This Sunday marks Education Sunday, one of the oldest Days of Special Prayer in the liturgical calendar of England and Wales, established by the Bishops in 1848. It is an important moment each year to reflect on the vital role of education in the life and mission of the Catholic Church.

Our Education Department has shared with schools the resource pack produced by the Catholic Education Service, which includes:

• Reflection points
• Liturgy
• Inspiring quotes on Catholic education
• Bidding Prayers
• A social media guide

These resources are designed to help schools and parishes celebrate this special day and encourage our young people to take an active part in the life of their parish communities.

Ways to Mark Education Sunday

Churches and schools can celebrate Education Sunday in a variety of ways, including:

• Pupils wearing their school uniforms to Mass
• Sharing the Sunday’s readings, psalms, and bidding prayers with pupils
• Encouraging pupils to create their own bidding prayers
• Assistingwith the second collection at Mass
• Displaying students’ artwork or crafts in church or the parish hall
• Hosting a student-led bake sale after Mass
• Bringing school banners to the church procession
• Reading the second collection appeal
• Presenting the gifts of bread and wine
• Involving the school choir in the liturgy

You can access this year’s resource pack from the Catholic Education Service here.

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