“The Mission of the Institute”
Let us remember that we are in the Holy Presence of God.
Opening Prayer
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we praise you and give you glory: we bless you for calling us to be your holy people. Remain in our hearts and guide us in our love and service. Help us to let our light shine before others and lead them to the way of faith. Holy Trinity of love we praise you now and forever. Amen.
Opening Song
The Mission | Steve Green
Psalm 126
Ant. The Lord has done great things for us he is the source of all our joy.
When the Lord delivered Zion from bondageIt seems like a dream.Then was our mouth filled with laughter,On our lips there were songs.
When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage
It seems like a dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter,
On our lips there were songs.
The heathens themselves said:
“what marvels the Lord worked for them!”
What marvels the Lord worked for us!
Indeed, we were glad.
Deliver us, O Lord from our bondage
As streams in dry land.
Those who are sowing in tears will sing when they reap.
They go out, they go out full of tears,
Carrying seed for the sowing:
They come back, they come back
Full of song, Carrying their sheaves.
Glory …
Ant. The Lord has done great things for us he is the source of all our joy.
Gospel Reading - Luke 9:23-26
Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
Reflection
Meditation for the Time of Retreat
Because God has called you to your minister in order to procure his glory and to give children the spirit of wisdom and the insight to know him and to enlighten the eyes of their hearts, you will give an account of how well you have instructed those who have been under your guidance. This is an inescapable obligation for you, and you will be punished for their ignorance in these matters (if it is your fault), just as if you had been ignorant of them. (MTR 206.1)
You, who are teachers of those you guide, must take all possible care to bring those under your guidance into the liberty of the children of God, which Jesus Christ obtained for us by dying for us. To do this, you need to have two qualities your relationship with them. The first is gentleness and patience. the second is prudence in your reproofs and corrections. (MTR 203.2)
Intercessions
Holy Father, we your children in the LEAD, implore you to stand by our superior and his team who have the heavy responsibility of directing, inspiring and leading the youths of today.
R: Lord, hear us.
Holy Father, give us young and old, the grace to be alive to the needs of the church and the people of God. Strengthen our will and dare prudently to take on the work of God guiding and caring for the youths of today.
R: Lord, hear us.
That all our Brothers often so easily forgotten, who have to suffer from persecution, from war, from disease, from loneliness or because of their poverty. May be able, through the aid and protection of Mary, mother of the church, despite every menace, frustration and discouragement, to remain strong and faithful in the service of the Lord.
R: Lord, hear us.
The Founder said, “Make no distinction between the service of others and your own salvation”. Help us to make a unity of all the dimensions of our lives: prayers, consecration, ministry, community and bridge the gap towards how we know we are called to live.
R: Lord, hear us.
Inspire us to touch hearts by building up and renewing, by welcoming and restoring dignity, by encouraging the weak and lightening burdens, that our live may proclaim that your kingdom is near.
R: Lord, hear us.
Lord, we thank you that we have been so richly blessed over the ten years as LEAD district, continue to bless and strengthen us with your grace to be able to proclaim your good news.
R: Lord, hear us.
Our Father - Don Moen
Closing Song - One La Salle Prayer
God, our father, open our eyes to the splendour of your creation, to the dignity of those who are made in your image and likeness, and to the opportunities each day brings. Create new miracles this day that, transformed by your grace, we may touch the hearts of those entrusted to us. Through the intercession of Brother Arnold, inspire young people to respond generously to your call to holiness, that each may accomplish what you want of them. Help us to walk more faithfully in your presence and seek first your kingdom, with Jesus your Son. Amen.
St. John Baptist De La Salle, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our Hearts forever!
