ADVENT 2018 A RESOURCE FOR PARISH COMMUNITIES. CARITAS AUSTRALIA EDUCATION caritas.org.au/advent

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1 ADVENT 2018 A RESOURCE FOR PARISH COMMUNITIES www.

2 Introduction ADVENT 2018 Hope, Peace, Joy and Love Parish Resource This resource invites participants to journey through the four weeks of Advent, reflecting on the Gospel and sharing in the stories of our sisters and brothers around the world. There are resources available on our webpage for use in Primary and Secondary Schools and Young Adults at: www. About Caritas Australia Caritas Australia is the international humanitarian relief and development agency of the Catholic Church in Australia. Through effective relationships with the Church, local partners and communities in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, the Pacific and Australia, Caritas Australia helps to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. Our programs, advocacy and education initiatives promote the dignity of every person, regardless of religious, political or cultural beliefs. We envisage a world in which children, women and men most vulnerable to extreme poverty and injustice are architects of their own sustainable development. Resource Structure Each week of Advent has been organised into the following components: Advent wreath: lighting of candles and prayer Gospel reading Gospel reflection Caritas Australia story Story reflection Faith in action Suggested song Closing prayer About Advent Advent marks the beginning of the Church s new year and is a season of waiting and preparation. In fact, this season of Advent focuses on Christ s threefold coming past, present and future. We await and prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ at Christmas. We hope and give thanks for Christ s presence within us and in the Word and sacraments. We look to the future, waiting for Christ to come again. In the coming four weeks we prepare with mounting expectation for the coming of Christ in a spirit of waiting, conversion and hope. caritas.org.au/schools

3 Advent Wreath The word Advent means coming. Lighting the candles on the wreath symbolises the coming of light (Jesus) into the world. The first candle (violet) represents hope, the second (violet) peace, the third (rose) joy, and the fourth (violet) love. The central white candle is lit on Christmas Day and represents Christ. This Advent we will learn, act and pray for a more just and fair world a world full of hope, peace, joy and love. Making the Advent Wreath a daily custom The Advent wreath helps us keep our thoughts focused on the coming of Christ at Christmas, it should be integrated into our daily lives. If you don t have an Advent wreath you can make your own, instructions can be found at: www. Everyone gathers around the wreath and someone lights the candle(s). Leader prays the Advent wreath prayer for the week. The season of Advent, which we begin again today, restores this horizon of hope, a hope which does not disappoint for it is founded on God s Word. A hope which does not disappoint, simply because the Lord never disappoints! He is faithful! He does not disappoint! Let us think about and feel this beauty. Pope Francis Global Gifts- Cherish the miracle of motherhood Send a message to those you love and give to mothers and babies in need. When you choose a Global Gift this year, your compassionate gifts are bringing hope, peace, joy and love to women and children by funding training programs and supplies that our midwives need to help mothers give birth safely - and provide expert care before and after babies are born. Order your card online at: or call us on: caritas.org.au/schools You could give community access to the clean, safe water needed to clean birthing tools and equipment, wash newborn babies after birth, and sustain the miracle of motherhood. You could give food that would nourish new mothers, and help babies grow up healthy and strong. You could empower people to support themselves by teaching them sustainable farming practices and give mothers, babies and entire communities a brighter future.

4 Welcome Leader: Explain the structure for each session as outlined in the Introduction (p.2). Introduce Caritas Australia as the International aid and development organisation of the Catholic Church in Australia. Explain that through sharing the stories of the people with whom Caritas Australia works, we can acknowledge that we are all part of one global family. You could use our What is Caritas? PowerPoint presentation for more information or watch this 4 min video from Caritas Internationalis. What is Advent? Introduce the season of Advent by watching this video Advent in two minutes. Suggested prayer God of hope, as we light this first candle on our Advent wreath may we be filled with your everlasting hope. May your spirit guide us as we continue to work toward a world free from poverty and give us discernment to know the needs of our neighbours. Amen Gospel Luke 21: Leader: Ask the participants to sit comfortably, feet flat on the floor, hands in laps, shoulders relaxed. Explain that you (or someone in the group) will read the Gospel and they are asked to really listen to the words and think about what the Gospel is saying to them (Gospel reading can be found on the next page).

5 Luke 21: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke. Jesus said to his disciples: There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; on earth nations in agony, bewildered by the clamour of the ocean and its waves; men dying of fear as they await what menaces the world, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand. Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened with debauchery and drunkenness and the cares of life, and that day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap. For it will come down on every living man on the face of the earth. Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man. Gospel Reflection Leader: Open up the conversation by inviting participants to share what they feel the Gospel is saying to them. Alternatively you can use the guided reflection questions below. Guided Reflection Questions: This week the Gospel tells us to stay awake. What is Jesus asking of us when he says this? Can you recall the advice Jesus gives to help his disciples, when he asks them to stay awake? How can we follow this same advice in our own lives? Advent is a hopeful time where we wait patiently. Identify a time in your life that you have struggled to wait patiently? How did you overcome this hurdle? This Advent, how can we prepare as people of hope and faith? Choose a symbol that comes to mind that summarises the true meaning of this Gospel passage. Identify your greatest hope for the future of our world. Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year. Describe why and how new beginnings can be important and can bring hope to people?

6 I would like to become the best ophthalmologist, as sight is the most important thing in our lives. If it wasn t for sight, we would not be able to read, write or learn. Bayan

7 Reflection The conflict in Syria is now the largest displacement crisis in the world since World War II. Over half of the country s pre-war population has been forcibly displaced. An estimated 5.6 million people are seeking refuge. Poverty rates for refugees exceed 80% in some countries. March 15, 2018 marked the start of the 8 th year of conflict in Syria. Pope Francis believes we need to be people who bring hope to others. How does this quote inspire you? Will you be a person of hope this Advent? How can you create awareness and open up a horizon of hope on Human Rights Day, December 10, 2018? Today too amid so much darkness, we need to see the light of hope and to be men and women who bring hope to others. To protect creation, to protect every man and every woman, to look upon them with tenderness and love, is to open up a horizon of hope; it is to let a shaft of light break through the heavy clouds; it is to bring the warmth of hope! Pope Francis, Inaugural Mass, March 19, 2013 Faith in Action Create an Advent Calendar of ideas to help others on a daily/weekly basis. Find ideas and information about the Share the Journey campaign. Organise a fundraising event, a Solidarity Walk, to raise awareness of refugees like Bayan. Show solidarity by participating in the refugee pilgrimage/simulation. Hold an information session to draw attention to the issue. Use the Syrian Refugee Crisis resource. Closing Prayer Hopeful God, you are always patient and you share with us the true meaning of hope for our future. Guide us to follow your lead as we patiently wait in this season of Advent. We pray for our brothers and sisters who are hopeful for an opportunity to learn and build a better life. May we always appreciate the gift of education. Continue to help us to carry out all that you have called us to do. In your name we pray, Amen Suggested song/video clip Avril Lavigne: Keep holding on

8 Welcome Leader: Welcome the participants and ask them to reflect upon the first week of Advent. Advent Wreath If you have an Advent wreath, begin by lighting the first two violet candles: the candle of hope and the candle of peace. Suggested prayer God of peace, as we light this second candle on our Advent wreath may we be filled with your everlasting peace. Help us create a community where justice and peace may flourish. Grant us forgiveness for the times our thoughts, actions and words were filled with conflict and negativity. God as we prepare for the coming of your Son, may we continue to seek the way that leads to peace. Amen Gospel Luke 3:1-6 Leader: Ask the participants to sit comfortably, feet flat on the floor, hands in laps, shoulders relaxed. Explain that you (or someone in the group) will read the Gospel and they are asked to really listen to the words and think about what the Gospel is saying to them (Gospel reading can be found on the next page).

9 Luke 3:1-6 A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke. In the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar s reign, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judaea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of the lands of Ituraea and Trachonitis, Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, during the pontificate of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah, in the wilderness. He went through the whole Jordan district proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the sayings of the prophet Isaiah: A voice cries in the wilderness; Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley will be filled in, every mountain and hill be laid low, winding ways will be straightened and rough roads made smooth. And all mankind shall see the salvation of God. Gospel Reflection Leader: Open up the conversation by inviting participants to share what they feel the Gospel is saying to them. Alternatively you can use the guided reflection questions below. Guided Reflection Questions: What is the main idea of this weeks Gospel? How could you reorganise your life to prepare a way - during times of hardship to feel at peace with God? What would you like to ask God s forgiveness for? How does seeking forgiveness impact on your relationship with God? Commit to 3 things in your life that you would like to improve on. The theme of Advent this week is peace. Identify a world issue that demonstrates a lack of peace. Which Catholic Social Teaching Principles are not being upheld (Human Dignity, Common Good, Solidarity, Subsidiarity, Participation, Care for our Common Home, Preferential Option for the Poor)?

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11 Reflection Dinia struggled every day to get food and enough money for her children to go to school. How would your life be different if you did not have an education? How would you feel? Pope Francis encourages us to preach peace. How has Caritas Australia preached peace to Dinia and her community? Can peace be achieved without love? How can you improve your life and the lives of others to live more peacefully? Can you find an opportunity to be poor among the poor and to include the excluded? We must restore hope to young people, help the old, be open to the future, spread love. Be poor among the poor. We need to include the excluded and preach peace. Pope Francis, 2013 Faith in Action Be an agent of peace and help others in your local community enjoy the spirit of Christmas this year. Commit to participating in mindfulness exercises to build inner peace, such as; meditation, yoga, mindful walking, breathing exercises and mandala colouring. Create a set of affirmation cards, that could include quotes, scripture, proverbs and ideas to promote peace in your community. Live more simply this Christmas, use the money saved to buy a Global Gift, supporting communities like Dinia, to create sustainable livelihoods for themselves. Closing Prayer Peaceful God, you invite us to share in your peace. We seek your guidance to be peacemakers in our communities. We pray that all nations around the world will live in harmony and be blessed with unlimited opportunities. We thank you for our brothers and sisters who strive to help others to live peaceful lives. May we continue to share in your ministry of peace and reconciliation. In your name we pray, Amen Suggested song/video clip Ben Harper and Jack Johnson: With my own two hands.

12 Welcome Leader: Welcome the participants and ask them to reflect upon the second week of Advent. Did they repent and improve their lives and seek forgiveness? Advent Wreath If you have an Advent wreath, begin by lighting the first two violet candles and the rose candle: the candle of hope, the candle of peace and the candle of joy. Suggested prayer God of joy, as we light this third candle on our Advent wreath may we pray for cheerfulness and a generous heart. May your spirit guide us this Advent, as we strive to find the joy in the highs and lows of our days. God, you are the source of joy in the world, let us bring this joy into our homes, our work and everyone we meet. We ask this prayer in Jesus name. Amen Gospel Luke 3:10-18 Leader: Ask the participants to sit comfortably, feet flat on the floor, hands in laps, shoulders relaxed. Explain that you (or someone in the group) will read the Gospel and they are asked to really listen to the words and think about what the Gospel is saying to them (Gospel reading can be found on the next page).

13 Luke 3:10-18 A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke. When all the people asked John, What must we do? he answered, If anyone has two tunics he must share with the man who has none, and the one with something to eat must do the same. There were tax collectors too who came for baptism, and these said to him, Master, what must we do? He said to them, Exact no more than your rate. Some soldiers asked him in their turn, What about us? What must we do? He said to them, No intimidation! No extortion! Be content with your pay! A feeling of expectancy had grown among the people, who were beginning to think that John might be the Christ, so John declared before them all, I baptise you with water, but someone is coming, someone who is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fan is in his hand to clear his threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into his barn; but the chaff he will burn in a fire that will never go out. As well as this, there were many other things he said to exhort the people and to announce the Good News to them. Gospel Reflection Leader: Open up the conversation by inviting participants to share what they feel the Gospel is saying to them. Alternatively you can use the guided reflection questions below. Guided Reflection Questions: Describe in your own words how the people were feeling as they questioned John the Baptist. Why could John the Baptist be mistaken for the Messiah that the people had been waiting for? Can the Gospel model mercy and compassion and motivate you to bring joy to vulnerable people and communities? How could you action this? What joy can you see in this story? How can we be leaders in our community and share the joy of Advent with our neighbours? John is asking people to have a change of heart. Whose heart could you help to change this week? What approach would you take and how will it bring joy to each of you? How do we experience God through other people and in different situations?

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15 Reflection Marta was able to turn her life around and bring greater joy to her family. Through Caritas Australia s skill building program, Marta has been able to be the architect of change in her own life. Pope Francis explains the joy in change and also encourages us to reach out and embrace opportunity and turn our life around. Pope Francis refers to some needs that only diminish us, identify what some of these needs may be in your life? Describe some possibilities that are open to you in this season of Advent. List qualities you see in Marta, that you too will need, to turn your life around? Happiness means knowing how to limit some needs which only diminish us, and being open to the many different possibilities which life can offer. Pope Francis, Laudato Si #223, 2015 Faith in Action Bring joy to vulnerable communities this Christmas by supporting food hamper appeals. December 20, 2018 is International Human Solidarity Day, a day where we can celebrate the unity in our diversity. Every single person is special and is made in the image of God. What small act of kindness can you offer to make someone feel as special as God immediately believed we were when he created mankind? Share the joyful story of Marta and her family with others. Share the gift and joy of education and volunteer to read at a local primary school or community group. Closing Prayer Joyful God, you bring us joy during the Advent season as we await the celebration of Jesus birth. May we share this Good News with our family and friends. We pray for those who have lost you in the maze of life, let them know once more the joy of coming home. Help us to care for the common good of all. In your name we pray, Amen Suggested song/video clip The Greatest Showman musical: A million dreams

16 Welcome Leader: Welcome the participants and ask them to reflect upon the third week of Advent. Advent Wreath If you have an Advent wreath, begin by lighting the first two violet candles, the rose candle and the final violet candle: the candle of hope, the candle of peace, the candle of joy and the candle of love. Suggested prayer God of love, as we light this fourth candle on our Advent wreath, fill us with your everlasting love. We ask for guidance Lord as we open our lives to others, share their laughter and tears, and grow day by day in love. Teach us to love sincerely the people of our nation and every race on earth. We ask this prayer in Jesus name. Amen Gospel Luke 1:39-44 Leader: Ask the participants to sit comfortably, feet flat on the floor, hands in laps, shoulders relaxed. Explain that you (or someone in the group) will read the Gospel and they are asked to really listen to the words and think about what the Gospel is saying to them (Gospel reading can be found on the next page).

17 Luke 1:39-44 A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke. Mary set out and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. She went into Zechariah s house and greeted Elizabeth. Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made to her by the Lord would be fulfilled. Gospel Reflection Leader: Open up the conversation by inviting participants to share what they feel the Gospel is saying to them. Alternatively you can use the guided reflection questions below. Guided Reflection Questions: Elizabeth describes Mary as blessed. Explain why she would think this. Elizabeth felt honoured to be visited by Mary, the mother of our Lord. Imagine how Mary would have felt to hear this. Recall a time when you have felt honoured by something someone has said to you. How did this make you feel? Mary demonstrated her commitment to God and believed in him. How can you continue to follow God and believe in his love? List Mary s qualities that help her to be a committed and loving disciple of Jesus. Compare these qualities to those you believe that you have. The Gospel tells us of two strong women of great faith who encounter each other. To pay respect to these brave and faithful women, identify two brave and faithful women in your own life that you can celebrate this Advent. In the modern world where digital communication between our loved ones is more prevalent than ever before, how can you defend the need to meet and communicate with friends and family face to face? Think of a way that you can share the love within your local community.

18 The aim was to create a partnership between business and traditional landowners, that would reduce climate change effects across the country. Rowan Foley

19 Reflection Rowan and many communities affected by climate change are responding with resourcefulness and courage. What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ? How does Rowan show courage and how is he responding to God s call to be a disciple of Christ? Can you identify the Catholic Social Teaching principles evident in the the work of the Aboriginal Carbon Fund? As disciples of Christ, we have a further reason to join with all men and women of good will to protect and defend nature and the environment. Creation is, in fact, a gift entrusted to us from the hands of the creator. Pope Francis, 2014 Faith in Action Engage with your local council to get involved in a sustainable environment action, for example; community indigenous tree planting, clean up day, reducing your greenhouse footprint by taking public transport or walking to school/work. Together we can learn, share and find solutions to climate change injustice. Suggest simple ways you can promote climate justice in your own home, school, work and local and wider communities. You may want to list one item you will reduce, one you will reuse and one you will recycle. Take part in Caritas Hearts for Climate and send your love letter for climate justice. Access resources on the Our Common Home campaign page for more information, including a climate justice action kit exploring Pope Francis encyclical Laudato Si and climate frontline stories. Closing Prayer Loving God, you continue to love each of us generously and sincerely. Let the love of your Holy Spirit be in our hearts. As we draw nearer to the celebration of Christmas, direct our thoughts, words and actions today so that we may care for and protect our common home and each other. May people know through us the power of Jesus love. In your name we pray, Amen Suggested song/video clip Michael Jackson: Earth song/man in the mirror.

20 CaritasAU caritasaustralia w w w. c a r i t a s. o r g. a u