Ben Calf Robe - St. Clare School
Celebrates…
25 Year Anniversary
May 12, 2006
Branching Out Into The Future!
Opening Comments and Greeting:
“We need WISDOM, WORK and RESPECT”
This mission statement was given to us by our namesake Ben Calf Robe - a Blackfoot Chief and Native elder who worked very hard to bring education to his people. He spent his life trying to make sure his people had access to and right to, be educated.
Today we gather to give thanks for the past 25 years,
that our school has continued to strive for the realization of Ben Calf Robe’s dream for his people.
We have always been devoted to offering the best possible education for our students. We have educated the whole person; the physical, the emotional, the spiritual, and the mental. We have taught our students our Native ways within our Catholic setting. We have combined our Native teachings, practices, traditions, ceremonies and beliefs with our own Catholic teachings, practices, traditions, ceremonies and beliefs.
We have always been a strong, diverse, special, unique and powerful, community of learners working together to help each other be the best we can be, each day. We have learned from each other, with each other, and for each other. We have realized that each of us has gifts, talents and abilities, that were given to us by God our Creator, and we must
respect these and use these to benefit each other and our planet Mother Earth.
Over these 25 years, we have learned that what we share in common, is stronger than what
may be different between us. Together we have chosen dreams to aspire to, goals to achieve, and plans for accomplishing these, for our all of our students, our families, and our staff.
Throughout our history as a school community, we have offered education, culture, and support for all our students and families. We have opened our doors (and hearts)…to the greater community through cultural events like our Round Dances, Pow Wows, Feasts, and working together with the Ben Calf Robe Society and MANY other community resources.
Ben Calf Robe-St.Clare School has evolved and will continue to thrive…always being the vibrant school community we are celebrating and honouring today. We will continue to keep Ben Calf Robe’s dream alive as we branch out into our future and our world.
Let us always remember… Creator God has been with us throughout our entire journey and His great love for us will continue to keep us strong in our bodies, minds and spirits. Today we call to the Creator to come and celebrate with us………………..
Ben Calf Robe – St. Clare School
25th Anniversary
Morning Activities
Pipe Ceremony with White Rainbow – blessing of food for the Feast
Mass at St. Clare Church
Prayer and Burnt Offering - White Rainbow
Feast
Break
MASS
at
St. Clare Church
Opening Song: We Are Gathered In the Light of God
Verse #1 – We are GATHERED in the Light of God (x4)
We are GATHERED,
We are GATHERED
Ohhhhh…
We are GATHERED in the Light of God (2x)
Verse #2 – We are SHARING in the Light of God
Verse #3 – We are THANKFUL in the Light of God
Verse #4 – We are PRAISING in the Light of God
Invitation to Prayer:
May Creator God who is the source of all wisdom, may Christ the Lord who is the Word of God made flesh, and may the Holy Spirit, who is the Spirit of Truth, be with you all.
AND ALSO WITH YOU.
Penitential Rite:
I confess to Almighty God, and to you my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do; and I ask blessed Mary, ever virgin, all the angels and saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen
Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy. Christ have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord have mercy.
Opening Prayer:
Let us pray: Gracious and Loving God, today we gather with one heart and one voice as we ask for your special blessing on Ben Calf Robe School in recognition of our 25th Anniversary.
O God of our yesterdays. We are thankful for the stories we share, for the memories of those important moments that have shaped the people we are, and which create a foundation and a bond among us.
O God of our todays. We are thankful too for the warmth and love we experience within the circle of this gathering. Here we have learned to celebrate the unique and special gifts each of us brings to our school community.
O God of our tomorrows. We are thankful for your call to help. Shape our world in the days ahead, and for your promise to be with us and within us guiding and empowering us.
Grant that the story of our lives may always give witness to your saving story. Open us to your spirit, that wherever we go from this time and place, we may be ambassadors of your love, and acceptance, and new life.
We make our prayer through Jesus Christ our Lord in unity with your all-holy Spirit.
AMEN.
First Reading: 1 John 3:18-24
Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before Him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and God knows everything.
Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; and we receive from Him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases God.
And this is God’s commandment, that we should believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.
All who obey His commandments abide in Him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that He has given us.
The Word of the Lord………………………………….Thanks Be To God
Gospel Acclamation: “Celtic Alleluia”
Gospel: Matthew 5: 13-16
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John 15:1-8
GLORY TO YOU O LORD
Jesus said to His disciples: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you.
“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.
Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”
The Gospel of the Lord……………………PRAISE TO YOU, LORD JESUS CHRIST
Homily: Father Jim Holland
Profession of Faith: Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day He rose again.
He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.
Amen
Prayers of the Faithful:
LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER.
For all the leaders within our community, especially for those gathered with us today, may they continue to share their talents and gifts, so that their spirits can continue to shine upon us. We pray to the Lord.
For all people, that we may care for the poor, sick and suffering, as followed by the example of Our Lord Jesus Christ. May our lives bring bright smiles, warm hugs and the love of laughter to those around us. We pray to the Lord.
For all those gathered here today, may all our lives have WISDOM, WORK and RESPECT and may we remember to continue to pass on Chief Ben Calf Robe’s inspirational message to others, to our school, to our families and to our community.
We pray to the Lord.
For special blessings on the children and families of Ben Calf Robe – St. Clare School, may the lessons which they have learned and will continue to learn within these walls… be those of faith, charity, good works and love. We pray to the Lord.
For the staff of Ben Calf Robe-St. Clare School, may they look to the life of our greatest teacher – Jesus Christ, follow in his footsteps, and educate in a manner of acceptance, compassion, determination, charity and total gift of self to others. We pray to the Lord.
For Ben Calf Robe-St. Clare School, may it always be used for your honor and glory and the good of the people within our community. We pray to the Lord.
Hymn: One Bread, One Body
One Bread One Body
Refrain
One bread, one body
One Lord of all
One cup of blessing which we bless
And we
though many
Throughout the earth
We are one body in this one
Lord
Gentile or Jew
Servant or free
Woman or man
No more
(Refrain)
Many the gifts
Many the works
One in the Lord
Of all
(Refrain)
Grain for the fields
Scattered and grown
Gathered to one
For all
(Refrain)
Preparation of the Gifts:
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands have made. It will become for us the bread of life.
Blessed be God for ever.
Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this wine to offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It will become our spiritual drink.
Blessed be God for ever.
Prayer over the Gifts:
Father, all powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks and praise, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
We praise you with greater joy than ever, in this Easter season, when Christ became our paschal sacrifice. In Him a new age has dawned, the long reign of sin is ended, a broken world has been renewed, and we are once again made whole.
The joy of the resurrection renews the whole world, while the choirs of angels sing forever to your glory
Holy, Holy (sung)
Holy Holy Holy Lord
God of power and might
Heaven and earth are full of your glory
Hosanna, hosanna on high
Blessed is He who comes
In the name of the Lord
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna Hosanna on high
Memorial Acclamation: (sung)
Christ has died, alleluia
Christ is risen, alleluia
Christ will come again,
Alleluia, alle-luia
Lord’s Prayer:
Let us pray with confidence to the Father in the words our Savior gave us:
Sign of Peace: Let us now share the sign of Peace …
My Peace I Leave/Lamb of God
My peace I leave
My peace I give
Peace for you
Peace for all
Lamb of God
You take away the sins of the world
Have mercy on us (2x)
Lamb of God
You take away the sins of the world
Grant us peace
This is the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Happy are those who are called to His supper.
Lord, I am not worthy to receive You,
but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
Communion Antiphon: John 15:1,5
I am the vine and you are the branches, says the Lord; he who lives in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit, alleluia.
Communion Hymn: Song of the Body of Christ
Song of the Body of Christ
Refrain:
We come to share our story,
We come to break the bread,
We come to know our rising,
From the dead.
We come as your people,
We come as your own,
United with each other
Love finds a home.
We are called to heal the broken,
To be hope for the poor,
We are called to feed the hungry,
At our door.
Bread of life and cup of promise,
In this meal we all are one.
In our dying and our rising,
May your kingdom come.
You will lead and we shall follow,
You will be the breath of life;
Living water, we are thristing
For your light.
We will live and sing your praises.
“Alleluia” is our song.
May we live in love and peace,
Our whole life long.
Closing Prayer:
God of life, of beginnings and endings, we greet you with loving and grateful hearts. We thank you for the gifts of Ben Calf Robe-St.Clare School, for the memorable times spent here and the many wonderful people who have touched our lives.
As we branch out and journey forward, open our eyes, our ears and our hearts to the wonder that life sets before us. May we continue to grow in age, wisdom, knowledge and grace. And may your word continue to take root in our lives and lead us to bear your blessings to others.
For all your blessings, for your saving power, and for your amazing love, we thank you Lord.
We pray through Christ our Lord………………………………………..AMEN.
Final Blessing:
Let us bow our heads and ask Creator God to bless us and our school…….
All praise to you, heavenly Father, Lord of all creation: you have gathered us in this school community to praise you by our thoughts, our words and our deeds.
Bless (+) this school for the education of our young people.
Bless (+) all the students and staff, the parents, the school volunteers, our school board members, employees, and all who promote sound education in our community.
Bless (+) all our former students, families and staff as well as all future students, families, and staff.
Bless (+) all our guests and special friends, who are joining us to celebrate this day of accomplishment.
May we all continue to grow in wisdom, work, and respect before you Creator… and all your people.
May Ben Calf Robe-St.Clare School continue to be a home of truth and wisdom, of faith and knowledge, good will and hope …to all whom we reach.
May this school continue to help our students, their families, and the community, to build your kingdom of justice, light, and peace.
Loving Creator, listen to our prayers, which we offer through Christ our Lord, in your Holy Spirit: all glory to you, one God, forever and ever.
AMEN.
Closing Song: Holy Ground
This is holy ground.
We’re standing on holy ground.
For the Lord is present,
And where God is, is holy.
(Repeat)
These are holy hands.
God’s given us holy hands.
God works through these hands
And so these hands are holy.
(Repeat)
These are holy hearts.
God’s given us holy hearts.
God loves through these hearts
And so these hearts are holy.
(repeat)
These are holy lives.
God’s given us holy lives.
God speaks through these lives
And so these lives are holy.
(Repeat)
Closing Remarks: In Honour of St. Clare
“Trust that what you get is all you need.”
St. Clare of Assisi
This statement was one of St. Clare’s strongest beliefs and proves true in the history of Ben Calf Robe School.
St. Clare – the namesake for the school which has been our home for the last 16 years – gave up all her worldly goods, escaping from her family on Palm Sunday, to follow St. Francis of Assisi’s example of living for the Lord. Clare even inspired her own sisters Agnes, Beatrice and Pacifica, to escape and join her as well.
Clare spent her life fighting against hierarchy, giving generously to those in need, and helping to end a 300 year war, forming one of the world’s FIRST peace movements.
In her life, St. Clare was known for her strength and determination. She never gave up – even when she had to go against the wishes of twelve popes! Clare was also well known for her writings. She wrote her own rules for her convent of sisters. For 29 years, Clare ruled from her sick bed until her death, keeping her convent and sisters safe.
St. Clare’s nuns continue to live their lives in poverty, charity, happiness and joy, just as St. Clare did.
St. Clare taught that we should be happy with what the Lord gives us.
Today we celebrate all that the Lord has given us at Ben Calf Robe School.
You are invited to join us for refreshments, camaraderie and to tour our school.
Afternoon Activities
Host Drum: Thundering Spirit
Choreography: Amanda Woodward
Formal Presentation: Bryan Richardson
Honour Drum Song
Grand Entry Song: with candles of fire
Candles of Fire - 30 BCR students representing our k-9 population
Elite Performance Dance Troupe - with four elements
Four Elements - Rock, Water, Fire and Wind in their assigned Cardinal Direction
4 Directions Prayer
Welcome: Elder Betty Lafferty
Presentations of Gifts
BCR Elite Dancer Presentation
Round Dance
Closing Comments
Farewell
