Pope Francis Faith Journal

F
THE POPE FRANCIS
FAITH AWARD
FA
D
“God loves us. May we discover the
beauty of loving and being loved”.
Pope Francis
My Faith Journal
Name:
School:
Town:
Parish:

Faith Award
What is expected of me?
What do I need to do?
I will use all the gifts of the Holy
Spirit when showing my love of
God and my love of others in
my daily life.
With the support of others, I
will reflect on how my actions
have made an impact on my
journey of faith.
What evidence will I need?
I will record my actions in my
Faith Journal.
I will include some reflections
on these actions in my Faith
Journal and my P7 Personal
Profile.
What is needed to gain a Parish commendation?
I will play my part in the life of
the Parish.
My Parish Priest will commend
my contribution to the Parish.
Faith Award Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You ask those who believe in You
to give your Good News to others.
We pray that, with the help of the Holy Spirit,
our words, actions and prayers will help other people
to hear of You,
to believe in You
and to find the joy of knowing You.
Amen

Using the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit
At Baptism, we receive seven special gifts from the Holy Spirit. These gifts are
freely given to us to help us to live as followers of Jesus and to build up the
Body of Christ, the Church. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are sealed and
strengthened within us at Confirmation.
When we use the gifts we receive from the Holy Spirit, we grow as followers of
Jesus. We see the effect of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives in special
qualities and attitudes that we develop as we grow in faith. These are called
the Fruits of the Holy Spirit.
To participate in the Pope Francis FAITH AWARD, over a period of time you
must undertake certain Faith actions which show that you have used each of
the GIFTS of the Holy Spirit and that you are showing signs of developing
some of the FRUITS of the Holy Spirit in the person you are becoming. You
must use the Gifts at home, in school and (if you are a Catholic) in your parish.
You are expected to undertake some of the Faith actions which are listed
under each Gift. Most of them will enable you to show that you are developing
the Fruits of Kindness, Patience, Goodness, Gentleness, Joy, Self-control, Peace,
Generosity and Love. You can talk to your teacher about adapting or adding to
some of these suggestions.
Please use this Faith Journal carefully to collect evidence of the actions you will
undertake. This evidence can take the form of photographs, signed statement
from adults who are supporting you at home, in school and in your parish. It
should also include your accounts of the Faith actions which you undertook at
home, in school and in the parish.
1

Knowledge
KNOWLEDGE is the gift that helps us to know ourselves, God and the world
around us. It is about more than just facts. Knowledge is our map to know where
our faith is leading us and what our Church is about.
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
Share with someone in your family something you have been learning in school
this week.
Tell your family about the Fairtrade movement and, when out shopping, look for the
Fairtrade logo.
Build on something you have been learning in school and get more information about it
by visiting the library, art gallery or museum, or by doing some internet research with
someone in your family.
Think about what you would like to do when you grow up and draw a mind map of the
knowledge and skills you will need. Add a section on how your chosen job can help other
people.
Tell your family about what you have learned in school about ‘reduce, reuse recycle’ and
agree a new action for your family.
Share some knowledge about a special interest or hobby.
Join the discussions at Children’s Liturgy to share your knowledge with younger children.
Speak to a member of a Parish group - eg., Legion of Mary, Readers to learn about their
work.
Find out about your school’s patron saint and create a poster or leaflet.
Research the history of your parish and, with some others, create a leaflet or a website
page telling its story.
Prepare a PowerPoint presentation on an aspect of faith and present it to younger pupils.
Find out about someone your age living in a poorer country and compare your lives.
Conduct an interview with your local priest to learn something about his daily routine.
Add your own suggestions below.
c
c
2

This is how I used the gift of KNOWLEDGE
in School
at Home
in my Parish
3

Piety
PIETY is the gift of the Holy Spirit that helps us to have a deep sense of respect
for God and the Church. Without Piety we can’t have knowledge. It teaches us to
treat our fragile world gently, including our friends & family. Piety helps us to pray
with trust and respect and to see God in everything around us.
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
Lead your family in praying Grace before meals this week.
Write a prayer thanking God for the gifts of creation and decorate it beautifully.
Write a prayer thanking God for the gift of friendship and give it to a friend.
Make a card including a prayer for your mother or father.
After Mass discuss the homily / readings, showing your parents that you have been
attentive.
Visit the church for silent prayer at a time other than for Mass.
Light a candle in the church and pray for someone you know who needs your prayers.
Bless yourself carefully with Holy Water when you enter the church.
Genuflect respectfully before taking your seat.
Speak to God quietly before the service begins.
Pay attention to everything that happens during Mass.
Take part in the prayers/responses with respect and join in the singing of hymns.
Receive Communion respectfully by bowing first and answering “Amen” clearly.
At the end of Mass, stay standing until the priest has left the sanctuary.
After Communion, take time to pray in silence and thank God for all he has given you.
After attending Confession, say your penance respectfully in church.
Show respect and appreciation for adults who take care of you.
With adult supervision light a candle and pray for a special intention for someone.
Each night, give thanks to God for your life and for opportunities to grow.
Add your own suggestions below.
c
c
4

This is how I used the gift of PIETY
in School
at Home
in my Parish
5

Wisdom
WISDOM is the gift of the Holy Spirit that helps us to love God and spiritual
things more than material things. It shines a light on God’s plan in our lives and
in the world. Wisdom helps us to say, “I understand how to love.”
c
c
Help someone younger with their homework.
Write a ‘newsy’ letter to an elderly relative.
c Entertain your family with your talents – music/dance/jokes/magic tricks/art display . . .
c Notice at home when someone could do with a helping hand and offer yours -
gardening/housework/looking after younger children
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
Offer to take on a weekly chore at home, for example putting away the shopping/
cleaning the shoes/ hanging out the washing.
Do what you are asked - for example to go to bed - without complaining or resisting.
Set a good example of behaviour to younger children (and those who are older).
Speak to your family to let them know what you have learned about God today.
Examine your conscience carefully before Confession.
Attend prayer services held in the parish for special purposes e.g., Peace, Missionary
workers etc.
Think about what you admire about one of the Saints and try to apply that virtue in your
life.
After listening to the Scripture readings at church, explain how they are relevant to your
life.
Offer advice to a younger person about how to prepare for change in their lives.
Try to pay special notice to other people e.g., include someone who is left out of games
or activities.
Spend some time speaking to someone older in order to learn from their wisdom
e.g., visit an elderly relative.
Add your own suggestions below.
c
c
6

This is how I used the gift of WISDOM
in School
at Home
in my Parish
7

Fortitude
FORTITUDE is the gift of the Holy Spirit that helps us to be confident to say we
are disciples of Jesus. A person with Fortitude has the strength to stand up for
what is right, even it means being unpopular. Fortitude gives us the strength and
stamina to walk out into the world and feel prepared.
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
Own up when you have done something wrong.
Try a new hobby.
Join a new club / team / group.
Make a new friend.
Challenge yourself to improve a skill.
Explain your opinion honestly and patiently and allow others to do the same.
Tell the truth, even if it brings consequences you don’t want. For example say to your
parents, “At school today I was in trouble for answering back.”
Listen to your conscience and act on your convictions, for example by raising money for a
charity/ supporting a conservation project/ writing a letter to support a good cause.
Don’t be distracted by the bad behaviour of others.
Offer to take on a role of responsibility in the parish e.g., give out bulletins/ hymn books/
prayer cards, tidy the church at the end of a service, be a reader, become an altar server,
join the choir, take part in the offertory procession.
Give the Sign of Peace with a smile and firm handshake.
Ask an older person at home to take you to Mass or a Church service.
Go to Confession often and be honest in admitting your mistakes.
Join the parish Youth Group, even if your friends will not come at first.
Spend some time with someone outside your usual group of friends
Visit an elderly relative and tell them something about your interests.
Explain your thinking patiently to someone whose language or actions has caused you
offence.
Control your emotions when you feel under pressure from others to speak or behave
badly.
Add your own suggestions below.
c
c
8

This is how I used the gift of FORTITUDE
in School
at Home
in my Parish
9

Fear of the Lord
Fear of the Lord is the gift of the Holy Spirit that helps us become aware of the
glory and majesty of God. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom because
it helps us see that God is the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth.
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
Go for a walk and really look carefully around you, appreciating what you see.
Draw a natural object really carefully - flowers/ fruit/ conkers.
Make a collection of leaves/ shells/ interesting stones/ items gathered from a walk in the
woods and display for the enjoyment of others.
Write a poem about being amazed at the wonders of the universe.
Share with someone all the good and wonderful things about a friend or member of
your family.
Make a poster to illustrate these words: “See, he makes all things new”.
Write or draw about the lifecycle of a butterfly or frog and use your work to discuss the
wonder of nature with someone younger.
Help to keep the garden of your home / school / church looking beautiful.
Participate in a harvest festival where you give thanks for God’s goodness in new life.
Create a poster advertising something wondrous or awesome which is part of God's
Creation..
Learn more about the signs & symbols used in liturgy in your parish - eg., water, light, oils.
Take exercise when travelling to school / home / church.
Describe or draw the features of your church building which you most admire: eg., the
altar, statues, stained glass windows, banners, paintings.
Find a way to show your admiration of the beauty of a newborn baby.
Write a prayer to thank God for something beautiful you have seen.
Add your own suggestions below.
c
c
10

This is how I used the gift of FEAR OF THE LORD
in School
at Home
in my Parish
11

Counsel
COUNSEL helps us to know the difference between right and wrong, and helps
us to choose to do what is right. A person with Counsel avoids sin and lives their
life in the way taught by Jesus.
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
Agree your contribution to certain chores and take responsibility for doing your jobs
without the need to be reminded.
Sort out a dispute with your brother/sister or a friend and come to a negotiated
agreement.
Save energy by switching off electrical items when they are not required.
After an argument, take the time to listen carefully to the other person’s point of view
showing respect for the person, even if their opinion differs from yours.
Show that you can be co-operative and take on board others’ wishes when planning a
family treat like a day out /a cinema trip/a special meal.
After a school report or parents’ evening listen carefully to your parent’s/teacher’s advice
and agree to try your best to act on it.
Ask for advice from a parent / teacher / trusted adult on a issue which troubles you.
Work out ways of sharing with your siblings by devising a rota, or by giving a game you
have grown out of to a younger sibling, or by agreeing to lend a favourite game to
someone else.
Speak to the adults involved in Children’s Liturgy and agree the best way that you can
help.
Speak to the priest about how best to help out in the parish.
Discuss how you could be involved more in parish life with members of groups such as
Pro Life, Music, Justice & Peace, Society of St Vincent De Paul, Altar Servers, Passkeepers
etc.
Make a card or write a note to send to an elderly or sick person - relative, neighbour,
parishioner and send it or take it to them.
Be a good team player by offering your contribution and complimenting others for what
they do.
Spend a whole day without arguing.
Contribute to decision making e.g., on a committee in school.
Add your own suggestions below.
c
c
12

This is how I used the gift of COUNSEL
in School
at Home
in my Parish
13

Understanding
UNDERSTANDING helps us to have an insight into what God is asking us to do
and how we should live our lives. With Understanding, being a disciple of Jesus is
always refreshing and life-giving to ourselves and others. Understanding helps us
to let the Word of God have room in our lives.
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
Notice when someone in the family is sad and respond in a kind way.
Congratulate a sibling who has done well at something.
Look through your toys and books and fill a bag for the charity shop.
Contribute to charity with your time – for example by making something to sell at a
School Fayre or speaking to your family about the work of your favourite charity and
agreeing some way to offer support.
Be aware of those who may not have as much as you and discuss with your parents ways
that you could be supportive and generous.
Use your pocket money to contribute to collections for those in need.
Notice when your brothers and sisters/ friends behave well in Church and compliment
them.
Meditate quietly before a Church service.
Give time to someone of your own age who is having a rough time.
Make time for God by listening in silence and by praying with words each day.
Go to Confession and make peace with God for the times when you could have done
better.
Reflect on what God is saying to you through the Scriptures that you read or heard today.
Add your own suggestions below.
c
c
14

This is how I used the gift of UNDERSTANDING
in School
at Home
in my Parish
15

16

17

18

19

20

21

Concluding Evidence
I have tried my best to use the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and to show how the Fruits of the
Holy Spirit are growing in my life. These are my final reflections on how the Faith Award has
helped me to grow in faith.
School
22

Concluding Evidence
I have tried my best to use the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and to show how the Fruits of the
Holy Spirit are growing in my life. These are my final reflections on how the Faith Award has
helped me to grow in faith.
Home
23

Concluding Evidence
I have tried my best to use the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and to show how the Fruits of the
Holy Spirit are growing in my life. These are my final reflections on how the Faith Award has
helped me to grow in faith.
Parish
24

Fruits of the Holy Spirit
Like any gifts that we receive, the more we use them, the more we understand
them and how they work and the more we get out of them. When we are
guided by the Holy Spirit and use the Gifts that He has given us, we grow as
disciples of Jesus. As we grow we begin to see the effect of the Holy Spirit’s
presence in our lives and we develop special qualities and attitudes that help us
as we grow in our faith.
The Church calls these the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. They are the signs that the
Holy Spirit is alive within us and helping us in our journey of faith each day.
Love
We show love by our unselfish devotion and care for God, ourselves, our world
and others. We are sure that we are loved unconditionally by God.
Joy
We share our joy with others and people can see that we are happy because of
our faith. We know that joy comes, not from money or possessions, but from
knowing, loving and serving God.
Peace
We work and pray for peace throughout the world. We don’t worry about small
things because we have the peace of knowing God in our hearts.
Patience
We show patience by treating others with thoughtfulness and
tolerance. We know that God is always with us, so we can cope with difficult
times.
Kindness
We show others kindness by treating them as we ourselves want to be treated.
We can see the kindness of God through the beauty of His creation.
Goodness
We can be witnesses to goodness when we make good choices by avoiding sin
and always trying to do what we know is right. We know that the Gospel is the
Good News that will help direct our lives.
Generosity
We show the world the meaning of generosity when we are share our gifts,
talents and possessions with others. We are aware of how generous God has
been to us by surrounding us with our loved ones and giving us our gifts and
talents.
Gentleness
When we are gentle we act calmly and avoid doing things to upset others. We
can see that gentle things in nature are also strong and we know that being a
disciple does not mean we are weak.
Faithfulness
We are faithful when we live our lives following the teachings of Jesus. We are
sure that God remains faithful to us, even when we make mistakes.

• Understanding • Counsel
Knowledge • Piety • Fear of the Lord • Wisdom
• Wisdom • Understanding • Counsel • Fortitude •
• Fortitude • Knowledge • Piety • Fe a r of the Lord •
Scottish Catholic Education Service, 75 Craigpark, Glasgow G31 2HD
Tel: 0141 556 4727 • Web: www.sces.org.uk • Email: mail@sces.org.uk