CTK – Witness – Prayer Resources – W/C 4/5/26
Hello everyone, and welcome back to CTKPray.
The prayer theme for this week is Witness (Year A)
- During the month of May we reflect on Mary, the Church has dedicated this month especially to her as a way of honouring her role in salvation history and learning from her example of faith.
- In the chapel during May there will be a space to pray the Rosary individually or as a group during certain breaktimes – speak to Beth or Vicky for more information
This week is the 5th week of Eastertide (Year A) – prayer table cloths should remain Gold or White
4th May – Feast of English Martyrs
This week focuses on the theme of Witness.
Extra-Ordo-Nary flip book
Change the page, read the theme and talk about what this word means to you in your pairs.
As a form, reflect on what Witness means to you all.
Watch this video
Watch the video and talk about what witness means to you.
Below you will find this week’s Gospel reading from Sunday’s mass and another piece of scripture on our prayer theme.
If you would like to explore your own scriptures, the link below will take you to open bible which allows you to explore scripture on any theme. Please use the English Standard Version Anglicised (ESVUK) translation –
https://www.openbible.info/topics/joy
Choose somebody in your form to read one of the scriptures below – you may also want to read this from the bible in your form room.
Sunday Gospel Reading John 14:1-12
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John
Glory to you O Lord
Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
Prayer Theme Scripture Luke 2:25-35
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke
Glory to you, O Lord
Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,
“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation
that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”
And his father and his mother marvelled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
Let us take some time today to respond and reflect on our theme of Witness.
Please pick one of the below sections to help you to respond to this week’s theme. Let us know how your form gets on in the comments below.
Mary as our Witness – The Magnificat
Mary is one of the greatest examples of what it means to be a witness to God’s love. She didn’t just say “yes” to God with her words – she lived her whole life for Him, even in the face of fear, uncertainty, and sacrifice.
One of the most powerful ways we see Mary’s witness is through her prayer of praise called the Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55). Mary proclaims this song of praises when she visits her cousin Elizabeth, and her heart overflows with joy because of what God is doing in her life.
“My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour… He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering his mercy…”
— Luke 1:46–55 (The Magnificat)
She praises God for lifting up the lowly, feeding the hungry, and remembering His promise of mercy. Mary’s prayer is the Church’s first act of praise – and it’s deeply connected to the heart of Catholic Social Teaching.
We are going to spend some time listening to the Magnificat (you’re welcome to sing along!), as you listen to the hymn, write down key words or sentences from the Magnificat that stand out to you and reflect on the questions below –
“My soul glorifies the Lord…”
Mary begins with praise, reminding us to notice and thank God for the good in our lives.
What can you thank God for today?
Examples from 9P – Where have you witnessed someone being loving? (e.g. showing kindness, loyalty, understanding, respect) Where have you witnessed others working hard? (E.g. dinner staff, bus drivers, cleaning and site staff, shop workers, health workers) Where have you witnessed someone doing the right thing? (sticking up for someone in need, smiling and being friendly to others, helping a peer with work)
“He has looked with favour on his lowly servant…”
God sees and values the humble and overlooked.
When have you felt seen by God or others? Who needs to be noticed today?
“He has brought down rulers… but lifted up the lowly.”
Mary proclaims a world where justice matters and the powerful are challenged.
Where do you see injustice – and how can you help lift someone up?
“He has filled the hungry with good things…”
God cares for those in need – body and soul.
How can you help feed the hungry or support those in need this week?
“He has remembered his promise of mercy…”
God is faithful and never forgets His people.
How have you experienced God’s mercy – and how can you show mercy to others?
Mary, the Mother of Jesus – Quiz
Mary is one of the greatest examples of what it means to be a witness to God’s love. She didn’t just say “yes” to God with her words – she lived her whole life for Him, even in the face of fear, uncertainty, and sacrifice.
Let’s see how much we know about Mary in this Quiz!
Mary, the Mother of Jesus – Quiz
1. How old was Mary when the angel Gabriel came to her?
A) About 30 years old
B) About 15 years old
C) About 25 years old
Answer
B) About 15 years old
2. How many times is the Hail Mary prayer said in the Rosary?
A) 10
B) 53
C) 50
Answer
B) 53
3. What Biblical book does Mary appear in first?
A) Matthew
B) Luke
C) John
Answer
B) Luke
4. How many Marys are there in the Bible?
A) 3
B) 5
C) 7
Answer
C) 7
5. How far did Mary travel to give birth to Jesus?
A) About 80 miles (from Nazareth to Bethlehem)
B) About 10 miles
C) About 150 miles
Answer
A) About 80 miles (from Nazareth to Bethlehem)
6. What are the last words Mary speaks in the Bible?
A) “Do whatever he tells you.”
B) “Let it be done to me.”
C) “My soul glorifies the Lord.”
Answer
A) “Do whatever he tells you.”
7. What was the name of Mary’s cousin whose baby jumped for joy in her womb?
A) Ruth
B) Elizabeth
C) Anna
Answer
B) Elizabeth
8. What are the two months we celebrate Mary in the Catholic Church?
A) May and October
B) December and March
C) April and August
Answer
A) May and October
9. What is the name of the prayer where we reflect on events in Mary and Jesus’ lives?
A) The Divine Mercy
B) The Rosary
C) The Creed
Answer
B) The Rosary
10. Which of the following is a well-known title given to Mary in the Catholic Church?
A) Queen of Heaven
B) Light of the World
C) Saviour of Souls
Answer
A) Queen of Heaven
Let us know how many you got right, in the comment section below!
During this season, we reflect on the idea of witness—how we show who we are through our actions, choices, and attitudes. Each of us is constantly giving witness to something: kindness or indifference, hope or doubt, courage or fear. Even when life feels uncertain, our everyday actions speak volumes. We are called to be witnesses of goodness, truth, and compassion in the world around us.
In the month of May, we also look to Mary, Mother of Jesus as a powerful example of witness. Mary did not always have clear answers, but she trusted, listened, and responded with faith. Her quiet strength reminds us that being a witness doesn’t require perfection—just openness and courage.
C – Community
We build a community where everyone is encouraged to be a positive witness. This means supporting one another in making good choices, especially when it’s difficult. Like Mary, who stood faithfully alongside others, we are called to stand with our peers—lifting each other up and helping one another grow in confidence and character.
A – Achieve
Being a witness calls us to achieve our potential not just in what we do, but in who we are. It means striving to act with integrity, resilience, and kindness. Mary’s life shows that greatness often comes through quiet perseverance. Every time we choose to do what is right, even when it’s challenging, we are growing into stronger witnesses.
R – Respect
We show respect by recognising the value in every person. Each individual’s way of witnessing is unique. Mary respected God’s plan and the people around her, and we are called to do the same—listening, valuing differences, and treating others with dignity. Respect strengthens our community and deepens our impact as witnesses.
E – Encounter
We encounter opportunities to be witnesses every day—in small acts of kindness, in speaking up for what is right, or in simply being there for someone who needs support. Like Mary, who encountered God in ordinary yet profound moments, we too discover our purpose in everyday experiences. Each moment is a chance to reflect the values we believe in.
Being a witness is not about grand gestures; it’s about the consistent, everyday choices that shape who we are becoming. Inspired by Mary this May, we are encouraged to live with faith, courage, and compassion—quietly making a difference in the lives of others.
Here are some song suggestions that you could use this week
This week in school, our theme is Witness.
Witness is the sharing of our faith with others. It is a way of testifying to the truth of Jesus Christ and the Gospel message. Our witness can be a way of celebrating the hope and joy that we have in Jesus and a way of powerfully sharing the good news with those around us.
Conversation Starters
Use these questions to start a chat together:
- What does ‘witness’ look like in your life and how can people show their faith through actions as well as words?
- Why can it sometimes feel difficult or uncomfortable to share our faith with others? How can we make this easier?
- In what ways can our daily lives—through our attitudes, choices, and relationships—reflect the joy and hope of the Gospel, even in small or ordinary moments?
Prayer
Loving God, you call us to be your witnesses in the world through our words and actions.
Give us courage to speak about our faith and love to show it in how we treat others each day.
May our lives point others to you and reflect the hope of the Gospel.
Teach us to follow the example of the saints, who lived as faithful witnesses to your love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Mission
Together, choose something to do:
Acts of Kindness Challenge – as a family, choose a few intentional acts of kindness to do during the week (for neighbours, friends, or even strangers). At the end of the week, share how these actions reflected your faith and how people responded.
Encouragement Cards or Messages – create handwritten notes, texts, or cards with uplifting messages, prayers, or words of hope to send to others. Talk together about how simple words can be a powerful way of witnessing to others.
Saints as Witnesses – choose a saint as a family and learn a little about their life—how they showed their faith through actions, courage, or service to others. Talk about what made them a strong witness and pick one small way your family could imitate their example in the coming week.
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