These are difficult times indeed for our College Community. The death of any teen is tragic, made especially difficult that we are in remote learning. It is during this time that we must go gently with each other, to reach out and to say kind and loving words.

As we are unable to attend Church, where many find comfort in reflection and prayer as well as the opportunity to grieve the loss of loved ones, you may like to run a small prayer service at home. The service (below) may help you find the strength to support each other; as well as ensure hope, compassion and love continues to radiate through our school community All that is required is a candle, and a quiet and reflective space.

Reader 1

We gather together as a family to remember Jordan Rosewarne.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

We light a candle for Jordan Ty Rosewarne, a gentle loving soul who is now at peace. We remember Jordan’s family; his mum Stacey, his dad Adam, his sister Amber and all of his extended family. Help them through this most difficult time. May the love and support of family, friends and the St Joseph’s College community give them comfort in their time of loss.

Reader 2

A READING from the Gospel of John 14:1-4

Jesus Comforts His Disciples

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

This is the Word of the Lord

All: Thanks Be to God

The Gospel passage we just heard is not only about life after death, but is a passage that has everything to do with our lives here and now. Jesus calls us back to this fundamental relationship of trust and assures us he is not abandoning us. There is no need to panic, no need to search desperately for a secret map. Jesus promises to be with us through the power of the Spirit. This does not necessarily happen in easily visible, spectacular ways. Yet wherever there is healing, reconciling, and life-giving work this is the work of God. Wherever there is life in abundance, this is Jesus’ presence in our midst.

Reader 3

Prayer litany

God our Creator, you give breath to each person you made.

You treasure the gifts of each unique person.

But when life becomes a burden rather than a gift,

ALL: God of life, hold us.

When darkness encroaches, when days become endless nights,

ALL: God of light, shine on us.

When no one seems to understand, when we walk and wait alone,

ALL: God of love, embrace us with your presence.

Where there is despair, bring hope; where there is shame, give value and worth;

where there is emptiness, bring fulfillment; where there is suffering in mind and

body, bring healing.

ALL: God of hope, hear our prayer for life.

Reader 4

Closing Prayer

Lord of all gentleness, surround us with your care and comfort us in our sorrow as we grieve for the loss of Jordan. Stand with us in all our sorrows and difficulties, knowing there is always people to listen to us. Words can have a profound effect on us. Words can bring a moment of comfort and support. They can give us courage and strength and help us through difficult times. May we like your Son Jesus, Mary MacKillop and Edmund Rice respond with faith and courage in the weeks ahead. Help us to support one another through this time as a compassionate St Joseph’s community.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. AMEN

In the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.