Faith and Light

GUIDELINES introduce a new theme each year. They are a bond of communion among all the countries of the world and a springboard for ideas for the monthly meetings. The Introduction and monthly words on the theme by Jean Vanier and the ideas for activities meditation+celebration contributed by people from different countries each year are there to assist the core groups preparing the meetings. An lnternational team translates the finished Guidelines into English French and Spanish to be sent to 35 countries who do not speak these three languages to translate into their own tongue.

2005-2006 is to be a year dedicated to Peace in families, between nations and for the whole world but Peace must first take root in our hearts. To become peacemakers is our mission. If we are faithful to it, Faith and Light will be a house of peace for all who come close to our communities. We welcome peace as a gift from God while at the same time realising we must work tirelessly on our quality of friendship to one another and our capacity to forgive. Our thanks go out to Jean Vanier who prepared meditations for us and to the team who prepared the themes which will help us to forge ahead on the road to peace. I am sure each community will find valuable assistance month by month while it adapts the suggestions to suit their needs. (taken from Vivian le Polain International Co-ordinator’s letter )

The following is taken from a letter from Corinne Chatain General Secretary representing the Guidelines team Aslaug , Father Jean-Marc, Isabelle, Marina and Father Joseph "Peace ! What a beautiful year we will live together. We want to thank all those who sent us words of encouragement and evaluation of last year’s guidelines and to say we expect you to adapt our suggestions to suit your own community. This year we include two new readings and on page 88 we have one dedicated to communities built around families with young children with an intellectual disability. We ask you to pray for and to encourage such special communities to take root in your country or region. This is one of Faith and Light’s priorities. An idea for 2005 2006 ..for each member ..a scarf/sash 72x14 ..white ..a symbol of peace which could be decorated during the course of the year …. Peace and Joy to each of you" ..Corinne

2005
September	We begin our year of peace
October	Jesus washed the feet of his friends We will work for peace by serving one another
November	To work for peace is a daily struggle
December	To celebrate the birth of Jesus …Prince of Peace
2006
January	To work for unity and peace between our different churches
February	Growing together to become men and women of peace
March	God’s presence in the poor
April	The death and Resurrection of Jesus, source of life and peace for each one of us
May	The Holy Spirit descends on the growing Church to make its disciples messengers of peace
June	"Blessed are the peacemakers they shall be called children of God”
July/August	There is no peace without justice , no justice without forgiveness