World Youth Day USA Guides Retreat Manual | Page 58
Global and Social Dimension to Solidarity:
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION TIME
“Think Globally, Act Locally,” as we are
NOTE TO LEADER: Take approximately 20 to
called to be conscious of our everyday
30 minutes to allow participants to join together in
actions, and how they impact the world.
discussion; use the questions from individual reflection
Some people are called to serve in
time to guide the conversation around the small groups.
international missions, and some are called
to serve locally. However, we are all called,
PEER PRESENTATION
through our baptism, to be on mission
NOTE TO LEADER: This reflection from one of
(Ad Gentes 2).
the pilgrims should be personal and share about a time
when he or she encountered Jesus through the works of
INDIVIDUAL REFLECTION TIME
mercy, service, and social justice. This talk could be
NOTE TO LEADER: Take approximately 15 to
given by someone who has lived an experience of
25 minutes to allow the participants to reflect on the
solidarity (for instance, a former long-term volunteer, a
catechesis and witness.
missionary, someone who has participated in a mission
trip experience, college students who have been part of
Name an experience of suffering or
immersion programs, or a young adult who works on a
struggle in your own life.
local level with social justice and charitable work).
How did I experience Jesus, walking with
While not necessary, the person can also have past
me in this suffering experience? (Through
World Youth Day experiences (in particular during the
prayer? Through friends/family helping
experiences of Mission Week or Days in the Dicoese in
me? Throughout pain and recovery?)
past years), as these would be helpful in connecting the
How did Jesus suffer, in his life and in
work of justice and service with the World Youth Day
his Passion?
pilgrimage. This presentation would focus on the
How does your understanding of Jesus’
experience of working with those who live in poverty,
suffering and your personal experience of
those who are suffering, and/or those who are
Jesus’ solidarity with you help you to better
marginalized in the local community of the pilgrims.
understand God and his mercy?
What aspects of solidarity and justice, as
General Outline for the Presentation:
expressed in the Scriptures and in Church
Describe a personal encounter with Jesus
teaching, are most compelling, inspiring,
through mission work and/or social justice
challenging, or helpful for you?
initiatives, and through the eyes of those
What action steps are you considering with
who live in poverty, who are suffering, or
regards to solidarity and justice?
who are marginalized.
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