This Wednesday we start CCD! I'd like to set before our eyes two very important principles that must guide our CCD endeavors. 1) CCD is a supplement to the normal life of faith, learning, and prayer that should be fostered
in the home. 2) CCD's top priority should be for our young people to enter into a relationship with Jesus, especially through prayer. If our children and youth learn to truly pray, they will continue securely on the path of goodness and holiness. If they don't, they will fall prey to the many attacks of the enemy of our souls.
As we begin this school year, let us ask Our Lady to intercede for our young people, that, with the help of our whole community, they might become saints! The following is a prayer composed by St. John Bosco, patron saint of youth and school children:
Most Holy Virgin Mary, Help of Christians,
how sweet it is to come to your feet
imploring your perpetual help.
If earthly mothers cease not to remember their children,
how can you, the most loving of all mothers forget me?
Grant then to me, I implore you,
your perpetual help in all my necessities,
in every sorrow, and especially in all my temptations.
I ask for your unceasing help for all who are now suffering.
Help the weak, cure the sick, convert sinners.
Grant through your intercessions many vocations to the
religious life.
Obtain for us, O Mary, Help of Christians,
that having invoked you on earth we may love and eternally
thank you in heaven. Amen.