4TH Sunday
OF LENT
11MARCH
Fourth Sunday of Lent
Gospel:  John 3:14-21  
​​At this stage in our Lenten journey we may be inclined to doubt our own strength and can identify with Nicodemus not daring to consult Jesus openly, weighed down by his heart. When we have disappointment in our lives, the darkness seems so real and overwhelming.
​Teacher Background

Monday
12 MARCH
The Challenge to Answer the Call
The Gospel message that comes through is that God's love for us is so strong and the challenge for us is in own strength to live up to this love by caring for others. It is our calling and in The Year of Youth students across our schools are taking up this challenge. In light of this, it would a timely reminder to listen and sing along to The Year of Youth song: Called. Students could also be directed to the Year of Youth site. 

Tuesday
13 MARCH
Quiet Time
  • Lent is a time for silence and prayer.
  • Spend time in silence listening to and praying with the Taize song O Lord hear my Prayer
  • Breathe slowly and mindfully. 
  • Listen to and pray with the repetitive chant: 
  • O Lord, hear my prayer.
  • O Lord, hear my prayer.
  • When I call, answer me.
  • Time for silent reflection.
  • Younger students could pray with the Guided Meditations with Music, Quiet Time with Jesus, Carey Landry  

Wednesday
14 MARCH
A Prayer for when time is limited.
In a short prayer, this may be the focus, or it may simply be a silent reflection, or an action such as a sign of peace, or a statement such as “have a good day today”.
Following the listening, there are a number of possible ways to respond. They can be simple or complex and include:
A moment of silence to add their own prayers to the one read out.
Invitation to silent reflection/prayer on what has been heard, or add the prayers of their own heart.
  • Naming words/ideas heard from others 
  • Use a word or phrase as a mantra
  • The sharing of spontaneous prayers of thanks and petition
  • Joining in formally prepared Prayers of Petition
  • Sharing a sign of peace, reconciliation or solidarity.

Thursday
15 MARCH
Project Compassion Feature Story Week 4
A Just Future Starts with Culture
Listen or read Evangeline's Story.
Evangeline is strengthening Aboriginal culture, while making a living for herself and creating opportunities for her community. Featured in Project Compassion 2016, Evangeline was employed by the Caritas Australia supported Djilpin Arts Aboriginal Corporation and quickly rose to the role of Senior Artsworker.

Friday
16 MARCH
National day of action against bullying and violence
National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence
  • The National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence, held on the third Friday of March each year, is an opportunity for Australian schools to highlight their everyday work to counter bullying and violence. Go the website.
  • National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence
  • Write anti-bullying messages in coloured chalk on the school playground.
  • Light candles and pray in silence for victims of bullying.  
  • What action will you take, what pledge will you make from today forwards?
St Patrick's Day March 17
  • Watch a short creative video explaining the life of Saint Patrick and the development of Saint Patrick's Day.  
  • Fun Facts about St Patrick for younger students.
  • St Patrick’s Breastplate is an ancient prayer for protection. The purpose of this prayer is to call for God’s help against all that could harm us.
  • Explore symbols of St Patrick. Talk about the shamrock and how Patrick used to explain the Trinity.