ADVENT2019

A CLASSROOM RESOURCE FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

www.caritas.org.au/advent

caritas.org.au/advent

ADVENT 2019Hope, Peace, Joy and Love

Secondary School Resource

This resource invites participants to journey through the four weeks of Advent, reflecting on the Gospel and sharing in the stories of our sisters and brothers around the world.There are resources available on our webpage for use in Primary Schools, with young adults and in Parishes at: www.caritas.org.au/advent

Each week of Advent has been organised into the following components: • Advent wreath: lighting

of candles and prayer • Gospel reading • Gospel reflection • Caritas Australia story • Story reflection • Faith in action • Suggested song • Closing prayer

Caritas Australia is the international humanitarian relief and development agency of the Catholic Church in Australia. Through effective relationships with the Church, local partners and communities in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, the Pacific and Australia, Caritas Australia helps to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. Our programs, advocacy and education initiatives promote the dignity of every person, regardless of religious, political or cultural beliefs. We envisage a world in which children, women and men most vulnerable to extreme poverty and injustice are architects of their own sustainable development.

Advent marks the beginning of the Church’s new year and is a season of waiting and preparation. In fact, this season of Advent focuses on Christ’s threefold coming—past, present and future. • We await and prepare to celebrate the

birth of Christ at Christmas. • We hope and give thanks for Christ’s

presence within us and in the Word and sacraments.

• We look to the future, waiting for Christ to come again.

In the coming four weeks we prepare with mounting expectation for the coming of Christ in a spirit of waiting, conversion and hope.

About Caritas Australia

Resource Structure About Advent

CARITAS AUSTRALIA EDUCATIONcaritas.org.au/schools

Introduction

caritas.org.au/advent

Advent Wreath

Making the Advent Wreath a daily custom

The word ‘Advent’ means ‘coming’. Lighting the candles on the wreath symbolises the coming of light (Jesus) into the world. The first candle (violet) represents hope, the second (violet) peace, the third (rose) joy, and the fourth (violet) love. The central white candle is lit on Christmas Day and represents Christ. This Advent we will learn, act and pray for a more just and fair world – a world full of hope, peace, joy and love.

The Advent wreath helps us keep our thoughts focused on the coming of Christ at Christmas, it should be integrated into our daily lives. If you don’t have an Advent wreath you can make your own, instructions can be found at: www.caritas.org.au/adventEveryone gathers around the wreath and someone lights the candle(s). Leader prays the Advent wreath prayer for the week.

Be an angel this Christmas: Buy a Global GiftSend a message to those you love and be an angel of hope this Christmas. When you choose a Global Gift this year, your compassionate gifts are bringing hope, peace, joy and love. No matter what Global Gift you choose, you will be the angel walking with the most vulnerable people in the world, helping them to transform their lives.

“The season of Advent, which we begin again today, restores this horizon of hope, a hope which does not disappoint for it is founded on God’s Word. A

hope which does not disappoint, simply because the Lord never disappoints! He is faithful! He does not disappoint! Let us think about and feel this beauty.”

Pope FrancisSaint Peter's Square, 1st Sunday of Advent, 1 December 2013

Order your card online at: www.globalgifts.org.au or call us on: 1800 024 413

By buying a Global Gift, you could give a family or entire communities access to the clean, safe water needed to prevent the spread of diseases and even improve nutrition, as farmers are able to grow more crops when water is readily available.You could give food to ensure mothers and children can become healthier and stronger, lighting their way to a better future.

Or you could empower people to support themselves by teaching communities sustainable farming practices – helping to lift them out of poverty.

caritas.org.au/advent

WelcomeLeader: Explain the structure for each session as outlined in the ‘Introduction’ (p.2). Introduce Caritas Australia as the International aid and development organisation of the Catholic Church in Australia. Explain that through sharing the stories of the people with whom Caritas Australia works, we can acknowledge that we are all part of one global family. You could use our ‘What is Caritas?’ PowerPoint presentation for more information or watch this 4 min video from Caritas Internationalis.

What is Advent?Introduce the season of Advent by watching this video ‘Advent in two minutes’.

Suggested prayerChrist our Light, shine in our lives with hope and promise. Give us right vision so that we may remain attentive to this holy season. May your spirit guide us as we continue to work towarda world free from poverty and give us discernment to know the needs of our neighbours. We await your coming with wonder.Amen.

Gospel Matthew 24:37- 44Leader: Ask the participants to sit comfortably, feet flat on the floor, hands in laps, shoulders relaxed. Explain that you (or someone in the group) will read the Gospel and they are asked to really listen to the words and think about what the Gospel is saying to them (Gospel reading can be found on the next page).

caritas.org.au/advent

Matthew 24:37- 44A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.Jesus said to his disciples: ‘As it was in Noah’s day, so will it be when the Son of Man comes. For in those days before the Flood people were eating, drinking, taking wives, taking husbands, right up to the day Noah went into the ark, and they suspected nothing till the Flood came and swept all away. It will be like this when the Son of Man comes. Then of two men in the fields one is taken, one left; of two women at the millstone grinding, one is taken, one left.

‘So stay awake, because you do not know the day when your master is coming. You may be quite sure of this that if the householder had known at what time of the night the burglar would come, he would have stayed awake and would not have allowed anyone to break through the wall of his house. Therefore, you too must stand ready because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.’

New Jerusalem Bible (NJB)

Gospel Reflection Leader: Open up the conversation by inviting participants to share what theyfeel the Gospel is saying to them. Alternatively you can use the guided reflection questions below.

Guided Reflection Questions: • This week the Gospel tells us to ‘stay awake’. What is Jesus asking of us when he says

this?• Advent is a hopeful time where we wait patiently. Identify a time in your life that you have

struggled to wait patiently? How did you overcome this hurdle?• What are we waiting for? What are we hoping for? Is there a difference? Why or why

not?• Advent is also a time of preparation. What is it that we are preparing for? How can we

do this mindfully?• Choose a symbol that comes to mind that summarises the true meaning of this Gospel

passage.• Identify your greatest hope for the future of our world. • Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year. Describe why and how new beginnings can

be important and can bring hope to people?

caritas.org.au/advent

Sileap, Cambodia

Twenty-six year old Sileap lives with her husband, Simouen, and her five-year-old son and daughter, aged two, in Pursatprovince in Cambodia.

The family was struggling to survive. She and her husband worked in their rice paddy and raised chickens, using traditional methods. Floods, droughts and animal diseases dramatically reduced their income. The family was in debt and lacked proper nutrition, sanitation and hygiene.

Then Sileap, joined a Caritas-Australia supported program, learning new animal-raising skills and innovative farming techniques to adapt to new weather patterns. Now she’s running her own successful chicken hatchery, the family’s rice harvest yield is high, her children are eating healthy meals and her community has banded together to better prepare for natural disasters.

Sileap started out in the Sustainable Change with Dignity program as a member of an animal-raising group, engaging in exchange

visits with other farmers, sharing their knowledge and successes. She then joined a hatchery training program, learning new methods in chicken-raising.

Caritas and its partners also trained Sileap’scommunity in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), helping them to build rainwater containers, water gates, a reservoir and to work together on canal rehabilitation, to improve the storage and flow of water.

“Before joining the Caritas program, my family’s situation was difficult,” Sileap says. “Now we have enough food for our daily lives, the ability to return debt, my children have enough nutrition and proper clothes. I can also save to buy a motor bike to transport the chickens to the buyers,” she says.

Sileap poses for a photograph with her daughter Molin at their home in Pursat District, Western Cambodia. Credit: Richard Wainwright

“For the future, I hope to have enough money for

my children’s education, health treatment and have no debt and my

family will have happiness.”

Sileap

caritas.org.au/advent

Suggested song/video clipNatasha Bedingfield: Hope

Closing PrayerGod of Hope, You call us to be hope-filled people and to open up a horizon of hope to all. Help us to open our hearts to others this Advent season and to recognise the gift of hope you have given us. Give us the wisdom and courage to bring the warmth of hope to those who need it most. We ask this in your name. Amen.

Faith in Action• Create an Advent Calendar of ideas to help others on a daily/weekly basis.• Show care for the environment and commit one item you will reduce, one you

will reuse and one you will recycle. • Access resources on the Our Common Home campaign page for more

information, including a climate justice action kit exploring Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ and climate frontline stories.

• Educate others by sharing the story of Sileap with family and friends.• Host a Caritas Kitchen event to show hospitality during Advent.

ReflectionSustainable Development Goal 4 states: Ensure inclusive and equitable education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Sileap is one who, with the support of others has been able to access vital education for herself and her family. How has education changed or shaped your life? In what ways do you educate others? Pope Francis says “…amid so much darkness, we need to see the light of hope and to be men and women who bring hope to others.” How will you be a person of hope this Advent? How can you create educational awareness and ‘open up a horizon of hope’?

“Today too… amid so much darkness, we need to see the light of hope and to be men and women who bring hope to others. To protect creation, to protect every man and

every woman, to look upon them with tenderness and love, is to open

up a horizon of hope; it is to let a shaft of light break through the heavy clouds; it is to bring the

warmth of hope!”

Pope Francis, Inaugural Mass, March 19, 2013

caritas.org.au/advent

WelcomeLeader:Welcome the participants and ask them to reflect upon the first week of Advent.

Advent WreathIf you have an Advent wreath, begin by lighting the first two violet candles: the candle of hope and the candle of peace.

Suggested prayerChrist our Peace, glow brightly in each moment. Help us create a community where justice and peace may flourish. Grant us forgiveness for the times our thoughts, actions and words were filled with conflict and negativity. Guide us in the way of your peace. We await your coming with serenity. Amen

Gospel Matthew 3:1-12Leader: Ask the participants to sit comfortably, feet flat on the floor, hands in laps, shoulders relaxed. Explain that you (or someone in the group) will read the Gospel and they are asked to really listen to the words and think about what the Gospel is saying to them (Gospel reading can be found on the next page).

caritas.org.au/advent

Matthew 3:1-12A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew. In due course John the Baptist appeared; he preached in the wilderness of Judaea and this was his message: ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.’ This was the man the prophet Isaiah spoke of when he said:

A voice cries in the wilderness:Prepare a way for the Lord,make his paths straight.

This man John wore a garment made of camel-hair with a leather belt round his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judaea and the whole Jordan district made their way to him, and as they were baptised by him in the river Jordan they confessed their sins. But when he saw a number of Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism he said to them, ‘Brood of vipers, who warned you to fly from the retribution that is coming? But if you are repentant, produce the appropriate fruit, and do not presume to tell yourselves, “We have Abraham for our father,” because, I tell you, God can raise children for Abraham from these stones. Even now the axe is laid to the roots of the trees, so that any tree which fails to produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown on the fire. I baptise you in water for repentance, but the one who follows me is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to carry his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fan is in his hand; he will clear his threshing-floor and gather his wheat into the barn; but the chaff he will burn in a fire that will never go out.’

New Jerusalem Bible (NJB)

Gospel Reflection Leader: Open up the conversation by inviting participants to share what theyfeel the Gospel is saying to them. Alternatively you can use the guided reflection questions below.

Guided Reflection Questions: • What is the main idea of this week’s Gospel?• How can we change our ways and be ready to meet Jesus?• What would you like to ask God’s forgiveness for? How would this change your

relationship with God? What are the steps you will take to make these improvements?• Commit to three things in your life that you would like to improve on.• The theme of Advent this week is peace. Identify a world issue that demonstrates a lack of

peace. Which Catholic Social Teaching Principles are not being upheld (Human Dignity, Common Good, Solidarity, Subsidiarity, Participation, Care for our Common Home, Preferential Option for the Poor). What can you do about it?

caritas.org.au/advent

Alexandre & Gina, Mozambique

On March 15th, Cyclone Idai devastated the region surrounding Gina and her husband Alexandre’s home in Mozambique.

“We lost everything and only escaped with our lives,” said Alexandre.

He clearly remembers the moment when the wall of his home caved in while he and his family were still inside.

“There’s no future if you don’t have a house.”

After cyclone related floods destroyed their home, Alexandre, 45 and his wife Gina, 35, left their community with their two teenage boys and were forced to settle far away from their original home.

Over 1,000 people were killed by the storm and flooding across flat rural areas in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. The World Bank estimates the affected countries will need over $2 billion to recover.

Caritas Mozambique and its global partners are providing support to tens of thousands of affected families, distributing food, heavy-duty tarpaulins, medicines, hygiene kits, clothing, bedding, technical assistance, tools and seeds. Caritas also plans to build houses for the displaced.

Now, the couple and their children are farming and have started a new life together, working with the tools and seeds provided by the Caritas network.

Mozambique, which has a population of 30 million, also faces a cholera epidemic after the cyclone wiped out water facilities. More than 1.3 million people require emergency food assistance; the destruction of schools is impacting more than 382,000 students; and 433,000 farming families require seeds to grow crops.

“I would like to become the best ophthalmologist,

as sight is the most important thing in our lives. If it wasn’t for

sight, we would not be able to read, write or

learn.”Bayan

Gina, her husband Alexandre and their children received farming kits including working tools and seeds. Credit Dooshima Tsee, Caritas.

“Since we didn’t have anything, everything we

received was really crucial.”

Alexandre

caritas.org.au/advent

Suggested song/video clip Mandisa: Bleed the Same.

Closing PrayerJesus, Prince of Peace, You alone can give us a heart of peace, peace the world cannot give. May we seek to promote that peace in our local, national and global communities. May we take responsibility for our actions and be ever mindful of their impact on others. Help us to recognise the gift of life in all, desiring for them what we desire for ourselves, to be more. We ask this in your name. Amen

ReflectionAlexandre and Gina, like many in the world were forced to leave their home and begin again.• What would some of the greatest difficulties

be in having to do this?Pope Francis say “Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity.”• How might migrants and refugees have

been treated as such in the past? How can you help promote the rights of others?

• How can you improve your life and the lives of refugees and migrants to live more peacefully? Can you find opportunities to help others to be more?

Faith in Action• Be an agent of peace and help others in your school or local community enjoy the

spirit of Christmas this year, for example invite someone you wouldn’t normally spend time with to morning tea, lunch or to an event.

• Commit to participating in mindfulness exercises to build inner peace, such as; meditation, yoga, mindful walking, breathing exercises and mandala colouring.

• The Caritas Internationalis campaign ‘Share the Journey’ is an opportunity to unite the global human family. As a school community join in and Share the Journey.

• Live more simply this Christmas, use the money saved to buy a Global Gift, supporting communities like Alexandre and Gina’s, to create sustainable livelihoods for themselves.

“Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard

of humanity. They are children, women and men

who leave or who are forced to leave their homes for

various reasons, who share a legitimate desire for knowing and having, but above all for

being more.”

Pope Francis, World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2014

caritas.org.au/advent

WelcomeLeader:Welcome the participants and ask them to reflect upon the second week of Advent.

Advent WreathIf you have an Advent wreath, begin by lighting the first two violet candles and the rose candle: the candle of hope, the candle of peace and the candle of joy.

Suggested prayerChrist our Joy, brighten our hearts with your presence. May we see your joy in the hopes and dreams of our sisters and brothers around the world. You are the source of joy in the world, help us to spread your light and love. We await your coming with delight. AmenAmen

Gospel Matthew:11:2-11Leader: Ask the participants to sit comfortably, feet flat on the floor, hands in laps, shoulders relaxed. Explain that you (or someone in the group) will read the Gospel and they are asked to really listen to the words and think about what the Gospel is saying to them (Gospel reading can be found on the next page).

caritas.org.au/advent

Gospel Reflection Leader: Open up the conversation by inviting participants to share what theyfeel the Gospel is saying to them. Alternatively you can use the guided reflection questions below.

Guided Reflection Questions: • What would you tell John the Baptist that you see and hear in today’s world?• During Advent we are called to hear and see the injustices in our world and bring the

good news to those who are vulnerable to poverty and marginalisation. What are some of the injustices experienced locally, nationally and globally?

• Where can you see the work of God in the world?• What does it mean to be a messenger of good news to the poor?• What joy can you see in this story? How can we be leaders in our community and share

the joy of Advent with our neighbours?• How do we experience God through other people and in different situations?

Matthew 11:2-11A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.John in his prison had heard what Christ was doing and he sent his disciples to ask him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or have we got to wait for someone else?’ Jesus answered, ‘Go back and tell John what you hear and see; the blind see again, and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised to life and the Good News is proclaimed to the poor; and happy is the man who does not lose faith in me.’

As the messengers were leaving, Jesus began to talk to the people about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the breeze? No? Then what did you go out to see? A man wearing fine clothes? Oh no, those who wear fine clothes are to be found in palaces. Then what did you go out for? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet: he is the one of whom scripture says: Look, I am going to send my messenger before you; he will prepare your way before you. I tell you solemnly, of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.’

New Jerusalem Bible (NJB)

caritas.org.au/advent

Thipphakhone, Laos

Thipphakhone (pronounced ‘Thip-fa-cone’) is a 27 year old man from Laos, who has had a long journey toward independence. He was isolated and alone until a Caritas Australia supported program exposed him to a wide range of opportunities and new experiences.

“(At the time) I liked to stay alone, I didn’t want to do any activities with others, didn’t talk or share (my feelings) with others.”

The Lao Disabled People’s Association, situated in Laos’ capital Vientiane, works to make ensure that children and adults with intellectual disabilities have a chance to participate in society and access services.

Thipphakhone’s first opportunity for education came in 2010. For ThongchanhInthachak, Program Manager at the Lao Disabled People’s Association, Thipphakhone’s story shows what people with a disability can achieve when they are given the right opportunity.

“Thipphakhone joined the program without any knowledge (and a limited) educational background,” Thongchanh said.

“After he joined the program, he began to attend a normal school … and is confident to join (in) with other programs like making cookies!”

He has now finished primary school. He can communicate with family and friends. He has learnt how to make cookies, plant vegetables, help with family chores and can cook by himself.

Through the program, Thipphakhone is learning cleaning skills which will give him a better chance of getting a job in the future.

“I would like to become the best ophthalmologist,

as sight is the most important thing in our lives. If it wasn’t for

sight, we would not be able to read, write or

learn.”Bayan

“Now I’m able to earn money by myself and be

with other people in society by selling cookies.”

Thipphakhone

A ‘talent group’ band supported by Caritas Australia, consists of people like Thipphakhone with intellectual disabilities who are interested in music and dancing. Credit: Chanthea Nou, Caritas Australia

caritas.org.au/advent

Suggested song/video clipEmpty Hands Music: Grateful: A Love Song to the World

Closing PrayerGod of Joy, You sent your son Jesus to bring joy to the world. Show us how to be joy-filled people and to recognise his joyful presence in those we meet, so that they may seek you. Bless your children throughout the world with the riches of your love and compassion. We ask this in your name. Amen

ReflectionEducation is joy for Thipphakhone. His life is an expression of that joy. • What are the joys in your life? How have they

stemmed from education? Pope Francis challenges us not to find excuses and complain, but to be happy without a thousand conditions being met. • What are some of the things you complain about

most? How can you make these moments of joy?

• Describe some possibilities of joy that are open to you in this season of Advent.

• List qualities you see in Thipphakhone, that you too will need, to become more joyful?

Faith in Action• Bring joy to vulnerable communities this Christmas by supporting food hamper

or gift giving appeals.• December 20, 2019 is International Human Solidarity Day, a day where we can

celebrate the unity in our diversity. Every single person is special and is made in the image of God. What small act of kindness can you offer to make someone feel as special as God immediately believed we were when God created us?

• Share the joyful story of Thipphakhone with others.• Share the joy and gift of education by volunteering at a local primary school or

community group. • Share the joy of Christmas by visiting a nursing home or respite centre and

singing Christmas carols or sharing stories.

“Sometimes we are tempted to find excuses and complain, acting as if we could only be happy if

a thousand conditions were met…I can say that the most beautiful and natural expressions of joy which I have seen in my

life were in poor people who had little to hold onto.”

Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium#7, 2013

caritas.org.au/advent

WelcomeLeader:Welcome the participants and ask them to reflect upon the third week of Advent.

Advent WreathIf you have an Advent wreath, begin by lighting the first two violet candles, the rose candle and the final violet candle: the candle of hope, the candle of peace, the candle of joy and the candle of love.

Suggested prayerChrist our Light, Fill our hearts with your grace. Remind us to look for you in small acts of kindness and love. We ask for guidance Lord as we open our lives to others, share their laughter and tears, and grow day by day in love. Teach us to love sincerely and help us to share your love with others. We await your coming with wonder. Amen

Gospel Matthew 1:18-24Leader: Ask the participants to sit comfortably, feet flat on the floor, hands in laps, shoulders relaxed. Explain that you (or someone in the group) will read the Gospel and they are asked to really listen to the words and think about what the Gospel is saying to them (Gospel reading can be found on the next page).

caritas.org.au/advent

Matthew 1:18-24A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a man of honour and wanting to spare her publicity, decided to divorce her informally. He had made up his mind to do this when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.’ Now all this took place to fulfil the words spoken by the Lord through the prophet:The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and they will call him Emmanuel, a name which means ‘God-is-with-us’. When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do: he took his wife to his home.

New Jerusalem Bible (NJB)

Gospel ReflectionLeader: Open up the conversation by inviting participants to share what theyfeel the Gospel is saying to them. Alternatively you can use the guidedreflection questions below.

Guided Reflection Questions:• Just like Joseph we are called to discern what God is asking of us. What resources can

we use to help us discern what God wants us to do?• What are the signs that God is with us today?• List Joseph’s qualities that helped him to follow God’s call.• The week’s theme is love, in the encyclical, Laudato Si, Pope Francis states, “Love,

overflowing with small gestures of mutual care, is also civic and political, and it makes itself felt in every action that seeks to build a better world. ” (#231) What ‘ small gestures of mutual care ’ have you done, or think you could do, that ‘ seeks to build a better world?

• In this framework, along with the importance of little everyday gestures, “ social love moves us to devise larger strategies to halt environmental degradation and to encourage a “ culture of care ” which permeates all of society. ” (Laudato Si ’) How can we create a ‘ culture of care ’, particularly at Christmas time, but also looking forward to the new year?

• Think of a way that you can share God’s love within your local community.

caritas.org.au/advent

Nancy, Australia

First Australian Art has long fascinated the world. The variety of its shapes and features offers a magnificent spectrum which delights the imagination and expresses the deep and powerful stories of each artist and their culture.

Nancy Jackson, a First Australian woman, is based in Warakurna, Western Australia and has lived in the Ngaanyatjarra Lands her whole life. The Ngaanyatjarra Lands comprise a vast area of Western Australia (250,000 square kilometres or approximately 3% of mainland Australia) adjoining the Northern Territory and South Australian borders. The region is geographically isolated and an area of extreme economic disadvantage.

Nancy is a fibre artist. Nancy creates baskets and sculptures using desert grasses harvested from country and creates artworks that reflect desert animals surrounding Warakurna.Through the work of the TjanpiDesert Weavers, she has been helped to support her family through art.

Nancy is the primary carer of her grandson who lives with a disability. She is a strong female role model for her entire community.

In the last three years her income has increased significantly. In a remote community that is challenged by poverty, her family is thriving with consistent access to food, transport, electricity and housing.

She has earned enough money to buy a second-hand car which she can use to take her family ‘out bush’ to their traditional lands and to collect grass for future artworks.

“I would like to become the best ophthalmologist,

as sight is the most important thing in our lives. If it wasn’t for

sight, we would not be able to read, write or

learn.”Bayan

Credit: Michelle Young, Tjanpi Desert Weavers

Tjanpi Desert Weavers works with over 400

women living on their traditional lands across

350,000 square kilometres, helping

women support their families and those under their care.

caritas.org.au/advent

Suggested song/video clip Audio Adrenaline: Kings and Queens.

Closing PrayerLoving God, You enfold us in your loving embrace. Guide us in the way of your love to bring hope, peace, joy and justice to those we encounter. Give us eyes that see others, hands that reach out in tenderness and hearts that love. May we love one another as you love us. We ask this in your name. Amen

ReflectionNancy is a loving mother, grandmother and strong role model for her community.• Who are some strong female role models in

your life who as Pope Francis explains ‘sees others as children’?

• What are some of the riches mothers bring to our lives? What are the riches Mary, the Mother of us all, brings?

• How can you care and love those around you this Advent?

Faith in Action• Recognise a group who are isolated in your community and visit them as a

class or school community. • Watch and share ‘Imagine’: A First Australians Guided Reflection.• Show solidarity with Nancy by finding and sharing indigenous artworks with

friends and family. • Source local indigenous gifts to share with family and friends this Christmas.• Join with others to create a community art piece for the community to admire.• Spend time making Christmas gifts for others this year.

“A world that looks to the future without a mother’s gaze is short-sighted. It may well increase its profits, but it will no longer see others as children. It will make

money, but not for everyone… The human family is built upon mothers.

A world in which maternal tenderness is dismissed as mere

sentiment may be rich materially, but poor where the future is

concerned.” Pope Francis, Homily on Solemnity of

Mary, Mother of God. 2019

CaritasAU

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w w w . c a r i t a s . o r g . a uIcons made by Freepik from www.flaticon.comPrayers adapted from:(Page 4, 8, 12, 16) https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/95641/file-2303862158-pdf/docs/We_Believe_and_Share_Blog_Assets/Prayer_for_Lighting_the_Advent_Wreath-1.pdf