JUNE

Virtue: Faithfulness

“For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in faithfulness to you.” (Psalm 26.3)

Catholic Graduate Expectation: A Discerning Believer

Catholic Social Teaching: Participation

Overview of the Virtue of Faithfulness

Words synonymous with faithfulness are: loyal, true and constant. These adjectives mean adhering firmly and devotedly to someone or something, such as a person, cause, or duty that elicits or demands one’s fidelity.

In the broad scope of spiritual life, we see faith not as something you have but as something you are in —

a relationship. Practicing faith, then, is like developing any relationship. You have to give it time and attention. It requires you to see, hear, feel, and constantly remember your partner --God.

Faithfulness and devotion is not ideally something that should be “practiced” only once a week, just on

religious holidays, or only in response to a particular event in your life. Faithfulness needs to be part of your daily routine.

A faithful life is one lived in the presence of God. It involves an awareness of God's presence in our

everyday experiences.

Catholic Graduate Expectation -- I AM A BELIEVER

A DISCERNING BELIEVER FORMED IN THE CATHOLIC FAITH COMMUNITY WHO:

Illustrates a basic understanding of the saving story of our Christian faith.

Participates in the sacramental life of the church and demonstrates an understanding of the

centrality of the Eucharist to our Catholic story.

Actively reflects on God's Word as communicated through the Hebrew and Christian

scriptures.

Develops attitudes and values founded on Catholic social teaching and acts to promote social

responsibility, human solidarity and the common good.

Speaks the language of life…"recognizing that life is an unearned gift and that a person

entrusted with life does not own it but that one is called to protect and cherish it." (Witnesses

to Faith)

Seeks intimacy with God and celebrates communion with God, others and creation through

prayer and worship.

Understands that one's purpose or call in life comes from God and strives to discern and live

out this call throughout life's journey.

Respects the faith traditions, world religions and the life-journeys of all people of good will.

Integrates faith with life.

Recognizes that "sin, human weakness, conflict and forgiveness are part of the human journey"

and that the cross, the ultimate sign of forgiveness is at the heart of redemption. (Witnesses to

Faith)

Principles of Catholic Social Teaching PARTICIPATION

All people have a right to participate in the economic, political and cultural life of society. It is a fundamental

demand of justice and a requirement for human dignity that all people be assured a minimum level of

participation in the community. Conversely, it is wrong for a person or a group to be excluded unfairly or to be

unable to participate in a society.

Witness to Faith

Hildegard Von Bingen

Saint Hildegard of Bingen, O.S.B. (German: Hildegard von Bingen; Latin:

Hildegardis Bingensis) (1098 – 17 September 1179), also known as Saint

Hildegard, and Sibyl of the Rhine, was a German writer, composer, philosopher,

Christian mystic, Benedictine abbess, visionary, and polymath. Elected a

magistra by her fellow nuns in 1136, she founded the monasteries of

Rupertsberg in 1150 and Eibingen in 1165. One of her works as a composer,

the Ordo Virtutum, is an early example of liturgical drama and arguably the

oldest surviving morality play.

She wrote theological, botanical and medicinal texts, as well as letters, liturgical songs, and poems, while

supervising miniature illuminations in the Rupertsberg manuscript of her first work, Scivias.

Although the history of her formal recognition as a saint is complicated, she has been recognized as a saint by

parts of the Roman Catholic Church for centuries. On 7 October 2012, Pope Benedict XVI named her a Doctor of

the Church.

Reflection Inspired by the Faith of Hildegard Von Bingen

I am the secret Fire in everything,

And everything smells like

Me.

The living breathe in my sweet perfume

And they breathe out praise of Me.

They never die

Because I am their Life.

I flame out

Intense Godly life

Over the shining fields of corn.

I glow in the shimmer of the fire’s embers.

I burn in the sun and the mood and the stars.

My secret life breathes in the wind

And holds all things together soulfully.

This is God’s voice.

-Mary Malone

“ Caring School Teacher” Action of the Month:

Visit teenmentalhealth.org and take the quiz to test how knowledgeable you are about mental health.

Inform yourself about mental health. Compassion is a great element of “charity”.

Liturgical Calendar and Saints of the TCDSB

Liturgical Calendar

The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a moveable feast, which means that it depends on the date of

Easter Sunday. It is celebrated 19 days after Pentecost Sunday, which falls on the 50th day of Easter.

The "liturgical year" includes the first Sunday of Advent and the last week in Ordinary Time. The liturgical

year consists of two times: one can call the first time “special season times” and the other is known as

ordinary time. The special season times are, Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter, during which a particular

mystery of salvation is celebrated. Ordinary Time, in turn, does not hold any particular mystery, but rather

the same mystery of Christ in His fullness, especially on Sundays. Ordinary Time is divided into two parts

throughout the liturgical year and in total lasts 33 or 34 weeks.

Saint Days of the Toronto Catholic District School Board

Body and Blood of Christ, St. Eugene – June 2

Sacred Heart of Jesus - June 3

St. Kevin – June 3

Immaculate Heart of Mary - June 4

St. Boniface – June 5

St. Norbert – June 6

Our Lady of Grace, St. Columba – June 9

Precious Blood, Blessed Sacrament - June 10

St. Barnabas - June 11

St. Anthony of Padua - June 13

St. Demetrius - June 18

St. Florence - June 20

St. Aloysius - June 21

St. Thomas Moore, St. John Fisher - June 22

Our Lady of Perpetual Help - June 27

Sts. Peter and Paul - June 29

Catholic Charities of the Month

Angel Foundation for Learning

The Angel Foundation for Learning is the charitable organization that serves the needs of students of the Toronto

Catholic District School Board. Through the generosity and compassion of their donors, they support vulnerable

students by nurturing their body, mind and soul through nutritional, educational and spiritual programs.

The Angel Foundation for Learning aims to ensure that all TCDSB students are equally able to participate in

opportunities that sustain and enhance the educational process including: student nutrition programs, class trips,

leadership activities, bursaries and funding for social work emergency needs, for instance: eyeglasses, hearing

aids, food vouchers and other essentials for TCDSB students in need.

Angel Foundation website: http://www.angelfoundationforlearning.org/

Carmelite Sisters Day Nursery

Child care services and programs offered to children.

Located at: 108 Harrison St, Toronto, Ontario (at Ossington and Dundas)

Call to volunteer your services: 416-536-5313

Get Involved and Make A Difference!

Plan food drives during off seasons i.e. before summer vacation

“Skipping for Hope” organize skip-a-thon with donations of non-perishable food

Donation week: students bring in given coins for each day of the week: Mon 0.01, Tuesday 0.05

Wednesday 0.10, Thursday 0.25 Friday 1.00

Babysitting for: CSAC, School functions, Church events, Neighbours, a new mom in the neighbourhood or

at church

Participate - The people who organize events always worry that no one will take part. That ugly sweater

contest or bake-off needs you!

Simple Everyday Acts of Kindness

Smile at Strangers

Did you realize that you wear Charity on your face? Smile at 5 strangers today! A

sincere smile can really make a positive difference in someone’s day.· Without saying

a word you are letting that person know that you see them and that they matter.

People appreciate being noticed and acknowledged! ·As Plato once said, “Be kind, for

everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Encourage five strangers today by

giving them each a smile! A smile is a really kind and easy way to make others feel

good about themselves. It can be done quickly and without any preparation or effort, but leaves a lasting

impression. Plus, it will make you feel happier too!

Use a Reusable Water Bottle

Reducing the use of disposable bottles is an easy way for everyone to help the

environment. It reduces waste, pollution and the depletion of resources. It is also much

better for our bodies to drink water out of reusable bottles that don’t leech harmful toxins.

Encourage your friends, family and coworkers to use reusable water bottles. You could also

create a challenge at work or school to see who can go the longest without using a

disposable water bottle. Take it one step further and challenge businesses, government offices, and schools to

completely eliminate the use of disposable water bottles.

Respond timely – Even if you have to say, “Hey, just wanted to let you know I got your email and I’ll get

right back to you.” People like to know they’re not being ignored.

Don’t let your friends (or co-workers or acquaintances) be alone on the holidays

Listen to someone’s life story - Yes, the whole thing

Be friendly on public transportation

Keep your bad attitude to yourself

Be happy for others

Be super enthusiastic when people have good news!

Faithfulness – Scripture Passages and Quotes

“You must love Yahweh your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your

strength”(Deuteronomy 6:5)

“But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and

faithfulness.” (Psalm 86:15)

“Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.” (Psalm 36:5)

“For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant

with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath.” (Deuteronomy 4:31)

“Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all

generations; you established the earth, and it endures.” (Psalm 119:89-90)

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be

shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” (Isaiah

54:10)

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the

"Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.” (2 Corinthians 1:20)

“The figures of saints such as Francis of Assisi, Ignatius of Loyola, John of God, Camillus of Lellis, Vincent

de Paul, Louise de Marillac, Giuseppe B. Cottolengo, John Bosco, Luigi Orione, Teresa of Calcutta to

name but a few—stand out as lasting models of social charity for all people of good will. The saints are

the true bearers of light within history, for they are men and women of faith, hope and love.” (Deus

Caritas Est)

“In a society marked by personality cults, we are called to bear witness to Jesus Christ, our Saviour and

Lord and to reverence Him in the poor, the lowly and the marginalized.” (This Moment of Promise)

Faithfulness - Discussion Starters

Close your eyes and practice breath awareness for a while. . . . Reflect now that this air that you are breathing in is

charged with the power and the presence of God . . . Notice what you feel when you become aware that you are

drawing God in with each breath you take.

Now while you breathe in, fill your lungs with God’s divine energy . . . While you breathe out, imagine you

are breathing out all your impurities . . . your fears . . . your negative feelings . . . your apathy . . . your

boredom . . . Imagine your whole body becoming radiant and alive through this process of breathing in

God’s life-giving Spirit and breathing out all your impurities. Have hope and faith in God that He will bring

you through each moment.

Stay with this awareness as long as you can without distractions.

What commitment in your life do you find especially challenging? What helps you to be faithful to this

commitment?

Explain what being true to yourself means to you?

Do you believe that commitment is a choice? What does commitment mean to you? What responsibilities

and relationships do you have a commitment to?

Is it hard to deal with changing friendships? Is there anything you can do it make it easier if a relationship

ends?

Do you think it’s possible to like everyone? Why or Why not?

Talk about the different stages on your journey of faith. When did you experience your first doubts? Did

you ever fall away from your faith in God? What drew you back? What new experiences of faith do you

look forward to?

Share a story about a dark time in your life when your relationship with God was a source of strength.

Discuss what you can do in the community to create connections with those who have special needs.

Describe a time when a significant promise involving you was kept. (Either you made a promise to someone else, or they made one to you.) What was the nature of the promise? What were your feelings when the promise was kept?

Describe a time when a significant promise involving you was broken. What was the nature of the promise? What were your feelings when the promise was broken? How did you react?

What is the greatest requirement for living in a covenant relationship with God?

Faithfulness - Prayers and Affirmations

Prayers Options:

1. A Reading from the Gospel According to St. John. (12:23-26) Jesus said, “ The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, God will honour.

The Gospel of the Lord. All: Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

2. A Reading from Paul's Letter to the Philippians. (4:4-8)

Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The

Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and thanksgiving, make your

requests known to God. Then the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your

hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,

whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commend- able, if there is

any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

3. Holy Mary, Mother of God,

you have given the world its true light,

Jesus, your Son – the Son of God.

You abandoned yourself completely

to God's call

and thus became a wellspring

of the goodness which flows forth from him.

Show us Jesus. Lead us to him.

Teach us to know and love him,

so that we too can become

capable of true love

and be fountains of living water

in the midst of a thirsting world.- Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

4. Go with God! This is a summer prayer for you. Take it with you and keep it in your mind and heart.

As you leave school for the summer, and you lay aside textbooks and notebooks and pencils and pens, Go with God, for God goes with you.

As you begin new projects or a well-deserved family vacation As you meet and make new friends, Go with God, God will guide you.

As you enjoy the summer sun and the summer’s cool blue waters, Be wise and safe. Respect the beauty of the earth as God’s gift to you, And go with God, for God has created you.

As you go to quite places to reflect and to pray, To enjoy the peace, And the beauty of private space And time off, Go with God, for God always goes with you.

-Anon.

5. Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Amen.

6. Prayer for Educators of Justice and Peace

Good and Gracious God, Teacher of all peoples, Bless and guide those of us who seek to educate others about your good news of justice and peace.

Guide us in our work, as we reach out to shape hearts and minds.

Walk with us as we deal with complex issues, help us to find the right words and actions to communicate your love for all members of the global family.

Support us as we promote critical reflections on local, national and international issues. Renew our commitment, so we can spark courage and empower others to confront injustice.

Allow our vision of a better world to transform spirits. Help us to nurture the skills that will bring this vision to reality.

Remind us how blessed we are to have this call to proclaim justice and peace and to be able to respond even in small ways.

Give us patience and perseverance in our work. Grace us with fellowship and community. Help us to remember that you are our rest and refreshment.

By: Education for Justice

Affirmations:

I will be sincere, trustworthy, and truthful even when it is difficult

I will stand by what is right and just

I will be considerate of others when I speak, write and listen.

I will pay attention to my relationships with family members and friends.

I will try to forgive people rather than hold grudges on them. I will accept myself for who I am and try not to compare myself to others.

I will try to take the time to appreciate the ordinary events of each day.

I believe and have faith in God

I believe that God is with us always I believe that we can talk to God anytime and anywhere, through prayer

I believe in the Church community, celebrating Mass, and the seven Sacraments

I believe in forgiveness

I am faithful

Concluding Prayer The Lord’s Prayer (or a prayer of your choice)

Faithfulness - Media Links

The Lake House

Alejandro Agresti

A time-travel love story that salutes the spiritual practice of waiting.

Green Dragon

Vietnamese refugees living in U.S. relocation camps desperately try to keep their hopes alive.

Ghost

A movie of devotion and faithfulness. A touching love story starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore.

You-Tube video search- Nick Vujicic: Life Without Limbs

The Incredible Power of Faith in Action-- Despite being born without arms or legs, Nick’s challenges have

not kept him from enjoying great adventures, a fulfilling and meaningful career and loving relationships.

Nick has overcome trials and hardships by focusing on the promises that he was created for a unique and

specific purpose, that his life has value and is a gift to others, and that no matter the despair and hard

times in life, God is always present. Nick credits his success in life to the power that is unleased when faith

takes action.

THE WORLD I KNOW

http://saltandlighttv.org/theworldiknow/ “Is it fair that good people get hurt?” | “Why is it difficult to accept myself the way I am?”

Young people have so many questions when it comes to issues such as fairness, acceptance, self-control, and

respect. But they’re not just sitting around waiting for answers. They’re doing great things! In this dynamic and

inspirational 10-part series, host Mary Rose Bacani brings you virtues in action. Each half-hour episode presents

“virtues in action” in our Catholic school community, in our personal lives, and in the lives of young people who

have followed the call to priestly or religious life. A life of virtue is not impossible. Take it from those who say,

“People of virtue? They’re in The World I Know!”

The World I Know supports the promotion of safe, caring, inclusive and healthy school communities.

IN YOUR FAITH

http://saltandlighttv.org/inyourfaith/

Join Byron and Rosanna as they explore the Church’s teachings in a fast-paced and fun way, offering you a

practical message, and giving you an opportunity to discuss what you have to say about what the Church has to

say.

The second season features these two young and vibrant hosts, joined by Fr. Graham Keep, Fr. Ian Duffy, Fr. Edwin

Gonsalves and Toronto’s Archbishop, Thomas Collins, as well as a host of young people, Cool Caths and Saints of

the New Millennium, as they look at new topics such as sainthood, Scripture, Prayer, friendship, and full episodes

exploring the Sacraments.

Director's Notes by Pedro Guevara-Mann Season 2 Study Guide Ontario Edition PDF | Season 2 Study Guide

Generic PDF