Looking ahead to 2019

It`s crazy to think that a little over 4 months ago I arrived and started this job, it’s been a whirlwind of a few months and I am finally getting settled into my role as Engagement Officer. Its been great to meet and travel across London hosting workshops, talks and stalls and networking with all the amazing people we come across. Since I started at Million Minutes, we have employed our latest colleague Sophie Aulton. It`s been wonderful working alongside side her and Tadz in Romero House, Sophie has been a real asset to the team and I have immensely enjoyed having her as my team mate as we attend various events together.

As we look forward to the new year, I am really excited to get siLENT going. Its been great to see individuals, schools, parishes and organisations interested and engaged with Million Minutes. And to have them signed up already onto our siLENT 40 Calendar for 2019 is amazing!

As January approaches I can’t wait to hit the ground running and get as many people possible involved over the coming Lenten season. To those reading this I look forward to working and meeting with you soon, and I wish you a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year. And to all our friends thank you for your support over the last coming months.

 If you are at all interested in siLENT please have a look at our webpage and resources. You can sign up today by going online at: www.millionminutes.org/silent/.

Become a featured participant on our siLENT 40 calendar. Get involved: http://millionminutes.org/silent40

By Kate Eastmond

Rediscovering the joy of waiting this Advent

Waiting. Let’s face it, no-one likes it.

Maybe it’s a London thing but waiting even two minutes for a Tube, bus or train gets me huffing and puffing.

And it’s not just me. From instant streaming to next-day delivery, we want things now and society gives them to us almost immediately.

We simply can’t wait. Every second counts.

But waiting is good for us. The meaningful things in life – from raising children to political change – take time. Advent is an opportunity to remember this.

As Christians we need to take the time to pause and be reflective. The season of Advent is all about waiting. We are all waiting in anticipation for the birth of Jesus Christ.

So let this Advent season be a time of excitement and anticipation, a time with loved ones and family, a time of hope, a time of peace and quiet contemplation, a time to slow down, a time to just be.

That way, when Jesus does arrive at Christmas, our hearts and minds can know the full impact of his arrival.

By Daniel Hale (Million Minutes Trustee)

For Jimmy-Message of Hope

For Margaret and Barry Mizen, the charity For Jimmy has always been for their son. Jimmy Mizen was tragically killed in an unprovoked attack a day after his 16th birthday, at his local bakers in May 2008. 

Since that day the family have been determined to focus on two outcomes. First, that they will not be beaten by his death and secondly that something good will come from it for the benefit of young people.

Barry and Margaret share Jimmy’s story across the country in schools, churches, prisons, Pupil Referral Units & community groups. With societies threatened by an epidemic of knife crime Jimmy’s mum, Margaret says that her challenge to young people is to “Go out and be the change makers, the peacemakers, to make a difference.” 

Considering this season of Advent, Margaret’s message is one of hope: “With excitement, joy and a sense of deep reflection we anticipate the celebration of Christmas. When I look at the beautiful baby Jesus lying in the crib I am filled with a sense of peace and optimism for the future. That is why I believe we must be there for our young people, who are our future, especially those who are suffering and do not see a peaceful path ahead of them. Jesus showed us how to bring hope to life and at this special time of year my faith is strengthened to bring that hope to our young people and guide them to making a better world. Let us teach our young people how special they are, how loved they are, and how much promise they offer." 

Another project of the charity involves creating ‘Safe Havens’ which young people can turn to if they feel they are in danger. Shops and businesses display a sticker that promises protection and staff are trained in how to offer a safe space. These havens help build safer communities for our young people. 

How can we help to create safer communities and offer hope this Advent?

Please consider taking two minutes out of your day to say Jimmy’s prayer this Advent Sunday with your communities and young people.
 
Lord, we thank you for the gift of Jimmy.
Thankyou for the joy he brought to all who knew him.
May his life and witness give hope to all our precious young people.
Amen.
 
To find out more about the charity please visit: forjimmy.org

We are delighted that Margaret Mizen is one of our champions. It is their message of peace, a principle of our Catholic social teaching, that we want to share with young people.