HOLY CHILDHOOD ASSOCIATION

Transcription

1 CHILDREN HELPING CHILDREN HAITI HOLY CHILDHOOD ASSOCIATION CHILDREN HELPING CHILDREN Sept. - Dec Dear Young Missionaries, Let us begin with the Holy Childhood Association (HCA) Prayer. (Ask your teacher for a prayer card.) Welcome back to another year of membership in the HCA. We hope that you are doing well in your studies and praying for each other. As we journey toward Advent, which begins on Sunday Dec. 1 st, 2013, open your hearts to mission children in need around the world. Bishop Charles de Forbin-Janson founded the Holy Childhood Association in France in This year we celebrate our 170 th anniversary worldwide! Ask your parents if they were members when they were young. Here is a HCA membership card from Vol Intermediate Gr. 7-9 This newsletter will focus on the country of Haiti. We encourage you in your daily prayers to recite the HCA prayer and to think about the children of Haiti. Remember our purpose: to pray for, to learn about and to pray for others in need. As you learn about the children of Haiti, know that you are joining with children around the world to help all children in mission countries. These children need your help, support, understanding and prayers. One hundred per cent of the money you raise goes directly to support projects helping children. Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow your love. St. Francis of Assisi St. Francis( ) grew up rich and happy in the town of Assisi, Italy. He was popular, loved parties and good times. As a young man, he went off to war and was captured for more than a year. Being in prison, gave him time to think about his life and the importance of love and not hatred in this world. When he was released, he decided to change his life completely. On returning to Assisi, he heard God s voice tell him to, Repair My Church! At first, St. Francis thought this meant that he should rebuild run down churches, but soon realized that it meant he should repair the children of God. To do this, St. Francis gave up everything he owned much to the anger of his father. He spent the rest of his life helping the sick and the poor, loving and respecting all God created. St. Francis feast day is Oct. 4 th. He is the Patron Saint of animals and ecology. Pope Francis I chose his name because St Francis of Assisi was such an inspiration to him. Pope Francis I wants us to also follow the example of St. Francis by helping the poor, praying for peace and loving nature and all of God s creatures. What can I do to show others in my school that I care for them? What can I do to help a sick or worried friend forget his/her troubles? Reflection: Am I trying to respect the environment at school and at home? Am I trying to lead a life thinking of others and not myself?

2 Haiti is a beautiful country in the Caribbean. It occupies 1/3 of the island of Hispaniola. (The Dominican Republic occupies the other 2/3rds.) It is unfortunately the poorest nation in the area with approximately 80% of the population living in poverty. A history of political corruption and poor access to education contribute to its weak economic progress. A devastating earthquake in 2010 killed over 220,000 people and left more than a million homeless!* Since then, day to day life remains difficult for the majority of the population. Because Haiti is affected by natural disasters such as: hurricanes, severe storms, earthquakes, flooding and periodic drought, many people have stopped trying to farm the land and have moved to the cities for food, shelter and work where they can find it. Canada is the second largest donor of financial aid to Haiti after the United States. We have given over $1 billion since 2006, yet the need to help rebuild and recover from natural disasters remains enormous. Money is also needed for health care and education. Just 53% of the population can read or write. There are, however, signs of economic progress. Tourism is being developed with cruise ships now stopping on the northern coast. Starting this fall from Montreal, Transat Holidays is offering package tours with stays in the capital of Port Au Prince and in beautiful beach hotels which are being constructed. Other economic progress is seen in the exporting of Haitian made products by the country s talented artisans. This fall will see The Bay stores in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal begin selling Haitian bowls and platters with the hope to sell country wide. Would you buy one? Haiti is a country rich in history, art, music and craftsmanship. Despite their difficulties, the Haitian people remain proud, happy, optimistic and deeply spiritual. * Google Lovely Avelus to read about this 2 year old little girl who survived being Facts about Haiti buried in the earthquake for 6 days and how she and her family are doing now. Population: 9,801,664 (July 2012) Area: 27,750 km2 Government: Republic President: Michel Martelly Capital City: Port Au Prince Languages: French and Creole (spoken by 80% of pop.) Religion: 80% Catholic Climate: Tropical Agriculture: coffee, mangoes, cocoa Currency: gourde (GDE or HTG) (1 CDN $= 41 gourdes) Sports: soccer Wildlife: dolphins, whales, bats, many birds including the national bird- the Trogon. La Citadelle la Ferriere is a large mountaintop fortress in northern Haiti, approximately 27 km south of the city of Cap-Haïtien. It is the largest fortress in the Americas and was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1982 along with the nearby Sans-Souci Palace. It was built by up to 20,000 workers between 1805 and 1820 as part of a system of fortifications designed to keep the newly-independent nation of Haiti safe from French incursions. The Citadel was built several miles inland, and atop the 910 m Bonnet a L Eveque mountain, to deter attacks and to provide a lookout into the nearby valleys. Cap-Haïtien and the adjoining Atlantic Ocean are visible from the roof of the fortress. It is possible to sight the eastern coast of Cuba, some 140 km to the west, on clear days. National Parks: Haiti has 2 National Parks, La Viste and Pic Macaya. Pic Macaya is a 500 hectare cloud forest. A cloud forest has near permanent cloud cover. It is home to many birds, amphibians and orchid flowers that can only be found inside the park. Pic Macaya park receives about 4000 mm of rain per year. How much rain falls annually where you live? Michaëlle Jean Michaëlle Jean is a famous Haitian-Canadian. She was Governor General of Canada from She is UNESCO s special envoy to Haiti and does much to help her birth country. Ms. Jean is now Chancellor of the University of Ottawa. (Google her name to read more about this accomplished woman.) Flag Description: two equal horizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a centered white rectangle bearing the coat of arms, which contains a palm tree flanked by flags and two cannons above a scroll bearing the motto L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE (Union Makes Strength); the colors are taken from the French Tricolor and represent the union of blacks and mulattoes We heard from Sister Immaculee Beldorin, Director of the Centre De Sante Notre Dame De Lourdes. The centre is located in Cap-Haitian on the north coast of Haiti. The centre helps children by providing medicine, food, clothing, school supplies and religious education. Thanks to your support, these children are healthy and happy. They thank you very much for helping them get a good education and for thinking and praying for them. Sister wants you to know that, Through your generosity, we bring smiles, health, joy, hope and life to all those we serve especially poor children. The Governor General of Canada is the federal representative of the Canadian monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Advent The season of Advent is a time to open our hearts and prepare for the birth of Jesus. Did you know that St. Francis of Assisi created the first crèche using real people, a life sized manger and real animals? He wanted to do something that would help people remember the Christ Child born in Bethlehem and to see and experience Jesus in the manger, lying on hay with animals nearby. This happened on Christmas Eve St Francis invited people in the area to come and visit the crèche. Imagine their surprise and joy when they came upon the scene. When you look upon the Nativity Set in your church, school or home, remember and celebrate God s love and forgiveness for us all.

3 STUDENTS' CORNER We received a lovely letter from St. Charles Catholic School in Winnipeg, MB. Students fund raise all year by holding popcorn days, bake sales and an Advent collection. A HCA bulletin board was created for the front hall of the school to remind everyone to help others. Thank you to HCA coordinator Donna Tobin for sharing this great news. Well done young missionaries! How wonderful to hear from our friends from St. Andrews Parish in Fraser Lake, BC. Their youth group made crafts and donated raffle prizes for the annual CWL bazaar. Thanks to Elizabeth Schulz, we heard about special needs Parish member, Darlene Hendrickson. Darlene saved all her change and filled the HCA jar that sits in front of the altar! God s blessings on you all. We heard from Mrs. Margaret Moore, President of the CWL in St. Joseph s Parish, Grand Falls, NL on behalf of the Parish children. They held a HCA Mass in May and donated very generously to mission children in need. What a wonderful example of Children Helping Children! The Student Council of St. Francis Catholic School in Fort Francis, ON had a great idea to raise money for the HCA. They held a movie event in the gym for the Grade 7 and 8 students and their teachers. They also sold popcorn, pop and candy. Thanks to Principal Kim Anderson for sharing the great news. What a delicious and fun way to help others. Well done all! A big thank you to Madame Lundin, Mlle Kaitlin and the staff and students of L Ecole Ste. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic School in Kenora, ON. During Advent, they decided to help others in need. They created posters and held a Christmas concert emphasizing our purpose: to pray for, learn about and share with others. Very well done! WORD SEARCH AMPHIBIANS ANIMALS BIRDS CLOUD CREATION DROUGHT EARTHQUAKE ECOLOGY EDUCATION FLOOD FOREST FRANCIS HAITI HOPE HURRICANE JOY LEARN LIFE LOVE MEDICINE NATIONAL ORCHID PARK POOR PRAY RAIN SHARE SMILE VISIT 2219 Kennedy Rd, TORONTO, ON, M1T 3G5, CANADA

4 H o l y C h i l d h o o d A s s o c i a t i o n 2219 Kennedy Rd. TORONTO ON M1T 3G5 Toll free: hca@missionsocieties.ca Sept. - Dec, 2013 Vol Intermediate Gr. 7-9 Dear Teachers/Catechists, Welcome back to the anticipation, excitement and challenges of a new school year. Whether you are using the newsletter in September or saving it for use in other parts of your Religious curriculum, know that you are helping shape the next generation spiritually, emotionally and intellectually. By encouraging your students to Pray for, Learn about and Share with others in need around the world, know also that you are a vital part of their Catholic education. This issue of the newsletter invites your students to learn about the beautiful, vibrant and very disadvantaged country of Haiti. While much is being done to help this nation, the need remains great. Together, we are supporting children in areas that still have no electricity, poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. The need for food and medicine hardly meets the demand. The problems are complex. Our Canadian government gives $50 million each year for development. They feel that the majority of Canadian aid money should go to programs supporting mothers and babies, sending children to school, buying medicines and building housing. Others, such as former Canadian Governor General Michaelle Jean, now special envoy to Haiti for UNESCO, agree but feel money must also continue to be given to the government to build up the economy for long term stability. They suggest greater government accountability. Both approaches seem sensible. Please remember Haiti and its dear people in your prayers. Please read the Junior and Primary newsletters for additional information. Visit our web site and find access to World Mission TV for inspirational mission stories and lesson plans featuring projects we support around the world. Thank you for all that you do! Your role is vital in raising missionary awareness in children. We d love to feature your school/parish on page 4 of future newsletters. Every fund raising effort, big or small, is important and appreciated. Please send us your photos for publication. Suggestions for Using the Newsletter: 1. Always begin your lesson with the HCA prayer. Each student should have their own prayer card. (Prayer cards are available from the National Office.) They can recite the prayer as a group or have a student lead the prayer. Remind your students of why they are members of the HCA to pray for, to learn about and to share with mission children around the world. 2. Using a globe, atlas or an internet map, have your students locate North America, Canada and then the Caribbean. Point out different islands they may have heard about. Focus next on the island of Hispaniola showing the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Bodies of water should include the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Religious Education: Integrating the HCA into your Program Grade 8: Stand By Me Unit 7: We believe in life everlasting. Theme 2: How can I make the world more peaceful? Key Concept: Jesus peace is seeing the good in every person. (page 157) Outcome: Students will understand that in honouring each other, we are honouring Him. Grade 7: Believe in Me Unit 3: We believe in God the Father Almighty. Theme 3: Who s in control? Key Concept: We should show the same care for others that we want them to show to us. (page 59) Outcome: Students will understand that God wants them to respect themselves and others.

5 1. Say the Mission Prayer daily. 2. Read the quote from St. Francis of Assisi on page 1. Ask your students what they think it means. Read the Prayer of St. Francis together (page. 160 Gr. 8 text) and /or sing the hymn Make me a Channel of Your peace. 3. Discuss how your students can begin to live their lives sowing love not hate. What challenges might they face? How can these be overcome? 4. Allow quiet time to read the story of St. Francis on page 1. The 4 questions can be answered privately or shared in small groups. 5. In today s world, your students are bombarded by messages wanting them to want/buy more. Divide a piece of chart paper or your black/white board into two parts. On one side print the word want and the word need on the other. Have them suggest words to add to each side. Discuss the results. E.g. which side brings lasting happiness? Remind them that St. Francis gave up all his wants to focus on the needs of others. 6. Give your students a copy of St. Francis Canticle of the Sun where he praises God and all creation. This can be easily divided up into different student readers. Students could choose their favourite line to make a bookmark. Students could also form groups to create a class mural. 7. St. Francis is Patron Saint of animals, merchants and ecology. Have your students research why Pope Benedict was sometimes called our Green Pope during his 8 years as Pope. (Solar panels were placed for heating, cooling and lighting in the Vatican. He advocated for global climate change.) 8. Advent begins Sunday December 1, Advent should be seen as a time of quiet, joyful preparation for Jesus birth. Prayer is especially important at this time. Encourage your students to pray often as it can represent their spiritual gift to God. Remember to change your prayer cloth to purple during the Advent season. They may question why the colour purple is used during Advent and Lent. Years ago, purple dye was difficult to make and so it became associated with wealth and royalty. We use it to signify the coming of our King. 9. Place a crèche/nativity scene in your classroom. This can be bought or class created e.g. using clay figures. You could place baby Jesus in the manger far from the crèche and each day choose a student to move Him closer to the crèche so that on your last school day together, He is placed with the other figures. 10. This year is the 170 th anniversary of the founding of the HCA by Bishop Charles de Forbin-Janson. Plan a classroom celebration to honour this milestone. Additional Activities: 1. Ask your students to design a poster reflecting the rights of all children to: clean drinking water, good food, medicine and safe housing. Refer to them to the story of the children s centre in Cap-Haitian on pages 2/3 and what a difference their help brings to those in need. (See page 100, Gr. 6 text for the UN Rights of the Child.) 2. The 2010 Haitian earthquake was 7.0 on the Richter scale. Students could research this scale. Where in the world was the worst earthquake? (Chile 1960, 9.5) As them if Canada has earthquakes. A good web site is 3. Math challenge. Estimates say that approximately 220,000 people died in the 2010 earthquake. What percentage of the population of Haiti died? (pop. of Haiti 9,801,664 July 2012) 4. The most famous musical group in Haiti is called RAM, led by a cousin of the President. This is not our kind of music, but if it meets your approval, you may like to have your students experience it. Of Note: We are very pleased to announce our new National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies - Father Alex Osei CSSp. Father Alex is a great supporter of the HCA. Join us in praying for him and wishing him well during his tenure. PLEASE: send photos and stories for use in future publications. is an excellent way to transmit photos and stories. Send them to hca@missionsocieties.ca or by regular mail to Holy Childhood Association, National Office, 2219 Kennedy Rd. Toronto, ON M1T 3G5 Also, please make sure that photos you send to HCA are cleared for publication through your school or parish Freedom of Information policy. Remember to send us copies of your parental permission forms allowing us to publish photos.