Embedded Files
A Month of Unity
A Month of Unity
Introduction to June.mp4I have created a number of video lessons to explain the Catholic feast s of June. Each video lesson either explains an idea or explains a task. Watch them but remember to also read the task.
One of the main themes during the month of June is unity, that means being one.
One of the main themes during the month of June is unity, that means being one.
One way we show unity is in the way we treat one another. The Bible hardly ever uses the word "Christians" to describe the Church. Instead, it uses words that show relationships like "community" or "fellowship." You can't just say you're a Christian, it should be obvious by the way you relate.
One way we show unity is in the way we treat one another. The Bible hardly ever uses the word "Christians" to describe the Church. Instead, it uses words that show relationships like "community" or "fellowship." You can't just say you're a Christian, it should be obvious by the way you relate.
S1 students were asked to think about racism and inclusion this month. Here are some of their thoughts on what they would do to help those who suffer from social exclusion or racial inequality. We've included certain photos from the last few years that illustrate community.
This is not really surprising since Jesus said, right after he washed their feet, "they'll know you are my disciples if you love one another." If love is an active thing then the message is pretty clear: serve each other, help each other, support each other, care for one another and grow in unity.
This is not really surprising since Jesus said, right after he washed their feet, "they'll know you are my disciples if you love one another." If love is an active thing then the message is pretty clear: serve each other, help each other, support each other, care for one another and grow in unity.
We call this unity "communion." It's as if we have a common union that we share with all of the people of God.
We call this unity "communion." It's as if we have a common union that we share with all of the people of God.
What we want to learn
What we want to learn
This month, the story of "communion" begins with Pentecost. The Church is born when all the disciples begin to really understand one another and to work as one.
This month, the story of "communion" begins with Pentecost. The Church is born when all the disciples begin to really understand one another and to work as one.
After that, we celebrate Trinity Sunday, when we marvel at how God the Father, Son and Spirit are one.
After that, we celebrate Trinity Sunday, when we marvel at how God the Father, Son and Spirit are one.
Then we celebrate the "Body of Christ" a feast that unites us with all of God's people, all over the world who celebrate "Holy Communion" every time they go to Mass.
Then we celebrate the "Body of Christ" a feast that unites us with all of God's people, all over the world who celebrate "Holy Communion" every time they go to Mass.
Finally, in the feast of the Sacred Heart, we consider just how much we are loved by God.
Finally, in the feast of the Sacred Heart, we consider just how much we are loved by God.
A Shared Mission
A Shared Mission
Having a common goal draws people together. A lot of the men who fought in WWII described their fellow soldiers as even closer than family.
Having a common goal draws people together. A lot of the men who fought in WWII described their fellow soldiers as even closer than family.
The church is like this when it is well lived out. That's why whenever groups of young people go off to Lourdes or to Malawi or World Youth Day, they come back as close friends with the unique bond of a shared experience.
The church is like this when it is well lived out. That's why whenever groups of young people go off to Lourdes or to Malawi or World Youth Day, they come back as close friends with the unique bond of a shared experience.
The people we share our mission with become as close as our own family.
The people we share our mission with become as close as our own family.
These pictures show some of our teachers and young people on a trip to the World Youth Day in Poland back in 2016.
Task 1
Task 1
Watch these two videos. One is an exaggerated example of team work from the movie, "Antz" and one is an amazing example of working together.
Think about anything you have accomplished as part of a group. Would it have been possible on your own or did you need the group? Send us your answers below using the form.
Task 1.mp4This video lesson explains Task 1. Please also read the text on the left.
Pentecost Pt. 1.mp4This video lesson explains what Pentecost is and gives some of the history. The only task is to watch a video.
This is an artist's impression of how the scene might have looked with the disciples and Jesus' mother on Pentecost. St. Luke tells us that 3,000 people joined the disciples that day after hearing Peter preach.
When God appeared to Moses, the whole mountain was covered in fire. So when the Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost, he appears as tongues of fire. The Holy Spirit is God living in our hearts, he sets us on fire and that changes everything.
Pentecost: The Holy Spirit
Pentecost: The Holy Spirit
50 days after Easter
50 days after Easter
A Law for our Hearts
A Law for our Hearts
Pentecost is the first and most important feast this month. For those who are into maths, you might spot the fact that PENT-ecost, suggests something to do with five. The reason for that is the feast is 50 days after Easter.
Pentecost is the first and most important feast this month. For those who are into maths, you might spot the fact that PENT-ecost, suggests something to do with five. The reason for that is the feast is 50 days after Easter.
In Jesus' time, the people waited seven weeks from Passover (Easter takes place at Passover time) seven weeks of seven days makes 49 days, so day 50 was a feast!
In Jesus' time, the people waited seven weeks from Passover (Easter takes place at Passover time) seven weeks of seven days makes 49 days, so day 50 was a feast!
The day commemorated when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, in other words, his law written on stone. Jesus summed up this law by saying: Love the Lord your God and love your neighbour as yourself. That sort of teaching doesn't need slabs of stone anymore, God's law of love can be "written on our hearts."
The day commemorated when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, in other words, his law written on stone. Jesus summed up this law by saying: Love the Lord your God and love your neighbour as yourself. That sort of teaching doesn't need slabs of stone anymore, God's law of love can be "written on our hearts."
This brief film summarises the story of Pentecost:
Pentecost.mp4Task 2
Task 2
Some of us will have experienced celebrating our confirmation. Did you? If so, who was your confirmation saint? Do you remember anything about them?
St. Paul teaches us that the Holy Spirit inspires gifts in us: wisdom, understanding, courage and many others.
Write down some of the gifts or characteristics that drew you to your confirmation saint. For example, St. Margaret of Scotland cared for the poor, St. Cecilia because she was the patron of music or St. Patrick because of what he did for Ireland.
Alternatively, write down the characteristics of someone else you admire.
Have you ever noticed your own gifts? Perhaps other people have told you about them, perhaps you realised for yourself. List some of your own gifts, talents and characteristics. Be honest.
Pentecost Task 2.mp4This video lesson is the first of three. It explains task 2 and asks what gifts you have and what gifts you would like to have. Please also read the text above.
Pentecost Task 3.mp4This video lesson explains task 3. Please also read the text below. It is a reflection so maybe find a quiet place to do it.
God's Favourite.mp4This video lesson is a story to think about. Am I really God's favourite?
A Light for all Nations
A Light for all Nations
You might remember this from your Confirmation. The first thing that happened on the day when the Holy Spirit came was the disciples were able to miraculously speak other languages! The Good News was not just for people from one ethnic group or language group, it was for everyone!
You might remember this from your Confirmation. The first thing that happened on the day when the Holy Spirit came was the disciples were able to miraculously speak other languages! The Good News was not just for people from one ethnic group or language group, it was for everyone!
Maybe that is an important message for us today. You cannot exclude anyone from the Love of God, it is a "light for all the nations."
Maybe that is an important message for us today. You cannot exclude anyone from the Love of God, it is a "light for all the nations."
When they were filled with the Holy Spirit, the people who joined the Church that day became incredibly courageous. They were arrested, they got into 'fights' with the government, they got thrown out of synagogues and cities, they got beaten up and most of them even got put to death.
When they were filled with the Holy Spirit, the people who joined the Church that day became incredibly courageous. They were arrested, they got into 'fights' with the government, they got thrown out of synagogues and cities, they got beaten up and most of them even got put to death.
Why? Because they would not stop talking about this man called Jesus who had changed their lives. He said he was God and he preached a powerful kind of love that transformed the lives of everyone: slave, free, man, woman, rich, poor, Roman, Greek or Jewish!
Why? Because they would not stop talking about this man called Jesus who had changed their lives. He said he was God and he preached a powerful kind of love that transformed the lives of everyone: slave, free, man, woman, rich, poor, Roman, Greek or Jewish!
Pope John Paul II was well known for speaking many languages and was a talented actor. He organised international World Youth Days where millions of young Catholics were able to meet other people of faith and participate in a world wide experience of unity. His talent for languages and performance made these events very special.
How do our gifts enrich the Church?
How do our gifts enrich the Church?
St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica
The inside of St. Peter's Basilica has many magnificent works of art. Among them we can see the incredible work of a gifted artist and architect called Bernini.
At the far end, behind and above the altar, you can see one of these: an ornate stained glass depiction of a dove representing the Holy Spirit. It forms part of the main "Chair of St. Peter."
Bernini's Chair of St. Peter.
Bernini's Chair of St. Peter.
A dove is a far gentler depiction of God's presence in the Holy Spirit than the tongues of fire we see at Pentecost. As well as the powerful God of creation, he is a God of "loving kindness."
Close up
Close up
You might have noticed, on the altar we use for Mass in St. Luke's we chose a dove to represent our school value of love.
Where else have you seen the symbol of a dove used?
It is very hard to tell from the photo, the dove in the window is actually six feet wide!
Task 3:
Task 3:
Bernini made St. Peter's into a beautiful building, but it is important to understand that the Church is more than just a building, it is the people around us and the life we share together in our families, our schools and our parishes.
Stop for five minutes and think about your list of gifts. How could you use them to benefit others? Very few of us have the talent of Bernini but all of us have gifts to offer.
Take a minute to pray and ask for wisdom to see the gifts of God in your life and the ways in which you can enrich those around you.
Ask him for more gifts. Do you need courage, wisdom, hope, faith, patience or any thing else? Jesus always encourages us to ask.
The Feast of the Most Holy Trinity
The Feast of the Most Holy Trinity
The Sunday after Pentecost
The Sunday after Pentecost
If you asked a person what they were, the answer might be: "a farmer" or "a student" or maybe even, "a human." On the other hand, if you asked a person who they were, they would probably tell you their name.
God can be like that: what is he? God. Who is he? The answer could be "the Father" or "the Son" or "the Holy Spirit." This is really important to us, getting to know God helps us understand the big questions of our lives, like who we are, why we're here, what life is all about.
But it certainly isn't an easy question to answer.
St. John says that "God is love." Maybe that is why he always talks about relationships or friendships. Think about it. How else can you show love? You need others to show love to.
God's love is not meant to be kept to ourselves. It is shared by showing mercy, by helping others, by praying for others, by talking or spending time with others, by reaching out and making others feel welcome.
Task 4:
Task 4:
Go online and search for Matthew 25; 35-40. (you can do this by clicking the link below) Read what Jesus says and list the things that people have done for him.
It then says the "righteous" will ask him, "Lord, when did we do that?" His answer is that when you do it for others you do it for him. He actually says "when you did it for the least of my brothers and sisters..." What do you think he means by the "least" of them?
Have you ever done any of these things? Which ones? For whom did you do them?
Task 4 with a Bible Lesson.mp4This video lesson uses some ideas from the Bible to explore segregation and the opposite, congregation. Why does Jesus segregate "sheep" from "goats" and what does his analogy teach us?
The Feast of the Body of Christ
The Feast of the Body of Christ
The second Sunday after Pentecost
The second Sunday after Pentecost
The image here is of Pope Francis blessing Rome and the world as he prayed for an end to the Corona Virus. It was strange to see him at St. Peter's in Rome with no crowds of Catholics praying with him. In his hands you can see a Holy Communion host inside a gold container called a "monstrance."
The image here is of Pope Francis blessing Rome and the world as he prayed for an end to the Corona Virus. It was strange to see him at St. Peter's in Rome with no crowds of Catholics praying with him. In his hands you can see a Holy Communion host inside a gold container called a "monstrance."
It is very special for Catholics to pray like this. Even the Pope is not touching the monstrance with his hands as a sign of respect.
It is very special for Catholics to pray like this. Even the Pope is not touching the monstrance with his hands as a sign of respect.
Do you remember how much we prepared for our first Holy Communion? It was probably a sunny Saturday morning in May with blossom on the trees. It is such a special occasion that we hire super-smart clothes, we have loads of music practices in school then celebrate a Mass and a big family party with uncles and aunties from all over!
Do you remember how much we prepared for our first Holy Communion? It was probably a sunny Saturday morning in May with blossom on the trees. It is such a special occasion that we hire super-smart clothes, we have loads of music practices in school then celebrate a Mass and a big family party with uncles and aunties from all over!
This image comes from one of our videos. It shows the moment in Mass when the priest holds up Holy Communion becoming the Body of Christ. In the background you can see some of our students who were in S6 that year. It's meant to symbolise that they offer their lives serving Caritas as Jesus offered his life for us.
Task 5: Do this in memory of me.mp4This video lesson explains task 5 about the feast of the Body of Christ. Please also read the explanation above.
Our First Holy Communion is seen as one of the most important celebrations of a young Catholic's life. This is the very first time you participate in this sacrament that is so special to us.
Our First Holy Communion is seen as one of the most important celebrations of a young Catholic's life. This is the very first time you participate in this sacrament that is so special to us.
During Mass, our priest prays the prayers of Jesus and says: "this is my body." For many reasons Catholics take these words literally which makes Holy Communion an incredibly special mystery. For centuries, since Jesus' words at the Last Supper, we have believed that the bread we eat becomes Jesus, the Body of Christ!
During Mass, our priest prays the prayers of Jesus and says: "this is my body." For many reasons Catholics take these words literally which makes Holy Communion an incredibly special mystery. For centuries, since Jesus' words at the Last Supper, we have believed that the bread we eat becomes Jesus, the Body of Christ!
Holy Communion allows us to be one with Jesus. St. Paul also teaches that it makes us one body. He says: "we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one bread."
Holy Communion allows us to be one with Jesus. St. Paul also teaches that it makes us one body. He says: "we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one bread."
The Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Sacred Heart.mp4This final video lesson will teach you about the Sacred Heart of Jesus and where the expression "loving-kindness" comes from. You are invited to pray a novena.
The Feast of the Sacred Heart is the Friday after the Body of Christ. The fact it is on a Friday is a clue that it connects to Good Friday. What happened then? Jesus gave up his life because he loved us so much. The Sacred Heart is about the incredible love Jesus demonstrates for us. It's as though he opens wide his arms and pulls us right in to this communion of love.
In this little film, Mairi-Claire from the Archdiocese of Glasgow youth office reflects on what the Sacred Heart of Jesus has meant to her. She gave us special permission to use her video.
"The loving-kindness of the heart of our God who visits us like the dawn from on high!" Luke 1; 78
"The loving-kindness of the heart of our God who visits us like the dawn from on high!" Luke 1; 78
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