Receiving the Gift

Youth Activity
Written By Craig Arthur

Growing Hope

Students explore how hope grows when we receive one another—especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples—with joy, respect, and openness.

Share St Pope John Paul II’s words:

“The Church in Australia will not be fully the Church that Jesus wants her to be until you have made your contribution… and until that contribution has been joyfully received by others.”

In small groups, give students one Hope quote from the 2025 NATSICC Assembly.

Choose ONE question to discuss:

  • What does the Pope mean by "contribution"?

  • What might it look like to receive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander gifts with joy?

  • How does your Hope quote show that hope is something we do, not just something we talk about?

Quick Group Response

Students complete the sentence: "Hope looks like joyfully receiving…"

Groups share one idea.

Yarning Circle: Sit together and use a talking piece. Choose ONE prompt:

  • When have you felt welcomed, valued, or listened to?

  • How do we show someone they belong?

  • What are some ways we can strengthen how we welcome and receive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people?

Quiet Reflection (1 minute)

Students write or think about: "Hope grows when…"

Optional short prayer:

God of Hope,

help us listen deeply

and receive others with joy.

Allow students to create their own prayer space using these materials. See examples below.

Hope invites us to do something.

Choose ONE small action as a class or in groups:

  • Create a simple “Your Story Matters” wall featuring positive messages of welcome.

  • Write short, kind messages for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students or younger classes.

  • Plan one small Care for Country activity (picking up rubbish, caring for a garden, learning a place name in Language).

  • Suggest one practical change that helps everyone feel welcome (a yarning space, pronunciation guide, signage, Acknowledgement improvements).

  • Write a letter of hope for the NATSICC Hospital Bags initiative—supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people admitted to hospital. Scan and send your letters to admin@natsicc.org.au

  • Reflection sentence: “One small change that would help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel more joyfully received is…”

Groups share their chosen action.

Hope Video

Watch a short video featuring Messages of Hope from Assembly delegates

Craig Arthur
Next

40th Anniversary of Saint Pope John II’s 40th address to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples