Catholic Schools Week: Prayer life remains at the center of school community

CONNELLSVILLE – Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Mt 19:14)

Conn-Area Catholic School students know the importance of connecting with Jesus. Students and staff gather in the hallway each morning to start off the day with prayer, reading prayer intentions students and staff have added to the school’s prayer book. 

Nurturing prayer life is one of our most important components in developing students “Centered in Christ.” The goal is to make it second nature to students so they automatically seek out the Lord no matter the emotions they are feeling at any given moment.

Attending Mass is a valuable part of this goal. Students are active participants in the liturgy, as cantors, lectors, gift bearers and acolytes. Through these acts of discipleship they become stewards of the Church. 

While we cherish the liturgy celebrated together as a school family, kindergarteners and preschoolers usually go to the school’s Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Chapel for a prayer service geared more to 4- and 5-year-olds. The prayer services are led by their teachers and take on a special feeling, being in the chapel, with stained glass windows, the altar, and the liturgical surroundings that promote a tranquil and holy experience.