World Youth Day USA Guides Retreat Manual | Page 53

other’s experience.

CATECHETICAL PRESENTATION
“SUFFERING & SOLIDARITY”



Common life and common concerns.

NOTE TO LEADER: It is recommended to use



Performed not to relieve suffering, but to

selections on solidarity in the Catechism of the

understand it better.

Catholic Church, in particular Part Three, Chapter
Two, Article Three (“Social Justice”), 1928-1948.

In the New Testament, the concept of

These include: respect for the human person (1929-

solidarity is seen in the following ways:

1933); human solidarity (1939-1942); respect for



Mystery of the Incarnation: God chooses

persons and their goods (2407); and justice and

solidarity with humanity by the divine Son

solidarity among nations and love of the poor (2437-

entering the world as a humble child, born

2463). You may also consider using selections from the

in poverty in a people struggling with

United States Catholic Catechism for

imperial rule and oppression.

Adults, in particular Chapter 31 (“Seventh



Eschatology (the last things): Heb 6:17-20;

Commandment: Do Not Steal – Act Justly”) and its

theology of St. Athanasius (and others):

review of the Church’s social teaching (pgs. 420-428)

“God became man, so that man might

and the 2009 encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI,

become God.” God enters humanity and

Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth), as well as

then enters heaven on our behalf to give

the online collection of statements and resources for

secure hope for the future.

Catholic social teaching: http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-



and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-

of the Kingdom: In the Gospels, Jesus eats

teaching/index.cfm. You might also consider inviting

with sinners, tax collectors, and women (see

those involved with social justice work locally to lead,

Mk 2:15-17). Christ broke a number of

facilitate, or serve as a guest for this session.

social conventions of his day to be with
those in poverty and to invite all in need of

I. What is Solidarity?


mercy to communion in and with him, in

Being in relationship with others is the key

the one family of God.

to solidarity.




Breaking of social convention for the sake



Eucharist: We are one Body in Christ.

Union or fellowship arising from common

Christ unites where sin divides. Solidarity

responsibilities, experiences and interests, as

means that God also calls us to be in unity

between members of a group or between

and right relationship with one another –

classes, peoples.

with Jesus through the Eucharist and

Walking in the footsteps of another to

through the universal Church, our

gain mutual understanding of the

community of believers.
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