Lent 2019 Lent Module

Lent module
In the silence of the

Cross, the uproar
of weapons ceases
and the language
of reconciliation,
forgiveness,
dialogue, and
peace is spoken.
– POPE FRANCIS
PEACE, LOVE AND LIFE

Hope and Challenges in South Sudan
RONGOMAU, AROHA ME TE ORANGA
Ngā wāwata me ngā wero o Hūtāne ki te Tonga
This module contains:
• Theological reflections
• First week of Lent lessons and worksheets
• Holy Week lessons
Refer to the Teacher Booklet and the South Sudan
module at www.caritas.org.nz to see how this
module can be used during Lent in 2019.
Image: Children at Mangateen IDP camp lean in to get a good look at the camera. Photo: Crispin Anderlini
Introduction: Our Lenten Adventure for 2019
LENT 2019 MODULE
Lent is the Church’s season of repentance; a time to reflect on our relationships with God and with each
other. We recall Jesus’ forty days in the desert, being tempted and preparing for his ministry. We take
time out during Lent to think about our own lives, and to face those things in our lives and in our world
that are not as they should be.
LIVING OUR LIVES WITH LOVE

The theme in 2019 is about living our lives with love. We use the word ‘love’ a lot, but do we really know
what it means?
1 John 3:16-18 outlines love expertly:
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our
lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in
need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love
with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
At its core, love is active in nature and selfless in direction. Jesus not only demonstrated what love is
through his life but he also challenges us to love by following the two greatest commandments:
‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind,
and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no
other commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:30-31)
Lent gives us the chance to put into action these two commandments; let us spend time with God and
remember Christ's sacrifice of love on the cross. At the same time, let us look beyond ourselves and
focus on others through prayer, acts of love and giving.
The focus country for Lent in 2019 is South Sudan. Ongoing violence and severe food insecurity have
left the majority of the population in desperate need of support and assistance. There is hope for a new
beginning throughout the country and for love and peace to shine anew.
Caritas South Sudan, the local Caritas agency, with support from Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, is a
great example of love as they support the most vulnerable every day – many of whom are displaced and
in need of shelter, food, water and a return to peace.
Millions have been impacted nationwide by conflict, drought and other forms of injustice. So many
of these innocent people show love through their great patience, faith, and even forgiveness. Love is
indeed a sacrifice when one is willing to reconcile with those who took from them. Loved ones have
been lost, peace has been trodden on, homes have been destroyed and livelihoods stolen.
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand shows love by
supporting those who are on the other side of the
world. They may be out of sight, but they are not
forgotten. In 2019, they are in the spotlight.
Schools and students have the opportunity to
live lives with love by joining Caritas as we raise
awareness for the country of South Sudan and
support the people who are most affected.
Let us all live our lives with love this Lent and
bring light where there is darkness, hope where
Students in Yei present a play about early marriage to their
there is despair, and peace where there is peers. Photo: Crispin Anderlini
conflict.
CARITAS AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND PEACE, LOVE AND LIFE: HOPE AND CHALLENGES IN SOUTH SUDAN
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
USING THE lent MODULE

LENT 2019 MODULE
This education module has been prepared for Lent 2019 and has been designed to integrate with
another module focused on South Sudan. Teachers and students are encouraged to use the Lent
module for the first and last week of Lent. The South Sudan module is designed to be used through the
middle of Lent with four lessons provided at each learning level. It is important to note that it has also
been designed so that it can be used at any other time outside of Lent as well.
2019 Resources
There are many other resources that will complement these lessons for Lent in 2019. The following
overview provides a visual summary of all the elements that are available. All of these resources can be
found at www.caritas.org.nz
More information about how these resources can be used can be found in the Lent 2019 Teacher Booklet.
Inspiration
LENT 2019 MODULE
One can only be inspired reading the following

quotes about love. The challenge is to transform
the words into action!
And now these three remain: faith, hope
and love. But the greatest of these is love.
– 1 Corinthians 13:13
Above all, love each other deeply, because love
covers over a multitude of sins. – 1 Peter 4:8
Do everything in love. – 1 Corinthians 16:14 Two boys wash themselves early in the morning outside a
camp in Agok. Photo: Caritas Internationalis
The Easter season celebrates the power of light
over darkness and life over death. The risen Jesus
transformed his weak and unfaithful followers
We are also conscious of the human frailty of
with words of hope and pardon. “Peace be
our leaders. Like every other South Sudanese,
with you” replaced their fear and shame with a
they suffer the trauma of a lifetime of conflict…
joyful awareness of how much they were loved.
They are human beings, sons and daughters of
Loved and forgiven, they become unshakeable
God, brothers and sisters to all of us. They need
witnesses to the whole world of the power of love
healing. Let us treat them with love and mercy,
to overcome evil and to forgive without limit.
not hatred and condemnation. – Catholic Bishops
– The New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference
of South Sudan (Jun 16, 2016)
(Be Merciful, 3 Apr 2016)
Love is the only light which can constantly
illuminate a world grown dim. – Pope Francis
The secret of Christian living is love. Only love
fills the empty spaces caused by evil.
– Pope Francis
Let the Church always be a place of mercy and
hope, where everyone is welcomed, loved and
forgiven. – Pope Francis
Love begins by taking care of the closest ones –
the ones at home. – Mother Teresa
Not all of us can do great things. But we can do
small things with great love. – Mother Teresa
Do ordinary things with extraordinary love.
– Mother Teresa
There’s something about love that builds up
and is creative. There is something about hate
that tears down and is destructive. So, love your
enemies. – Martin Luther King Jr.
Madeline Kidel and her daughter, Sara, pose for a photo at

a refugee camp in Gumbo. Photo: Caritas Internationalis
Love and Conflict

LENT 2019 MODULE
The focus country for Lent 2019 is South Sudan THE THEOLOGY OF NONVIOLENCE IN
– a country that has experienced devastating SCRIPTURE
conflict since 2013. In several Gospel passages, Jesus advises his
Love and conflict seemed to be directly opposing disciples to love their enemies (Matthew 5:44,
realities. However, we can all learn ways to Luke 6:27 and 6:35). Moreover, they are to pray
respond to violence through the presence of love for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44)
in our lives. and turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39).
In his own life, Jesus met violence and hatred
POPE FRANCIS ON NONVIOLENCE
towards himself with nonviolence. When he is
In his message for the celebration of the fiftieth arrested in Gethsemane he admonishes Peter to
World Day of Peace in 2017, Pope Francis speaks put away his sword,
of the futility of intergenerational violence.
…for all who take the sword will perish by the
Violence is not the cure for our broken world. sword. (Matthew 26:52)
Countering violence with violence leads at best
At his trial, Jesus offers no resistance to the
to forced migrations and enormous suffering…
violent sentence that is imposed on him. In the
At worst, it can lead to the death, physical and
liturgy of Good Friday, we recall the words of
spiritual, of many people, if not all.1
Isaiah foretelling Jesus’ response to his accusers:
He goes on to applaud the bravery of those
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he
who choose to break cycles of intergenerational
did not open his mouth; like a lamb that is led
violence.
to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its
When the victims of violence are able to resist shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
the temptation to retaliate, they become (Isaiah 53:7)
the most credible promotors of nonviolent
Perhaps, Jesus’ most radical teaching on
peacemaking.2
nonviolence is that the true battlefield between
He mentions in particular the non-violent violence and peace is in the human heart…
movements of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther
…for it is from within, from the human heart,
King Junior and Leymah Gbowee, which
that evil intentions come. (Mark 7:21)
effectively countered violence with peaceful
resistance. He also quotes Mother Teresa’s words Therefore, none of us can be complacent. We
about active nonviolence, all have work to do on ourselves; to purify the
intentions of our hearts.
We in our family don’t need bombs and guns, to
destroy; to bring peace – just get together, love Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be
one another… And we will be able to overcome called children of God. – Matthew 5:9
all the evil that is in the world.3
Of course, such a statement is deceptively
simple. We all know how hard it can be to love
those who have harmed us. However, this is the
call of the Gospel.
Iler Amira and her family lost everything when their house
was burnt down.
1 ibid
2 ibid
3 Mother Teresa, Nobel Lecture, 11 December 1979
THOMAS MERTON AND NONVIOLENCE PEACEBUILDING AND CHURCH TEACHING

Within the Catholic faith tradition, we have the Now we have looked at church teaching on
wisdom of many active peace ‘activists’ to guide nonviolence, what can we find in church writings
LENT 2019 MODULE
us in our personal journey towards nonviolence; about peacebuilding?

people such as Dorothy Day and Daniel Berrigan.
Pope Francis’ 2013 encyclical, Evangelii Gaudium,
Ironically however, one of the most influential is a good place to start. Pope Francis dedicates
twentieth century Catholic writers on nonviolence chapter four of this encyclical to what he calls ‘the
was a contemplative monk who lived significant social dimension of the Gospel’.
periods of his adult life in solitude. In so doing,
He states that peace is not the same as ‘the mere
Thomas Merton was able to understand the
absence of war’…
struggle between violence and nonviolence in
his own heart. He shared his learnings in several Nor does true peace act as a pretext for justifying
published works. a social structure which silences or appeases
the poor, so that the more affluent can placidly
Instead of hating the people you think are war-
support their lifestyle… #220
makers, hate the appetites and disorder in your
own soul, which are the causes of war. If you love He suggests that building a lasting peace depends
peace, then hate injustice, hate tyranny, hate on four principles: time is greater than space,
greed – but hate these things in yourself, not in unity prevails over conflict, realities are more
another.4 important than ideas, and the whole is greater
than the part.
Through prayer and contemplation, Merton came
to the conclusion that achieving nonviolence When he speaks of the concept, time is greater
within oneself was only possible with God’s help. than space, he basically means that building a
lasting peace in a situation of protracted conflict,
The chief difference between violence and
will take time. This means that people need to be
nonviolence is that violence depends entirely
open to processes of building peace.
on its own calculations. Nonviolence depends
entirely on God and God’s word.5 On the top level we have negotiated peace
settlements signed by governments and large
organisations such as the United Nations. A
peace settlement can be written in a week, but
it will have no lasting effect unless there is also
peacebuilding from below, at the grass-roots level.
Generations of people who have lived through
decades of conflict will need to slowly build
confidence and trust in their former-enemies.
Leaders of nations need to be committed to
a timely process towards peace, rather than
asserting their own desires to inhabit ‘spaces’ of
power.
In a similar way, allowing unity to prevail over
conflict is a long-term commitment. Leaders
need to be willing to go beyond the surface of the
conflict and see others in their deepest dignity.
The principle that realities are more important
Boys at St Theresa’s School in Torit have fun during a break.
Photo: Crispin Anderlini
than ideas is another important peacebuilding
4 Thomas Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation, 1962

5 Thomas Merton, The Nonviolent Alternative, Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, New York, 1971
concept. The concrete realities of peoples’ lives HOPE ALWAYS REMAINS

with all their messiness and difficulties are more It seems fitting to finish on a hopeful note. Despite
important considerations when working for the presence of ongoing conflicts around the
LENT 2019 MODULE
peace, than in promoting particular intellectual world, one might be tempted to imagine that re-
ideologies. In other words, the ‘perfect’ political establishing peace is, at best, improbable.
system or social structure that will lead to
But Pope Francis reminds us in Evangelii Gaudium
perfect peace, doesn’t exist. Peacebuilding needs
about the power of the Resurrection. He says,
to be based on the concrete realities of real
communities. Where all seems to be dead, signs of the
resurrection suddenly spring up. It is an
The fourth concept, the whole is greater than the
irresistible force. Often it seems that God
part, refers to the need to constantly broaden our
does not exist: all around us we see persistent
horizons to see the greater good which will benefit
injustice, evil, indifference and cruelty. But it is
us all.
also true that in the midst of darkness something
Finally, Pope Francis emphasises the importance new always springs to life and sooner or later
of social dialogue in the pursuit of peace: dialogue produces fruit.
between faiths, denominations, and with secular
In South Sudan, where conflict has seldom shown
society.
signs of ceasing, there are individuals and groups
pointing to the path of peace. From among artists,
musicians, journalists, teachers, church leaders,
and even from the ranks of politicians, people are
speaking out in South Sudan with a call to peace.
Among the most uplifting stories we have come
across in our research for this resource, are the
stories of WJ (reggae artist) and Rabecca Matthew
(community peace activist).
These stories point to the possibility of a brighter
future for South Sudan, and demonstrate the
meaning of the Pope’s words…
However dark things are, goodness always
re-emerges and spreads. Each day in our world
beauty is born anew, it rises transformed
through the storms of history. Values always
tend to reappear under new guises, and
human beings have arisen time after time from
Families gather to share stories.
situations that seemed doomed.
first week of lent
LESSONS AND WORKSHEETS

These lessons are designed to be the introduction to
Lent 2019 and then be followed by the four lessons
focused on life in South Sudan found in the South
Sudan module online at www.caritas.org.nz
Refer to the Teacher Booklet for more information.
Performers pray before a dance in Mangateen IDP camp. Photo: Crispin Anderlini
LESSONS
Y1-2
first week of lent
LENT 2019 MODULE
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students are learning to…
• Recognise Lent as a season leading up to Easter when Christians try to live more like Jesus lived
• Reflect on ways we can be like Jesus and show love by helping others
• Identify people around them that they can love and help
STARTER
Remind students that we have different seasons
during the year. Explain that the Church has
different seasons too with special celebrations.
Introduce Lent as a time to remember God and
others.
DISCUSSION
Show students the main poster for Lent and ask
them to share words that come to mind as they Boys try to escape the rain by hugging the wall outside.
look at the picture and the quote. Tell them that Photo: Crispin Anderlini
they will hear stories from people in South Sudan
(like those in the poster) this term. Highlight the ACTIVITY
word ‘love’ (which will be referred to later). Ask students to use Worksheet L1: Around Me
to draw the people that they have around them
VIEW during the term. This may include family, friends,
Show students Poster 1: Life in South Sudan classmates, teachers and coaches. Focus again
from the picture pack. on the Lent poster calling us to live our lives with
love. Get students to think about how they can
DISCUSSION show love and help some of the people they have
Explain to students that the focus country this drawn on the worksheet. They may choose to tick
year is South Sudan. Let them know that this the people that they want to be especially kind or
country is a long way away from New Zealand in helpful to during Lent this year.
Africa. Remind them that many people around
the world (including those in South Sudan) do ACTIVITY
not share the same privileges we do (including Hold your own Ash Wednesday liturgy and get
access to food and water and enjoying peace). students to reflect on ways they may help others
and be more like Jesus during this season of Lent.
Ask students what they notice about the images
On this day introduce the Caritas koha box and
in the poster. Look at some of the questions and
how it can be used this term.
see if students can answer what they think is
happening in each: What are the children eating?
PRAYER
How do you cook your food at home? What do
Use Prayer S6: Peace from the Prayer Booklet to
you notice about this family’s home? Have you
pray for peace in South Sudan.
ever tried carrying things on your head?
LESSONS
Y3-4
first week of lent
LENT 2019 MODULE
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Reflect on ways we can be like Jesus and bring God’s Reign to earth
• Reflect on the importance of new beginnings
STARTER
Remind students about the different seasons
we experience during the year. Explain that
the Church has different seasons too with
special celebrations. Introduce Lent as a time to
remember God and others.
DISCUSSION
Show students the main poster for Lent and talk
about the focus country being South Sudan. Ask Students in Yei prepare for an inter-school competition.
students if they know what part of the world it Photo: Crispin Anderlini
can be found in. Introduce the theme for Lent this
year as ‘Living our lives with love’. Ask students to PRAYER
share what they think this means. Ask students to think of people experiencing new
beginnings around the world. Some of these may
VIEW be positive. Others might not be so good. Take
Take time to show students the Keep it Simple time to pray as a class for those who are starting
for Lent Action Plan and choose a place to again or facing change.
display it where everyone can see it for the rest
of the term. Explain that prayer, fasting and CHALLENGE
almsgiving are popular actions during Lent and Reflect on ways that we can use our talents and
some of the actions in the Action Plan reflect this. time to do something special for others during
Lent this year. This could be one way that we can
DISCUSSION bring love to others and help bring God’s Reign
Read out the following quote from Pope Francis: to earth. Get students to choose who they could
‘Lent is a new beginning, a path leading to the help during Lent this year.
certain goal of Easter, Christ’s victory over death.’
ACTION
Ask students to explain why Lent is a new
Watch Video S5: Let’s Play to see various games
beginning.
that are played by children in South Sudan .
ACTIVITY Choose one of these games to learn and play as
another example of a new beginning for the class.
Ask students to complete Worksheet L2:
Starting Again to reflect on times in their lives
when they have experienced new beginnings.
ACTIVITY
Hold your own Ash Wednesday liturgy and get
students to reflect on ways they may help others
and be more like Jesus during this season of Lent.
On this day introduce the Caritas koha box and
how it can be used this term.
LESSONS
Y5-6
first week of lent
LENT 2019 MODULE
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Reflect on ways we can be like Jesus and bring God’s Reign to earth
• Reflect on the importance of faith and hope
STARTER DISCUSSION
Remind students about the different seasons Think about how these actions relate to hope
we experience during the year. Explain that and faith. Discuss why hope and faith are so
the Church has different seasons too with important in our Christian lives.
special celebrations. Introduce Lent as a time to
remember God and others. VIEW
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:8 that talks about our
DISCUSSION spiritual armour including hope, love and faith
Referring to the Lent poster, introduce the theme and how these relate to our day to day lives.
of Lent as ‘Living our lives with love’. Ask students
to share what they think this means. What would ACTIVITY
it look like in practice? Get students to complete Worksheet L3: Here’s
Hoping by considering all their hopes for the year
VIEW ahead. This may link in well with a belonging unit
Take time to show students the Keep it Simple at the start of the year. Once all their hopes are
for Lent Action Plan and choose a place to identified, students are encouraged to display
display it where everyone can see it for the rest them as a poster as a visual reminder.
of the term. Explain that prayer, fasting and
almsgiving are popular actions during Lent and ACTIVITY
some of the actions in the Action Plan reflect this. Hold your own Ash Wednesday liturgy and get
students to reflect on ways they may help others
CHALLENGE and be more like Jesus during this season of Lent.
Choose some of these actions either as a class On this day introduce the Caritas koha box and
or as individuals and come up with a plan on how it can be used this term.
how they can be achieved. Write these down to
remember for the rest of term. DISCUSSION
Using the Lent poster again, highlight to the class
that the focus country for 2019 is South Sudan.
Based on the image of the South Sudanese
children, talk about what some of their hopes
may be.
PRAYER
From the Prayer Booklet, use Prayer S4: Hope to
pray for the children of South Sudan.
ACTION
Watch Video S5: Let’s Play to see various games
that are played by children in South Sudan.
An altar boy prays during a Mass at St Kizito Parish outside Choose one of these games to learn and play as
Juba. Photo: Crispin Anderlini another example of a new beginning for the class.
LESSONS
Y7-8
first week of lent
LENT 2019 MODULE
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Reflect on how we are challenged to share our God given gifts through love
DISCUSSION
Ask students to share what Lent means to them
and reflect on their past experiences. If you need
to, explain to students that Lent is a time to
remember God and others in the lead up to the
events at Easter – particularly Christ’s sacrifice.
Introduce the theme for Lent this year as ‘Living
our lives with love’. Ask students to share what
Yei students wash their bowls after lunch as the rain falls.
they think this means. Photo: Crispin Anderlini
VIEW
DISCUSSION
Take time to show students the Keep it Simple
What stood out to students from the video or the
for Lent Action Plan and choose a place to
PowerPoint?
display it where everyone can see it for the rest
of the term. Explain that prayer, fasting and Make a link to the theme of Lent again and ask
almsgiving are popular actions during Lent and how love and South Sudan could be connected.
some of the actions in the Action Plan reflect
Challenge students to think of ways that they
this. Get students to identify a few tasks that they
could share their gifts or help others as they live
are keen to achieve from the Action Plan during
lives of love during this season of Lent.
Lent. Perhaps these actions could be noted
somewhere. ACTIVITY
Use the quotes of Inspiration found on page 4
ACTIVITY
of this module to challenge students about how
Take time to introduce the focus country of
they can love others. Get students to complete
South Sudan. You may choose to get students to
Worksheet L4: Words of Love to reflect on the
complete the first two columns of a KWL chart to
quotes they have heard and decide on a way to
show what they know and what they would like
create a cool bumper sticker using one of their
to know.
favourite quotes.
VIEW
ACTIVITY
Look at PowerPoint S9: South Sudan: Lifestyle
Hold your own Ash Wednesday liturgy and get
and Culture to understand the culture of the
students to reflect on how they have chosen to
country.
help others during this season of Lent. Introduce
Watch Video S2: Life in Torit: Lina Juan Poni to the Caritas koha box and how it can be used this
see what life is like for a 10-year old girl living in term.
Torit.
PRAYER
Use the bumper stickers as inspiration during
prayer time.
LESSONS
Y9-11
first week of lent
LENT 2019 MODULE
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Understand the long-term impacts of conflict on the people of South Sudan
• Empathise with those whose lives are disrupted by violence and conflict
INTRODUCTION ACTIVITY
This Lent we invite you and your students to learn Write a letter to Mark. Tell him how you feel
about the people of South Sudan; about their after listening to his reflections about what
turbulent past and their challenging present. We has occurred in South Sudan. What words of
are focusing on hope and new beginnings, as the encouragement can you give to Mark to help him
people of South Sudan make efforts to end years continue his humanitarian work?
of violent conflict and build peace in their new
You can send the letters to…
country.
Mark Mitchell
BRAINSTORM c/o Michael Stewart
Have students brainstorm facts they know about Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand
South Sudan. Locate South Sudan on a map of PO Box 12193
Africa. Thorndon
Wellington 6144
VIEW
PRAYER
Look at PowerPoint S8: A Short History of
South Sudan to understand the recent events Be silent and reflect on the challenges in South
in the country and how they have impacted the Sudan. Pray for the humanitarian work in South
population. Sudan and around the world.
Read Fact Sheet S7: Humanitarian Crisis to help CHALLENGE

students understand the seriousness of the crisis
Decide on a class action for Lent that will support
in South Sudan.
the work of Caritas in South Sudan.
DISCUSSION
Was your initial brainstorm correct? What facts
can you add to your brainstorm now?
ACTIVITY
Complete Worksheet L5: Impacts of conflict in
South Sudan. What are the impacts of long-term
conflict on the peoples of South Sudan? How
many people have been displaced by conflict?
What effect has drought had in South Sudan?
VIEW
Watch Video S6: Mark’s Reflections to hear Facial scarring is common amongst various South
Sudanese tribes.
Mark’s views about the current situation in South
Sudan and his thoughts on what it is like to be a
humanitarian worker.
LESSONS
Y12-13
first week of lent
LENT 2019 MODULE
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Identify ways in which people can build justice and peace
• Reflect on Lent being a time to turn away from conflict and division and follow God’s way of peace
INTRODUCTION ACTIVITY
This Lent we invite you and your students to learn Get students to complete Worksheet L6: Rising
about the people of South Sudan; about their above Negativity.
turbulent past and their challenging present. We
Reflect with students on the fact that peace needs
are focusing on hope and new beginnings, as the
to be rebuilt in two directions in South Sudan;
people of South Sudan make efforts to end years
from the top down, and from the ground up.
of violent conflict and build peace in their new
The work done for peace at the local community
country.
level is just as important as high-level peace
agreements between political leaders.
BRAINSTORM
Have students brainstorm facts they know about PRAYER
South Sudan. Locate South Sudan on a map of
Pray for all those engaging in peacebuilding in
Africa.
South Sudan.
VIEW
CHALLENGE
Look at PowerPoint S8: A Short History of
Get students to ask themselves: What can I do
South Sudan to understand the recent events
during Lent to ‘rise above negativity’ in my own
in the country and how they have impacted the
life?
population.
Read Fact Sheet S7: Humanitarian Crisis to help
students understand the seriousness of the crisis
in South Sudan.
DISCUSSION
Was your initial brainstorm correct? What facts
can you add to your brainstorm now?
Women kneel during a Palm Sunday Mass in Abyei.

Photo: Caritas Internationalis
L1 WORKSHEETS
around me
Draw a face in each of the circles to show all the
LENT 2019 MODULE
people that you meet each week. Tick those who you
Girls share a laugh together inside an IDP camp.
want to be especially kind to during Lent this year. Photo: Caritas Internationalis
NAME: NAME: NAME:
NAME: NAME: NAME:
NAME: NAME: NAME:
L2 WORKSHEETS
starting again
Think of times when you have had to start again.
LENT 2019 MODULE
Draw these events in the boxes below.

With each of these ‘new beginnings’ write down how
A young girl carries water inside
you felt. an IDP camp in Wau.
Photo: Caritas Internationalis
New beginning:
I felt…
New beginning:
I felt…
New beginning:
I felt…
New beginning:
I felt…
L3 WORKSHEETS
here’s hoping
LENT 2019 MODULE
List down all your hopes for 2019. Consider what you’d like to
achieve at home, at school and in other parts of your life.
It must be time for a smile at St Theresa’s
My hopes for 2019… School in Torit.
Looking at all the hopes you have above, now create a poster in the box below as a visual reminder of
all you are hoping for. Share it with others once you’ve coloured it in.
L4 WORKSHEETS
words of love
LENT 2019 MODULE
After listening to various quotes about love, choose one that

inspires you to be more like Jesus. Create a bumper sticker in
the spaces below complete with a cool font and lots of colour
Boys find a good spot to sit and talk during the day.
to make the quote stand out (as though it was on the back of a
vehicle and viewed by hundreds).
My chosen quote:
My bumper sticker:
L5 WORKSHEETS
impacts of conflict in south sudan

LENT 2019 MODULE
Fill in the boxes with statistics from Fact Sheet S7: Humanitarian Crisis.
People displaced outside People displaced inside

South Sudan (refugees) South Sudan (Internally
Displaced People)
Countries sheltering refugees

Percentage of Refugees
from South Sudan
who are children
Percentage of Population
who are severely food
insecure
Draw in South
Sudan and
neighbouring
countries
After listening to Mark Mitchell in Video S6: Mark’s Reflections, take time to write him a letter of
encouragement.
LENT 2019 MODULE
Dear Mark
L6 WORKSHEETS
Rise Above Negativity

LENT 2019 MODULE
In June 2016, the Catholic Bishops of South Sudan met in Juba to reflect on the situation in their
country. The bishops wrote to the whole nation asking people to put an end to violence and to prepare
for peace.
Even though New Zealand is a relatively peaceful country in comparison with South Sudan, we still
experience physical, verbal and emotional violence. We still see instances of ‘hate speech’ and even
‘tribalism’, which we might experience as one ethnic group asserting superiority over another.
Read what the Bishops had to say in a section of their message called RISE ABOVE NEGATIVITY and think
about where their advice might be useful in your own community, school, whānau, or personal life.
We regret the amount of negativity and QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON…

pessimism that we hear – from South Sudanese Where do you hear people speaking negatively
who are still steeped in the old ways of about our country, our region, or our school? On
power and tribalism; from the international what forms of media do you experience this?
community; on the internet; in the media; on
Have you ever experienced ‘hate speech’?
social media; within the diaspora. We say very
clearly: NO MORE NEGATIVITY! What does hate speech sound like in New
Zealand?
…Stop disseminating hate speech and tribalism
on the internet and social media, and instead Have you ever received negative personal
spread constructive peaceful messages. messages on social media or been the subject of
gossip on social media?
…Stop propagating rumours, gossip,
misinformation and disinformation. Have you seen any examples of internet and
social media being used to spread constructive
…Stop attacking and accusing each other.
peaceful message recently?
…Stop pursuing narrow personal and tribal
Give some specific examples.
interests,
What would you consider to be narrow goals
but instead work together for the good of the
sometimes pursued by yourself and other
nation. …
members of your peer group?
We are also conscious of the human frailty of
What might be some broader, community-
our leaders. Like every other South Sudanese,
focused goals you could set for yourselves?
they suffer the trauma of a lifetime of conflict.
Do not undermine them. Instead offer them How do you treat your leaders? Think of your
support and encouragement to rise above their national, local, and school leaders.
personal interests.
– Catholic Bishops of South Sudan, June 2016
After reflecting on all of these questions, write your own personal ‘no more negativity’ list. What are
some things that you and your friends could STOP doing, or saying, in order to build positive peace
in your school?
holy week
REFLECTION AND LITURGY LESSONS

These lessons are designed to conclude Lent 2019.
They follow the four lessons focused on life in
South Sudan that can be found in the South Sudan
module online at www.caritas.org.nz
Refer to the Teacher Booklet for more information.
A priest prepares for Mass at St Kizito Parish outside Juba.

LESSONS
Y1-2
holy week
LENT 2019 MODULE
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Listen and respond to the Easter story
• Participate in a simple liturgy
• Reflect on what they have learnt during Lent
REFLECTION ON LEARNINGS CHALLENGE

Ask students to think about what they have learnt To encourage students looking to carry on
about Lent, South Sudan and themselves this kindness and acts of love after Lent, you may
term. It may work best to have students share choose to start a special sharing time each week
their thoughts openly as a class and key points where students highlight how they, or others,
noted on a poster or the board for all to see. have shown love. You could call this your ‘Love
Spot’.
REFLECTION ON LENTEN ACTIONS
Get students to think back to the start of Lent ACTIVITY
when they were challenged to choose one or Remind students that this could be the last
more people to be especially kind to during the chance to donate in the Caritas koha box for Lent.
term. See if students are willing to talk about how All the money raised will help Caritas work for a
successful they have been at achieving their goal. world free of poverty and injustice in countries
Find out if anyone wants to continue trying to like South Sudan. Once all the donations have
achieve their goals beyond Lent or set new ones. been collected, send the total amount to Caritas
and you will receive a certificate to acknowledge
ACTIVITY your support and efforts for justice.
Read the Easter story as a class and act out some
of the key events to help students remember
Christ’s journey to the cross and victory over
the grave. Or you may choose to watch a short
animated version of the Easter story at
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3UKd6LQKng
HOLY WEEK LITURGY

Take part in a class or school liturgy during
Holy Week to encourage everyone to pray for
forgiveness, hope and just actions to address the
inequalities present in our world today.
Children pray during a Palm Sunday Mass in Abyei.
VIEW Photo: Caritas Internationalis
Look at Poster 6: Carrying the Cross and talk
about how Christians in South Sudan are also
facing suffering but being peaceful, like Jesus, to
bring a solution to some of the problems in their
country. Focus on the questions on the poster
with your students.
LESSONS
Y3-4
holy week
LENT 2019 MODULE
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Listen and respond to the Easter story
• Participate in a simple liturgy
REFLECTION ON LEARNINGS
Ask students to think about what they have learnt
about Lent, South Sudan and themselves this
term. It may work best to have students share
their thoughts openly as a class and key points
noted on a poster or the board for all to see.

Get students to think back to the start of Lent
when they were challenged to choose one person
that they could help out during the term. See if
students are willing to talk about how successful Parishioners march around the ruins of their church in
Abyei. Photo: Caritas Internationalis
they have been at achieving this goal. Find out if
anyone wants to continue trying to achieve their
goal beyond Lent. CHALLENGE
To encourage students looking to carry on
ACTIVITY kindness and acts of love after Lent, you may
Read the Easter story as a class and act out some choose to start (another new beginning) a special
of the key events to help students remember sharing time each week where students highlight
Christ’s journey to the cross and victory over how they, or others, have shown love. You could
the grave. Or you may choose to watch a short call this your ‘Love Spot’.
animated version of the Easter story at
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3UKd6LQKng ACTIVITY
Remind students that this could be the last
HOLY WEEK LITURGY chance to donate in the Caritas koha box for Lent.
Take part in a class or school liturgy during All the money raised will help Caritas work for a
Holy Week to encourage everyone to pray for world free of poverty and injusitce in countries
forgiveness, hope and just actions to address the like South Sudan. Once all the donations have
inequalities present in our world today. You may been collected, send the total amount to Caritas
choose to use The Way of the Cross PowerPoint and you will receive a certificate to acknowledge
to guide reflection on Jesus’ journey and how your support and efforts for justice.
we can respond to help others around the world
facing challenges.
LESSONS
Y5-6
holy week
LENT 2019 MODULE
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Listen and respond to the events of Easter
• Participate prayerfully in the Way of the Cross liturgy
REFLECTION ON LEARNINGS ACTIVITY

Ask students to think about what they have learnt Remind students that this could be the last
about Lent, South Sudan and themselves this chance to donate in the Caritas koha box for Lent.
term. You may choose to let students write down All the money raised will help Caritas work for a
a short reflection or share their thoughts openly world free of poverty and injusitce in countries
as a class. like South Sudan. Once all the donations have
been collected, send the total amount to Caritas
REFLECTION ON LENTEN ACTIONS and you will receive a certificate to acknowledge
Get students to think back to the start of Lent your support and efforts for justice.
when they were asked to choose to carry out
actions from the Action Plan during the period
of Lent. See if students are willing to talk about
how successful they have been at achieving their
goals. Find out if anyone wants to continue trying
to achieve their goals beyond Lent.
HOLY WEEK LITURGY

Holy Week to encourage everyone to pray for
forgiveness, hope and just actions to address the
Use The Way of the Cross PowerPoint to guide Holy communion is taken during Mass at St Kizito Parish
outside Juba. Photo: Crispin Anderlini
reflection on Jesus’ journey and how we can
respond to help others around the world facing
challenges.
CHALLENGE
The people of South Sudan have experienced
great suffering and sacrificed a lot in the search
for reconciliation and peace. Many of us have
not experienced the same pain or need for
reconciliation. However, at times we cause pain
and have been hurt ourselves. Take up Mother
Teresa’s challenge to live ordinary lives with
extraordinary love. And in the process we are
certain to bring peace within relationships we
have with others at home, at school and in our
wider communities.
LESSONS
Y7-8
holy week
LENT 2019 MODULE
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Listen and respond to the events of Easter
• Participate prayerfully in the Way of the Cross liturgy
• Reflect and share what they have learnt during Lent
REFLECTION ON LEARNINGS
Ask students to think about what they have learnt
about Lent, South Sudan and themselves this
term. You may choose to ask students to write
down what they have learnt (as part of a KWL
chart from the lesson during the first week of
Lent).

Get students to think back to the start of Lent
when they were asked to choose actions to
complete from the Action Plan. See if students The cross is brought in at the front of a Mass procession at
are willing to talk about how successful they have St Kizito Parish. Photo: Crispin Anderlini
been at completing these. Find out if anyone

wants to continue trying to achieve their goals VIEW
beyond Lent. Learning about the situation in South Sudan
can be a bit depressing at times. It is important
HOLY WEEK LITURGY to remember that children also have lots of fun
Take part in a class or school liturgy during whenever they can. Watch Video S5: Let’s Play
Holy Week to encourage everyone to pray for to see some of the sames that South Sudanese
forgiveness, hope and just actions to address the children play.
Look at Poster 2: Having Fun to continue the
Use The Way of the Cross PowerPoint to guide discussion on the games and toys from South
reflection on Jesus’ journey and how we can Sudan.
respond to help others around the world facing
challenges. DISCUSSION
Like the Easter story, the message of love and
ACTIVITY hope ultimately triumph over darkness and
Remind students that this could be the last injustice. Conclude this unit by finding out the
chance to donate in the Caritas koha box for Lent. latest updates on the status of peace in South
All the money raised will help Caritas work for a Sudan.
world free of poverty and injusitce in countries
like South Sudan. Once all the donations have
your support and efforts for justice.
LESSONS
Y9-11
holy week
LENT 2019 MODULE
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Reflect on the events leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection
• Understand that our actions can make a positive difference for others in New Zealand and overseas
• Understand how Caritas agencies work together to bring love and justice
REFLECTION ON LEARNINGS DISCUSSION

Ask students to think about what they have learnt Ask students to share what the most important
about South Sudan, peace and reconciliation this message is to take away from the video.
term. You may choose to let students write down
a short reflection or share their thoughts openly VIEW
as a class. Look at PowerPoint S12: The Caritas Network
in South Sudan to highlight again the way
HOLY WEEK LITURGY Caritas agencies work together. Explain to
Take part in a class or school liturgy during students that the Caritas international network is
Holy Week to encourage everyone to pray for the second largest humanitarian network in the
forgiveness, hope and just actions to address the world.
CHALLENGE
Use The Way of the Cross PowerPoint to guide
Get students to look back at the Lent challenge in
reflection on the events leading up to Jesus’
week one. Has your class successfully completed
death and resurrection. This will also provide an
an action to help the people of South Sudan?
opportunity to reflect on how we can respond to
help others around the world facing challenges.
ACTIVITY
VIEW Remind students that this could be the last
chance to donate in the Caritas koha box for
Watch Video S7: Working Together to hear how
Lent. All the money raised will help the Caritas
Caritas agencies are working together to support
international network work for a world free of
the many displaced families in South Sudan.
poverty and injusitce in countries like South
Sudan. Once all the donations have been
collected, send the total amount to Caritas and
you will receive a certificate to acknowledge your
support and efforts for justice.
Parishioners in Abyei line up to give their offering during

Mass. Photo: Caritas Internationalis
LESSONS
Y12-13
holy week
LENT 2019 MODULE
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Reflect on the events leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection
• Understand that our actions can make a positive difference for others in New Zealand and overseas
REFLECTION ON LEARNINGS DISCUSSION

Ask students to think about what they have learnt Reflect again on the different levels of society
this term about South Sudan, peacebuilding, our in which peace needs to be restored. Focus on
responsibilities, and the way Caritas responds. South Sudan primarily, but look beyond this to
You may choose to let students write down a other countries currently experiencing conflict,
short reflection or share their thoughts openly as and even back home in New Zealand. How is
a class. God’s grace, available now through Christ’s
triumph over sin and death, desperately needed
HOLY WEEK LITURGY in parts of New Zealand society?
Holy Week to encourage everyone to pray for CHALLENGE
forgiveness, hope and just actions to address the Complete the final stages of the planned Caritas
inequalities present in our world today. Challenge event. Raise awareness for the people
of South Sudan and take lots of photos to share
Use The Way of the Cross PowerPoint to guide
with the Caritas staff so others will be inspired to
reflection on the events leading to Jesus’ death
make a difference too.
and resurrection. Short prayers follow to let us
reflect on how we can respond to help others
ACTIVITY
around the world facing challenges.
Remind students that this could be the last
chance to donate in the Caritas koha box for Lent.
All the money raised will help Caritas work for a
world free of poverty and injusitce in countries
like South Sudan. Once all the donations have
your support and efforts for justice.
A girl goes looking for water from a well in Rajaf, south of

Juba. Photo: Caritas Internationalis
LENT 2019 MODULE
Living Holy Week following Jesus means learning how to come out of ourselves to
reach out to others, to go to the outskirts of existence, to be the first to move towards
our brothers and sisters, especially those who are most distant, those who are
forgotten, those who are most in need of understanding, consolation and help. There
is so much need to bring the living presence of Jesus, merciful and full of love!
– Pope Francis (March 27, 2013)

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What challenges is South Sudan currently facing?

What challenges is South Sudan currently facing?

How is Caritas working to support people in South Sudan?

How is Caritas working to support people in South Sudan?

Lent module

In the silence of the

PEACE, LOVE AND LIFE

LIVING OUR LIVES WITH LOVE

USING THE lent MODULE

One can only be inspired reading the following

Madeline Kidel and her daughter, Sara, pose for a photo at

Love and Conflict

THOMAS MERTON AND NONVIOLENCE PEACEBUILDING AND CHURCH TEACHING

us in our personal journey towards nonviolence; about peacebuilding?

4 Thomas Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation, 1962

concept. The concrete realities of peoples’ lives HOPE ALWAYS REMAINS

LESSONS AND WORKSHEETS

Read Fact Sheet S7: Humanitarian Crisis to help CHALLENGE

Women kneel during a Palm Sunday Mass in Abyei.

NAME: NAME: NAME:

NAME: NAME: NAME:

NAME: NAME: NAME:

Draw these events in the boxes below.

After listening to various quotes about love, choose one that

impacts of conflict in south sudan

People displaced outside People displaced inside

Countries sheltering refugees

Rise Above Negativity

We regret the amount of negativity and QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON…

REFLECTION AND LITURGY LESSONS

A priest prepares for Mass at St Kizito Parish outside Juba.

REFLECTION ON LEARNINGS CHALLENGE

HOLY WEEK LITURGY

REFLECTION ON LENTEN ACTIONS

REFLECTION ON LEARNINGS ACTIVITY

HOLY WEEK LITURGY

REFLECTION ON LENTEN ACTIONS

been at completing these. Find out if anyone

REFLECTION ON LEARNINGS DISCUSSION

Parishioners in Abyei line up to give their offering during

REFLECTION ON LEARNINGS DISCUSSION

A girl goes looking for water from a well in Rajaf, south of

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