1. CAFOD Harvest Fast Day

2. As we know, hundreds of thousands of refugees have arrived in Europe this year, escaping war, oppression and poverty. Many come from Syria, where more than 11 million people have been forced to flee their homes.

3. CAFOD has worked for years with Syrians whose lives have been torn apart by the war, providing food, shelter and healthcare. CAFOD’s Church partners are now also helping refugees as they arrive in Europe, ensuring that they have food, vital supplies like clothes and sleeping bags, and safe places to stay.

4. Based on the Gospel of Mark 10:2- 16 In next Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus speaks to us of the goodness of the human family. We are called to see one another as part of one family, one Body, in Christ. Jesus’. Only when we see one another as part of one family can we appreciate the richness of the gifts given to all, for the glory of God. We can show our thanks for God’s kindness to us by sharing what we have with our world wide family

6. To answer Pope Francis’ call for to us to get involved this week we want you to give up something that you would normally buy and take for granted. It could be anything such as chocolate bar or a bag of crisps. Spend a couple of minutes talking with your partner about what you are going to give up – How much does it cost? With the money that you would have spent on that item, we ask you to donate towards the Harvest Festival. Your form tutors will collect the money that you donate on Friday.

7. Fast Day Prayer Lord, help us to be more compassionate, to be aware of your love in each person, and to live as children of one family. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.