Catholic Education: Celebrating the Spirit
PRAYERS AND ACTIVITIES FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK
SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Catholic Education: Celebrating the Spirit
Each year, the Catholic community of Ontario engages in a week-long celebration of the unique identity and distinctive contributions of Catholic education during Catholic Education Week. This year’s celebration entitled “Catholic Education: Celebrating the Spirit” is scheduled for the week of May 1 – May 6. The scriptural theme is “All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God”, taken from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans. Our Catholic schools celebrate the life-giving Spirit within us and call on that Spirit to renew the face of the earth.
The five sub-themes for Catholic Education: Celebrating the Spirit are:
The Spirit of Hospitality
The Spirit of Understanding
The Spirit of Wisdom
The Spirit of Justice
The Spirit of Gratitude
The purpose of the Secondary School Resource Kit is to provide opportunities for students to engage in meaningful activities and reflection opportunities to deepen their awareness and understanding of both the gift and the responsibility of Catholic education. The Resource Kit contains:
• Daily prayers, student testimonials and reflection questions for each of the sub-themes
• A Eucharistic/prayer celebration for a large assembly
• An outline for a one day secondary school retreat
• Suggested movies, organized by sub-themes
• Notable quotations for reflection, organized by sub-themes
Feel free to adapt any materials to suit your particular needs. Materials may be found on the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association website. We also encourage all of our partners in Catholic education to reference past issues of the Catholic Education Week Resource Kit for prayers and activities, as many may be appropriate for this year’s theme.
Furthermore, the retreat outline offered for use with students, may be used at any time during the year and could easily be modified in whole or part for use with adults (staff retreats, parent meetings, board office meetings). This, or other retreats from past Catholic Education Week resource packages, could be kept for use in future years.
CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK
MAY 1 – MAY 6, 2011
CATHOLIC EDUCATION: CELEBRATING THE SPIRIT
SECONDARY SCHOOL RESOURCE KIT
Table of Contents
1. Morning Prayers, Student Testimonials and Reflection Questions
2. A Suggested Eucharistic/Prayer Celebration for Large Assembly
3. An Outline for a Secondary School Retreat
4. Movie Resources Related to the Five Sub-Themes of Catholic Education Week 2011
5. Notable Quotations for Student Use Related to the Five Sub-Themes of Catholic Education Week 2011
Morning Prayers, Student Testimonials and Reflection Questions
Students
You are a most significant educational influence on each other. We invite you to become active participants in the process of Catholic education. We urge you to bring your energy, enthusiasm and generosity to the task of building a Catholic community within your school and to shaping the vision of Catholic education. Your strengths and your weaknesses, your joys and your fears, your struggles and your searchings, will be welcomed in this community. Whatever your age, you are not too young to assume responsibility with and for your fellow students. You are a most significant educational influence on each other. You can help each other become disciples of Jesus Christ or you can hinder each other from becoming everything you are called to be. How you are with one another now will significantly influence how you will be with others as adults. The future of the Church and its mission of service in the world will be yours. For this you will need courage, self-discipline and all the love you are able to give. Take up the challenge of growing into a sense of who you are as Christians so that you can develop the talents you have been given and bring the best of yourself to the society in which you will be living. (Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario, This Moment of Promise)
Depending on your school’s practice, these prayers can be used in a variety of ways. Some schools have daily prayer over the school intercom, while others invite prayer within the community of the classroom. Each day, schools are invited to offer their own prayers and special intentions specific to the particular needs of their community of faith.
Each prayer emphasizes a sub-theme of Catholic Education Week. Following each prayer is a secondary student testimonial that gives witness to the sub-theme. Individual classes may choose to expand upon the prayer or delve deeper into the story told by each student. Reflection questions have been included in order to facilitate further discussion.
You may wish to select one or two individuals per homeroom class, prior to Catholic Education Week, to serve as prayer leaders each day. These students could be trained by the school’s Chaplaincy Leader to facilitate a prayer experience within the classroom. The prayer leaders could serve to deepen an understanding of some, or all, of the sub-themes by continuing the prayer begun in the morning and leading a deeper reflection, as suggested in the questions provided.
However you choose to use these prayers, student testimonials and reflections, there is plenty of room to experience the gift of Catholic education. In each corner of this province there are young people being shaped by their Catholic educational experience and are celebrating the Spirit alive in their midst!
MONDAY – SPIRIT OF HOSPITALITY
“Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody; I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.”
~Mother Teresa
CALL TO PRAYER
How appropriate it is to begin Catholic Education Week with the theme of “Hospitality”. “All are welcome in this place” is a way of saying that each and every one of us should see our face and hear our voice in the daily activities of ___________________________. Feeling welcome, safe and encouraged to be who you are should be the trademarks of hospitality the moment you walk through the doors of ___________________________. We join with every Catholic school in Ontario to offer our best in how we reach out to, welcome in and embrace the community around us. All are welcome!
Contemporary Music Connection: Home, Foo Fighters
Opening Prayer
Loving God, you gather all people into your warm embrace. Your only concern is that we extend this embrace of hospitality to others – caring for their every need.
May we approach others with open hands rather than clenched fists.
May we open doors of opportunity to all rather than hide behind closed doors of fear and denial.
May we be attentive to the spoken and unspoken needs within our community.
In the spirit of hospitality, we make our prayer through Jesus, the one who welcomed all to the table.
AMEN
Luke 10:38-42
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke:
(Glory to you, Lord)
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” Jesus answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayers of the Faithful Reflecting the Needs of Your School
Let us pray:
Mother, Father God – you surround us with signs and gestures of welcome. As we walk into this day, may we be ever mindful that we are your ambassadors of hospitality. May every mark of affection and every gesture of friendship given to others be a sign of God's hospitality that is meant for all.
AMEN
My name is Justine and I am a refugee. I was born in a small town in the Philippines. The town we lived in was very poor. I never knew my father and my mother had to leave the country to find employment to support our family. I was raised by my uncle and aunt.
I was not able to attend school in our village. This was my dream. I wanted to go to school one day in a country like Canada. One day, my uncle came to me and asked if I still wanted to go to school. He told me that I deserved the chance to study and that he would help me get a passport so that I could go to another country to go to school. I was so honoured that he was thinking of me for this opportunity.
Arrangements were made for me to obtain a passport. My dream was becoming a reality. With all the documents in place, I was driven to an airport. I was met by a total stranger who accompanied me on my journey. When we landed, I looked out the window and said; “Is this Canada?” She told me that we were now in Bangkok. I was scared. What was happening? Who was this person?
In Bangkok, I was taken to a house and put into a small room. They began to show me videos. I was shocked at the horrible images in front of me. I was then told that this is how I was to serve them. This was how I was to keep my life. I screamed and cried and yelled for someone to save me. Nobody answered. I soon began to realize that this was my life at stake. If I did not agree to the work they were demanding of me, I would die.
I was a slave to these people. My body became their property. Not my soul! Each day, I prayed that I would find safety. I knew that God would not abandon me. And then one day, it happened! A customer asked why I looked so tired and why I had chosen this life. I explained to him that I was confined to this place and that my freedom had been taken from me. He had no idea. I begged him not to speak with my captors. They would probably kill me. This man, this total stranger, took on my cause. He paid a great sum of money to smuggle me to Australia.
I remained in hospital in Australia for months. Eventually, UN officials learned my story and Canadians agreed to take me to safety. And so, here I am today at Notre Dame High School. I have lived in a house for refugees while studying to complete my high school diploma. I tell my story because I want people to know that this situation is real. This is happening to young girls, women and children all over the world. I am very grateful to my school and the wonderful teachers here. They are always encouraging me. They say; “You can do it, Justine. You can become the person you want to be.” I believe that God is alive here. I want people in Canada to know what a great country we have. I will forever be grateful to those who brought me to safety.
I pray for the girls who are left behind. Their lives have been taken from them. They will not have the chance to learn to read or write, or have a family, or a career. God be with them.
Today I am finishing my diploma and going on to College to study to be a nursing assistant. I feel very blessed and I cannot believe that I landed where God meant me to be.
Justine’s story is difficult for us to comprehend. But there are many women and children like Justine in countries all over the world who are used and abused. Our best form of hospitality is JUSTICE and to inform ourselves about human trafficking and to put an end to this assault on the dignity of people. For more information on human trafficking you may look to the following resources:
| |Human Trafficking web resource |
| | |
| |Anti-Slavery International |
| | |
| |Canadian Council for Refugees |
| | |
| |A Resource for NGOs and Victims of Human Trafficking in Canada |
Questions for Personal Reflection and/or Class Discussion
1. Hospitality entails welcoming the other and meeting their needs. It necessitates that the other is SEEN. Are there individuals in our school community who remain “unseen”? What concrete steps can we take to ensure that their needs are being met?
2. Sometimes we do not consider how our signs and gestures welcome others, or keep others away. Can you name signs and gestures evident in our school community that are welcoming? Are there signs and gestures that are alienating – even if not intended? What can we do to be more conscious of the signs and gestures that we use?
3. Justine had the great fortune to escape her slavery and be welcomed into a nurturing environment. Is there any formal strategy in place at the school to welcome newcomers into the school community? If you could create a welcoming committee for the school, describe the steps that you would take to welcome the stranger among you.
TUESDAY – SPIRIT OF UNDERSTANDING
“Those who believe something can't be done shouldn't interfere with those who are doing it.”
~Carter Heyward
CALL TO PRAYER
Open your eyes today to see more clearly the path that others walk! From your perspective, things may be doing just fine. But if you take a look around and are aware of what others may be dealing with, then you enlarge the scope of your understanding. Understanding is meant to always widen, like a panoramic view of a camera. The more I understand the more I “get it” and therefore can appreciate what other human beings have to deal with. When you see with the eyes of understanding, it should follow that your focus should be that of acceptance, appreciation and compassion. Is this not how Jesus chose to see his neighbours? Is this not what dignity is about?
Contemporary Music Connection: One, U2
Opening Prayer
God of Understanding, all I want is to fit in, to feel a part of, to not stand out but to be seen as normal and accepted. Some days feel like a real struggle – both in my inner world and the world in which I find myself. You knew me before I was born and you bless me with unquestioning love. Walk with me today and every day, so that I may shine like the stars in the sight of those around me. Make me a visible sign of the kind of understanding you hope to be afforded to each person and with every encounter.
AMEN
James 3:13, 17
A reading from the letter of James.
Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Prayers of the Faithful Reflecting the Needs of Your School
Let us pray:
Help me to understand the feelings of others, the desires of others, the struggles of others and the goals of others. At the same time, help me to understand myself in my actions and reactions. Widen my vision beyond my own small world to embrace, with knowledge and love, the worlds of others. Bless me with insight, acceptance and love that are enlightened with the dignity of which every human being is deserving.
AMEN
|I am eighteen years old and I identify as both gay and queer. I recently graduated | |I am a 16 year old female, I am an athlete, I am |
|from a Catholic Secondary School and I am now in my first year of undergraduate | |Catholic and I am gay. As a very young girl, I |
|studies. | |realized that there was something different about me.|
| | |I did not notice boys like all the other girls did |
|Before entering university, I spent fourteen years as a student within Catholic | |and this was confusing, scary and made me question |
|schools. I became well versed in the teachings of the Catholic Church. This, in | |why I was like this. |
|turn, has shaped me in several ways. | | |
| | |It was in high school when I began to realize and |
|Primarily, my Catholic education has taught me that we must stand up for not only | |accept who I was. I kept this secret from my friends,|
|what we believe in, but also for what is right. In the name of social justice, we | |because I was terrified they would drop me or make |
|must work towards ensuring that every human being is treated with love and respect | |fun of me or, maybe even bully me. I thought people |
|and is protected from injustices such as exclusion, discrimination and violence. | |would think I was a freak. I could never tell my |
|This will allow for each individual to achieve his/her full human potential while | |parents because, all my life I heard that being gay |
|living a safe and happy life. | |was not normal. |
| | | |
|My experiences in Catholic schools have also helped me to learn that in fighting for| |The very first person I told was a friend who, after |
|what we believe in and for what is right, we will inevitably face resistance from | |first being surprised, still was my friend. I told |
|others. Sometimes, people with great power and influence will stand against us. We | |other friends and they also accepted me. I finally |
|must not let such opposition bring us down. We must be strong and continue to act in| |told my older sister and she was so understanding. In|
|the name of social justice with the hope that our efforts will someday lead to great| |time, I told my Mom and she told my Dad. My Mom |
|success. | |accepts me, but my Dad still does not. |
| | | |
|Most importantly, my Catholic Education has taught me to be understanding. I have | |I believe God made me like this and I respect God in |
|been reminded that we all come from a number of different backgrounds and therefore,| |every way. I believe that God gave me so much |
|face a multitude of struggles. Hence, we must join hands in solidarity and help one | |strength to get through all of this. I thank God so |
|another deal with our hardships. We cannot let our differences separate and prevent | |much for giving me the friends that I have because |
|us from achieving our shared goal of ensuring the common good from which everyone | |they have helped and supported me. I thank God for my|
|can benefit. | |sister and my Mom because we are really close now. I |
| | |used to think God did not care, but I really think I |
|As I continue through life, I will certainly employ all that I have gained from my | |am so much closer to God now because God has helped |
|Catholic education towards guaranteeing the safety and well-being of others, because| |me through this very tough situation. |
|it is undeniable that “the inherent dignity of the human person is the foundation of| | |
|all Catholic social teaching” (from the “Major Themes” of Catholic Social Teaching, | | |
|). | | |
Questions for Personal Reflection and/or Class Discussion
1. The young woman in the testimonial spoke of the fear that she would not be accepted. Sometimes we are fearful of letting others know who we really are for fear of being rejected. Sometimes, we are unfairly judged. The hurtful comments of others can reflect a lack of understanding. We all want to be understood. Name those things that you would want others to understand about you.
2. The young man in today’s testimonial states, “In the name of social justice, we must work towards ensuring that every human being is treated with love and respect and is protected from injustices such as exclusion, discrimination and violence”. What progress have you witnessed at the school in the way that individuals are accepted? Are there cases of discrimination or intolerance in your school? Name them. What concrete steps can be taken to address this lack of understanding at your school?
3. Consider someone, or a group of individuals, who you have been resistant to get to know. If you were to widen your perspective and see with an understanding heart, what similarities do you think you would share with this individual or group? Naming these could be the first step to acceptance.
WEDNESDAY – SPIRIT OF WISDOM
“Oh would some power the gift give us, to see ourselves as others see us!”
~Robert Burns
CALL TO PRAYER
Who can know the mind of God? To them be glory forever!
The weak, the voiceless, those whom we call “other-abled” – do they not reveal the wisdom of God to those of us who claim to know it all? Today we focus on wisdom and the wisdom figures who witness in marvelous ways.
The wisdom spoken of here doesn’t come from years of study or academic rigor. Rather it is a wisdom derived from lived experience – often marked by the daily challenges of having dignity recognized by others. This wisdom is enhanced by a deep listening to one’s soul and an innocent, honest opening to the works of the Spirit.
The wisdom figures are not prominent politicians, scholars, or ancient gurus, but rather the least expectant ones – the elderly, the other-abled, the very young, the poor. They all can be prophets of wisdom for the benefit of modern day culture. Take time to stoop down low, to open your ears, or to simply observe what the “least of these” can teach you.
Contemporary Music Connection: Little Bit of Wisdom, Trick of Disaster
Opening Prayer
* “Anawim” (pronounced ann-a-weem) is a Hebrew word from the Old Testament which describes the “poor ones” who remained faithful to God in times of difficulty. These humble people became known as the anawim or the faithful remnant.
God of the Anawim, we search far and wide for wisdom figures to follow. Whom can we trust? Whom do we listen to? Whom do I follow? What are modern day musicians, athletes and movie stars telling me? Is it in the spotlight where I should be looking for the wisdom of the world?
Grant me the patience to sort through the many voices that call to me. Grant me the vision to see and follow those who are passionate about making faith and justice their travelling companions. Grant me an open heart that recognizes that what society names as the weakest amongst us are most often the ones that offer the most wisdom.
AMEN
Job 28:12, 23; Wisdom 6:12-20
A reading from the Old Testament books of Job and Wisdom.
But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? God understands the way to it and God knows its place.
Wisdom is radiant and unfading and she is easily discerned by those who love her and is found by those who seek her. One who rises early to seek her will have no difficulty, for she will be found sitting right before you. The beginning of wisdom is the most sincere desire for instruction.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Prayers of the Faithful Reflecting the Needs of Your School
Let us Pray:
Spirit of Wisdom, help us to listen to the cry of the voiceless,
listen to the groaning of the hungry,
listen to the sigh of the oppressed.
In the depth of silence may we listen to the peace of justice,
listen to the joy of celebration,
listen to the hope of a new world.
As we go about our day listen to the movement of the Spirit.
AMEN
My name is Alicia. I am an eighteen year old secondary school student hoping to major in psychology at university next year. I have spina bifida.
I did not always attend a Catholic high school. I chose to come to my current high school after grade nine. People say there is a difference and it’s true. I could feel it. There was just a different attitude at my Catholic high school. I found people to be very generous and not judgmental. I could talk to anyone. There was just a different perspective – I felt like people were not going to judge me by the way I looked. I felt more welcome.
Throughout my time here, I have felt very supported. I feel that the teachers really care about me as an individual. They care about where I am going in the future and they really want me to succeed. There has been a key group of teachers that has been very important to me. They have taken the time to tell me their own stories, the decisions they made and where they went in their lives. I know that if I ever need anyone to listen to me about any of my concerns for my own future, that I will be heard and cared for. Together, we can figure out my future!
For me, I think that the greatest gift of Catholic education has been the relationships that I have formed. I have come to realize that it’s not just about going to school and getting good grades – it’s about becoming a better person. The strong relationships that I have made here at the school have taught me how to make my relationships better outside the school. I have transferred what I have learned here and have become a better person for it.
I think that having faith all around me has had an impact. Through relationships with my teachers, I have opened my eyes to see what is around me. I have a religion teacher who is really good at getting me to think about the decisions that I make – why I act the way that I do. I don’t realize it when it’s happening, but I have found that faith has often been part of the decisions I’ve made. I would never have realized it unless someone had come along to talk to me about it. I would miss that in public school – and would not even realize I had lost anything at all!
I have mentioned that I have learned much from my relationships at school, but I also think that I have a lot to offer to others. I think that I offer other students at my school a model of positive attitude. Those who take the time to spend with someone who some would say is “limited”, begin to see life in a different perspective. I can teach others to take things as they come, to be positive and to take what you are given in life. A teacher once asked me to stay after class a moment. She told me, “When you come into my class, you make me happy. You make me smile. I wanted you to know that.” That meant so much to me, because she thought it, but then took the next step to let me know too. Some people wouldn’t be bothered. That effect on others is a gift that I have to give.
True, I might have some physical challenges, but you will not find me sitting and moping. I have learned to focus on the little things each day that make me smile. If that smile is contagious, all the better!
Questions for Personal Reflection and/or Class Discussion
1. Consider all the voices that we experience calling us to listen. How do we know they speak the truth? What sorts of questions should we be asking ourselves so that we can critically evaluate all the “wisdom” that is being imparted?
2. Today, we hear that wisdom is often spoken by the least among us. Have you ever been surprised by the wisdom spoken by someone you had underestimated? What could be learned from such experiences?
3. Alicia speaks of what she has come to know through her life experiences and the wisdom that she can impart to others. What lessons have your life experiences taught you? Consider someone younger than you – a student, a sibling, a friend. Based on what you have come to know, name one piece of wisdom that you would want to share with that person.
THURSDAY - SPIRIT OF JUSTICE
“Crusaders and prophets believe in something so deep and passionate that it becomes bigger than anything else – even bigger than their own need for safety and well-being. They become capable, in those amazing moments, or years of grace, of rising beyond their fears and inadequacies and touching extraordinary heights of courage. They expand the human spirit to the edges of divine courage. And, in doing so, give all of us a glimpse of our possibilities.” ~Edwina Gateley
CALL TO PRAYER
Why would a teenager listen to someone who has been dead for over 300 years?!
Does someone who lived a life of suffering deserve your attention?
Does a woman who had six children, four lost in infancy, have anything to say?
What about a woman who cared for the blind, welcomed the poor and re-built a hospital so as to care for those in most desperate need?
The credibility of Marguerite d’Youville, the first Canadian saint, is solid in her charitable acts that were backed by her untiring work for justice. Marguerite walked the talk by dedicating her young life to give life to others – in many, many ways. Women, like St. Marguerite d’Youville, have led the way of justice throughout time.
Who are you called to serve? What can you contribute to re-building so as to create a world marked by justice?
Contemporary Music Connection: One Love, Bob Marley
A Litany of Women’s Power
Leader: Spirit of Life, we remember the women, named and unnamed, who throughout time have used the gifts you gave them to change the world. We call upon these foremothers to help us discover within ourselves your power and the ways to use it to bring about the reign of justice and peace. Let our response be: We thank you, God.
Leader: We remember Esther and Deborah, whose acts of courage saved their nation.
Response: We thank you, God.
Leader: We remember Mary Magdalene and the other women who followed Jesus.
Response: We thank you, God.
Leader: We remember Phoebe, Priscilla and the other women leaders of the early church.
Response: We thank you, God.
Leader: We remember the Abbesses of the Middle Ages who kept faith and knowledge alive.
Response: We thank you, God.
Leader: We remember Brigid who may have been the first woman bishop.
Response: We thank you, God.
Leader: We remember Teresa of Avila and Catherine of Siena who challenged the corruption of the church during the Renaissance.
Response: We thank you, God.
Leader: We remember Mother Teresa, Marguerite d’Youville and contemporary justice activist, Mary Jo Leddy, who cared for the poor, the sick and continually work for refugee justice.
Response: We thank you, God.
Leader: We remember our own mothers and grandmothers whose lives have shaped our own.
Response: We thank you, God.
You are invited to add your own names and prayers after each remembrance.
As we continue to pray, let our response be: Hear our prayer, O God.
Leader: We pray for the women who are victims of violence in their homes.
Response: Hear our prayer, O God.
Leader: We pray for women who face a life of poverty and malnutrition.
Response: Hear our prayer, O God.
Leader: We remember and pray for those women who were firsts in their fields and give thanks for their pioneering courage.
Response: Hear our prayer, O God.
Leader: We pray for our daughters and granddaughters and those yet unborn that they might offer a spirit of justice and truth to future generations.
Response: Hear our prayer, O God.
Leader: We remember and celebrate the power of many women past and present. We praise you for the multitude of your people – men, women, young people and children – who seek to be witnesses of peace and reconciliation throughout the world. In the footsteps of these holy witnesses of all the ages, since Mary and the apostles, to the believers of today, grant us strength and courage in the work that lies before us and the knowledge of your presence in our lives and in your world.
AMEN
Litany by Ann Heidkamp, from No Longer Strangers: A Resource for Women and Worship, by Iben Gjerding and Katherine Kinnamon. World Council of Churches Publication, 1983.
I am seventeen years old and a Student Trustee in a Catholic School Board. To me, the greatest gift of Catholic education is the gift of justice. Social justice is a key component of active Catholicism and is reflective of the Catholic graduate expectation to “promote equality, democracy, solidarity, for a just, peaceful and companionate society”. This expectation encompasses the nature of social justice initiatives and their link to religious education. As Catholic students, we are called to be self-directed, responsible, life-long learners who work to change our society for the better. As Canadians, we are provided the resources to motivate such change. A way in which many students choose to contribute to this common good is in the fight against social injustices.
As a Student Trustee, I advocate for social justice in attempting to pass a ban on plastic water bottles within all school board facilities. The purpose for this ban is because water is a human right and not a commodity to be bought and sold for profit. The goods of the earth are gifts given by God for all. Bottled water corporations change the very way people think about water and undermine people's confidence in public water systems. Bottled water also travels many miles from the source, results in the burning of massive amounts of fossil fuels and contributes to the billions of plastic bottles ending up in our landfills. As a clear social and environmental injustice, solutions to ensuring water as a fundamental human right require people acting together and standing up for public water systems. As a Student Trustee, I would like to see all Environmental and/or Social Justice Clubs in schools to embrace a plastic water bottle ban campaign as part of a balanced environmentally friendly and socially just program. I hope to see my Board of Trustees issue a policy where all schools no longer use funds to buy bottled water, mandate a reusable water bottle as part of appropriate uniform attire, discontinue their contract with companies that produce plastic water bottles and frequently maintain the cleanliness of drinking fountains.
Also, in promoting social justice, I believe all school boards must implement a Sweatshop-Free purchasing policy that will include a requirement of full public disclosure and independent third party monitoring from companies and organizations such as the Workers Rights Consortium, to promote, advance and protect the just cause of the poor and the marginalized. This policy must also include preference to clothing made; from organic materials ensuring good working conditions for farmers; using no synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides or defoliants that harm the environment; using less water because of the organic method of growing materials; using fabrics that are dyed using environmentally friendly practices to protect water and runoff into streams and rivers; with the ultimate predilection to the manufacturing of such products in Canadian factories – ensuring a fair wage and avoiding child labour.
I will continue to use my voice to work for change, to right injustices and to convince all in our educational communities to stand with me. This is what I have learned I must do as a member of the Catholic community.
Questions for Personal Reflection and/or Class Discussion
1. Today, we heard of the great acts of charity of Canadian, St. Marguerite d’Youville, who worked tirelessly for justice for the poor and marginalized in her Montreal community. Marguerite was named the “Mother of Universal Charity” by Pope John XXIII. Who are you called to serve in your life? What can you contribute to re-building society so as to create a world marked by justice?
2. In our Litany today, we thanked God for those women who, throughout time, have used their God-given gifts to change the world. Name one woman in your life who has been a model of justice. What is the greatest lesson learned from this woman? Who are those men and women in your school communities who have exemplified the Christian call to service? Make a committed effort to thank those individuals named today.
3. In the student testimonial offered by the Student Trustee today, we hear of two causes that this young person champions – the need for policies to ban bottled water bottles and to employ Sweatshop-Free purchasing practices in all school boards. What we choose to support is born of what we name as important in our lives. Edwina Gateley says, “Crusaders and prophets believe in something so deep and passionate that it becomes bigger than anything else”. What do you believe in? What is your issue? What injustice do you see that causes you to remain silent no more? What steps can you take to bring awareness to this injustice?
FRIDAY – SPIRIT OF GRATITUDE
"Every Dawn as it comes is a holy event and everyday is holy, for the light comes from "WAKAN-TANKA".
And also, you must remember all other peoples who stand upon this earth are sacred and should be treated as such."
~White Buffalo Woman - Sioux Sacred Woman, quoted by Black Elk, (Oglala Sioux) 1947
CALL TO PRAYER
Look around you, my friend, look around. The world within this universe contains us, holds us, just like God does in the palm of the Divine One’s hand. Our First Nations’ people speak of the power of the heartbeat – that which unites us from our Mother’s womb. Within each face, outward toward the beauty this earth contains and stretching to the stars and beyond, we have been gathered into the One. In this awakening, we can only give thanks. It is St. Dominic who said, “If the only prayer you ever pray is ‘thank you’, that is enough”.
Contemporary Music Connection: Thank You, Alanis Morissette
Opening Prayer
Father, Mother of the Universe, see us stretch our arms wide in gratitude for every ounce of spirited life you set before us. In our living, moving and having our being, we see that we share the gift of this world with all other spirit-filled beings. Let us be open to give thanks to all the people, events and situations that teach us.
AMEN
Colossians 3:16, 17
A reading from the Letter of Paul to the Colossians.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns and songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Litany of Thanksgiving
Let us come to God with Thanksgiving. The response is, Thank you God.
For the good world;
for things great and small, beautiful and awesome;
for seen and unseen splendors;
Thank you, God.
For human life;
for talking and moving and thinking together;
for common hopes and hardships shared from birth until our dying;
Thank you, God.
For work to do and strength to work;
for exchanges of good humor and encouragement;
Thank you, God.
For friendship shared;
for mutual forgiveness and burdens shared;
for secrets kept in love;
Thank you, God.
For family;
for living together and eating together;
for family amusements and family pleasures;
Thank you, God.
For children;
for their energy and curiosity;
for their brave play and startling frankness;
for their sudden sympathies;
Thank you, God.
For teenagers;
for their high hopes;
for their irreverence toward worn-out values;
for their search for freedom;
for their solemn vows;
Thank you, God.
For growing up and growing old;
for wisdom deepened by experience;
for rest in leisure;
and for time made precious by its passing;
Thank you, God.
For our school community of ____________________;
for the good of all; for all those that teach us;
for the fun that comes along with learning;
Thank you, God.
For the richness of Catholic Education in Ontario;
for those who have built this tradition throughout the years;
for our leaders that continue to make Catholic Education an everyday
reality to us and those who will follow us;
Thank you, God.
For the church into which we have been called;
for the good news we receive by Word and Sacrament;
for our life together in the Lord;
Thank you, God.
For your Holy Spirit;
who guides our steps and brings us gifts of faith and love;
who prays in us and prompts our grateful worship.
Thank you, God.
Let us Pray:
As this week of marking Catholic Education in Ontario comes to an end, may we express gratitude for what has so preciously been put into our care. Through the history of many men and women who have secured Catholic Education for us, we are thankful for this privilege to be raised in the teachings of Jesus, the prophets and our local heroes of what it means to be a person of faith.
As we go forth, we pray that we too may be marked as one who:
Learns in light of the gospel message of love;
Seeks and grants forgiveness;
Promotes the sacredness of life;
Respects the environment and uses resources wisely;
Respects and affirms the dignity, diversity and interdependence of the world’s people and cultures;
And understands that one’s purpose or call in life comes from God and strives to discern
and live out this call throughout life’s journey.
AMEN
If Martin Luther King or Caesar Chavez had died when in their teens, the world would never know what had been lost. With the death of 15 year old Shannen Koostachin of Attawapiskat First Nation we have a glimpse. Shannen was known across Canada as a passionate fighter for the rights of Native children. Her death in a highway accident in Northern Ontario created deep grief in youth who saw her as the voice for a forgotten generation of First Nation children.
Shannen was just 13 years old when she traveled from her isolated reserve on the James Bay coast to confront the federal government in Ottawa over their decision to walk away on a commitment to build a school for children in her community.
For the better part of a decade, children had been going to school in makeshift portables. Their school grounds consisted of a badly contaminated brownfield. There were no swings, playground equipment, libraries or science labs. In the bitterly cold winter months, shifting ground left fire doors jammed shut and windows stuck open. In November 2007, the government walked away on its latest commitment to build a grade school for 400 children. This is when Shannen and her fellow grade 8 classmates decided to fight back.
In launching the “Education is a Human Right Campaign”, the children of Attawapiskat caught the federal government completely by surprise. Their campaign, which utilized digital organizing tools like Facebook and Youtube inspired thousands of youth across Canada. Hundreds of schools joined letter-writing and public actions. The campaign quickly became the largest youth-driven, child’s rights movement in Canadian history.
Shannen inspired youth as she stood up to government ministers with fierce pride mixed with childlike vulnerability. At the age of 14, she was nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize. In December 2009, the government finally agreed to build a school.
Shannen didn’t want to be leader. She simply wanted to go to school and enjoy the dreams of a young teen. But she couldn’t tolerate the hopelessness of young children in her home reserve. She spoke passionately about the need to offer educational opportunities that other Canadian kids took for granted. Speaking to students in Toronto she explained her motivation:
“I would like to talk to you about what it is like to be a child who grows up never seeing a real school. I want to tell you about the children who give up hope and start dropping out in grade 4 or 5. But I want to also tell you about the determination in our community to build a better world. School should be a time for hopes and dreams of the future. Every kid deserves this.”
In Grade 9, Shannen left her isolated fly-in community to attend school in New Liskeard, Ontario. It broke her heart to leave home but she believed that young leaders had to leave and become fully educated so that younger siblings would some day have proper educational opportunities at home.
On May 31st, she was killed in a car accident along with mentor and friend Rose Thornton. In response to the overwhelming outpouring of grief at her passing the Shannen Koostachin Memorial Fund is being set up to inspire young James Bay Cree to pursue higher education.
~Prepared by Charlie Angus, MPP
Questions for Personal Reflection and/or Class Discussion
1. Our prayer today calls us to mindfulness of the gift of creation and our connection to the created world. Do our actions demonstrate an awareness that the gifts of creation are for all? What is one thing that I can commit to do in order to tread more lightly on this earth? May this action be my thank you to the Creator.
2. Recall the Litany of Thanksgiving prayed today. What are those statements that you would like to add to this litany?
3. Shannen Koostachin was a young student who fought for the right to education for all in Canada. Name those champions for education in your own school community who recognize that excellence in education must be demanded if each person is to reach their full potential. Commit to thanking them for all that they do on your behalf.
4. As we conclude this Catholic Education Week, reflect upon the gifts of Catholic Education that you have received. What role will you play in nurturing this gift for students to come?
A Suggested Eucharistic/Prayer
Celebration for Large Assembly
Celebrating the Spirit is the theme for Catholic Education Week 2011. The Spirit dwells within each of us; the Spirit’s presence can be felt and experienced in so many and varied ways. This year we have focus on five expressions of the Spirit: hospitality, understanding, wisdom, justice and gratitude. During this week of celebration there will be opportunities to gather in small and large groups to pray and celebrate liturgy. The following liturgical outline can be used in its entirety, for a Eucharistic Liturgy, or adapted to suit the need of the local community.
Sacred Space
Setting a space that is conducive to worship is an important and essential beginning to any liturgy. Inclusion of religious symbols enhances this sacred space (e.g. Bible, cross, candles) and this can be further developed through symbols that represent the sub-themes of the week. Ideally, these symbols are already present in the space before the service begins.
One common symbol for the Spirit is the dove. Have each class, during one block of the school day, create a dove to represent them and have everyone sign their names to the dove. Display all the doves created around the room. Have a long banner at the front of the room with the phrase Celebrating the Spirit.
Examples of Symbols for Sub-Themes:
|The Spirit of Hospitality |hands that are shaking, an embrace, a circle of people opened to |
| |receiving others, pineapple, table, nest |
|The Spirit of Understanding |the word “love” translated into the languages represented in the |
| |group, circle of friends, linked hearts |
|The Spirit of Wisdom |light on stand, flames, book, owl, knot, snakes, tree, Chi rho, wind, |
| |eye in triangle |
|The Spirit of Justice |scales of justice in balance, broken chains, the cross, a gavel, bell |
|The Spirit of Gratitude |open hands offering thanks, a hand offering a flower |
Outline for Eucharistic/Prayer Liturgy
Opening Songs (as chosen from your repertoire)
Some suggestions: All are Welcome – Haugen
Gather Us In – Haugen
Gather the People – Dan Schutte
In This Place – Thomson
We Belong to You – Thomson
They’ll Know We are Christians – Scholtes
Opening Prayer
God of welcome, God of mercy
open our hearts and our minds today.
Inspire us with your spirit of understanding
that we may grow in wisdom and right judgment.
We make this prayer in the name of our risen Lord,
Jesus, our friend and our brother.
AMEN
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:42-47)
The [disciples] devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
R. Give thanks, for the Lord is good, God’s love is everlasting.
Let Israel say,
“God’s love endures forever”.
Let the house of Aaron say,
“God’s love endures forever”.
Let those who fear the Lord say,
“God’s love endures forever”. R.
I was pushed hard, so that I was falling,
but the Lord helped me.
The Lord is my strength and my might;
He has become my salvation.
There are glad songs of victory in the tents of the righteous;
“The right hand of the Lord does valiantly”. R.
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the chief cornerstone.
This is the Lord’s doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it. R.
Gospel Acclamation: a suitable acclamation may be sung
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John ( Jn. 20:19-31)
Glory to you, Lord.
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you”. After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you”. When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained”.
But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord”. But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe”.
A week later his disciples were again in the house and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you”. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe”. Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son or God and that through believing you may have life in his name.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Reflection
Prayer of the Faithful
Response: Spirit of God, hear our prayer
Our world is often hostile to strangers, refugees, those who are different.
We pray that our leaders will guide us to welcome and be kind to everyone.
We pray to the Lord: R.
Our communities have pockets and cliques that separate people from one another.
We pray that we will strive to understand that diversity enriches everyone’s experience.
We pray to the Lord: R.
Our classrooms can be places where we meet discouragement and under achievement.
We pray that our teachers will inspire each student’s wisdom so each one will learn what is needed to reach their full potential.
We pray to the Lord: R.
Some families struggle with making ends meet and providing what is needed.
We pray that our schools will work for justice so systems will change to ensure everyone has enough.
We pray to the Lord: R.
We can get into the habit of expecting good things be given to us. We pray that we never lose sight of the blessings that are ours and give thanks to God who is our ultimate caretaker.
We pray to the Lord: R.
Preparation of the Gifts (as chosen from your repertoire)
Some suggestions: God Be In My Head – Warren Brown
Open My Eyes – Manibusan
There Is A Longing – Quigley
Only A Shadow – Landry
Our God is Here – Muglia
Liturgy of the Eucharist continues, or you may go directly to the Our Father.
Communion Songs (as chosen from your repertoire)
Some suggestions: Taste and See – Moore
Alleluia No. 1 – Fishel
All Good Gifts – Keil
To Be Your Bread – Haas
Table of Plenty – Schutte
Bread for the World – Farrell
Lord, To Whom Shall We Go – Soper
Closing Prayer
God of wisdom, God of justice,
we are grateful for your love and life among us.
Fill us with all we need to be the people you call us to be.
During these Easter days remind us often of the new life
that is being offered to us through your Spirit.
We ask this through Jesus, who is our friend and brother.
AMEN
Closing Songs (as chosen from your repertoire)
Some suggestions: Irish Blessing – Fabing
Lead Me, Lord – Becker
Blest Are They – Haas
Grateful – Tomaszek
Let All Things Now Living – Ash grove
For the Beauty of the Earth – Dix
An Outline for a Secondary School Retreat
‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me
…renew the face of the earth.’
Although these activities are designed to be delivered outside the regular school environment as a retreat, they can easily be adapted for use in the classroom. Some activities could be adapted for adult prayer time. Each of the activities should be timed to include moments of quiet reflection. Breaks should be scheduled as deemed appropriate. There are more activities here than needed for a full day retreat so you can tailor the day to meet the needs of your group.
Time required: 4-5 hours or tailored for in class use
Opening Prayer:
Loving and gracious God,
during this day we take time to pray and reflect
on your Spirit’s presence in our lives.
We desire to celebrate the Spirit of hospitality,
understanding, wisdom, justice and gratitude.
May we be renewed during this time to fan into a flame
the Spirit we received by becoming part of your family.
We make this prayer in the name of Jesus,
our friend and brother.
Amen
Community Building Activities:
Choose an ice-breaker or community building activity that is suitable for your group. These websites have activities that can be used by teens.
Breakers Energizers and Activities.html
ministry/
Activity: Celebrating the Spirit of Hospitality
The purpose of this activity is to discover what hospitality is and what it is not.
Materials needed: Bibles, any props that are in sight may be used
Structure: Participants are placed into groups of four or five. Each group will be given a passage from Luke’s gospel. They will read the passage together and reflect upon the question, “Does this passage offer an example of what hospitality is or what hospitality is NOT?” Once they discuss what they interpret the passage to be about, the group will prepare a present day mime with the same message. They will practice their presentation then present their work to the other groups. The work will not be polished but a “work in progress.” If there are facilitators (older students who are group leaders) present for the retreat, they can help guide the discussion and keep participants on track to completion of their presentation.
Passages: Give students the passage and let them figure out how the passage speaks to the Spirit of Hospitality. A hint has been given about the passage, however, students may interpret the passage uniquely so they may have a different take on it (differentiation).
Luke 2:1-7 (Birth of Jesus “no place for them in the inn”)
Luke 4:38-39 (Healing of Simon’s mother in law – “she got up and began to serve them”)
Luke 5:17-26 (Jesus heals a Paralytic – no way into the house except through the roof)
Luke 5:27-32 (Jesus goes to Levi’s house for a banquet in his honour)
Luke 7:36-50 (A sinful woman is forgiven – Simon did not offer Jesus water for his feet, but the woman cried over Jesus’ feet)
Luke 8:40-42, 49-56 (A girl is restored to life in her home)
Luke 9:10-17 (Feeding of Five Thousand)
Points for Discussion:
Hospitality can be very simple or elaborate. It can be planned and anticipated or it can be spontaneous and a natural response of the heart. In the passages from Luke’s gospel there are moments that demonstrate the Spirit of hospitality or an absence of that Spirit.
Read your passage and discuss what you think your passage demonstrates.
Is hospitality offered? Is no hospitality offered?
What present day situation would be similar to the one in the passage?
Work out a mime presentation of the situation to be presented to the other groups. Mime means no speaking only actions and facial expression.
Group Debrief:
Once all the groups have presented one leader can debrief the group by asking:
1. What insight did you have about hospitality?
2. What facet of hospitality was most common in the presentations?
3. What aspect of hospitality can you work at in your personal life?
Activity: Celebrating the Spirit of Understanding
The purpose of this activity is to look at how one grows in the Spirit of Understanding.
Materials needed: music maker (depending on format you use)
Possible music selections:
Everybody’s Got a Story – Amanda Marshall
Where is the Love – Blackeyed Peas
Another Day in Paradise – Phil Collins
Black and White – Michael Jackson
There are YouTube videos of each of these songs – so if you have a computer and LCD projector you could view one of these videos as a large group
This list is not exhaustive.
Directions:
Watch the music video.
If it is helpful, have the lyrics printed out to assist the group in their discussion.
1. Give students quiet reflection time.
Have students journal around one or more of the following questions:
a) How does this song make you feel?
b) What is the issue presented by the song?
c) How do you feel and what do you think about the issue?
d) Have you had any experience with this issue?
2. In small groups, invite students to discuss the following ideas:
a) How could the Spirit of Understanding have an influence with this issue?
b) What could we as a school do to promote the Spirit of Understanding within our
learning community?
3. As a large group, invite students to share any new insights that they have had during this time.
If it seems appropriate play the video again and sing, dance along with the music in order to Celebrate the Spirit of Understanding.
Activity: A Guided Meditation Celebrating the Spirit of Wisdom
The purpose of this activity is to become centered and peaceful.
Materials: Meditation script, background music and player, space
Structure:
• Participants need to be in a space where they can sit quietly without another participant too close physically.
• The lighting could be dimmed, if it is possible or practical.
• Gentle subtle music can be played in the background.
• The space ought to be free of distracting noises.
• The leader may want to practice reading the script before actually doing the guided meditation.
• The markers … indicate when a pause is to occur and longer lines like ………. indicate significantly longer pauses.
• The longer pauses give the participants time to use their imagination to respond to the guidance of the meditation.
• Usually the leader will get a cue from the group about when the next line should be offered for reflection.
• The leader’s voice should be calm, directive and lower in volume than a normal teaching voice.
• The initial instructions can be offered using a normal voice, then after the ****** a prayerful voice can lead the meditation.
Meditation Script: We are going to experience a guided meditation. During this time I invite you to use your imagination to help you to pray. If the guided nature of this experience is not helping you … just allow yourself to relax and be gentle. Try to keep your body still and calm. If you are able to enter into the experience do so. Sit with your back and your legs completely supported by the chair you are on. Bend your knees so your feet are flat on the floor and your hands are resting on your lap in a relaxed fashion. Gently close your eyes and relax the muscles in your face. Breathe deeply in and out … doing so without making any sound.
****************************************
Breathe in peace and breathe out stress …
Breathe in calm and breathe out tension …
Breathe in all that is good and … breathe out all that is not good …
Sense your heart rate slowing … and your breathing becoming deeper and fuller.
If a distracting thought comes to mind …
allow it to pass through your consciousness …
Do not react forceably toward it …
Simply allow it to pass through … as if on a river passing by.
Breathe in … and out …
in … and … out …
Let the Spirit of God lead you …
to a place of solitude …
where you feel comfortable …
A place of peace …
A place where you can invite God to be with you …
A place where you can be still … with God’s Spirit …
A place where you can be safe … and free … and still …
and nothing can disturb you …
Where you can be quietly aware of God’s presence …
Aware of the silent breath of God …
breathing life into your life …
quietly … in … and … out …
Be still … just slowly breathing with God’s Spirit …
In and out … peacefully … calmly …
Slowly breathing in rhythm with God …
Slowly …
Gently you realize that you are not alone …
Not far from you …
is Jesus …
sitting with his head lowered …
Jesus … with his eyes closed and free from distractions …
hands folded in peacefulness … praying …
He hears you approach … he smiles as though he has been waiting for you …
He invites you to sit with him …
Both of you sit comfortably with your legs stretched out in front of you …
You feel peaceful simply by sitting beside him …
Jesus looks at you with loving eyes …
helping you to know that you are loved and accepted just as you are …
He asks you … how are you doing? …
…………………………
…………………………
What is making your heart peaceful? …
…………………………
…………………………
What does Jesus say to you? …
…………………………
…………………………
He asks you … What are you working on these days? …
… How are you growing? … What is the growing edge of your life at this time?
…………………………
…………………………
What relationship in your life is most significant for you? ……….
…………………………
…………………………
What part of your day is most comfortable? ……….
…………………………
…………………………
Where are you struggling? ……….
…………………………
…………………………
Jesus smiles gently and again you feel loved and accepted …
Loved and accepted …
by the One who knows everything there is to know about you ……….
Jesus says “I have big plans for you …
plans that will make you content …
… I love you and want you to be happy … deeply happy …
… I want good things for you … what do you want for yourself? …
He asks if you would like him to pray with you …
He closes his eyes and bows his head …
and your spirit is lifted …
… and you feel peaceful …
… and gentle …
Still ……….
When you are ready … you may slowly become aware of your breathing …
Aware of your sitting …
Aware of where you are …
Open your eyes … remain quiet and still …
Hold onto the peace and gentleness … and love …
Breathe …
Debrief: Sometimes people are not able to enter into the meditation … and that is all right. Simply taking time to breathe and relax is all we need to experience.
It is one way to pray. It can be helpful for some people.
How do you feel about this type of prayer?
Are you more relaxed now than before we started?
Activity: Who’s On Top? Celebrating the Spirit of Justice
The purpose of this activity is to allow participants an opportunity to look at the world from a new perspective. In creating a map that is a reversal of the standard view, the participants examine common perceptions about the division of power, wealth and respect among the nations of the world.
Materials: a basketball, a globe, a Bible, a large map of the world, masking tape, chart paper, markers
Set up: Display a globe in an obvious place in the room. Post a large map of the world where everyone can see it.
Structure: There will be several activities to help students to get a new perspective on the world.
1. Gather the young people in a circle. Toss a basketball around the group and ask the following questions:
Where is the top of the ball and where is the bottom?
When we look at the basketball, can we see which part of it should point up?
How could we know which part of the ball should point up?
Does it make a difference which way we look at or hold the basketball?
Can a ball have a top or a bottom?
2. Take a globe you have displayed in hand. Ask these questions to help focus the group:
Where is the top of the world and where is the bottom?
When we look at our world, is there a part that should point up?
How do we know which is the part that should point up?
Does it make a difference which way we look at our world?
Can a world that is round have a top or bottom?
Why is the world always shown – in pictures, maps and globes – with the Northern Hemisphere at the top and the Southern Hemisphere at the bottom?
Can you name and describe the countries in the Northern Hemisphere?
Who made the first maps and globes and pictures of our world?
What part of the world were these people from?
Where do you think the influence and power is to be found in our world, on top or on the bottom?”
3. Comment briefly on the artificial divisions that separate the wealthy nations of the Northern Hemisphere from the economically deprived countries located mainly in the Southern Hemisphere. Read Luke 14:7-14 and reflect on how Jesus reminds us that to be great in God’s eyes, we must choose to be humble and serve. Invite the young people to discuss the following questions:
Which does God value more: wealth, power and success -or- service, love and compassion?
Which parts of the world does God value more? Why?
Which parts of the world does God put on top?
4. Divide the participants into small groups of no more than five people. Explain that each group will create a symbol to help others see the world from a new perspective. Point out the traditional world map that you posted before the session and tell the participants that they will design a new world map. Give each group a sheet of chart paper and markers. Instruct the groups each to copy the continents’ shapes (precision is not important) onto their chart paper, but to turn the map upside down so that the Southern Hemisphere is at the top and the Northern Hemisphere at the bottom. They should label the continents, oceans and other landmarks so that the words are right side up. Invite the participants to complete the picture by including a title for their poster. Invite them to incorporate some thought-provoking questions or comments such as these:
Who is on top in your world?
Who comes first in your world?
What is your worldview?
Take a look at the world from the other side. Let God turn your world upside down. Post the completed maps and give the participants time to look over the work of their peers.
5. Conclude the experience by reminding the students that the earth belongs to God and is a home to be shared equally by all. Therefore, no one is really on top of the world.
Ask students each to choose silently the name of one southern or developing country. Lead the group in a prayer that recognizes the needs of the people in developing countries and celebrates the gifts that they offer to the world as human beings created in the image and likeness of God. Invite the students to contribute by naming the country they have selected.
Alternative Approach:
Encourage the groups to enhance their maps by using pictures from magazines to illustrate the perceived contrast between the two halves of the world, as well as the theological and spiritual similarities. For instance, they might attach pictures of cities and cars and electronic devices in the Northern Hemisphere, versus pictures of remote villages and animals and hand tools in the Southern Hemisphere and add pictures of people sharing and serving one another in both hemispheres.
This activity was borrowed from Joseph Grant’s Justice and Service Ideas for Ministry with Young Teens, Pages 76-79.
Activity: Justice Rosary
The purpose of this activity is to increase the connection between prayer and global awareness by using the symbol of the rosary. The young people create a rosary and learn about and pray for the needs of people in the five populated continental regions.
Materials: a large map of the world or a globe, 18-inch piece of leather or jute cord (one for each person), beads in five different colours (one of each colour for each person), a candle and matches
Procedure:
1. Using a map or globe as an aid, invite the young people to share their knowledge and awareness of different peoples in different parts of the world. Ask them to name and locate the following five populated continental regions of the earth: the Americas, Africa, Oceania (Australia, New Zealand and the central and southern Pacific islands, including Indonesia), Asia and Europe. If time permits invite the students to share what they know about the lifestyles and needs of the people in each of those different regions.
2. Introduce the rosary as a traditional prayer form that allows Catholics to call to mind and pray for the needs of people across the world. Announce that each person will make his or her own rosary bracelet. Give each person a cord and five beads of different colours. Explain that each bead represents the peoples of one of the five continental regions. For example, you might use the following colours:
• Purple – the Americas
• Green – Africa
• Yellow – Oceania
• Blue – Asia
• Orange – Europe
Direct the students to string their five beads in the centre of their cord, tying a knot before the first bead and after each subsequent bead to ensure that the beads stay in place. When completed, the bracelet may be worn on the wrist or simply tied to make a continuous look and held in the hand.
3. Make the following comments in your own words:
The traditional rosary has five decades, that is, five sets of ten beads. Each bead represents one Hail Mary. The decades are separated by single beads that each represent one Our Father. The recitation of the rosary is accompanied by meditation on the traditional mysteries of Jesus’ life, death and Resurrection.
The justice rosary we have made is simpler, having just one bead for each decade and one knot for each Our Father. This rosary may be prayed in a variety of ways. =For example, each bead could represent one Hail Mary, or it could represent ten prayers.
Instead of contemplating the traditional mysteries, those praying the justice rosary are invited to call to mind the sufferings, the needs and the hopes of God’s people in each of the five populated continental regions of our world. This is the most important element of the justice rosary.
4. Conclude the time by praying the justice rosary as a group. Light a candle and begin by saying the Lord’s Prayer together. Invite one person to choose a coloured bead. Ask the others to share what they know about the peoples of that continental region, such as the names of the region’s countries, their struggles or conflicts and their wealth and gifts. Invite the group to pray the Hail Mary for the peoples of that chosen region, inserting the name of the region in the second half of the prayer as follows:
“Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners … and for the people of [name the continental region] … now and at the hour of our death. Amen”
Repeat this prayer, then pray the Lord’s Prayer again and move on to another bead. Continue in this manner until the group has prayed through all the knots and coloured beads.
This activity was borrowed from Joseph Grant’s Justice and Service Ideas for Ministry with Young Teens, Pages 73-75.
Activity: Celebrating the Spirit of Gratitude
Thanksgiving is a day we celebrate once a year. However, an attitude of gratitude is something we want to foster in our lives all year round. A prayer exercise that is easy and fun to use to increase teens sense of gratefulness is called an Alphabet of Thanks.
The purpose of this activity is to foster an attitude and awareness of all the things in our lives for which we can be grateful.
Materials: Whatever you want to use to focus students (letters of the alphabet on laminated paper or cardstock, paper and pencils)
Structure: Sometimes it works best if students are in groups of 3-5. It may also be helpful to have the letters of the alphabet on 8.5 x 11 inch sheets of paper laminated or on cardstock.
It can be helpful for the first time through to assign student groups to certain letters of the alphabet so all letters are represented by participants. Give the students the letters they are responsible for and a sheet of paper and pencil.
Students are given time to reflect on all things whose names begin with the letter(s) of the alphabet that they have been assigned. Invite them to write a listing of all the things they can think of (best to leave Proper Names of people out because it can be a distraction) e.g. For the letter A – students would list … apples, anteaters, atlases, acorns, Advent, aunts, ants, etc … then move on to B – boats, bees, boxes, beds, etc. The time for reflection will be determined by how enthusiastic students participate because some will list many things and others will think three is good. Once everyone has had sufficient time the formal part of the prayer may begin.
The leader begins by offering a short general prayer of thanksgiving such as:
God of all good things and blessings,
today we are aware of many things you have created directly
or indirectly through human ingenuity …
and we want to express our gratitude:
For all good things beginning with the letter ‘A’
* the students share their list
For all good things beginning with the letter ‘B’
* the students share their list
For all good things beginning with the letter ‘C’
* the students share their list
For all good things beginning with the letter ‘D’
* the students share their list
For all these blessings we pray to the Lord
Lord, we thank you.
And you carry on until the alphabet has been covered. Every four letters you offer the little prayer of thanksgiving.
If other students add other things during a reading of a particular letter … as long as it is appropriate … that is welcome … It is meant to be a joyful exercise.
Sometimes just the littlest things added spontaneously can bring a laugh and smile to everyone’s face. This prayer is not meant to be somber.
At the end of the litany of thanks the following or a similar prayer can be used to bring the prayer to a close:
“All things are of your making, all times and seasons obey your laws,
but you chose to create us in your own image,
setting us over the whole world in all its wonder.
You made us the stewards of creation,
to praise you day by day,
for the marvels of your wisdom and power,
through Jesus Christ, our friend and brother.”
Preface of Sundays in Ordinary Time V
Meister Eckhart, a holy mystic said, “If the only prayer you ever say in your whole life is ‘Thank you’ that would [be enough].”
So we say thank you!
AMEN
Alternative Approach:
This is a different way to get the ideas of things.
Hang paper with the letters of the alphabet around the room and invite students to walk around writing on the papers their ideas of things for which to be grateful (students need to be mature enough not to put inappropriate things).
So it might look like a graffiti wall with a long piece of paper and the letters of the alphabet listed at the top of the paper and students can add words below each letter. If coloured markers were used to add names of things it could become very colourful. Then get students during prayer to line up beside their letter to read out the list of things. If the same object appears more than once, it would be mentioned only once.
Closing Prayer for the Retreat Day:
Spirit of God, as our day of prayer and activity comes to a close we are grateful.
Thank you for the time to reflect, share and grow with one another.
Inspire us always to be a welcoming people. By spending time with others we can grow in understanding and share wisdom. Then we are less likely to allow injustice in our circles of influence and live with grateful hearts for the peace and joy that will be ours. We ask this through Jesus.
AMEN
Movie List Related to the Five
Sub-themes of Catholic Education Week 2011
Movies are a great medium for exploring themes with adolescent students. This list of movie titles is offered as a suggestion for Religious Education, Arts or Social Science classes at the high school level.
Movies that include all the subthemes of this year’s Catholic Education Week:
Chocolat (some subtitles) The Power of One
Remember the Titans Whale Rider
The Blind Side Entertaining Angels
While watching the movie invite students to identify which scenes of the movie illustrate the presence or absence of the Spirit of Hospitality, Understanding, Wisdom, Justice and Gratitude. Students may have viewed these movies in another context so they do not have to focus on the story line but they can be engaged by looking for evidence of the subthemes.
Movies for each subtheme:
|The Spirit of Hospitality |Les Miserables |
| |Mostly Martha (subtitled) |
| |Babette’s Feast (subtitled) |
| |Amelie (subtitled) |
|The Spirit of Understanding |Babe |
| |A Beautiful Mind |
| |Shrek |
| |To Kill a Mockingbird |
|The Spirit of Wisdom |Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Rings |
| |Jurassic Park |
| |Wizard of Oz |
| |A Man for All Seasons |
|The Spirit of Justice |The Hurricane (Carter) |
| |Amistad |
| |A Time to Kill |
| |Cry Freedom |
| |Grapes of Wrath |
|The Spirit of Gratitude |Bella |
| |City of Joy |
| |Walking Across Egypt |
| |Pay it Forward |
Notable Quotations for Student Use
Related to the Five Sub-themes
of Catholic Education Week 2011
THE SPIRIT OF HOSPITALITY
Holy Spirit, may you be visibly present in the way I move through the world today.
Chris Koellhoffer
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
Aesop
Our listening creates a sanctuary for the homeless parts within another person.
Rachel Naomi Remen
Instead of looking for love, give it; constantly renew it in yourself and you will always feel its presence within you. It will always be there smiling at you, gazing on you kindly.
Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov
We may forget with whom we laughed, but not with whom we shared tears.
Tansanian proverb
The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members, a heart of grace and a soul generated by love.
Coretta Scott King
Be hospitable to one another without complaining.
1 Peter 4:9
Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
Romans 12:13
THE SPIRIT OF UNDERSTANDING
What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but trifles, to be sure, but scattered along life’s pathway, the good they do is inconceivable.
Joseph Addison
Change the story and you change perception; change perception and you change the world.
Jean Houston, A Passion for the Possible
If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought. Peace Pilgrim
Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them.
A.A. Milne (via Eeyore)
Will you ever understand how near God is to you?
Lalla, 1400 C.E.
Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass … it’s about learning how to dance in the rain. Vivian Green
I have reached a point in my life where I understand the pain and the challenges; and my attitude is one of standing up with open arms to meet them all.
Myrlie Evers
As we learn to have compassion for ourselves, the circle of compassion for others – what and whom we can work with and how – becomes wider.
Pema Chodron
Let your thoughts be global. The entire globe has shrunk into a small village. In one day, you may be wearing a British shirt, French glasses, a Japanese watch. Then what country do you belong to?
Sri Swami Satchidananda
Give me understanding that I may keep your law.
Psalm 119:34
Doing wrong is like sport to a fool, but wise conduct is pleasure to a person of understanding. Proverbs 10:23
Those who heed admonition gain understanding.
Proverbs 15:32
The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding.
Is. 11:2
Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things.
2 Tim. 2:7
THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM
Holy Spirit, may the thoughts of my heart and the words of my mouth be filled with your wisdom.
Chris Koellhoffer
Laughter is carbonated holiness.
Anne Lamott
When we tug at a single thing in nature, we find it attached to the rest of the world.
John Muir
The future is not some place we are going, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made. And the activity of making them changes both the maker and their destination. John Schaar
Oh would some power the gift give us, to see ourselves as others see us!
Robert Burns
Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
When you get to your wit’s end, you’ll find God there.
Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisors.
In the world to come I shall not be asked, “Why were you not Moses?” I shall be asked, “Why were you not Zusya?”
Rabbi Zusya
Remind yourself often, “I am pure capacity for God; I can be more.”
Macrina Wiederkehr from A Tree Full of Angels
Love wisdom and she will guard you;
cherish her and she will lift you high;
she will bring you honour.
She will set a garland of grace on your head and bestow on you a crown of glory.
Proverbs 4:6-9
Those who love you are not fooled by mistakes you have made or dark images you hold about yourself. They remember your beauty when you feel ugly; your wholeness when you are broken; your innocence when you feel guilty; and your purpose when you are confused.
African saying
To know that what is impenetrable to us really exists, manifesting itself as the highest wisdom and the most radiant beauty, which our dull faculties can comprehend only in their primitive forms – this knowledge, this feeling, is at the centre of true religiousness.
Albert Einstein
With God are wisdom and strength.
Job 12:13
Happy are those who find wisdom.
Proverbs 3:13
Wisdom is who those who take advice.
Proverbs 13:10
All wisdom is from the Lord.
Sirach 1:1
THE SPIRIT OF JUSTICE
In our era, the road to holiness necessarily passes through the world of action.
Dag Hammarskjöld
Pray that your loneliness may spur you into finding something to live for, great enough to die for.
Dag Hammarskjöld
Peace starts with a smile.
God doesn’t propose to judge a person until he/she is dead. So why do we?
When I marched with Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma, I felt my legs were praying.
Rabbi A. Heschel
When we lose the right to be different, we lose the privilege to be free.
Nelson Mandela
Justice is what love looks like in public.
Dr. Cornel West
To this day I believe we are here on earth to live, grow and do what we can to make this world a better place for all people to enjoy freedom.
Rosa Parks
Not only must the most privileged feel they are brothers and sisters of the most destitute, but the most destitute must feel as well that something within them makes them equal to the greatest sages and geniuses.
Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov
Happy are those who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times.
Ps. 106:3
When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous, but dismay to evildoers.
Prov. 21:15
Many seek the favour of a ruler, but it is from the Lord that one gets justice.
Prov. 29:26
Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.
Is. 30:18
Let justice roll down like waters.
Amos 5:24
THE SPIRIT OF GRATITUDE
Appreciation is the vessel for future blessing.
Michael Berg
ThanksGiving is good but ThanksLiving is better.
Matthew Henry
Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of the others.
Cicero
A single grateful thought toward Heaven is the most complete prayer.
Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
Grant me daily the grace of gratitude to be thankful for all my many gifts and so be freed from artificial needs, that I might lead a joyful, simple life.
Edward Hays
One of the sanest, surest and most generous joys of life comes from being happy over the good fortune of others.
Archibald Rutledge
With gratitude in your hearts sing psalms.
Col. 3:16
Let us come into God’s presence with thanksgiving.
Psalm 95:2
Give thanks to the Lord, call on God’s name.
1 Ch. 16:8
My God, I will thanks to you forever.
Psalm 30:12
Give thanks in all circumstances.
1 Th.5:18
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