We work in the area of religious education offering support and teaching resources to post primary school RE teachers. We specifically help with the faith development of the Catholic school communities in our support areas.
Prayer for the World Meeting of Families 2022: Family Love: Vocation and Path to Holiness
Heavenly Father, We come before You to praise You and to thank You for the great gift of the family. We pray to You for all families consecrated by the Sacrament of Matrimony. May they rediscover each day the grace they have received, and as small domestic Churches, may they know how to witness to Your presence and to the love with which Christ loves the Church. We pray to You for all families faced with difficulty and suffering caused by illness or circumstances of which only You know. Sustain them and make them aware of the path to holiness upon which You call them, so that they might experience Your infinite mercy and find new ways to grow in love. We pray to You for children and young people: may they encounter You and respond joyfully to the vocation You have in mind for them; We pray for parents and grandparents: may they be aware that they are signs of the fatherhood and motherhood of God in caring for the children who, in body and spirit, You entrust to them; and for the experience of fraternity that the family can give to the world.
Lord, grant that each family might live their specific vocation to holiness in the Church as a call to become missionary disciples, in the service of life and peace, in communion with our priests, religious, and all vocations in the Church.
Topic: Fully Alive In-Service for Armagh Diocese RE Teachers of Year 8. Time: Jun 23, 2022 02:00 PM Dublin
Below is the link to view the recording of the Zoom in-service given by Susan on Fully Alive 1, Year 8. Those who missed our meeting today can catch up by viewing the recording, and it can be used as a training video for teachers of Year 8 in September. Click link below:
The Council for Life of the Irish Bishops’ Conference yesterday launched a 9 day Novena of Prayer for Life which will run from Monday 23 May until Tuesday 31 May (Feast of the Visitation). The Pray for Life Novena and its associated website www.prayforlife.ie will give people an opportunity be an active part of this new initiative to pray for the protection of human life and to build a culture of life.
Bishop Kevin Doran, chair of the Council for Life, said: “The Feast of the Visitation has particular significance when it comes to celebrating and giving thanks for the gift of human life. It is a moment of encounter between two women (Mary and Elizabeth), each of whom is unexpectedly pregnant. It is an encounter in which each woman is supported by the other in facing the challenges of pregnancy. It is a graced moment in which each woman acknowledges the child in her womb as a gift from God.
“The Council for Life, drawing on resources originally prepared by the US Bishops’ Conference, has developed an online Novena around the days leading up to the Feast of the Visitation. Every one of us has a right to life. The direct and intentional taking of human life at any stage is gravely wrong and can never be justified. We hope the Pray for Life Novena will help people to celebrate and protect the gift of life and to be more conscious of the practical support that they can offer to women for whom pregnancy is experienced as a crisis. We invite you to join people across Ireland during this last week of May to pray for the protection of human life.”
On Sunday, 22 May, Pope Francis will launch Laudato Si’ Week 2022 at the Angelus Prayer from St Peter’s Square in Rome. The week, 22-29 May, will mark the 7th. anniversary of Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical on caring for creation. Pope Francis has called for a “new ecological approach that can transform our way of dwelling in the world, our lifestyles, our relationship with the resources of Earth and, in general, our way of looking at humanity and of living life.”
Check for all global events will be broadcast on Laudato Si’ Movement Facebook page www.facebook.com/LaudatoSiMovement/ and YouTube channels.
Times below are given in British Summer Time (BST) (www.indcatholicnews.com/news/44733)
SUNDAY MAY 22
11am Sunday Angelus by Pope Francis
2pm Prayer Gathering from Uganda
As oil companies continue to pursue the construction of the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline and the destruction of creation, Ugandans will host a Laudato Si’ Mass, restore creation by planting trees, and listen to the cry of the Earth.
MONDAY MAY 23
9am ‘No More Biodiversity Collapse: Rebalancing Social Systems With Nature’
Broadcast live from the Australian Catholic University in Rome, Father Joshtrom Kureethadam of the Vatican will lead a dynamic conversation centered on raising Indigenous voices ahead of the United Nations biodiversity conference later this year.
Featured speakers:
Sr Alessandra Smerilli, Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development Theresa Ardler, Research Indigenous Liaison Officer at Australian Catholic University, Director and Owner of Gweagal Cultural Connections Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and Professor in Earth System Science at the University of Potsdam Vandana Shiva, founder of Navdanya Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology in India and President of Navdanya International
TUESDAY MAY 24
Empowering ECO-immunity: Embracing the poor
Broadcast live from the Metropolitan-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, or the Manila Cathedral, communities throughout the Philippines will partner with the Archdiocese of Manila for this daylong event that will inspire all to accelerate their response to the cry of the poor.
WEDNESDAY MAY 25
2pm Fossil Fuels, Violence, and the Climate Crisis
World-renowned professor and author Jeffrey D Sachs will lead an urgent conversation about how faith-based institutions can lead the way to a cleaner and safer future by divesting from fossil fuels.
Featured speakers:
Omar Elmawi, stopEACOP coalition of 350.org Svitlana Romanko, Stand With Ukraine Whitney Terrell, Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light Martin Kopp, GreenFaith Bishop Domenico Sorrentino (Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino, Italy) Davide Panzeri, ECCO, Italian climate change think tank
THURSDAY MAY 26
2.30pm Investing in Laudato Si’
Led by FaithInvest, this innovative event will engage Catholic institutional investors in a conversation about ethical investing and how they can ensure their assets are in line with Laudato Si’. Broadcast live from Wicklow, Ireland, this event also will feature the special launch of the Laudato Si’ Action Platform Investor Hub.
Featured speakers:
Sr Colette Kane OP, An Tairseach Lorna Gold, FaithInvest and Laudato Si’ Movement board president Nana Francois, FaithInvest Elizabeth Garlow, Economy of Francesco
FRIDAY MAY 27
1pm Sneak Peek: Feature Documentary on Laudato Si’
Footage from The Invitation, a new feature-length documentary film on Laudato Si’, will be shown to the general public for the first time during a live-streaming event. The Invitation will have its global release later this year.
A trailer of the film along with footage of Pope Francis and ecological champions. This will be the first time this material is shown to the general public. The event will not be recorded and clips will not be available after the event. Because this footage is not yet released, recording it is prohibited.
Remarks by Fr Joshtrom Kureethadam, head of the ecology sector in the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
SATURDAY MAY 28
8pm Laudato Si’ Festival
The Laudato Si’ Festival live from Assisi will showcase Catholic artists from across the globe who are using their talents to raise awareness about the need to care for our common home.
SUNDAY MAY 29
2pm CEST Laudato Si’ Week Closing Prayer Gathering: Community resilience and empowerment as part of our Synodal Journey
Live from Brumadinho, Brazil, Mgr Vicente de Paula Ferreira will lead a prayer gathering to officially close Laudato Si’ Week 2022. The gathering will carry a special focus on those affected by the climate crisis and bear witness to testimonies from people affected.
In January 2019, a dam collapse in Brumadinho poured millions of tons of toxic waste into nearby communities and killed 270 people.
Credible Catholic is a new Religious Education programme made available for senior cycle non–exam RE by the Council for Catechetics of the Irish Episcopal Conference.
It is designed for use in Catholic Voluntary Secondary schools in Ireland. An earlier version was written and produced by Fr Robert Spitzer SJ and the Magis Centre (California, USA) in 2018 and has been almost entirely re-developed for the Irish context, in line with feedback from RE teachers and theological advisors in Ireland.
Credible Catholic aims to stimulate discussion, encourage reflection and critical thinking, foster religious literacy, help build community, and nurture faith, and in doing all of these things, to promote student well-being. It is an optional resource that will be very helpful to teachers of Religious Education.
I used to stay out in the forests and on the mountain and I would wake up before daylight to pray in the snow, in icy coldness, in rain, and I used to feel neither ill nor any slothfulness, because, as I now see, the Spirit was burning in me at that time. Saint Patrick, Confessio
I seemed to hear the voice of those who were beside the forest of Foclut which is near the western sea, and they were crying as if with one voice: ‘We beg you, holy youth, that you shall come and shall walk again among us.Saint Patrick, Confessio,
I am the sinner Patrick. I am the most unsophisticated of people, the least of Christians, and for many people I am the most contemptible…I was taken into captivity in Ireland – at that time I was ignorant of the true God – along with many thousand others.This was our punishment for departing from God, abandoning his commandments, and ignoring our priests who kept on warning us about our salvation.. .St Patrick, Confessio
Archbishop Eamon sent school principals a letter today outlining the Trocaire Lenten Campaign. I know our schools do amazing work each Lent to support the work of Trocaire. I have extracted some of the Archbishop’s points to keep you updated and to help you plan this years’ campaign locally in your school community.
Declan
Trócaire relies heavily on the contributions that are donated during Lent, through the generosity of parishes and schools, to fund their core work. Despite the many pressures facing people and parishes, I am greatly encouraged by the ongoing generosity that enables Trócaire to continue their lifesaving and life-changing work in up to twenty countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Central America.
This year’s Lenten campaign highlights how Covid-19 has impacted communities in Zimbabwe, a country that was already facing significant challenges due to climate change and food insecurity. Trócaire relates the story of Thandekile and her two children, daughter, No matter, and son, Forward. We hear about how Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on the family and how Thandekile shows courage, hope and strength in the face of these challenges. To help engage with their work, Trócaire has made available on their website (www.trocaire.org), excellent resources for schools, youth groups and parishes.
Ournew Development Education Resources 2022, “Brighter Futures”are available to download here.
Resources are available forEarly childhood, Primary, Post Primary and Youth. These resources will help you explore the effects of climate change and Covid 19 on food security, and they are rooted on the Global Goal 2 “Zero Hunger”. Learn about the Sustainable Development goals, Zimbabwe and Trócaire’s work through interactive lesson plans, photos, animations and our latest Development education board game “Harvest for the future”. Please feel free to share the resources with anyone else you think might find them useful.
Resources are available for use in Early Childhood, Primary, Post Primary and Youth educational settings. These resources explore the impacts of Climate Change and Covid-19 on food security through the lens of SDG2 – Zero Hunger. Find interactive activities, lesson plans, photos and videos that explore the SDGs and food security, and that tell the story of No matter and Forward in Zimbabwe. Play our latest board game, “Harvest for the Future“, with your class or youth group and join us on the #GrowwithTrocaire challenge!
A Lenten Prayer:
Loving Jesus, as I place on my forehead the sign of your saving cross you say to me, “repent and believe in the Gospel.”
Walking into Lent my heart is set on you.
May my fasting fill me with hunger for you,
may my prayer draw me deeper into your presence,
may my acts of charity bring your love to my home and community.
Lord of life, grant that by turning back to you in these 40 days I will re-awaken the joy of my Easter faith;
for you raise me up from fear and despair
and call me to hope and trust in God who is with me always.
Amen.
Archbishop Eamon’s Lenten message is entitled ” Never take peace for granted ”
Please download to read for yourself.
Being in the wilderness for 40 days. Interesting Utube video for Ash Wednesday
In 4 minutes, we see Jesus hopeful, determined, bored, anxious, playful, longing, despairing, lonely, curious, exhausted, angry, tempted…a full range of emotion, most of which our teens experience in tidal waves every single day.
watching this video together and asking open questions
Imagine being totally alone for 40 days; no friends, no devices, no connection. What would be the hardest part?
What do we think about Satan or Evil?
Why are the apple, the snake, and Temptation red when everything else is black & white? (Also, will he notice the other slight color, when the angels appear?)
What is Temptation and where does it come from?
I wonder if Jesus ever wished he’d gone ahead and turned the stone to bread?
3. Lenten Reflections in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh
On each of the Tuesday evenings during Lent, a guest speaker will join in St Patrick’s Cathedral at 7.30pm to help us reflect on each of the following themes. People may wish to join in person or via St Patrick’s Cathedral Webcam.
Tuesday 5 April “Care for oneself amidst the challenges of life”. (Stephen Donnelly)
Stephen has worked in the field of mental health for 30 years. A former mental health nurse, he’s now employed by the Western Health and Social Care Trust as team lead for the regional trauma network and as a specialist Psychologist Trauma Therapist. He has delivered numerous courses/programmes on positive mental health and well being. He resides with his family in Omagh, Co Tyrone and is a keen GAA enthusiast.
Tuesday 12 April “Grief – a process that’s experienced one day at a time”. (Paul Mallon)
Originally from Co Tyrone, Paul is a counsellor in private practice in Armagh City. He also works with businesses and public sector organisations and is currently the resident counsellor in Southern Regional College, Armagh. Having previously worked in engineering, he works as an Emotional Freedom Technique Practitioner. He has contributed EFT meditations to the recently launched “Sibling Grief Club”, a local support group website for the bereaved.
A weekly email on the readingsfrom www.tarsus.ie. The reflections come in four formats (PDF, audio, portable and YouTube — the YouTube reflection is an alternative exploration of all three readings). This is a free online service and to subscribe click here. To given an idea, at the bottom of this email is the edition for the first Sunday of Lent this year. The email goes out each Monday @ 8.30 a.m.
The Tarsus Scripture School offers biblical programmes online following the church year. For Lent and Easter 2022, our programme is entitled: “And their eyes were opened and they recognised him” Jesus, prophet, martyr, Risen One in Luke-Acts. It consists of 9 presentations, 1 webinar and 1 meditation: all for €30 per household/community. Click here to register.
Finally, the Irish Messenger has been publishing a series called Hearers of the Word on the readings for Advent/Christmas, Lent/Holy Week, Easter/Pentecost. The series is now complete with the 8th volume for Lent and Holy Week and the 9th volume for Easter and Pentecost. The recent review in Intercom is a good guide to what’s on offer in these books.
Please find below the link for the latest episode of the ‘Just a Minute’ video series that can be found on the Armagh Diocesan YouTube channel. The Topic this time is ‘Forgiveness’.
link for the latest episode of the ‘Just a Minute’ video series that can be found on the Armagh Diocesan YouTube channel. The Topic this time is ‘Lent”.
Please find below the link for the latest episode of the ‘Just a Minute’ video series that can be found on the Armagh Diocesan YouTube channel. The Topic this time is ‘Fasting”
Please find below the link for the latest episode of the ‘Just a Minute’ video series that can be found on the Armagh Diocesan YouTube channel. The Topic this time is ‘Common Mission of the Church”
Please find below the link for the latest episode of the ‘Just a Minute’ video series that can be found on the Armagh Diocesan YouTube channel. The Topic this time is “Prayer”.
Please find below the link for the latest episode of the ‘Just a Minute’ video series that can be found on the Armagh Diocesan YouTube channel. The Topic this time is ‘Love”.
Please find below the link for the latest episode of the ‘Just a Minute’ video series that can be found on the Armagh Diocesan YouTube channel. The Topic this time is ‘Hope”.
Please find below the link for the latest episode of the ‘Just a Minute’ video series that can be found on the Armagh Diocesan YouTube channel. The Topic this time is ‘The Saints ”.
Please find below the link for the latest episode of the ‘Just a Minute’ video series that can be found on the Armagh Diocesan YouTube channel. The Topic this time is ‘Gratitude”.
lease find below the link for the latest episode of the ‘Just a Minute’ video series that can be found on the Armagh Diocesan YouTube channel. The Topic this time is ‘Temptation”
Please find below the link for the latest episode of the ‘Just a Minute’ video series that can be found on the Armagh Diocesan YouTube channel. The Topic this time is ‘Living our Faith”
Please find below the link for the latest episode of the ‘Just a Minute’ video series that can be found on the Armagh Diocesan YouTube channel. The Topic this time is ‘Mary and Holy Spirit”
Please find below the link for the latest episode of the ‘Just a Minute’ video series that can be found on the Armagh Diocesan YouTube channel. The Topic this time is ‘ Rob O ‘Hara on The Rosary”
Please find below the link for the latest episode of the ‘Just a Minute’ video series that can be found on the Armagh Diocesan YouTube channel. The Topic this time is ‘ Non Judgement”
Please find below the link for the latest episode of the ‘Just a Minute’ video series that can be found on the Armagh Diocesan YouTube channel. The Topic this time is ‘ Prayer”
Please find below the link for the latest episode of the ‘Just a Minute’ video series that can be found on the Armagh Diocesan YouTube channel. The Topic this time is ‘ Veronica People”
Please find below the link for the latest episode of the ‘Just a Minute’ video series that can be found on the Armagh Diocesan YouTube channel. The Topic this time is ‘ Eucharist”
Please find below the link for the latest episode of the ‘Just a Minute’ video series that can be found on the Armagh Diocesan YouTube channel. The Topic this time “Archbishop Eamon
Archbishop Eamon Martin and Bishop Michael Router invite you during February to take part in the consultation for the Universal Synod of the Church. Your response, and the responses of various groups and organisations, across the archdiocese, will be very helpful and will contribute greatly to a listening process that is taking place around the world. To help you take part in the process the Synodal Core Group in the Archdiocese of Armagh has organized a virtual consultation that will broadcast twice a day 3pm and 8.30pm, Monday to Friday, from the 7th February to the 25th February on the St. Patrick’s Cathedral Webcam. The presentation lasts 45 minutes and it can be accessed through the Armagh Parish Website at www.armaghparish.net/cathedral-webcam, on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch/S3scX2xCX0Y or on the www.armaghprays.com
I recently emailed Rel Ed Heads regarding a possible approach with 6th Formers or members of Staff.
“I was asked if I had an angle on looking at the Holy Father’s plan to open up the way decisions and discernment happen in our Church. At present, there is a process of consultation taking place. It might be worth considering opening this to senior students and staff members.
As we leave January behind us We see longer days and the first stirrings of buds and bulbs!
Spring
Nothing is so beautiful as Spring – When weeds, in wheels, shoot long and lovely and lush; Thrush’s eggs look little low heavens, and thrush Through the echoing timber does so rinse and wring The ear, it strikes like lightnings to hear him sing; The glassy peartree leaves and blooms, they brush The descending blue; that blue is all in a rush With richness; the racing lambs too have fair their fling.
What is all this juice and all this joy? A strain of the earth’s sweet being in the beginning In Eden garden. – Have, get, before it cloy, Before it cloud, Christ, lord, and sour with sinning, Innocent mind and Mayday in girl and boy, Most, O maid’s child, thy choice and worthy the winning.
RE SOURCE 
