A prayer for Parish Unity: God and Father of all, help our school and parishes to grow as united entities in your mission to make disciples. Allow us to invest our time, talent, and treasure in parish school, religious education, faith formation initiatives, parish-sponsored homeschooling efforts, or other urgent local needs well. Allow all who work and practice in our parishes to stand united under your Truth. Amen.
Day 9 | A prayer of Thanksgiving: Gracious God, as we conclude this novena. We offer you our heartfelt gratitude for the gift of Catholic education. Thank you for the countless blessings you have and will bestow on our schools, educators, students, and families. Thank you for the opportunity to learn, grow, and serve in communities rooted in faith, love, and excellence. Help us to always remember the sacred privilege and responsibility of participating in the mission of Catholic education. May we go forth with hearts full of gratitude, ready to share your love, grace, and truth with all whom we encounter. Amen.