Faith Curriculum Library: Tapestry of Faith: Heeding the Call: A Program on Justicemaking for Junior High School Youth

Opening

Activity time: 5 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Chalice, candle, lighter or LED/battery-operated candle
  • Newsprint, markers and tape

Preparation for Activity

  • Write the chalice lighting words on newsprint and post.

Description of Activity

Gather youth in a circle. Welcome first-time participants. Invite everyone to reflect on the word "responsibility." If there are new people present, ask youth to go around the circle, say their names and one responsibility they have. Ask if anyone would like to share anything noted in their Justicemakers Guide since the last meeting. Light the chalice, or invite a participant to do so, and recruit a volunteer to read the chalice lighting words:

As we light this chalice, we take a moment to reflect on our first time gathered together, around a similar flame. Our time together has not always been easy or always fun. Yet, it is ours. Let us claim it and claim also the important and useful experiences we have shared.

Ask the group to be silent for a moment as they reflect on the words. End the silence with "So be it," or other appropriate words.

Tell the group that today's theme is responsible leadership. Ask for volunteers to share what they think this theme have to do with justice.