Journey through Advent 2021 – Educational Resources

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Journey through Advent 2021 – Educational Resources

The CCCB have prepared excellent educational resources to accompany the Advent videos and scripts entitled:

Indigenous Peoples and the Church: Walking Together Toward Healing and Reconciliation

The resources are based on the theme of the weekly Advent video to encourage further learning and discussion as we prepare for the Indigenous delegation going to Rome, 17-20 December 2021.  There are suggestions for individuals and groups, historical content with reflection questions, biographical notes of significant people, and table prayers for the family.

Each week, beginning on Sunday, 21 November 2021, the Solemnity of Christ the King, the CCCB will release a video recording of a Bishop in Canada reflecting on the Gospel Reading for each Sunday of Advent. This year’s reflections were developed in view of the Indigenous Delegation which will be travelling to Rome to meet with Pope Francis from December 17 to 20, 2021. Each reflection is based one of the five essential stages of reconciliation: examen, confession, repentance, reparation (making amends), and reconciliation. Likewise, it is hoped these reflections will assist the faithful, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike, in preparing for Pope Francis’ eventual apostolic journey to Canada.

Solemnity of Christ the King – Early Missionaries and the Encounter of Worldviews

Experience
As we enter into a time of reflection, we consider the experience of early missionaries and Indigenous Peoples when they first encountered one another.  In this video the Most Rev. Donald Bolen, Archbishop of Regina, reflects on the readings of this Sunday, the liturgical Solemnity of Christ the King. He invites us to examine how Jesus exercised power through service and prayer rather than as someone who ruled over others.

Download the video

Read the video script in PDF

For reflection: How does Archbishop Donald Bolen’ reflection on the Gospel Reading and the new information that I have received transform my previous understanding?

New Information and Application

Historical perspectives on early missionaries and the encounter of worldviews.

Biographical information on significant people from the time.

This information, combined with the video reflections, can provide opportunities in parishes or faith-sharing groups to come together to learn and reflect.  You may wish to use the guiding questions in the historical summaries as starting points for conversation.

Action
Having watched the video and learned about the historical perspectives: ask yourself what I can do in my family, parish, and community to walk toward healing and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples?

Table Graces for Families: Solemnity of Christ the King

First Sunday of Advent – The Spirit of the Treaties

Experience
As we continue in this time of reflection, we consider the spirit of the Treaties made between the First Nations and Canada (British Crown).  In this video, the Most Rev. Donald Bolen, Archbishop of Regina, reflects on the readings of this First Sunday of Advent.  We hear the imperative: stay awake!  We ask ourselves whether we have been awake to Indigenous Peoples, their experiences, gifts, wisdom, and suffering.

Download the video

Read the video script in PDF

For reflection: How does Archbishop Donald Bolen’s reflection on the Gospel Reading and the new information that I have received transform my previous understanding?

New Information and Application

Historical perspectives on the spirit of the Treaties

Biographical information on a significant person from the time.

This information, combined with the video reflections, can provide opportunities in parishes or faith-sharing groups to come together to learn and reflect.  You may wish to use the guiding questions in the historical summaries as starting points for conversation.

Action

Having watched the video and learned about the historical perspectives: ask yourself what I can do in my family, parish, and community to walk toward healing and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples?

Table Graces for Families: First Sunday of Advent

Second Sunday of Advent – Residential Schools

Experience

In this video, the Most Rev. Donald Bolen, Archbishop of Regina, reflects on the readings of the second Sunday of Advent, and we hear the call to prepare for the coming of the Lord.  We are invited to prepare the way for healing and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples by listening, understanding and seeking forgiveness for the suffering experienced by students and their families because of Indian Residential Schools.

Download the video

Read the video script in PDF

For reflection: How does Archbishop Bolen’s reflection on Sacred Scripture and the new information transform my previous understanding?

New Information and Application

Historical perspectives on Indian Residential Schools

Biographical information on Saint Kateri Tekakwitha

This information, combined with the video reflections, can provide opportunities in parishes or faith-sharing groups to come together to learn and reflect.  You may wish to use the guiding questions in the historical summaries as starting points for conversation.

Action
Having heard the video and learned about the history of Indian Residential Schools: ask yourself what I can do in my family, parish and community to walk toward healing and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples?

Table Grace for Families: Second Sunday of Advent

Published on the CCCB website