Fasting – 6th Form Prayer Resources #4

The Becket way word of the week – POSITIVE FREEDOMS

When we think about freedom we often associate it with not having rules or regulations, that we can do what we like whenever we like.  This is called negative freedom.  Negative freedom can lead to chaos and ultimately reduced freedom as people can be treated unkindly or experience bullying and injustice. 

What is more important is Positive freedom.  Positive freedom is when we have freedom from urges and emotions that control your actions.   Through training and practice of positive habits we do not become slave to our emotions but can be self-disciplined particularly in situations which are challenging (monster moments).  When we have positive freedom, we are more likely to be trusted by others and have greater independence and control over our life.  We are more likely to build positive relationships with others and be successful in life. 

• Share with your tutor group – what does this mean?  Why is this important in your learning? Developing of character?
• Incorporate it within your conversation with students during lesson or unstructured time.
• Include in any roll call that week.

This week’s prayer resources were planned by 12N- Thank you!

This week we are praying for…

• We pray for all those who go hungry
• Those struggling with their health both mentally and physically
• Pope Francis

Please keep them in your prayers this week and don’t forget to add any suggestions for prayer intentions to the comments box below!

Key Stage Celebration of the Word and Catholic Life Rota:

Patrick House Mass is taking place during period 1 and into Becket Reads. All Patrick 6th form students are very welcome to attend. Students who have a free period are also welcome to join if you would like to celebrate this special feast Day!

There will be no in person CoTW this week and our Celebration will be shared virtually under the COTW tab

Wednesday form time – News and Comms Mission Team – please meet in B11 to finish the articles you have started! (a list of students will be sent to staff)

Thursday form time – Prayer and Liturgy Mission Team – please meet in B11 to be involved in a Stations of the Cross project which will be shared in our final week before the holidays.

Friday lunchtime – Donate to CAFOD and enjoy some fairly traded treats at our Fairtrade Tuckshop in the atrium!

Chaplaincy Mission Team meetings will resume during Monday and Wednesday lunchtimes next week. Please look out for the meeting rota on Be Inspirational next week!

Youth 2000 Event – 22nd March 2025

Youth 2000 and the Nottingham Diocese Young Adults Department are offering a day to reconnect with Jesus this Lent. It promises to be a wonderful day, full of joy, community and prayer. This one day retreat will be held at The Briars, with a free shuttle service from Ambergate train station. To book tickets, head to dioceseofnottingham.uk/events or head to NDCYS socials to find the links!

Search for the Light Open Retreat – 17th-20th March 2025

The Brairs are offering an open retreat for all students in Years 10-13. It’s a wonderful opportunity to spend Easter weekend at The Briars, growing in faith and meeting like-minded young people. We always have a wonderful time, and at only £55 a person for 4 days it’s an absolute bargain! To sign-up, head to ndcys.com/events-and-opportunities/search/ 

Work Experience and Volunteer Year

The Briars are now recruiting for the wonderful volunteer team for 2025/26! It’s a great opportunity to learn so many new skills, from video editing to first aid, working with Special Educational Needs to leading prayers, the world is your oyster once you’ve spent a year at The Briars. The Briars welcome applications from anyone who will be aged 18-25 in September 2025. They are also always delighted to welcome individuals for work experience and our Summer internships. For more information please email [email protected] 

Art Competition! Deadline: Monday 24th March

Good morning, let’s start the day by checking in with today’s Lenten challenge…

We invite you to make the Sign of the Cross. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Today we invite you to listen to a song by the worship group – Boyce worship collective.
Whilst you listen to the song we invite you reflect on the lyrics in your prayer journals.

Which lyrics jump out at you or really mean something to you? You could write them down or make some art work.

If you struggling with choosing something to write or draw, choose a theme from the Lenten calendar and write or draw a prayer intention (e.g. linked to fasting, st patrick, spring, st joseph)

Heavenly Father,

As I come before You in this time of fasting, I surrender my weakness and hunger, knowing that it is not by my strength, but through Christ in me, that I am sustained. Teach me to rely on Your grace, to seek You above all, and to hunger for righteousness more than earthly bread.

Just as the song declares, “Yet not I, but through Christ in me,” let my fasting draw me nearer to Your heart, deepen my dependence on You, and reflect Your glory in my life.

May this Lenten season refine me, renew me, and realign me with Your perfect will.

Amen.

We end with the sign of the cross,  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

This week’s Celebration of the Word is shared by Mr Kemple. Please make sure to create a prayerful atmosphere before beginning. Clear the desks, dim the lights, light a candle if you have one and get comfortable…

Good morning, let’s take a quick look at today’s Lenten challenge…

We invite you to start with the sign of the cross. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

🌸 Today (Thursday) is the First Day of Spring – A Time for Renewal 🌸

March 20th marks the First Day of Spring, a season of renewal and growth. Just as trees are pruned to grow stronger, we too, can reflect on the habits we need to “prune” in our own lives.

🌱 Reflect: If fasting is about growth, what could you let go of to grow spiritually? Are there distractions or habits that hold you back?

This week, we are going to challenge you to fast from noise, the busy-ness of a classroom and looking at screens in your form room…

We challenge you today or tomorrow to turn off your screens, step away from your form room and take a walk in the school grounds (e.g. on the field or around the astro).

Breathe in the fresh air, enjoy the beauty of nature, and use this time to reflect, connect, and renew as we begin this season of Spring.

Prayer before walk:

Heavenly Father,

As the weathering season changes and new life begins to bloom, help me to embrace renewal in my own heart. Show me what I need to let go of—habits, distractions, or burdens—that keep me from growing closer to You.

Teach me to fast from the noise of the world and to find peace in Your presence. As I step outside and walk in Your creation, may I be reminded of Your grace, Your beauty, and the new beginnings You offer each day.

Amen.

We end with the sign of the cross,  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Good morning, let’s take a quick look at today and Saturday’s Lenten challenge…

We invite you to begin this time of prayer by making the Sign of the Cross. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Today, 12N would like you to play a game of “would you rather”.

Your staff member or a volunteer will read out a statement that you need to discuss and then give you a minute to discuss your reasoning….

You might get asked to share which option you voted for and why. Perhaps the leader could ask for a show of hands for each option after allowing some time for discussion.

Hide the statements from the screen and read them aloud one by one….

• Would you rather fast from chocolate or fast food?

• Would you rather fast from social media or music?
• Would you rather fast from speaking for a day or from your phone for a day?
• Would you rather fast from Netflix or gaming?
• Would you rather spend your whole day in constant noise or have moments of complete silence?

Additional Discussion:

• Which of the options above would be the hardest to give up?
• Why do we often struggle to give things up? and why is it good to challenge ourselves in Lent to practise Fasting?
  

Why Do We Fast?

• Fasting isn’t just about giving something up for the sake of it—it’s about discipline, sacrifice, and growing closer to God.
• Have you ever fasted before? What was it like? What did you learn from it?

Church Teaching:

• Catholics fast on Ash Wednesday & Good Friday.
• Catholics abstain from meat on Fridays in Lent.
• But fasting isn’t just about food! It can be anything that helps us grow spiritually (e.g., fasting from gossip, negativity, distractions).

Challenge yourself to take on some of Pope Francis’ fasting ideas during Lent:

Jesus, As we journey through this season of Lent, help us to embrace fasting with joyful hearts.
Teach us that fasting is not just about giving up, but about growing closer to You.
Give us strength when we struggle, patience when we are tempted, and wisdom to see the deeper meaning of sacrifice.
May our fasting open our hearts to those in need, deepen our love for You, and remind us that true fulfilment comes from Your grace alone.

Amen.

We end with the sign of the cross, In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen