This week’s word of the week is not one we use that often but it is one that we need every day! Check out the video below and think about what Piety really means!
Day 1 – All are welcome…
We invite you to start with the Sign of the Cross.
Response: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen
Jesus uses a simple image from nature to explain something really deep about our relationship with Him. He is the main vine, the source of life, and we are the branches. Think about a real branch – it can only grow, get leaves, and produce fruit if it is physically attached to the vine. If you snap it off, it withers and is useless.
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”
The Gospel of the Lord
R./ Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
Jesus tells us that it’s the same for us. The word he uses is “abide,” which means to remain, stay, or live in. Piety is about choosing to abide in Him. When we are connected, we draw strength, love, and goodness from Him. This helps us to “bear fruit,” which means doing good things in our lives – being kind, patient, forgiving, and brave. It’s not something we can do on our own; we need to stay plugged into our source of life, which is God.
Discussion Questions:
What do you think Jesus means by ‘fruit’ in this passage? What does ‘good fruit’ look like in a person’s everyday life at school or at home?
What are some things that can make us feel ‘disconnected’ from God or from being our best selves?
How can we help each other to stay ‘connected’ as a community?
Click below to “Add Comment” and capture some of what has been said in your form for others to see or add them to your form scrapbook if you have one!
As we are in October, the month of the Holy Rosary, we say together:
Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Day 2 – Celebrating our history…
We invite you to start with the Sign of the Cross.
Response: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen
If you could talk to anyone in the world for five minutes, who would it be and what would you talk about?
In this clip Bruce (Jim Carey) meets’ God and talks about what he really wants. Prayer isn’t complicated it just needs to be real and showing Piety – being close to God – is about being honest with how you feel.
Is it easy to pray?
If you’re feeling brave, split the form up and move to one side or the other depending on whether you find it easy or hard to pray.
Talk with those who feel like you do about when, how and if you pray then share any thoughts and feelings with each other.
This week, think about something you could do to make prayer that little bit easier – maybe talk a walk, spend some time without your phone, or try visiting somewhere special.
As we are in October we pray again, the Hail Mary.
Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Day 3 – The Invisible Backpack…
We invite you to start with the Sign of the Cross.
Response: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen
How can you tell when two people are good friends, just by watching them? What sort of things do they do for each other?
Look at this video about the now Saint Carlo Acutis – how did his Piety, his closeness to God show in his actions?
When you’re friends with someone, you start to care about the things they care about. Being close to God is the same. God cares about everyone, especially those who are struggling or feel left out. So, when our piety grows, so does our desire to be kind, compassionate, and helpful. Living our faith isn’t just about prayer; it’s about putting that love into action. A kind word, a helping hand, standing up for someone – these are all acts of piety. They are how we share the closeness we feel with God with the people around us.
Your mission is to do one small, kind thing for someone today, secretly. Don’t look for a “thank you” or any credit. It could be as simple as paying someone a genuine compliment, picking up a piece of litter, or helping a family member with a chore. Do it simply as a way of sharing God’s love and being close to God
To help you remember put a note in your planner or on a piece of paper and put it in your pocket to remind you of your secret mission
Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
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