ADVENT2018A RESOURCE FOR YOUNG ADULTS
www.caritas.org.au/advent
CARITAS AUSTRALIA EDUCATION
caritas.org.au/advent
ADVENT 2018Hope, Peace, Joy and Love
Young Adult 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 and
Secondary Schools and 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 EDUCATION
caritas.org.au/schools
Introduction
CARITAS AUSTRALIA EDUCATIONcaritas.org.au/schools
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/advent
Everyone gathers around the
wreath and someone lights the
candle(s). Leader prays the Advent
wreath prayer for the week.
Global Gifts- Cherish the miracle of motherhood
Send a message to those you
love and give to mothers and
babies in need. When you
choose a Global Gift this
year, your compassionate
gifts are bringing hope,
peace, joy and love to women
and children by funding
training programs and
supplies that our midwives
need to help mothers give
birth safely - and provide
expert care before and after
babies are born.
“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 Francis
Order your card online at: www.caritas.org.au/globalgiftsor call us on: 1800 024 413
You could give community
access to the clean, safe water
needed to clean birthing tools
and equipment, wash newborn
babies after birth, and sustain
the miracle of motherhood.
You could give food that
would nourish new mothers,
and help babies grow up
healthy and strong.
You could empower people to
support themselves by
teaching them sustainable
farming practices – and give
mothers, babies and entire
communities a brighter future.
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 prayerGod of hope, as we light this first candle on our Advent wreath
may we be filled with your everlasting hope. May your spirit
guide us as we continue to work toward a world free from poverty
and give us discernment to know the needs of our neighbours.
Amen
Gospel Luke 21:25-28. 34-36
Leader: 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 AUSTRALIA EDUCATIONcaritas.org.au/advent
Luke 21:25-28. 34-36
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars; on
earth nations in agony, bewildered by the clamour of the ocean and its waves; men
dying of fear as they await what menaces the world, for the powers of heaven will be
shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great
glory. When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high,
because your liberation is near at hand.
‘Watch yourselves, or your hearts will be coarsened with debauchery and drunkenness
and the cares of life, and that day will be sprung on you suddenly, like a trap. For it will
come down on every living man on the face of the earth. Stay awake, praying at all
times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with
confidence before the Son of Man.’
Gospel Reflection Leader: Open up the conversation by inviting participants to share what they
feel 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?
• Can you recall the advice Jesus gives to help his disciples, when he asks them to ‘stay
awake’? How can we follow this same advice in our own lives?
• 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?
• This Advent, how can we prepare as people of hope and faith?
• 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 AUSTRALIA EDUCATIONcaritas.org.au/advent
“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
Suggested song/video clipAvril Lavigne: Keep holding on
Closing PrayerHopeful God,
you are always patient and you share with us the true meaning of hope for our
future. Guide us to follow your lead as we patiently wait in this season of Advent.
We pray for our brothers and sisters who are hopeful for an opportunity to learn
and build a better life. May we always appreciate the gift of education. Continue
to help us to carry out all that you have called us to do.
In your name we pray, Amen
Faith in Action• Create an Advent Calendar of ideas to help others on a daily/weekly basis.
• Find ideas and information about the Share the Journey campaign.
• Organise a fundraising event, a Solidarity Walk, to raise awareness of
refugees like Bayan.
• Show solidarity by participating in the refugee pilgrimage/simulation.
• Hold an information session to draw attention to the issue. Use the Syrian
Refugee Crisis resource.
ReflectionThe conflict in Syria is now the largest
displacement crisis in the world since
World War II. Over half of the country’s
pre-war population has been forcibly
displaced. An estimated 5.6 million
people are seeking refuge. Poverty
rates for refugees exceed 80% in some
countries. March 15, 2018 marked the
start of the 8th year of conflict in Syria.
Pope Francis believes we need to be
people who bring hope to others.
How does this quote inspire you? Will
you be a person of hope this Advent?
How can you create awareness and
‘open up a horizon of hope’ on Human
Rights Day, December 10, 2018?
CARITAS AUSTRALIA EDUCATIONcaritas.org.au/advent
“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
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 prayerGod of peace, as we light this second candle on our Advent wreath
may we be filled with your everlasting peace. 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. God as we prepare for the coming of your Son, may we continue to seek the way that leads to peace.
Amen
Gospel Luke 3:1-6
Leader: 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 AUSTRALIA EDUCATIONcaritas.org.au/advent
Luke 3:1-6
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
In the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar’s reign, when Pontius Pilate was governor of
Judaea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of the lands of Ituraea
and Trachonitis, Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, during the pontificate of Annas and
Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah, in the wilderness. He went
through the whole Jordan district proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the
forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the sayings of the prophet Isaiah: A
voice cries in the wilderness; Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight.
Every valley will be filled in, every mountain and hill be laid low, winding ways will be
straightened and rough roads made smooth.
And all mankind shall see the salvation of God.
Gospel Reflection Leader: Open up the conversation by inviting participants to share what they
feel 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 weeks Gospel?
• How could you reorganise your life to ‘prepare a way’- during times of hardship to
feel at peace with God?
• What would you like to ask God’s forgiveness for?
• How does seeking forgiveness impact on your relationship with God?
• Commit to 3 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)?
CARITAS AUSTRALIA EDUCATIONcaritas.org.au/advent
Suggested song/video clip Ben Harper and Jack Johnson: With my own two hands.
Closing PrayerPeaceful God,
you invite us to share in your peace. We seek your guidance to be peacemakers
in our communities. We pray that all nations around the world will live in harmony
and be blessed with unlimited opportunities. We thank you for our brothers and
sisters who strive to help others to live peaceful lives. May we continue to share in
your ministry of peace and reconciliation.
In your name we pray, Amen
ReflectionDinia struggled every day to get food and
enough money for her children to go to school.
• How would your life be different if you did
not have an education? How would you
feel?
Pope Francis encourages us to preach peace.
• How has Caritas Australia preached peace
to Dinia and her community? Can peace be
achieved without love?
• How can you improve your life and the lives
of others to live more peacefully? Can you
find an opportunity to be ‘poor among the
poor’ and to ‘include’ the ‘excluded’?
Faith in Action• Be an agent of peace and help others in your local community enjoy the spirit of
Christmas this year.
• Commit to participating in mindfulness exercises to build inner peace, such as;
meditation, yoga, mindful walking, breathing exercises and mandala colouring.
• Create a set of affirmation cards, that could include quotes, scripture, proverbs
and ideas to promote peace in your community.
• Live more simply this Christmas, use the money saved to buy a Global Gift,
supporting communities like Dinia, to create sustainable livelihoods for
themselves.
“We must restore hope to young people, help
the old, be open to the future, spread love. Be poor among the poor. We
need to include the excluded and preach
peace.”
Pope Francis, 2013
CARITAS AUSTRALIA EDUCATIONcaritas.org.au/advent
WelcomeLeader:
Welcome the participants and ask them to reflect upon the second week of
Advent. Did they ‘repent’ and improve their lives and seek forgiveness?
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 prayerGod of joy, as we light this third candle on our Advent wreath may
we pray for cheerfulness and a generous heart. May your spirit
guide us this Advent, as we strive to find the joy in the highs and
lows of our days. God, you are the source of joy in the world, let us
bring this joy into our homes, our work and everyone we meet. We
ask this prayer in Jesus’ name.
Amen
Gospel Luke 3:10-18
Leader: 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 AUSTRALIA EDUCATIONcaritas.org.au/advent
Luke 3:10-18
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
When all the people asked John, ‘What must we do?’ he answered, ‘If anyone has two
tunics he must share with the man who has none, and the one with something to eat
must do the same.’ There were tax collectors too who came for baptism, and these said
to him, ‘Master, what must we do?’ He said to them, ‘Exact no more than your rate.’
Some soldiers asked him in their turn, ‘What about us? What must we do?’ He said to
them, ‘No intimidation! No extortion! Be content with your pay!’ A feeling of expectancy
had grown among the people, who were beginning to think that John might be the
Christ, so John declared before them all, ‘I baptise you with water, but someone is
coming, someone who is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to undo the strap of
his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fan is in his
hand to clear his threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into his barn; but the chaff he
will burn in a fire that will never go out.’ As well as this, there were many other things he
said to exhort the people and to announce the Good News to them.
Gospel Reflection Leader: Open up the conversation by inviting participants to share what they
feel the Gospel is saying to them. Alternatively you can use the guided
reflection questions below.
Guided Reflection Questions:
• Describe in your own words how the people were feeling as they questioned John the
Baptist.
• Why could John the Baptist be mistaken for the Messiah that the people had been
waiting for?
• Can the Gospel model mercy and compassion and motivate you to bring joy to
vulnerable people and communities? How could you action this?
• 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?
• John is asking people to have a change of heart. Whose heart could you help to change
this week? What approach would you take and how will it bring joy to each of you?
• How do we experience God through other people and in different situations?
CARITAS AUSTRALIA EDUCATIONcaritas.org.au/advent
Suggested song/video clipThe Greatest Showman musical: A million dreams
Closing PrayerJoyful God,
you bring us joy during the Advent season as we await the celebration of Jesus’ birth.
May we share this Good News with our family and friends. We pray for those who
have lost you in the maze of life, let them know once more the joy of coming home.
Help us to care for the common good of all.
In your name we pray, Amen
ReflectionMarta was able to turn her life around and bring
greater joy to her family. Through Caritas Australia’s
skill building program, Marta has been able to be
the architect of change in her own life. Pope
Francis explains the joy in change and also
encourages us to reach out and embrace
opportunity and turn our life around.
• Pope Francis refers to ‘some needs that only
diminish us’, identify what some of these needs
may be in your life?
• Describe some possibilities that are open to you
in this season of Advent.
• List qualities you see in Marta, that you too will
need, to turn your life around?
Faith in Action• Bring joy to vulnerable communities this Christmas by supporting food hamper
appeals.
• December 20, 2018 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 he created mankind?
• Share the joyful story of Marta and her family with others.
• Share the gift and joy of education and volunteer to read at a local primary
school or community group.
“Happiness means knowing how to limit some needs which
only diminish us, and being open to the many different
possibilities which life can offer.”
Pope Francis, Laudato Si’ #223, 2015
CARITAS AUSTRALIA EDUCATIONcaritas.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 prayerGod of love, as we light this fourth candle on our Advent wreath, fill
us with your everlasting 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 the people of our nation and
every race on earth. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ name.
Amen
Gospel Luke 1:39-44
Leader: 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 AUSTRALIA EDUCATIONcaritas.org.au/advent
Luke 1:39-44
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
Mary set out and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of
Judah. She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. Now as soon as
Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was
filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, ‘Of all women you are
the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be
honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting
reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who
believed that the promise made to her by the Lord would be fulfilled.’
Gospel Reflection Leader: Open up the conversation by inviting participants to share what they
feel the Gospel is saying to them. Alternatively you can use the guided
reflection questions below.
Guided Reflection Questions:
• Elizabeth describes Mary as ‘blessed’. Explain why she would think this.
• Elizabeth felt honoured to be visited by Mary, the mother of our Lord. Imagine how Mary
would have felt to hear this. Recall a time when you have felt honoured by something
someone has said to you. How did this make you feel?
• Mary demonstrated her commitment to God and believed in him. How can you continue to
follow God and believe in his love?
• List Mary’s qualities that help her to be a committed and loving disciple of Jesus. Compare
these qualities to those you believe that you have.
• The Gospel tells us of two strong women of great faith who encounter each other. To pay
respect to these brave and faithful women, identify two brave and faithful women in your
own life that you can celebrate this Advent.
• In the modern world where digital communication between our loved ones is more
prevalent than ever before, how can you defend the need to meet and communicate with
friends and family face to face?
• Think of a way that you can share the love within your local community.
CARITAS AUSTRALIA EDUCATIONcaritas.org.au/advent
“The aim was to create a partnership between
business and traditional landowners, that would reduce climate change
effects across the country.”
Rowan Foley
Suggested song/video clip Michael Jackson: Earth song/Man in the mirror.
Closing PrayerLoving God,
you continue to love each of us generously and sincerely. Let the love of your Holy
Spirit be in our hearts. As we draw nearer to the celebration of Christmas, direct our
thoughts, words and actions today so that we may care for and protect our common
home and each other. May people know through us the power of Jesus’ love.
In your name we pray, Amen
ReflectionRowan and many communities affected by
climate change are responding with
resourcefulness and courage.
• What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ?
How does Rowan show courage and how is
he responding to God’s call to be a disciple of
Christ?
• Can you identify the Catholic Social Teaching
principles evident in the the work of the
Aboriginal Carbon Fund?
Faith in Action• Engage with your local council to get involved in a sustainable environment
action, for example; community indigenous tree planting, clean up day, reducing
your greenhouse footprint by taking public transport or walking to school/work.
• Together we can learn, share and find solutions to climate change injustice.
Suggest simple ways you can promote climate justice in your own home, school,
work and local and wider communities. You may want to list one item you will
reduce, one you will reuse and one you will recycle.
• Take part in Caritas Hearts for Climate and send your love letter for climate
justice.
• 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.
“As disciples of Christ, we have a further reason to join with all men and women of
good will to protect and defend nature and the
environment. Creation is, in fact, a gift entrusted to us
from the hands of the creator.”
Pope Francis, 2014
CARITAS AUSTRALIA EDUCATIONcaritas.org.au/advent
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