Using the Disciple of Christ Program to Transform Your School SchoolSpeak Special Webinar January 17, 2018 Sr. John Dominic, OP
Hope: Enables one to desire God above all things and to trust Him for our salvation Page 2
Hope - Enables one to desire God above all things and to trust Him for our salvation Hope is a supernatural gift from God infused at Baptism Hope anchors the soul in God and enables one to be joyful under trial Gives youthful freedom St. John Paul II Virtues related to Hope: MAGNANIMITY HUMILITY
Gift of the Holy Spirit Fear of the Lord Gift of Fear of the Lord Brings forth the fear of offending God by sin. Fear of the Lord fills one with a respect for God so great, it makes one dread the thought of offending Him. Allows one to look upon God as one s own loving Father Imparts reverence, awe, and humility A great horror and sorrow for one s sins because they offend God Firm resolve to do the will of the Father Fear of the Lord saves one from focusing on self and instead puts God s love at the center with a firm conviction that one cannot afford to lose His love Fear of losing the friendship of God **Vice opposed to Gift of Fear is Pride Page 4
Chosen As he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will Ephesians 1: 4-5 Page 5
As he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will Ephesians 1: 4-5 As he chose in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love he destined for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will Ephesians 1: 4-5 Page 6
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We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 God first loved. Page 8
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Cultivating the Grace of Baptism Through baptism all sins are forgiven, the person becomes immersed in the life of the Trinity, receives sanctifying grace which enables the baptized to: To believe in God, to hope in Him, and to love him through Faith ~ Hope ~ Charity To live an act under the prompting of the Holy Spirit through the Gifts of the Holy Spirit To grow in goodness through the moral virtues. Adopted Son/daughter of God Immersed in the Trinity Member of Christ Temple of the Holy Spirit Page 10
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An Overview - the symbol The Cross Jesus Christ, God s Son, Our Savior and Redeemer And he called to him the multitude with his disciples, and said to them, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it (Mark 8:34-35) The Fish (ICHTHUS) early symbol of Christian discipleship As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. Come, follow me. Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men. At once they left their nets and followed him. (Mark 1:16-18) The Light The Light of Truth Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16) Page 12
Catechesis What, Why, and How What and Why Disciple of Christ -Philosophy Disciples of Christ are formed with a catechesis which includes- the systematic and organic teaching of doctrine ( what and why ) and a systematic education on how to live a virtuous life in Christ ( how ) How Doctrine Words Example Deeds Catechesis in the Deposit of Faith Scripture Tradition Catechesis in Life in Christ (CCC, 1697) Page 13
Disciple of Christ -Philosophy The Goal of virtuous life is to become like God -St. Gregory of Nyssa A virtue is an habitual and firm disposition to do the good. (CCC, 1803) Page 14
How Virtue is Acquired: An Education Human virtues acquired by education, by deliberate acts by a perseverance ever-renewed in repeated efforts are purified and elevated by divine grace. With God s help, they forge character and give facility in the practice of good. The virtuous man is happy to practice them. (CCC 1810) Page 15
Education in Virtue Resources LEARN Learn the language Learn the virtues LIVE Form habits and dispositions necessary to LIVE as disciples of Jesus Christ WITNESS Live a life filled with the hope of Christ to open the minds and hearts of those around you Page 17
The Virtues, Gifts, Beatitude Theological Cardinal Faith Virtues Gifts Beatitudes Understanding Knowledge Pure of heart Those who weep Hope Fear of the Lord Poor in Spirit Charity Wisdom Peacemakers Prudence Counsel The merciful Justice Piety The meek Fortitude Fortitude Hunger and thirst for justice Temperance Fear of the Lord Poor in Spirit Page 18
Cardinal Virtues and related virtues PRUDENCE JUSTICE FORTITUDE TEMPERANCE circumspection docility foresight affability courtesy generosity gratitude kindness loyalty obedience patriotism prayerfulness respect responsibility sincerity trustworthiness industriousness magnanimity magnificence patience perseverance honesty humility meekness moderation modesty orderliness self-control
LEARN, LIVE, WITNESS Virtue Chart Pack Description Remain in Me Chart is an easy-touse reference chart that gives educators and students an overview of all the virtues and gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Disciple of Christ Virtue Chart features a list of the virtues, listed under their respective colorcoded cardinal virtue, and includes three categories with definitions /explanations in each: Meaning, Opposing Trait, Ways to Cultivate. The Happiness is Living a Virtuous Life pamphlet is designed to help you, the instructor, and your older students on your own personal paths of discipleship in Christ. Page 20
Virtue Cards LEARN, LIVE, WITNESS Page 21
Saint Cards LEARN, LIVE, WITNESS Page 22
Posters LEARN, LIVE, WITNESS >Instructional Posters >Ways to Cultivate Posters >Looks Like, Sounds Like Posters Page 23
Educator s Guide LEARN, LIVE, WITNESS Page 24
LIVING VIRTUOUSLY IS DISCIPLINE Page 25
Code of Conduct Living Virtuously is Discipline Every school has a code of conduct which sets forth expectations for acceptable student behavior and a discipline plan which outlines consequences for infractions of this code of conduct. True discipline is nothing more than Christian formation by which children become disciples of Christ. It is through the individual formation of each child that he is able to see himself and the world through God s eyes, and to act as God would have him act at all times. Page 26
Cultivation of the Virtue Living Virtuously is Discipline The goal of discipline is true cultivation of virtue so that the child is interiorly directed away from patterns of behavior which are in need of change and to turn toward God Himself. Discipline plans must be rooted in recognizing the dignity of each human person and take into consideration the workings of grace as well as of sin and conversion. Page 27
Suggested Communication Tools The Disciple of Christ Report focuses on two areas: Virtues to be cultivated Faculty identifies specific virtues a child may need to cultivate and provides suggested ways to cultivate that virtue Christian Witness Faculty identifies and acknowledges an occasion when a child exemplifies virtuous behavior consistent with living as a Disciple of Christ If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will and it shall be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I also love you; abide in my love. (John 15: 7-9) Page 28
Disciple of Christ Report in Page 29
Christian Witness Certificate - Page 30
LEARN, LIVE, WITNESS Page 31
A case for lectio divina The best formation for sharing the Gospel comes from contemplating it with love, lingering over its pages, and reading it with the heart. -Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel By taking the time each week to reflect on the Scriptures, students are challenged to embrace discipleship and practice virtue in their own daily lives. As our lives become noisier, psychologists and pediatricians advocate that youth have time-in. By taking the time for one s inner life, youth are able to develop integration in their lives and cultivate empathy with others. -Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. Page 32
Antidotes to Acedia LEARN, LIVE, WITNESS Lectio Divina Christian prayer tries above all to meditate on the mysteries of Christ, as in lectio divina or the rosary. This form of prayerful reflection is of great value, but Christian prayer should go further: to the knowledge of the love of the Lord Jesus, to union with him. CCC 2708 Rosary The rosary, an "epitome of the whole Gospel," is a means to meditate on the Life of Christ. CCC 971 Be silent, still, and listen The sentiments that emerge from a silent heart are expressed in harmony and silence. Silence is man s greatest freedom. Robert Cardinal Sarah Page 33
Lectio Divina Journals LEARN, LIVE, WITNESS Encounter the Person of Jesus Christ by reading and meditating on the Word of God. Mary, the Mother of the Word, was open to the Holy Spirit and spent her days reflecting upon the meaning of her Son s life. She shows us the way to hear the word of God and act on it. Page 34
Forming Joyful Disciples of Christ
Life of Christ Journal This journal has helped me really know the bible passages and not just quickly glance at them. Page 36
The Lenten Journals This journal helped me be a little calmer toward someone who made me angry. It also helped me to see the positive. Page 37
Life of Christ Journal We take a story in the Bible that I ve heard a billion times, and find something deeper that I had never noticed. Page 38
Disciple of Mercy Journal They are a great way to study the Bible, and a peaceful way to start the day; they help us calmly prepare for the daily challenges ahead, and to ask God to face them with us. Page 39
Life of Christ Journal It helps me to visualize the passage that I am reading. Page 40
An examination of conscience LEARN, LIVE, WITNESS Page 41
Rings, Medals LEARN, LIVE, WITNESS Page 42
What does a Disciple of Christ look like? The disciple of Christ must not only keep the faith and live on it, but also profess it, confidently bear witness to it, and Disciple: Greek = mathetes is a student or follower who attaches himself personally to a teacher, to learn from both his doctrine (words) and example (deeds) spread it: CCC, 1816 Page 43
A Disciple of Christ Lives Sacramentally Lives Virtuously Is Receptive to the Holy Spirit Seeks Happiness Embraces Conversion Asks for Forgiveness Page 44
What was from the beginning, what, what with concerns the Word of life for the life was made visible; we have seen it and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was made visible to us, so that you too may have fellowship with us; for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing this so. 1 John 1:1-4
Disciple of Christ- Mini-Series $15.00 What are the virtues? And how can we learn to live them at any age? After being asked to share their experience and practical tools for teaching and imparting a plan to bring the virtues to the wider population, the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist have created Disciple of Christ, Education in Virtue: Mini-Series. AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER. EDUCATIONINVIRTUE.COM Page 46
About Disciple of Christ Christian curriculum structured on the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas regarding the virtues and gifts of the Holy Spirit Provides a consistent structure and systematic instruction for youth to learn about the virtues allowing them to form the habits and dispositions necessary to live as disciples of Jesus Christ Emphasizes Christian discipleship as indispensable toward human flourishing and the quest for joy Developed in response to the call for a New Evangelization, firmly conveying the reality that happiness is found in a life of holiness Page 47
For more ideas on how to implement the program and to watch videos about our products, please visit: LEARN Please visit the EducationinVirtue.com to watch short videos to learn more. Education In Virtue 4101 East Joy Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Email: contact@educationinvirtue.com Phone: (734)-996-4245 LIVE Follow us on Twitter: @EDUinVIRTUE www.facebook.com/educationinvirtue/ www.pinterest.com/eduinvirtue/ WITNESS Page 48