Class of 2020 Prayer Book by Gonzaga College High School

GO FORTH A BOOK OF GONZAGA PRAYERS

- For the Class of 2020 -

Go Forth is a collection of prayers gathered from the faculty and staff of Gonzaga College High School as a gift to the Class of 2020. Many are prayers used to start class or within the context of athletics. Some are prayers or meditations which have helped us strengthen our own relationships with God. Others are poems or stories which can help prepare one for prayer. Some were written by those who submitted them, others can be attributed elsewhere. All of them serve as a call to the faith present at Gonzaga and a call to bring that faith to life beyond Eye Street. Compiled by Maddie Davin Edited by Laura Gengler Hudson May 2020

Table of Contents 8

A Note On Prayer..........................................................................................................................Tom Every

Ignatian Prayers 12

Fall in Love..................................................................................................................................Pam Valeiras

OraciĂłn de San Ignacio (en EspaĂąol)....................Acacia Komelasky, Barbara Nierman

Suscipe/Prayer of St. Ignatius (in English)

Teach Me Thy Paths.......................................................................................................Kathleen Parlett

From the Classroom 18

A Prayer for Our Earth........................................................................................................John Ausema

A Student's Prayer.............................................................................................................Teresa Jackson

Centering Through Silence.........................................................................................................Joe Ross

Starting Class with Mr. L'Etoile.......................................................................................Allan L'Etoile

To Start Your Day 24

Direction of Intention.........................................................................................................Maddie Davin

Praying the Classics with Dr. Rissetto......................................................................Harry Rissetto

Simply Gratitude........................................................................................................................Jenn Carter

Taking Turns..................................................................................................................................Patty Tobin

Today is Friday.....................................................................................................Laura Gengler Hudson

Asking for Help 32

Prayer for Generosity..........................................................Maureen Garvis, Sarah Washington

Prayer for Serenity.............................................................................................Laura Gengler Hudson

Prayer for Spiritual Freedom......................................................................................Marilynn Kelley

Prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit............................................................................Paul Hamm

Trusting in God 38

A Psalm......................................................................................................................................Maddie Davin

Footprints in the Sand......................................................................................................Maddie Davin

I Have No Idea Where I am Going (Merton's Prayer).......................Fr. Gap LoBiondo, SJ

Patient Trust.......................................Fr. Stephen Planning, SJ, Patty Tobin, Pam Valeiras

From Athletics 44

A Post-Workout Prayer (The Wrestling Room Prayer)..............................Torey Ortmayer

Coach Baggetta's Prayer for Student Athletes...............................................Peter Baggetta

Praying for Generosity with the Football Team................................................Conrad Singh

Poetry as Prayer 50

blessing the boats...........................................................................................................................Joe Ross

Praying.....................................................................................................................................Shannon Berry

The Word....................................................................................................................................Rick Cannon

For Meditation 56

An Excerpt from "A River Runs Through It".................................................Patrick Gallagher

Called Out Onto the Water.......................................................................................Stephen Szolosi

Story of St. Aloysius.....................................................................................................Fr. Harry Geib, SJ

The Daily Examen

Miscellaneous 64

Blessing for a Young Man..................................................................................Debbie Onufrychuk

Litany of St. Joseph.................................................................................................................Paul Hamm

Prayer at the Conclusion of the Penitential Rite................................................Mark Howell

Prophets of a Future Not Our Own.........................................................................Danielle Flood

Sayings to Take With You...............................................................................Various Contributors

Traditional Irish Blessing.........................................................................................................Jim Kilroy

Acknowledgements

Gentlemen, Each year, after Baccalaureate Mass, a team of Gonzaga faculty and staff take to St. Al's to transform and prepare it for commencement the next day. Great care is taken to get it right: every seat is put in its exact place, every label and sign is properly affixed and special items that appear in the Church only once a year are hung. When the work is done and the Church is ready, I send everyone home, lagging back for one last act. It is among the greatest gifts of my life to watch Gonzaga students grow from bewildered freshmen to confident, capable seniors. And so, commencement each year is bittersweet. We send you into the world with all the good graces a school can bestow and we pray for your bright future. In particular, that night, when the stage is set, the campus is quiet and all are gone, I return to St. Al's one last time to pray each one of the graduating seniors' names. It is a prayer of gratitude to God for his gift of your presence at Gonzaga, for each one of you has left your own indelible mark. It is also a prayer of hope, a hope that springs from all the good we have come to know in you these past four years, a hope that you will bring new light to the world you are called to lead. I consider it the most sacred prayer I make each year. And while this year will be different, this Sunday - May 31, 2020 - when I read your names during Mass on what would have been your Commencement day, know that I am holding this prayer for you in my heart and it is, given the uncertainty of what our near future brings, perhaps, more sacred than ever. Peace, Mr. Every

Ignatian Prayers ~ Prayers written by St. Ignatius and other Jesuits along the way ~

Fall in Love Pam Valeiras

Nothing is more practical than finding God, than falling in Love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, whom you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in Love, stay in love, and it will decide everything. Attributed to Pedro Arrupe, SJ

What seizes your imagination? - Mrs. Valeiras

Oración de San Ignacio Acacia Komelasky Barbara Nierman

Tomad, Señor, recibid toda mi libertad, mi memoria, mi entendimiento y toda mi voluntad, todo mi haber y poder. Vos me la disteis, a Vos Señor la torno, todo es vuestro, disponed de todo a vuestra voluntad. Dadme vuestro amor y gracia, que esto me basta. Amen. St. Ignatius of Loyola This prayer reminds who the all-loving person in charge really is, and how I owe everything to Him. I also feel closer to St. Ignatius when I say it in Spanish, since he would have as well. - Sra. Nierman

Suscipe (Prayer of St. Ignatius) Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, All I have and call my own. You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace, that is enough for me. Amen. St. Ignatius of Loyola

Teach Me Thy Paths Kathleen Parlett

Show, O Lord, Thy ways to me, and teach me Thy paths. Direct me in Thy truth, and teach me; for Thou art God my Savior.

St. Peter Faber

From the Classroom ~ Prayers which speak to classroom content, learning, or Gonzaga in a special way ~

A Prayer for

Our Earth John Ausema

All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one. Pope Francis

I emphasize the imperative for Christians to care for God's creation in all of classes, and especially in AP Environmental Science. I use this prayer a couple of times a month. - Mr. Ausema

A Student's Prayer Teresa Jackson Most High Glorious God, and Creator of All, continue your creative work in me, and through my studies here at Gonzaga College High School. Let your blessing rest upon this community of learning. Enlighten the darkness of my heart and give me, Lord, a correct faith, a certain hope and a good sense of knowledge and right judgment. As I study here, bless all those who first shaped the tradition of Gonzaga College High School. As I join this long shining tradition, give me that spirit of inquiry and reflection, compassion and action, as I prepare myself to go out into the world with the strength and purpose you have given me. Amen.

Adapted from St. Louis University's Prayer Book for Students

Centering Through Silence Let me ask you to put down your pen. Get still. Take a breath or two and use this minute to get focused and centered. Let's use this minute. Joe Ross

I have found silence to be a real anchor for me. - Mr. Ross

Starting Class with Mr. L'Etoile God, please be with us. Please bless all the children of the world. And help us to be better listeners, especially to ourselves. St. Aloysius Gonzaga, pray for us. Allan L'Etoile

"God, please be with us." Comes from 9/11. After the event, the news played 911 calls from people in the towers to dispatchers. (So horrible.) In one, a woman in the tower asked, "What should I do?" and the dispatcher answered, "Say your prayers." In response, someone wrote a newspaper and asked what kind of prayer someone says when they are 1/4 mile off the ground in a burning building and know they are about to die! A rabbi wrote a reply. He said that there is really only one prayer we can ever pray to God -- "God, please be with us" -- that doesn't twist God's arm or make us seem presumptuous and that asks for everything we will ever need from God, anywhere, any time -- God with us. The reason for the prayer for children? Obvious. The reason for the prayer for listening ("especially to ourselves")? Usually not so obvious, especially to those in power or who are convinced they already know the mind of God. - Mr. L'Etoile

To Start Your Day ~ Ways to start your day with God in your heart ~

Direction of Intention Maddie Davin

My God, I give you this day. I offer you, now, all of the good that I shall do and I promise to accept for love of you all of the difficulties that I shall meet. Help me to conduct myself during this day in a manner pleasing to you. Amen.

St. Francis de Sales

I learned this prayer when I was a student at Visitation and since then I have used it to start my day and as a reset whenever I sense that I need a reminder that all I do in the course of the day should be done in a way that reflects God's love. - Ms. Davin

Praying the Classics with Dr. Rissetto Here's the CATCH. As you pray each of the three in succession - LISTEN. There will be a WORD or phrase that sticks (you'll know it when you hear it). Finish the prayers, but HOLD on to that word or phrase. Keep it through the DAY. What is GOD telling you on that day with that word or phrase?Â - Dr. Rissetto Our Father

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed bethy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day ourdaily bread and forgive us our trespasses as weforgive those who trespass against us; and lead usnot into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Glory Be

Hail Mary

Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruitof thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now,and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Simply Gratitude Jenn Carter Hey, God, each day I come to you with my needs, my frustrations, desolation, and challenges. I am human, so I begin to handle things by identifying them. You sent Jesus to be with us; to be like us. He experienced our humanity. In reflecting, and presenting my needs, I step back. My challenges, disappointments, losses, and failures present opportunities for Grace. Help me to glance around and ‘see the world with new eyes’... to raise my awareness and understand others’ situations more dyer than mine... to respond with compassion to others, but also to myself. I need help to forgive myself, too. Lord, through my reflection, I discover that I have so much more than others. I have opportunities other people don’t have. Thank you for the home I live in, the laptop for my work and video games for play, and friends to call. I have some family around, and food to eat. Even the arguments I have are good because I can think and speak! I can see, and marvel at the beauty You have created. I am blessed to have these gifts. I remind myself of Your constant, unwavering love for me... and I need help to learn to love myself as You do. I know You hear my prayers, so I don’t have to ask You to hear them. Instead I say, “Lord, I know You are there!” And so, Lord, for all these things, I sincerely say, “THANK YOU, LORD, FOR THIS DAY!” Short version: Lord, I know You are there... and THANK YOU, LORD, FOR THIS DAY!

Jenn Carter

Taking Turns Patty Tobin

When we ask that our lives be turned toward God, we expect to be turned in a peaceful way. But being at peace does not mean being at rest. Turning your direction toward God means constantly changing your course to serve others -- a friend in need, a coworker out of sorts, a loved one in bad health. Turning towards God means always turning toward others -- and that is not always an easy or comfortable task. James S. Behrens, O.C.S.O.

This prayer serves as my daily reminder of why we are here. - Ms. Tobin

Today Is Friday Laura Gengler Hudson

Today is Friday. We pray for Peace. Peace in the World. Peace in the Nation. Peace in our Community. Peace in our Hearts. Hail Mary... Mr. Terry Hanley, Principal at Star of the Sea Elementary School

My first teaching job was at Star of the Sea Elementary School in San Francisco. Every Friday, we would start our day with a school wide Morning Meeting. The Principal, Mr. Terry Hanley, would lead us in this prayer each Friday. Since that job, I have started each class with the "Today is Friday" prayer. - Ms. Hudson

Asking for Help ~ Prayers for when you need a little grace ~

Prayer for

Generosity Maureen Garvis Sarah Washington

Lord, teach me to be generous, to serve you as you deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to look for any reward, save that of knowing that I do your will. Amen St. Ignatius of Loyola

I start our class everyday with this prayer to remind us to be grateful, to work hard, to not take anything for granted, and to always live as God has intended us to. - Ms. Washington I like to start my Chemistry class with this prayer, because it reminds me to be generous when I am teaching teenage boys! - Mrs. Garvis

Prayer for

Serenity Laura Gengler Hudson

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.

Reinhold Niebuhr

Sometimes we just need some serenity, some courage, and some wisdom. - Ms. Hudson

Prayer for

Spiritual Freedom Marilynn Kelley

O Spirit of God, we ask you to help orient All of our actions by your inspirations, Carry them on by your gracious assistance, That every prayer and work of ours May always begin from you And through you be happily ended. Found in Hearts on Fire: Praying with the Jesuits, edited by Michael Harter, SJ

Prayer for

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit Paul Hamm Holy Spirit, Divine Consoler, I adore You as my true God, with God the Father and God the Son. I adore You and unite myself to the adoration You receive from the angels and saints. I give You my heart and I offer my ardent thanksgiving for all the grace which You never cease to bestow on me. O Giver of all supernatural gifts, who filled the soul of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with such immense favors, I beg You to visit me with Your grace and Your love and to grant me the gift of holy fear, so that it may act on me as a check to prevent me from falling back into my past sins, for which I beg pardon. Grant me the gift of piety, so that I may serve You for the future with increased fervor, follow with more promptness Your holy inspirations, and observe your divine precepts with greater fidelity. Grant me the gift of knowledge, so that I may know the things of God and, enlightened by Your holy teaching, may walk, without deviation, in the path of eternal salvation. Grant me the gift of fortitude, so that I may overcome courageously all the assaults of the devil, and all the dangers of this world which threaten the salvation of my soul. Grant me the gift of counsel, so that I may choose what is more conducive to my spiritual advancement and may discover the wiles and snares of the tempter. Grant me the gift of understanding, so that I may apprehend the divine mysteries and by contemplation of heavenly things detach my thoughts and affections from the vain things of this miserable world. Grant me the gift of wisdom, so that I may rightly direct all my actions, referring them to God as my last end; so that, having loved Him and served Him in this life, I may have the happiness of possessing Him eternally in the next. Amen.

Trusting in God ~ Prayers for when you need a reminder that God is always active in your life ~

A Psalm Maddie Davin

Response: Be still and know that I am God

When you feel that you are most alone… When I seem far if there at all… When time for prayer is hard to find… When prayer becomes an empty chore… When questions come but answers fail… When tensions dominate, not peace… When everywhere confusion reigns… When death takes someone dear away… When anger gains the upper hand… When hope begins to fade and die… When love is scored as powerless… When words alone do not suffice… When truth is challenged everywhere… When evil seems to conquer good… When choices favor death not life…

When time seems like eternity… When selfish motives win the day… When someone comes to trouble you… When others lack esteem for you… When noise engulfs you all about… When all the work seems left to you… When no one volunteers but you… When seldom do you seem to win… Whatever mood possesses you… When all seems bright or all seems dark… When deep depression seizes you… When health concerns distract your mind… When rushing only slows you down… When honors tend to turn your head… When sinful habits rule your life…

(All together) There is no evil I cannot heal. Be still and know that I am God. And I am with you all your days... Be still and know that I am God. Until I come to bring you home… Be still and know that I am God.

Phillip Armstrong

I love using this prayer in a group setting as a reminder that no matter what is going on in our lives, God is always present. - Ms. Davin

Footprints in the Sand Maddie Davin One night I dreamed a dream. As I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, One belonging to me and one to my Lord. After the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that at many times along the path of my life, especially at the very lowest and saddest times, there was only one set of footprints. This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it. "Lord, you said once I decided to follow you, You'd walk with me all the way. But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, there was only one set of footprints. I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me." He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you Never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you."

Anonymous

I Have No Idea Where I am Going

(Merton's Prayer) Fr. Gap LoBiondo, SJ

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, And the fact that I think I am following your will Does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, Though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always Though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, And you will never leave me to face my perils alone. Amen.

Thomas Merton, O.C.S.O. It is Real! - Fr. Gap

Patient Trust Fr. Stephen Planning, SJ Patty Tobin Pam Valeiras Above all, trust in the slow work of God. We are quite naturally impatient in everything to reach the end without delay. We should like to skip the intermediate stages. We are impatient of being on the way to something unknown, something new. And yet it is the law of all progress that it is made by passing through some stages of instability — and that it may take a very long time. And so I think it is with you; your ideas mature gradually—let them grow, let them shape themselves, without undue haste. Don’t try to force them on, as though you could be today what time (that is to say, grace and circumstances acting on your own good will) will make of you tomorrow. Only God could say what this new spirit gradually forming within you will be. Give Our Lord the benefit of believing that his hand is leading you, and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself in suspense and incomplete.

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, S.J. For when you are feeling impatient and want things in your life to be resolved immediately. That's not how things work... God has other plans. Being the most impatient person I know, I quote this prayer to - Mrs. Valeiras myself often. In this time of Covid 19 it seems more relevant than ever. I love this prayer from the French Jesuit geologist, paleontologist, - Ms. Tobin and philosopher Pierre Teilhard de Chardin SJ. He is one of the Jesuit heroes of mine because of the way he lived his Jesuit life. He died in 1955. - Fr. Planning

From Athletics ~ Prayers to remind you to take God with you, not only in the classroom, but on the field as well ~

A Post-Workout Prayer (The Wrestling Room Prayer) Torey Ortmayer

Today is the beginning of a new day, God has given us this day to do his will. We can waste it, or use it for good. For what we do today, may change the course of our lives forever. We want to be good, not evil. Success, success, success - not failure. Know this and never forget the price we pay. Heartsill Wilson I learned it from Coach Yates when I was at Gonzaga and he ran our workouts. I have had the teams I coach say this after workouts for almost ten years now to be reminded of the privilege we have to enjoy what we do and that every day is an opportunity to improve ourselves and each other as we try to bring about the greater glory of God here on Earth. - Coach Ortmayer

Coach Baggetta's Prayer for

Student-Athletes Loving God, We thank you and we praise you for all of the gifts and blessings of this day. We are so blessed to be gathered here with our teammates and coaches as we all seek to strive in a spirit of magis, joy and love during these tryouts. We ask you to give us courage, strength, and wisdom to do our best and to protect us from injury. May we see your presence in our ourselves as we learn and compete, in our teammates who support and challenge us to be at our best, and in the coaches who guide us. Help us to continually give of ourselves by being grateful, intentional, valiant, and effortful in everything we do on and off the field. Allow us to understand that you exist in our responses to the events that happen, and not in the events themselves. Guide us to respond with a calm mind and smiling heart in order to be present and joyful in the moment. May all of us gathered here today remember all of our attitudes, words, and our actions are always for your greater glory. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Peter Bagetta 45

Praying for Generosity with the

Football Team Conrad Singh

Lord, we come to you today, Together, with Toughness and Trust in our hearts as we pray, ~ Lord, teach me to be generous, to serve you as you deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to look for any reward, save that of knowing that I do your will. Amen. ~ St. Aloysius Gonzaga! Pray for Us! St. Ignatius of Loyola As we go into a Football game, we want to be sure to remain thankful for our Jesuit formation at Gonzaga. We pause to recognize that all that we do is for the Glory of God, and that we are blessed to be able to give our all without counting the costs... knowing that always giving our best doing His will bring us fulfillment no matter the outcome. 46 - Coach Singh

Poetry as

Prayer ~ The following poems can serve as invitations to prayer, or as moments of prayer themselves ~

blessing the boats Joe Ross

(at St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) may the tide that is entering even now the lip of our understanding carry you out beyond the face of fear may you kiss the wind then turn from it certain that it will love your back may you open your eyes to water water waving forever and may you in your innocence sail through this to that Lucille Clifton

Praying This poem by Mary Oliver is the best description of prayer I have found. Though not exactly a prayer itself, it helps us understand how to pray. It doesn't have to be elaborate or fancy, just our honest thoughts and then silence, allowing God to speak to us. - Ms. Berry

Praying It doesn't have to be the blue iris, it could be weeds in a vacant lot, or a few small stones; just pay attention, then patch a few words together and don't try to make them elaborate, this isn't a contest but the doorway into thanks, and a silence in which another voice may speak. Mary Oliver 51

The Word The word, The right word, The apt word Is the opposable thumb of the mind. It's not important that I be noticed, It is important that my work be noticed. The engine of genius is endurance. Happiness? It's a sales pitch-Doing right, the rock!

Rick Cannon

Meditation ~ Texts and exercises recommended for reflection ~

An excerpt from

"A River Runs Through It" Patrick Gallagher

"Each one of us will at one time in our lives look upon a loved one who is need and ask the same question - We are willing to help Lord but what if anything is needed. For it is true we can seldom help those closest to us. Either we don't know what part of ourselves to give or more often than not the part we have to give is not wanted. So it is those we live with and should know who elude us. But we can still love them. We can love completely without complete understanding." Norman Maclean

The short story, "A River Runs Through It," by Norman Maclean is one of my favorite reads. The final words of this short story are so profound and wise. - Mr. Gallagher

Called Out Onto The Water Stephen Szolosi Introduction of Exercise This meditation focuses on a story from the Gospel of Matthew, when Jesus walks on water, calls Peter out from the boat, and then calms the storm. During this meditation, we’ll practice the form of prayer found in St. Ignatius’s spiritual exercises. To do this, we’ll need to imagine ourselves in the scene. As we hear this word, we invite you to sit up comfortably and to close your eyes. Use your imaginations to experience the story as richly as you can. Let us remember that God is in our midst, seeking us in this place, in our quiet, and in our prayer. (Pause for a few seconds) Now, let us begin simply by quieting ourselves. Take a comfortable, upright position. (Pause for a few seconds) Focus for a moment on your breathing. (Pause – the duration of one Our Father or Hail Mary) Matthew 14:22-33 - read the following passage through twice. Then he made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile, the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”

Ignatian Contemplation Continue to sit quietly reflecting on the passage. Imagine the scene. Put yourself in the boat with the other apostles. Take time to imagine the rolling waters and the dark clouds. Hear the wind of the storm. Feel the spray of the water, the press of another apostle against you, and the boat’s rough wood. Taste the salt on your lips. Put yourself in the boat now. (Pause – Duration of One Slowly Recited Our Father) There will be times when God leads us from places of security into a place where we lack control and are vulnerable. (Pause) Jesus came to the apostles on the rough waters. And he called Peter from the boat out onto the water. Have you been drawn into a place of challenge and insecurity this year? Can you foresee rough waters, moments of challenge, doubt, or uncertainty in your future? (Pause – Duration of One Slowly Recited Our Father) Now, recall that Christ will seek us in those places. Imagine Jesus’s voice calling to you, inviting you out onto the water. See yourself climbing over the edge of the boat. Watch as you take steps out onto the water. The challenge is not in the storm, but in our response. What would it mean to respond boldly like Peter, to go out to meet Christ on the waters of your life? What would it take to turn to God for help? What would it mean to go to him, to seek salvation from your troubles, by responding in faith, hope, and love? In the quiet of your heart, invite Christ to be with you in that storm. (Pause for a few seconds) We are going to conclude our meditation by taking a moment to reflect on one last point for prayer—God brings us back to the boat and calms the storms of our lives. (Pause) Sit in gratitude knowing that God will be with you in all things. Directions for concluding the meditation — Pause – Duration of One Slowly Recited Our Father To conclude the meditation, bring your prayer to a close with a slow Our Father. Following your prayer period - take a moment to journal After praying it is very helpful, to do some note-taking. Some basic notes about how settled you felt, how distracted you felt is important. Then, try to name what made you feel more energized, brought you to life, sparked your imagination. Perhaps a certain image or an idea really seemed important. A longer journal entry about your thoughts and prayer can be a great record and help you see how the prayer is alive in your experience afterward.

Story of St. Aloysius As a Gonzaga Eagle, always remember the example of selfless service shown in the life of our patron, St. Aloysius Gonzaga (1569-1591) As a son of a princely family, he grew up in royal courts and army camps. His father wanted Aloysius to be a military hero. At age 9 he came from his hometown of Castiglione to Florence to be educated; by age 11 he was teaching catechism to poor children, fasting three days a week, and practicing great austerities. When he was 13 years old, he traveled with his parents and the Empress of Austria to Spain and acted as a page in the court of Philip II. The more Aloysius saw of court life, the more disillusioned he became, seeking relief in learning about the lives of saints.

In his Jesuit formation, Aloysius performed penances to an extreme. He therefore was told to eat more, and to take recreation with the other students. He was forbidden to pray except at stated times. He spent four years in the study of philosophy and had Saint Robert Bellarmine as his spiritual adviser.

In 1591, a plague struck Rome. The Jesuits opened a hospital of their own. The superior general himself and many other Jesuits rendered personal service. Because he nursed patients, washing them, and making their beds, Aloysius caught the disease. A fever persisted after his recovery and he was so weak he A book about the experience of Jesuit could scarcely rise from bed. Yet, he missionaries in India suggested to him maintained his great discipline of prayer. the idea of entering the Society of He died three months later, at the age of Jesus, and in Spain his decision became 23. final. Now began a four-year contest with his father. Eminent churchmen Fr. Harry Geib, SJ and laypeople were pressed into service to persuade Aloysius to remain in his â&#x20AC;&#x153;normalâ&#x20AC;? vocation. Finally, he prevailed, was allowed to renounce his right to his family succession and was received into the Jesuit novitiate.

The Daily Examen The examen, or examination of conscience, is a quick prayer to help you see where God was active in your day. Usually done for 15 to 20 minutes at the end of a day, the prayer was popularized by St. Ignatius Loyola in his classic text The Spiritual Exercises. Use these five easy steps to pray the examen every day, and soon you’ll begin to notice God’s presence more easily.

1. Presence: Remember that you’re in the presence of God in a special way when you pray. Ask God for help in prayer. 2. Gratitude: Recall two or three things that happened today for which you are especially grateful. Savor them. Then thank God for these gifts. 3. Review: Review you day from start to finish, noticing where you experienced God’s presence. Notice everything from large to small: from an enjoyable interaction with a friend to the feel of the sun on your face. When did you love? When were you loved? 4. Sorrow: You may have sinned today or done something you regret. Express your sorrow to God and ask for forgiveness. If it’s a grave sin, pray about seeking forgiveness from the person offended, or the sacrament of reconciliation. 5. Grace: You may want to return to a meaningful part of your prayer and speak to God about how you felt. At the close of the prayer, ask for God’s grace for the following day.

Fr. Jim Martin, S.J. 60

Miscellaneous ~ A medley of prayers and thoughts to take with you ~

Blessing for a

Young Man Debbie Onufrychuk

You are blessed Strong are you Brave in mind and body fleet of foot dashing with boldness heartfirst into your future. May you also be blessed with a courageous spirit fearing no censure for kindness for tenderness for compassion May you be blessed with a sense of harmony that moves you to wholeness so that you may truly be a Man for Others all the years of your life. Magaret Cessna, HM

Litany of

St. Joseph Paul Hamm

Lord, have mercy Christ, have mercy Lord, have mercy God our Father in heaven God the Son, Redeemer of the world God the Holy Spirit Holy Trinity, one God Holy Mary Saint Joseph Noble son of the House of David Light of patriarchs Husband of the Mother of God Guardian of the Virgin Foster father of the Son of God Faithful guardian of Christ Head of the holy family Joseph, chaste and just Joseph, prudent and brave Joseph, obedient and loyal Pattern of patience Lover of poverty Model of workers Example to parents Guardian of virgins Pillar of family life Comfort of the troubled Hope of the sick Patron of the dying Terror of evil spirits Protector of the Church Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world

R/. Lord, have mercy. R/. Christ, have mercy. R/. Lord, have mercy. R/. Have mercy on us. R/. Have mercy on us. R/. Have mercy on us. R/. Have mercy on us. R/. Pray for us. R/. Pray for us. R/. Pray for us. R/. Pray for us. R/. Pray for us. R/. Pray for us. R/. Pray for us. R/. Pray for us. R/. Pray for us. R/. Pray for us. R/. Pray for us. R/. Pray for us. R/. Pray for us. R/. Pray for us. R/. Pray for us. R/. Pray for us. R/. Pray for us. R/. Pray for us. R/. Pray for us. R/. Pray for us. R/. Pray for us. R/. Pray for us. R/. Pray for us. R/. Spare us O Lord. R/. Hear us O Lord. R/. Have mercy on us.

V. He made him the lord of His house: R. And ruler of all His substance. Let us pray. O God, who in Thine unspeakable providence didst vouchsafe to choose blessed Joseph to be the spouse of Thine own most holy Mother: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may deserve to have him for our intercessor in heaven, whom we reverence as our defender on earth: who lives and reigns world without end. 65 Amen.

Prayer at the Conclusion of the Penitential Rite Mark Howell

My Almighty God have mercy on us. <pause> Forgive us our sins. <pause> And bring us to life everlasting. Mercy. Forgiveness. Everlasting Life. That should do it.

I noticed this prayer after I had heard it hundreds of times. I became aware of what a wonderful prayer it is, and now try to listen more closely to the prayers at the Mass so as to engage more fully in the celebration. I have since discovered many other marvelous prayers from the Mass. - Mr. Howell

Prophets of a Future Not Our Own Danielle Flood It helps, now and then, to step back and take a long view. The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts, it is even beyond our vision. We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God's work. Nothing we do is complete, which is a way of saying that the Kingdom always lies beyond us. No statement says all that could be said. No prayer fully expresses our faith. No confession brings perfection. No pastoral visit brings wholeness. No program accomplishes the Church's mission. No set of goals and objectives includes everything. This is what we are about. We plant the seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need further development. We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities. We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something, and to do it very well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord's grace to enter and do the rest. We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker. We are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs. We are prophets of a future not our own.

John Cardinal Dearden I love this prayer! It always brings me back to a space of doing service, meeting new communities, and remembering our call to work for something much larger than what we can ever see. - Ms. Flood

Sayings to Take With You The following are sayings or mantras which could be used for meditation or simply to remind you of God's activity in your life.

"It's not odd. It's God."

"Pray. Hope. Don't Worry"

"Participate, don't anticipate"

You make plans, God laughs.

Frau Sandy Siess

St. Padre Pio

David "Puddy" Agans

Jewish Proverb

Let go and let God.

Shared by Teresa Jackson, Jonathan Ruano, Maddie Davin, & Laura Gengler Hudson

Traditional

Irish Blessing Jim Kilroy

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand

My parents included this blessing in my 8th grade yearbook and it has always remained close to my heart. It's used traditionally as a blessing for those journeying onward. I wish God's blessings, health and success to all the members of the class of 2020 as they move forward and onward from Gonzaga. - Mr. Kilroy

Thank you to all who contributed to the compilation of this book: John Ausema Peter Baggetta Shannon Berry Rick Cannon Jenn Carter Maddie Davin Tom Every Danielle Flood Patrick Gallagher Maureen Garvis Harry Geib, SJ Laura Gengler Hudson Paul Hamm Mark Howell Teresa Jackson Marilynn Kelley Jim Kilroy

Acacia Komelasky Allan L'Etoile Gap LoBiondo, SJ Barbara Nierman Debbie Onufrychuk Torey Ortmayer Kathleen Parlett Stephen Planning, SJ Harry Rissetto Joe Ross Jonathan Ruano Conrad Singh Stephen Szolosi Patty Tobin Pam Valeiras Sarah Washington

AMDG