- Theme
- Catholic Social Teaching
- Age Range
- 14+
- Type
- Activities
- Number of Participants
- 4+
- Timescale
- 30-60 minutes
Quick overview
The charity Open Doors is a UK-based charity which supports those persecuted around the world. This activity involves writing a letter to someone who is experiencing persecution because of their Christian beliefs via this charity.
*This can be a sensitive subject, but is still and important one to cover. We suggest focussing on the positives; the hope we have in Christ and how He never abandons us.
Supplies you’ll need
Some pens and cards/paper.
Simple letter writing guidelines from Open Doors.
Print off some stories of people who you can write to (available through the Open Doors website).
Leading the activity
Option 1:
Talk about the Year of Mercy (or outside of the Year of Mercy, our Baptismal call) and how we are ‘called to action’. We are not made to sit on the side-lines but to participate and make a difference to the world around us. One way we can do this is to recognise the sufferings of others and to let them know that we are thinking and praying for them by writing a card to them.
Option 2:
Discuss the freedoms and the privilege we have to openly and safely practice our faith. Recognise that this is not always the case, and some people live in danger because they are Christian. Does this change how important their view their own faith to be? Recognise that we are all one body in Christ, that these people are our family even if we have never met. One way to share in solidarity with them is to write a letter to them to let them know that we are thinking and praying for them.
Practicalities
Encourage your young people to read the stories you have printed about the people with whom Open Doors works. Keep the cards simple and do read through the guidelines as a group. Pray before you start writing together and finish the activity with a group prayer, maybe around a map of the world to pray for all people, and for peace in the world.
For more information on open doors check out their website.