PRAYERS AND ACTIVITIES FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK SECONDARY SCHOOLS. Adapted for use in RCCDSB Schools

Transcription

1 PRAYERS AND ACTIVITIES FOR CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK SECONDARY SCHOOLS Adapted for use in RCCDSB Schools

2 1 Catholic Education Week 2018: Renewing the Promise Introduction 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 is entitled, Catholic Education: Renewing the Promise and will be held during the week of May 6 May 11, The overall scriptural theme is For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him. Acts 2:39 We are reminded that publicly funded Catholic education is a call to service. Regardless of our position or responsibilities within Catholic education, our role is a call, birthed in our Baptism, to bring the saving message of Jesus Christ into the lives of those students whom it is our privilege to serve. This reality elevates our duties and responsibilities to another plane. Left to our own strengths and abilities, the task seems and is very challenging, but we are not alone in this task. Jesus promised us the abiding strength of the Holy Spirit to be with us always not just for a century or two at the church s beginning, but always. But the promise is predicated on our faithful and faith-filled response to that call to service following the example of Jesus who said, I am in the midst of you as one who serves. Luke 22:27 The five sub-themes for Catholic Education: Renewing the Promise are: Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Remembering the Promise Faire mémoire de la promesse The Promise is Within You La promesse est en toi Praying the Promise Prier la promesse Living the Promise Vivre la promesse Proclaiming the Promise Annoncer la promesse

3 2 The purpose of the Secondary School Resource Kit is to provide opportunities for students to engage in meaningful activities and reflections to deepen their awareness and understanding of both the gift and the responsibility of Catholic education. The Secondary Resource Kit contains: Daily prayers and reflections An outline for a one-day secondary school retreat A suggested movie list related to the five sub-themes of CEW 2018 Scripture readings and quotes Feel free to adapt any of the materials in this package to suit your school s specific needs. Materials may be found on the Ontario Catholic School Trustees Association (OCSTA) website at We encourage all of our partners in Catholic education to reference the Elementary and Secondary Resource Kits as well as past issues for prayers and activities, as many may be appropriate for this year s theme. Sincerely, Catholic Education Week Resource Committee Paul Beaudette Janet Bentham Sr. Pat Carter Nancy Davie Paul DeVuono Laura Hughes Sebastien Lacroix Amy LaFroy Stephanie Maher Cindy Morgan Katharine Stevenson Catholic Education Week Partners Group Neil MacCarthy, Archdiocese of Toronto, Director, Public Relations & Communications Dan Smith, Archdiocese of Toronto, Liaison for Catholic Education Ben Smith, Ontario Student Trustees Association, President Christina Atrach, Ontario Student Trustees Association, Vice-President Nick Milanetti, OCSTA, Executive Director Sharon McMillan, OCSTA, Director of Communications Brian O Sullivan, OCSTA, Director of Catholic Education CEW Song Words and Music Susan Hookong-Taylor, Toronto CDSB

4 3 For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him. Acts 2:39 CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK MAY 6 MAY 11, CATHOLIC EDUCATION: RENEWING THE PROMISE SECONDARY SCHOOL RESOURCE KIT Table of Contents 1. Daily prayers 2. Further reflection for each of the five sub-themes of Catholic Education Week An outline for a one-day secondary school retreat 4. Movie resources related to the five sub-themes of Catholic Education Week Scripture readings and quotes related to the five sub-themes of Catholic Education Week 2018

5 4 Morning Prayers, Scripture Analysis 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 longings, 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 the daily prayers, the gospel reading is broken open in a more fulsome way. Individual classes may choose to expand upon the prayer by delving deeper into the gospel that was proclaimed. Reflection questions have been provided for personal student reflection and/or to facilitate further classroom 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 the prayers, scripture analyses and reflection questions, 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 Renewing the Promise of Catholic education!

6 5 A Note About the Structure of the Daily Prayers The theme for Catholic Education Week 2018: Renewing the Promise, draws upon previous documents on Ontario Catholic education, namely, This Moment of Promise (1989), Fulfilling the Promise (1993) and Our Catholic Schools ( ). These three documents, while several years apart from each other, all speak of the unique mission of Ontario Catholic education, the importance of its shared leadership by all those involved in Catholic education and the critical role of Catholic education in contemporary society. The sub-theme each day is introduced with a quotation from scripture or one of the church documents on which the sub-themes are based. Each day, the Call to Prayer makes the connection between the sub-theme and one aspect of the promise of Catholic education. Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Remembering the Promise Looking back with gratitude to the pioneers of Catholic education in Ontario The Promise is Within You Recognizing that the promise of Catholic education is incarnated most fully in the students within our system Praying the Promise Paying attention to the growing incidence and depth of contemplative prayer within Catholic schools in Ontario Living the Promise Recognizing the deeply-rooted charity and justice initiatives in schools throughout Ontario and their connection to the Kingdom Proclaiming the Promise Looking forward to the future of Catholic education and its role in the New Evangelization The Contemporary Musical Interpretations offer an artistic way to engage the broad themes each day. Teachers may wish to look up the lyrics of each song and make connections to the scripture passages. Songs and lyrics are easily accessed on the internet. The Opening Prayer, addressed to Jesus, speaks with the voice of the individual student, asking for a particular grace or growth. It leads into the Scripture passage which follows and references implicity the citation from The Texture of the Times which concludes the morning prayer. The Scripture Passages from Matthew and Luke s Gospel, provide illustrative examples through the actions or parables of Jesus of the various aspects resresented in the sub-themes. The Closing Prayer, addressed to God, the Father of Jesus and Our Father, is more expressive of the faith we share as a Catholic community. These prayer liturgies are offered in the hope that they might strengthen our own faith during this special week as we celebrate Catholic Education: Renewing the Promise. Each morning, prayer concludes with a citation from The Texture of the Times, a sub-section found within This Moment of Promise.

7 6 MONDAY REMEMBERING THE PROMISE Source: Catholic Education Foundation of Ontario, The Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you. John 14:26 CALL TO PRAYER As we begin Catholic Education Week together, let us remember in our prayer today those who laid the foundations of Catholic education in Ontario: the bishops and priests, the religious communities of sisters, brothers and priests and the school trustees. They were great-hearted and great-minded people, inspired by the vision of a life shaped by the witness of Jesus Christ and the tradition of the Catholic Church. They paid a price for Catholic education that was not only financial, but also deeply personal and they did it willingly and joyfully. We pray in thanksgiving that we can celebrate this Catholic Education Week from within the schools that they inspired. CONTEMPORARY MUSIC SUGGESTION Scars to Your Beautiful by Alessia Cara Remember When by Alan Jackson Go My Son by Living Legends Let us begin with the Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. + OPENING PRAYER Jesus, like us, you grew up within a faith tradition that was thousands of years old. Help me to grow in my appreciation for the roots of Catholic education in the long tradition of the Church and to make my faith a more central part of my life at home and at school. In a world that seems to become more secular every day, give me the courage and the conviction to share the living waters of my faith with others. Amen. +

8 7 SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:41-51 A reading from the Gospel according to Luke. Glory to you, O Lord. Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Assuming that he was in the group of travellers, they went a day s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety. He said to them, Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father s house? But they did not understand what he said to them. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. Prayer of the Faithful Intentions Reflecting the Needs of Your School CLOSING PRAYER God of our ancestors, you keep faith alive in all generations. Help us to become more strongly rooted in our faith, so that our schools may be places where knowledge and relationships are transformed by the quest for meaning and the search for truth. Teach us how to keep faith with our Catholic tradition, the living faith of those upon whose shoulders we stand, by handing it on to the generations that will follow us. We make our prayer through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. + And may Almighty God bless us: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. In a world which ignores the human thirst for God, we are called to share the living waters of our faith. The Texture of the Times in This Moment of Promise Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario, 1989

9 8 TUESDAY THE PROMISE IS WITHIN YOU Source: Surely, this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe. Deuteronomy 30:11, 14 CALL TO PRAYER In our prayer today, let us be especially mindful of the students within our schools, who embody the promise of Catholic education. In the words of This Moment of Promise, In some mysterious way, we have been promised to God and to one another. Our young Catholics are promises of God and we and they are called to share this promise with our world. CONTEMPORARY MUSIC SUGGESTION Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw The Hall of Fame by The Script Let us begin with the Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. + OPENING PRAYER Jesus, when you visited your hometown, you shared with your friends and neighbours the Good News that God s promise was being fulfilled in their very midst and in the person of You, whom they all knew. By my respect for those around me, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized, help me to show how God is present in the people all around me. May I help others to understand that we are called to care for human life in all its different manifestations and to see your face in everyone. We make this prayer in joy of your Holy Spirit, and the power of your name. Amen. +

10 9 SCRIPTURE: Luke 4:16-22 A reading from the Gospel according to Luke. Glory to you, O Lord. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath Day, as was his custom. He stood up to read and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord s favour. And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing. All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. Prayers of the Faithful Intentions Reflecting the Needs of Your School CLOSING PRAYER Loving Father, you sent your son Jesus in human form as Emmanuel God with us the fulfillment of your promise of salvation. Through his words and example, we see the love that you have for all people, especially the poor, the disabled and the imprisoned. Help us to create communities within our schools that welcome everyone and help people to know that they are recognized and valued as your daughters and sons. We make this prayer in the name of your Son, Jesus Emmanuel. Amen. + And may Almighty God bless us: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. In a time where there is little reverence for the image of God in the human person, we are summoned to care for human life with an ultimate respect. The Texture of the Times in This Moment of Promise Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario, 1989

11 10 WEDNESDAY PRAYING THE PROMISE Source: World Community for Christian Meditation, Christian Meditation in Schools of Ontario, Canada Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks, receives and everyone who searches, finds and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 CALL TO PRAYER There is a growing awareness among Catholic schools across the province of what is called contemplative prayer that is, silent prayer, most commonly experienced in the practice of Christian Meditation. In this kind of prayer, rather than speaking to God, the emphasis is on listening, in silence, to God speaking to us. In our prayer today, let us try to deepen our silent appreciation for God s loving presence within us at all times and places. CONTEMPORARY MUSIC SUGGESTION My Hands by Jewel God s Will by Martina McBride Love Can Build a Bridge by The Judds Let us begin with the Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. + OPENING PRAYER Jesus, we see in the Gospels how you always went off by yourself to pray before important events and decisions. In the important times in my life, help me to be able to take time away from others so that I can be more in touch with you. Even more, help me to grow in my awareness that you are always present with me, responding to my needs before I even become aware of them and inviting me into a deeper awareness and appreciation of all the ways that you share your blessings with me. Amen. +

12 11 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 6:5-8 A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord. Jesus said to his disciples, And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. Prayer of the Faithful Intentions Reflecting the Needs of Your School CLOSING PRAYER God of mystery, you speak to us in the language of silence. Open our hearts to hear your word working within us, around us and through us. Help us to know in the quiet of our personal prayer and the times we gather together with others in worship, that you hold us in the palm of your hand and seek to draw us into deeper union with you. Let this deepened awareness of your presence among us become more and more one of the distinguishing marks of Catholic education. We make this prayer in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. + And may Almighty God bless us: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. In a culture where communication is increasingly commercialized, we are invited to prayer and to worship. The Texture of the Times in This Moment of Promise Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario, 1989

13 12 THURSDAY LIVING THE PROMISE Source: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord s favour. Luke 4:18-19 CALL TO PRAYER This morning s prayer calls us to move from prayer to action and to actualize in our lives the prophetic call of Jesus to bring the Good News to those who struggle to live the fullness of their humanity. Walking on The Two Feet of Christian Service charity and justice we witness to the message of Catholic Social Teaching that all people are sacred and deserve to be live with dignity. CONTEMPORARY MUSIC SUGGESTION Better People by Xavier Rudd Change by Carrie Underwood Do Something by Matthew West Let us begin with the Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. + OPENING PRAYER Jesus, Lamb of God, stand by my side as I boldly make an effort to positively influence the world around me. Open my mouth to speak, so that in my attempt to be of service to others, I might do so with the intention of considering the least of those in our midst. In a society marked by the cult of celebrity, help me to bear witness to you and to recognize you in those who would be called the losers, the failures and the ones nobody seems to care about. Amen. +

14 13 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 25:31-40 A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord. When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then, the king will say to those at his right hand, Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. Then the righteous will answer him, Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you? And the king will answer them, Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. Prayer of the Faithful Intentions Reflecting the Needs of Your School CLOSING PRAYER Heavenly Father, we look to you for strength and guidance as we try to walk the path of holiness. May we be a realization of your message and example as we stand before you this day, striving to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with You. We ask this through our Lord, Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit. Amen. + And may Almighty God bless us: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. In a world marked by poverty, oppression and war, we are commanded to work for justice and peace. In a society marked by personality cults, we are called to bear witness to Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, and to reverence him on the poor, the lowly and the marginalized. The Texture of the Times in This Moment of Promise Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario, 1989

15 14 FRIDAY PROCLAIMING THE PROMISE Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:4-5 CALL TO PRAYER As we bring Catholic Education Week to a close today, we look forward to the promise of Catholic education in the years to come. The Pastoral Letter on Catholic Education, This Moment of Promise, reminds us that, In the end, the promise of this moment for Catholic education in Ontario will be realized in the degree to which we recall to each other the promise of our Baptism. Let us be mindful this morning of our call as followers of Jesus to bring the joy of the Gospel to others through the witness of our lives. CONTEMPORARY MUSIC SUGGESTION Voice by The Wailin Jennys Let us begin with the Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. + OPENING PRAYER Risen Jesus, your abiding promise to us is that you will be with us always, even to the end of the age. In the midst of a culture which so often seems impulsive and distracted, help me to hold firm in the belief of your promise and to be faithful as you are faithful. And let my faithfulness be a sign of hope for those who wonder if there is anything of lasting importance in this life. I ask this, mindful of the sacrifice that you made that brought everlasting life for all of us. Amen. +

16 15 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 28:16-20 A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew. Glory to you, O Lord. Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. Prayer of the Faithful Intentions Reflecting the Needs of Your School CLOSING PRAYER God of our Journeys, continue to accompany us as we move forward on our pilgrimage of Catholic education. Let its promise be a beacon for all those involved in this endeavour and may our baptismal commitment be a sign of hope to a world which so often looks at the future with fear and trepidation. We ask this in the Easter assurance of the Risen Jesus and the promise of the Spirit at Pentecost. Amen. + And may Almighty God bless us: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen. In a time which often seems to be without goals or ennobling aspirations, we are challenged to declare ours and to dedicate our lives to their achievement. In an age which seems more fearful of the future, we are directed to give an account of the hope that is within us. The Texture of the Times in This Moment of Promise Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario, 1989

17 16 Monday Remembering the Promise Filled with the Holy Spirit, century after century Christians have communicated to others, the trust of faith. Will you, for your part, be one of those who open up the ways of the Risen Christ? Or will you hesitate and say, Why do you ask me to prepare ways of the Gospel for others? Can t you see that I am quite helpless, like a child? Who can tell all that certain children communicate through gifts they are still unaware of? Some of them awaken others to God by the trust they display by unexpected words. You awaken others to Christ above all, by the life you lead. Words alone can easily make do with illusions. When a small group discussion turns into mere chatter about God, the Holy Spirit, or communion with Christ, is there still anything creative about it? You communicate the life of the Risen Christ through a profound personal unselfishness, by forgetting about yourself. If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you and he will be in you. I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while, the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. John 14:15-19 Instead of short-lived outbursts of enthusiasm, will you fashion for yourself a steadfast heart so as to be faithful to the end? Awakening Others to God by the Life You Lead, The Sources of Taizé No Greater Love Brother of Taizé, 2000 Page 30 Scripture Reading and Reflection Read John 14:15-19 For Reflection: When called by God, there are some biblical prophets who responded, Can t you see that I am quite helpless, like a child? Yet they went on to do great things for God. Describe the ways young people can make a difference in the world today. Which sentence from the section above inspires you to share the promise of faith? Explain your choice. How are knowledge and relationships are transformed by the quest for meaning and the search for the truth in your Catholic school? Explain your answer.

18 17 Tuesday The Promise is Within You Shortly after the extension of full funding to Catholic Schools in Ontario in 1985, the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario published a Pastoral Letter on Catholic Education in Ontario entitled, This Moment of Promise. The section of this letter written specifically to students says the following: 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. This Moment of Promise Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario, 1989 Surely, this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. It is not in Heaven, that you should say, Who will go up to Heaven for us, and get it for us, so that we may hear it and observe it? Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us, and get it for us, so that we may hear it and observe it? No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe. Deuteronomy 30:11-14 Scripture Reading and Reflection Read Deuteronomy 30:11-14 For Reflection: How does the above Scripture quotation from Deuteronomy, written thousands of years ago, connect with the words written by the Ontario Bishops to students in Catholic schools just a few decades ago? The Bishops call us to take up the challenge of growing into a sense of who you are as a Christian 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 What are some of the ways we can take up this challenge of growing as a Christian, and bringing our talents to society? - In our homes, schools and communities?

19 18 Wednesday Praying the Promise How do we pray? Do we pray piously and calmly out of habit or do we place ourselves courageously before the Lord to ask for grace, to ask for what we are praying for? Prayer that is not courageous is not real prayer. Jesus tells us, 'What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Heavenly Father give.' Then Pope Francis stopped and said, And then we expect to hear 'he will give good things to you' but no, he doesn't say that! He says that he will give 'the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!' And this is something tremendous. Scripture Reading and Reflection Read Luke 15:25-32 The Pope s Mass at Santa Marta October 10, 2013 For Reflection: How do you pray? How do you nourish your relationship with God? Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks, receives and everyone who searches, finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you, who, if your child asks for bread, will give a stone? Or, if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good things to those who ask him? In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. Luke 15:25-32 Sister Clare Fitzgerald (a nun, teacher and advocate for Catholic education) states: In every one of our schools, we must provide time for the sacred, the Holy. Retreat time, prayer time. We also must provide space and time for academics. To be Catholics is to be intellectual. How does your school provide time for retreat and prayer? What more can we do to help create an atmosphere of sacred and Holy in our Catholic school?

20 19 Thursday Living the Promise ROME - Catholic schools and universities play a key role in evangelization and in creating a more humane world built on dialogue and hope, Pope Francis said. Future generations who are educated in a Christian way for dialogue, will come out of the classroom motivated to build bridges and, therefore, to find new answers to the many challenges of our times, he said. The Pope made his remarks on February 9 th to members of the Congregation for Catholic Education, who were meeting at the Vatican for their plenary assembly. The Vatican office oversees church-affiliated schools and colleges around the world. Catholic schools and universities are important places for reflecting on and developing new ways to evangelize the world and today s cultures, the Pope said. These institutions should serve the church s mission of helping humanity grow, build a culture of dialogue and plant the seeds of hope, he said. From an Article by Carol Glatz of the Catholic News Agency for Crux February 2017 Scripture Reading and Reflection Read Luke 4:18-24 For Reflection: In the referenced article above, Pope Francis recognizes that Catholic education provides us an opportunity to truly live the promise. Our Baptism has anointed us to carry the light of Christ in the world. In a brief discussion with a fellow student, share how you think Catholic education has: - prepared you to live the Gospel in the world - motivated you to be a bridge builder. In the Scripture passage from Luke, Jesus was taking a prophetic stand and proclaiming that the Spirit was anointing him to bring Good News to others. Given the mission of Jesus as depicted in this passage, and the quote of Pope Francis above, how are we called to plant seeds of hope: - in our world today? - in our own school community? How is planting seeds of hope a way of living the anointing of our Baptism to carry the light of Christ in the world? Watch this video on Catholic Social Teaching: Embracing these themes of justice, how does our Catholic Education challenge us to live in the world? The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring the good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord s favour. And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing. All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, Is not this Joseph s son? He said to them, Doubtless you will quote me this proverb, Doctor, cure yourself! And you will say, Do here also in your hometown, the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum. And he said, Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet s hometown. Luke 4:18-24

21 20 Friday Proclaiming the Promise The salvation which God has wrought, and the Church joyfully proclaims, is for everyone. God has found a way to unite himself to every human being in every age. He has chosen to call them together as a people and not as isolated individuals. No one is saved by himself or herself, individually, or by his or her own efforts. God attracts us by taking into account the complex interweaving of personal relationships entailed in the life of a human community. This people, which God has chosen and called, is the Church. Jesus did not tell the apostles to form an exclusive and elite group. He said, Go and make disciples of all nations. (Matthew 28:19) Saint Paul tells us that in the people of God, in the Church, there is neither Jew or Greek for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Gal 3:28) To those who feel far from God and the Church, to all those who are fearful or indifferent, I would like to say this, the Lord, with great respect and love, is also calling you to be a part of his people! Evangelii gaudium, The Joy of the Gospel, 113 Proclaiming the word of God begins with knowing God is within us. God gives us strength and courage through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We have been taught that nothing is impossible with God. As children of God, we are given the opportunity to share God s love in word and deed; one small gesture of love, kindness and compassion can go a long way. This is how we proclaim God s love. This is how we proclaim the Good News. Jesus said, whatever we do for the least of these, we actually have done for him. Jesus calls disciples to walk with him, to work with him and to witness to his life. Be wise in your decisions. Be courageous in your contributions and let your voice be heard through the goodness of God. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:4-9, 13 Scripture Reading and Reflection Read Philippians 4:4-9, 13 For Reflection: How do you feel about God choosing you to be a disciple? Are there things that make you nervous about proclaiming God s word? How can your actions proclaim the word of God? Where can you find support in your journey as a disciple?

22 21 An Outline for a Secondary School Retreat For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him. Acts 2:39 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. The activities are not intended to be completely sequential. Re-order as appropriate. Time required: 4-5 hours or tailored for in-class/group use. Opening Prayer Let us begin with the sign of our faith: In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Gracious God, We are blessed to have Catholic schools where these days of retreat are a gift. This gift offers us time to renew our body, mind and spirit. Help us to enter into the promise and prayer of this day so we may open to you. We ask this through Jesus, our 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/ SUB-THEME 1 REMEMBERING THE PROMISE ACTIVITY 1 Purpose: To make everyone feel welcome as they arrive at retreat. Materials needed: greeters guides joyful music nametags with each participant s name sound system tables & chairs welcome signs on tables with participants names

23 22 Outline of activity: As participants arrive for retreat, have greeters at the doors, welcoming everyone with sincere words. Have guides show retreatants where to put their coats, bags, belongings and where to get their nametags. Have joyful music playing as a sign of welcome to the day. Have a seat ready for each person in groups if that will be helpful to begin. If groups will be used for the activities, place a welcome sign on each table, listing the participants in the group (i.e. We have been expecting you and have prepared a place for you!). ACTIVITY 2 Purpose: To explore the different types of promises that exist. Materials needed: chart paper markers Outline of activity: Have the participants take a moment in their group to think about the different types of promises that exist in society. Encourage the students to think about both sacred and secular examples of promises. Challenge them to think outside the box! Have each group list the promises they were able to brainstorm on chart paper. For each, have students list possible reasons these promises now exist in society. Possible types of promises and the corresponding reasons may include: Promise Marriage vows Baptismal promises God s covenants with humanity Ten Commandments Hippocratic oath Court oath Laws Scouts/Guides oaths Guarantees Citizenship oath Oath of office Olympic oath (athletes, officials, coaches) Military oath Treaties Reason for Promise Fidelity, God s desire, protection of individuals and families To belong to some church/faith you promise to live the creed of that tradition God s desire to be in relationship with us God s way to protect us Do no harm, patients can trust doctors To tell the truth, to ensure justice To keep society safe from harm To belong to some group you promise to live the guidelines of that group, promise to serve country and others The product will function as promised, to protect the consumer from fraud To belong to a country you promise to live the values of that country Promise to carry out duties assigned or outlined Play by the rules To follow orders of commanding officer To help two separate groups live peaceably beside each other on agreed terms It used to be that a person s word was an oath. This is no longer the case. For legal protections, any oath, promise, or guarantee, needs to be in written form.

24 23 ACTIVITY 3 Purpose: To remember Jesus teachings. Materials needed: bibles to reference Handout #1 OR 8.5 x 11 sheets of paper cut into quarters markers masking/painters tape wall space for memos to be placed there Outline of activity: Tell students they are going to remember Jesus teachings. Jesus offered us ways to live that held promises of happiness and contentment if we choose to follow. Students will take time to make memos that will be reminders of those teachings. Use Handout #1 for a memo template, or have students create similar memos on quartered paper. On each memo, students will recall something Jesus said and why that teaching is important for us to remember. They might choose to reference a bible. Affix the memos on the wall. This space will serve as a Bulletin Board for Disciples. Adapted from Lessons, Prayers and Activities on the Teaching of Jesus by Lee Danesco Twenty-Third Publications, 2015 Pages 70-71

25 24 Jesus said: Jesus said: This is important because: This is important because: Jesus said: Jesus said: This is important because: This is important because: Handout #1 (Activity 3)

26 25 ACTIVITY 4 The Wampum Belt: We Are All Treaty People Purpose: To help students to understand the two-row wampum belt and that we are all Treaty People. Materials needed: a picture of the two-row wampum belt similar to the one below glue paper of two different colours scissors OR elastic thread with six white beads and four purple beads (simple bracelet) OR strips of white paper and a marker/crayon that the students use to reproduce the design below on their bookmark Preparation: Read the information below to become very familiar with the meaning of the tworow wampum belt. If possible, have a guest elder or an Indigenous student explain this teaching. Then have each student create a bookmark of the two-row wampum belt or a bracelet. Meaning of the two-row wampum In 1613, the Mohawk made a treaty (a promise) to live peacefully with the Dutch settlers who arrived on the shores of North America (Turtle Island). The agreement is symbolized by the two lines on the belt. One purple row shows the path of the Mohawk canoe. The other purple row shows the path of the settlers ship. The white row between the two purple, shows that it was agreed that neither boat would cross into the path of the other people. All three white rows signify that both groups would live in peace and friendship. The fringes on either end express that the agreement is for as long as the sun shines, as long as the water still flows and the grass grows green. The treaty is considered by Haudenosaunee (read Mohawk) people to still be in effect. The Haudenosaunee tradition states, "As long as the sun shines upon this Earth, that is how long our (two-row wampum) Agreement will stand; Second, as long as the water still flows; and third, as long as the grass grows green at a certain time of the year. Now we have symbolized this Agreement and it shall be binding forever as long as Mother Earth is still in motion. The wampum of the pact is stored in Canada and in 2013 was presented in festivities along the Hudson River celebrating the 400th anniversary of the treaty. Wikipedia We are all descendants of the makers of the Treaty. We are all Treaty People. Let us right the course of our boats so the treaty can be lived with integrity.

27 26 Idea adapted from lessons by Mona Jones, First Nation, Metis and Inuit Special Assignment teacher for Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board Debrief with students by noting that treaties are a form of promise. This activity is an example of a promise that needs renewal. It is a reminder that we need to revisit promises to ensure we are living them faithfully. SUB-THEME 2 THE PROMISE IS WITHIN YOU ACTIVITY 5 Purpose: To have an honest, loving conversation with God. Materials needed: breathing exercise journal paper pencils script Outline of activity: Use the script to introduce the activity. Invite participants to journal or simply to pray. Participants may want to sit on the floor or lie down to be more relaxed. Script: God has a number and also answers 911 calls. When you call God, you never get a busy signal, you are never put on hold, and you never hear an answering machine say, This is God. I m not in my office right now We are inviting you to have an honest conversation with God Imagine that you are calling Heaven and God answers. What would you talk to God about at this point in your life? What do you think God would say to you? You can journal this conversation on paper or just imagine it in your mind. We will do a breathing exercise to get us started. Gently close your eyes be comfortable relaxed Take a deep, silent breath and settle yourself. Breathe in and breathe out. Fill your lungs with air, hold it then let it leave your body. Breathe in all that is good and breathe out all that is not good. As you breathe deeply, let your body relax and be calm. Begin your conversation with God. Imagine you are calling God on your phone. What do you think God would say to you? What do you want to talk to God about today? Adapted from Leading Students Into Prayer Ideas & Suggestions from A-Z by Mary Kathleen Glavich, Twenty-Third Publications, 1996 Page 23 Close this activity by reminding students that the promise is within each of them. God has made a promise with each person that God has created. By talking to God, we invite God to guide us to be faithful to the promise within us.

28 27 ACTIVITY 6 Purpose: To dream about the promise that is within us. Materials needed: Handout #2 OR paper for a journal reflection pencil and eraser scribes for those who need one Outline of activity: Note that we have just finished celebrating Canada s 150 th birthday. In 25 years, we will therefore celebrate Canada 175. Ask: What dream do you have that you will work to fulfill by then? What is your passion that you will follow? What virtue (good habit) will you strive to live? How will you make Canada better? Consider writing these questions on chart paper for student reference. Have students write their reflections in journal entry form. Instruct students to fold their reflection in a unique way and take it home today. Suggest to students that they give it to someone who will hold it safe for them until the year 2043 or place it in a special place until that time. Encourage students to read it then to remember what each had hoped today. OR The retreat organizer may want to keep these dreams as a school time capsule. However, mark the spot carefully because time capsules can get lost otherwise. Collect the folded papers and place them in a large mason jar with a secure lid and secure or bury in a safe space. Close this activity by having students consider how their Catholic education will help to form them into the future. Call upon a few students to share their responses with the group.

29 28 When Canada is 175 I will: Dreams Passions Virtues Making a difference Handout #2 (Activity 6)

30 29 ACTIVITY 7 Purpose: To remind us how everyone is special. Materials needed: list of suggested comments for ESL students or others who may need assistance markers or pencils or pens once piece of paper for each participant Outline of activity: Invite students to make a fan by folding the paper in two-centimeter folds along either the length or width. On both outside folds, students will write their name (first and last names in case there is more than one participant with same name). Then have students pass their fan to the person beside them so they can write along a fold, one way the person is special OR one wish for the person. Continue passing along the fan and have students add comments to the folds of the fan until everyone in the group has had a chance to write. Take a moment for participants to enjoy the comments and wishes of their peers. The promise is within each of us, like a glowing ember. The kind words of another person can help to fan the promise within others. Invite students to recognize they are a gift from God and what a gift each person is. This is why I am reminding you now to fan into a flame the gift that God gave you God's gift was not a spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:6-7) Note: It may be helpful to have this activity later in the day or semester so students have come to know their classmates better. Also, just as kindness can fan the ember of the promise within us, unkind words may extinguish it. Be cautious of the maturity of the group and firm about the expectation that only positive comments and wishes are acceptable. SUB-THEME 3 PRAYING THE PROMISE ACTIVITY 8 Purpose: To learn the deeper meaning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Materials needed: Handout #3 props (see list below and adapt as needed) Outline of activity: If possible, have group leaders or older students dramatize the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Props ought to be simple; just enough to bring the story to life. Consider practicing this skit prior to the retreat day. Prior to the dramatization, contextualize the parable to assist students to make meaningful connections. For example, the Father represents God and both sons represent the different responses that we can have to God s great love for us. The following is suggested simple props/materials for each character. Note for students that the props for the good and the bad son are stereotypical portrayals used for effect only:

31 30 Narrator: Father: Son that stays: Son that leaves: Farmer: Pigs: Servant 1: Servant 2: Servant 3: should have a special book with the script inside (can be teacher/retreat leader) two bags with gold coins/monopoly money in a wallet child with glasses and reading a book, well-behaved child with attitude, duffle bag stuffed with belongings, long sleeves that hide tattoo sleeves (when he becomes poor, he takes off his long-sleeved shirt to reveal his tattoos) overalls, straw hat and a shovel stuffed animals leather coat or a coat that students would consider valuable or desirable big rings and sandals platter with pretend meat on it; maybe potatoes and carrots See Handout #3: The Children s Lectionary Version of the Prodigal Son Debrief: How did you feel when the son asked for half of the family property? How did you feel when the son wasted all the money? How did you feel when the Father welcomed his son home? What does this story teach us? Explain to students that God s promise of love and forgiveness is without limit. In God s family, we are loved unconditionally. God loves and forgives us. God does not forget God s promise. What is our role as witnesses to God s promise of unconditional love and forgiveness in that promise?

32 31 The Children s Lectionary Version of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) There was a man who had two sons. The younger son said to his father, Give me my half of all the family property all that would be mine after you die. So the father divided everything he owned between his two sons. A few days later, the younger son packed up all his things and left home to live in a far away country. But he wasted all of his money living a wild life. After he had spent everything, there was a bad famine in that country and he became very hungry but could not buy any food. He went to work for a farmer who sent him out to feed the pigs. The young man was so hungry that he could have eaten the food the pigs ate, but no one offered him even that. At last, he came to his senses and said to himself, The people who work for my father have more than enough food to eat, and here I am starving to death. I will go back to my father and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against God and against you; I am no longer good enough to be called your son. Treat me like one of your workers. So the young man started home. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming and ran out to meet him. He took his son in his arms and kissed him. The young man said, Father, I have sinned against God and against you. I am no longer good enough to be called your son. But his father said to the servants, Quick! Bring out the best clothes and put them on him. Put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet. Get our best calf and prepare a feast. Let s eat and celebrate because my son was dead and he has come back to life. He was lost and has been found! And they began to celebrate. Handout #3 (Activity 8)

33 32 ACTIVITY 9 Purpose: To listen to and learn a song and to discuss the promise of forgiveness. Materials needed: device to play music YouTube version of the song Father I Have Sinned by Eugene O Reilly, CSsR OR other source of the same song or another song with the same message Outline of activity: Become familiar with the song, Father I Have Sinned. Refer to the lyrics below. Be comfortable helping others to learn the song. Ask the students to listen to the song without singing the first time. Once students have listened to the song, ask them, Who is the Father? Teach the refrain first, then the verses. Decide ahead of time which verses you will teach, depending on the time available for this activity. Make sure that at least the refrain and verse one are sung through. FATHER, I HAVE SINNED by Eugene O Reilly, CSsR 1. Father, I have sinned, help me find my way. Remember not my sins, just let me hear you say, Refrain: I forgive you; I love you, you are mine; take my hand. Go in peace; sin no more, beloved one. 2. Father, I have turned my back and walked away. Depended on my strength, and lived life my own way. Refrain 3. Father, I have closed my heart to those in need. Thought only of myself, a victim of my greed. Refrain 4. Father, I have loved, if love s the word to use. I ve played so many games; they ve left me so confused. Refrain 5. Father, I ve returned. I m home with you to stay, standing by your door, knowing that you ll say, Refrain Debrief: Ask: Why is forgiveness so important? Explain that when we hold onto hurt, we are hurt. Forgiveness can heal and offer peace. It is a promise of God. Jesus invites his disciples to forgive abundantly, not for the good of the offender necessarily, but for the one who has been offended. When we forgive, we release the power of the offense and live more freely. When we acknowledge we sin and are forgiven, we are freed to live fully and to live the promise. This requires prayerful reflection.

34 33 ACTIVITY 10 Purpose: To experience a guided meditation. Outline of activity: Participants need to be in a space where they can sit quietly without another participant being too close physically. The lighting can be dimmed if it s possible or practical. Gentle, subtle instrumental 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 slowly 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 (i.e. movement in their bodies). 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 calm. Try to keep your body still. 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 Pause allow everyone to focus on their breathing for a minute 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 forcibly toward it Simply allow it to pass through as if on a river floating by

35 34 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 A place where you can be safe and free and still A place where 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 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 His 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 do you say to Jesus? 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?

36 35 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? Jesus says, I want you to use your gifts. When you use your gifts, you will feel a sense of purpose in your life. You will be able to help those around you. When you help those around you, you will feel happy. Service is a gift that I give you. When you serve, you can have a sense of accomplishment, a sense of your own goodness. You are good! I love you I truly love you. 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 cared for As you get ready to leave, the sun breaks through the clouds above you and its rays warm you filling you with light, with promise, with energy It is time to leave and you say goodbye for now. 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 In the style of the guided meditation found in Time with Jesus: Twenty Guided Meditations for Youth by Thomas F. Catucci, Ave Maria Press, An excellent resource for high school teachers and chaplains.

37 36 Debrief: Sometimes people are not able to enter into the meditation and that is alright. Explain that simply taking time to breathe and relax is all we need. It is one way to pray. It can be helpful for some people. Ask: How do you feel? Are you more relaxed now than before we started? ACTIVITY 11 Purpose: To experience Christian meditation. Materials needed: chairs of varying sizes prayer chimes (if available) timer Outline of activity: Have chairs spaced apart so students can have their own comfort zones around them. If possible, have smaller chairs for students with shorter legs, so they are able to have their feet flat on the floor. No instrumental music is played during a meditation. Silence is needed. Use the following instructions: LEADER: We are going to experience a type of prayer called meditation. It is a very simple form of prayer. It requires a couple of things: Feet flat on the floor. If you are not able to put your feet flat, sit on the front of the seat so your feet can touch flat. Put your hands on your lap. We are going to close our eyes gently when we begin. I will not be closing my eyes so I can be aware if something needs attention. We are going to breathe deeply in and out and as we do so, we will say silently a word that is Aramaic (the language that Jesus spoke). The word is, ma ra na tha. Say it with me aloud, ma ra na tha. Four separate syllables. Ma-ra-na-tha. Repeat the word to yourself as you breathe in and out. It means Come, Lord Jesus. If you have non-christian participants, invite them to say Breathing in, breathing out. I will time our prayer for five minutes (twenty minutes for experienced meditators). When our prayer is completed, I will ask you to open your eyes. Try to keep your body as still as you are able. Let us begin Ma ra na tha. Ring chime three times at the beginning. Using the timer, allow students to pray for the allotted time.

38 37 When the time is completed, say, Thank you, you may open your eyes. OR ring the chime three times at the end. If students are not able to sit still for five minutes, give them a chance to settle, but end the meditation if there is too much noise. If they are only able to sit for a minute, that is fine. Do not scold the students. Prayer is intended to be a time of grace and not a time of grief. Do not analyze the prayer time. Simply let it be their quiet time with God. ACTIVITY 12 Purpose: To offer the experience of mandala making in a prayerful context. Materials needed: crayons OR markers OR pencil crayons gentle instrumental music playing paper with a circle outlined in the centre paper with mandalas (available in colouring books or online) Outline of activity: This activity is done quietly. Each student can work on colouring a prepared mandala or creating their own. Gentle music is played to give atmosphere in the room. Instruction: Explain to students that they are going to colour or create a mandala. It is intended to be a peaceful activity. One usually begins a mandala in the centre and works toward the periphery. Note that it is best if there are not too many colours and not to let perfectionism be a distraction. Encourage students to allow their thoughts to pass through their consciousness and to just enjoy the peace of the activity. Explain that when we colour, we become calm. This is another way to experience God s peace. SUB-THEME 4 LIVING THE PROMISE ACTIVITY 13 Purpose: To look at PeaceJam s 10 Global Calls to Action Issues. Materials needed: 10 Global Calls to Action Issues 10 groups for sharing circles chart paper markers Outline of activity: Explain to students that PeaceJam is an international organization whose mission is to create young leaders committed to positive change in themselves, their communities, and the world through the inspiration of Nobel Peace Laureates who pass on the spirit, skills and wisdom they embody. Have each group sit in a circle around once piece of chart paper with one of the 10 Global Calls to Action Issues written on top. Invite the group to discuss the issue on the paper for the time

39 38 allotted. Students will write one statement about how serious this issue is in our local area and whether further discussion needs to happen. At the end of the allotted time, the reporter takes the marker as the group moves to the next Call to Action chart paper. They will again consider this new issue and write one statement about how serious this issue is, thus adding to the thinking of the previous group(s). Groups will continue to move to new charts, adding ideas as time permits. Following this activity, bring the participants together and ask: Which of these could we commit to? What could we get behind? What can we work on? Have the group commit to a plan of action to address the issue. 10 GLOBAL CALLS TO ACTION ISSUES 1. Equal Access to Water and Other Natural Resources 2. Ending Racism and Hate 3. Rights for Women and Children and Their Role as Leaders 4. Eliminating Extreme Poverty 5. Halting the Spread of Global Disease 6. Restoring Earth s Environment 7. Controlling the Proliferation of Weapons 8. Investing in Human Security 9. Social Justice and Human Rights for All 10. Breaking the Cycle of Violence ACTIVITY 14 Purpose: To become familiar with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission s Calls to Reconciliation. Materials needed: computer copies of handouts outlining the TRC s Calls to Action (available online) kleenex markers paper projector Video clips from TRC Educating Our Youth TRC 4.09 minutes A Journey of Discovery, Truth and Reconciliation Cecilia Reekie minutes Outline of activity: Watch both videos in the order they are listed. Ask students to become aware of their feelings as they view each one. At the end of the watching, ask the students to think about one act they can do to participate in becoming a person of reconciliation in Canada. How can we live the call to action in Canada? NOTE: Take time to explore the many resources for educators on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission website.

40 39 ACTIVITY 15 NOTE: This activity can be emotional for participants. Consider placing this activity earlier in the day so there is sufficient time to debrief and to experience other activities. Purpose: To become familiar with the history of Canada with respect to the Indigenous people from before contact with the settler nations to now. Materials needed: blankets (one blanket for every 3-4 participants) boxes of kleenex chairs (one for each participant encircling the blankets) trained facilitators to lead the blanket exercise youth script that facilitators ought to have Outline of activity: Trained facilitators are necessary to lead this exercise. The teacher/retreat leader may want to be a pastoral resource person who can care for any participants who become emotional during the exercise. It is good practice for the leader to have previously experienced the blanket exercise so as to be aware of what the students are going through without being swept up in the experience at the same time. It would be good to precede the blanket exercise with the teaching of the two-row wampum belt activity. One sets up the other nicely. We are all treaty people and the wampum belt helps us to understand how the Indigenous people understood the treaties they agreed to with the settlers. As with the two-row wampum belt activity, the blanket exercise reminds us of a promise that needs renewal. It is a reminder that we need to revisit promises to ensure we are living them faithfully. SUB-THEME 5 PROCLAIMING THE PROMISE ACTIVITY 16 Purpose: To go for a walk outdoors and appreciate the gift of nature. Materials needed: hat walking shoes and sunblock may be helpful Outline of activity: On a beautiful day, it is great to go for a walk, to breathe in fresh air and to listen to the sounds of nature. Invite participants to walk around the retreat centre and to appreciate the signs/promises of spring around them. Give the participants a specified amount of time to walk, so everyone returns in time for the next activity. This activity is helpful when it is determined that participants may need some time to transition to the next activity.

41 40 ACTIVITY 17 Purpose: To eat a treat like an apple. Materials needed: fruit garbage containers/composting facilities serviettes Outline of activity: Remind students that it is good to have a piece of fresh fruit. Usually juicy and tasty, fruit helps us to celebrate life and all that God provides for us in creation. Fruit was designed with a promise of future fruit in mind (seeds) as the potential of future harvest. God put the promise of future in the seeds. We are similarly a promise. Ask: how will we take root and grow? ACTIVITY 18 Purpose: To practice proclaiming the Word of God. Materials needed: baskets slips of paper with passages of scripture on them Samples of some passages Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. Luke 11:9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned, and received, and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9 Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:4-5 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lag in zeal; be ardent in spirit; serve the Lord. Romans 12:9-11 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, preserve in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Romans 12:12-14 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

42 41 Instructions: Explain that this activity will give students an opportunity to get to know a passage of scripture. Distribute scripture passages to students. Invite students to read their passage. Challenge students to memorize the passage in the three minutes they will be given. Students should seek assistance if they do not know what a word means. Students will then proclaim their passage in front of the group. Encourage students to proclaim the thought or meaning of the passage, not just the words. Students should introduce their passage before they proclaim it by saying, A reading from and say the name at the end of the passage. Invite students to take a deep breath and inspire the group with God s word. It is not necessary to entirely memorize, but to know well enough that the entire passage does not need to be read from the slip of paper. Participants should focus on the joyful proclamation of the passage. This is a positive way to end the day as the participants go forth to share the promise. Closing Blessing for the Retreat Day May God wrap his warmth around you like a shawl to hug you tight; God s light glow bright within you to guide your steps at night; God s strength flow sure all through you hold you up against hurt and fear; And whisper in your heart, Dear friend, My love is always near. Amen. + And may Almighty God bless us: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

43 42 Movie List Related to the Five Sub-Themes of Catholic Education Week 2018 Movies are a great medium for exploring themes with intermediate and senior students. This list of movie titles is offered as a suggestion for Religious Education, Arts or Social Science classes. Please preview the movie before you show it in case there is something that would be insensitive to your school situation or locale. Best picks for Catholic Education Week: Bee Nation Hidden Figures Wonder While watching the movie, invite the students to identify which scenes of the movie illustrate the sub-theme. 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 sub-theme. Additional Options Remembering the Promise: The Promise is Within You: Praying the Promise: Living the Promise: Proclaiming the Promise: Little Boy Prince of Egypt Reconciliation The Young Messiah A Brilliant Young Mind A Good Lie Hidden Figures McFarland Wonder Entertaining Angels Facing the Giants Soul Surfer About Time Brooklyn Courageous Promises (2001) Chariots of Fire Freedom Writers Invictus Rudy

44 43 Scripture Readings & Quotes Related to the Five Sub-Themes of CEW 2018 For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him. Acts 2:39 Keep every promise you make and only make promises that you can keep. Anthony Hill Remembering the Promise God loves each of us as if there were only one of us. St. Augustine Remember God s covenant forever, the word which God commanded to a thousand generations. 1 Chronicles 16:15 The process of learning requires not only hearing and applying but also forgetting and then remembering again. John Gray I can hardly wait for tomorrow, it means a new life for me each and every day. Stanley Kunitz The mission of Catholic education has not changed but the context has changed. The point is to meet Jesus, listen to the prompting of the Spirit. Discernment roots us in the love of God. The more we are rooted in the love of God, the more we can respond authentically to one another. Notes from ICE Symposium 2017 Though we may feel lost in the midst of our current circumstances, God promises the Hope of his Light. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf The Promise is Within You Beauty is the harvest of presence. David Whyte The power to create happiness is within you. Cast yourself into the arms of God and be very sure that if he wants anything of you, he will fit you for the work and give you strength. St. Philip Neri Wherever God has put you, that is your vocation. It is not what you do but how much you love to put into it. St. Teresa of Culcutta Unfurl the sails, and let God steer us where he will. St. Bede Praying the Promise You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself. Luke 10:27 The reality is my prayers don't change God. But, I am convinced prayer changes me. Praying boldly boots me out of that stale place of religious habit into authentic connection with God himself. Lysa TerKeurst