The Church teaches that torture is evil. Included in the definition would be bullying. Jesus Christ himself was a victim of torture, suffering incredible pain and indignity by the authorities. He was a victim of bullying and name-calling and many wished he would just go away. During this Lent, let us reflect on how we can better recognize bullying in ourselves and others so we can build more welcoming and loving homes, schools and communities.
Opening Prayer
O God, merciful and strong,
who crush wars and cast down the proud,
be pleased to banish violence swiftly from our midst
and to wipe away all tears,
st that we may all truly deserve to be called your children.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen
the collect of “In Times of War or Civil Disturbance” ;
Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010, ICEL. All rights reserved.)
Scripture Reading – Psalm for Wednesday of Holy Week
Catechism 2297-2298
Compendium 404;
Pope Francis on Torture in jails and prisons (paragraph II. c.)
Pope St. John Paul II on Torture (paragraph 80);
Pope Benedict XVI on torture;
Pope Francis on torture;
USCCB Backgrounder on Torture, 2013;
USCCB Torture is a Moral Issue Guide, 2007;
USCCB Study Guide on
Torture One-Day Workshop, 2012;
UN Convention against Torture
and Other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment;
Catechesis Reflection Questions
Grades k-6
Domestic Church (The home)
Witness Video Questions
Grades K-6
Domestic Church (the home)
Action Steps
Grades K-6
Domestic Church (the home)
Closing Prayer
From now on, Lord,
Help me to bring your love everywhere:
to schools and hospitals,
to marketplaces and theaters,
to press and television.
No one should be deprived
of the environment of love.
Lord, love is the means you want me to use
to bear witness to you,
or you would have shown me another way.
(From Prayers of Hope, Words of Courage,
by Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan,
Pauline Books, 2002)
The KnowBullying app for iOS and Android is designed to help parents initiate difficult conversations about bullying and harassment with their children. It also helps parents look for different warning signs to aid them in identifying not only if their children may have been bullied, but also if they may be doing the bullying. Users can share conversation starters, successful strategies, and useful advice via Facebook, Twitter, email, and text messages. Resources for Educators includes information on how to prevent bullying in the classroom and support children who are being bullied. The app was created initially for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), US Department of Health and Human Services, in conjunction with StopBullying.gov. Cost: Free
https://www.stopbullying.gov/prevention/talking-about-it/index.html
http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/no-bullying.html
http://www.pacer.org/bullying/resources/parents/helping-your-child.asp