PRINCEVILLE — The high school students of St. Mary of the Woods Parish have published a new prayer book for teens, “The ‘Prince of Peace’ Princes Prayer Book.”
As the title suggests, the prayer book joins the students’ Catholic faith with their pride in their hometown and school, Princeville High School, whose sports teams are named “The Princes.”

The 38-page handbook of prayers and meditations also conveys the students’ love and appreciation for their former pastor, Msgr. Richard Soseman, as well as his love of high school football and support of the home team.

The book is the collaborative effort of the students in the parish’s high school CCD class and high school youth group.

Until this spring, high school CCD classes in Princeville were taught by Msgr. Soseman and Mr. Rollin Arnett, who coaches the Princes varsity football team. Msgr. Soseman recently moved to Rome after he was appointed to serve in the Vatican Congregation for the Clergy.

This winter, Msgr. Soseman asked the young people in his parish to make a Catholic prayer book that would be specially designed for high school students and young adults.

Each student or youth group member chose at least two prayers. The students chose the book’s title, and Msgr. Soseman did final editing and arranged for the book to be printed.

Msgr. Soseman also contributed several of the inspirational stories about saints that he would tell during his Youth Mass homilies on the night before a big game. Non-Catholic football team members also were invited to the parish’s pre-game gatherings.

In the pages of the book are morning and evening prayers, traditional Catholic devotional prayers, and special petitions “for times of study” and “for friends.” Because Princeville is a rural small town, the prayer of the Christian farmer is included.

“Monsignor taught us we had to represent our town and our school,” he said. “He just did so much for us. He is really going to be missed.”

Copies of “The ‘Prince of Peace’ Princes Prayer Book” are available from St. Mary of the Woods Parish by calling (309) 385-2578.