NAME DATE Lesson Overview In the wisdom of His creation, God gifted humanity with free will. This gift allows us to choose how to pursue our relationship with Him. These choices are often challenging, and we need the love and support of our families and Church community as we strive to overcome evil and promote good. Objectives Identify evil influences in the world that challenge the ability of all members of the Church to love and serve God. Determine effective ways of eliminating or avoiding these evil influences. Understand the meaning of each of the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching (as outlined by the USCCB) as they pertain to our daily lives and choices. Connect the evils identified as a challenge to one of the themes of Catholic Social Teaching and explain how embracing these themes can help us and all disciples of Christ to overcome or avoid these evils. Content (Religion) Definition of sin Dignity of the human person Morality of human acts/conscience The Ten Commandments Catholic Social Justice and Teachings Skills (ELA) Research Reading for information Expository writing Summarizing Editing and proofreading Preparation and information for teachers: Familiarize yourself with the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Justice. Visit the USCCB website for more background information and related topics at: www.usccb.org /beliefs-and-teachings/what-we believe/catholic-socialteaching/seven-themes-of-catholic-social-teaching.cfm Review Appendix A which includes the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching with supporting Biblical references. Note that not all references will be used. 1
For the Religion Teacher: + There are three (50 minute) class plans. + Prior to Class 1, assign a brainstorming activity for homework. Students should list on paper the evils and temptations that threaten their and/or their families relationship with God. Class period 1: Begin by breaking students into pairs or small groups. Students need their homework assignment for this activity. Have each pair or group share their list about the evils and temptations that threaten their or their families relationship with God. Bring the class together and create a master list on the board. Direct students to return to their groups. Have each group brainstorm on ways these temptations and evils can be avoided. Give prompts such as the Works of Mercy, Ten Commandments, and/or Beatitudes. Bring the class back together again and list their suggestions. Make the connection between their answers and Catholic Social Teaching. Class period 2: Review the seven themes of Catholic Social Justice: + If possible, present the USCCB website with the themes on a Smartboard and talk through each with the class. + Alternatively, students can do this in small groups with ipads, or read and discuss each theme using the accompanying handout (Appendix A). + Explain vocabulary words that are unfamiliar. Recall the previous lesson by writing on the board or projecting electronically: + The list of evils and temptations + The ways that these evils and temptations can be avoided. Make the connection: + How are we called to be just? + Where do we see justice in our communities and in the world? Create a simple organizer + Make seven columns on a piece of plain paper. + Write the themes of Catholic Social Justice, one per column, at the top of the column. + Fold the paper in half. + Have the students categorize each evil/temptation from the list under the theme of Catholic social teaching that it most challenges. + Direct the students to list on the bottom half of the column those means or remedies to combat this evil. Remind the students to retain this organizer for preparing their final product. 2
Class period 3: ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA Appendix A contains the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching. Each theme lists Biblical citations which support the theme. This activity can be done by individual students or in seven small groups of students. Part One: + Assign a Catholic Social Teaching theme to each student or small group. + Assign a Biblical passage or allow students to research and choose one from the list. + Instruct the students that they are to: Find the passage in the Bible. Support their choice by explaining how the passage connects with the Catholic Social Teaching theme. + Have the students read the Biblical passage and explain how it supports the Catholic Social Teaching theme. Part Two: + Explain to the students that they will write a prayer of petition for each of the seven themes of the Catholic Social Teaching. Each prayer should: Be no more than two to three sentences. Refer to the theme. Show their relationship as true disciples of Jesus Christ. Example: Dear Lord, we focus on recycling and reusing our resources at home. Help us to expand our efforts outside our house, to appreciate the environment around us, and to try to improve it for others. Amen. Optional Closure: Create a prayer service opening with The Prayer of St. Francis or another appropriate prayer or song. Each social justice theme is announced and followed by one or more of the students prayers. Conclude with an Our Father. 3
For the ELA Teacher: In ELA classes (about 5 classes of 50 minutes): Students will use their seven column religion organizer to narrow their choices to two themes and complete the final product. Performance Task Students will create a booklet which shows their cognizance of evils that threaten the love and solidarity of all disciples of Christ and the means by which to combat these in light of Catholic Social Teaching. Students will select two of the Catholic Social Justice themes for their booklets. Each booklet will contain: A cover with title A table of contents A prologue which defines Catholic Social Teaching and why it is an important guide for all Catholics Two sections with the following for each: + A three paragraph essay which begins with a paragraph that explains one of the themes of Catholic Social Teaching in the student s own words; continues with a paragraph discussing the evils/temptations which challenge our ability to follow the guidance of the theme and includes specific examples of these challenges; and ends with a paragraph which summarizes how this Catholic Social Teaching guides us in our living as true disciples of Christ and offers suggestions on how we might do this. + A brief prayer which is offered as a petition for all of us in our quest to live as Jesus disciples. Students will have generated these in religion class. + Each section should have an appropriate illustration or picture which highlights the Catholic Social Teaching discussed. An epilogue of two or three paragraphs which summarizes the project. Reflections might include responses to the following questions: + Why are we called to model social justice values? + What have I learned about social teaching through this project? + How might I incorporate my learning into my daily actions or future goals? *The format of the booklet is flexible. Teachers should use the materials and the form best suited for their classes. Approximately three classes are allotted for writing rough drafts and two days for editing and creating the final product. 4
Adaptations/alternatives: For ELL or ESL students: allow students to use more than one picture to summarize their responses to the theme, perhaps in a collage. Depending on English proficiency, students should write responses to the prompts for each section. Prayers can be written in native language and translated into English for a multi-lingual presentation. For modified ELA students: Pair students with those having greater ability for editing and proofreading. Utilize the Three Stars and a Wish format peer editors or teachers note three positives about the writing and one item for editing. For advanced students: research some of the documents that inform each of the themes and present a synopsis of each. These can be found on the USCCB website. From Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching page, click on papal, conciliar, and episcopal documents in the first paragraph for a listing and access to these documents. Art link: work with the art teacher to allow students to create their illustrations or cover in art class; i.e., as a stained glass window sketch, or graffiti-style. Illustrations should be appropriate and appeal to the students as they are creating a personal document. Technology link: use a publishing program to create the booklet; use a design program to create illustrations; turn the booklet into a PowerPoint, Prezi, or other presentation program and present to the class. Materials/Resources/Research: YouCat or Catholic Catechism of the Catholic Church Archdiocese of Philadelphia Religion Guidelines for grade 8 Bible Familaris Consortio, Apostolic Exhortation on the Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World John Paul II 1981 http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_exhortations/index.htm (see Part One, Bright spots and shadows for the family today ) religion text copier paper and/or lined paper for booklets and covers Helpful, but not required: Internet for gathering photos for illustrations 5
APPENDIX A: THE SEVEN THEMES OF CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING DERIVED FROM THE U.S. CATHOLIC COUNCIL OF BISHOPS Dignity of the Human Person Every human person is created in the image and likeness of God. The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. In our society, human life is under direct attack from abortion and euthanasia. The value of human life is being threatened by cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and the use of the death penalty. The intentional targeting of civilians in war or terrorist attacks is always wrong. Catholic teaching also calls on us to work to avoid war. Nations must protect the right to life by finding increasingly effective ways to prevent conflicts and resolve them by peaceful means. We believe that every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person. Genesis 1:26-31: God created man and woman in his image. Deuteronomy 10:17-19: God loves the orphan, the widow, and the stranger. Psalms 139:13-16: God formed each of us and knows us intimately. Luke 10:25-37: The good Samaritan recognized the dignity in the other and cared for his life. John 4:1-42: Jesus broke with societal and religious customs to honor the dignity of the Samaritan woman. Romans 2:9-18: Love one another, contribute to the needs of others, live peaceably with all. 1 Corinthians 3:16: You are holy, for you are God s temple and God dwells in you. 6
Community and the Common Good Human dignity is realized in community with others and with all of creation. The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society in economics and politics, in law and policy directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community. Marriage and the family are the central social institutions that must be supported and strengthened, not undermined. We believe people have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable. Genesis 4:8-15: I am my brother s and sister s keeper. Leviticus 25:23-43: What you own belongs to the Lord and is given for the good of all. John 15:12-17: This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you. Romans 12:4-8: We are one body, individually members one of another. Hebrews 10:24-25: Rouse one another to love and good works. 1 Peter 4:8-11: Serve one another with the gifts you have received. 1 John 3:16-18: We ought to lay down our lives for one another. Rights and Responsibilities People have a fundamental right to life, food, shelter, health care, education and employment. The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected, and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities--to one another, to our families, and to the larger society. 7
Leviticus 25:35: When someone is reduced to poverty, we have an obligation to help. Tobit 4:5-11: Give from what you have received and do not turn away from the poor. Proverbs 31:8-9: Open your mouth to speak on behalf of those in need. Isaiah 1:16-17: Seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, and plead for the widow. Matthew 25: 31-46: Just as you did it to the least of these, you did it to me. 2 Corinthians 9:6-15: God s gifts are given to be shared. James 2:14-18: Faith without works is dead. Option for the Poor A just society is achieved only when the needs of the poor in society are given first priority. A basic moral test examines the living conditions of the most vulnerable members of society. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgment (Mt. 25:31-46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first. Job 34:20-28: The Lord hears the cry of the poor. Proverbs 31:8-9: Speak out in defense of the poor. Isaiah 58:5-7: True worship is to work for justice and care for the poor and oppressed. Matthew 25:34-40: What you do for the least among you, you do for Jesus. Luke 6:20-23: Blessed are the poor, theirs is the kingdom of God. 8
Dignity of Work ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA People have the right to decent and productive work, fair wages, private property and economic initiative. The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God s creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected--the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative. Genesis 2:15: God settles man in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and care for it. Deuteronomy 5:13-15: The Sabbath is for everyone all are allowed to rest from their work. Matthew 20:1-6: All workers should be paid a just and living wage. Luke 12:13-21: One s worth is not determined by an abundance of possessions. James 5:1-6: Those who become rich by abusing their workers have sinned against God. Solidarity We are one human family. We are called to work globally for justice. We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers and sisters keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict. Psalm 72: Living in right relationship with others brings peace. Zechariah 8:16 : These are the things you should do: Speak truth, judge well, make peace. 9
Matthew 5:9: Blessed are the peacemakers, they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:21-24: Be reconciled to one another before coming to the altar. 1 Corinthians 12:12-26: If one member of Christ s body suffers, all suffer. If one member is honored, all rejoice. 1 John 3:16-18: The love of God in us is witnessed to by our willingness to lay down our lives for others as Christ did for us. Care of God's Creation Our stewardship of the Earth is a kind of participation in God's act of creating and sustaining the world. We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan; it is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God s creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored. Genesis 1:1-31: God made the heavens and the earth and it was good. Genesis 2:15: Humans are commanded to care for God s creation. Leviticus 25:1-7: The land itself must be given a rest and not abused. Deuteronomy 10:14: All of heaven and earth belong to the Lord... Daniel 3:56-82: Creation proclaims the glory of God. Matthew 6:25-34: God loves and cares for all of creation. From the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops, Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching, copyright 2005. 10