The Word of the Week is quite fitting this week as we start our new academic year! We are all called to welcome others into our communities, to open our doors and bring people in – particularly those on the margins and those who feel left out. Being welcoming helps those new to our community to feel loved, supported and included, we think especially about our new year 7s and our new 6th form students. We are all one body in Christ, everyone is welcome, and everyone has a part to play.

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 Mark
R. Glory to You O Lord

On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.”  And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling.  But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.  He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”  And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

The Gospel of the Lord
R. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ

Mark 4:35-41

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:

In the scripture, the Pharisees criticise the disciples for not washing their hands before eating. Jesus responds by challenging their tradition, stating that what truly spoils a person is not what enters their mouth, but what comes out of their heart. We might say the Pharisees were not being welcoming towards the disciples.

Discuss the following:

Can we be welcoming to others even if they look or act differently from us?

Why is it important to focus on the person’s heart rather than their outward appearance?

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:

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the gift of community and the opportunity to connect with others.

Help me to have a heart that is open and receptive. May I be a person who welcomes all, regardless of their background or beliefs.

Help me to see the value in every individual and to treat them with dignity and respect. Amen 

Day 2 – Catholic Social Teaching

For today’s Catholic Social Teaching point we are going to focus on Dignity…

Let’s begin with the Sign of the Cross. Take a moment to imagine you’re at a party, and someone new shows up. They might look different or act differently from you, but that doesn’t change the fact that they’re a person, just like you. The Catholic Church teaches that every human being has inherent dignity, meaning they’re valuable and important simply because they’re human.

In the scripture passage we heard earlier this week, Mark 7:1-8, Jesus was talking about how we shouldn’t judge people based on their outward appearance or actions. Instead, we should focus on the inner person – their heart and soul. This connects to the idea of dignity of the human person because it reminds us that everyone has worth, no matter what they look like or do.

So, how does this link to welcome?

When we welcome someone, we’re saying, “You belong here. You’re valuable and important.” This is a way of showing respect for their dignity. It means treating them with kindness and respect, even if they’re different from us.

Remember: Everyone deserves to be welcomed and treated with dignity. When we practice this, we’re living out the Catholic teaching of the dignity of the human person. What can you do this week to help someone feel welcome and valued?

We end with a prayer:

Heavenly Father,

You created each and every person with unique beauty and worth. Help us to see the dignity in every human being, regardless of their background, beliefs, or circumstances.

May we be people who welcome others with open arms and hearts. May our words be kind, our actions compassionate, and our homes places of hospitality.

Grant us the courage to stand up for those who are marginalized or excluded. May we be a voice for the voiceless and a champion for justice.

We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.