Fortitude is the strength to face challenges and hardships. In the Church, we are called to be people of fortitude. This means that we should not give up when things are tough. We should continue to trust in God and to follow his will, even if it means a personal sacrifice for
us.

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

Jesus Heals Jairus’s daughter

And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea.  Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well and live.”  And he went with him.

While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.”  And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James.  They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly.  And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.”  And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was.  Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.”  And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.   And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

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

Mark 5: 21-24, 38-42

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.

We end with a prayer:

Day 2 – Catholic Social Teaching

Today we are going to think about our word of the week, Fortitude and decide which of the catholic social teaching points we think it most links to…

Have a look at the image below and the descriptions of the Catholic Social Teaching points and discuss together as a form which one you think Fortitude most links with… A reminder of what Fortitude is all about: it is the strength to face challenges and hardships. In the Church, we are called to be people of fortitude. This means that we should not give up when things are tough. We should continue to trust in God and to follow his will, even if it means a personal sacrifice for
us.

Drop a comment in the box below explaining what you discussed and which CST you chose.

We end with a prayer…

Lord, please grant me courage, truth, wisdom and charity so that I may be a better instrument of Your love and mercy to the world.

May I never allow fear to control me. Please remove any blindness from my heart so that I can see clearly the many ways You desire to use me to lead others to You. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen

Day 3 -Hit the Headlines

We start with the Sign of the Cross…

This week we take a moment to remember the incredible effort many of our staff in school made in walking the Yorkshire 3 Peaks a couple of weeks ago…

As they set off on the gruelling trek across the Yorkshire Dales, each step the team took held the memory of Miss Bell who we lost in December. They walked the Three Peaks not just for the challenge, but in honour of their dear colleague and friend and to raise an incredible amount of over £10,000 for the Marie Curie charity. The climb would be arduous, testing their physical and mental strength. Yet, with each shared glance of determination, they drew fortitude from one another. They knew that conquering these peaks together, was a testament to the unwavering spirit that bound them all in memory of Miss Bell.

Let’s give thanks to all who have donated money for this amazing charity

Heavenly Father,

We thank you for the selfless individuals who raised money for Marie Curie. Through their compassion and dedication, they provide comfort and support to those facing terminal illness. May their efforts be blessed with continued strength and generosity.

We remember Miss Bell and thank you for all she brought to our school community, may she rest in peace, Amen.