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Lent 2013
Prayers for School Settings
Autumn Lent by Romuald Gibson fms
Our Aotearoa Lentis an Autumn season, Lord,
when the earth is spent,its bounty poured out in harvest
the in-gathering of grain and fruit and hay,of kumara and crops rooted
in the warm, patient and provident soil.
We, in our worship,are out of rhythm with our earth:we celebrate no harvest festivalthat pities the earth’s passion
in wonder and thanks and love.But Lent, at least, is a slowing,
a pause, when the thought of your suffering, Jesus,is hung like a tapestry before our eyes,and your love blazes through the pain,
as sunset over a clouded sea.The earth’s autumn exhaustion
echoes your words from the cross,‘Father I have finished the work you gave me to do’
and autumn rains, Rangi’s tears,fall on the face of our fields
as Mary’s tears mingled with the bloodof your face, asleep in death, my Lord.
Even as earth, bled of life,lies in a coma of exhaustion,
deep down, mysterious, inexhaustible,life-forces stir to revive, to restore
the spent fertility;and in Lent,
the same revitalizing,re-charging, re-invigorating Spirit works,
even in our weakness and apathy.
In our Autumn-Lent ,Re-empower us, Spirit of Life.
Table of contents
Introduction 2
About this prayer booklet 3
Ash Wednesday 4
Week 1 Choosing the right path 8
Week 2 Revealing the truth 10 Week 3 Speaking out for others 12
Week 4 Loving unconditionally 14
Week 5 Recognising human dignity 16
Week 6 The passion of Christ 18
The Stations of the Cross introduction 19
Additional resourcesTurn these stones into bread 20Stones 20The time of quiet 21Star-maps 21Life chance 21Faith 21Blessing for the planting of a tree 22Graces 22Paua 23Your heart, my heart 23I believe 24Morning offering 24New life blessing 24 Acknowledgements 25
Books that may be useful for ongoing reflection
The woven flax kete by Angie Belcher. Raupo Publishing (NZ) Ltd, 2003
Prayer for the 21st century by John Marsden. Star Bright Books, 1998.
Tangaroa’s gift by Mere Whaanga-Schollum. Ashton Scholastic, 1990.
The tale of the three trees retold by Angela Elwell Hunt. Lion Publishing, 1989.
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Introduction
Lent is the period of preparation for Easter – a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving to the poor. During this season, we remember that Christ calls us as members of a worldwide community. The call to fullness of life, the sharing in the very life of God, endows every human life with inestimable value and an innate and sacred dignity.
As children of God we each have the same needs and yearnings: for food, water and shelter; for protection of family and whānau; for education and work; for the opportunity for spiritual reflection and renewal; and for a safe and peaceful environment in which to live.
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is the Catholic agency for justice, peace and development – an official agency of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference. We work in Aotearoa New Zealand, in the Pacific, in Africa and Asia. We work in partnership with impoverished communities throughout the world, and through advocacy and education for justice here at home.
Our focus this Lent are two Caritas partnerships in Oceania. Through a series of lessons and supporting resources including this booklet of prayers, students will be encouraged to understand how they must play their part to build communities where the values of faith, truth, joy and peace can flourish. Inspired by the text below we are positively seeking a ‘sea change’ in Oceania.
Our Lady of Peace, in whom all storms grow still, Pray at the dawn of the new millennium That the Church in Oceania will not cease to show forth the glorious face of your Son, full of grace and truth, so that God will reign in the hearts of the Pacific peoples and they will find peace in the world’s true Saviour, plead for the Church in Oceania that she may have the strength to follow faithfully the way of Jesus Christto tell courageously the truth of Jesus Christto live joyfully the life of Jesus ChristO help of Christians, protect us. Bright Star of Sea, guide us, Our Lady of Peace, pray for us. From the Apostolic Letter - Ecclesia in Oceania 2001
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand acknowledges all the people who have contributed to the content of this booklet. We hope that it will be used by teachers throughout Lent to guide and encourage, and help develop empathy towards those who are living in poverty and oppression. Please help us to continue our work. Thank you.
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About this Prayer Booklet
The purpose of this booklet is to provide resources, ideas and inspiration for prayer and reflection throughout the six weeks of Lent. Each week’s theme is linked to the corresponding Sunday gospel of the liturgical year. There are ideas for focus, symbolic action and prayers with suggestions for use at various class levels. These ideas could be used for assemblies, class lessons, staff or team meetings.
Prayer styles, both traditional and cultural, include:prayers of reconciliation, meditation, photo meditation, Lectio Divina, blessings, music and prayer symbols. Additional poems and prayers which teachers and students may like to include in their liturgies during the week can be found at the end of this booklet.
The CrossThe Lenten cross is used as a symbol of the school journey through Lent, from Ash Wednesday through to the Stations of the Cross in Holy Week. It can be used in some resurrected form when the school returns after Easter. It can become a ’living symbol’ for display at assemblies, staff meetings or around the classrooms to connect with the prayer focus.
The cross can be decorated to reflect each Sunday gospel reading and could link with the school’s mission statement, Gospel values, founding charism and Catholic character goals.
Lent waiata Each week everyone could sing the following adaptation of the waiata E te Atua (tune of Kum Ba Yah).
Follow faithfullyTell courageously (Children’s version ‘Tell truthfully’) Live joyfully in Jesus Christ x2Ake, ake tonu e, ake, ake tonu e
OR
Kia pono te whai atu, Kia māia te whakapuaki, Kia harikoa te manawa i Hēhu KaraitiAke, ake tonu e, ake, ake tonu e
E Te Atua
D
G
D
Em A7
7
D
G D
Em D A7 D
Use this resource from the webYou may prefer to use the electronic version of this booklet from the Caritas website.Go to http://www.caritas.org.nz/schools/lent-schools
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Ash Wednesday
The following may be used as Liturgy of the Word or as part of an Ash Wednesday Eucharist. For Catholic primary schools Y1-6, some adaptation of the prayers will be needed.
Note: Instructions are in (brackets). Responses together in bold. Ideas more suitable for younger children in
shaded sections. Leader could be a student.
PreparationYou will need:
• Two Ponga logs tied to form a cross or bare branches covered in chicken wire or some other natural feature in the shape of a cross. It is best if it is portable throughout Lent as it will form the focus for all prayer and reflection times.
• Ashes prepared • Lent poster • Bible with Scripture reading prepared • Rehearse the Lent waiata E Te Atua. (See in About
this prayer booklet)• Three students prepared to lead sections• Purple cloth with Pasifika/Māori pattern or hessian
with handprints/black crosses representing classes.
FocusThe Cross you have prepared.
IntroductionLeader:
On Ash Wednesday we are marked with an ash cross to celebrate the beginning of the journey of Lent. In this Year of Faith may we at (your school) link with all parishes and Catholic schools throughout Aotearoa New Zealand in responding to the invitation to participate in the Lenten theme, which will guide us in our prayer, penance and promises. May we … follow faithfully, tell courageously, and live joyfully kia pono te whai atu, kia māia te whakapuaki, kia harikoa te manawa
(Two students process in with Caritas Lenten Poster and hang it on the Cross. Procession of statements about Lent as liturgy leader reads them out. Place these statements around the foot of the cross.)
Leader:• Lent is a time we spend preparing for Easter.• Lent is a time when we reflect on our relationships
with family, friends and even people around the world that we know about but have never met.
• Lent is a time when we give out to others from what we give up in money, time, resources and aroha.
• Lent is a good time for reconciliation-houhou rongo.
Later on in our Liturgy we will be signed with an Ash Cross to symbolize our commitment to the journey of Lent, but to begin our prayer we make the sign of the Cross in the usual manner.All: Ki te ingoa o te Matua, o te Tamaiti, o te Wairua Tapu, Āmene.
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Opening prayer Leader: Kia īnoi tātou - Let us pray. God of love and careWe come to listen to your words in Scripture and in those around us.During Lent, teach us to be true friends of one another and especially those who are in need.Guide us in being generous and forgiving.May we follow faithfully, tell courageously and live joyfully the Good News of Jesus Christ who came to bring aroha-love, tika-justice, and rangimārie-peace to our world. We pray this in Jesus’ name.All: Amen.
All Sing: E te Atua version of Lenten theme or suitable school song. (See About this Prayer Booklet, p3.)
Reflection (Secondary)Student 1:E tō mātou Matua i te rangi creator of all, we ask for the awareness, sensitivity and generous use of our time, talent and treasure. In witnessing with others the wonders of Your creation may we enable, empower and enthuse all to live joyfully by:• walking gently on Your earth• recycling • preserving and protecting• honouring te whenua• imagining and realising solutions to global warming• respecting all of life on earth• honouring the tapu and mana of he tangata-your
people• accepting graciously and sharing generously, the gift
of being co-creators.
All: We ask for peace and forgiveness to start anew.
Student 2:E Hēhu Karaiti-Jesus Christ, healer of division and source of peace, we ask for the commitment to follow you faithfully by recognising your face in:• the poor• the marginalised• the imprisoned• those struggling with addictions• people who are homeless • children who feel worthless• people whose culture is not valued• people who suffer from broken promises• families torn by conflict• men and women who stand up for truth and what
is right.
All: We are sorry and ask for your healing.
Student 3:E te Wairua Tapu-Holy Spirit who inspires us to tell courageously the words of forgiveness and reconciliation, be present in our conversations about:• people who govern us• those who make laws and policies• teachers in schools and colleges• people in churches and communities• ways we honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi• ways we learn from our past mistakes• how we make efforts to include others• ways we do our best to seek reconciliation
All: We ask for wisdom and awareness of the power in our words and actions.
Blessing of the Lenten cross (Primary)Leader:• Every time we make the Sign of the Cross + may
we take a moment to remember the Ash Cross we said Amen/Yes to.
• Every time we trace the Gospel Cross + on our forehead, lips and heart may we remember some of Jesus’ special words to us in the Bible and our special prayer and promise words to Him.
• Every time we see a Cross + in our School, Parish and at home may it remind us to follow Jesus on this Lenten Journey in our ways, words, work and witness.
All Sing:These Hands by Andrew Chinn or I have decided to follow Jesus or song of your choice.
BlessingMay this Lenten Cross Remind us that we belong to Jesus. (Hand point to the cross)
May this Lenten CrossRemind us that we travel this Lenten journeywith Jesus in our minds, eyes, ears, mouths and hearts. (Hands make the + on head/lips/heart)
May this Lenten CrossRemind us that Jesus will help us toFollow +His way with patience and promiseSpeak +His words with truthLive +His life with joy. (Make a cross shape with both hands down from head, out to shoulders, down to feet. Then jump up hands in the air with a loud … ) Yes – Amen!
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Scripture readingChoose from :Joel 2:12-18 Psalm 51:1-122 Cor 5:20-21,6.2Matt 6: 1-6, 16-18
View Power point from Caritas Lent resources from the website. Caritas and Lent 2013Go to www.caritas.org.nz/schools/lent-schools
Distribution of the ashes (Suggested spoken words as the person marks the cross on each forehead.)For junior children ‘Love and follow Jesus’. For older students ‘Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel’.
or
‘Follow faithfully, tell courageously, live joyfully the life of Jesus’.
Lenten Promise(Lenten promise recited and purple cloth of signed handprints or hessian cloth with black crosses representing each child draped around cross.) Leader: The Lenten Promise of our …………………………………… School for 2013.
All: This Lent we promise to follow faithfully the way of Jesus Christ, speak courageously the truth of Jesus Christ, and live joyfully the life of Jesus Christ.Amen.
Closing PrayerLeader:God of Reconciliation, we know that Jesus came to bring us closer to You and one another. May the many peoples within our own country, in Oceania, and in all nations be given the courage to live in cooperation and rangimarie-peace. May who we are and what we give to others this Lent truly help to make the world a better place.
or
A blessing for navigating Lent 2013 in the wairua of Oceania.As we start out on our Lenten JourneyMay we be blessed withSpecial brushings ofearth, sea and sky.May we be blessed with Songs of bird, wave and wind.May we be blessed withStitchings of Path, tide and cloud.As we follow, speak and live the way of Jesus Christ.
Play selection of instrumental music to close.
See ideas for kete cross on p17.
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Selection of prayers and reflections following Ash Wednesday (Prayers based on the book of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
Let us pray that this Lentthere is a time for everything;A time for giving birth, a time for dyingA time for plantingA time for harvesting A time for healing.Gracious God hear us.Response: Gracious God hear our prayer for Lent
We pray that there will be A time for knocking downA time for buildingA time for tearsA time for laughter.God of celebration hear us.Response: God of celebration hear our prayer for Lent
We pray forA time for grievingA time for dancingA time for throwing awayA time for keeping.God of wisdom hear us.Response: God of wisdom hear our prayer for Lent
We pray for awareness ofA time for being quietA time for speaking A time for tearing A time for sewingA time for loving A time for hating. God of creation hear us.Response: God of creation hear our prayer for Lent
A time of searchingA time of stillnessA time of noticingA time of nurturingA time of action A time of almsgivingA time of penance, prayer and praise.God of seasons hear our prayer.Response: God of seasons hear our prayer for Lent
Please give generously so we can helP others helP themselves
2013
— EcclEsia in OcEania
Tell courageously
Follow faithfully
live joyfully
an aPPeal on behalf of the new Zealand catholic bishoPs conference
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First Sunday of Lent: The temptation of Jesus
A reading from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 4, verses 1 to 13.Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days and when they were over he was famished.
The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.’ But Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “One does not live by bread alone”.’
Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, ‘To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you then worship me, it will all be yours.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.”’
Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, ‘If you are Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written: “He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,” and “On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone”.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test”.’
When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.
WEEK 1 Choosing the right path Focus Foyer and other spaces• Large cross (see intro) draped with hessian with ash
crosses or cultural material from Ash Wednesday with Caritas poster in centre and stones decorated with caring words at the base.
• Links with school values, rules or motto displayed somewhere near.
Classroom• Hessian cloth with Lenten ash crosses from Ash
Wednesday circled by stones – 1 for each person. • Basket of pita bread /other bread. In the centre of
focus a purple wool or string cross shape (see image as a guide) with Caritas Koha box, envelope for Week 1 at foot of the cross. Bread could be broken and shared at an appropriate time.
• At the end of the prayers of reconciliation each student takes a stone and puts it into a cross shape – older students could say a word of caring with their stone.
• Coins could be placed into the Caritas Koha box.
Background - Choosing the right path Both symbols of ‘stone’ and ‘bread’ can be used in a positive and a negative way.
Stone can be used as a strong foundation or wall on which to build up buildings, people, community for protection.
Stone can also be a taonga-treasure which is used to enhance the tapu and mana of people, places and things. Here in Aotearoa-New Zealand our pounamu-greenstone is worn with pride as a true sacred taonga. Stone can also be mis-used to hurt, tear down, damage, harden or even imprison.
Bread can nourish, fill-up hunger, be shared and appreciated in all its wonderful shapes and forms. The yeast helps it expand, shape and increase for people to share. It can also have ingredients, which are not good for everyone, and it only has a limited life because it can go stale, mouldy, out of shape and inedible.
Together these can symbolise for us the need to balance ‘bread’ and ‘stones’ to build up the Kingdom of God here on earth. We need to be building ‘living stones’ and breaking and sharing the ‘bread of life’.
ResponseLeader:E Hēhu Karaiti-Jesus Christ, our way, our truth, our life, You showed us courage and strength in not giving into the temptation in the desert. Even when You were starving you didn’t let your personal needs take over Your faith and belief. You have given us a great example of being true to God’s Way of being faithful and life-giving.
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Prayers of Reconciliation(These could form the basis of a Rite 2 Reconciliation Liturgy. Text in bold all respond. WORDS IN BLUE are the simple responses from younger children.)
1. When we are tempted to harden our hearts with the stone of resentment and anger...
All: Jesus, help us to be like bread, softened with ‘letting go’ of our personal wants and needs.
2. When we are tempted to harden our hearts with the stone of selfishness...
All: Jesus, help us to be like bread, broken and shared with generosity.
3. When we are tempted to sharpen our hearts with the stone of unkind words...
All: Jesus, help us to be like bread, sweetened with toppings of kind, thankful words.
4. When we are tempted to throw the stone of blame at others...
All: Jesus, help us to put all the crumbs and broken pieces together in You our Living Bread.
The ‘stone of temptation’ could have resulted in them losing the land they use for food growing to sustain lives for future generations. To give them hope for the future, we need to support them with the ‘bread’ of sharing our our prayer and koha. Let’s link in prayer with the people of Kapo as we pray.
Caritas prayerStudent: Lord Jesus, e te Ariki, you have shown us the way of truth and light. Strengthen us by your Spirit to choose the right path.
Counting shell money, Kapo Island, Kimbe diocese, Papua New Guinea.
CONNECTIONS TO CARITAS PARTNERS – THE COMMUNITY OF KAPO IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA
The Temptation – Being put to the testLeader:The families of Kapo, an island village in Kimbe diocese, Papua New Guinea had seen neighbouring villages lose lands and a sense of community to expanding government palm oil plantations. The lure of easy short term money produced disastrous consequences. This was not the future Kapo wanted, so they asked for help.
In response a pilot income-generating project was set up in Kapo supported by Caritas Papua New Guinea and Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand. From an initial planting of 20,000 cocoa and coconut seedlings combined with taro, cassava, sweet potato and vegetables, the Kapo community can generate enough income to survive and thrive.
BlessingMay we open our hearts of ‘selfish stone’ to becoming ‘generous bread’ in our Lenten sharing with the people in Kapo, together with the whole of the Body of Christ. May we honour the tapu and mana of each other by faithfully following the Way of Jesus, courageously telling the Truth of Jesus, living joyfully the Life of Jesus.
All: Amen.
Waiata (See p 3.)
Follow faithfullyTell courageously (truthfully) children’s versionLive joyfully in Jesus Christ x2Ake, ake tonu e, ake, ake tonu e
OR
Kia pono te whai atu, Kia māia te whakapuaki, Kia harikoa te manawa i Hēhu KaraitiAke, ake tonu e, ake, ake tonu e
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Second Sunday of Lent: The transfiguration of Jesus
A reading from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 9, verses 28 to 36.Now about eight days after these sayings, Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. While he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white.
Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to Jesus. They appeared in glory, and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish in Jerusalem.
Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep, but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as Moses and Elijah were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ He did not know what he was saying.
While Peter was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him!’ When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone.
The disciples kept silent and at that time they did not tell anyone what they had seen.
WEEK 2 Revealing the truthFocus • Meditation ‘centering’ music and Power point
images. See Caritas photo gallery on the website and/or the picture pack.
• Lenten purple colours, textures in material and symbols with Maori /Pasifika patterns.
• Links with School mission statement and Catholic character goals.
• Set of Caritas Lent six-week pack of envelopes for discussion of photos and prayers.
Lenten Cross • Form a cross shape this week in your classroom or
school space with some photos/pictures of places from the Caritas Lenten picture resource, pictures of local scenes of God’s Creation for a photo meditation.
Prayer Connections• Explore – new ways of including still, quiet spaces in
the school day.• Expand – places for prayer, outside. Plan prayer
wanders with school/class Lenten cross. Use prayer symbols – stones, flowers, trees, water.
• Encourage – more meditative preparation, gesture and position – sit; still; silence; space.
Prayer (Leader on alternate lines)
Be StillIn our minds and in our thinkingAll: Be still and know that I am GodIn our hearts and in our relating to one anotherAll: Be still and know that I am GodIn our speaking, listening and readingAll: Be still and know that I am GodIn sharing our gifting, our participating and our contributingAll: Be still and know that I am GodIn our attitude, our application, and our managing of ourselvesAll: Be still and know that I am GodIn our care of each other and the earthAll: Be still and know that I am God.
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CONNECTIONS TO CARITAS PARTNERS – OUR WORK IN SCHOOLS
The Transfiguration – They woke up and saw His gloryLeader:Jesus took Andrew, James and John to a quiet, still, picturesque place up a mountain.
There He sat with them, shared with them and prayed with them. Through His changed presence He called them to overcome their fear and to go and transform others with the love, light and life of His presence.
During Lent, Jesus asks us too, to find time to ‘go with Him’ to quiet places and spaces, to sit, share, listen and just ‘Be still with Him’. Jesus asks us to leave the busy-ness of our school day and go to the ‘still space’ of being with Him in prayer and reflection. Then, from the ‘still’ space of Jesus’ presence we go out and be Jesus’ hands and feet in our school communities and those communities we are supporting.
Caritas’ education programme recognises the energy and dynamism of young learners. We support them as they encounter new experiences in social settings and in times of solitude. Encouraged to remain still in the presence of God, students can tune in to ‘My Son, the Chosen One’, who reveals to them the meaning of ‘charity in truth’.
Caritas prayerStudent: God our Father, e te Matua, your truth is revealed to us in quiet times of prayer and reflection. Teach us to take the time in our lives to recognise your Holy presence.
View across mountain valley, Bamyan province, Afghanistan.
BlessingBless us God with quiet placesBless us God with still spacesTransform us Jesus with warm words to speak Your truth.Transform us Jesus with helpful heartsto follow Your way.Inspire us Holy Spirit with fun, friends and familyto live joyfully Your life. Inspire us Holy Spirit with Your peaceful presence Amen
Waiata (See p 3.)
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Third Sunday of Lent: The parable of the barren fig tree
A reading from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 13, verses 1 to 9.Jesus was teaching the crowds. Some of those present told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
Jesus asked them, ‘Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all the other Galileans? No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you will all perish as they did.
Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them – do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you will all perish as they did.’
Then Jesus told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, “See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?”
The gardener replied, “Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.”’
Keeping watch at the fence, the Sahel, Niger.
WEEK 3 Speaking out for others Focus • Dark coloured hessian. Earthy material.• Soil in a pot. Some dead looking plants which could
be brought back to life or some bulbs with lots of brown, dry, layers. Discuss possibilities.
• Some BIG Autumn leaves that can have prayers written on them and used to: form a cross shape or if planting a tree, prayer leaves be put in the hole or tied on the school’s Lenten cross or on a tree in a prayer space or around the playground.
• Link with School Environmental /planting projects – school gardens etc
• Blessing for planting a Tree. See Additional resources Week 3.
Background – Speaking out for othersLeader:The ‘gardener’ in this Gospel has great hope that with care, attention and constant nurturing the tree will come alive and bear fruit. The ‘gardener’ believes in the possibilities and potential of what he has planted.
So it is with us. God has given us many gifts, skills and abilities. Sometimes we seem like ’dead wood’. Sometimes we are bored, couldn’t care less and selfish. Sometimes the love, care and encouragement of others brings us ‘back to life’. Sometimes we are called by our prayer, words and actions to stand up, speak out, encourage and offer to provide help for the needs of others.
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CONNECTIONS TO CARITAS PARTNERS – WEST PAPUA
The parable of the barren fig tree -–Leave it one more year and give me time.Our international advocacy work involves support for justice and peace in places such as West Papua, Sudan and the Holy Land. This work includes solidarity visits, prayer, writing letters to those with power and educative work within New Zealand to raise people’s awareness.
Caritas is supporting people to ‘stand up’ and ‘speak out’ for new approaches and solutions so that places like West Papua can be places of peace.
Let us join in with Caritas and the people of West Papua by sowing ‘seeds of hope and new growth’ by our prayer and sharing generously our resources. This week we remember people of West Papua.
Protest gathering, West Papua.
Caritas prayerStudent: Holy Spirit, e te Wairua Tapu, you plead for us and you stir us to speak out. Open our eyes and use us to strengthen and support your people – with hope, courage and confidence.
Prayer connectionsAs we read from the Bible/Scripture passages this week let us think about how we might ‘Stand up and speak out’ some of the words, phrases and messages which will help us to help ourselves and others to act like Jesus, speak like Jesus and be like Jesus in all we say and do. Suggestions:• Use a word from the daily reading to be part of a
‘centering’ mantra for meditation.
• Underline or write down a phrase which will help you live like Jesus during the day. Carry in your pocket or diary and examine/check out how you went at the end of the day.
• Create a wordfind/crossword/text message with the reference or words from the reading.
Stand up and speak outWhen we hear the Word of GodStand up, Speak outwith listening, love and learning.
When we hear the Word of GodStand up, Speak outWith tika, pono and aroha.
When we hear the Word of GodStand up, speak outFor what we believe in.
When we hear the Word of GodStand up, speak outFor those who are silent about the suffering of others.
When we hear the Word of God Stand up, speak outFor those whose lives have beenshattered by violence.
When we hear the Word of God Stand up, speak outCourageously the truthof Jesus Christ.
Blessing – Sign of PeacePeace be with you (shake hands with the person beside you)Peace be with our brothers and sisters in West Papua (join hands in silence) Peace be with themPeace be with us. Amen.
All Sing: a peace song e.g. Peace is flowing or Shalom my friends
Waiata (See p 3.)
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Fourth Sunday of Lent: The parable of the lost son
A reading from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 15, verses 1-3 and 11-32.All the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus. The Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them’.
So he told them a parable: ‘There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me’. So the father divided his property between them.
A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and travelled to a distant country. There he squandered his property in dissolute living.
When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he hired himself out to a citizen of the country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs.
The young man would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. When he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me like one of your hired hands”.’
So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me like one of your hired hands’.
But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe – the best one – and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate, for this son of mine was dead and is alive again, he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.
Now his elder son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. The slave replied, ‘Your brother has come and your father has killed the fatted calf because he has got him back safe and sound’.
Then the elder son became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him.
But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you and I have never disobeyed your command. Yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’
Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life, he was lost and has been found”.’
WEEK 4 Loving unconditionally Focus • School Cross in foyer or other places. Follow the
idea of making a cross shape focus of food bank donations in the classroom or appropriate area for this theme of sharing with the needy in our school, parish and wider communities.
• Link with School pastoral care plan, school Young Vinnies, Parish St Vincent de Paul
• Large notice on a table – FROM FAMINE TO FEAST! Make a cross shape with cans of food, and other food items.
• Pray one of the Graces each day from the Additional prayers for week 4.
Background – Loving unconditionally Leader:Over 925 million people are going hungry. As Catholics who are fed by Jesus in Word and Communion when we celebrate the Eucharist-Mass we are called to see Christ’s face in those who are hungry and to be Christ’s Body of ‘nourishment’ to those who are starving.
In our Gospel this week we hear about the younger son being so hungry that he’s prepared to eat pig food. He was not only experiencing famine from a lack of food but also a state of famine in his heart because of his silly choices, his wasting money and his being unfaithful to his family. Remembering and knowing that he was loved
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CONNECTIONS TO CARITAS PARTNERS – THE SAHEL EMERGENCY RESPONSE
The Loving Father – While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity.This Lent we too, can help others go from famine to fasting. Through an international network working in more than 200 countries and territories, Caritas is there before, during and after emergencies – including the ones that don’t make it to the headlines.
In 2012, a severe food crisis in the Sahel region of West Africa threatened the lives of almost 20 million people. Despite suffering severe drought itself, Niger opened its borders to refugees fleeing drought and conflict from neighbouring Mali. Many lived in the open air under plastic sheeting. Host communities already weakened by food shortages, brought on by erratic rains and a poor harvest, needed support as well. Caritas partners provided emergency water, hygiene and sanitation facilities for both refugees and host communities. Longer-term programmes were also set up to improve crop strength and retain rainwater for longer. We can also link in solidarity with the hungry and the refugees by ‘fasting’ from food, wants and material things. We can give generously.
helped him to make a wise decision to take his ‘aching heart’ home to get rid of his ‘famine’. He experienced the end of this famine when he was welcomed with open arms by his wonderful, good and loving Father. His heart was changed from being in a state of being in ‘famine’ to being in a state of manaaki and aroha – being loved and cared for with feasting.
Caritas prayerStudent: E te Matua i te Rangi, Father in Heaven, You come towards us with welcoming arms. May we too embrace with Your abundant love, those who seek refuge from famine.
Reflection - Loving unconditionallyLeader:“While he was still far off…” can suggest placing FAMINE in the context of the need we have, to forgive and be forgiven. The father saw him coming and ran to meet him. He welcomed him home. There is a need to set things right, to be reconciled, and the nourishment that comes with forgiveness. We are welcomed home and should pass that welcome on. Read this poem and reflect.
Rid the famineThe distance between us is so vastIt can never be spanned By the anger that drove us apartThe gap is famine land.
The distance between us need not remainWhen we measure the hurtAgainst the nothing that’s been gainedAnd the hunger and thirst.
Come together with a change of heartStep closer with an aching heart Quicken your pace with an understanding heart Rid the famine with a forgiving heart.
James Lyons
Penitential Prayers (could be used in Lenten Eucharist or Liturgy)
Student:Jesus, Your living, giving power is a source of healing and acceptance for those who are refugees.All: Lord have mercyChrist Jesus, You who knew the power of rising above and beyond the pain of being marginalised.All: Christ have mercyJesus, our model for welcoming others and being a way of life-giving energy. All: Lord have mercy
Let’s link the nourishment of our prayer, care and sharing, with the people and communities in the Sahel as we sing.
Waiata (See p 3.)
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Fifth Sunday of Lent: Jesus challenges the accusers
A reading from the Gospel of John, chapter 8, verses 1 to 11.Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him and he sat down and began to teach them.
The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery. Making her stand before the people, they said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?’ They said this to test Jesus, so that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground.
When the scribes and Pharisees kept on questioning him, Jesus straightened up and said to them, ‘Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her’. And once again he bent down and wrote on the ground.
When the scribes and Pharisees heard what Jesus said, they went away, one by one, beginning with the elders, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him.
Jesus straightened up and said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘No one, sir’.
And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again’.
WEEK 5 Recognising human dignityFocus• Purple material with white stones in basket.• Link with School’s founding charism and values on
cards or attached to the cross. • Lenten cross (cross shape made of kete.) • Kete with two handles with Caritas poster attached,
to be passed around as the Caritas Care Kete is prayed. (Kete or special bags brought by students.)
BackgroundLeader:In this Gospel story Jesus stands before the woman under threat, he mirrors her stance of being lowly and outcast by bending down and writing something. Then Jesus straightens up. He firmly challenges the accusers to examine themselves first before accusing the woman. He remains standing in front of the woman whilst they all drop their stones and leave. Maybe he moves beside her as he speaks of his acceptance, forgiveness and recommendation.
CONNECTIONS TO CARITAS PARTNERS – AFGHANISTAN COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMME.
Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him.Education programmes based in the community are vital to provide for a community’s ongoing development in accordance with their needs. In remote villages in Bamyan, Afghanistan, access to education isn’t easy. Children face long treks on often dangerous paths through the mountains. This has resulted in extremely low numbers of children, especially girls, receiving formal education. Through Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Caritas is working in partnership with communities to make education more accessible for all.
Young girl in community school, Bamyan province, Afghanistan.
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These community-based schools are managed by village councils, meaning children can attend school where they live. This has had a tremendous impact on attendance – girls make up 75 percent of students at these schools. These children and their communities are creating a brighter, more stable future for Bamyan and Afghanistan.
In sharing resources and programmes Caritas helps men and women to change, like the woman in the Gospel, from a state of ‘nothingness’ to a state of ‘having fullness of life’ and in turn being ‘life giving’ in their community.
There is a Māori proverb that links with the ‘wairua’ of this programme on p 23 Your heart, my heart – Ko tōu manawa, ko tāku manawa.
Caritas prayerStudent: E Hēhu Karaiti, Christ Jesus, all people are made in your image. Kia whakanuia te tapu me te mana i te tangata. May the dignity with which you honour all people change us to stand tall and live the life you have given us.
After each name all chant – Help us to be like Jesus, our Way, our Truth, our Life.
Litany of ‘saints’ for OceaniaSt Peter Chanel St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Blessed Suzanne Aubert Bishop Pompallier Thomas and Mary Pointyn Euphrasie Barbier Whina Cooper Catherine McAuley Sts Peter and Paul St Teresa of AvilaSt Therese of Liseux St Catherine of SienaSt Joseph Mary Mother of God (Add your own for your school)
Caritas keteWrite prayers to go into the kete-bag. This is passed around as the following is read. Bags could be made into a cross focus for the week. (See photo of kete cross on p6.)
Leader:This Lent we have been called to take a handle of the ‘Kete of Life’ for the people of Afghanistan – to share the carrying of their load with our prayer, our care and our koha.Ko koe kei tēnā kīwai, ko au kei tēnei kīwai o te keteYou carry your handle and I’ll carry my handle, of our kete.Kete (maybe with prayers in it) passed around as the following is read.
BlessingCarry with Care the Caritas KeteWe will share the loadWe will carry a ‘handle’ of the Caritas care ‘kete’for those who arebowed down, weighed down, pushed down. We will lighten the load with Caritas CareWe will fill up with freedom through Caritas CareWe will heal hurts in partnership with Caritas CareWe will educate, empower, enable in partnership with Caritas CareThrough Him, with Him, in Himas the Body of Christwith Caritas Care.
Waiata (See p 3.)
Reflection – Recognising human dignityIn our reflection we are challenged to do the same for ourselves and others. We are encouraged to accept, forgive and support one another with the companionship and protection of Jesus. We are urged to support women in countries like Afghanistan to be empowered to ‘let their true colours’ shine through. To enable them to have opportunities to have their ‘tapu and mana’ respected and cultural status honoured.
Leader: The stone can be a symbol of positive qualities and potential rather than for the negative, hard, punishing elements we associate it with. In Aotearoa New Zealand we have a wonderful example of this reflection of potential in the paua shell. One side dull, even crusty, but with small holes which reflect a glimpse of the potential. When reversed they sparkle as ‘true colours which shine through’. There is a poem about paua in the Additional resources section Week 5.
With the Communion of Saints here in Aotearoa New Zealand, in Oceania and elsewhere we have models of inspiring men and women who have not only stood beside people and communities in need, but have helped them to straighten up, stand tall and let their true colours shine through. We pray that their model of solidarity will inspire us as we pray the following litany.
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WEEK 6 Holy Week The Passion of Christ A reading from the Gospel of Luke chapter 22 As this is a long reading, locate from your own Bible.
FocusSchool cross decorated with red cloth and palms.
Prayer Connections• Read the stories of The Tale of the Three Trees,
by Angela Elwell Hunt, Lion childrens pub.; or The Easter Story by Joy Cowley or other suitable stories from school resources.
• Link with School Outreach – retirement homes etc.• Link with Parish Stations of the Cross and Rite 2 and
other Reconciliation opportunities. • Palm print prayers – either quiet drawing prayers
with index finger on palms of hand in silence or stamp painted palm prints on cloth which could be used for Easter liturgies.
• Designer Crosses with an Aotearoa-Oceania theme for example see the illustration on the cover of this booklet. It could include relevant family/personal symbols and thoughts/themes/prayers for Holy Week e.g. pencil on stone /shell/calico squares etc.
programme that supports microenterprise activities in the communities of Tongatapu and Vava’u in areas such as: tapa cloth and mat weaving; chicken and pig raising; growing crops; and fishing.
Caritas Papua New Guinea have organised four community associations in Kimbe, Manus, Vanimo and Kamusie and empowered communities affected by the negative impacts of logging and palm oil plantation expansion. They have also provided alternative livelihood support to Kapo communities such as cocoa and coconut farming as an alternative source of income to palm oil.
Caritas prayerStudent: Almighty God, e te Matua kaha rawa, strengthened by your Holy Spirit may we be faithful in following Christ, courageous in our words and actions and joyful in the fullness of life you have given us.
CONNECTIONS TO CARITAS PARTNERS –LIVELIHOOD PROGRAMMES IN OCEANIA
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand supports livelihood partnerships in a number of countries in Oceania including Tonga and Papua New Guinea. Caritas Tonga is currently implementing a livelihood
Home threatened by the rising sea level. Ha’apai, Tonga.
Reflection – who is my neighbour?Leader:As children of God we each have the same needs and yearnings: for food water and shelter; for protection of family and whānau; for education and work; for the opportunity for spiritual reflection and renewal; and for a safe and peaceful environment in which to live.
This year we are particularly mindful of our close neighbours in Oceania and especially the communities in both Tonga and Papua New Guinea.
Listen, reflect and pray as we hear the Gospel of Jesus ‘Passion’ – the journey he walked during Holy Week. We too will mirror the people, places and ponderings of Jesus during that first Holy Week in our Stations of the Cross during this our journey of Holy Week 2013.
In the ‘wairua ‘ of Simon of Cyrene who helped Jesus carry his cross, we carry with us especially this year the people of Tonga and Papua New Guinea. As we hold our palm branches let’s link them with the palms of hope that are waving in Tonga and Papua New Guinea because of the Caritas partnership enabling families to establish and grow their potential. May our palm prints and prayers join as hands across Oceania to Tonga, Papua New Guinea and other island nations. This Holy Week may we continue to follow faithfully, speak truthfully and live joyfully the Way of the Cross with Jesus.
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Blessing before Easter He KarakiaE te Atua, te Kaihanga o ngā mea katoaLoving God Creator of all thingsE īnoi atu mātou i to mātou wehe atu i kōneiWe ask your blessings as we are about to leave this place.
Be our near companionSpread the road before us with beauty and adventureGive us on our journey, a heart wrapped in wonderthat we may rejoice in all that we meet.
You call us to serve you and your people in the midst of a busy world When we struggle, tautoko, support usWhen we stumble, awhi, hold usWhen we fall, hikina, lift us up.
Give us hearts full of aroha and right spirit, wairua paiStrengthen us to share this aroha and wairuawith those we are called to share this journey with.
Support us onwards from here until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes Until the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over for the dayand our work is done.
May we continue to be greeted by the smile of the rising sun each tomorrow.Amen.
Adaptation by Rangi Davis
Waiata (See p 3.)
Preparation for return to school after Easter• Read Joy Cowley’s Easterings.• Strip the Lenten Cross and prepare for decoration by
all students with flowers, butterflies, other symbols of joy and hope.
The Stations of the CrossBelow are four examples of the set created by parishioners of St Anne’s parish in Newtown, Wellington. There are detailed notes about these in the Caritas Teachers’ resource pack.
These photos are presented on a Power point and can be downloaded from our website to use in a class or school Way of the Cross for this week. Adapt to suit your class level.
The Stations of the Cross appear in the following order:MāoriSamoanRwandaGoaCroatiaCook IslandsIrishNZ tartan (Celtic)PhilippinesHungaryTokoleauPolandKeralaTonga
Decorated Easter cross.
Jesus is condemned to death Ka whakawātia a Hēhu kia
mate (Māori)
Jesus dies on the cross Jezus umiera na krzyżu
(Poland)
Jesus is placed in the tomb Ko e toka ‘a sesu ‘I he fonualoto
(Tonga)
Jesus is helped by Simon of CyreneŠimun Cirenac pomaže Isusu nositi
križ (Croatia)
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Links with Week 1
Turn these stones into bread by James LyonsTurn these stones to breadTurn the famine to feastTurn the night to day
Turn your hurt to healing Turn your shame to sorrowTurn your hate to loveTurn your life around
Take the hardness from your heartTake the speck from your eyeTake the anger from your wordsTurn these stones to bread
Stones by Joy Cowley Today I came to a shining beachcovered with a litany of stones:gravel, pebbles, boulders, many colours,each one like a word of praiseand the whole a triumphant song.
As I picked up stones at random, feeling their skin against mine,and absorbing the loveliness of them,I thought that I was a bit like a beach,with every stone a gesture of lovefrom a person who cared about me at some time in my life,from the moment of conception,when God spoke and I was,love has shaped my beingand the givers are still with me,contained within their giftspeople who’ve laid a litany of loving,stone by stone, word by word, touch by touchshowing me the truth of my existence.For a long time I sat on the beachadding to its song, my own gratitude,and when I shut my eyes and tried to imaginewhat the beach would look like without all those shining stonesI understood in a new and deeper waythe meaning of my life as gift.
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Links with Week 2
The Time of Quiet by Joy Cowley
Sometimes, on a still morning,it seems that all the earthis breathless with lovefor the God it conceals and reveals. The brown stones at the waters edgeare set like some ancient languagepronouncing the truth of Godwhere our words fail us,and the sea, the hills, the early mist,become like water colour paintingon a fine gauze curtaindrawn over a tabernacle.At such times we feel so close to the eternal lightwhich lies behind everything,that we can almost reach out and touch.God wraps us in the quiet of Christ, and invades us ,making us captive to a love too deepfor naming in this world.All we know in this perfect moment,is that we too, can walk on water.
Star-maps by Anne Powell
Star-mapsWe are land
we are breathingcleansed by the rain.
We are flaxwe are waiting
spellbound by the tui.
We are rockswe are resting
warmed by the sun.
We are mountainswe are present
mapped by the stars.
Links with Week 3
Life Chance by James Lyons
A severed branchAn amputationA dead end
Life is not ambitious butgratefulAnd once given its chance holds onLife does not see obstaclesonly possibilitiesLife does not accept endings only beginnings‘Every branch that bears fruitIs pruned to make it beareven more’ cf John 15:2
Faith by James Lyons
Sometime someone believed enough to plant and tobuild.
Others agreed and shared and spread the seeds offaith.
Vision and pride marked outa space and said here willgrow our faith.
But faith persists beyond allspace and knows no bondsor bounds.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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Blessing for the planting of a tree by Elizabeth Wootton We will bless this (name) treeas a living, growing symbol of thehope and peace we pray for our own country Aotearoa- New Zealandand for the people living in Oceania, Africa and Afghanistan (Leaf prayers may be read at this stage and placed in the hole)
May the roots of this treeRemind us of the deep faith we havegrounded in the love of Christ.ALL: Bless us and others with this FAITH.
May the trunk of this treeRemind us to renew our dedication and strength to stand tall and speak outwith the marginalised.ALL: Bless us and others with this STRENGTH.
May the branches of this treeRemind us to reach out to those in needwith care and compassion.ALL: Bless us and others with CARE and COMPASSION.
May the leaves of this tree Remind us of the ‘letting go of prejudice/judgement’and ‘greening’ with mercy and justice.ALL: Bless us and others with ACCEPTANCE, MERCY and JUSTICE.
May the song of the birdsMay the colours of the leaves and flowersMay the connections and memories of all we pray for Live on in the seasons of this tree planted here in this place. Amen.
Links with week 4
Graces1. Jesus Bread of Life
As we share this meal may weShare the bread of our prayer with the people of Sahel.Share the bread of our care with the people of SahelShare the bread of our kohawith the people of Sahel.Amen.
2. During this meal bless us Lord withKind hearts Warm wordsFun foodHelp us to celebrate and nourishLife, Love and Learningin Your Name. Amen.
3. Jesus source of hospitality-manaakitanga
Help us to welcome to our tableThose who are different to usThose who are misunderstood and accusedThose who we chose to ignore.Those who annoy us.Help us to welcome them to our table. Amen.
4. God of Creation,We give thanks for the gifts ofEarth, Sea and Sky.May we be co-creators with Youso that all may be nourished and nurtured with Food from Your goodness.We praise You, we bless You, we worship You.
5. May this meal nourish us with the the aroha of Atua, the wairua of whenua, the manaaki o ngā tāngata. E te Ariki whakarongo mai ra ki a mātou. Āmene
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
6. Cook Islands blessings Iesu Mesia, ka akameitaki mai ana ra ite kai ta matou ka kai e te vai ta matou ka inu, ei akamaroiroi to matou kopapa, pera katoa mai to matou vaerua, kia ora anake matou iakoe, Iesu to matou Atu to matou akaora, Āmene.
7. E te Atua akameitaki mai teia kaiEi ora no to matou kopapa e to matou vaerua Āmene.
8. Tongan grace‘Eiki, tāpuaki mai kimautolu moe me’atokoni ‘oku’amanaki ke mau ma’u koe’uhi ko sēsū kilisitō ko homau fakamo’ui. ‘Ameni
9. Grace from NauruEtoňima ianweron am kōňōň aw Wō nim bless eiy oňama ňune Ma nim ōten ian egōn. ňaim Jesu Kristo. Amen.
(Translation) Heavenly father we ask you To bless this food that we Are going to eat In the name of your son Jesus Christ. Amen
Links with week 5
Paua by Elizabeth Wootton Shining ovalfilled with a paletteof vivid jewel like coloursRich purples, vibrantturquoise, electric pinkindigo wash and shimmeringColoured veins of an iridescent nature.A rich dye potbrushed with the sheen of a heavenly glowA taonga – a treasureGod’s pearl ‘of great price’.
Your heart, my heartKo tōu manawa, ko tāku manawa
Ko tōu Manawa, ko tāku ManawaKia homai tōu Manawa mate mōku
Kia hoatu tāku Manawa ora mōuWhiti ora! maranga mai ki runga!
Your heart, my heartYour heart, my heart,
You give me your dying heart I give you my living heart
Emerge to life, rise up.
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Links with week 6
I Believe – A personal reflection in the Year of Faith By Elizabeth Wootton
I believe that I have been blessed with the gifts of faith, hope and love and so in this Year of Faith I pray in faith with my brothers and sisters who live in poverty around the world.I believe that healing takes a while.I believe that healing takes place step by step.I believe that healing involves a giving and a receiving.I believe that being surrounded by loving relationships is an important stepping stone to healing.I believe that every sunset brings the potential for peace and every sunrise brings the potential for hope.I believe that the every journey starts with a single step in faith.I believe that love is a decision as well as a feeling.I believe in love given and received even when I don’t feel like it.I believe that difficulties and abusive situations help people to grow as they are helped to link with love through tension and difficulties.I believe that recognising what I value helps me heal my life.I believe that justice is ...I believe that peace is ...I believe that love is ...I believe that peace is built with justice and that justice is guided by love I believe................ (add your own)I believe................I believe that I am ‘a work of art’ in progress. God is not finished with me yet.I BELIEVE IN FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE.
Morning Offering Ngā īnoi ngā o te Ata E te Ariki, ka tuku atu ki a koe nga inoi, ngā whakaaro, ngā mahi katoa o tēnei rā hei whakakorōria ki a koe, a, hei painga mō te ao turoa nei. Āmene
Lord, I give you today my prayers, thoughts, works, and actions, that they may be for your glory and for the good of the world. Amen
New life blessing By Elizabeth Wootton Creator God,may the potential for ‘new life’ in the ‘koru’ inspire and bless us with potential and possibility.
May the ‘greenness’ of the new emerging ferns bless us with the breath of hope.
May the softness of the breeze on the forest fern bless us with the breath of peace. May the swaying and shelter of the ponga ferns bless us with the gift of courage to embark on a journey of wonder, beauty and support.
God of creation,Bless us with the wonder, actions, healing and hope,of journeying in relationship with others and You.Amen
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Pope Benedict XVI has singled out the following in his Lenten message.
It is because of this simple truth that we must follow Christ who is the Way,
the Truth and the Life – repeated in our Lenten theme.
In this Year of Faith a key thread is:
‘So we have known and believe the love that God has for us.
God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God,
and God abides in them’.
1 John 4:16
Acknowledgements
Elizabeth Wootton writerCatherine Gibbs coordinatorDavid Nonu cultural componentJayne Costelloe editorRose Miller – Kraftwork designBernice Olive cover art workKaren Holland and Maria Rogers St Anne’s parish, Newtown. Stations of the Cross. Sacred Heart College, Lower HuttSt Theresa’s Catholic School, Plimmerton
PhotosCaritas staff from our partners in Afghanistan, Niger, Tonga, West PapuaElizabeth Wootton local settings for Lent liturgiesMargaret Lawson and Anne Keenan Sacred Heart College, Lower HuttEmily Benefield Stations of the Cross, St Theresa’s School, KaroriPhilip Gibbs from visit to Kimbe diocese, Papua New GuineaCatherine Gibbs New Zealand locations
Poetry and prayer contributorsAnne PowellElizabeth WoottonJames LyonsJoy CowleyLangi PaasiMaureen GoodwinPeta KarenaRangi DavisRomuald GibsonTeremoana Hodges
www.caritas.org.nz
