Monday 11 May St John Houghton Nottinghamshire Martyrs

Monday 11 May – St John Houghton & Nottinghamshire Martyrs This week we are praying about: Visions of Mary Response: St John Houghton and his friend St Robert Lawrence were men many people listened to. King Henry VIII wanted their support to be the Head of the Church. St John wouldn’t do it as he knew it was wrong and other people would copy his wrong action. He wanted people to copy only good actions. Who do you try and be like? Gather: We make the Sign of the Cross Word: St James wrote: ‘Great blessings belong to those who are tempted and remain faithful! After they have proved their faith, God will give them the reward of eternal life. God promised this to all people who love him. ' Mission Prayer: Jesus, You showed us how to love others and care for people in need, Help us to copy you and share your love this week. Amen

St John Houghton and St Robert Lawrence are the patron saints of two of the schools in our trust. St John Houghton secondary in Ilkeston and The Priory Primary in Eastwood. They are the closest schools to the where the Martyrs used to live in Beauvale. Happy Feast Day to them! We pray for and thank God for the pupils and staff of the schools today.

Tuesday 12 th May This week we are praying about Visions of Mary Response: A woman had a vision of Mary asking her to build a copy of Jesus family home in here village of Walsingham. This reminds us that God wants us to be more of a family and make sure everyone is happy. How can we do that? Gather: We make the Sign of the Cross Word: Jesus said to the disciple John who was standing beside Mary: “Here is your mother. ” Mission Prayer: Mary our Mother, Pray for all those people who do not have a home or food, pray also that we will have the courage to help them. Amen.

Wednesday 13 May – Our Lady of Fatima This week we are praying about: Visions of Mary Response: 103 Years ago Mary appeared to three young children in Portugal in a time of war. She told them to pray for peace and the world would be happy. When people did this, peace returned. How can we share peace and joy today? Gather: We make the Sign of the Cross Word: Mary sang: “I praise the Lord with all my heart. I am very happy because God is my Saviour” Mission Prayer: Mary taught the children this prayer: My God, I believe, I worship, I hope and I love You! I ask forgiveness of You for those who do not believe, do not worship, do not hope and do not love You. Amen.

Thursday 14 This week we are praying about: Visions of Mary Response: St Matthias was a follower of Jesus from the beginning, he was chosen to replace Judas. He was not sad when he wasn’t chosen to be one of the first 12 apostles, he knew God had a good plan for him. God has a good plan for you, how can we find out what it is? May – St Matthias, Apostle Gather: We make the Sign of the Cross Word: The Apostles prayed: ‘Lord, you know the minds of all people. Show us which one of these two men you choose to do this work. Judas turned away from it and went where he belongs. Lord, show us which man should take his place as an apostle!’ Mission Prayer: Lord Jesus, Help us to trust you like St Matthias did and know you have a plan to make us happy. Amen.

Friday 15 th May This week we are praying about Visions of Mary Response: Mary appeared to St Bernadette in Lourdes in France. Lourdes is a wonderful place where people go to find peace, safety and healing. It is not the only place we can find these things, Jesus can send us peace here, right now. Gather: We make the Sign of the Cross Word: St Elizabeth said: “Blessed are you, Mary, because you believed that God would keep his promise to you. ” Mission Prayer: Our Lady of Lourdes, Millions of people each year ask for your prayers for peace and healing. Pray with us for peace and healing in our world today. Amen.