lent module - caritas

Lent module

PEACE, LOVE AND LIFE Hope and Challenges in South Sudan

RONGOMAU, AROHA ME TE ORANGA Ngā wāwata me ngā wero o Hūtāne ki te Tonga

Image: Children at Mangateen IDP camp lean in to get a good look at the camera. Photo: Crispin Anderlini

This module contains:

• Theological reflections• First week of Lent lessons and worksheets• Holy Week lessons

Refer to the Teacher Booklet and the South Sudan module at www.caritas.org.nz to see how this module can be used during Lent in 2019.

In the silence of the Cross, the uproar of weapons ceases and the language of reconciliation, forgiveness, dialogue, and peace is spoken. – POPE FRANCIS

http://www.caritas.org.nz

Introduction: Our Lenten Adventure for 2019

Lent is the Church’s season of repentance; a time to reflect on our relationships with God and with each other. We recall Jesus’ forty days in the desert, being tempted and preparing for his ministry. We take time out during Lent to think about our own lives, and to face those things in our lives and in our world that are not as they should be.

LIVING OUR LIVES WITH LOVEThe theme in 2019 is about living our lives with love. We use the word ‘love’ a lot, but do we really know what it means?

1 John 3:16-18 outlines love expertly:

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

At its core, love is active in nature and selfless in direction. Jesus not only demonstrated what love is through his life but he also challenges us to love by following the two greatest commandments:

‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:30-31)

Lent gives us the chance to put into action these two commandments; let us spend time with God and remember Christ's sacrifice of love on the cross. At the same time, let us look beyond ourselves and focus on others through prayer, acts of love and giving.

The focus country for Lent in 2019 is South Sudan. Ongoing violence and severe food insecurity have left the majority of the population in desperate need of support and assistance. There is hope for a new beginning throughout the country and for love and peace to shine anew.

Caritas South Sudan, the local Caritas agency, with support from Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, is a great example of love as they support the most vulnerable every day – many of whom are displaced and in need of shelter, food, water and a return to peace.

Millions have been impacted nationwide by conflict, drought and other forms of injustice. So many of these innocent people show love through their great patience, faith, and even forgiveness. Love is indeed a sacrifice when one is willing to reconcile with those who took from them. Loved ones have been lost, peace has been trodden on, homes have been destroyed and livelihoods stolen.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand shows love by supporting those who are on the other side of the world. They may be out of sight, but they are not forgotten. In 2019, they are in the spotlight.

Schools and students have the opportunity to live lives with love by joining Caritas as we raise awareness for the country of South Sudan and support the people who are most affected.

Let us all live our lives with love this Lent and bring light where there is darkness, hope where there is despair, and peace where there is conflict.

Students in Yei present a play about early marriage to their peers. Photo: Crispin Anderlini

CARITAS AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND PEACE, LOVE AND LIFE: HOPE AND CHALLENGES IN SOUTH SUDAN

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USING THE lent MODULE

This education module has been prepared for Lent 2019 and has been designed to integrate with another module focused on South Sudan. Teachers and students are encouraged to use the Lent module for the first and last week of Lent. The South Sudan module is designed to be used through the middle of Lent with four lessons provided at each learning level. It is important to note that it has also been designed so that it can be used at any other time outside of Lent as well.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

2019 ResourcesThere are many other resources that will complement these lessons for Lent in 2019. The following overview provides a visual summary of all the elements that are available. All of these resources can be found at www.caritas.org.nz

More information about how these resources can be used can be found in the Lent 2019 Teacher Booklet.


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Inspiration

One can only be inspired reading the following quotes about love. The challenge is to transform the words into action!

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. – 1 Corinthians 13:13

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. – 1 Peter 4:8

Do everything in love. – 1 Corinthians 16:14

The Easter season celebrates the power of light over darkness and life over death. The risen Jesus transformed his weak and unfaithful followers with words of hope and pardon. “Peace be with you” replaced their fear and shame with a joyful awareness of how much they were loved. Loved and forgiven, they become unshakeable witnesses to the whole world of the power of love to overcome evil and to forgive without limit. – The New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference (Be Merciful, 3 Apr 2016)

We are also conscious of the human frailty of our leaders. Like every other South Sudanese, they suffer the trauma of a lifetime of conflict… They are human beings, sons and daughters of God, brothers and sisters to all of us. They need healing. Let us treat them with love and mercy, not hatred and condemnation. – Catholic Bishops of South Sudan (Jun 16, 2016)

Love is the only light which can constantly illuminate a world grown dim. – Pope Francis

The secret of Christian living is love. Only love fills the empty spaces caused by evil. – Pope Francis

Let the Church always be a place of mercy and hope, where everyone is welcomed, loved and forgiven. – Pope Francis

Love begins by taking care of the closest ones – the ones at home. – Mother Teresa

Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love. – Mother Teresa

Do ordinary things with extraordinary love. – Mother Teresa

There’s something about love that builds up and is creative. There is something about hate that tears down and is destructive. So, love your enemies. – Martin Luther King Jr.


Madeline Kidel and her daughter, Sara, pose for a photo at a refugee camp in Gumbo. Photo: Caritas Internationalis

Two boys wash themselves early in the morning outside a camp in Agok. Photo: Caritas Internationalis


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Love and Conflict

The focus country for Lent 2019 is South Sudan – a country that has experienced devastating conflict since 2013.

Love and conflict seemed to be directly opposing realities. However, we can all learn ways to respond to violence through the presence of love in our lives.

POPE FRANCIS ON NONVIOLENCEIn his message for the celebration of the fiftieth World Day of Peace in 2017, Pope Francis speaks of the futility of intergenerational violence.

Violence is not the cure for our broken world. Countering violence with violence leads at best to forced migrations and enormous suffering… At worst, it can lead to the death, physical and spiritual, of many people, if not all.1

He goes on to applaud the bravery of those who choose to break cycles of intergenerational violence.

When the victims of violence are able to resist the temptation to retaliate, they become the most credible promotors of nonviolent peacemaking.2

He mentions in particular the non-violent movements of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Junior and Leymah Gbowee, which effectively countered violence with peaceful resistance. He also quotes Mother Teresa’s words about active nonviolence,

We in our family don’t need bombs and guns, to destroy; to bring peace – just get together, love one another… And we will be able to overcome all the evil that is in the world.3

Of course, such a statement is deceptively simple. We all know how hard it can be to love those who have harmed us. However, this is the call of the Gospel.

THE THEOLOGY OF NONVIOLENCE IN SCRIPTUREIn several Gospel passages, Jesus advises his disciples to love their enemies (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27 and 6:35). Moreover, they are to pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44) and turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39).

In his own life, Jesus met violence and hatred towards himself with nonviolence. When he is arrested in Gethsemane he admonishes Peter to put away his sword,

…for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. (Matthew 26:52)

At his trial, Jesus offers no resistance to the violent sentence that is imposed on him. In the liturgy of Good Friday, we recall the words of Isaiah foretelling Jesus’ response to his accusers:

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. (Isaiah 53:7)

Perhaps, Jesus’ most radical teaching on nonviolence is that the true battlefield between violence and peace is in the human heart…

…for it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come. (Mark 7:21)

Therefore, none of us can be complacent. We all have work to do on ourselves; to purify the intentions of our hearts.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. – Matthew 5:9

1 ibid2 ibid3 Mother Teresa, Nobel Lecture, 11 December 1979

Iler Amira and her family lost everything when their house was burnt down.



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THOMAS MERTON AND NONVIOLENCEWithin the Catholic faith tradition, we have the wisdom of many active peace ‘activists’ to guide us in our personal journey towards nonviolence; people such as Dorothy Day and Daniel Berrigan.

Ironically however, one of the most influential twentieth century Catholic writers on nonviolence was a contemplative monk who lived significant periods of his adult life in solitude. In so doing, Thomas Merton was able to understand the struggle between violence and nonviolence in his own heart. He shared his learnings in several published works.

Instead of hating the people you think are war-makers, hate the appetites and disorder in your own soul, which are the causes of war. If you love peace, then hate injustice, hate tyranny, hate greed – but hate these things in yourself, not in another.4

Through prayer and contemplation, Merton came to the conclusion that achieving nonviolence within oneself was only possible with God’s help.

The chief difference between violence and nonviolence is that violence depends entirely on its own calculations. Nonviolence depends entirely on God and God’s word.5

PEACEBUILDING AND CHURCH TEACHINGNow we have looked at church teaching on nonviolence, what can we find in church writings about peacebuilding?

Pope Francis’ 2013 encyclical, Evangelii Gaudium, is a good place to start. Pope Francis dedicates chapter four of this encyclical to what he calls ‘the social dimension of the Gospel’.

He states that peace is not the same as ‘the mere absence of war’…

Nor does true peace act as a pretext for justifying a social structure which silences or appeases the poor, so that the more affluent can placidly support their lifestyle… #220

He suggests that building a lasting peace depends on four principles: time is greater than space, unity prevails over conflict, realities are more important than ideas, and the whole is greater than the part.

When he speaks of the concept, time is greater than space, he basically means that building a lasting peace in a situation of protracted conflict, will take time. This means that people need to be open to processes of building peace.

On the top level we have negotiated peace settlements signed by governments and large organisations such as the United Nations. A peace settlement can be written in a week, but it will have no lasting effect unless there is also peacebuilding from below, at the grass-roots level. Generations of people who have lived through decades of conflict will need to slowly build confidence and trust in their former-enemies. Leaders of nations need to be committed to a timely process towards peace, rather than asserting their own desires to inhabit ‘spaces’ of power.

In a similar way, allowing unity to prevail over conflict is a long-term commitment. Leaders need to be willing to go beyond the surface of the conflict and see others in their deepest dignity.

The principle that realities are more important than ideas is another important peacebuilding

4 Thomas Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation, 19625 Thomas Merton, The Nonviolent Alternative, Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, New York, 1971

Boys at St Theresa’s School in Torit have fun during a break. Photo: Crispin Anderlini



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concept. The concrete realities of peoples’ lives with all their messiness and difficulties are more important considerations when working for peace, than in promoting particular intellectual ideologies. In other words, the ‘perfect’ political system or social structure that will lead to perfect peace, doesn’t exist. Peacebuilding needs to be based on the concrete realities of real communities.

The fourth concept, the whole is greater than the part, refers to the need to constantly broaden our horizons to see the greater good which will benefit us all.

Finally, Pope Francis emphasises the importance of social dialogue in the pursuit of peace: dialogue between faiths, denominations, and with secular society.

HOPE ALWAYS REMAINSIt seems fitting to finish on a hopeful note. Despite the presence of ongoing conflicts around the world, one might be tempted to imagine that re-establishing peace is, at best, improbable.

But Pope Francis reminds us in Evangelii Gaudium about the power of the Resurrection. He says,

Where all seems to be dead, signs of the resurrection suddenly spring up. It is an irresistible force. Often it seems that God does not exist: all around us we see persistent injustice, evil, indifference and cruelty. But it is also true that in the midst of darkness something new always springs to life and sooner or later produces fruit.

In South Sudan, where conflict has seldom shown signs of ceasing, there are individuals and groups pointing to the path of peace. From among artists, musicians, journalists, teachers, church leaders, and even from the ranks of politicians, people are speaking out in South Sudan with a call to peace.

Among the most uplifting stories we have come across in our research for this resource, are the stories of WJ (reggae artist) and Rabecca Matthew (community peace activist).

These stories point to the possibility of a brighter future for South Sudan, and demonstrate the meaning of the Pope’s words…

However dark things are, goodness always re-emerges and spreads. Each day in our world beauty is born anew, it rises transformed through the storms of history. Values always tend to reappear under new guises, and human beings have arisen time after time from situations that seemed doomed.Families gather to share stories.



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first week of lent

LESSONS AND WORKSHEETS

Performers pray before a dance in Mangateen IDP camp. Photo: Crispin Anderlini

These lessons are designed to be the introduction to Lent 2019 and then be followed by the four lessons focused on life in South Sudan found in the South

Sudan module online at www.caritas.org.nz

Refer to the Teacher Booklet for more information.


first week of lent

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students are learning to…

• Recognise Lent as a season leading up to Easter when Christians try to live more like Jesus lived

• Reflect on ways we can be like Jesus and show love by helping others

• Identify people around them that they can love and help

STARTERRemind students that we have different seasons during the year. Explain that the Church has different seasons too with special celebrations. Introduce Lent as a time to remember God and others.

DISCUSSIONShow students the main poster for Lent and ask them to share words that come to mind as they look at the picture and the quote. Tell them that they will hear stories from people in South Sudan (like those in the poster) this term. Highlight the word ‘love’ (which will be referred to later).

VIEWShow students Poster 1: Life in South Sudan from the picture pack.

DISCUSSIONExplain to students that the focus country this year is South Sudan. Let them know that this country is a long way away from New Zealand in Africa. Remind them that many people around the world (including those in South Sudan) do not share the same privileges we do (including access to food and water and enjoying peace).

Ask students what they notice about the images in the poster. Look at some of the questions and see if students can answer what they think is happening in each: What are the children eating? How do you cook your food at home? What do you notice about this family’s home? Have you ever tried carrying things on your head?

ACTIVITYAsk students to use Worksheet L1: Around Me to draw the people that they have around them during the term. This may include family, friends, classmates, teachers and coaches. Focus again on the Lent poster calling us to live our lives with love. Get students to think about how they can show love and help some of the people they have drawn on the worksheet. They may choose to tick the people that they want to be especially kind or helpful to during Lent this year.

ACTIVITYHold your own Ash Wednesday liturgy and get students to reflect on ways they may help others and be more like Jesus during this season of Lent. On this day introduce the Caritas koha box and how it can be used this term.

PRAYERUse Prayer S6: Peace from the Prayer Booklet to pray for peace in South Sudan.

Y1-2LESSONS

Boys try to escape the rain by hugging the wall outside. Photo: Crispin Anderlini


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https://caritas.org.nz/system/files/related-downloads/Lent%202019%20Picture%20Pack%20Posters.pdf

https://caritas.org.nz/system/files/related-downloads/Lent%202019%20Prayer%20Booklet.pdf

first week of lent



• Reflect on ways we can be like Jesus and bring God’s Reign to earth

• Reflect on the importance of new beginnings

STARTERRemind students about the different seasons we experience during the year. Explain that the Church has different seasons too with special celebrations. Introduce Lent as a time to remember God and others.

DISCUSSIONShow students the main poster for Lent and talk about the focus country being South Sudan. Ask students if they know what part of the world it can be found in. Introduce the theme for Lent this year as ‘Living our lives with love’. Ask students to share what they think this means.

VIEWTake time to show students the Keep it Simple for Lent Action Plan and choose a place to display it where everyone can see it for the rest of the term. Explain that prayer, fasting and almsgiving are popular actions during Lent and some of the actions in the Action Plan reflect this.

DISCUSSIONRead out the following quote from Pope Francis: ‘Lent is a new beginning, a path leading to the certain goal of Easter, Christ’s victory over death.’

Ask students to explain why Lent is a new beginning.

ACTIVITYAsk students to complete Worksheet L2: Starting Again to reflect on times in their lives when they have experienced new beginnings.


PRAYERAsk students to think of people experiencing new beginnings around the world. Some of these may be positive. Others might not be so good. Take time to pray as a class for those who are starting again or facing change.

CHALLENGEReflect on ways that we can use our talents and time to do something special for others during Lent this year. This could be one way that we can bring love to others and help bring God’s Reign to earth. Get students to choose who they could help during Lent this year.

ACTIONWatch Video S5: Let’s Play to see various games that are played by children in South Sudan . Choose one of these games to learn and play as another example of a new beginning for the class.

Y3-4LESSONS

Students in Yei prepare for an inter-school competition. Photo: Crispin Anderlini


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https://caritas.org.nz/system/files/related-downloads/Lent%202019%20Action%20Plan.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTjyxA1bd8g&list=PLxOwILckuSEW-ZmA0Qm1GE8qOn9pF8MeC&index=5

first week of lent



• Reflect on ways we can be like Jesus and bring God’s Reign to earth

• Reflect on the importance of faith and hope

STARTERRemind students about the different seasons we experience during the year. Explain that the Church has different seasons too with special celebrations. Introduce Lent as a time to remember God and others.

DISCUSSIONReferring to the Lent poster, introduce the theme of Lent as ‘Living our lives with love’. Ask students to share what they think this means. What would it look like in practice?

VIEWTake time to show students the Keep it Simple for Lent Action Plan and choose a place to display it where everyone can see it for the rest of the term. Explain that prayer, fasting and almsgiving are popular actions during Lent and some of the actions in the Action Plan reflect this.

CHALLENGEChoose some of these actions either as a class or as individuals and come up with a plan on how they can be achieved. Write these down to remember for the rest of term.

DISCUSSIONThink about how these actions relate to hope and faith. Discuss why hope and faith are so important in our Christian lives.

VIEWRead 1 Thessalonians 5:8 that talks about our spiritual armour including hope, love and faith and how these relate to our day to day lives.

ACTIVITYGet students to complete Worksheet L3: Here’s Hoping by considering all their hopes for the year ahead. This may link in well with a belonging unit at the start of the year. Once all their hopes are identified, students are encouraged to display them as a poster as a visual reminder.


DISCUSSIONUsing the Lent poster again, highlight to the class that the focus country for 2019 is South Sudan. Based on the image of the South Sudanese children, talk about what some of their hopes may be.

PRAYERFrom the Prayer Booklet, use Prayer S4: Hope to pray for the children of South Sudan.

ACTIONWatch Video S5: Let’s Play to see various games that are played by children in South Sudan. Choose one of these games to learn and play as another example of a new beginning for the class.

Y5-6LESSONS

An altar boy prays during a Mass at St Kizito Parish outside Juba. Photo: Crispin Anderlini


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https://caritas.org.nz/system/files/related-downloads/Lent%202019%20Prayer%20Booklet.pdf


first week of lent



• Reflect on how we are challenged to share our God given gifts through love

DISCUSSIONAsk students to share what Lent means to them and reflect on their past experiences. If you need to, explain to students that Lent is a time to remember God and others in the lead up to the events at Easter – particularly Christ’s sacrifice.

Introduce the theme for Lent this year as ‘Living our lives with love’. Ask students to share what they think this means.

VIEWTake time to show students the Keep it Simple for Lent Action Plan and choose a place to display it where everyone can see it for the rest of the term. Explain that prayer, fasting and almsgiving are popular actions during Lent and some of the actions in the Action Plan reflect this. Get students to identify a few tasks that they are keen to achieve from the Action Plan during Lent. Perhaps these actions could be noted somewhere.

ACTIVITYTake time to introduce the focus country of South Sudan. You may choose to get students to complete the first two columns of a KWL chart to show what they know and what they would like to know.

VIEWLook at PowerPoint S9: South Sudan: Lifestyle and Culture to understand the culture of the country.

Watch Video S2: Life in Torit: Lina Juan Poni to see what life is like for a 10-year old girl living in Torit.

DISCUSSIONWhat stood out to students from the video or the PowerPoint?

Make a link to the theme of Lent again and ask how love and South Sudan could be connected.

Challenge students to think of ways that they could share their gifts or help others as they live lives of love during this season of Lent.

ACTIVITYUse the quotes of Inspiration found on page 4 of this module to challenge students about how they can love others. Get students to complete Worksheet L4: Words of Love to reflect on the quotes they have heard and decide on a way to create a cool bumper sticker using one of their favourite quotes.

ACTIVITYHold your own Ash Wednesday liturgy and get students to reflect on how they have chosen to help others during this season of Lent. Introduce the Caritas koha box and how it can be used this term.

PRAYERUse the bumper stickers as inspiration during prayer time.

Y7-8LESSONS

Yei students wash their bowls after lunch as the rain falls. Photo: Crispin Anderlini


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https://caritas.org.nz/system/files/related-downloads/S9%20South%20Sudan%20-%20Lifestyle%20and%20Culture.pptx

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pV2VLAz0DBs&list=PLxOwILckuSEW-ZmA0Qm1GE8qOn9pF8MeC&index=2

first week of lent


• Understand the long-term impacts of conflict on the people of South Sudan

• Empathise with those whose lives are disrupted by violence and conflict

INTRODUCTIONThis Lent we invite you and your students to learn about the people of South Sudan; about their turbulent past and their challenging present. We are focusing on hope and new beginnings, as the people of South Sudan make efforts to end years of violent conflict and build peace in their new country.

BRAINSTORMHave students brainstorm facts they know about South Sudan. Locate South Sudan on a map of Africa.

VIEWLook at PowerPoint S8: A Short History of South Sudan to understand the recent events in the country and how they have impacted the population.

Read Fact Sheet S7: Humanitarian Crisis to help students understand the seriousness of the crisis in South Sudan.

DISCUSSIONWas your initial brainstorm correct? What facts can you add to your brainstorm now?

ACTIVITYComplete Worksheet L5: Impacts of conflict in South Sudan. What are the impacts of long-term conflict on the peoples of South Sudan? How many people have been displaced by conflict? What effect has drought had in South Sudan?

VIEWWatch Video S6: Mark’s Reflections to hear Mark’s views about the current situation in South Sudan and his thoughts on what it is like to be a humanitarian worker.

ACTIVITYWrite a letter to Mark. Tell him how you feel after listening to his reflections about what has occurred in South Sudan. What words of encouragement can you give to Mark to help him continue his humanitarian work?

You can send the letters to…

Mark Mitchellc/o Michael StewartCaritas Aotearoa New ZealandPO Box 12193ThorndonWellington 6144

PRAYERBe silent and reflect on the challenges in South Sudan. Pray for the humanitarian work in South Sudan and around the world.

CHALLENGEDecide on a class action for Lent that will support the work of Caritas in South Sudan.

Y9-11LESSONS

Facial scarring is common amongst various South Sudanese tribes.


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https://caritas.org.nz/system/files/related-downloads/S8%20A%20Short%20History%20of%20South%20Sudan.pptx

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJgBJ9x-9jY&list=PLxOwILckuSEW-ZmA0Qm1GE8qOn9pF8MeC&index=6

first week of lent


• Identify ways in which people can build justice and peace

• Reflect on Lent being a time to turn away from conflict and division and follow God’s way of peace

INTRODUCTIONThis Lent we invite you and your students to learn about the people of South Sudan; about their turbulent past and their challenging present. We are focusing on hope and new beginnings, as the people of South Sudan make efforts to end years of violent conflict and build peace in their new country.

BRAINSTORMHave students brainstorm facts they know about South Sudan. Locate South Sudan on a map of Africa.

VIEWLook at PowerPoint S8: A Short History of South Sudan to understand the recent events in the country and how they have impacted the population.

Read Fact Sheet S7: Humanitarian Crisis to help students understand the seriousness of the crisis in South Sudan.

DISCUSSIONWas your initial brainstorm correct? What facts can you add to your brainstorm now?

ACTIVITYGet students to complete Worksheet L6: Rising above Negativity.

Reflect with students on the fact that peace needs to be rebuilt in two directions in South Sudan; from the top down, and from the ground up. The work done for peace at the local community level is just as important as high-level peace agreements between political leaders.

PRAYERPray for all those engaging in peacebuilding in South Sudan.

CHALLENGEGet students to ask themselves: What can I do during Lent to ‘rise above negativity’ in my own life?

Y12-13LESSONS

Women kneel during a Palm Sunday Mass in Abyei. Photo: Caritas Internationalis


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https://caritas.org.nz/system/files/related-downloads/S8%20A%20Short%20History%20of%20South%20Sudan.pptx

WORKSHEETSL1

around meDraw a face in each of the circles to show all the people that you meet each week. Tick those who you want to be especially kind to during Lent this year.

NAME: NAME:NAME:

NAME: NAME:NAME:

NAME: NAME:NAME:

Girls share a laugh together inside an IDP camp. Photo: Caritas Internationalis


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WORKSHEETSL2

starting againThink of times when you have had to start again. Draw these events in the boxes below.

With each of these ‘new beginnings’ write down how you felt. A young girl carries water inside

an IDP camp in Wau. Photo: Caritas Internationalis

New beginning:

I felt…

New beginning:

I felt…

New beginning:

I felt…

New beginning:

I felt…


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WORKSHEETSL3

here’s hoping

List down all your hopes for 2019. Consider what you’d like to achieve at home, at school and in other parts of your life.

My hopes for 2019…It must be time for a smile at St Theresa’s School in Torit.

Looking at all the hopes you have above, now create a poster in the box below as a visual reminder of all you are hoping for. Share it with others once you’ve coloured it in.


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WORKSHEETSL4

words of love

After listening to various quotes about love, choose one that inspires you to be more like Jesus. Create a bumper sticker in the spaces below complete with a cool font and lots of colour to make the quote stand out (as though it was on the back of a vehicle and viewed by hundreds).

My chosen quote:

My bumper sticker:

Boys find a good spot to sit and talk during the day.


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WORKSHEETSL5

impacts of conflict in south sudan

Fill in the boxes with statistics from Fact Sheet S7: Humanitarian Crisis.

People displaced outside South Sudan (refugees)

People displaced inside South Sudan (Internally Displaced People)

Percentage of Refugees who are children

Percentage of Population who are severely food insecure

Countries sheltering refugees from South Sudan

Draw in South Sudan and neighbouring countries


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After listening to Mark Mitchell in Video S6: Mark’s Reflections, take time to write him a letter of encouragement.

Dear Mark


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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJgBJ9x-9jY&list=PLxOwILckuSEW-ZmA0Qm1GE8qOn9pF8MeC&index=6

WORKSHEETSL6

Rise Above Negativity

In June 2016, the Catholic Bishops of South Sudan met in Juba to reflect on the situation in their country. The bishops wrote to the whole nation asking people to put an end to violence and to prepare for peace.

Even though New Zealand is a relatively peaceful country in comparison with South Sudan, we still experience physical, verbal and emotional violence. We still see instances of ‘hate speech’ and even ‘tribalism’, which we might experience as one ethnic group asserting superiority over another.

Read what the Bishops had to say in a section of their message called RISE ABOVE NEGATIVITY and think about where their advice might be useful in your own community, school, whānau, or personal life.

We regret the amount of negativity and pessimism that we hear – from South Sudanese who are still steeped in the old ways of power and tribalism; from the international community; on the internet; in the media; on social media; within the diaspora. We say very clearly: NO MORE NEGATIVITY!

…Stop disseminating hate speech and tribalism on the internet and social media, and instead spread constructive peaceful messages.

…Stop propagating rumours, gossip, misinformation and disinformation.

…Stop attacking and accusing each other.

…Stop pursuing narrow personal and tribal interests,

but instead work together for the good of the nation. …

We are also conscious of the human frailty of our leaders. Like every other South Sudanese, they suffer the trauma of a lifetime of conflict. Do not undermine them. Instead offer them support and encouragement to rise above their personal interests.

– Catholic Bishops of South Sudan, June 2016

QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON…Where do you hear people speaking negatively about our country, our region, or our school? On what forms of media do you experience this?

Have you ever experienced ‘hate speech’?

What does hate speech sound like in New Zealand?

Have you ever received negative personal messages on social media or been the subject of gossip on social media?

Have you seen any examples of internet and social media being used to spread constructive peaceful message recently?

Give some specific examples.

What would you consider to be narrow goals sometimes pursued by yourself and other members of your peer group?

What might be some broader, community-focused goals you could set for yourselves?

How do you treat your leaders? Think of your national, local, and school leaders.

After reflecting on all of these questions, write your own personal ‘no more negativity’ list. What are some things that you and your friends could STOP doing, or saying, in order to build positive peace in your school?


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REFLECTION AND LITURGY LESSONS

A priest prepares for Mass at St Kizito Parish outside Juba.

These lessons are designed to conclude Lent 2019. They follow the four lessons focused on life in

South Sudan that can be found in the South Sudan module online at www.caritas.org.nz

Refer to the Teacher Booklet for more information.


holy week


• Listen and respond to the Easter story

• Participate in a simple liturgy

• Reflect on what they have learnt during Lent

REFLECTION ON LEARNINGSAsk students to think about what they have learnt about Lent, South Sudan and themselves this term. It may work best to have students share their thoughts openly as a class and key points noted on a poster or the board for all to see.

REFLECTION ON LENTEN ACTIONSGet students to think back to the start of Lent when they were challenged to choose one or more people to be especially kind to during the term. See if students are willing to talk about how successful they have been at achieving their goal. Find out if anyone wants to continue trying to achieve their goals beyond Lent or set new ones.

ACTIVITYRead the Easter story as a class and act out some of the key events to help students remember Christ’s journey to the cross and victory over the grave. Or you may choose to watch a short animated version of the Easter story at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3UKd6LQKng

HOLY WEEK LITURGYTake part in a class or school liturgy during Holy Week to encourage everyone to pray for forgiveness, hope and just actions to address the inequalities present in our world today.

VIEWLook at Poster 6: Carrying the Cross and talk about how Christians in South Sudan are also facing suffering but being peaceful, like Jesus, to bring a solution to some of the problems in their country. Focus on the questions on the poster with your students.

CHALLENGETo encourage students looking to carry on kindness and acts of love after Lent, you may choose to start a special sharing time each week where students highlight how they, or others, have shown love. You could call this your ‘Love Spot’.

ACTIVITYRemind students that this could be the last chance to donate in the Caritas koha box for Lent. All the money raised will help Caritas work for a world free of poverty and injustice in countries like South Sudan. Once all the donations have been collected, send the total amount to Caritas and you will receive a certificate to acknowledge your support and efforts for justice.

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Children pray during a Palm Sunday Mass in Abyei. Photo: Caritas Internationalis


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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3UKd6LQKng


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• Listen and respond to the Easter story

• Participate in a simple liturgy


REFLECTION ON LEARNINGSAsk students to think about what they have learnt about Lent, South Sudan and themselves this term. It may work best to have students share their thoughts openly as a class and key points noted on a poster or the board for all to see.

REFLECTION ON LENTEN ACTIONSGet students to think back to the start of Lent when they were challenged to choose one person that they could help out during the term. See if students are willing to talk about how successful they have been at achieving this goal. Find out if anyone wants to continue trying to achieve their goal beyond Lent.

ACTIVITYRead the Easter story as a class and act out some of the key events to help students remember Christ’s journey to the cross and victory over the grave. Or you may choose to watch a short animated version of the Easter story at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3UKd6LQKng

HOLY WEEK LITURGYTake part in a class or school liturgy during Holy Week to encourage everyone to pray for forgiveness, hope and just actions to address the inequalities present in our world today. You may choose to use The Way of the Cross PowerPoint to guide reflection on Jesus’ journey and how we can respond to help others around the world facing challenges.

CHALLENGETo encourage students looking to carry on kindness and acts of love after Lent, you may choose to start (another new beginning) a special sharing time each week where students highlight how they, or others, have shown love. You could call this your ‘Love Spot’.

ACTIVITYRemind students that this could be the last chance to donate in the Caritas koha box for Lent. All the money raised will help Caritas work for a world free of poverty and injusitce in countries like South Sudan. Once all the donations have been collected, send the total amount to Caritas and you will receive a certificate to acknowledge your support and efforts for justice.

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Parishioners march around the ruins of their church in Abyei. Photo: Caritas Internationalis


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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3UKd6LQKng

https://caritas.org.nz/system/files/related-downloads/The%20Way%20of%20the%20Cross%20PowerPoint.pptx

holy week


• Listen and respond to the events of Easter

• Participate prayerfully in the Way of the Cross liturgy


REFLECTION ON LEARNINGSAsk students to think about what they have learnt about Lent, South Sudan and themselves this term. You may choose to let students write down a short reflection or share their thoughts openly as a class.

REFLECTION ON LENTEN ACTIONSGet students to think back to the start of Lent when they were asked to choose to carry out actions from the Action Plan during the period of Lent. See if students are willing to talk about how successful they have been at achieving their goals. Find out if anyone wants to continue trying to achieve their goals beyond Lent.


Use The Way of the Cross PowerPoint to guide reflection on Jesus’ journey and how we can respond to help others around the world facing challenges.

CHALLENGEThe people of South Sudan have experienced great suffering and sacrificed a lot in the search for reconciliation and peace. Many of us have not experienced the same pain or need for reconciliation. However, at times we cause pain and have been hurt ourselves. Take up Mother Teresa’s challenge to live ordinary lives with extraordinary love. And in the process we are certain to bring peace within relationships we have with others at home, at school and in our wider communities.


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Holy communion is taken during Mass at St Kizito Parish outside Juba. Photo: Crispin Anderlini


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• Listen and respond to the events of Easter

• Participate prayerfully in the Way of the Cross liturgy

• Reflect and share what they have learnt during Lent

REFLECTION ON LEARNINGSAsk students to think about what they have learnt about Lent, South Sudan and themselves this term. You may choose to ask students to write down what they have learnt (as part of a KWL chart from the lesson during the first week of Lent).

REFLECTION ON LENTEN ACTIONSGet students to think back to the start of Lent when they were asked to choose actions to complete from the Action Plan. See if students are willing to talk about how successful they have been at completing these. Find out if anyone wants to continue trying to achieve their goals beyond Lent.


Use The Way of the Cross PowerPoint to guide reflection on Jesus’ journey and how we can respond to help others around the world facing challenges.


VIEWLearning about the situation in South Sudan can be a bit depressing at times. It is important to remember that children also have lots of fun whenever they can. Watch Video S5: Let’s Play to see some of the sames that South Sudanese children play.

Look at Poster 2: Having Fun to continue the discussion on the games and toys from South Sudan.

DISCUSSIONLike the Easter story, the message of love and hope ultimately triumph over darkness and injustice. Conclude this unit by finding out the latest updates on the status of peace in South Sudan.

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The cross is brought in at the front of a Mass procession at St Kizito Parish. Photo: Crispin Anderlini


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• Reflect on the events leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection

• Understand that our actions can make a positive difference for others in New Zealand and overseas

• Understand how Caritas agencies work together to bring love and justice

REFLECTION ON LEARNINGSAsk students to think about what they have learnt about South Sudan, peace and reconciliation this term. You may choose to let students write down a short reflection or share their thoughts openly as a class.


Use The Way of the Cross PowerPoint to guide reflection on the events leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection. This will also provide an opportunity to reflect on how we can respond to help others around the world facing challenges.

VIEWWatch Video S7: Working Together to hear how Caritas agencies are working together to support the many displaced families in South Sudan.

DISCUSSIONAsk students to share what the most important message is to take away from the video.

VIEWLook at PowerPoint S12: The Caritas Network in South Sudan to highlight again the way Caritas agencies work together. Explain to students that the Caritas international network is the second largest humanitarian network in the world.

CHALLENGEGet students to look back at the Lent challenge in week one. Has your class successfully completed an action to help the people of South Sudan?

ACTIVITYRemind students that this could be the last chance to donate in the Caritas koha box for Lent. All the money raised will help the Caritas international network work for a world free of poverty and injusitce in countries like South Sudan. Once all the donations have been collected, send the total amount to Caritas and you will receive a certificate to acknowledge your support and efforts for justice.

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Parishioners in Abyei line up to give their offering during Mass. Photo: Caritas Internationalis


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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSKblldNoeI&index=7&list=PLxOwILckuSEW-ZmA0Qm1GE8qOn9pF8MeC

https://caritas.org.nz/system/files/related-downloads/S12%20The%20Caritas%20Network%20in%20South%20Sudan.pptx

holy week


• Reflect on the events leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection

• Understand that our actions can make a positive difference for others in New Zealand and overseas

REFLECTION ON LEARNINGSAsk students to think about what they have learnt this term about South Sudan, peacebuilding, our responsibilities, and the way Caritas responds. You may choose to let students write down a short reflection or share their thoughts openly as a class.


Use The Way of the Cross PowerPoint to guide reflection on the events leading to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Short prayers follow to let us reflect on how we can respond to help others around the world facing challenges.

DISCUSSIONReflect again on the different levels of society in which peace needs to be restored. Focus on South Sudan primarily, but look beyond this to other countries currently experiencing conflict, and even back home in New Zealand. How is God’s grace, available now through Christ’s triumph over sin and death, desperately needed in parts of New Zealand society?

CHALLENGEComplete the final stages of the planned Caritas Challenge event. Raise awareness for the people of South Sudan and take lots of photos to share with the Caritas staff so others will be inspired to make a difference too.


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A girl goes looking for water from a well in Rajaf, south of Juba. Photo: Caritas Internationalis


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Living Holy Week following Jesus means learning how to come out of ourselves to reach out to others, to go to the outskirts of existence, to be the first to move towards our brothers and sisters, especially those who are most distant, those who are forgotten, those who are most in need of understanding, consolation and help. There is so much need to bring the living presence of Jesus, merciful and full of love!

– Pope Francis (March 27, 2013)


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lent module - caritas

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