Overview of Hope

JANUARY

Virtue: COURAGE

Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectation: A Reflective, Creative and Holistic Thinker

Principles of Catholic Social Teaching: Solidarity

Overview of the Virtue of Courage Courage also known as bravery, fortitude, will, and intrepidity, is the ability to confront fear, pain,

risk/danger, uncertainty, or intimidation.

"Physical courage" is courage in the face of physical pain, hardship, death, or threat of death.

"Moral courage" is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, or

discouragement.

The virtue of courage helps us to take the initiative to make changes in our lives and/ or to accept

changes brought before us.

Catholic Graduate Expectation -- I HAVE IDEAS! A Reflective and Creative Thinker Who:

Recognizes there is more grace in our world than sin and that hope is essential in facing all challenges. OSCSG 3(a)

Creates, adapts, and evaluates new ideas in light of the common good. OSCSG 3(b)

Thinks reflectively and creatively to evaluate situations and solve problems. OSCSG 3(c)

Makes decisions in light of gospel values with an informed moral conscience. OSCSG 3(d)

Adopts a holistic approach to life by integrating learning from various subject areas and experience. OSCSG 3(e)

Examines, evaluates and applies knowledge of interdependent systems (physical, political, ethical, socio-

economic and ecological) for the development of a just and compassionate society. OSCSG 3(f)

Principles of Catholic Social Teaching - SOLIDARITY:

Catholic social teaching proclaims that we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers wherever they live. We are one human

family, whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic and ideological differences. Solidarity means that “loving our

neighbor” has global dimensions in an interdependent world.

Horizons of Hope Mental Health Initiatives

January- Courage

Inspirational Quotes from Heroes of Hope

“I have found it very important in my own life to try to let go of my wishes and instead to live in hope. I

am finding that when I choose to let go of my sometimes petty and superficial wishes and trust that my

life is precious and meaningful in the eyes of God something really new, something beyond my own

expectations begins to happen for me.”

Henri J.M. Nouwen - Finding My Way Home

Initiatives of Hope

“This is not a story that’s easy to tell. Because of the stigma that still exists, I take the chance of having

doors closed on me for talking about my mental illness. But talking about it is exactly what needs to be

done, if we want to change the attitudes that perpetuate this stigma in the first place. By talking about

it, we’re opening doors for all those children and teenagers out there, who may have never thought it

was okay to speak up, who may desperately want help but have no idea where to turn. By sharing my

story, I want to give them hope. I want to shatter the silence that keeps them prisoners in their own

minds, and tell them that they deserve health and happiness, that they can get their lives back, and that

giving up is never the answer.”

-Erin, a young volunteer with the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario who courageously shared her

experiences with students.

http://www.mooddisorders.ca/programs/stop-the-stigma

Contact the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario and invite them as guest speakers.

Everyday Healing and Empowering Actions

Go shopping

Go to the beach or park or a favourite place in nature

Try not to leave things to the last minute

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Be on the lookout today for someone who might need you

Pay attention to people that inspire you

In each moment we choose what we feel and how we respond

Take a moment to pray

Horizons of Hope for Mental Health Initiatives

Connections from the Homilies of Pope Francis

January-Courage

“Dear Brothers and Sisters

Dear brothers and sisters, let us look to God as the God of Life, let us look to his law, to the Gospel message, as

the way to freedom and life. The Living God sets us free! Let us say “Yes” to love and not selfishness. Let us say

“Yes” to life and not death. Let us say “Yes” to freedom and not enslavement to the many idols of our time. In a

word, let us say “Yes” to the God who is love, life and freedom, and who never disappoints (1 John 4:8; 11:2;

8:32); let us say “Yes” to the God who is the Living One and the Merciful One. Let us ask Mary, Mother of Life, to

help us receive and bear constant witness to the “Gospel of Life”. Amen.

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/francesco/homilies/2013/documents/papa-francesco_20130616_omelia-

evangelium-vitae_en.html

Caring Adult Action of the Month:

Express curiosity rather than judgment, and that includes judgments in the form of applause for behaviour that

meets your approval. Ask questions like, “I am curious what you think is going on, what might help you to come

to school, what are you doing that helps you do well”?

Michael Ungar, Strengths-Based Counseling With At-Risk Youth

Liturgical Calendar and

Saints of the TCDSB

January- Courage

Liturgical Calendar

Epiphany, the 12th day after Christmas, celebrates the visit of the three kings or wise men to the

Christ Child, signifying the extension of salvation to the Gentiles. Epiphany falls on Monday,

January 6, 2014.

The "liturgical year" includes the first Sunday of Advent and the last week in Ordinary Time. The liturgical

year consists of two times: one can call the first time “special season times” and the other is known as

ordinary time. The special season times are, Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter, during which a particular

mystery of salvation is celebrated. Ordinary Time, in turn, does not hold any particular mystery, but rather

the same mystery of Christ in His fullness, especially on Sundays. Ordinary Time is divided into two parts

throughout the liturgical year and in total lasts 33 or 34 weeks.

Saint Days of the Toronto Catholic District School Board - January

Mary, Mother of God – January 1 St. Basil the Great – January 2 Most Holy Name of Jesus – January 3 St. Elizabeth Seton – January 4 Epiphany of Our Lord – January 6

Baptism of the Lord, Venerable John Merlini, St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, Notre Dame – January 12 St. Marcellus – January 16

St. Sebastian – January 20

St. Agnes – January 21

Mary Ward, Loretto Abbey, Loretto College – January 23

St. Francis de Sales – January 24

St. Paul – January 25

St. Timothy, Chaminade – January 26

St. Angela – January 27

St. Thomas Aquinas –January 28

Don Bosco, St. John Bosco –January 31

Days of Hope Social Justice Highlights

January- Courage

Jan. 27- International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust

On this day, we take special attention to remember this tragic time of mass violence for the

victims of the Holocaust. We especially remember the nearly one-and-a-half million Jewish

children who perished in the Holocaust, together with thousands of Roma and Sinti children, the

disabled and others, who suffered and died at the hands of the Nazis and their collaborators.

Some children managed to survive in hiding; others fled to safe havens before it was too late,

while many others suffered medical experiments or were sent to the gas chambers immediately

upon arriving at the death camps.

Hope Quotes and Discussion Starters

January- Courage

I HAVE IDEAS

“Recognizes that there is more grace in our world than sin and that hope is essential in facing all challenges”. OCSGE 3(a)

SOLIDARITY

Hope and Courage Quotes

“Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” (Isaiah 41:10)

“May I have the courage today....to postpone my dreams no longer...” (John O’Donahue)

“In an age which seems more fearful of the future, we are directed to give an account of the hope that is

within us.” (1 Peter 3:15)

“He gives power to the weak. He increases the strength of him who has no might.” (Isaiah 40:29)

“Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the strength of my life. Of whom shall

I be afraid?” (Psalms 27:1)

Discussion Starters for Hope and Courage

Any attitude can be reinforced by working with the image that you attach to it. Recall the image and you

resurrect the feeling. Here is an exercise based on an image of hope. Try this or adapt the format to your

own images of hope.

.....Close your eyes. Breathe out one time. See yourself in a long tunnel with nothing but darkness behind

and ahead of you. Moving forward, see a dot of light in the distance, which is getting larger the closer

you move toward it. Walk out of the tunnel through the light. Then open your eyes.

What do you think people mean when they say to you, "Don't get your hopes up too high?" What would be a good response to this advice?

Reflection on Courage: This month we celebrate one of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, courage. We think of the courage it takes for students to reach beyond their comfort zones to learn in ways they have never done before. We think of the courage students and adults need to do the right thing even though they might risk unpopularity. We think of the courage it takes from teachers, administrators, parents and all workers in education to carry the responsibility of passing on our faith and hope to the young entrusted to our care.

Share the story of an experience of courage, one that allowed you to feel like a different person.

How do we speak up and stand as Catholics of integrity to help make a difference? How can we use the Internet to promote Catholic values?

Describe how with the help of your faith and sense of hope, that you were able to turn a difficult time into something positive.

The Labourers in the Vineyard

"For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the labourers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o'clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; and he said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.' So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o'clock, he did the same. And about five o'clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, 'Why are you standing here idle all day?' They said to him, 'Because no one has hired us. 'He said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard.' When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, 'Call the labourers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.' When those hired about five o'clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' But he replied to one of them, 'Friend I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?' So the last will be first, and the first will be last." (Matthew 20: 1-16)

Describe a time when the values of your faith conflicted with the dominant values of the culture?

How did you show courage?

How did others respond to the manner in which you addressed the situation?

What do school communities “grumble” about? In what respects were their faith responses to such situations?

Hope in Action Activities / Ideas

January- Courage

I HAVE IDEAS

“Recognizes that there is more grace in our world than sin and that hope is essential in facing all challenges”. OCSGE 3(a)

SOLIDARITY

The following Catholic Schools are among some which have received the Exemplary Practice Awards from the

TCDSB or Speak Up Grants from the Ministry of Education. These Catholic Schools from around the province

illustrated “Hope in Action” in their schools through various clubs and activities. May they serve to spark

inspiration and innovation in your school, as your Catholic Community lives out the call “to give an account of

the hope that is within us in an age which seems more fearful of the future”. (1 Peter 3:15)

Title: Equity Week By: Senator O’Connor College School

REFLECTION ON ACTIVITY:

Tell of a time when you were recognized and appreciated for being authentic.

Explain the relationship between freedom and responsibility.

Describe the personal qualities and skills that are essential to contribute to the efforts to create a

more just society.

Analyze two issues related to social justice and specifically areas of equity and inclusiveness.

What are some of your commitments and responsibilities? Do you believe that you have a

responsibility to the greater community especially in areas of life that are challenged by discrimination

and exclusion of certain groups of people?

Equity week is comprised of classroom, staff and school wide level activities which provide opportunities

for learning more about the meaning of equity and equitable behaviour in the classroom and greater

community. It is meant to be a week of serious education and understanding of those who are not as

accepted in the community as others may be. These messages are delivered through music, prayer,

reflection, language awareness, lunchtime activities which foster respect and acceptance of expression of

one’s self, and displaying to the whole community our commitment to foster acceptance, love and

Christian virtue in all our interactions.

Title: Student Workshops: It Takes Courage to Speak Up

REFLECTION ON ACTIVITY: What barriers stand in your way when you are faced with speaking up

against an injustice? In what ways can school communities promote a safer environment so that students

may speak up against injustice and inequality?

Description: A group of 10 students who attended Student Voice leadership courses at the Ontario Education Leadership Centre came back to school excited and enthusiastic about passing on what they had learned to their fellow students. They developed four workshops and invited others to participate. The workshop themes of “Group Dynamics”, “Who has the power?”; “Face to Face” and “Social Justice” drew a new audience of 34 students. The Ontario Student Voice philosophy was discussed and students were invited to join future Student Voice meetings and participate in a variety of school events. In this way, a larger group of students discovered that they have a voice and can have an important influence on the school’s culture.

Project Type: Student-Led Teacher-Facilitated Grade(s) Impacted: 10, 11 School Name: St. Thomas Aquinas SS School Board: Dufferin-Peel CDSB

Title: Students Leading Change from within

REFLECTION ON ACTIVITY: In Scripture, the earth and creation are created first, and then humans. It takes

courage to insist of others and ourselves that we respect all of God’s creation. Solidarity means that

“loving our neighbour” has cosmic dimensions in an interdependent world. In what ways can you and your

school community build a stronger awareness and greater connection to our beautiful green earth and its

inhabitants?

Description: This ambitious long-term project is a joint venture between the school, the Town of Innisfil and the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board. The school uses the town park next door for some of its activities and students proposed improving it by building a running path, planting shade trees, creating an outdoor education centre with benches, native plants and more, and building a soccer field. Students worked with the school’s parent committee to obtain donations from local businesses, to invite the Director of Parks and Recreation to support them and to mobilize the town behind the project. Initial applications for the park project have been approved and, with the help of students, the garden in front of the school has been significantly improved, making it a warm and welcoming place, with two new benches already getting daily use.

Project Type: Student-Led Teacher-Facilitated School Name: St. Francis of Assisi E S School Board: Simcoe Muskoka CDSB

Hope Media Links

January- Courage

I HAVE IDEAS

“Recognizes that there is more grace in our world than sin and that hope is essential in facing all challenges”. OCSGE 3(a)

SOLIDARITY

Cast Away by Robert Zemeckis

Tom Hanks plays the FedEx systems engineer- a driven and self-absorbed businessman who is stranded on a deserted island who cultivates the spiritual practice of hope and learns to respect the mysteries of the present moment. He learns that hope is a secret buried inside us that is just waiting to rise to the surface when we need it most. It is a compelling tale of survival and hope.

Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story by John Gatins

Beautiful horse as a miracle worker for a dysfunctional family devoid of hope.

Contemporary Music about Hope: "You Can Make It If You Try" by Sly and the Family Stone

Salt and Light link: http://saltandlighttv.org/changingcourse/

Gang violence and intimidation are no longer confined to inner-city schools—increasingly, they have infected

suburban neighbourhoods. Residents of Malton, Ontario have been shocked to find their own youth getting

caught in the crossfire. Nearby Fletcher's Meadow, an area within Brampton runs the risk of developing similar

problems due to rapid construction that outpaces community services.

In response, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board developed an ambitious vision to support at-risk

youth. Among those benefitting is Chinel, a shy Grade 7 student whose high school mentor hopes to prepare

him for adolescent pressures. Then there's Latasha, a Grade 8 student conflicted between her popularity and

her conscience. Finally, we meet the young cast of an anti-gang film directed by the high school

communications teacher. The protagonist is played by Eddie, whose real-life temptations mirror those of his

lawless character.

Changing Course follows these students for one school year, revealing their challenges, victories, and the

limitless potential of Catholic education.

Hope Prayers and Affirmations

January- Courage

I HAVE IDEAS

“Recognizes that there is more grace in our world than sin and that hope is essential in facing all challenges”. OCSGE 3(a)

SOLIDARITY

Prayers:

Faith, Hope and Charity Prayer Loving God, we pray that the Toronto Catholic District School Board community continue to witness to

the theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity.

May we be people of FAITH, always willing to follow the example of Jesus in all that we do.

May we be people of HOPE, always trusting in your loving presence in our lives

May we be people of CHARITY, always willing to give of ourselves to better the lives of others.

Together, may we be a community of faith, anchored in hope, with heart and charity.

Through, Christ our Lord.

Amen

Mary, the mother of Jesus is role model of courage. She brought Jesus into the world even though she was very young. She trusted in God’s plan for her. She had to leave her country until it was safe to return to her home in Nazareth. So this month, let us say a special prayer to Mary, who gave birth to Jesus, raised Him with a mother’s care, and followed Him in faith.

Hail Mary Full of grace,

The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women

The fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, mother of God, Pray for us sinners now and at the

Hour of our death. Amen

Since the days are short this month and darkness comes early, when I turn on a lamp or a light, I will make

that a cue and reminder to practice hope in my daily life. Lord, help me to have faith and courage to

believe that you will help me see and reach the “light at the end of the tunnel”. Amen.

Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever in the next. Amen.

--Reinhold Niebuhr

Prayer for Global Solidarity By: Education for Justice

O Creator, Our world is large, and yet the global community is so fragile. We glimpse the needs of our sisters and brothers, And those needs are great. We want to turn away, but you call us back. We want simple solutions, But you want us to help solve the complex problems. Through your church, you call us to listen, to learn, to reflect and to act. Give us a deep sense of our place in this web of Creation. Give us the wisdom of mind and generosity of heart To seek your will in the world today. Inspire us to respond to the call of your servant, Pope John Paul II, As he calls us to solidarity with impoverished countries of the world, So that all children of God might live in dignity and peace. Amen.

“Be not afraid, I go before you always.” As we face this New Year, as we make New Year’s resolutions that fit our own circumstances and needs, we rely on God’s help and grace to make those changes that will improve our lives. For the courage to face our fears, and not to be ruled or fuelled by fear, we pray to You, Lord. Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

That the example of Jesus, Mary and the saints will inspire us to act as people of courage. We pray to You,

Lord. Response: Lord, hear our prayer.

Affirmations:

I will stand up for what I know is right and just I will face challenges, fears and difficulties with fortitude. I will take responsibility for reaching my potential I have thoughts and opinions that matter I make good choices I have hope for the future I solve problems with knowledge, understanding and prayer I can begin to make changes in my life I can support others in need I can take the first step in helping myself