Ballymacrickett Primary School

Our last two groups of the school year were the P7s from Ballymacrickett and what a lovely way to finish off the year. The groups were full of fun and had loads of questions and chat, which we really enjoyed. Leaving their primary school is only days away and this brought a mix of emotions to the groups.

Most people are so excited to be going to a post-primary school, but the thought of leaving the familiar and stepping into the unknown can be a bit worrying. One of the things we talked about was our first day at primary school and how we went about making friends. We talked about the importance of friendship and everyone is looking forward to making lots of new friends in their new schools.

As usual we did some meditation and quiet prayer and we had plenty of time for laughter and games too.

The prayer services on both days were very special. In our centre we have been amazed by just how creative and expressive all the different groups are in preparing their prayer services. We always remind groups that even though us on the team experience roughly four group liturgies a week, we are always delighted by the uniqueness of each and every one.

The focus below shows two figures. One represents Jesus and the other represents us. The footprints represent walking. The group did this because they wanted to show something of their experience of taking a walk with Jesus in their imagination, which they did as part of their prayer time. In Jesus's hand you can see the book with all the prayers and intentions which visitors to our centre have written this year. The group placed it here to show that the love and support of Jesus is with everyone, even in their difficulties.

The focus below was of a red cloth symbolising the primary 7 class, all together. They are gathered around a candle which represents Jesus. The blue pathway out of it is their journey into post-primary school, at the end of which is also Jesus - they have met him in primary school and they will meet him in their new schools too.

These prayers were written for the prayer service...

Dear God,

We pray for those who are moving onto high school next year

who are nervous or worried about making new friends

and pray for the teachers from primary school

who helped us get so far and taught us to read and write.

Amen.

Dear God,

Please pray for all my teachers so they don't have too many troublemakers to deal with.

Also help me to appreciate my coaches in sports trips and all the people who care for me.

Lord hear us.

Dear God,

Please help families that are sick or worried or that are suffering from illnesses.

I ask for you to help the people get better and end their hard times.

Lord hear us.

Dear God,

Please help the poor people who have no homes and who are very cold and hungry.

Help them to find a house.

Lord hear us.

Dear God,

Please help me and my friends to get on well, cope with the difficulties and have fun and be happy when we go to our new schools.

Lord hear us.

Dear God,

Thank you for keeping my family and me safe and well. Please continue keeping us well and happy.

Lord hear us.

Dear God,

Please help the sick to get better and help those who care for them.

Amen.

Dear God,

Thank you for all my friends and all my family. I love them and you do too.

Help them to stay safe and healthy.

Lord hear us.

Dear God,

Will you please help people who are hungry, thirsty and need shelter and need. There are people in Chile and Haiti who had two earthquakes - help them in these troublesome times.

Lord hear us.

What a lovely way to end the term. We had such a great time with these young people, as we have had with all the groups we've had the privilege of meeting and working with this year. We wish each and every one of them the very best for the future. We look forward to meeting again, those who will return to this place and those we we will not meet again will remain in our prayers. We offer to all the blessing that we end each of our group liturgies with...

May God the Father bless you,

May God the Son protect you

And may God the Spirit lead you on the right path.

Amen