De La Salle College Year 14

We've had some lovely retreat days with the Year 14 boys from De La Salle College, Belfast.  As fellow Lasallians it has been our pleasure to host their retreats and hear their opinions on God, Faith, and the society we live in. We explored these themes through discussion, meditation, art (including glass painting,) symbolic thinking, affirmation of friends and prayer.  Have a look at some of the photos below and also read the prayers and reflections that were written by the boys themselves.

Music
Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson:  We chose this because our goal today was to reflect on ourselves.
Hero by X-Factor Finalists:  We chose this song because it helps us reflect on ourselves and find inner strength to become a better person.

Focus
For our focus we made a bible with a candle above it.  This shows that allowing the word of God to have meaning in our lives will lead us into life.

Scripture
Psalm 100
We chose this because it reflects God's love towards us and gives us comfort and faith.

Psalm 23:4
We chose this because no matter what lies ahead to challenge us we will always have God to help us through.

We pray for people suffering as a result of natural disasters around our world.
May they pull through the devastating effects and rebuild their lives.

Lord hear us...

We pray for all those who are ill and for their families during this time.

Lord hear us...

We pray for our class and our teachers.
May we all achieve the grades we need for universities, colleges and whatever we aspire to do with our lives after school.

Lord hear us...



Reflections
Today we reflected on how we view not only ourselves and God, but also the word we live in.  As we grow and learn we may find some of the answers to life's questions.  As we grow in faith and develop our spiritual beliefs we may find it can help us through many of the difficult times in life.

***

I think today helped us to develop our friendships.  It let us express our own views and listen to those of others.  Today made me think about God, although it has given me more questions that answers!! As this is our final yeat in school it was a good opportunity to reflect on our own lives up to now.  

Images of God
God can be seen in the red sky at night

God is looking down on us

God is like the stars of the universe

God is like a blast of colour

Focus

We chose this focus because the colours represent the people and personalities here with the stars representing our individuality.

Music

Your Song by Ellie Goulding - this song symbolises all the love in life and what if? Things aren't perfect but love for each other make it feel that way.

Ugly by Sugababes - this song symbolises the differences in people but everyone is the same.

Scripture

"It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury, how much worse for a slave to rule over princes"

We chose this because we shouldn't be slaves of money and materialism.

Dear God

We pray for the terminally ill

that they may find strength

Amen

Dear God

We pray for the sick and less fortunate

that they find comfort

Amen

 

Focus

We decided to make the Celtic symbol for the Trinity - three circles representing the Father ,Son and Spirit all in one design - there is one God.

Music

Where is the Love by Black Eyed Peas - Today's world has totally forgot about peace and love. There is so much hatred and war going on now.

Scripture

Lk8:22-25 Calming of the Storm - the reason I picked this story is because when it comes to God everything is possible and never lack in faith.

Eph1:15-17 Thank God for you

Focus

We have chosen 'Life' and the sun. 'Life' represents everyone and everyone has the choice of how they want to live their life.

The sun helps flowers and plants to grow so therefore it is also part of life.

Music

Castles in the Sky - God's kingdom can be seen as being a big castle in the sky (but we also look for God on earth)

You Raise Me Up - for new beginning - which can make you believe more.

Scripture

Jesus Enters Jersusalem on a colt - We would expect Jesus to ride a horse but instead he rode a colt. This shows that Jesus wanted to bring peace and not war and this is a lesson for all of us. We should bring peace to the divisions in our world like Protestants and Catholics. 

Lk6:37   Don't Judge Others - to show how you should treat others. Don't put yourself first.



2Kings:42   The Feeding of a Hundred - Because I think it's positive and being positive is important along with sharing and love for others.