Dear principles of Catholic schools, directors of centers for children and youth,

 

Pope Francis has invited us to set off on a synodal way together. We, the preparatory committee have been thinking how the Catholic schools and centers for children and youth mightbe engaged in this process so that we can grow together and learn from one another. An idea has come to fruition and we propose it to you as principals of the schools:

 

Let us organize an art competition. The central theme would be: How do you see the church? How would you represent the church in art forms appropriate to your age?

 

The division according to age groups could be grades 1 to 3, grades 4 to 6, grades 7-9 and grades 10-12.The pupils would be asked to draw the church as they see her. Giving free rein to their creative impulse, the pupils would be asked to draw, paint or use any art form they judge appropriate to represent their own experience of church.

 

In addition, for grades 7 to 9 and 10 to 12, the older pupils could be challenged to film a video on their mobile phones that represents how they see the church. They could work singly or in groups to think creatively how to present an image of church.

 

In this endeavor, the pupils could be stimulated by shortverses from Scripture that describe the Christian assembly, for example:

• I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD!" (Psalm 122:1)

• Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. (Psalm 127:1)

• Young men and women alike, old and young together! Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven.(Psalm 148:12-13)

• Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful. (Psalm 149:1)

• They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (Acts 2:42)

• Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul. (Acts 4:32)

• For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function,

• so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.

•  (Romans 12:4-5)

• Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16)

• These verses could be explained briefly as they relate to the church.

 

Each school or center could have a first round. Each Vicariate and sui juris Church could organize a second round. The third round could be for pupils from the entire Holy Land.

 

Appropriate prizes should be offered at each level.

 

Our hope is that this too will stimulate the synodal process as we walk together, listening to each other and growing as Church.

 

The preparatory committee.