Communication can take many forms in the world today. It is a way of building relationships and sharing the good news of our faith with others. This week we are called to think about the different ways we can communicate God’s message to the world and how we can bring
people together and inspire others through the message that we share.
Day 1 – Start with scripture
We start with the Sign of the Cross.
Have a read of this scripture passage. Think about what Jesus is telling us to do.
A Reading from the Holy Gospel According to John
R. Glory to You O LordO righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
The Gospel of the Lord
John 17:20-26
R. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
Spend some time in pairs or threes and talk about the question below. When you’re finished share them with the whole form and see where the dialogue takes you.
Discussion Question:
How do you think this scripture links with the theme of ‘Communication’?
Click below to “Add Comment” and capture some of what has been said in your form for others to see.
We end with a prayer for communications:
Holy Spirit,
you blessed the first disciples
with the power to spread God’s love
throughout the world.
Give me a new power to proclaim your word
through my own unique gifts
and through the channels of clear communications.
Make me wiling to receive that word
as it enters my daily life.
Bless all who use their talents
in the field of communications.
Guide those who send out the message
and those who receive it,
so that all people
may come to know your truth
and be renewed by your love.
We ask this through
Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
Amen
Day 2 – Catholic Social Teaching
Today we are going to think more broadly about Catholic Social Teaching…
We are going to discuss the idea of campaigning. In pairs or threes, can you write your own definition of “campaigning”. After this, agree a class definition and write it on the whiteboard. Discuss that change happens because people call and take action for change. Doing nothing is not an option if we want to overcome injustices and make the world a better place.
Watch the video below:
Identify the injustices that people in the video were protesting against.
Which injustice do you feel most strongly about?
Which other unjust situations in the world would you most like to change?
As a from, could you write to your local MP, Karl McCartney, about an issue of injustice that concerns you using the template below to the following email address: [email protected]
Dear Karl McCartney,
I am one of your constituents and am in Year [number] at [school name].
We have been learning that campaigning against injustice is part of Catholic Social Teaching and
about ways that we can raise our voices and take action.
The injustice that I want to bring to your attention is:
I feel strongly about this because:
I want you to add your voice to mine by speaking out about this.
If you would like to visit my school to discuss our opinions and ways in which you could speak out
against this injustice, please contact [insert your teacher/chaplain’s contact details].
Yours sincerely,
[Name]
We end with a prayer:
Lord, teach us to move beyond ourselves,
and to set out in search of truth.
Teach us to go out and see,
teach us to listen,
not to entertain prejudices
or draw hasty conclusions.
Teach us to go where no one else will go,
to take the time needed to understand,
to pay attention to the essentials,
not to be distracted by the superfluous,
to distinguish deceptive appearances from the truth.
Grant us the grace to recognise your dwelling places in our world
and the honesty needed to tell others what we have seen. Amen.
From the message of the Holy Father for World Communications Day 2021
Day 3 -Hit the Headlines
We start with the Sign of the Cross…
Jesus is considered a master communicator by many. He used a variety of techniques to connect with people from all walks of life. He told relatable stories and parables that made complex ideas understandable. He also knew his audience, adjusting his language and approach to resonate with fishermen, tax collectors, and religious scholars alike. Jesus was a skilled questioner, drawing out understanding and prompting deeper reflection. Most importantly, he spoke with compassion and authenticity, fostering trust and openness to his message.
Imagine Jesus as an influencer, but instead of spreading the latest trends, he’s sharing ideas about love, forgiveness, and helping others.
Today, communication can be tough. With texting, social media, and all that noise, it’s easy to misunderstand each other. We jump to conclusions or get stuck in arguments without really listening. This miscommunication can lead to bigger conflicts, between friends, families, different nationalities and countries. Think of all the conflicts around the world – would things be a lot different if we all tried to communicate more like Jesus – with clear messages, kindness, and a willingness to understand each other?
Drop a comment in the box below sharing a message of kindness, love or hope with the school community…
We end with a prayer for peace:
Lord Jesus Christ,
You are the true King of peace.
In You alone is found freedom.
Please free our world from conflict.
Bring unity to troubled nations.
Let Your glorious peace reign in every heart.
Dispel all darkness and evil.
Protect the dignity of every human life.
Replace hatred with Your love.
Give wisdom to world leaders.
Free them from selfish ambition.
Eliminate all violence and war.
Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, hear our prayers.
Jesus, I trust in You!
Amen
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