Catholic school teachers often ask for prayer resources they can use in the classroom. Award-winning theology teacher Justin McClain offers more than two hundred original prayers to meet those requests. This collection of short prayers is arranged by school-year-related themes and can be read by a teacher or student. It is filled with fresh, timely, and meaningful prayers that fit well into any classroom schedule. Called to Pray: Daily Prayers for Catholic Schools is perfect for use with Catholic school students in grades five through twelve. The prayers are organized into six different themes:
• special school occasions such as the first day of school
• prayers for the school community, including administrators, teachers, coaches, support staff, and students
• prayers for friends and family
• holidays and observances such as Earth Day
• liturgical seasons and holy days
• general prayers for the school year
Four types of prayer are included throughout the book— adoration, contrition, petition, and thanksgiving. Some include class responses. Twenty-one of the prayers were written by McClain’s students at Bishop McNamara High School in Bowie, Maryland. Traditional Catholic prayers also are included.
About the Author :
Justin McClain teaches theology and Spanish at Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, Maryland. He also served as an adjunct lecturer in Spanish for the pre-college programs at the University of Maryland, College Park. McClain is a high school theology textbook consultant for Ave Maria Press, where he also provides content for the Engaging Faith blog and high school newsletter. He is the author of two books. He and his family live in Maryland.
Review :
"By the gift of the Holy Spirit, every baptized person is called to a life of prayer and communion with God in Christ. Catholic educators have a privileged opportunity to be models of prayer for the students entrusted to their care. This collection of prayers, crafted around the daily life of Catholic teachers, students, and school communities, is a great resource and guide for deepening the baptismal vocation to holiness that we all share." --Most Rev. Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend "Called to Pray reminds us that our call to daily prayer leads us to a greater understanding and appreciation of our relationship with our Lord. Whether we are students, parents, teachers, or administrators, the book is a powerful and enriching spiritual resource that serves as a guidepost in our walk of faith." --Heather Gossart, Senior consultant and director of mentoring/coaching, National Catholic Educational Association
"Justin provides just what teachers need. From the first day of school in the fall to the dances and proms in the spring, Called to Pray offers prayers for every day, season, and occasion. Through Called to Pray, teachers and students will come to experience a more vital and personal relationship with the living and true God." --Tim Kettenring, Department chair of theology and religion, Holy Cross School, New Orleans, Louisiana
"Called to Pray is my 'go-to' resource for a variety of prayers for my middle schoolers. Time and time again I find appropriate devotions to use on a daily basis that the students relate to and appreciate. This digest can be utilized for any grade or subject. I highly recommend this topical prayer book that has become my favorite." --Diana Brandt, Eighth-grade teacher at St. Angele Merci Grade School, Brea, California
"It's nice to be able to pray before any class period, no matter the school subject. Called to Pray is a perfect resource for offering a short, centering prayer." --Alexandra Amodei, Science teacher at Brooklyn Jesuit Academy
"A 'must' for Catholic school teachers, campus ministers, and administrators. This valuable book is a great resource for making prayer an integral part of the day for students. The prayers are not only for theology teachers but also for all teachers who would like to begin their classes with a prayer. The book would also be an asset to religious education teachers. As a Catholic educator for more than forty years, a copy of Called to Pray is a welcome addition to assist in my ministry at school." --Br. Michael Winslow, C.S.C., Mission director at Holy Cross School of San Antonio
"Justin McClain makes the point beautifully that our common prayer in the school setting is what sets us apart and proclaims our faith in the risen Lord. McClain provides a treasure trove of prayers, for any and all occasions, feasts, celebrations, or simply for those moments that mark the passing of the hours of the day or the days of the week. It is truly a way for us to sanctify the days, weeks, and years we share with our students." --Br. Thomas Dziekan, C.S.C., Executive director of the Holy Cross Institute
Saint Edward's University
Austin, Texas
"A useful and practical resource for all aspects and activities of Catholic education both inside and outside the classroom." --Daniel F. Curtis, Consultant for Catholic Education, Diocese of Arlington
