Lent 2014 Prayers for School Settings Acknowledgements Gemma Sinnott, Catherine Gibbs, Patricia Lynch – writers Patricia Lynch – Way of the Cross notes and powerpoint Martin de Jong – editor Rose Miller – Kraftwork Trevor ’Ofamo’oni – cover art work Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand staff for their contributions Photos Caritas staff – from our partners in Solomon Islands, Philippines, Timor Leste Adrian Heke – Solomon Islands Elizabeth Sullivan – Holy Land Christine Reymer (Mahitahi) Poetry and prayer contributions Anne Powell Joy Cowley Sr Isabelle Harding (SM) Rosemary and Peter Atkins Table of contents Introduction 3 About this prayer booklet 3 Week 1 The temptation in the desert 4 Week 2 The transfiguration 7 Week 3 The woman at the well 10 Week 4 The healing of the blind man 13 Week 5 The raising of Lazarus 16 Week 6 The passion of Christ 20 The Way of the Cross 23 Additional resources Towards the sky 24 For Ash Wednesday adapted from Isaiah 58 24 Psalm 121 – The Lord, our protector 24 From St Clare of Assisi 24 Witnesses to the light 24 The man at the well 25 One world, many cultures 25 God’s world 26 Sadness and joy at Easter 26 Easter 26 Jelly bean Prayer 27 From The Easter Story 27 Prayer to Mary 27 Karakia o te Aranga – Easter prayer 27 He became poor so that by his poverty you might become rich. 2 Cor 8:9 Pope Francis has asked us to use Lent as a time when we reflect on the Christian meaning of poverty and sharing with the poor. 2 Introduction About this prayer booklet 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. 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. 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 and a Caritas partnership. There are ideas for use at various class levels which can be used for assemblies, class lessons, staff or team meetings. A shaded section provides simpler versions of the Gospel readings and short prayers, better suited for children Years 1-6. 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 partnership with impoverished communities throughout the world, and through advocacy and education for justice in New Zealand. You may prefer to use the electronic version of this booklet from the Caritas website. www.caritas.org.nz/schools/lent-schools Our focus this Lent is our Caritas partnerships in Solomon Islands. 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. We acknowledge everyone who has contributed to this booklet. We hope that it will be used by teachers throughout Lent to guide, encourage, and help develop empathy towards those who are living in poverty. Please help us to continue our work. Thank you. 3 Week 0neThe temptation in the desert Leader:Sign of the Cross; Ki te ingoa o te Matua, o te Tamaiti, o te Wairua Tapu Song:Turn back to God, Michael Mangan, from ‘Sing Your Joy’. (www. litmusproductions.com) Leader:After his baptism, Jesus journeyed into the Judaean desert where he was alone. In the desert he tried to listen to the voice of his Father, but there were other competing voices. One voice tempted him to seek power, another riches and another fame. Jesus didn’t leave the desert. He waited for all these voices to fade away so that he could tune in to the true voice of God. Let us pray... Help us Lord when we are tempted to run away from things that are difficult. Give us courage to face the things that we find hard, such as relationships with particular people, school subjects or physical challenges. May your Spirit be with us so that we will know we are never alone. Gospel: Matthew 4:1-11 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.’ But he answered, ‘It is written, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” ’ Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, “He will command his angels concerning you”, and “On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.” ’ Jesus said to him, ‘Again it is written, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” ’ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour; and he said to him, ‘All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! For it is written, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.” ’ Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him. Judaean Desert, May 2011. 4 Case study: A story from Aotearoa New Zealand Christchurch mother, joined Caritas staff in speaking to the Social Services Select Committee about how changes to state housing policy would affect the tight-knit community of Aranui. She reinforced Caritas’ submission that Housing New Zealand must be able to take into account the impact of their policy and practice not just on individual households, but on communities. One of the challenges facing Christ during his temptation in the desert was discerning the truth, even as the Tempter quoted Scripture at him. It leads us to ask: who are we listening to? Are we tuned to God’s authentic voice? Are we hearing the voices of the most vulnerable? It has been important for Caritas to ensure we are listening to the many people of Christchurch whose vulnerability has increased as a result of the Christchurch earthquakes. An important relationship for Caritas has been the community of St James Catholic School in Aranui, where strong social networks have enabled external assistance to reach those who most need it. St James’ principal Jo Barlow describes the community as a place where people are focused more on what they have to share than what they themselves lack. Reflection Sometimes there are many voices competing for our attention. The media, popular culture and advertising agencies are all preaching their own messages. We need to take time out to listen to God’s voice as we hear him speaking through scripture and through the created world. Caritas prayer E Hēhu Karaiti, Christ Jesus: You were alone in the desert. Hungry for connection, help us to tune our hearts to your authentic voice. The community associated with St James School contributed to the advocacy work of Caritas when Lamepasola Timu, a young Junior primary school Scripture adapted for younger children from The Children’s Bible in 365 Stories But Satan, the source of all evil, was determined to try to stop Jesus from obeying God. Gospel story The temptation in the desert After many days of prayer and going without food, Satan suggested to Jesus: Before Jesus began his special life-work, Jesus wanted to think hard and to pray to his Father about it. He went away on his own into the desert. The sun glared down on bare rocks and dry sand. There was no fresh grass or green trees to be seen and there was no food to eat. ‘God has said that you are his son, so why go hungry? Just order these little rocks to turn into loaves!’ ‘The Bible says that man cannot live by bread alone,’ Jesus answered. Jesus refused to use his power to satisfy his own needs. He knew, too, that food is not the most important thing in life. Jesus realised that he would not be like other kings. He would not have fine clothes, a rich palace and slaves to obey his orders. He was going to be poor and badly treated and at the end he would be cruelly killed. All this was part of God’s loving plan to rescue the whole world from the power of evil. And Jesus willingly accepted God’s plan. Satan went on: ‘This world belongs to me. Recognise my power and do things my way and I will give it all to you.’ 5 Kia inoi tātou – Let us pray A glimpse of all the glittering kingdoms of the earth flashed before Jesus’ eyes in a moment. But he shook his head. You may want to ask the children to offer their own prayers or you can use the suggestions below. ‘The Bible says that God is the only one to be obeyed and worshipped,’ he replied. ‘I will do things God’s way.’ As we try to come closer to God this Lent … We pray for the world’s leaders: that they may do all that they can to make sure that all people have enough food to eat. Once more Satan tried to make Jesus give up God’s plans for him. ‘Do something daring and spectacular,’ he suggested. ‘If you throw yourself down from the top of the temple you will be a popular hero. You need not worry, because God says in the Bible that he will take care of you and save you from hurting yourself.’ Leader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou ‘The Bible also says that it is wrong to test God and then expect him to get you out of trouble,’ Jesus replied. In no way could Satan persuade Jesus to turn from God’s plan and go his own way. For a while Satan left him alone and God sent angels to help and strengthen Jesus, after his long struggle against evil. We pray for all our brothers and sisters throughout the world: that they may be able to get their fair share of the food that God has given for us all. Leader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou We pray for the work of Caritas: that it may continue to listen to and support people around the world so that they can get to school to learn new things and to discover the important skills for life. Leader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou We pray for our parish, family and friends: that we may be generous and share what we have with others, so that all of us may have enough. Leader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou Closing prayer E te Ariki, you know what it is like to be poor. Open our eyes so we may see you in our brothers and sisters around the world. Help us to share the good things we have been given so all people have enough to pay for things like schooling and learning skills for life. Amen 6 Week Two The Transfiguration Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9 Leader: Sign of the Cross: Ki te ingoa o te Matua, o te Tamaiti, o te Wairua Tapu Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Song:Christ be our light, Bernadette Farrell, ‘As One Voice’, vol 2. Leader:In this second week of Lent, Jesus takes three of his disciples up the mountain, and is transformed in their presence. His clothes become glowing white, much whiter than any bleach could make them. This is an amazing and frightening experience for Peter, James and John. They are out of their comfort zone and don’t know how to react. Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!’ Jesus reassures them that there is no need to be afraid. Let us pray... When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. Sometimes when things happen that we are not expecting, we feel fearful and anxious. We don’t like it when we don’t understand what is happening to us or around us. We feel powerless. Jesus, help us in these times, to be courageous and to hold on to what we believe. Give us your Spirit to reassure and strengthen us. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, ‘Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’ 7 Case study: Radio Timor Kmanek him. Yet, somehow, he remained courageous and kept speaking out for what he believed in, even from his jail cell. Radio Timor Kmanek (RTK) is a Catholic radio station based in Dili, in Timor Leste. The radio station plays a vital part in communications to remote rural areas, in a country where most of the population do not have access to television. Fr Domingas Bian is the director of RTK. He developed a new feature for the radio station: talk-back via text messaging. This helps people in isolated areas to feel more connected to the rest of the country, as most people don’t have land-line telephones. When the Prime Minister of Timor Leste, Xanana Gusmao, visited RTK, he said, ‘Your mission is educating people, promoting good values of life and to work for the common good of the state and all people.’ Hopefully we will never have to go through experiences as frightening as the ones that Mr Gusmao went through. However, we all have times when we feel powerless, overwhelmed and frightened. It is at these times that we need to call to mind the continuous presence of God’s Spirit with us, and hold on to the hope that our faith gives us. Xanana Gusmao. Photo: Antonio Cruz/ABr. http://en.wikipedia.org/ The radio station studios and transmitters are very basic. Fr Domingas is aware that RTK will need ongoing support from partners such as Caritas in order to maintain and increase their broadcasting capacity. But he is committed to working hard for this project. He knows that media is an important way of connecting people and giving them a voice; a way to stand up without fear and have a say in the future direction of their new country. Intercessions For those who are imprisoned for speaking up for their beliefs. May they be strengthened by your Spirit of courage. Leader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou For governments around the world. May they work hard to provide a safe place for their citizens to live. Fr Domingas, Director of Radio Timor Kmanek, April 2013. Photo: Tara D’Sousa Leader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou For people who stand up for the rights of others, such as aid workers and human rights advocates. Reflection Timor Leste is a very new nation. It was born after a long period of struggle and bloodshed, and became independent in 2002. Some of the people who now lead the government of Timor Leste were imprisoned in Indonesia in the years leading up to independence. May God give them courage to continue in this important work. Leader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou Mr Xanana Gusmao (the current Prime Minister) was imprisoned for seven years, from 1992-1999. He must have been very fearful at times, not knowing what was happening back in his country, or what was going to happen to 8 Caritas prayer Te Atua o te Rangimarie, Peaceful God: you reassure us when you touch us in our time of fear. Encourage us to stand up and declare your truth. Junior primary school Scripture adapted for younger children from The Children’s Bible in 365 Stories Gospel story A glimpse of glory One day Jesus set off with Peter and the brothers, James and John, to climb a steep mountain ridge. Jesus wanted to be alone with God, to find out what his father wanted him to do. The sun was setting as Jesus prayed and the three friends, tired out, fell fast asleep. Suddenly they were wide awake. At first they did not know what had disturbed them. Then they saw a warm, bright light shining through the darkness. Kia inoi tātou – Let us pray For the Church throughout the world: that it may be a living example of God’s love for all, and work for change so that the world is a fairer place for all. They looked across at Jesus. His face was dazzling bright and his clothes glistened with a light more beautiful than any on earth. Two men, Moses and Elijah, were talking to him. Leader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou James and John were silent in wonder but Peter felt that he would burst if he didn’t speak. We pray for all people who struggle to get enough to eat: that they may find the strength and help that they need to change their lives for the better. ‘This is wonderful, would you like us to put up three tents – one each for you and Moses and Elijah?’ He really didn’t know what he was saying. Leader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou At that very moment the bright cloud of God’s presence shone above them. We pray for our parish, family and friends: that we may be inspired to change our lives for the better and to help others to change their lives too. ‘This is my own dear son,’ God said. ‘Listen to him.’ The disciples hid their faces, full of fear and wonder. Then they felt a gentle touch on the shoulder. They looked up fearfully, but it was Jesus alone. Leader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou As they walked down the path in the morning light, Jesus said, ‘Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until after I have been put to death and have come to life again.’ E te Ariki, God our Father, help us to see your Son in all people and to treat them as we would wish to be treated ourselves. Inspire us to make a change so that the world is a fairer place for all to live. Amen. Closing prayer The disciples did as Jesus said. But they never forgot this glimpse of Jesus’ real glory. 9 Week Three The woman at the well Leader: Sign of the Cross: Ki te ingoa o te Matua, o te Tamaiti, o te Wairua Tapu Song: Come to the water, Matt Maher, Youtube link (http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=uJJVrZKqKNE) Or more traditional: Come to the water, Frank Andersen, ‘As One Voice’, vol 1. Leader:Lent is a time for remembering that God is the source of all life. Just as humans cannot live without water, so we cannot be fully alive without God’s spirit. During Lent we try to be more aware of God’s presence in us and in the world around us. When we are thirsty for love, hope, faith and peace, we can turn to God. Let us pray... Living God, fill us every day with the gift of your love, so that we will know you are with us and we will have the energy to love others. Gospel: John 4:5-15 (extended reading John 4:5-42) So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon. A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, ‘Give me a drink.’ (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?’ (Jews did not share things in common with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, “Give me a drink”, you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.’ The woman said to him, ‘Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?’ Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.’ The woman said to him, ‘Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.’ Flowing tap water brings relief to families, Auki water project, Solomon Islands, April 2013. Photo: Adrian Heke 10 Case study: Water project Auki Sometimes we can take our water taps for granted. It is very different in parts of the Pacific. The people of Auki in Solomon Islands understand how important access to fresh water is. Until recently, over 1000 people have had to collect water from five old pipes which only gave a small trickle of water. In 2012-13, with funding from Caritas, the water system and pipelines were repaired. The next stage of the project is to extend the pipelines further, to install taps and then lay concrete slabs for people to stand on when they collect water. easily accessed by many of the world’s poorest people. In sub-Saharan Africa, due to longterm droughts, water is a scarce commodity. In some parts of the Pacific, while there may be plenty of rain, the means of collecting water can be expensive. Organisations such as Caritas help people to obtain water, by assisting communities in building tanks and pipelines and installing taps. During Lent it is good to remember the gifts of life that God freely gives us, such as food and water. We are encouraged to do what we can to assist those for whom fresh water is difficult or expensive to access. Sixteen-year-old Maria told Caritas staff that doing the family washing is much easier now. It doesn’t take so long to wash the clothes or to wash her brothers’ hair! The flow of water from the pipes is much faster and there is a pipeline closer to her home. Families can now use their time for other important things, like growing their vegetable gardens and doing schoolwork. Intercessions For those who do not have easy access to fresh water: May they be blessed by the generosity of others, so that agencies such as Caritas can help them build better water systems. Leader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou For those who feel empty and lonely: May they be blessed by the love and care of others, so that they will have renewed energy for life. Leader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou For those who live in countries that are experiencing droughts because of climate change: May they be helped by our efforts to reduce pollution and by living more simply. Sixteen-year-old Maria from Niukaloka village in Auki does her family’s washing more easily with the improved water system. (April 2013) Photo: Adrian Heke Leader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou Reflection Caritas prayer For every culture in the world, water is a symbol of life. Without water we die. Water is a precious taonga that we often take for granted here in New Zealand. E te Atua o te wai ora, God of living water: You quench our thirst with waters that never run dry. Help us to share generously to bring lifegiving water to others. This Lent we recall that fresh water is not so 11 Junior primary school ‘Come and see the most wonderful person!’ She told everyone. ‘He has told me everything about myself. I think he must be the Messiah.’ Scripture adapted for younger children from The Children’s Bible in 365 Stories Gospel story The woman who came for water The hot midday sun beat down as Jesus waited for his disciples by the well near Sychar in Samaria. He was tired and very thirsty. A woman came plodding wearily towards the well, her water pot on her head. She was startled to see Jesus. No-one was usually around at noon. The villagers were full of curiosity and followed her back to the well. ‘Please stay here a few days and tell us about the good news you have brought,’ invited the people. And Jesus did. ‘Would you give me a drink of water?’ Jesus asked her. Now the woman was really surprised. She could see that Jesus was a Jew, and Jews did not speak to Samaritans – let alone a woman! ‘You mean you would take water from me even though I’m a Samaritan woman?’ she asked. ‘Whoever can you be?’ Scripture in our own words and actions ‘If you knew that,’ Jesus told her, ‘you would ask me for a drink. I would give you living water.’ ‘You haven’t even got a bucket,’ the woman said laughing. ‘How do you think you’d draw your wonderful water?’ Chant this rhyme and invite ideas for actions to match each line. One day, Jesus came to a town, And by a well, He sat right down. He was tired for He had travelled far. Then came a woman with a water jar. ‘The water I give is different from the water in this well,’ Jesus explained. ‘If you drink the water I give, you will never be thirsty again. It will satisfy your deepest needs.’ Jesus said, ‘Please give me a drink.’ As they talked, she began to think. ‘That sounds good as it would save me coming every day,’ said the woman. ‘Then why not get your husband?’ Jesus suggested. ‘All who drink this will be thirsty again,’ He said, ‘I give life that never ends.’ Back to her town the woman ran. She said, ‘Everyone, come and see this man!’ He told me everything I’ve ever done. ‘Because I haven’t got one,’ the unhappy woman retorted sharply. Could He be the Lord, God’s only Son? ‘I know that,’ Jesus replied gently. He knew all about this unhappy woman. She had been married five times and was not married to the man she lived with at the moment. The woman was astonished that Jesus knew all about her. She put down her water pot and ran back to the town full of the news. 12 The townspeople came out just to see. When Jesus spoke, they said ‘We believe.’ ‘Come, see Jesus,’ said the woman at the well. She told many people – how many can you tell? Sourced August 2013 from http://resourcewell. s3.amazonaws.com/children/kingsandkingdoms/KK.U2.L9Ages4-5_TeachersGuide.pdf Week Four The healing of the blind man Leader:Sign of the Cross: Ki te ingoa o te Matua, o te Tamaiti, o te Wairua Tapu Gospel: John 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38 (extended reading John 9:1-41) Song:Open my eyes, Jesse Manibusan, from ‘As One Voice’, vol 1. Or try Open the eyes of my heart, Maranatha Music (available on Youtube) As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. He spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, saying to him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam’ (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. Leader:Jesus always has a special love for those who are disabled in any way. There are many Scripture stories in which we see him healing the blind, lame, deaf, those with skin diseases, and even raising the dead. Jesus has compassion for these people, and he also sees their faith. The sick have learned that they can’t do everything for themselves. They know they need the help of others and the grace and blessing of God. The neighbours and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, ‘Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?’ Some were saying, ‘It is he.’ Others were saying, ‘No, but it is someone like him.’ He kept saying, ‘I am the man.’ They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, ‘He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.’ Let us pray... That during Lent we will become more aware that we need each other and we need God. May we learn not to be proud, but to ask for help when we need it. May we be generous in assisting those who come to us for help. Some of the Pharisees said, ‘This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath.’ But others said, ‘How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?’ And they were divided. So they said again to the blind man, ‘What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.’ He said, ‘He is a prophet.’ They answered him, ‘You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?’ And they drove him out. Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’ He answered, ‘And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him.’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.’ He said, ‘Lord, I believe.’ And he worshipped him. 13 Case study: Volunteer working with young people with disabilities Angela Murray is a New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) interpreter. She works with deaf and hearing impaired people in Wellington who need someone to translate spoken English into NZSL for them, at school or at work. Angela heard about San Isidro Care Centre for the Deaf in Aruligo in Solomon Islands. She thought she might be able to do something to help the students there, so in 2009 she went to the Solomons as a volunteer. Angela went to Aruligo as a volunteer with the Catholic volunteer organisation called Mahitahi which is now part of Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand. with disabilities often have to deal with being excluded from the activities of other children. In the Gospel story, the man born blind would have had to deal with rejection and loneliness. Jesus knew this as soon as he saw him. He didn’t even need to speak to him. He simply called him over and anointed his eyes with spittle and mud, and healed his blindness. Sometimes we are not as quick as Jesus was to see the needs of others. It’s often easier to stay away from people who might seem ‘different’. It requires a generosity of spirit to reach out to others who need our help. We have to stop thinking about ourselves and think about the other person. During her time at Aruligo, Angela was able to assist the students in increasing the number of signs in the Pidgin Sign Language. (Pidgin is the common language spoken by Solomon Islanders.) Angela also produced a book of Pidgin signs so that new students could learn sign language more quickly. During her time at Aruligo, Angela observed the changes in many students who came to the centre very timid and withdrawn. Learning how to communicate more effectively with others had a huge impact on their self-esteem and academic, social and practical skills. Angela stepped out of her comfort zone when she volunteered to go to Aruligo to work with deaf students. She was away from her normal life; her friends and her family, but Angela saw a need that she had the skills to meet, and she went for it. She says that she feels extremely blessed to have had that time in Solomon Islands. Call to mind someone in your class or in your family who has a specific need. Think about how Jesus would treat this person and try to do the same. Intercessions For those who feel isolated because of a physical or intellectual disability. May we extend the hand of friendship and support to them. Leader:E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou For those who feel socially excluded from their peer group. Brother George, Angela Murray and students from San Isidro Care Centre for the Deaf (2009) Reflection May we be courageous in stepping up and offering them a helping hand. It is easy for us to overlook those who don’t ‘fit in’ to our idea of what is normal. Children Leader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou 14 Caritas prayer For people with disabilities who live in countries where there are limited services to help them. E te Ariki, Lord: You responded to the needs of the blind man, to reveal God’s work in him. Open our eyes to see people’s needs, and to have the courage to act so that those we meet may encounter Christ through us. May the work of organisations such as Caritas help to bring them the practical assistance they need. Leader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou Junior primary school Jesus said to him, ‘You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.’He said, ‘Lord, I believe.’ And he worshipped him. Scripture adapted for younger children from The Children’s Bible in 365 Stories Gospel story Jesus heals a man born blind As he walked along, Jesus saw a man blind from birth. He spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, saying to him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam’. Then he went and washed and came back able to see! The neighbours who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, ‘Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?’ They brought the former beggar to the Pharisees. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, ‘He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.’ Kia inoi tātou – Let us pray E te Ariki, thank you for the gift of seeing. As we look at your beautiful world, we praise you; As we see the love and goodness of our parents and guardians, we thank you; Some of the Pharisees said, ‘This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath.’ But others argued, ‘How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs? What do you say about the man who opened your eyes?’ Help us to see the people in need and to help them. Give us eyes full of kindness to see those in need of comfort. He said, ‘He is a prophet.’ They answered him, ‘You were born in sins, and are you trying to teach us?’ And they drove him out. We thank you for eyes to make our friends happy. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ, your son. Mā to mātou Ariki, mā Hēhu Karaiti. Jesus heard that they had driven him out, so when Jesus found him, he said, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’He answered, ‘And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him.’ Āmene 15 Week Five The raising of Lazarus Leader: Sign of the cross: Ki te ingoa o te Matua, o te Tamaiti, o te Wairua Tapu Gospel: John 11:3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45 (extended version John 11:1-45) Song:Prayer of St Francis, from ‘As One Voice’, vol 2. Or try: So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, ‘Lord, he whom you love is ill.’ L ord, make me a means of your peace, from ‘Gather Australia’, 516 Leader:During Lent we often hear about the importance of compassion, but sometimes we don’t take time to really think about what it means. The word compassion comes from two Latin words: com meaning ‘together’ and pati meaning ‘suffering’. So ‘compati’ (and the noun compassion) mean ‘suffering together’. In this era of global networking, when one nation or community experiences a war or a disaster, we all hear about it. We have a choice to make. We can either ignore the suffering of others and go about our lives as before, or we can respond compassionately to their needs. But when Jesus heard it, he said, ‘This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.’ Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, after having heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. Then after this he said to the disciples, ‘Let us go to Judea again.’ When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Let us pray... That during Lent we will allow ourselves to enter into the struggles and difficulties of others. Help us Lord to learn to have compassion for those around us, and not to be afraid to suffer with them. Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.’ When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to him, ‘Lord, come and see.’ Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, ‘See how he loved him! ’But some of them said, ‘Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?’ 16 have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.’ When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Unbind him, and let him go.’ Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said, ‘Take away the stone.’ Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, ‘Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead for four days.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?’ So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upwards and said, ‘Father, I thank you for having heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. Case study: Typhoon Bopha, the Philippines, December 2012 Typhoon Bopha struck the Philippines just three weeks before Christmas, 2012. With winds reported at 250 km/hr, it was a category 5 ‘super typhoon’. About 30,000 families were forced to evacuate their homes, both before and during the storm. Typhoon Bopha caused severe flooding, huge damage to homes, electrical outages, and over 300 deaths. Catholic Relief Services (a Caritas agency in the United States) responded initially with emergency relief including the provision of shelter, sleeping mats, water, sanitation and hygiene supplies for the worst affected areas. Sergio Ampong (76) speaks with Rocky Silverio of Caritas Philippines about his new home in Davao Oriental built by Caritas following Typhoon Bopha. Photo: Mark Mitchell. Reflection Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand (CANZ) sent a project officer to the Davao Oriental Province a few months after the typhoon, and then another in July 2013. The project officers helped to assess the extent of the disaster and this led to an appeal back in New Zealand. Donations to CANZ always go to help a local partner in the affected zone; in this case the Diocese of Davao Oriental and Caritas Philippines. This is because those working on the ground already have a relationship with the disaster victims and can empathise with people who have lost family and homes. The relief workers are sometimes even affected by the disaster themselves. In the photo below, Rocky Silverio is a community mobiliser. He and the man he is speaking to have both received new homes built by Caritas. Watching people who are suffering or in difficulty can make us feel uncomfortable. The problem often seems so big and overwhelming that it is easier to turn our backs than to try to help. We often just feel grateful that it isn’t us in that terrible situation. Jesus never turned his back on people. He went to be with Mary and Martha in their time of sadness over the death of Lazarus. But Jesus knew he could do something to help Martha and Mary. What can students in New Zealand do to help victims of natural disasters overseas? We can do a lot. We can pray for the people who are rebuilding their homes and for the aid agencies that are helping them. We can 17 contribute money to relief appeals. We can learn about the people that live in this place so that our hearts are open to them. For those we know who struggle every day with illness or family stresses. In our daily lives we will come across many people who are experiencing smaller struggles. Our open hearts will mean that we are not afraid to support them in their difficulties. We will be available to listen and be a shoulder to cry on. This is how we build stronger human communities. Leader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou May they feel supported by us, their friends. For ourselves, when we experience grief and loss. That we will allow ourselves time to grieve and during this time we will have friends and family to support us. Leader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou Intercessions For those whose lives have been turned upside-down by natural disasters. Caritas Prayer May they have the time and support they need to grieve and to rebuild. Leader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou E te Wairua Tapu, Holy Spirit: You are always present, even in the midst of death and destruction. May we never fail to be deeply disturbed and moved to action by human suffering. Aftermath of Cyclone Bopha. View of damaged houses in one of the villages in Cateel, Compostela Valley, Philippines. 18 Junior primary school There was a soft sound and Lazarus shuffled out into the sunshine still bound up in grave clothes. Scripture adapted for younger children from The Children’s Bible in 365 Stories Gospel story The raising of Lazarus – alive again! People in shock took of the strips of linen that covered his face and hands and feet. Lazarus had returned to life! One day, Lazarus became ill. As he grew worse, Martha and Mary, his sisters, were beside themselves with worry. The doctor could do nothing to help and shook his head sadly. Everyone began to hug one another saying, ‘Jesus must be the Messiah. Look at what he has done!’ ‘Jesus could make him better,’ Mary said. So the sisters told a messenger, ‘Tell Jesus that his dear friend is ill.’ Jesus was very fond of Lazarus and his two sisters so when he heard the bad news he became very concerned. But he told them, ‘Death will not be the end for Lazarus. This illness is going to bring glory to God and to his Son.’ Two days later Jesus and the disciples set off for Bethany. By the time they arrived Lazarus had been dead for four whole days. The house was full of mourners. Kia inoi tātou – Let us pray For the sick people who are in our parish or who belong to our school community. May they get strong and well again. Martha rushed out to meet Jesus on the road and told him that Lazarus would not have died if he had been there earlier. Jesus replied, Leader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou ‘Martha, I am the resurrection and the life. The person who believes in me will live again even though he has died. Do you believe that?’ For the people who have been affected by natural disasters and who need shelter and medicines and food. May we help them by our prayers. Martha answered, ‘I believe that you are God’s son the promised Messiah.’ Leader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou Martha ran to tell Mary and then they all went to the rocky grave to weep. Jesus cried too because death brings sadness to everyone. For those who have died (names) and gone back to God. May we remember them and their loving families and friends in our prayers. ‘Show me his grave,’ said Jesus. Then he instructed them to take away the stone that blocked the grave entrance and he prayed to his Father. Leader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou Jesus called out, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ Everyone held their breath in silence to see what would happen. 19 Week Six The passion of Christ Leader:Sign of the Cross: Ki te ingoa o te Matua, o te Tamaiti, o te Wairua Tapu. Song:Till the end of time, Michael Mangan, from ‘Sing Your Joy’. Leader:As we begin Holy Week we remember that this is the most important week of the Church’s year. We walk with Jesus through his suffering, death and resurrection so that we will be transformed into ‘Good News people’ who can bring love and hope to others. Let us pray, That we will open our hearts to Jesus in a special way this week, and come closer to Him. Gospel: Matthew 27: 11-14, 24, 2737,45-54 (extended reading Matt 26:14 -27:66) Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ Jesus said, ‘You say so.’ But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he did not answer. Then Pilate said to him, ‘Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you?’ But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. So when Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took some water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.’ Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters, and they gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on his head. They put a reed in his right hand and knelt 20 before him and mocked him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. After mocking him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. And when they had crucified him, they divided his clothes among themselves by casting lots; then they sat down there and kept watch over him. Over his head they put the charge against him, which read, ‘This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.’ From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o’clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, ‘This man is calling for Elijah.’ At once one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, ‘Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.’ Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice and breathed his last. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. After his resurrection they came out of the tombs and entered the holy city and appeared to many. Now when the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, ‘Truly this man was God’s Son!’ Case study: Solomon Islands education projects ‘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!’ The story of Jesus doesn’t end in despair, but in hope. We know that three days after his death, Jesus rises again. Sometimes communities and countries can experience this same kind of dying and rising. Solomon Islands has recently been through a time of conflict between different ethnic groups. It was already a poor country, and this fighting made it difficult for people to improve their lives. This Lent we are called to be people who bring hope to the world. We can bring hope to those around us by showing them concern and love. We can bring hope to those who live a long way away from us by being generous and sharing what we have with them in our fundraising efforts. Now the conflict is over, one of the main things that gives hope to Solomon Islanders is seeing their children going to school. They know that education will help them to learn new ways of doing things and new ways of looking at the problems faced by their country. They know that education will give their children more opportunities. Intercessions For those who live in countries where there is great poverty and suffering. Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is supporting partners in Solomon Islands to improve their ability to deliver good education programmes. This lent the Caritas donations will go towards early childhood education teacher training, equipment for rural training centres and support to the Aruligo Centre for the Deaf. May they receive help from Caritas and other aid agencies so that they can rebuild their lives. Leader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou For those who are sad because someone they love has died. By supporting the education of Solomon Islands’ children and young people we can help to open up new horizons for them and for their country. May they be comforted by their hope in the resurrection and eternal life. Leader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou Reflection As we reflect this week on the terrible things that happened to Jesus on Good Friday, we should always remember that this is not the end of the story. After all the horror of the crucifixion, there is the joy and the hope of the resurrection. For ourselves, when we become discouraged by the difficulties of life. Sometimes when things in our own lives seem bleak and sad, we can hold on to God’s promise of new life for us also. Caritas prayer May we turn to God and find hope. Leader: E te Ariki All: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou E te Atua, you are the God who brings life out of death. In the midst of darkness you open up a horizon of hope for the world. Through our prayers, our self-sacrifices and our almsgiving, help us to become people who bring hope to others. Hope is an important gift of God to us. In the Bible, St Paul reminds us that the greatest gifts are faith, hope and love. In his first homily, Pope Francis wrote about hope. He said... 21 Junior primary school That is why we call the day of his death GOOD Friday. Gospel story Passion Week Extract from The Easter Story by Joy Cowley. Pleroma Press, Otane, 2011. Because Jesus said that loving kindness was more important than laws and rules, some of the law-keepers became angry. Sing to the tune of ‘Make me an instrument of peace.’ ‘This man is dangerous,’ they said and they plotted to kill him. Jesus knew that he would be killed and he knew death was not the end. He would rise up from the tomb to show that death was a new beginning. While Jesus had God knowledge in him, he was also fully human, and afraid of the pain he would suffer. His followers were scared too. When their Master was arrested most of them ran away. All this was meant to be. Jesus had to know betrayal, fear, loneliness, hurt, all the painful feelings that people experience, so that in the future, his Spirit could be with us, comforting us in our fear, loneliness and pain. 22 He died for me, He died for me. Jesus is Lord, And he died for me. I know he cares, I know he cares, I know he cares, For he died for me. Kia inoi tātou – Let us pray Loving God, you gave us the gift of your son that all our sins may be forgiven. Help us to show our love by living lives of forgiveness for others. Amen. The way of the Cross Prayer for protection A powerpoint has been prepared for you to download from our website. This can be used for your class or the whole school. There are 15 stations on the Way of the Cross. Each station has two slides. One slide tells the story of the particular station and the second slide has a reflection for us to consider today. Caritas staff members have taken the photos on their various work projects showing areas where we work to address issues of need. God our Father Our strength in adversity Our health in weakness Our comfort in sorrow Be merciful to your people. No one is a stranger to you and no one is ever far from your loving care. Hear the cries of your people in times of distress. In your kindness, watch over those whose lives have been devastated by recent natural disasters. Bring them back safely to the place they long to be so that they may rebuild their homes and their lives. Help us to show your kindness to those in need. The stations can conclude with the Prayer for Protection. This is prayed every day by St. Anthony’s church community in Seatoun, Wellington. Especially in the uncertainty of life and the crosses that our children and students may experience in their own lives, this prayer can be reassuring to demonstrate that our faith provides strength for all to embrace. Heavenly Father, all the elements of nature obey your command. Calm those that threaten us so that we may continue to enjoy the magnificence of your creation in Aotearoa New Zealand. To locate this resource, go to: www.caritas.org. nz/schools/lent-schools We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen 23 Links with Week 1 Links with Week 2 Towards the sky Psalm 121 – The Lord, our protector Wind waves flax children birds cats and bouncing balls. I look to the mountains; where will my help come from? My help will come from the Lord Who made heaven and earth. He will not let you fall; your protector is always awake. The protector of Israel never dozes or sleeps. The Lord will guard you; he is by your side to protect you. The sun will not hurt you during the day, nor the moon during the night. The Lord will protect you from all danger; he will keep you safe. He will protect you as you come and go now and forever. The desert sound is the sound of no sound. Wind sand stars stones cactus grass and sheltering sky. Here or there it is possible to lean the heart towards the sky and hear what it is most necessary to hear. Good News Bible. Anne Powell, Tree of a Thousand Voices, Steele Roberts Publishers, 2010. For Ash Wednesday God says: Remember, It is no good saying your prayers to me, If you go on hurting each other, Or if you keep on arguing and fighting, And punching each other. You must share things. You must feed the hungry, And get houses for the poor people, And buy clothes for the people who haven’t got enough. If you do this, You will make the whole world bright, You will be like the sun That fills the sky with light each morning. Quote from St Clare of Assisi Go forth without fear, for he who created you has made you holy, has always protected you, and loves you as a mother. Witnesses to the light Jesus, our guide, You show us the path of goodness and love, and call us to follow in your way. Help us to build a world where everyone has enough, a world of plenty, fairness and faith. May the light of your truth shine through us. Amen Adapted from Isaiah 58:3,4,7,8. 24 Links with Week 4 One world, many cultures God, you made us all to live in one world, although we come from many different backgrounds and cultures. Thank you for diversity within the one human race. I have a neat group of friends, many were born here, but some have come from other countries. Thank you for these special friends. Links with Week 3 Sometimes we notice great differences in our ways of doing things, in our family customs, in the ways we express our faith, but underneath these differences my friends are pretty like me. We share the same hopes, the same fears, the same dreams. The man at the well I came to the well, I was dry, dry, dry; I came to the well, too dry to cry, cry, cry, I came to the well too lonely for tears; I came to the well with my bucket of fears. Help me always to respect those who come from different cultures, and to offer friendship and understanding, so that we overcome racism, and we work together in harmony, for the good of all your world. In Jesus’ name I pray. And, there sat a man. He was poor, poor, poor. and, there sat a man, A stranger for sure, sure, sure. And that man as he sat asked me for a drink. I who was dry! What was I to think? Used with the permission of the authors, Rosemary and Peter Atkins, from Cool Prayers – Everyday Prayers for Young People, distributed by Pleroma Press, 38 Higginson Street, Otane 4202, New Zealand. Copies may be ordered by email: [email protected]. Then he offered me drink from his heart, heart, heart. My mind was amazed! Could hope start, start, start? Then, he told me the truth of God’s loving ways. I will follow that man to the end of my days. Published in The True Dawn, Sister Isabelle SM (Barbara Jean Harding), Marist Sisters 2008. 25 Links with Week 5 Links with Week 6 God’s world Sadness and joy at Easter When I watch the news on TV the world you made, God, seems to be in crisis. Jesus our Saviour we remember that this was a special week for you – from Palm Sunday to Easter Day. Help us to follow your journey from the shouts of praise to the cries of pain, and then to your new greeting of peace at Easter. With your Son Jesus Christ I pray for the world you still love. Restrain its violence and its plunder, point out to nations the stupidity of fighting and greed, guide our leaders in the ways of peace and conservation. Thank you for bringing us forgiveness by your Cross, And new life and undying hope by your rising again. Support the needy, feed the hungry, comfort the crying, and uphold those working to build community and to care for creation. And as I pray like this, I know I must be part of the answer to our prayers. This Easter help me to be among those disciples who believe in you, and commit their lives to you for the journey to heaven. Help me to be a partner with you in your world and to act with your wisdom and love, so that the world follows your plan – where all creatures have their place, and all people live in harmony, and your kingdom comes on earth, as your will is done in heaven. Easter Used with the permission of the authors, Rosemary and Peter Atkins, from Prayer Kids, distributed by Pleroma Press, 38 Higginson Street, Otane 4202, New Zealand. Copies may be ordered by email: [email protected]. Used with the permission of the authors, Rosemary and Peter Atkins, from Cool Prayers – Everyday Prayers for Young People, distributed by Pleroma Press, 38 Higginson Street, Otane 4202, New Zealand. Copies may be ordered by email: sales@pleroma. org.nz. 26 This Easter we weep among trees at the tomb’s entrance. Autumn heralds the divesting of leaves that clutch at our hearts. Angels might cloud the tomb’s entrance yet. Everyone has a silver lining. This is the wisdom of trees. Anne Powell, Tree of a Thousand Voices, Steele Roberts Publishers, 2010. Prayer to Mary Mary, help our faith! Open our ears to hear God’s word and to recognise his voice and call. Awaken in us a desire to follow in his footsteps, reaching out to others. Help us to be touched by his love, that we may touch him in faith. Help us to entrust ourselves fully to him and to believe in his love, especially at times of trial, beneath the shadow of the cross, when our faith is called to grow. Jelly bean prayer Red is for the blood He gave, Green is for the grass He made, Yellow is for the sun so bright, Orange is for the edge of night. Black is for the sins that were made White is for the grace He gave, Purple is for the hour of sorrow, Pink is for the new tomorrow. Give a bag full of jelly beans, Colorful and sweet, Tell them it’s a Prayer...It’s a promise... It’s an Easter Treat! Give us a joyful faith in the Risen One. Remind us that those who believe are never alone. Teach us to see all things with the eyes of Jesus, that he may be light for our path. And may this light of faith continue to grow in us. Amen Adapted from Lumen Fidei – The Light of Faith, Pope Francis, 29 June, 2013. Karakia o te Aranga – Easter prayer E te Atua, nāu te matenga i raupatu, ā, i huakina te ara ki te oranga tonutanga. Ka īnoi nei mātou, whakaae mai mō mātou e whakanui ana i te Aranga ake o te Ariki, mā te mahi whakahōu a te Wairua, kia ara i te māramatanga o te ora. Mā te Karaiti to mātou Ariki. Āmene Source: http://catholicicing.com/jelly-bean-prayer/ From ‘The Easter Story’ (After the resurrection) Jesus himself came to see his friends. He looked different. When he spoke to them, their God spark burned with a bright God light. ‘I told you I would rise again,’ he said. Jesus stayed with his friends for a while, and then he went beyond their vision. His death and resurrection meant that his Spirit could be everywhere at once, helping people to grow. ‘Behold, I am with you always,’ He promised. ‘Even to the end of the world.’ English translation: O God, you have conquered death and opened/unlocked for us the path to eternity/ eternal life. Grant, we pray, that we who celebrate the Lord’s resurrection May, through renewal by your Spirit, rise up in the light of life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen Extract from The Easter Story by Joy Cowley. Pleroma Press, Otane, 2011. The Roman Missal (Third Typical Edition), 2010. 27 0pen up a horizon of hope -U tonu ki te pae o te tu-manako Pope Francis 28 www.caritas.org.nz
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