I believe that each of my students is your child.

I believe that they are a reflection of your love.

I believe that each child possesses special gifts and talents,

that you are entrusting me to help them discover these gifts

and nurture those talents.

I believe that each child is trying to find you,

And that I can be a model of how to look,

How to live, how to pray.

I believe that my job is actually a mission, a ministry;

That you have chosen me in this time and in this place

To be there for these kids.

I believe that there is nothing haphazard about my day,

About my experiences with my students or with their parents.

It is all part of your plan.

I believe that you have chosen me, Lord.

I believe.

Amen

Creator of all things, true source of light and wisdom, origin of all being, graciously let a ray of your light penetrate the darkness of my understanding.

Take from me the double darkness in which I have been born, an obscurity of sin and ignorance.

Give me a keen understanding, a retentive memory, and the ability to grasp things correctly and fundamentally.

Grant me the talent of being exact in my explanations and the ability to express myself with thoroughness and charm.

Point out the beginning, direct the progress, and help in the completion.  I ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.  

Amen. 

Saint Thomas Aquinas, OP