Liturgical Calendar 

September 2022

 Holy Church celebrates the saving work of Christ on prescribed days in the course of the year with sacred remembrance. Each week, on the day called the Lord’s Day, she commemorates the Resurrection of the Lord, which she also celebrates once a year in the great Paschal Solemnity, together with his blessed Passion. In fact, throughout the course of the year the Church unfolds the entire mystery of Christ and observes the birthdays of the Saints. (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy)

Pope’s September prayer intention: 

For the abolition of the death penalty
We pray that the death penalty, which attacks the dignity of the human person, may be legally abolished in every country.

Download Small Group Reflection (PDF)

 The Pope Video

There are many reasons to say “NO” to the death penalty. It is not a just punishment, since it “offers no justice to victims, but rather foments revenge… And it prevents any possibility of correcting a possible miscarriage of justice.” It’s morally inadmissible, because “it destroys the most important gift we have received: life.” And, as Francis reminds us, “in the light of the Gospel, the death penalty is unacceptable.” Let us not remain indifferent in the face of laws which, in some parts of the world, still allow the death penalty. 

  • This 2 minute video provides a good basis for discussion on the topic. To see the Pope’s video for September 2022 please click HERE

Season of Creation 2022 :  September 1st to October 4th

In this Season of Creation, this symbol of God’s Spirit calls us to listen to the voice of creation, to the voices of those who suffer the impacts of climate change, to the voices of those who hold generational wisdom about how to live gratefully within the limits of the land. These are voices of the Earth. The global Christian family is called to awaken to the urgent need to heal our relationships with creation and with each other and to encourage our parish communities to do the same, “for we know that things can change!” (Laudato Si’, 13).  

Resources from the Laudato Si’ Working Group

The following resources are offered for use in dioceses, parishes and in the home, during the Season of Creation 2022 (right click and open each of the resources coloured red): 

1 – Sunday Liturgy Notes for Season of Creation 2022 – This resource includes homily notes for each Sunday, prayers of the faithful, music suggestions, reflections and mass parts which highlight the call to Listen to God’s Creation.

2 – A Weekday Prayer Service for the Season of Creation 2022 – This ecumenical resource could be used to celebrate the World Day of Prayer for Creation on 1 September in an ecumenical setting, or as a resource that could be used for the celebration of the Eucharist in parishes. We have prepared it for a formal church setting or for use out-of-doors.  

3 – Season of Creation Brochure 2022 – A colourful resource with many practical tips and reflections on how to “Listen to the Voice of Creation”. From the JPIC committee in the Diocese of Kerry and the Laudato Si’ Working Group. For printing purposes please use this version: 3 – SOC Brochure PRINT 2022. This brochure is also available in Irish3 – Season of Creation Resources As Gaeilge_2022

4 – Tree Planting Resource – Engage your parish or diocese in Tree Planting initiatives this year. Thanks to ‘Easy Treesie’ we have all the tips you need and prayers for a tree planting service.

5 – Creation Walk Stations 1-25 – adapted from the booklet by Fr. Brian Grogan SJ, Creation Walk: The Amazing Story of a Small Blue Planet. You might use this resource in your parish community by setting up stations around the church, or around your parish, to convey the different stages of the story of our Universe. This resource will provide people with an opportunity to experience the wonder and awe of God’s creation and to become familiar with the story of our Universe.

6 – Earth Day Prayer Service – This beautiful service was compiled by Balally Parish, Dublin to celebrate Earth Day (April 22nd) but could be adapted and used as part of any Season of Creation event. It includes a reflection by Father Dermot Lane. 

7 – Practical Actions 2022 – Some suggestions for practical actions this Season of Creation.

Season of Creation Prayer 2022 – A Video Reflection which can be used for meetings, prayers, on social media or in parishes with PowerPoint accessibility. (Video will be ready before September)

Brother River Meditation  – A 3 minute reflection of nature sounds and visuals. This could be used at the start of a liturgy or a meeting to help people reflect on this year’s theme: Listen to the Voice of Creation. 

September 3rd   : St Gregory the Great, pope and doctor of the Church

Gregory’s moral theology shaped medieval spirituality and in his writings offered a practical wisdom for the Christians of his day.  He was a reluctant Pope preferring to remain as monk.  It is believed that he may have been responsible for Gregorian Chant but this is not confirmed. He died in 604 and was immediately made a saint.  He is the patron saint of Musicians.

  • For more information check out: HERE
  • Check out this 4 minute video which is concise and provides a very good overview of this incredible saint HERE:

 September 4th St Mac Nissi

Oengus Mac Nissi took his name from his mother Cnes or Ness. It is claimed that Patrick baptised him and taught him the psalms. He seems to be one of the early converts. He chose the district of Connor for his hermitage, but later became bishop of his clan. He died early in the sixth century. Along with St Malachy, St MacNissi is patron of the Catholic diocese of Down and Connor. St MacNissi’s College was opened as a residential college at Garron Tower (see image) on the north-east Antrim coast in the 1950s and remained a prominent second level college in the diocese until 2010, when it amalgamated with two other Antrim schools to become St Killian’s College.

For further information check out HERE

September 5th    The International Day of Charity / Lá Idirnáisiúnta Tiomanta don Charthanacht

 “Charity can alleviate the worst effects of humanitarian crises, supplement public services in health care, education, housing and child protection.”

 The General Assembly of the United Nations designated the 5th of September, the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa, as the International Day of Charity.

Originally a Hungarian civil society initiative to commemorate Mother Teresa’s death, International Day of Charity on September 5 took off worldwide in 2012 when the UN declared it an international holiday. Besides honouring Mother Teresa’s tireless work to help others overcome poverty and suffering for which she received a Noble Peace Prize in 1979. The holiday provides a platform for charitable opportunities to take place. Overall, this day reminds us that simple acts of charity can alleviate the worst effects of humanitarian crises and create more inclusive and resilient societies. Use this day with your students to explore the idea of volunteering and why it is a valuable way of contributing to their community.  “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” ― Mother Teresa 

Source: https://nationaltoday.com/international-day-charity/

  • More information on how this day originated can be found HERE
  • Acceptance speech by St Teresa on the occasion of her acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize HERE.  (Video is 19 minutes long)
  • Mother Teresa would be a wonderful Person of Commitment for our 2nd See Powerpoint Presentation
  • Mary’s Meals run a wonderful programme for schools that would encourage our young people to support other young people who need their support. The provide a free school’s programme which can be sourced HERE, the pack contains:
    • A teacher/ youth leader guide, with six lesson plans
    • Complementary resource containing excerpts from the bestselling book The Shed That Fed A Million Children
    • Certificate to present to those who complete the programme.

September 8th       Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary / Saolú na Maighdine Muire

On Our Lady’s birthday the Church celebrates the first dawning of redemption with the appearance in the world of the Saviour’s mother, Mary. The Blessed Virgin occupies a unique place in the history of salvation, and she has the highest mission ever commended to any creature. We rejoice that the Mother of God is our Mother, too. Let us often call upon the Blessed Virgin as “Cause of our joy”, one of the most beautiful titles in her litany.

For further resources check out the following:

  • Busted Halo have a very good 2 minutes video on Mary which tells it as it is. Background music and good visuals worth checking HERE
  • More information on the Nativity of Our Lady can be sourced HERE and
  • For a Powerpoint presentation on Our Lady click on the link below:

 September 8th                  International Literacy Day / Lá Idirnáisiúnta Tiomanta don Litearthacht

This year’s International Literacy Day will be celebrated worldwide under the theme, “Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces” and will be an opportunity to rethink the fundamental importance of literacy learning spaces to build resilience and ensure quality, equitable, and inclusive education for all. For more information check out: https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/literacyday

Ways to Celebrate International Literacy Day in Class

  1. Read about some of history’s Heroes of Literacy who contributed to worldwide literacy.
  2. Media literacy is critical in today’s world, and you should make sure your students have the tools they need to understand what’s real and what’s not. Devote some class time to helping them spot misinformation with our guide on Ways to Build Media Literacy in Your Students, and Why You Should.
  3. Celebrate with a Read-a-Thon using your classroom library.
  4. Schedule a video conferencing session with an author. Or, if you know any local authors in your area, invite them to your class. Get some pointers for a smooth visit here.
  5. Share the story of NASA Astronaut Kjell Lindgren and how reading paved his path to space. You can find his story here.

Source https://www.waterford.org/resources/8-classroom-activities-for-international-literacy-day/

 September 9th :   Feast Day of Blessed Frederic Ozanam

The Church throughout the world, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SSVP) and the Vincentian Family celebrate on 9th of September the feast of the blessed Frederick Ozanam, principal founder of the SSVP, whose feast day was established by the Vatican as the date of his death (8 September) was the feast of the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Frédéric Ozanam always respected the poor while offering whatever service he could. Each man, woman, and child were too precious to live in poverty. Serving the poor taught Frédéric something about God that he could not have learned elsewhere. A man convinced of the inestimable worth of each human being, Frédéric served the poor of Paris well, and drew others into serving the poor of the world. Through the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, which he founded, his work continues to the present day. These words, spoken in 1834 by Frederic Ozanam, remain accurate in today’s world:

“The question which is agitating the world today is a social one. It is a struggle between those who have nothing and those who have too much. It is a violent clash of opulence and poverty which is shaking the ground under our feet. Our duty as Christians is to throw ourselves between these two camps in order to accomplish by love what justice alone cannot do”.

  • For a short video (under 2 mins) on his life and other resources see: HERE
  • For further information check out HERE

 September 9th  International Day to Protect Education from Attack

The day was established by a unanimous decision of the UN General Assembly, calling on UNESCO and UNICEF to raise awareness of the plight of millions of children living in countries affected by conflict. The resolution proclaiming the Day was presented by the State of Qatar and co-sponsored by 62 countries.

The Safe Schools Declaration was opened for state endorsement in Oslo, Norway, in May 2015. It is a political commitment to better protect students, teachers, schools and universities during armed conflict, to support the continuation of education during war, and to put in place concrete measures to deter the military use of schools. By endorsing the Declaration, States commit to restoring access to safe education and to developing education systems that are conflict-sensitive and promote respect between social or ethnic groups. 

For a glimpse into the lives of young people who live in areas of armed conflict this is a 3 minute video which is definitely worth watching. https://youtu.be/PqZBepONNMI

For further information click here: https://www.un.org/en/observances/protect-education-day

September 10th World Suicide Prevention Day/ Working Together to Prevent Suicide

 The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2022 is ‘Creating Hope Through Action’. It is a time when we can spread a message of hope to others. Even though suicide is a very complex issue, we can always look out for those who might be experiencing suicidal thoughts and provide support. In this way, we can all contribute and play our part in creating a caring society in which those who may need support, feel comfortable in seeking help.

World Suicide Prevention Day Event

This online event will take place on September 15th to mark World Suicide Prevention Day.  All welcome and attendance is free, please RSVP here: NSRF World Suicide Prevention Day Lunchtime Webinar Tickets, Thu, Sep 15, 2022 at 11:30 AM | Eventbrite

September 10th – St Peter Claver

A native of Spain, young Jesuit Peter Claver left his homeland forever in 1610 to be a missionary in the colonies of the New World. He sailed into Cartagena, a rich port city washed by the Caribbean. He was ordained there in 1615.

By this time the slave trade had been established in the Americas for nearly 100 years, and Cartagena was a chief center for it. Ten thousand slaves poured into the port each year after crossing the Atlantic from West Africa under conditions so foul and inhuman that an estimated one-third of the passengers died in transit.

As soon as a slave ship entered the port, Peter Claver moved into its infested hold to minister to the ill-treated and exhausted passengers. After the slaves were herded out of the ship like chained animals and shut up in nearby yards to be gazed at by the crowds, Claver plunged in among them with medicines, food, bread, brandy, lemons, and tobacco and assured his brothers and sisters of their human dignity and God’s love. During the 40 years of his ministry, Claver instructed and baptized an estimated 300,000 slaves.

September 11th   – 9/11 R.E. Resources /Acmhainn

A reminder that the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is committed to providing ongoing resources for students, teachers, families, and the general public. They provide a host of educational resources, the Museum strives to foster a deeper understanding of the continuing impact of 9/11 and terrorism on America and the world at large. Recognising that it can be difficult for parents and teachers to talk about terrorism with young people, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum remind us that these conversations are crucial to help future generations understand the events that shaped their world.

Teach + Learn Information, context and resources exploring the attacks of 9/11, including excellent education programmes, lesson plans and interactive timelines are available at:

 September 12th           Memorial of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary  

Cuimhneachán ar Ainm ró- Naofa na Maighdine Beannaithe Muire.

The feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary began in Spain in 1513 and in 1671 was extended to all of Spain and the Kingdom of Naples. In 1683, John Sobieski, king of Poland, brought an army to the outskirts of Vienna to stop the advance of Muslim armies loyal to Mohammed IV of Constantinople. After Sobieski entrusted himself to the Blessed Virgin Mary, he and his soldiers thoroughly defeated the Muslims. Pope Innocent XI extended this feast to the entire Church. Mary always points us to God, reminding us of God’s infinite goodness. She helps us to open our hearts to God’s ways, wherever those may lead us. Honoured under the title “Queen of Peace,” Mary encourages us to cooperate with Jesus in building a peace based on justice, a peace that respects the fundamental human rights of all peoples.

  • For further information click on: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/mosaint-holy-name-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary/
  • Fr Mike Schmitz is very popular at the moment through the Bible in a Year podcast. He does a lovely talk on Our Lady and points out two reasons why calling Mary our mother can improve our relationship with Christ, and strengthen our faith life. – he definitely has a talent for keeping your attention. You can watch his  minute video HERE

September 13th St John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

People who are willing to stand up for what is right and condemn what is evil leave their mark on the world. But they also may find themselves with enemies. John Chrysostom, an eloquent bishop-preacher of the fourth century, understood this.

In 397, John was made the bishop-patriarch of Constantinople. He lived a simple life, giving his wealth over for the building of hospitals, and he set about reforming the clergy and the city. He deposed bishops for buying their way into office. John sold much of the expensive furniture in the bishop’s residence and gave the money to those who were poor. He attacked wealthy people for misuse of their riches. John sought to reform the lax clergy, to straighten out the badly managed budget, and to rid the land of violence. His zeal for charity and justice angered the empress, Eudoxia, and provoked the jealousy of Theophilus, the patriarch of Alexandria. John was impeached and exiled. Even though he had the support of Pope Innocent I, John was exiled even farther away and died en route in 407.

The role of a true prophet is to comfort the disturbed and to disturb the comfortable. John Chrysostom did just that.

  • For some great quotes by this Saint check here : HERE
  • For further information on him check here: HERE

 September 14th          Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross / Féile Ghlórú na Croise Naofa

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, celebrated every year on September 14th, recalls three historical events: the finding of the True Cross by Saint Helena, the mother of the emperor Constantine; the dedication of churches built by Constantine on the site of the Holy Sepulchre and Mount Calvary; and the restoration of the True Cross to Jerusalem by the emperor Heraclius II. But in a deeper sense, the feast also celebrates the Holy Cross as the instrument of our salvation. This instrument of torture, designed to degrade the worst of criminals, became the life-giving tree that reversed Adam’s Original Sin when he ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden.

For more information click here:

September 15th:  Our Lady of Sorrows

Devotion to the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady has its roots in Sacred Scripture and in Christian piety, which always associates the Blessed Mother with her suffering Son. Today’s feast was introduced by the Servites in order to intensify devotion to Our Lady’s Sorrows. In 1817 Pius VII — suffering grievously in exile but finally liberated by Mary’s intercession — extended the feast to the universal Church. The title “Our Lady of Sorrows” focuses on Mary’s intense suffering during the passion and death of Christ. “The Seven Dolors,” the title by which it was celebrated in the 17th century, referred to the seven swords that pierced the Heart of Mary.

The feast is like an octave for the birthday of Our Lady on September 8th. As Mary stood at the foot of the Cross on which Jesus hung, the sword of sorrow Simeon had foretold pierced her soul. Below are the seven sorrows of Mary:

  1. The prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25-35)
  2. The flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)
  3. Loss of the Child Jesus for three days (Luke 2:41-50)
  4. Mary meets Jesus on his way to Calvary (Luke 23:27-31; John 19:17)
  5. Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25-30)
  6. The body of Jesus being taken from the Cross (Psalm 130; Luke 23:50-54; John 19:31-37)
  7. The burial of Jesus (Isaiah 53:8; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42; Mark 15:40-47)

For further information check the following:

 September 21st:  International Day of Peace / Lá Idirnáisiúnta Tiomanta don Síocháin

The 2022 theme for the International Day of Peace is “End racism. Build peace.” We invite you to join the efforts of the United Nations as we work towards a world free of racism and racial discrimination. A world where compassion and empathy overcome suspicion and hatred. A world that we can truly be proud of.

Divide into groups of 5 and ask each group to answer the following 2 questions:

  • What do I want this space (school) to be like each week? Eg, positive, relaxing, calm, etc.
  • In order to achieve this what must we do? Eg. Respect, smile, interact, etc.

This exercise promotes a unified positive sheet where everyone agrees in the end that each of us has a role in making this world a better place.

September 21st:   Matthew the Evangelist / Maitiú, Soiscéalaí

At the time that Jesus summoned him to follow Him, Matthew was a publican, that is, a tax-collector for the Romans. His profession was hateful to the Jews because it reminded them of their subjection; the publican, also, was regarded by the Pharisees as the typical sinner. St. Matthew is known to us principally as an Evangelist. He was the first to put down in writing our Lord’s teaching and the account of His life. His Gospel was written in Aramaic, the language that our Lord Himself spoke. Matthew’s Gospel makes clear that Jesus is the fulfilment of everything said by the prophets in the Old Testament. His book is the first of the four Gospels in the New Testament. The Church established St. Matthew’s feast day as September 21st.

https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=84  

http://www.stmatthewcr.org/parish/who-was-st-matthew/

September 23rd    St. Padre Pio / Naomh Padre Pio

St. Padre Pio was an Italian priest who was known for his piety and charity, as well as the gift of the stigmata, which has never been explained. Padre Pio was hearing confessions when he felt pain in his hands and feet. He noticed the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, appearing on his hands and feet. The experience was painful. Bleeding occurred. The wounds smelled of roses, and although they continued to weep, they never became infected. Doctors who later examined the stigmata were amazed at their perfectly round shape. By 1919, word began to spread about Padre Pio’s stigmata and people came from far away to examine him. Padre Pio died on September 23, 1968. His funeral was attended by over 100,000 people. Pope John Paul II recognized Padre Pio as a saint on June 16, 2002. His feast day is September 23rd.  

  • Click HERE for a full length movie about St. Padre Pio
  • For more information on St Padre Pio check HERE
  • For prayers and devotions etc check HERE

September 25th : St. Finbarr        

Born in the second half of the 6th century AD, in Achaid Duborcon near Crookstown, Co. Cork, to a slave girl and her metalworker husband from Connacht, who had moved to Munster to find work, St

Finbarr (also known as Barra) is the patron saint of Cork.

As an adult, Finbarr left home with three unidentified ascetics and spent time in Scotland, including on the Isle of Barra, before establishing various hermitages in his native area, notably at Kilclooney and on the island here in Gougane Barra. St Finbarr died at Cloyne in 633 AD and his remains were taken to Cork to be enclosed in a silver shrine in what is now St Finbarr’s Cathedral. 

 September 27th Feast Day of St. Vincent de Paul / Féile Naomh Uinseann de Pól

The name of Vincent de Paul is synonymous with compassion and practical help for the needy. As a young priest Vincent was deeply moved by the misery in which many of the people in city slums and remote country areas in France lived. The poor were neglected both spiritually and materially, while the rich lived in luxury. He felt urged to do something to change the situation. Alone he could do very little, so he enlisted the help of many willing volunteers, mostly women, and in 1617 formed them into groups to help the poor in their local areas. These groups became known as the Confraternities of Charity. Concerned about the spiritual poverty of the country people, four years later, in 1625 he gathered another group around him and the Congregation of the Mission, better known in Ireland as the Vincentian Fathers, came into being. Then in 1633, together with St Louise de Marillac, he co-founded the Daughters of Charity, who would have “for cloister the streets of the city.”  For more information on St. Vincent see: https://www.famvin.org/wiki/Vincent_de_Paul

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP)

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) was founded in Ireland in 1844. It is the largest voluntary charitable organisation in Ireland. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) charity is a Christian voluntary organisation, working with people experiencing poverty and disadvantage. Inspired by their principal founder, Frederic Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent de Paul, they seek to respond to the call every Christian receives to bring the love of Christ to those in need: “I was hungry and you gave me food” (Matthew 25). No work of charity is foreign to the Society. They are involved in a diverse range of activities:

Teacher: Young SVP provides opportunities to engage in social action in local communities and encourages personal and social development.  The programme will enable young students to develop projects that will improve the lives of others and gain a better understanding of Social Justice.  For more information check : https://www.svp.ie/what-we-do/young-svp.aspx

September 29th: International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste

 On 29 September 2022, the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste will be observed for the third time.

Reducing food loss and waste is of significant importance as it contributes to the realization of broader improvements to agri-food systems toward achieving food security, food safety, improving food quality and delivering on nutritional outcomes. Reducing food loss and waste also contributes significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as pressure on land and water resources.

You are kindly invited to join the global virtual event in observance of this year International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. Stay tuned for further details!

“Getting involved guide” will be soon available, together with other relevant material, to be used for country level and local initiatives. Please visit the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste website for keeping yourself updated!

Get Involved

Do you want to mark the observance of the IDAFLW 2021 with an event, but do not have any original ideas to do so? Here are some tips to organize different activities or new formats for events – either by going digital or respecting any physical distancing measures. Find out more about how you can promote the Day by reading the  Download the Get Involved guide for the 3rd edition of the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste.

Teacher this might be a good time to do a group work exercise on what we waste daily and how we can reduce our waste.  It could also become a whole school exercise.

September 29th : Feast of the Archangels / Féile na nArdaingeal

Today is the feast of St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael.  The liturgy celebrates the feast of these three archangels who are venerated in the tradition of the Church. Michael is the archangel who fought against Satan and all his evil angels, defending all the friends of God. He is the protector of all humanity from the snares of the devil. Gabriel announced to Zachariah the forthcoming birth of John the Baptist, and to Mary, the birth of Jesus. His greeting to the Virgin, “Hail, full of grace,” is one of the most familiar and frequent prayers of the Christian people. Raphael is the archangel who took care of Tobias on his journey.

Teacher the idea of an Angel accompanying each one of us through life is a source of comfort.  Our Angel Guardian may not be revealed to us but the Angel is there none the less.  It could be an exercise in itself to explore what this means, why we have a Spiritual Companion with us and how can that companion enable us to feel less lonely at times when we feel lonely.