To Parents and Catechists: Many youngsters have been hurt by someone. This resource has a technique that may help nine to eleven-year-olds deal with hurt and anger.

Cool Down With Saint Stephen

During the Christmas season, a time for peace and joy, we celebrate the feast of the Church's first martyr, Saint Stephen.

Stephen was a Christian who was falsely accused by some believers of cursing God. He was arrested and taken to the authorities. Challenged to defend himself, Stephen spoke the truth about Jesus. But the authorities covered their ears and shouted to drown out Stephen's voice. Then they dragged him away and stoned him. Before he died, Stephen called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" Then he forgave his enemies, praying, "Lord! Do not remember this sin against them!"

Chill Out, Cool Down
When people hurt us, it is difficult to forgive them. It is often more difficult not to want to get even.

To calm yourself and get rid of hot, angry feelings, imagine you are in a cool, peaceful place. Take a deep breath. Pray in your own words for a peaceful spirit, or pray these words of Isaiah:

You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you. From Isaiah 26:3

Listen and Respond to God's Word
Jesus says,
"Love your enemies. Pray for those who mistreat you." From Luke 6:27-28

Jesus, you give us a great challenge. Please give me the strength to make peace through prayer.

A Cooling Off Experience
Praying for those who hurt us can be like rubbing our hand against a scaly pine cone. It stings for a little while, but then the pain goes away and we feel better.

Draw a branch with pine cones as a sign of peace through prayer. Color the pine cones, which stand for your willingness to pray for those who hurt you.

Color the tree branch green to show your trust in Jesus' help to meet this challenge.

Cut out the peace symbol and paste it on cardboard. Make cool, calming snow by dabbing glue on the cardboard and sprinkling soap powder flakes on the glue.

My Prayer Goes On
Take a step toward peace. Offer your tree branch as a sign of peace to someone who has hurt you. Or, keep it as a reminder to pray for those who are hurtful.

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