Prayer theme dignity and antibullying week Dignity is

Prayer theme: dignity and anti-bullying week Dignity is one of the FCJ values. It is important because each person is made in the image of God. Everyone has to be listened to and what they say is heard. This sense of dignity and respect: -is treasured in the school community, nurtured and enhances the life of the school -provides opportunities for each person to recognise and celebrate their own self-worth -demands, when challenging circumstances arise, that we seek dignified solutions for all. It is also anti-bullying week. This year’s theme is: ‘change starts with us’. Small change. Big difference. Whether it is verbal, physical, online or in-person, bullying has a significant impact on a child’s life well in to adulthood. By making small, simple changes, we can break this cycle and create a safe environment for everyone. Because together, we can challenge bullying. Change starts with a conversation. It starts with checking in. It starts with work together. Change starts here. Change starts now. Change starts with us.

Monday 11 th November Prayer for Remembrance God of peace, We pray for all victims of war, we remember them so that in remembering each new generation will know their sacrifice and work even harder for peace. We remember the lives lost in mud and carnage of the First World War, and those who came home changed forever. We remember the great loss of the Second World War, brought home to our towns and cities with bombs falling onto houses, factories and shipyards. We remember the fallen of all wars since, sometimes very far from home, and all civilians who have lost their lives. We remember the young men who were called up to serve their country and did not come home. We remember those who came home bearing the scars of war, physical and psychological, for those today who need support to re-discover peace of mind and purpose. We pray today, with all our hearts, for peace. Pray that peace takes root in the tender soil of our hearts. Amen.

Monday 11 th November Let us remember those who have died for their country in war; those we knew, and all who have given their lives for freedom, justice and the hope of peace. As we look forward and seek the way of peace and reconciliation, you might like to say this prayer: Lord, strengthen our hearts, hands, and minds, to work together for peace; to see you in one another, and to seek your kingdom above all things; that your will may be seen to be done, and your Kingdom come, through Jesus Christ, the Lord of lords and King of kings. Amen. Liverpool, 1941

Tuesday 12 th November From St. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. How is this relevant to today’s society? God, You love each of us equally. May we be always aware of this and treat everybody with dignity and respect. We pray this through Jesus Christ, our companion. Amen.

Tuesday 12 th November God, You have given all people one common origin. It is your will that we are all gathered together as brothers and sisters, as one family rooted in yourself. Fill our hearts with the fire of your love and with the desire to ensure justice and dignity for all. By sharing the good things you give us, may we secure an equality for all our brothers and sisters throughout the world. May there be an end to division, strife and war. May there be a dawning of a truly human society built on love and peace. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our companion. Amen.

Wednesday 13 th November Anti-bullying week: Change starts with us https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=_ita. VFp. SLB 8

Wednesday 13 th November God of Love, We pray for those who sometimes bully others In school, online, or to and from school. Give them the grace to understand the harm they are causing, To themselves as much as other people. Give them the grace to break out of the cycle of bullying, To see things from the point of view of those they hurt, To have the courage to be reconciled, to say sorry. Amen.

Thursday 14 th November God of peace, We pray for those who are sometimes bullied by others In school, online or to and from school. Give them the grace to break out of the cycle of bullying by telling someone they trust what is going on and to speak honestly about how they feel so those who bully will learn and grow. Amen.

Thursday 14 th November The FCJ values of Companionship, Dignity, Excellence, Justice, Gentleness and Hope are antidotes against bullying. Lord, The new day lies open before us; let us pray with one heart and mind. As we rejoice in the gift of this new day, may the light of your presence set our hearts on fire with love for you. Give us the gift of gentleness and kindness, and help us to treat everybody we meet today with love and respect. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Friday 15 th November I Am – By Laura I am the person you bullied at school, I am the person who didn’t know how to be cool, I am the person you alienated, I am the person you ridiculed and hated. I am the person who sat on her own, I am the person who walked home alone, I am the person you scared every day, I am the person who had nothing to say. I am the person who drowned in your scorn, I am the person who wished she hadn’t been born, I am the person you destroyed for ‘fun’, I am the person, but not the only one. I am the person whose name you don’t know, I am the person who just can’t let go, I am the person who has feelings too, And I was a person, just like you. I am the person with hurt in her eyes, I am the person you never saw cry, I am the person living alone with her fears, I am the person destroyed by her peers. Written by Laura and donated to Bullying. UK over 10 years ago, the poem came out of one person’s frustration with bullying and helpless feeling of isolation many young people encounter.

Friday 15 th November Examen Be silent and place yourself in God’s loving presence. Think about the good things that have happened this week and give thanks. Who have you left a good memory with this week? Look back over your week. Where have you felt joy and what has been difficult and challenged you? In the quiet of your heart, tell God about your experiences. Give thanks for who you are. As you look ahead, with what spirit will you enter next week? Ask God to help you.