As this is a Play Day, it is expected that teams of students will rotate to different stations to participate in the activities. It is meant to be a cooperative activity so that everyone has fun and feels good. The stations are based on the five different sub-themes for Catholic Education Week this year. There are stations for each theme. If the school is a large one, the organizer may have to use these ideas and create their own to supplement. If the school is smaller, you may select only the number you require for the time allotted. Please feel free to adapt and modify the Play Day as you need to. This outline is intended to assist you, not limit you. Senior students may be invited to serve as group leaders and activity assistants.
Theme One - Pilgrims of Hope: Journey with a Purpose
Purpose:
- Students will explore the concept of hope as they set out on a pilgrimage, drawing inspiration from scripture and personal reflection.
Materials Needed:
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Large poster paper, markers, stickers, construction paper, glue.
Preparation:
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Prepare a large poster-sized “journey map” with a simple path drawn from one side of the paper to the other. Leave spaces for students to add symbols, words, or images along the path.
Instructions:
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Students will add symbols or pictures that represent things they hope for on their journey of faith. Each student writes or draws a Bible verse related to hope and adds it to their portion of the map (ex. “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11). They can also decorate the journey with symbols of what they believe gives them hope, like a heart, a cross, a sunrise, etc.
Purpose:
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To create a lantern that represents the light of hope guiding each pilgrim on their journey.
Materials Needed:
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Paper lantern templates, LED tea light candles, construction paper, scissors, glue, markers.
Preparation:
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Cut out paper lantern templates for students to decorate and assemble.
Instructions:
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Students decorate their lanterns with images or words that represent their personal hopes. At the top of each lantern, they will write a word or Bible verse about hope, like “Light of the World” (John 8:12). After decorating, students place an LED tea light inside their lantern to symbolize how hope lights the way in darkness.
Purpose:
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To reflect on the power of hope and how it shapes our faith and actions.
Materials Needed
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Paper, markers, pencils, erasers, construction paper for decorating.
Preparation:
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Create a sample acrostic poem on a poster to model the activity.
Instructions:
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Students will create an acrostic poem using the word "HOPE." Each student writes a poem that reflects how hope influences their life and faith. Here’s an example:
H – Holding fast to my faith, even when times are tough.
O – Open to God’s love and grace, even when I don’t understand.
P – Praying for others and myself to find peace.
E – Every day is a new chance to live with hope.
Students may be invited to serve as group leaders and activity assistants.
Theme Two - Pilgrims of Hope: Journeying Together in Community
Purpose:
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To create a cross that reflects the strength and hope we find in God during our pilgrimage.
Materials Needed
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Construction paper, glue, scissors, colourful markers.
Preparation:
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Cut out several cross shapes on construction paper or prepare templates for students to trace.
Instructions:
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Students will decorate their crosses with symbols or colors that represent hope, such as a rainbow (symbolizing God’s promises) or a heart (representing love and faith). Each student will then write one thing that gives them hope on their cross (ex. “Family,” “Faith,” “God’s love”). The completed crosses can be displayed as a reminder that we are all pilgrims on this journey of hope.
Purpose:
- To create a rock art project that symbolizes the steady faith and hope that guides us through life.
Materials Needed:
- Smooth stones, paint, markers, paintbrushes, paper towels.
Preparation:
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Prepare the stones ahead of time by collecting smooth, medium-sized rocks.
Instructions:
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Students paint and decorate their stones with symbols of faith and hope (ex. a dove, a cross, a rainbow, or a Bible verse). After the stones dry, students will write a word or short phrase that represents hope to them, such as “Strength,” “Faith,” or “Peace.” These “pilgrim stones” can be placed around the school as reminders of the collective hope in the community.
Theme Three - Pilgrims of Hope: Answering the Call to Serve
Purpose:
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To explore the corporal works of mercy and understand how we live out our faith and hope through service.
Materials Needed:
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Paper, pencils, markers, crayons, scissors, glue.
Preparation:
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Preparation:
Provide a handout or poster with the Corporal Works of Mercy listed, such as:
- Feed the Hungry
- Clothe the Naked
- Visit the Sick
- Shelter the Homeless
Instructions:
- Students will select one of the works of mercy and create a visual representation of how they can help others, whether it’s donating food, helping a neighbor, or raising awareness for a cause. They will illustrate their idea on paper and share how their action demonstrates hope in their community.
Purpose:
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To celebrate hope through song and reflection.
Materials Needed:
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Computer with LCD projector, song lyrics printed out, audio of a hymn or inspirational song.
Instructions:
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Play a song that reflects hope and unity, such as "Lean on Me" or "Here I Am, Lord." Students will follow along with the lyrics and discuss how music can bring people together in hope. Afterward, invite students to share what hope means to them and how they can be a source of hope for others.
Theme Four – Pilgrims of Hope: Living in Solidarity
Purpose:
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To reflect on how hope drives us to act in solidarity with those in need.
Materials Needed:
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Large paper or bulletin board, markers, construction paper, scissors.
Instructions:
- Students will cut out leaf shapes from construction paper and write on each leaf one way they can show solidarity with others (ex. “Help a friend,” “Stand up for what’s right,” “Donate clothes”). As they add their leaves to the tree, the group will reflect on how, together, their actions create a stronger, more compassionate community.
Purpose:
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To show how simple acts of kindness can bring hope to those in need.
Materials Needed:
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Chart paper, markers, index cards.
Instructions:
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Students gather in a circle and take turns sharing a story of when someone helped them or when they helped others. Each student will then write one idea on an index card about how they can make a difference in someone else’s life, whether it's helping a classmate or volunteering in their community. These cards will be collected and displayed as a reminder of how hope is lived through action.
Theme Five - Pilgrims of Hope: Peace and Joy in the Journey
Purpose:
- To create a banner that reflects the hope, love, and peace we share in Christ.
Materials Needed:
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Large piece of fabric or butcher paper, markers, paint, crayons.
Instructions:
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Students will write or draw messages of hope, peace, and love on the banner. They can create symbols or quotes that inspire them, such as “Peace be with you” or “Love one another.” The banner will be displayed as a visible reminder of the unity and hope that guides us through life’s pilgrimage.
Purpose:
- To appreciate the small blessings in life and express gratitude for the journey of hope.
Materials Needed:
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Paper, pens, pencils, envelopes, stickers.
Instructions:
Students will write a note of gratitude to someone who has helped or inspired them in their journey. They can write to a teacher, friend, or family member. The notes can be decorated with symbols of hope or peace, and students will deliver them to their recipients.
Finish the Day with the CEW Prayer:
Catholic Education Week Prayer – Option 1
Hope is our calling, O Lord,
and the destination of our pilgrim journeys.
As we mark this Jubilee Year of hope,
keep our eyes focused on Jesus,
and on the hope he reveals to us.
All our hope is in you, O God,
in the name of Jesus our Lord and companion.
Amen.
Catholic Education Week Prayer – Option 2
Hope is our calling, O Lord,
and the destination of our pilgrim journeys.
As we mark this Jubilee Year of hope,
keep our eyes focussed on Jesus,
and on the hope he reveals to us.
May our hope lead us to love genuinely and to live generously.
In the dignity of every human being, may we honour your presence.
In our stewardship of creation, may we care for your creatures, large and small.
As we strive to respond to the poverties of our world, may we be bearers of your compassion.
As we live as people of solidarity, may we help to heal the divisions of our world.
In our lives as peacemakers, may we share the “Shalom” which is your gift to all people.
Hope is the flame that has been entrusted to us;
may we keep it burning brightly,
to enlighten the path of our pilgrim journey.
All our hope is in you, O God,
in the name of Jesus our Lord and companion.
Amen.