Prepare to celebrate Peace Sunday

Children with peace icon

There is a great opportunity to begin the New Year with celebrating Peace Sunday on 15 January 2012. The theme of Pope Benedict's World Peace Day message is, 'Educating Young People in Justice and Peace'.

In his message, Pope Benedict says: "Peace for all is the fruit of justice for all, and no one can shirk this essential task of promoting justice, according to one's particular areas of competence and responsibility. To the young, who have such a strong attachment to ideals, I extend a particular invitation to be patient and persevering in seeking justice and peace, in cultivating the taste for what is just and true, even when it involves sacrifice and swimming against the tide."

If you are planning something for your parish on 15 January you can access resources on Pax Christi's website: www.paxchristi.org.uk/peace_sunday1.php

These include a downloadable Liturgy Booklet - prepared by Fr Rob Esdaile - and a Prayer Card. Many of the prayers and ideas are very suitable for school use. A new youth resource 'Elements of Peace' is available from the Pax Christi Office for £2.50, inclusive of p&p.

Suggestions from Pax Christi:

- Given the theme for the 2012 World Peace Message it would be particularly appropriate to create opportunities for children and young people to communicate their visions and models of a world of peace and justice. The resources support doing this.

- Put a notice in your parish newsletter/website the week before Peace Sunday (Sunday 8 January), to remind people of the day and theme.

- Arrange for the Pax Christi leaflets and /or prayer cards to be given out on Peace Sunday 15 January.

- Let Pax Christi know how your parish celebrated Peace Sunday 2012. Ideas will be shared with others. Email info@paxchristi.org.uk or write to the office.

Please consider taking a collection to support the work of Pax Christi, the International Catholic Movement for Peace.

January 18-25 is Christian Unity Week. The 2012 theme is: 'We will all be the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ'. Full details and resources can be found at: www.ctbi.org.uk

Pax Christi contact details:
Pax Christi, St Joseph's, Watford Way, London, NW4 4TY
www.paxchristi.org.uk