Celebrating the
Year of Mercy
Post Primary School Pack
Derry Diocese
Celebrating the Year of Mercy
Post Primary School Pack
Contents
1. Overview for the Year of Mercy
2. Background Information and Teacher’s Notes on the Year of Mercy
3. Opening Liturgy for the Year of Mercy Notes and PowerPoint
4. Door of Mercy Notes and Explanation
5. Liturgy for Opening the Door of Mercy in your School
6. Week of Mercy Action Plan
7. Theme 1- Who Am I? Lesson notes
8. Mercy Station 1
9. Mercy Connected Learning Project - Explanation and Notes
10. Prayer for the Year of Mercy Pope Francis ( shortened version for young people)
Additional Attachments
 PowerPoint's for Opening Liturgy and Door of Mercy Liturgy
 Act of Sorrow Poster
 Forgiveness Book-template
 Banner Artwork
 Year of Mercy Logo
Celebrating the Year of Mercy in Post Primary Schools
Overview
Background Information and Teacher’s Notes on the Year of Mercy
Enclosed you will find notes and a summary of Pope Francis’s letter and vision behind the
Year of Mercy. There is an official website for the Year of Mercy http://www.im.va here you
will find key dates in the Year of Mercy calendar, useful resources and suitable liturgies.
Opening Liturgy for the Year of Mercy
We encourage you to use the opening assembly and PowerPoint for the Year of Mercy on or
around 8th December. Included here is a letter from Bishop Donal to be read to young people
at the beginning of the Year of Mercy.
Door of Mercy
The Year of Mercy will open on 8 December 2015, the Solemnity of the Immaculate
Conception. A Holy Door will be opened in St Peter’s that day and in other Churches in
Rome in the weeks after that until eventually Holy Doors will be opened in dioceses
throughout the world. The Door of Mercy will be opened in St Eugene’s Cathedral on Sunday
13th December. We propose each school in the diocese identify a door in their school that can
be the, ‘Door of Mercy’. You will find some notes and a liturgy/assembly for opening the
Door of Mercy in your school. We would recommend you do this at the beginning of
Catholic Schools Week February 1st-5th.
Act of Sorrow
We have included a poster of the Act of Sorrow prayer that we hope can be displayed in all
classrooms during this Year of Mercy. Part of this prayer can be printed on your Door of
Mercy.
Focus for the Year of Mercy
During the Year of Mercy we will focus on the four main aspects of the sacrament of
Reconciliation. From December to January the focus will be Contrition; how we are
created in the image and likeness of God but flawed by sin, as sinners we are in need of
God’s Mercy. During Lent February to March the focus will be Confession, when we turn
away from God’s Love and sin we are called to repent and repair relationships.
During Eastertide April and May the focus will be on Forgiveness we are renewed, we are a
resurrected people. Finally September to October as the year of Mercy draws towards a
close the focus will be Satisfaction and how with Christ we are a transformed people. There
will be lesson notes available for each theme.
Mercy Stations
To coincide with the four themes we are proposing four Mercy Stations are created in a
designated area of the school as a sacred space. The stations will provide a physical place
where students can reflect and identify with Mercy in their own lives. The station will change
to reflect the different aspect of the sacrament of Reconciliation being focused on over the
Year of Mercy. Notes for each station will be provided.
Mercy Connected Learning Project
We are including an overview for a connected learning project based around mercy that will
enable several departments in your school to get involved. The idea is that in January or
February various subjects would link the mercy theme into their Year 9 curriculum delivery
and or assessments. Some guidance notes are provided for Religion, English, Art, Music,
History and Geography. This project is an excellent way to bring the theme of Mercy into
other subject areas, please discuss the idea with your principal and head of departments.
Mass to launch Catholic Schools Week-Book of Forgiveness
The Mass to launch Catholic Schools Week in the diocese will be held in St Eugene’s
Cathedral, Derry on Thursday January 28th at 10.00am. The theme this year is ‘Catholic
Schools: Challenged to Proclaim God’s Mercy.’ During December and January we would
like schools to compile a ‘Book of Forgiveness’. Templates are provided for the Front Cover
and for students and staff to anonymously record times when they have been forgiven or have
forgiven someone. Schools will be invited to present their books at the Mass.
Catholic Schools Week Resources
This year the resources for Post Primary will be online and will focus on mercy as an action
motivated by love and compassion. Students will explore how to believe, live and receive
God’s Mercy. These lessons will provide valuable reflections, activities, scripture references
and media clips on the theme of Mercy.
Week of Mercy Ideas
It is proposed that during Catholic Schools Week, Feb 1st-5th, your school could focus on a
‘Week of Mercy’ and some ideas are provided for this week.
Jubilee of Mercy for young people
Pope Francis has declared a Jubilee of Mercy for young people on 23rd April 2016. Around
this date we will have a diocesan event for young people and this will be an ideal time for
schools that participate in the Connected Learning Project to exhibit and celebrate the
student's work.
Official Banners and Pop-Ups for your School
The diocese are selling the official merchandise for the Year of Mercy and schools that wish
to make an order can do so by emailing office@derrydiocese.org Artwork attached
Large Banners - £100
Ambo banners - £50
Free standing (pop up) banners - £50
Year of Mercy
Notes for Teachers
What is a Holy Year?
This year Pope Francis announced an extraordinary jubilee, a Holy Year of Mercy, to
highlight the Catholic Church's "mission to be a witness of mercy." "No one can be excluded
from God's mercy," the pope said, March 13th 2015 "I frequently have thought about how the
church can make more evident its mission to be a witness of mercy" The year will be
celebrated from Dec. 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception until 20th Nov 2016, the
Feast of Christ the King.
“In the Roman Catholic tradition, a Holy Year, or Jubilee is a great religious event. It is a
year of forgiveness of sins and also the punishment due to sin, it is a year of reconciliation
between adversaries, of conversion and receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and
consequently of solidarity, hope, justice, commitment to serve God with joy and in peace with
our brothers and sisters. A Jubilee year is above all the year of Jesus Christ, who brings life
and grace to humanity.” (What is a Holy Year? www.vatican.va/jubilee.../ju_documents_17feb-1997)
The origin of the Christian Jubilee goes back to Bible times. The Law of Moses prescribed a
special year for the Jewish people. In Judaism, the Jubilee dealt largely with land, property,
and property rights. According to Leviticus, slaves and prisoners would be freed, debts would
be forgiven, and the mercies of God would be particularly evident. Leviticus 25:8-13
In the New Testament, Jesus presents himself as the One who brings the old Jubilee to
completion, because he has come to "preach the year of the Lord's favour"
The Jubilee is called a Holy Year, not only because it begins, is marked, and ends with
solemn holy acts, but also because its purpose is to encourage holiness of life. It is seen as a
time during which to strengthen faith, encourage works of charity and communion within the
Church and in society and to call Christians to be more sincere and coherent in their faith in
Jesus Christ.
Traditionally, every 25 years the pope proclaims a holy year, which features special
celebrations and pilgrimages, strong calls for conversion and repentance, and the offer of
special opportunities to experience God's grace through the sacraments, especially
confession. Extraordinary holy years, like the Holy Year of Mercy, are less frequent, but offer
the same opportunities for spiritual growth
The Papal Bull
A Papal Bull is a formal proclamation issued by the pope. The term bull (from the Latin bulla
= bubble or, more generally, a rounded object) originally indicated the metal capsule used to
protect the wax seal attached with a cord to a document of great importance. This let people
know it was genuine and carried authority. Over time, the term began to be used first to
indicate the wax seal, then the document itself, so that nowadays it is used for all papal
documents of special importance that bear, or at least traditionally would have borne, the
Pontiff’s seal.
The Bull for the Indiction (formal announcement or proclamation) of a jubilee, for instance in
the case of an extraordinary Holy Year, indicates its time, with the opening and closing dates
and the main ways in which it will be implemented. It is also the fundamental document for
recognising the spirit in which it is announced, and the intentions and the outcomes hoped for
by the Pontiff, who invokes it for the Church.
Following the first announcement extraordinary Holy Year by Pope Francis on 13th March,
Pope Francis issued the Official Indiction of the Jubilee of Mercy with the publication of the
Bull of Indiction on Saturday 11th April, at 5.30 pm in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Summary of Papal Bull
What does the Papal Bull tell us about why Pope Francis has called a Holy Year of Mercy
and what does he hope will be the outcome for the Church?
1. Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy. Mercy has become living and visible in
Jesus of Nazareth, reaching its culmination in him. The Father, ‘rich in mercy’
(Eph2:4) sent Jesus, his Son, into the world, to reveal his love for us. Whoever sees
Jesus sees the Father (cf. Jn 14:9). Jesus of Nazareth, by his words, his actions, and
his entire person reveals the mercy of God.
2. The mystery of God’s mercy is a wellspring of joy, serenity and peace and our
salvation depends on it. God meets us through Mercy and mercy lives in the heart of
each person who looks sincerely into the eyes of his brothers and sisters on the
journey of life. Mercy opens our hearts to the hope we are loved forever despite our
sin.
3. At times we are called to gaze even more attentively on mercy so that we may become
a more effective sign of the Father’s action in our lives, hence the Jubilee Year of
Mercy.
4. The Holy Year will open on 8 December 2015, the Solemnity of the Immaculate
Conception. This liturgical feast day recalls God’s action from the very beginning of
the history of mankind. He chose Mary to be the Mother of our redeemer, showing in
the face of sin, God’s response is always merciful. A Holy Door will be opened in St
Peter’s that day and in other Churches in Rome in the weeks after that until eventually
Holy Doors will be opened in dioceses. throughout the world.
5. The Jubilee year will close with the liturgical Solemnity of Christ the King on 20
November 2016, focusing on gratitude for the mercy granted throughout the year.
“How much I desire that the year to come will be steeped in mercy, so that we can go
out to every man and woman, bringing the goodness and tenderness of God!”
6. Mercy is not a sign of God’s weakness but of his great power. God is always patient
and merciful. “the mercy of God is not an abstract idea, but a concrete reality with
which he reveals his love as of that of a father or a mother, moved to the very depths
out of love for their child.”
7. “For his mercy endures forever.” From the Old Testament people right through to us
today, we remember that it is through God’s mercy we are saved. “for all eternity man
will always be under the merciful gaze of the Father.” Jesus prayed the psalm of
mercy before his passion. He celebrated the Last Supper and entered into his passion
and death conscious of the great mystery of God’s love- pointing us to God’s mercy
and our need to be merciful in our daily lives.
8. “With our eyes fixed on Jesus and his merciful gaze, we experience the love of the
Most Holy Trinity.” Jesus came to reveal God’s love for us. Jesus’ whole life is an act
of love - the relationships he formed, the people he reached out to - the poor, the
weak, the vulnerable; the miracles he worked – are all meant to teach mercy. “The
calling of Matthew is also presented within the context of mercy. Passing by the tax
collector’s booth, Jesus looked intently at Matthew. It was a look full of mercy that
forgave the sins of that man, a sinner and a tax collector, whom Jesus chose – against
the hesitation of the disciples.”
9. “In the parables devoted to mercy, Jesus reveals the nature of God as that of a Father
who never gives up until he has forgiven the wrong and overcome rejection with
compassion and mercy.” (think of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the father with two
sons (cf. Lk 15:1-32). God’s joy is evident especially when he pardons. This is at the
core of our faith and the Gospel message-mercy overcomes all and fills the heart with
love. We are called to show mercy because the Father has first shown us mercy.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Mt 5:7): the beatitude to
which we should particularly aspire in this Holy Year.
10. “Mercy is the very foundation of the Church’s life. All of her pastoral activity should
be caught up in the tenderness she makes present to believers; nothing in her
preaching and in her witness to the world can be lacking in mercy.” Sometimes the
Church and we are all Church, appears to focus too much on justice, which is
important, but not on mercy. This is a time for all of us to again become a Church
which is merciful and to reach out and to help bear the weaknesses and struggles of
our brothers and sisters.
11. Saint John Paul II highlighted in an encyclical the fact that the world seems to have
forgotten, are almost opposed actually, to the idea of a merciful God. He believes that
man through the advances of science etc believes himself to be self-sufficient, not in
need of God or his mercy. On the other hand he sees groups of people who have a
‘lively faith’ turning to the mercy of God. In the Holy Year Pope Francis would like
us to take up Saint John Paul II’s call to proclaim and witness to mercy in the world
today. He believes the Church is most authentic when drawing people closer to the
Saviour’s mercy.
12. “The Church is commissioned to announce the mercy of God, the beating heart of the
Gospel, which in its own way must penetrate the heart and mind of every person.”
The Church needs to find new ways to again live and transmit mercy and help people
to draw closer to the Father. “In our parishes, communities, associations and
movements, in a word, wherever there are Christians, everyone should find an oasis
of mercy.”
13. “We want to live this Jubilee Year in light of the Lord’s words: Merciful like the
Father.” In order to be capable of mercy we need to listen to the Word of God. This
means finding ways to be silent, to meditate and understand the nature of God’s
mercy revealed by scripture, so we can live it in our lives.
14. “The practice of pilgrimage has a special place in the Holy Year, because it
represents the journey each of us makes in this life.” People are encouraged to make a
pilgrimage, perhaps to the Holy Door in Rome or in their own diocese or another
place of pilgrimage. This is symbolic of the fact that mercy too is a journey towards a
destination, a goal. It requires dedication and sacrifice and can be a place of
conversion-we accept God’s mercy and are in turn merciful ourselves. “The Lord asks
us above all not to judge and not to condemn” We need to be particularly careful
about how we speak of others, to accept the good in everyone and to refrain from
gossip. We must also be, ‘instruments of mercy.’ We need to learn to forgive and
give, to be generous and compassionate with others.
15. During the Holy Year we are encouraged to reach out to those on the margins of
society. We are encouraged to open our eyes to the misery of suffering of so many of
our brothers and sisters in Jesus, to recognise their dignity and heal them with our
mercy and compassion. “It is my burning desire that, during this Jubilee, the
Christian people may reflect on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. It will be a
way to reawaken our conscience, too often grown dull in the face of poverty. At the
heart of the Gospel the poor have a special experience of God’s mercy. Following
Jesus’ example we are to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked,
welcome the stranger, heal the sick, visit those in prison and bury the dead. We are
also to forgive those who hurt us, give counsel to those who doubt, be patient with
those who treat us badly and pray for the living and the dead. (cf. Mt 25:31-45). As
Saint John of the Cross said: “as we prepare to leave this life, we will be judged on
the basis of love”.
16. May the words of the Apostle accompany us: he who does acts of mercy, let him do
them with cheerfulness (cf. Rom 12:8). During the Holy Year we are to echo the
words Jesus read in the synagogue from the Prophet Isaiah, “The Spirit of the Lord
God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good tidings to the
afflicted; he has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the
captives, and freedom to those in captivity; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour”
(Is 61:1-2).
17. During the season of Lent we have a very special opportunity to experience God’s
mercy. Meditating on the scripture of Lent will help us to rediscover the merciful face
of God the Father. The initiative, ‘24 hours for the Lord’ is to be celebrated in every
diocese. Many people are finding their way back to the sacrament of Reconciliation. It
should be an experience for people to ‘true interior peace.’ Confessors are called to
be authentic signs of the Father’s mercy and to accept people coming to the sacrament
as the Father does in the Prodigal Son – with open arms, rejoicing at their return.
Confessors are to be signs of God’s infinite mercy, hearing people’s plea for mercy
and help.
18. During Lent Pope Francis will send out ‘Missionaries of Mercy’, priests specially
commissioned to bring God’s mercy to each diocese, to be ‘heralds of joy and
forgiveness.’
19. Pope Francis calls for people involved in criminal activities, in criminal gangs, in
corruption to consider again their choices and to use the Holy Year as an opportunity
for conversion, an opportunity to recognise the suffering their activities cause to
innocent people and to accept God’s merciful touch in their lives.
20. ‘God’s justice is his mercy’. Whilst acknowledging the importance of true justice, we
have to be careful not to be like the Pharisees and burden people with the law and
forget to apply mercy. Jesus reached out to sinners and offered them pardon and
salvation-that is the great gift of true mercy. It reveals the depth of his mercy at the
heart of his mission.
21. “Mercy is not opposed to justice but rather expresses God’s way of reaching out to
the sinner, offering him a new chance to look at himself, convert, and believe.” God
does not limit himself to justice alone - this is not to devalue justice – but mercy and
forgiveness applied to justice allows us to experience God’s love as the true
foundation of justice. ‘God’s justice is his mercy given to everyone as a grace that
flows from the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.’
22. “A Jubilee also entails the granting of indulgences. This practice will acquire an even
more important meaning in the Holy Year of Mercy. God’s forgiveness knows no
bounds.” Through living the indulgence of the Holy Year means we will approach the
mercy of the Father with the certainty that God’s ‘forgiveness extends to the entire life
of the believer.’
23. During the Holy Year it is hoped that we will foster better relationships with other
religions entering into dialogue and encounter with them so we will know and
understand them better.
24. Pope Francis places us under the care of Mary, Mother of Mercy in the hope we will
rediscover the joy of God’s tenderness. Her prayer, her Magnificat, spoken to her
cousin Elizabeth was dedicated to the mercy of God. Her prayer that God’s mercy
extends from generation to generation includes us here today. At the foot of the cross
she heard Jesus’ words of forgiveness for those who crucified him, bearing witness to
the depth of God’s mercy for each one of us.
25. “In this Jubilee Year, may the Church echo the word of God that resounds strong and
clear as a message and a sign of pardon, strength, aid, and love. May she never tire
of extending mercy, and be ever patient in offering compassion and comfort. May the
Church become the voice of everyman and woman, and repeat confidently without
end: “Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love, for they have been
from of old” (Ps 25:6)
Opening Assembly for Year of Mercy 8th December 2015
Introduction- Reader 1 (Teacher or Principal)
Today is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady, a day when we celebrate
Mary as the girl who was chosen by God to be the Mother of Jesus and who from the moment
of her conception, lived a life without sin.
Pope Francis has also chosen today’s feast as the beginning of an Extraordinary Jubilee Year
of Mercy. This means the year ahead will be a special year in the Church were we will focus
in a particular way on the gift of Mercy, what is mercy, how do we show mercy to others and
how are we healed when someone shows mercy to us.
Over this year in school we will open a door of mercy, we will have mercy stations, as always
we will engage in works of mercy to support those less fortunate than ourselves and we will
have the opportunity to reflect on how much God loves us and therefore grants forgiveness to
us always, and renews us in mind, body and spirit.
Letter from Bishop for Year of Mercy
Bishop Donal has written a letter to all young people in our schools to mark the opening of
the Year of Mercy.
Reader 2
Letter-from Bishop Donal (enclosed)
Reader 3
When we think of Mercy we are reminded that God loves us all unconditionally and his
mercy is endless. Jesus is the face of Mercy and there are many stories in the bible that
highlight how Jesus showed mercy, how he forgave sins, how he didn’t judge. Let us listen
to the story from John’s Gospel.
(You could use 4 readers for this text, Narrator, Pharisee, Jesus and the woman)
N-At daybreak he appeared in the Temple again; and as all the people came to him, he sat
down and began to teach them. The scribes and Pharisees brought a woman along who had
been caught committing adultery; and making her stand there in the middle they said to Jesus,
P-'Master, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery, and in the Law
Moses has ordered us to stone women of this kind. What have you got to say?'
N-They asked him this as a test, looking for an accusation to use against him. But Jesus bent
down and started writing on the ground with his finger.
As they persisted with their question, he straightened up and said,
J-'Let the one among you who is guiltless be the first to throw a stone at her.'
N-Then he bent down and continued writing on the ground.
When they heard this they went away one by one, beginning with the eldest, until the last one
had gone and Jesus was left alone with the woman, who remained in the middle.
Jesus again straightened up and said,
J-'Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?'
W-'No one, sir,'
N-she replied.
J-'Neither do I condemn you,'
N-said Jesus.
J-'Go away, and from this moment sin no more.
Reader 3-Reflection
This story is a story that we can all relate to because it is a story about ‘Shame’. The
Pharisees wanted to shame this woman because she had done something wrong she had
sinned. Each of us make mistakes and we are all sinners but what makes something we do
even worse, is people finding out about it or talking about it in public, shame is horrible.
Jesus’ response to this lady in the story is full of love, respect and dignity. He isn’t interested
in what she did or in shaming her. Jesus wants to restore her dignity, forgive her sin and he
wants her to change her life, he urges her not to do this again. And so it is the same for us,
when we make a mistake, when we hurt someone or chose the wrong option, Jesus wants to
renew us, to forgive us, to say to us; my love for you is greater than any sin. Mercy is Jesus
renewing us and asking us to try again to go away and sin no more.
Amazing Grace
Reader 4 ‘Amazing Grace’, was inspired by John Newton. Once an atheist he fell into
misfortunate and as a servant on a slave ship he was badly treated. His circumstances
changed and he became a captain of his own slave ship. During a storm out at sea he called
out ‘Lord have mercy upon us’, they survived the storm and he had a conversion, his faith
journey began to grow from here. He eventually became a passionate minister and
befriended a well known poet. The lyrics of amazing grace are inspired by Newton and tell
his life story, he refers to himself as a wretch who once was lost but then was found, he
claimed he was saved by amazing grace.
This hymn is a wonderful example of the power of God’s Mercy in someone’s life.
Reflection on the hymn or sing the hymn. Amazing Grace links can be found at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDdvReNKKuk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G72NucLEGM
Prayers for Mercy (Reader 5)
Conscious of the need for mercy and peace in so many places in our world today we pray for
an end to terrorist attacks, may countries learn to respect one another and live in peace.
Lord Hear Us
We pray for mercy and healing for the people of Paris, Russia, Syria and other nations that
are struggling to cope with loss and destruction.
Lord Hear Us
We pray for mercy for refugees and all those who find themselves displaced and threatened.
Loving God help these people find a compassionate and loving response to their needs.
Lord Hear Us
Lord help us to be young people of mercy, may we be humble enough to ask forgiveness
when we do wrong and strong enough to response to those who hurt us with love and respect.
Lord Hear Us
God we thank you that Pope Francis has declared this year of Mercy, may it be a grace filled
time to grow in love and mercy within our family, school and community.
Lord Hear Us
Closing Prayer
Reader 1 Pope Francis reminds us that in mercy we find proof of how God loves us. He
gives his entire self, always, freely, asking nothing in return. May each of us this year be
aware of God’s mercy more deeply and be renewed in celebrating, living and sharing this
mercy daily.
We pray together in the word’s Jesus gave us
Our Father
Post-Primary Letter from Bishop McKeown Opening the Year of Mercy
The face of Pope Francis is known around the world. He is so often photographed,
smiling and reaching out to people. He offers reassurance and hope in a world that is
so often marked by conflict and fear.
Pope Francis knows the problems of the world very well. And that is why he has
announced a Year of Mercy. He invites all of us in the Church to know the love and
mercy of God –and then to let others know about it. The world needs to know the
mercy of God more than ever.
Our world is both beautiful and challenging. Faith encourages us to celebrate the
beautiful things of life – and to face the challenges with confidence. Christians believe
that, because of the Resurrection of Jesus, grace is stronger than sin. Jesus said, “I
have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
St Paul wrote, For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer
counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of
reconciliation.( 2 Corinthians 5:19) This Year of Mercy is an invitation to us to know
and to proclaim the mercy and compassion of God for a hurting world.
There are many people who need to be healed of terrible and traumatic memories.
Because of violence, fear or tragic circumstances, they yearn to know of a God whose
identity is marked by merciful forgiveness. Some feel tortured by feelings that they
are useless or that their life has no value. We all know individuals who have made bad
decisions in life – and who feel that it is not worth trying to change their damaging
patterns of behaviour. God's endless mercy shows us that change is possible, that the
help of God is always there, that it is never too late to come to our senses and return to
the Father’s house.
I hope and pray that you will enter into this Year of Mercy both as a school
community but individually for yourselves also. There is much need for reconciliation
and healing in our communities, country and indeed the whole world. Healing and
reconciliation are possible in Jesus. That is the good news that we know and share.
I trust that your school will continue to tell the story of the God who wants to heal the
face of the earth.
Bishop Donal Mc Keown
24 November 2015
Amazing Grace
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.
Door of Mercy Notes
This is a designated door in the school that becomes the Door of Mercy. To mark this door
we propose you display the mercy logo provided on the door. We would like you to use some
of the words of the Act of Sorrow on either side of the door. On one side you could display
‘O My God, I thank you for loving me, I am sorry for all my sins.’
And on the other side
‘Help me to live like Jesus and not sin again Amen.’
These words help us focus on the two aspects of mercy-we are shown mercy by God the
Father and in living like Jesus we are called to show mercy to others. Each time someone
walks through the door they are called to remember and give thanks for times they have been
forgiven by God and others. When they go back through the door they are asked to remember
and pray for people they have forgiven or need to forgive. These aspects can be explained to
the students during the assembly.
Assembly for Opening the Door of Mercy
Reader 1 (Teacher or Principal)
Today we are officially opening the Door of Mercy in our school. The Door of Mercy is
located (add location in your school here)
In this special jubilee year of mercy we hope that as we pass through this door it will
physically remind us that we are called everyday to live mercy, to be mercy, to show mercy
not only to those we love but to those who challenge us.
Opening Hymn ‘Open wide the Doors to Christ’ or Be Still for the Presence of the Lord.
The Door- Reader 2
The universal logo and theme for the Year of Mercy is printed on our door, ‘Merciful like the
Father’. This reminds us of the Mercy shown by the Father in the parable of the Prodigal
Son. We are like the son, no matter what we do in life, God the Father’s love is everlasting
and his forgiveness ever present.
On our mercy door we have the words
O My God, I thank you for loving me, I am sorry for all my sins.’
And on the other side
‘Help me to live like Jesus and not sin again Amen.’
These words help us think about the two forms of mercy
-we are shown mercy by God the Father and
-in living like Jesus we are called to show mercy to others.
Each time we walk through the door let us try to remember to be merciful to others and
forgive those who offend us. Also let us accept that God forgives me and loves me
unconditionally.
Reader 3
Pope Francis tells us Jesus is the face of the Father’s mercy.
Mercy has become living and visible in Jesus. The Father, rich in mercy sent Jesus, his Son, into the
world, to reveal his love for us. Jesus, by his words, his actions, and his entire person reveals the
mercy of God.
God’s mercy is a wellspring of joy, serenity and peace and our salvation depends on it. Mercy lives in
the heart of each person who looks sincerely into the eyes of his brothers and sisters on the journey of
life. Mercy opens our hearts to the hope we are loved forever despite our sin.
Reader 4 & 5 –Reflect & Pray
Reader 4- Let us think about ways to be young people of Mercy in thought, word and action.
Reader 5 The bible tells us ‘let your minds be filled with everything that is true, everything
that is honourable, everything that is upright and pure, everything that we love and admire
with whatever is good and praiseworthy.
Reader 4 We ask God to bless out thoughts that we may think like Jesus asks us to and be
young people of Mercy.
Reader 5 The Bible tells us ‘Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that
build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear
you.’
Reader 4 We ask God to bless our words that we may speak as Jesus asks us to and be young
people of Mercy.
Reader 5 The Bible tells us Peter came and said to Jesus, "Lord, how often shall I forgive my
brother? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up
to seventy times seven.’
Reader 4 There is no limit to how many times we need to forgive others, we ask God to bless
our actions that we may be able to show love and respect to all and be young people of
Mercy.
Reader 1 In the Prayer the ‘Our Father’ Jesus explains that part of being forgiven for our sins
involves us showing forgiveness to others. We pray together in the words Jesus gave us
Our Father
Closing Hymn
Let there be Love shared among us or Here I am Lord
Week of Mercy 1st-5th February 2016
Action Plan and Ideas
 Bishop Donal will deliver a second message to young people at the beginning of this
week.
 Open the Door of Mercy in your school. A liturgy is provided
 During this week we hope schools will find time to explore Lesson 1 on Contrition
and visit the Mercy Station 1
 Use the Catholic School's Week Resources including School Liturgy/Assembly.
 Display people of Mercy on a school notice board
 Films of Mercy could be reviewed and displayed
 Mercy is kindness- all students could take part in 5 random acts of kindness 1 a day
for the week, examples:
1. Talk to someone you dislike (nicely)
2. Buy a thank you card for someone who deserves it
3. Do a chore at home without being ask
4. Visit a relative or friend that you haven’t given much time recently
5. Think of a cool surprise for someone close to you
 Offer Reconciliation to as many year groups as possible in these weeks as Lent begins
Feb 10th.
 Invite a Speaker in to talk about Mercy such as Richard Moore or Nuala O’Loan
 Have a workshop on Mercy delivered by the Derry Youth Community
 Run an art or creative writing competition on the theme of Mercy
 Chose a school charity or outreach project for the week linked to the Corporal Works
of Mercy. ‘Feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, bury the dead,
shelter the traveller, comfort the sick, and free the imprisoned.’
Lesson 1 -Who Am I?
Mercy Station 1
Contrition
Background Notes
This station will allow time for pupils and staff to reflect on the fact that we are all children
of God, made in his loving image and likeness, called to share in ‘his blessed life.’ (CCC 1)
Through our baptism we become brothers and sisters of Jesus who draws us into a loving
relationship with God. However there are times when we fracture that relationship-this is
when we sin.
When Jesus is asked about the commandments he declares that the two greatest
commandments are commandments of love. These commandments are commandments of
interaction, of relationship.
Jesus says,
“Listen, Israel the Lord your God is the one Lord, and you must love the Lord your God with
all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength. You must
love your neighbour as yourself,” (Mark 12:29-30/Matthew 26:40)
If we keep the commandments of God we are true to ourselves and to God. If we are true to
ourselves and to God we are people whose lives are marked by love. When we are untrue to
ourselves and to God we sin.
Station One (December-January)
We propose a sacred space (mercy station) is created in a central and/or accessible area of the
school.
Resources
Year of Mercy Logo-(perhaps one created by students in art and design or digital. Include
the school name)
Cloths
Candle
Bible
Crucifix
Baskets/Sealed box
Bowl of Holy Water
Scripture Quote Laminated
“Listen, Israel the Lord your God is the one Lord, and you must love the Lord your God with
all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength. You must
love your neighbour as yourself,” (Mark 12:29-30/Matthew 26:40)
Preparation with Form Class or R.E. class for visit to the Year of Mercy Station
Read and Reflect
The following is a very simple format for a time of prayer and reflection which enables the
students to deepen their understanding of God’s Word and its implications for how they live
their lives.
1. Stillness Exercise
2. Reading/Reflection on the Word of God
3. Action.
Stillness Exercise
(If possible students should be well spaced out to help cut down on distractions)
Leader (slowly and quietly)
Close your eyes…
Still your body…
Listen to your breath as it flows in and out of your lungs…
Feel your breath as it enters your nostrils...
(pause)
Feel your breath as it travels all the way to your lungs, bringing life to every part of your
body…
(pause)
Feel your breath as it leaves your body, as it gently flows out of your nostrils…
(pause)
Listen to your breath for a while as it gets slower and slower…
(pause)
Close your eyes…
As you breathe in and out become aware that God is in every breath you take…
Reading/Reflecting on the Word of God
Before reading the scripture piece, light a candle as a reminder that the Risen Jesus is always
with us. You might also suggest to the class that as they listen to the story a particular word
of phrase from the passage may stand out for them. Explain to them that this is one way the
Holy Spirit may speak to them through God’s Word.
“Listen, Israel the Lord your God is the one Lord, and you must love the Lord your God with
all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength. You must
love your neighbour as yourself,” (Mark 12:29-30/Matthew 26:40)
Read the scripture text through slowly.
Read it again and at the end allow the students time for quiet reflection on what they have
heard.
Ask them to open their eyes and be present again to their surroundings.
If they feel comfortable, encourage them to say/write/draw the word or phrase that stood out
for them during the reading and reflection time.
To finish simply say together, Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit
as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Things to Think, Chat, Write, Draw, Pray, Sing, about!
To be Holy is to be who you are, no more but no less!
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How does it feel to be loved?
Who loves us?
How does God show his love us?
What is your image of God?
What do you think God’s image is of you?
When God looks at us, he looks at us with love-how does that makes us feel?
What does it mean to be one of God’s children made in his image and likeness?
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What gifts and talents has God given me in my life?
What does it mean to be a sister or brother of Jesus through Baptism?
What does it mean to be each other’s sister or brother through Baptism?
How do we follow God’s call in our lives? (Mary and the apostles could be used as
examples here as well as saints)
How do we show God’s love to others? What examples did Jesus give us? How did he
treat people? How did he let people know they were loved by God
Option 1 Story of the Prodigal Son & Activity
Teacher reads the story from scripture Luke 15: 11-32 or if they are familiar with this parable
you might like to tell the story in your own words, use a role-play/drama or show a media
clip such as https://vimeo.com/35595649
Chat to the students about the fact that like The Lost Son there are times in our lives when we
don’t reflect God’s love and when we don’t follow the call of God in our lives. When we
reject God’s love we sin.
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Discuss how we are called to show love in our actions, thoughts and deeds but
often we chose or make decisions that are the opposite to showing love, we reject
love or worse we hurt the very people who love us.
In groups get the class to make a poster/table showing or listing times when we do
show love and times when we don’t and therefore sin. Can they list some
examples of sin?
Are they aware of the terms vice and virtue, introduce or recap on this. YOUCAT
Para 294 explains ‘passions ordered to the good become virtues, they become the
motive force for a life of love and justice. Passions that overpower a person and
rob him of his freedom is called a vice. If we think of anger it can help us to act
justly or really defend what we believe is right and true, but we cannot allow
anger to turn into hatred or revenge if we do we are no longer showing love.
Finally ask the students to think about times when they have not reflected God’s
love in their lives, when they have sinned. Give a little quiet time for this and ask
them to name these in their mind and if you feel it would work to record these on
paper. If recorded these are to be kept private, folded and brought to the Station. It
would be an idea to let them know beforehand that they will be going into a sealed
box at the sacred space and destroyed.
Option 2 Story of Peter & Reflection
Jesus helps us see that even though Peter got it wrong many times in the gospels Jesus trusted
him and chose him as the leader. Peter wasn’t perfect but he was very aware of his mistakes,
he knew when he got it wrong and he needed God’s Mercy.
If we reflect on Peter he got it wrong about Jesus having to suffer, he got it wrong when Jesus
attempted to wash his feet but even worse Peter let Jesus down when he needed him most.
Peter loved Jesus and everything he taught him, he was his right hand man, and yet when
Jesus was captured to be put to death where was his closest friend Peter. Peter denied he
even knew Jesus, this was wrong, this was sinful, Peter didn’t chose to love. As Peter stood
by the fire he was in denial. It was only when Peter saw Jesus that he realised how much he
had hurt his friend and we are told in scripture Peter went outside and ‘wept bitterly’.
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We learn from this story that what we do wrong can sometimes be quite personal until
we realise the impact it has on our relationship with Jesus and our relationship with
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others. Sin is about more than the action we do wrong or fail to do. This is the key to
understanding why we should be sorry for our sins, when we sin; we are breaking that
relationship of love with Jesus and others.
Let’s reflect on times of sin in our lives and the impact it has on our relationship with
Jesus and also the person we have sinned against.
Give a little quiet time for this and ask them to name these in their mind and if you
feel it would work to record these on paper. If recorded these are to be kept private,
folded and brought to the Station. It would be an idea to let them know beforehand
that they will be going into a sealed box at the sacred space and destroyed.
Station Visit
One of the things Pope Francis has asked that this year also be a year of pilgrimage.
Talk to the student’s about the idea of journeys – journeys they have taken – their journey to
school, their journeys for holidays, visits to family, best journey, worse journey. Help them
to understand that life is also a journey and Jesus wants to walk this journey with them.
If possible when taking the class to the Mercy Station walk them in and back through the
school ‘Door of Mercy’.
Say Pope Francis Prayer for Mercy before leaving the class (copy provided)
Walk to the Door of Mercy in silence
Say together ‘O My God, I thank you for loving me, I am sorry for all my sins.’
At the Station
Students are invited to leave their ‘sins’ in the sealed box
Teacher reads again
“Listen, Israel the Lord your God is the one Lord, and you must love the Lord your God with
all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength. You must
love your neighbour as yourself,” (Mark 12:29-30/Matthew 26:40)
Class say together (Psalm 86)
You are my God, so be merciful to me;
I pray to you all day long
Make your servant glad, O Lord,
Because my prayers go up to you.
You are good to us and forgiving,
Full of constant love for all who pray to you.
Teacher and students bless themselves with the Holy Water; remind them that this is a
symbol of their Baptism. Explain they will have an opportunity to go to Confession during
the week of mercy or whenever that will be for them.
Walk back through the Door of Mercy in silence
Say together ‘Help me to live like Jesus and not sin again Amen.’
In the class say together, Our Father who art in heaven…..
Year 9/10 Connected Learning Project – The Year of Mercy
This project will enable several departments to embrace the theme of Mercy in this special
Jubilee Year. The departments that get involved may vary from school to school and the
following is a guide provided by the departments of St Columb’s College that you are
welcome to use as a template. Further notes and ideas will be available for participating
schools.
When each department has completed the stated work they will have a Connected Learning
day and invite guests to the school to view the work and invite parents. There may be an
opportunity for a Liturgy or Mass this day also. It is envisaged that as a diocese we will
bring the connected learning work from several schools together at a diocesan event that will
coincide with the Jubilee of Mercy for Young people April 2016.
Art & Design:
December -1 week (double period & one homework for assessment) After investigating and
saving screen shots of selected images on iPad Year 9 pupils will create an illustration (which
can be used for displays without text at a later stage –late Feb/early March)for a Christmas
Card. These should focus on the theme of Mercy/Compassion- the real meaning of Christmas
– e.g. icons of Our Lady of Mercy. Teachers may wish to produce 3D tea light jam jar
silhouette lanterns as an option.
Jan/Feb – 1 week (double period & one homework for assessment) We will move the Holy
Week image work forward. Pupils will produce images investigating Holy Week with a
particular focus on acts of mercy/compassion. These may include stained glass window
designs.
Religious Education:
At the beginning of term two pupils explore conflict and how to resolve it. This leads into a
discussion of the Great Schism and then into an examination of the Reformation and Martin
Luther. Pupils also discuss Christian denominations in NI. At this time they will discuss the
importance of reconciliation/forgiveness and mercy. They will explore an example of
forgiveness from the lives of Richard Moore, Saint John-Paul II and Gordon Wilson. Pupils
will answer questions on these personalities and word-process their answers. They will also
insert images of the three people concerned. Teachers will be provided with a resource pack
for this activity. This will include source material, worksheet, mark scheme and links to
relevant WebPages.
Music:
We will select and discuss a modern song which deals with the theme of mercy and develop a
listening exercise from it. Pupils will then have the chance to learn and to perform the song
together as a class.
English:
Animal Farm February Writing Assessment...
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Task- Pupils will produce a Propaganda Leaflet in response to this central Theme
in the novel.
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Focus- Teachers will focus on the potential Reconciliation element between
antagonistic Parties- students will discuss in groups how the 2 sides can be
reconciled, if at all…Drama/Group-work to model reconciliatory ideas
Outcome- We will produce 1 double board of work to represent best work from the
Dept…
History:
‘Historical characters who have shown acts of mercy.’
We are thinking of each Year 10 class choosing one figure from History who has shown an
act of mercy or an act of kindness towards others. The people of study would span a
significant period of History. Our final display would be the best piece of work from each
class, and 9/10 people in a timeline titled ‘ top ten greatest acts of kindness/ mercy through
History’
Biology:
We will consider how we should work together in the name of Science to promote good and
fair practice in the science industry and show respect for the environment.
Intensive farming practices for financial gain should be set aside for less invasive practices
that respect the environment and maintain and support biodiversity. Sustainable farming and
traditional agricultural practice shows greater respect for the land and water resources in
Northern Ireland. As a group of young scientists we will help our pupils to understand how
they can guide farmers and advise them of the importance of showing respect for our natural
resources.
We will also consider environmental problems on a global scale - for example we will study
the use of the pesticide DDT. Its use was banned here in the 1970s as it resulted in the
phenomenon known as the ‘The Silent Spring’. Many birds died as a result of the
bioaccumulation of the pesticide in their tissues. This pesticide is currently being used in
developing countries and is resulting in serious damage to human health. We as a country
need to be charitable and stand up for those in the world who are weaker than us. We need to
speak out against unacceptable practice that can damage life and our natural resources.
Prayer for the Year of Mercy-Pope Francis (shortened)
Lord Jesus Christ,
you have taught us to be merciful like the heavenly Father,
and have told us that whoever sees you sees Him.
Show us your face and we will be saved.
You are the visible face of the invisible Father,
Send your Spirit and consecrate every one of us with its anointing,
so that the Jubilee of Mercy may be a year of grace from the Lord,
and your Church, with renewed enthusiasm, may bring good news to the poor,
proclaim liberty to captives and the oppressed,
and restore sight to the blind.
We ask this of you, Lord Jesus, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of
Mercy; you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and
ever.
Amen