I received an email yesterday from Brian Flaherty asking whether I knew of any commissioning prayers for teachers for the beginning of the school year. I sent him a quick email with two services I found, but after a little more digging I came up with some other resources, and I thought it would be a good idea to share them with you.
The best resource I found–though I didn’t find it in time for my email to Brian–is the USCCB’s Commissioning Service (pdf format) intended for use this year on Catechetical Sunday, September 18, 2011. There are options for commissioning teachers during Mass and outside of Mass.
Second, there is the Blessing of Students and Teachers from the official Book of Blessings. This is the blessing that the USCCB commissioning service is based on.
Next up is a commissioning ritual in Microsoft Word format from the Catholic Education Office of the Diocese of Wollongong, Australia.
Finally, the National Association for Episcopal Christian Directors has a pdf document titled Commissioning of Church School Teachers that might be able to be modified for use in Catholic schools.
Are you familiar with other commissioning services? If so, I’m sure Brian and others would love to know about them. Mention them in the comment area below.
I really appreciate Brian’s question since it gave me a chance to address a real need. If you have a question, feel free to submit it using the contact form on the “About” page.
I am new to Campus Ministry and have been asked to plan a back-to-school retreat for our faculty. GULP. I think it is hard to plan for our peers. Does anyone have any ideas or resources they are willing to share? Thanks!
I found this website excellent for me as a DRE. Thank you so much for the time given. Articles and talks were a great aid to me and I am certain to our catechists.
I found articles to be innovative and challenging.