RCL Benziger Catalog 2017 | Page 61

59 Call toll free at 877.275.4725 | Junior High D Explore Each lesson begins with a prayer , and uses a simple Pray , Reflect , and Focus methodology to help young people reflect on their lives and a relevant Scripture passage . E Discover Five pages offer an easy-to-follow process through the chapter ’ s doctrinal content in a Teach — Reinforce — Connect methodology . F Decide A two-page series of integration activities and an opportunity to make a faith choice bring the lesson theme back into the students ’ lives . G Catholic Social Teaching A unique cross-curricular lesson explores a key principle of Catholic Social Teaching and offers response activities in three subject areas at the end of each unit . FAITH JOURNAL What have you done for others in response to Jesus ’ call ? Efforts Today In recent years Caritas Internationalis has been very active in the Darfur region of the nation of Sudan in Africa . Trapped between the two sides of a violent civil war and terrorized by the “ janjaweed ,” a group of armed bandits operating in southern Sudan , the people of Darfur were driven from their homes and deprived of food and water . Through the efforts of Caritas Internationalis , many of these people have seen their lives changed for the better . One example of their efforts includes helping the people in Hilet-Hausa who did not have access to a supply of clean running water . Caritas provided the funds and supplies for the project in which the people of the refugee camp constructed two wells equipped with solar-powered pumps . In a refugee camp , a young mother named Maryam could not find enough food to give to her seven-month-old son . The boy , Najmeldin , had to be taken to a hospital because he was suffering from malnutrition . Fortunately , the case came to the attention of a worker based in a nutrition center sponsored by Caritas Internationalis who helped . Success stories like these are common as Caritas International works to bring the healing and generous love of Jesus to a broken world in great need . Such people have certainly heard and responded to Jesus ’ call to love as he loves us . Disciple POWER GENEROSITY Generosity is the virtue of freely giving from one ’ s own time , talent and treasure to serve the needs of others . The generous person realizes that the gifts she or he has received from God can only be appreciated when they are shared with others . 23 DAY 1 EXPLORE Reinforce → Guide the students through the page to illustrate , in a concrete way , the work of Caritas . If possible , show the class the Caritas Internationalis website ( caritas . org ), and stories about the places and people served by the organization , such as Darfur in southern Sudan . → Point out that the people who work for Caritas are responding to Jesus ’ call to serve the poor and vulnerable among us . → Write generosity on the board . Ask students to complete this sentence : “ I experienced generosity when .” Point out the Disciple Power feature and discuss the virtue of generosity ’ s connection to what the class just learned about Caritas International . Connect → Ask the students to describe the photos on the page of teens helping others . Pose the Faith Journal question and give them several minutes to reflect on how they respond to Jesus ’ call to serve others . → Invite volunteers to share concrete examples of how they ’ ve seen Jesus active in their own lives . Share a few examples of how you have seen Jesus active in the lives of the young people . Pray Together pray : Lord , may we fall ever more deeply in love with you every day , and proclaim the Gospel with boldness . Amen . DISCIPLE POWER Generosity . Help the young adolescents understand that generosity is one of the best ways they can show their love and friendship to others . Generosity is finding ways to give others happiness by giving and sharing . Find out what the students think the phrase “ The more you give , the more you get ” means . Discuss how this phrase might apply to the people who work for Caritas International . Then , ask the young people to share specific examples from their own experiences of when this phrase has been true for them . 57 Student page 23 → THE CHURCH FOLLOWS JESUS Global MISSION C aritas Internationalis , the agency that coordinates more than 160 humanitarian relief activities , has incorporated a sense of belonging into its mission . Founded under the guidance of Father Lorenz Werthmann in 1895 , the organization originally coordinated Catholic aid and relief activities in Germany . Recently , the scope of the organization has become much larger . In 1947 , the organization received a new name , “ Caritas Catholica ,” to indicate it has a universal mission . The Pope endorsed the organization as the official representative of the Church for coordinating international aid to people in need in cooperation with the United Nations . In light of the importance placed on ecumenism after the Second Vatican Council , the organization is now known as Caritas Internationalis . The group was praised by Pope John Paul II for its contribution towards the goal of “ globalizing solidarity .” In the United States , the work of Caritas Internationalis is carried out by its local subsidiary , Catholic Relief Services . Caritas Internationalis and all its subsidiaries coordinate the resources of a variety of international aid organizations to efficiently and quickly send help to wherever it is needed . → What are some good ways to help people in need ? 22 DAY 1 EXPLORE CATHOLIC IDENTITY Young Adolescents and the Church . Young adolescents may be at the stage where they are beginning to question their involvement with the Church . A key characteristic of this age-group is that they long to belong ! Present the Church as a people set apart , called by the Father to live courageously and lovingly . Inspire them with stories of Christian heroes who made difficult choices to change their world for the better . Show them how they can become more involved in their parishes and church organizations to bring about change in their world . Arrange for opportunities in which small groups of your students can work along with adults in some of these activities . Help them experience how being a disciple of Jesus Christ as a member of the Church is a worthy and noble adventure . Introduce → Write the word solidarity on the board . Invite the students to join with partners and develop one or two sentence definitions that define the word solidarity . Have the pairs share their definitions with the class . → Point out that solidarity is an important value for the Body of Christ . Introduce Caritas Internationalis as an organization of the Catholic Church for whom solidarity is foundational to its mission . → Invite three volunteers to read aloud the three paragraphs on the page . After each paragraph , invite one or two volunteers to the board to facilitate large-group notetaking based on what was just read . Suggest the class use an outline form , beginning with the key concepts in the paragraph , and then filling in the details below . Reinforce → Review the outlines on the board and ask the students to tell how they would describe the work of Caritas to a friend who hadn ’ t read the page . Timeline Pose the question at the bottom of the page , and list the ways to help people in need on the board . Invite the students to use the timeline to help them . 56 Student page 22 1978 – 1978 Papacy of John Paul I TIMELINE 1970 2005 – 2013 Papacy of Benedict XVI 2006 Darfur Peace Agreement GOD LOOKING AHEAD In this chapter the Holy Spirit invites you to → EXPLORE the Church as the People of God . DISCOVER the main ways in which God works through us . DECIDE on how can you serve the Church . CHAPTER 2 2013 Election of Pope Francis 2010 Earthquake hits Haiti . People 2000 2013 → To which kinds of groups do you belong ? Belonging to groups is important to everyone . At the heart of our families and friendships is a secured sense of belonging . To belong means that each of us has a vital role in contributing to the good of the group . Everyone who is baptized belongs to the Church . We , as members of the Body of Christ , are therefore responsible for carrying out the work of the Church . But as it is , there are many parts , yet one body . 1 Corinthians 12:20 → What are the values by which you live ? of The 21 DAY 1 EXPLORE Pray → Gather the class for prayer . → Invite the students to reflect on Jesus ’ promise that wherever his disciples are gathered in his name , he is there with them . → Lead the students in praying the Sign of the Cross . → Proclaim 1 Corinthians 12:20 . → Invite everyone to pray the Sign of the Cross as a renewal of their baptismal profession of faith . Reflect → Open a discussion about the groups to which the students belong by tossing a foam ball back and forth from you to each student . When the students catch the ball they name a group to which they belong , and why they belong to that group . Continue until each student has had a chance to respond . → Read the opening paragraphs to the class . → Use the ball toss again to have the young people share what are the most important values they live by . Focus → Briefly summarize the three Looking Ahead objectives . Timeline Point out the timeline and explain that this will be referred to throughout the chapter . HUMAN METHODOLOGIES Learning through the Witness of the Catechist . The National Directory for Catechesis states : “ Catechists powerfully influence those being catechized by their faithful proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the transparent example of their Christian lives ” ( NDC 29E ). Model for the students how you , as a catechist , are fulfilling your baptismal call to live as a witness for Christ and continue his work . Provide time for the students to reflect on how taking part in these sessions helps them prepare to live their baptismal call . 55 Student page 21 The Plan of God The origin of the Church lies deep within the plan of God from the very beginning of time . Part of God ’ s plan is to share his own divine life with us . The Church is the sign and instrument of Salvation . She is the sign and instrument of our reconciliation and communion with God and with one another . The word church means “ convocation .” God ’ s word convokes , or gathers together , believers to form the People of God who , nourished by the Body of Christ , truly become the Body of Christ . One enters the People of God through Baptism and the response of faith . All are called to belong to the new People of God , so that in Christ they may form one family in faith . At the end of time , all God ’ s children will be gathered together . The Universal Covenant God promised to Noah a universal covenant with all people ( see Genesis 9:9 – 13 ). Then God promised Abraham that he would be the father of a great nation ( see Genesis 12:2 ). God elected the people of Israel to be his people . On Mount Sinai God gave his Law to the people of Israel through Moses . Later the prophets announced that God would make a new and everlasting covenant with all people — just as he had promised ( see Jeremiah 31:31 – 34 ). The promise of the New Covenant was instituted in Jesus Christ ( see Luke 22:14 – 20 ). Jesus called his first followers to be the foundation of this new People of God . When his redemptive work was accomplished on Earth , the Risen and glorified Christ returned to his Father in Heaven . As Jesus promised , the Father sent the Holy Spirit in his name . The Holy Spirit is who forms the followers of Jesus into the new People of God , the Church . → What has been one of the most important journeys you Gathered have taken ? Why ? in Christ ’ s Name → FAITH FOCUS Who makes up the People of God ? → FAITH VOCABULARY consecrated life laity ordained ministry 24 DISCOVER DAY 2 DOCTRINE CONNECTION The Church on Pilgrimage . The Church is both human and divine , visible and invisible . As an earthly reality that exists here and now , the Church has a past , a present , and a future . She is a pilgrim people and has a history and a story that is still being written . We are a part of that pilgrimage whose destination is the Kingdom of God , which will come about at the end of time . At the end of time all the faithful members of the Church , the Communion of Saints , will live in everlasting peace and happiness with God and with Mary and all the other saints ( see Catechism of the Catholic Church 769 and Vatican II Dogmatic Constitution on the Church [ Lumen gentium ] 48 – 51 ). KEY CONCEPT The Church is the People of God and the Communion of Saints . Pray Begin by asking the students to spend a moment in quiet prayer thanking God for his presence among them . Teach → Remind the young people that everyone who is baptized belongs to the Church . → Write the phrase The Pilgrimage of the People of God on the board . → Brainstorm key events from the Old Testament and the New Testament that the class remembers about the history of God ’ s plan with his people , and place them on a time line . → Have the students silently read page 24 to understand why the Church is the new People of God . Timeline Ask volunteers to read aloud The Communion of the Church on page 25 and have the young people discuss how the people in the illustration relate to the text . Using the timeline , invite them to learn more about Teresa of Calcutta and Pope John Paul II . Reinforce Ask volunteers to add to the time line and explain what it means to call the Church the new People of God . ( As the promise of the new Covenant was instituted in Jesus Christ , the followers of Jesus became the new People of God .) 58 Student page 24 The Church has a “ real though imperfect ” holiness ( LG 48 ). These are the words that Vatican II used to identify the People of God as a pilgrim Church . Unlike the Pilgrims who traveled across the ocean seeking religious freedom , the People of God are on a spiritual journey to greater holiness . Because we have not completed our journey to God , we find much holiness , but also much sin and evil in the world . Catholics BELIEVE Faith CONNECTION Design an image that illustrates the Communion of Saints . The Communion of the Church There is a deep solidarity among the people that God has made holy by sharing his life with us . The Church is a : n Communion in the faith : a sharing in the faith handed down from the Apostles . n Communion in the Sacraments : a sharing in the Paschal Mystery . n Communion in the Holy Spirit : a sharing that is enriched by spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit . n Communion of charity : a sharing in the building up the Church . The Church is also a community of holy people . This communion of holy people includes : n The faithful here on Earth n The faithful who are being purified after death in Purgatory n The faithful experiencing eternal and perfect communion with God and the saints in Heaven The Church on Earth continues to pray for those being purified after their bodily death . The saints living in Heaven care about us and pray for us . They serve the faithful on Earth as our advocates before God in Heaven . This faith moves us to pray to them and to learn about their lives on Earth . The Church is also known as the Communion of Saints . The Communion of Saints is a communion of all holy things and holy people that make up the Church . Gathered in Christ ’ s Name 25 DAY 2 DISCOVER Reinforce → Create a T-chart on the board labeled Communion of Holy Things and Communion of Holy People . Have the young people work with partners to describe to one another what A Communion of Holy Things and A Communion of Holy People mean . → Have the students close their books . As a class , fill in the two columns on the T-chart . Have them review the page , and add anything that might be missing to the board . Connect → Have the class continue working with partners to complete the Faith Connection activity . Distribute poster paper , and various art supplies the pairs can use to create an image that illustrates the Communion of Saints . → When their work is complete , ask the partners to share their images with the class . Optionally , create a large poster-sized collage of all of the images . Post this collage in the classroom ’ s prayer space . Pray Invite the students to pray silently to their favorite saints . Have the students pray for their needs , asking the saint ’ s intercession before God . TEACHING TIP Using Graphic Organizers . Graphic organizers can capture the thinking of the young people and help them organize their thoughts . Use a variety of graphic organizers . A T-chart can be used when comparing stories or people . A Venn diagram will help the young people compare and contrast what they are learning . By creating a graphic organizer on the board before reading , the young people will have a purpose for reading and will be guided in understanding what is important in the reading . For example , today you create a T-chart which becomes a focal point for the students before they begin their reading , and also serves as a way for them to summarize what they have learned after they have completed the reading . 59 Student page 25 Spiritual Gifts The visible Church on Earth is made up of many people . Each baptized person has responsibility for the mission of the Church . Joined to Christ in Baptism , all the baptized are called to share in the Paschal Mystery of Christ ’ s passion , Death , Resurrection , and glorious Ascension and to be happy with him forever . The Holy Spirit blesses the People of God with charisms , gifts , and responsibilities to help build up the Body of Christ on Earth . Saint Paul wrote : There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit ; there are different forms of service but the same Lord ; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone . To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit . 1 Corinthians 12:4 – 7 Lights in the World At Baptism all the newly baptized receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and are anointed with the blessed oil called Sacred Chrism . The presider prays : He [ God the Father ] now anoints you with the chrism of salvation , so that , united with his people , you may remain for ever a member of Christ who is Priest , Prophet , and King . From rite oF Baptism After the anointing the newly baptized receives a lighted candle , a symbol of Christ . They are to live as lights of Christ in the world . Most of the baptized are members of the laity , or laypeople . Laypeople are called by God to place the gifts bestowed upon them by the Holy Spirit at the service of the world , so that all who they meet might more clearly experience the presence of the Risen Christ in their lives . Lay people are called by God to respectfully and charitably offer their insights and witness to the leaders of the Church as DID YOU KNOW The word Jerusalem means “ the foundation of God ” or “ city of peace .” On Earth the city of Jerusalem is the center of God ’ s people , the earthly foundation of his people . In the Book of Revelation , the “ new Jerusalem ” is not a city . It is the fulfillment of God ’ s plan when all creation is founded on him , living in peace and communion with him and one another . 26 DAY 3 DISCOVER DOCTRINE CONNECTION Images for the Church . Because the Church is a mystery , the Church uses a variety of images to help us grasp the many facets of this mystery . Yet we can capture only part of the meaning of the mystery of the Church in any one given image . The Church as the new People of God helps us begin to partially understand that the Church is the people gathered together ( the word church means “ convocation ”) by God the Father in Christ , the new and everlasting Covenant ( see Catechism of the Catholic Church 751 – 757 , 770 – 776 , and 781 – 786 ). KEY CONCEPT The People of God share in the mission of the Church . Pray Invite the young people to quiet themselves for prayer . Greet them using Ephesians 1:2 . Teach → Have a volunteer read aloud the Faith Focus question on page 24 . Ask the class how they might now answer it . Tell the students that these pages will invite them to discover the different ways people take part in the mission of the Church on earth . → Brainstorm with the class the different gifts and talents that the baptized have been given to build up the Body of Christ , the Church , on Earth . → Invite the young people to look at the images on the page as examples of different ways people take part in the mission of the Church . → Discuss the special gifts and talents the students bring to the Church . → Read the two opening paragraphs on the page . → Have the class work in three groups . Assign to each group one of the three remaining sections , Lights in the World , Ordained Ministers , and The Consecrated Life on pages 26 and 27 . Have each group silently read and discuss its assigned section and discover how the members of the Church live out their baptismal promises . 60 Student page 26 Faith CONNECTION What kind of commitment do you think one needs to live the consecrated life ? well . Laypeople are lights of faith , hope , and love in their families and among their friends , in their communities , in their workplaces , and in their parishes . They are living witnesses for Christ at the very heart of the human community . How have some laypeople helped you discern your talents and gifts ? Ordained Ministers Bishops , priests , and deacons are members of the ordained ministry of the Church . They are ordained to serve the whole Church . Through the ordained ministry , especially of bishops and priests , the presence of Christ as Head of the Church is made visible in the midst of the Church . Bishops are helped by priests , their coworkers , and by deacons in their work of teaching the faith , celebrating divine worship , and guiding the faithful entrusted to their care . All ordained ministers of the Church are members of the clergy . Which gifts do you think are necessary for a man to be a priest ? The Consecrated Life Laypeople and ordained ministers sometimes make promises to a life of poverty , chastity , and obedience in a way approved by the Church . They can live out this consecrated life publicly in religious communities or even as cloistered religious , or religious who do not leave the place where they live , work , and pray . In whatever ways these members of the Church live out their vocation , they are living signs of God ’ s saving love at work in the world . Their lives remind us to keep our focus on living the Gospel . 27 DISCOVER DAY 3 Reinforce → Ask each group to develop a short presentation based around the Faith Vocabulary word that appears in their section of reading ( laity , ordained ministry , consecrated life ). Suggest that they present the content by creating a word web or mind map around the faith vocabulary word for the class . Or they can use graphic organizers of their choosing to summarize and present the content . Provide newsprint and markers . → After each group presents its section , pose the question on the page for class discussion . Use this discussion as an opportunity to check student understanding and to further explain or clarify key concepts as necessary . → Point out the Did You Know feature to share more about God ’ s plan for his people . Connect → Discuss with the class the work of young people in the Church today . → Pose the Faith Connection question for large group discussion . TEACHING TIP Happiness Is . . . People who are well-adjusted in their vocation in life seem to be happy . Have the students think of people they know who seem to love their work . Then brainstorm a list of qualities these people have that identify them as people who love their work . Such a person might laugh a lot , walk with a joyous step , greet people with a smile , and be well-adjusted . Discuss with the students the things that they think might keep a person , like those described above , energized , peaceful , and happy . 61 Student page 27 Successors of the Apostles Jesus gave his Church on Earth a structure . He chose the Twelve with Saint Peter as their head to serve the Church in his name ( see John 21:15 – 17 ). The Pope is the successor of Saint Peter . The Pope is also the bishop of Rome and the head of all the bishops . He is the Vicar of Christ on Earth and has been given the ministry to care for the whole Church . He is the visible foundation and pastor of the universal Church on Earth . Bishops are the successors of the Apostles . Bishops are chosen by the Pope to lead local churches in every part of the world . As the chief pastor for his local church , a bishop serves as Christ ’ s representative to shepherd the people in his name . Teacher on Faith and Morals The first duty of the bishop is to preach the Good News . Guided by the Holy Spirit , the bishops , as a successors of the Apostles , pass on , preserve , and defend the truth of the Gospel . The bishops teach authoritatively on matters of faith and morals . The faithful are called to believe what the Church teaches . Minister of Word and Sacrament Helped by priests , their coworkers , and by deacons , bishops sanctify the Church by their prayers and work , by their ministry of Word and Sacrament , as well as by their personal example of holiness . Bishops have the responsibility and authority to see to it that the Sacraments are celebrated reverently with the faithful in their care . Bishops are stewards of the grace of Christ , especially of the Eucharist over which they preside or delegate to priests as coworkers . Shepherd of the Flock The bishop leads and serves the faithful by following the example of Christ the Good Shepherd ( see Luke 22:26 ). Those chosen to shepherd the Church as bishops are to serve others as Jesus served ( see John 13:14 – 17 ). They are the sign and source of the unity of the Church in the particular church they serve . The naming of a new pope is the work of the Holy Spirit . The choosing , or electing , of a pope takes place at a special gathering , or conclave , of the cardinals of the Church . When a new pope is elected , the paper ballots are burned with a chemical additive . This creates black or white smoke . The sign to the world that a new Pope has been elected is white smoke . The newly elected Pope appears on the balcony and gives his blessing to the world , as the crowds jubilantly shout , “ Viva il papa !” or “ Long live the pope !” Catholics BELIEVE Faith CONNECTION Read these Scripture passages . What does each teach about the ministry of the leaders of the Church ? Matthew 20:25 – 28 John 20:11 – 16 28 DISCOVER LITURGY CONNECTION The Bishop ’ s Staff . Crosier ( also crozier ) is the name given to the staff carried by a bishop while walking in procession during the celebration of the liturgy . The crosier resembles the staff often carried by shepherds while shepherding their flocks . The crosier reminds us that the bishop is the shepherd who serves the members of the Church entrusted to his care . The crosier carried by a pope has a crucifix at the top . KEY CONCEPT The pope and the bishops are the successors of Peter and the Apostles . Teach → Brainstorm with the young people and list on the board the qualities of a good leader of the Church . Timeline Read aloud Successors of the Apostles . Include the information in the Catholics Believe feature and from the chapter timeline . → Invite three volunteers to read about the three ministries of the bishop . While the sections are being read , have a volunteer at the board adding to the list any new terms that describe the qualities of a good leader of the Church . Reinforce Ask volunteers to give the class short summary descriptions of the threefold ministry of the bishop . Connect → Have the young people work with partners to do the Faith Connection activity . → Have the young people individually identify one of the qualities of a Christian leader and think about how they might use that quality to serve the Church . Pray Invite the students to pray silently for people to respond to God ’ s call to vocations to the ordained ministry and the consecrated life . DAY 3 62 Student page 28 PRIORITIeS OF THe church To be a follower of christ , you will end up going against some popular opinions about life . This could be very uncomfortable . The Catholic Church speaks out and asks you to speak out to defend all human life as sacred and to protect the dignity of each person . As a Catholic , you are called to be pro-life “ from the womb to the tomb .” This means doing whatever you can to protect the life and dignity of everyone . This means recognizing the truth that human life begins at the moment of conception . Therefore , direct abortion is never an acceptable choice . This also means that we must reach out to women who struggle with their pregnancies . Being pro-life also means having deep respect for the terminally ill and the elderly , and never abandoning them . This also means loving even our enemies and seeing that persons convicted of crimes too have dignity . Therefore , acts such as assisted suicide or the death penalty as a form of revenge are not consistent with the culture of life . These are not easy challenges . Yet when you root your life in faith and prayer , God will give you the strength necessary to help build a culture of life . my FaiTH CHoiCe This week I can continue to choose life by . IN FAVOR OF LiFe Form a small group and discuss how you can speak out in favor of life as a sacred gift from God . using art , music , or role-play , illustrate what you have discussed . Draw a rough sketch here , then complete a final work of art to show , play or demonstrate to the class . lord , help me to love others as you have loved me . amen . → i FoLLow Jesus 30 20788 _ MoralitySE _ CH02 _ 021-032 . indd 30 6 / 17 / 13 3:05 PM DeCiDe TeaChing TiP Communicating Respectfully . Many times when young people get into discussions on controversial topics , the comments can get heated . Be sure to remind the students of the following communication skills when discussing or debating such topics or issues : ( 1 ) make sure that all opinions can be supported with facts and seek to understand Church teachings ; ( 2 ) listen attentively and do not interrupt when another is speaking ; ( 3 ) restate what the other person has said to ensure you correctly understand what has been said ; ( 4 ) offer your opinion or view clearly and softly , giving solid factual reasons and truthful testimony for your view or opinion . at all times , respect the person with whom you are having such a discussion . Respond → Invite the class to discuss how they can speak out in favor of human life as a sacred gift from God . → Place the class into groups of three or five to develop a prolife media campaign called , “ A Culture of Life .” → They should sketch out ( in a drawing , performed song , or live skit ) a very brief commercial advertisement marketed for their age group to advocate for a pro-life issue . Choose → Have the young people prayerfully reflect on what they have learned from this chapter about holiness , happiness , solidarity and human dignity . → Then invite the students to complete the My Faith Choice section at the bottom of the page . → Encourage the young people to put their faith choice into action this week . Pray → Have each student silently read John 13:34 – 35 . Then invite all to quietly end this section in prayer using the prayer at the bottom of the page . Day 4 64 Student page 30 20796 _ MoralityTE _ CH02 _ 052-067 . indd 64 6 / 21 / 13 4:09 PM PRIORITIeS OF socieTy Look around your world and observe the priorities in society . You will notice that some are contrary to the sacredness of life . Many people express opinions , make choices , and act in ways that violate human dignity or destroy human life . But God calls you to always respect and protect human life . identify what you perceive to be the top three priorities in society . Then describe how these priorities do or do not build a culture of life . PRIORITIES IN SOCIeTY CULTURE OF LIFe 1 . 2 . 3 . BuiLd a cuLTure of LiFe every person is a sacred gift from god . Human life is present from the moment a baby is conceived . From the moment of conception to a person ’ s death , every person is to be cared for and treasured . I have set before you life and death , the blessing and the curse . Choose life , then , that you and your descendants may live . DeuteronoMy 30 : 19 Blessed Pope John Paul II wrote an encyclical called , Evangelium Vitae ( The Gospel of Life ). In this letter , he challenges us to build a culture of life by standing up for the dignity of the human person . The pope reminds us that at the heart of Jesus ’ message is that all of us are to enjoy life abundantly ( read John 10:10 ). → i FoLLow Jesus 29 20788 _ MoralitySE _ CH02 _ 021-032 . indd 29 6 / 17 / 13 3:05 PM Day 4 DeCiDe TeaChing TiP i Follow Jesus . this concluding section of each chapter , the I Follow Jesus section , provides an opportunity for each student to synthesize the chapter ’ s faith concepts and integrate the doctrinal focus of the chapter into their lives . this important section bookends the core doctrinal section of each chapter along with the Church Follows Jesus section . processing these two sections in relationship to the chapter ’ s doctrinal focus is an integral part of every young person ’ s faith development . these pages are designed to help the student connect to the teachings of the Catholic Church with their personal lives . allow time for the young people to share their faith stories with one another . Pray Invite the students to pray aloud the Act of Love together . Reinforce → Remind the students that their search for happiness is the same as their search for holiness . → Recall the Faith Focus question on page 24 . Ask volunteers to respond to the question , using what they learned in this chapter . → Have each volunteer write their answer on the board . → Point out that these pages will help them make a decision on how they can show respect for themselves and others . Respond → Have the students look at the pictures on this page and the next . Identify how these images depict respecting human dignity and the principle of solidarity . → Read aloud the text on the page . As you read , have the students underline those things that are difficult and challenging . → Inquire , “ What are some of the messages you hear and read that contradict human dignity ? That respect human dignity ?” Timeline Point out on the chapter timeline those events which have violated human dignity and solidarity . Encourage the students to identify more . 63 Student page 29 20796 _ MoralityTE _ CH02 _ 052-067 . indd 63 6 / 21 / 13 4:09 PM D E F CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING Background Participation in Community Life P articipation in community life is not only one of the greatest aspirations of the citizen , . . . but is also one of the pillars of all democratic orders and one of the major guarantees of the permanence of the democratic system . . . It is therefore clearly evident that every democracy must be participative . Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church 190 Responsible Contributions The Catholic Church is a worldwide community of many races , languages , and ethnic groups . Yet we are one community of faith . As the one People of God , we are concerned about issues affecting human dignity and the ability of all people to grow through equitable and just participation in community life . Therefore we have an obligation and the responsibility to participate in society and to work to promote the common good . Chapter 4 of the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church ( CSDC ) speaks to the Church ’ s teaching on the responsibility of people to participate in the work of the community . The Church teaches , [ P ] articipation . . . contributes to the cultural , economic , political and social life of the civil community to which he belongs . Participation is a duty to be fulfilled consciously by all , with responsibility and with a view to the common good . CSDC 189 The Church understands the value of participation by the individual at every level of society and in regards to various types of relationships . This is why the principle of subsidiarity is crucial to authentic participation of the individual in community life . Subsidiarity is a principle necessary for protecting individuals from abusive authority and honors the unique and healthy contributions individuals provide for society . Infusing subsidiarity into community activity promotes active participation for the sake of the common good while exercising rights of the individual and the family ( see CSDC 187 – 188 ). Christ in the Liturgy 132 UNIT1 DISCOVER DECIDE LESSON PLANNER Pray → After the young people have quieted themselves for prayer , invite a volunteer to proclaim 1 Corinthians 4:5 – 9 . → Conclude with a prayer for vocations . Focus Have the young people silently read online about the principles related to participation in community life ( see Catholic Social Teaching section at BeMyDisciples . com ). Teach → Ask the young people to tell about the work that they are doing in their families , parish and community . → Discuss the importance of participative work in the community and the good contributions people make in their families and communities . Connect → Tell the students that communities across the country are in need of volunteer workers . Point out that a major reason for this need is certain individuals and families cannot afford basic services they need . So we all have a responsibility to provide for others with our time , talents , and treasures . → Invite a volunteer to read aloud the corresponding handout online at BeMyDisiciples . com . Reinforce Have the students work in pairs to read the online activity handout and review it together . Respond Introducing the Making Connections online resource . Have the students silently read the directions to three activities . Then have them choose the activity that they wish to work on . → Mathematics : Have the students work in pairs to complete this activity . Note X = width = 3 feet ; 3X = length = 9 feet . → Social Studies : Make available the online activity handout . At the end of each of the next three weeks , go over the students ’ findings as a class . → Creative Arts : Give the students plenty of time to create their role-plays . Create a fishbowl type theater in the classroom for the groups to present . Choose Present the Faith Action challenge . Encourage them to volunteer their time and talent . Pray Repeat the opening prayer , and end with the Lord ’ s Prayer . 133 133 G See page 120 – 121 Be My Disciples Junior High School Teacher Guide ITEM # ISBN DESCRIPTION PRICE TEACHER GUIDE AND EBOOK COMBOS , GRADES 7 – 8 601658 978-0-7829-1658-4 Life in Christ Jesus SPECIAL $ 28.00 601659 978-0-7829-1659-1 Christ in the Liturgy SPECIAL $ 28.00 601660 978-0-7829-1660-7 Christ in the New Testament SPECIAL $ 28.00 601649 978-0-7829-1649-2 Christ Reveals God ’ s Mystery SPECIAL $ 28.00 Be My Disciples Junior High Parish Catechist Guide ITEM # ISBN DESCRIPTION PRICE CATECHIST GUIDE AND EBOOK COMBOS , GRADES 7 – 8 601654 978-0-7829-1654-6 Life in Christ Jesus SPECIAL $ 28.00 601655 978-0-7829-1655-3 Christ in the Liturgy SPECIAL $ 28.00 601656 978-0-7829-1656-0 Christ in the New Testament SPECIAL $ 28.00 601657 978-0-7829-1657-7 Christ Reveals God ’ s Mystery SPECIAL $ 28.00