BLACK & RED Breakout Group

Fruits to discuss:
Peace * Patience * Self-Control * Modesty

PEACE
serenity due to deep trust in God​

Who are the peacemakers of today?

Saint Francis of Assisi: One story about Francis describes how he was asked to help a town called Gubbio where a wolf was attacking the townspeople. Francis walked up to the wolf, holding out his hand, and made a deal with the wolf. It was agreed that if the townspeople would leave food out for the wolf, the wolf would stop attacking them. Francis saw all the creatures of the world as his brothers and sisters.

GivesMeHope.com: “Today, I filled my school with post-its saying, ‘Smile,’ ‘Be happy,’ and ‘You’re beautiful.’ I was really sad when some boys started pulling them down and ripping them up. Then a girl I have never even seen before ran up to them, saying, ‘No! Leave them up! They make a difference.’ Girls like her give me hope.”

PATIENCE
love which endures all setbacks

At what times in my life do I need patience the most?

Saint Monica: Monica’s son, Augustine, was brilliant but wasted his life with an obsessive love affair and heresies against God. She prayed every day that he would change his wicked ways and become a good Christian. When he was 32 years old, Augustine finally saw that what he had been doing was wrong. He was baptized, gave his money to the poor, and became a bishop less than 10 years later. Monica’s patient prayers paid off; now Saint Augustine is known as one of the most important Christian writers of the early Church.

GivesMeHope.com: “Last year, I got an Associate’s Degree from a community college. At graduation, almost every single person stood up and applauded as Lois walked to the stage. She was 90 years old and received, with honors, her high school diploma. Her perseverance inspires me and gives me hope.”

SELF-CONTROL
ability to stay in charge of your own emotions, desires, words and actions​

In what ways do you show self-control?

Saint Lawrence: Lawrence was the chief deacon of the Church. The Roman authorities knew that many donations were being given to the Church and entrusted to Lawrence, so they demanded that Lawrence give over these treasures. After three days, Lawrence showed them the “treasures of the Church” — an assembly of the poor, the sick, the elderly, and Christians who begged on the streets. Angry with him, the Roman authorities decided to roast Lawrence over a fire. It is said that instead of crying out in pain, Lawrence told his torturers: “Turn me over, I’m done on this side.”

GivesMeHope.com: “Today I was getting on the bus to go home from school. A boy and girl got to the door at the same time and everyone is always in a rush to get on the bus. The boy stepped out of the way so the girl could go first. Sixth grade boys who prove chivalry isn’t dead give me hope.”

MODESTY
moderation in the ways that you talk & act

What do you think is your biggest challenge in being modest?

Saint Therese of Lisieux: Therese is known as the Little Flower because she saw herself as very small in God’s great plan. She found her way to God in loving and trusting him and in finding joy in small, everyday things. Sick most of her life, Therese died when she was 24 years old. Her “Little Way” still inspires many Catholics to live simply and offer even the smallest act to God as a prayer.

GivesMeHope.com: “I just read a news story about a couple that lived in a modest home. The husband passed away in 2007 and the wife passed away recently. It was discovered upon her death that they were millionaires. They left 90% of their money to charities. Marlowe and Pat Kluter, your generosity gives me hope.”

Prayer Parts

Choose how to pray for one of the Fruits of the Spirit, maybe using some of these parts and filling in what you want God to do to help you grow in this Fruit of the Spirit.

“YOU”	“WHO”	“DO”	“THROUGH”
Lord of all creation,	who made us and all that we love,	____________________	We ask this through Jesus our Lord and Savior.  Amen.
Heavenly Father,	who watches over us each day,	____________________	We pray and ask your mercy in Jesus’ name.  Amen.
Jesus our brother,	who loves us and feeds us like a Good Shepherd,	____________________	Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.
Holy Spirit,	who is with us always and in every difficulty,	____________________	In the name of Jesus.  Amen.
etc.	etc.	etc.	etc.       Amen.