International Lasallian Days for Peace

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1 1 International Lasallian s for Peace District of Ireland, Great Britain and Malta PowerPoint Resource for the Month-Long Initiative Promoting Peace This resource is to help guide you through the month-long international initiative, International Lasallian s for Peace (Sep 21 Oct 21, 2018). This PowerPoint includes an introduction, and 4 sets of slides (one each week). Each weekly set of slides is divided into daily reflections. This document is to accompany the PowerPoint and to provide extra information to guide you through the resource. The objective is to clarify what is being asked of students and staff on each slide. SLIDE 1 - INTRODUCTION Friday 21 st September 2018 Short introduction to International Lasallian s for Peace (ILDP) Leader: The 2018 International Lasallian s for Peace (ILDP) begins today, the 21 st September (the United Nations sanctioned International of Peace) and will run through 21 st October. This is the 12 th edition of this annual event. In the summer of 2006, a group of about 150 Young Lasallians (adolescents and young adults connected to Lasallian schools and centres) from all over the world gathered in Rome for the 2 nd International Symposium of Young Lasallians. They shared an experience of celebration, dialogue and reflection. However, they lived those days with heavy hearts. They couldn t stop thinking about two delegates whose plane never left due to an ongoing war that their country was involved in at that time. Toni and Dina, through their absence, became an icon of the broken world that Young Lasallians want to make whole again. Those young people gathered in Rome believed that Peace was a possible mission; a shared dream. In fact, it can be said that the International Lasallian s for Peace (ILDP), was conceived as a means to support Toni, Dina and the many other Lasallians who were, and still are, facing the daily hardships in war-torn countries. Initially ILDP was only an invitation to pray for peace in the world. However, with time the International Council of Young Lasallians realised that prayer needed to be complimented with action. More importantly, the organisers recognised that peace, at all levels and in all circles of society, has a very simple, personal and achievable start. It starts in me. It starts in you. It starts within our inner self. We experience it in our families. We shape it at school. These are the realities we will explore together over the coming weeks. Only then can we seriously hope for a united world, founded on peace and justice. The key lies inside your heart. No wonder we daily pray Live Jesus in our hearts. Worldwide peace, a limitless peace, starts in our hearts! Note: Play VIDEO, ILDP 2018 ILDP Prayer (Students from schools in Ireland, England and Malta recite the official ILDP prayer). Leader: Let us take a moment and pray, Lord may we be inspired to share peace, live peace and promote peace through our words, our actions and through our love of you. Leader: St John Baptist de La Salle All: Pray for us. Leader: Live Jesus in our hearts All: Forever

2 2 WEEK ONE: MONDAY 24 TH FRIDAY 28 TH SEPTEMBER 2018 PEACE WITHIN OURSELVES SLIDE Reflection Content De La Salle s words: Do not have anxiety about the future leave everything in God s hands for he will take care of you. - St John Baptist de La Salle Lord, Please give me strength in my personal struggles and enjoyments. Help me to find the blessings and lessons that each situation contains. Please give me the endurance to continue and to see your work in myself and others. Guide my thoughts, my words, my actions today and always. So I may walk in the path of your peace and love. Amen Quote from Pope Francis: "Comfort and console us, strengthen us in hope, and give us the wisdom and courage to work tirelessly for a world where true peace and love reign among nations and in the hearts of all." Activity: Gratitude Wall Build a wall of gratitude for your class: Using a piece of paper/card, write: I am grateful for Decorate using coloured pens/markers Put each brick together to create your wall of gratitude. Additional Notes Chance to reflect or discuss the quote To be read together or allocate to someone Planning Resources for Tomorrow: Week 1-2 Reflection will require a Post It Note for each participating student. Students will also require writing materials. Chance to reflect or discuss the quote Resources Needed for Today s Reflection: The Gratitude Wall Activity will require a Post It Note for each participating student. Students will also require writing materials.

3 Video: Kung Fu Panda Inner Peace Discussion questions: - Where do you go, to feel peaceful? - Who brings you peace? - Do you see yourself as someone who brings peace to others? - When do you struggle to focus on peace? Reflection: If we are witnesses of peace and faith, we automatically inspire others around us to seek the same - What small acts of kindness can we carry out ourselves? - What act of kindness can we do as a group? Scripture Philippians 4: 6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Leader: Take some time to be with yourself and God. Do not allow others to distract you. Think about the peace within yourself and the peace you d like to achieve in your life. Video on YouTube: Video is also available in ILDP 2018 Folder on Google Drive. Discuss questions in groups of 4 and/or as a whole class. Discuss questions in groups of 4 and/or as a whole class To be read together or allocate to someone If accessible to you, play some instrumental music. Allow for a few moments of silence. Leader: Be still and know that I am God

4 4 Be still and know that I am Be still and know Be still Be Lord, Your love in me is like a flame that burns within my heart, Giving light to all I do and everything that I am. Sometimes it dances in my soul as I praise your name. At times it dims or flickers low when hard times come my way. Even in the darkest hours I sense your light afresh, Reminding me to trust in you. Allow for another few moments of silence and reflection. Then read the five iterations of Psalm 46:10. To be read together or allocate to someone Be still and wait and rest my soul! For every flame needs gentle fuel. Your love is the key for keeping this little candle burning alight in me. It guides my life, my thoughts, my dreams and shines for all to see. Thank you for the happiness and peace you give to me. Amen WEEK TWO: MONDAY 1 ST FRIDAY 5 TH OCTOBER 2018 PEACE IN OUR FAMILIES SLIDE De La Salle s words: Never speak to anyone except with kindness. St John Baptist de La Salle Leader: Think back to breakfast this morning How did you greet your parents or guardians? How did you say goodbye? How many times have you said please or thank you at home today? Discuss questions in pairs and/or as a whole class.

5 5 2 3 What can you do today and at home to speak with kindness? Lord, We pray that our families may always live in peace. May we understand each other and have patience to let You know first about every problem we may face as a family. Amen Quote from Pope Francis: "Sitting at table for the family dinner, sharing our meal and the experiences of our day, is a fundamental image of togetherness and solidarity." Leader: How often do you and your family share a meal together? Does something as simple as eating dinner together really impact on a family? Dear Lord, We are thankful for the many blessings we have in our lives. Help us not to take our families for granted and to set aside time every day to share a meal with loved ones. Amen Video: Empty Pickle Jar Importance of Family in life Lord, I pray that I do not allow the small things to take the space from the things that really matter in life. Help me to have the strength, courage and wisdom to treat my family, friends and myself with respect, care and love; and remember always to speak kindly to others. Discuss questions in pairs and/or as a whole class. Video on YouTube: Video is also available in ILDP 2018 Folder on Google Drive. Discuss Video in groups of 4 and/or as a whole class.

6 6 4 5 Lord, help me to keep things in perspective so that I can focus on the things that matter most and let go of the small stuff! Amen. So, if peace begins with me, I guess Lord, I need to be, More aware of the things I say And how I can affect people day by day. I have learned that the words I choose, Really can win or lose, The respect of my friends and family, So please, please help me remember that peace starts with me. Leader: Pause for a few moments and think about how you use your words, especially when you are at home with your family. How could you be more patient/ kind/ supportive with your family? Are there times when you speak before you think? Challenge yourself to speak kindly and peacefully in all your encounters today. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love I patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not selfseeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. Leader: Reflect on everything you have heard this week and spend a few moments in silent prayer for your own family intentions. Leader: Family is love and love, always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres. Invite students, if comfortable, to share their reflections in groups of 4 and/or as a whole class.

7 7 WEEK THREE: MONDAY 8 TH FRIDAY 12 TH OCTOBER 2018 PEACE WITHIN OUR SCHOOLS SLIDE Leader: If we are to lead a life of peace then it needs to impact all that we do. With peace in ourselves and in our families, we also need to bring this peace to school with us. Take a few moments to reflect on this quote from our Founder. De La Salle s words: "You can do more with the grace of God than you think. St John Baptist de La Salle Dear God, If I cannot be brilliant, let me be kind. If I cannot change the world, let me inspire just one other to do so. If I cannot give away riches, let me be loving. Let me be known for kindness, for it is the greatest glory. Amen Quote from Pope Francis: Let us learn from Christ how to pray, to forgive, to sow peace, and to be near those in need. Leader: What word or phrase in this quote strikes you the most? (Why?) In one word, how does this quote make you feel? (Why?) Chance to reflect on quote. Chance to reflect on quote. Discuss questions in groups of 4 and/or as a whole class

8 3 4 5 Video: Kid President's 20 Things We Should Say More Often Leader: How can we demonstrate peace in school by our words and actions? How do you personally speak to staff and other students? Activity: Bookcase Activity Imagine that this bookcase represented peace in your school. Decorate your personal bookcase to show how your school currently demonstrates peace within your community but also what you would like to see develop and improve within your school. Peace is not something you wish for. It s something you make. Something you do. Something you are and something you give away Leader: Reflect on everything you have heard this week and spend a few moments in silent prayer for your own school community s intentions. Video on YouTube: Video is also available in ILDP 2018 Folder on Google Drive. Discuss Video in groups of 4 and/or as a whole class. Planning Resources for Tomorrow: Week 3-4 Reflection will require printouts of the Bookcase Activity PDF. This is available in the ILDP 2018 Folder on Google Drive Resources Needed for Today s Reflection: The Bookcase Activity will require printouts of the Bookcase Activity PDF. Students will also require writing/colouring materials. As a class discuss what you can now do with these bookcases to have an impact on your school community. E.g.: - Create a display for your classroom, year group or school community - Could some be added to your school social media? Invite students, if comfortable, to share their reflections in groups of 4 and/or as a whole class. 8

9 9 Lord, We pray for the students, teachers and all those who work in our school. May our school be a place of learning and discovery, A place of joy and hope, A place of courage and confidence, A place of gratitude and generosity, A place of faith, rooted in the Lasallian Spirit. Bless us all, may your spirit inspire us with confidence to treat one another with respect and to be witnesses of your love through our words and actions. May our time together leave us with memories to cherish. St John Baptist de La Salle, watch over and protect us all. Amen WEEK FOUR: MONDAY 15 TH FRIDAY 19 TH OCTOBER 2018 (Possible Assembly for 18th October) PEACE WITHIN OUR INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY SLIDE Some statistics from around the world from UNICEF: - "Children living in fragile or conflict-affected countries are: more than twice as likely to be malnourished three times as likely to miss primary school and almost twice as likely to die before the age of 5 compared to children in other developing countries. - Women & children make up nearly 80% of refugees & internally displaced people. - More than half of the 28.5 million children in conflict-affected countries who are out of school are girls. - Women are often marginalised in peacebuilding processes, including official negotiations and the formulation of peacebuilding agreements." Additional information: (UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families.) Full report:

10 Leader: What fact strikes you the most? (Why?) How does this list make you feel? (Why?) Quote from Pope Francis: Let us pray for each other, let us pray for the entire world because there is great kinship in the world. Leader: What word or phrase in this quote strikes you the most? (Why?) In one word, how does this quote make you feel? (Why?) Leader: The only way we can make a real difference is to be the change we would like to see; set the example. For example, if you are unhappy with a situation, set about making that change. If you do not like to witness violence or hear violent language - be the model for peace. If you see someone alone or hurt be the person who reaches out. The month-long initiative across the Lasallian world came into existence, because there was a shared interest in fostering peace around the world. Shared action with others to promote peace within ourselves, our communities, and our world is one of the most powerful things we can do. De La Salle s words: Example makes a much greater impression than words. St John Baptist de La Salle If there is to be peace in the world, There must be peace in the nations. If there is to be peace in the nations, There must be peace in the cities. Discuss questions in pairs and/or as a whole class. Discuss questions in groups of 4 and/or as a whole class Chance to reflect on quote.

11 If there is to be peace in the cities, There must be peace between neighbours. If there is to be peace between neighbours, There must be peace in the home. If there is to be peace in the home, There must be peace in the heart. (Lao-Tse - 6th Century BCE) Video: Do Something by Matthew West Watch Video: Chance to reflect on or discuss the video Leader: Yesterday, we heard that example makes a much greater impression than words. Let us remember this as we enjoy this day before us. Remember that it is up to us to do something. Be the change! Leader: Chance to reflect over these last four weeks, as we celebrated the International Lasallian s for Peace: What have you gained from it all? ILDP Prayer Video on YouTube: Video is also available in ILDP 2018 Folder on Google Drive. Discuss questions in groups of 4 and/or as a whole class Or Use of Video, ILDP 2018 ILDP Prayer, available in ILDP 2018 Folder on Google Drive