Eco Carnival Collective Worship for Young people

I want young people to live in hope I want my steps to mark this earth I want countries and communities to join hands I want to change my world Can I count on you? I want the right to be a child, and to be the hope of a better world I want to grow up like other people I want a different world Can I count on you? I want somewhere I can play I want a school where I can study I want the right to have my home I want the right to have my bread Can I count on you? I want a smile from someone who knows how to love I want a hand to show me the way I want a world that is fairer and friendly I want happiness that is born from peace Can I count on you? I want life, I just want to love I want to live happily all day I want to hear children singing Can I count on you?

“I want the right to be a child” Here are children learning dancing in Galpao – one of the CAFOD-supported youth projects that helps children to know about their rights, and become part of their vibrant community.

“…and to be the hope of a better world” Here’s Luciano in his ‘Youth Leaders’ t-shirt, working in Galpao to improve his community – and some of his friends all working for youth rights and for a better future.

God of Light, take away the darkness that threatens our world! Lead us to live in peace, love and justice, Where everyone has the chance to grow and flourish. Let us shine with faith! Amen.

“I want a school where I can study” For young people in this poor district of Brazil, the right to education is something they really value. It can help them know their rights and responsibilities, stop them getting into crime, and build a better future for themselves and their country.

Wise and wonderful God, bless us with knowledge and awareness. Through our school day, help us to appreciate our education system.

Unite us in our study with the millions of children who cannot go to school, and to those whose lives make it impossible to be educated. We pray that their desire to go to school will become a daily reality. Amen.

“I want the right to have my home” Here is Elvira, one of the youth leaders in Galpao, at home in Recife with her family. Their house is basic, and everyone lives together. Elvira helps out with the small income she gets as a youth leader.

We trust in you, God of shelter and safety. As we pray, remind us that we can all play a part in building a peaceful and happy home. With our sisters and brothers across the world, we pray for comfort and strength. Amen.

“I want happiness that is born from peace” Many young people here tired of living with the threat of violent crime, often linked to drugs. The Youth leaders of Rede Jovem - supported by CAFOD - offer a peaceful alternative. They use music, dance, theatre, sport, art and many other activities to engage young people, and the community find a more peaceful and happy way to live.

God of all people, times, places and beliefs, bring peace and healing to your world of sorrow. We pray for those who long to live in happiness, and for those who are challenging a climate of violence. We pray that the leaders of our world will see that we are united as one in the hope of a peaceful world. Amen.

“Can I count on you?” Anything you do to raise money for Fast Day will help CAFOD to continue to work with people in poorer countries. Your love today will help people find a better life tomorrow.

Generous God, who gives the world all that we need, bless our community. Wake us up so that we may be aware of the needs of others, and empower us with your Spirit to reach out in love. Bless our day and make it different, by the difference we can make. Amen.

Cafod.org.uk Lucian o Eliva Cristiano Leticia

Picture credits Annie Bungeroth, Marcella Haddad, Claire Goudsmit, Paul Jeffrey.