Term 1 Week 4
Launch of project compassion
Ash Wednesday  
11-16 FEBRUARY
BEGINNING OF LENT
Prep to Year 2 Prayer Library
Years 3 to 6 Prayer Library
Years 7 to 10 Prayer Library
Years 11 & 12 Prayer Library

Sunday
11 FEBRUARY
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel:  Mark 1:40-45
What a magnificent encounter with which to introduce the missionary journeys of Jesus. It would be hard to find a more telling symbol of the human miseries that Jesus was sent to overcome, than the plight of the leper who threw himself at the feet of Jesus
Teacher Background

Monday
12 FEBRUARY
Year of Youth -
Open New Horizons for Spreading Joy
The Year of Youth website has a suite of prayers to use. Click on the following links for prayers and other resources for the Year of Youth.
A Call to Serve
​A Call to Serve Sway

Tuesday
13 February
SHROVE TUESDAY
Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Tuesday). Look up the traditions of why it is referred to as Pancake Tuesday. Lent begins tomorrow.
Launch of Project Compassion 2018 - For a Just Future
FEATURE STORIES - SIX WEEKS OF LENT 
A different story to feature each week during Lent. Focused on the theme “A Just Future,” and featuring a new country each week, the stories explain the issues faced in each country. They also highlight how Caritas Australia is working together with vulnerable people, helping them to develop their strengths and create change in their own communities.
Week 1 - Janaki - Nepal
Anniversary of the Apology to Australia’s Indigenous People
  • In 2008, The Australian Government apologised to Australia's Indigenous peoples, particularly the Stolen Generations and their families and communities, for laws and policies which had 'inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians'.
  • Possible ways to recognise this Anniversary in a prayer context include: Acknowledgement of Country; lighting a candle; observing a minute of silence; praying prayers of intercession for those who suffered and for reconciliation; Prayer for the Journey of Healing (NATSIEC)​
  • Apology Transcript.
  • Song:  Archie Roach "Took the Children Away

Wednesday
14 February
​Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday
(click on the above link for ideas)
While undertaking  prayer have students think about what they will be doing for Lent.
What is Fasting?
It means going without.
Jesus tells us in the Gospel to give to those in need, to pray for each other and to fast (go without something). This is to remind us of the many in the world who do not have what we have – health, education, home, safety, security, luxuries and comforts, water and food. Fasting does not have to be about giving up food
Breath Prayer: Shalom or Peace 
Possible Script:
  • Invite students to slow down their breathing and notice the pattern of the breath: the in breath and the out breath.
  • 'Shalom' is the Hebrew word for peace and wholeness. Invite them to say this word together.
  • On the in breath, say SHA …
  • On the out breath, say LOM …
  • Repeat this word with your breath pattern and come back to it when to you start to think of other things.
  • Bring this Breath Prayer to a close by sounding a meditation chime, a singing bowl or prayer bells.
  • App: Insight Timer has a variety of bell sounds to call one to prayer and a meditation timer.
  • This Breath Prayer could be adapted for younger students by using the word PEACE as a mantra or prayer word. 
Valentine's Day
What is Love? 1 Corinthians 13:4-13

Thursday
15 February
Pope Francis Five Finger Prayer  Possible script
  • Using each of the fingers on one hand, pray Prayers of Intercession for family and friends, teachers, leaders, those who are sick and suffering and for yourself.
  • Video: The Five Finger Prayer  (suitable for younger students) 

Friday
16 February
Project Compassion
Prayer for Justice
God of strength
May your constant presence give us the courage to raise awareness for injustices in our world.
Allow us the strength to act on these injustices to make the world a better place for those around us.
We ask this through our guiding light for action on justice, your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen
Written by: Adam Bennie
Theme:         Awareness is great.  Action is better