October Session;
a call to
“We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear; a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern.” Pope Francis But to what extent are we called to work toward the common good or for others. Pope Francis gives us the answer in his recently published encyclical. He writes on the call to care found in scripture. "Shortly after its account of the creation of the world and of man, the Bible takes up the issue of human relationships. Cain kills his brother Abel and then hears God ask: “Where is your brother Abel?” (Gen 4:9). His answer is one that we ourselves all too often give: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (ibid.). By the very question he asks, God leaves no room for an appeal to determinism or fatalism as a justification for our own indifference. Instead, he encourages us to create a different culture, in which we resolve our conflicts and care for one another."(FRATELLI TUTTI)
Faithful Citizenship is such an important subject for adults that it needed to be addressed in GOF, but how do we communicate a parallel Christian message to our children that will serve as a foundation? Well, at the very core of Faithful Citizenship is the Christian doctrine of selflessness and concern for the wellbeing of others. So for our older participants in GOF please take a review the information and video contained below. Please utilize the rest of the information for the younger ones to form your children's perspective of caring for others and the common good. When our children understand the practice caring for friends and family they will hopefully mature to understand how we are each our brothers keeper. From the words of Pope Francis we all need to actively "participate for the common good." The materials for this session are a continuation and reinforcement to the September message of Christian compassion. The goal is to implement that compassion in credible ways.
Faithful Citizenship is such an important subject for adults that it needed to be addressed in GOF, but how do we communicate a parallel Christian message to our children that will serve as a foundation? Well, at the very core of Faithful Citizenship is the Christian doctrine of selflessness and concern for the wellbeing of others. So for our older participants in GOF please take a review the information and video contained below. Please utilize the rest of the information for the younger ones to form your children's perspective of caring for others and the common good. When our children understand the practice caring for friends and family they will hopefully mature to understand how we are each our brothers keeper. From the words of Pope Francis we all need to actively "participate for the common good." The materials for this session are a continuation and reinforcement to the September message of Christian compassion. The goal is to implement that compassion in credible ways.
October Sesion Outline
1. Opening prayer
2. "First Activity" from the Celebrating Sunday Book
3. Explore, and work through the age appropriate materials.
(Faithful Citizenship materials are intended exclusively for adults. There are some really positive items contained that may help in navigating the very stressful weeks ahead.)
4. Answer the question "How can I promote the common good?" and complete the survey.
1. Opening prayer
2. "First Activity" from the Celebrating Sunday Book
3. Explore, and work through the age appropriate materials.
(Faithful Citizenship materials are intended exclusively for adults. There are some really positive items contained that may help in navigating the very stressful weeks ahead.)
4. Answer the question "How can I promote the common good?" and complete the survey.
Ou
Opening Prayer
Merciful Father,
Thank you for inviting each of us to join in your work
of building the kingdom of love, justice, and peace.
Draw us close to you in prayer
as we discern your call in our families and communities.
Send us forth to encounter all whom you love:
those not yet born, those in poverty, those in need of welcome.
Inspire us to respond to the call to faithful citizenship,
during election season and beyond.
Help us to imitate your charity and compassion
and to serve as models of loving dialogue.
Teach us to treat others with respect, even when we disagree,
and seek to share your love and mercy.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
Amen.
Merciful Father,
Thank you for inviting each of us to join in your work
of building the kingdom of love, justice, and peace.
Draw us close to you in prayer
as we discern your call in our families and communities.
Send us forth to encounter all whom you love:
those not yet born, those in poverty, those in need of welcome.
Inspire us to respond to the call to faithful citizenship,
during election season and beyond.
Help us to imitate your charity and compassion
and to serve as models of loving dialogue.
Teach us to treat others with respect, even when we disagree,
and seek to share your love and mercy.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
Amen.
First Activity
|
From the Celebrating Sunday for Catholic Families book: As a family listen to the Gospel reading on page 16, and answer the questions on page 17. |
Age Appropriate Materials
For adults
A divided country. Fights at the dinner table. Political vitriol. What does it mean to love our neighbors in the midst of such a climate?
As Catholics, we have a long tradition of engagement in the political process as a means of putting our faith into action. We are called to bring the best of ourselves and our faith to the public square—and yet today, many shy away from such involvement because our national and local conversations are filled with vitriol and harsh language, often directed at people themselves.
When personal attacks replace honest debate, no one wins. This kind of attack, no matter the reason, only serves to further divide our communities. As Catholics, we must model a better way. We invite you to join the Civilize It campaign by taking the pledge below as a way to promote civility, love our neighbors, and build community.
Civilize It is about making room in your heart for those with whom you disagree. We are called to recognize that each one of us is a beloved child of God and to respond in love to that reality. Civilize It is a non-partisan call to focus on the dignity of all people, even when we disagree, and to put faith in action by bearing witness to a better way forward.
Take the pledge below as an individual, family, or community. Anyone and everyone can commit together to honoring human dignity through civil conversation.
Take the pledge below as an individual, family, or community. Anyone and everyone can commit together to honoring human dignity through civil conversation.
I PLEDGE:
1. Civility
To recognize the human dignity of those with whom I disagree, treat others with respect, and rise above attacks when directed at me.
2. Clarity
To root my political viewpoints in the Gospel and a well formed conscience, which involves prayer, conversation, study and listening. I will stand up for my convictions and speak out when I witness language that disparages others' dignity, while also listening and seeking to understand others’ experiences.
3. Compassion
To encounter others with a tone and posture which affirms that I honor the dignity of others and invites others to do the same. I will presume others’ best intentions and listen to their stories with empathy. I will strive to understand before seeking to be understood.
As Catholics, we have a long tradition of engagement in the political process as a means of putting our faith into action. We are called to bring the best of ourselves and our faith to the public square—and yet today, many shy away from such involvement because our national and local conversations are filled with vitriol and harsh language, often directed at people themselves.
When personal attacks replace honest debate, no one wins. This kind of attack, no matter the reason, only serves to further divide our communities. As Catholics, we must model a better way. We invite you to join the Civilize It campaign by taking the pledge below as a way to promote civility, love our neighbors, and build community.
Civilize It is about making room in your heart for those with whom you disagree. We are called to recognize that each one of us is a beloved child of God and to respond in love to that reality. Civilize It is a non-partisan call to focus on the dignity of all people, even when we disagree, and to put faith in action by bearing witness to a better way forward.
Take the pledge below as an individual, family, or community. Anyone and everyone can commit together to honoring human dignity through civil conversation.
Take the pledge below as an individual, family, or community. Anyone and everyone can commit together to honoring human dignity through civil conversation.
I PLEDGE:
1. Civility
To recognize the human dignity of those with whom I disagree, treat others with respect, and rise above attacks when directed at me.
2. Clarity
To root my political viewpoints in the Gospel and a well formed conscience, which involves prayer, conversation, study and listening. I will stand up for my convictions and speak out when I witness language that disparages others' dignity, while also listening and seeking to understand others’ experiences.
3. Compassion
To encounter others with a tone and posture which affirms that I honor the dignity of others and invites others to do the same. I will presume others’ best intentions and listen to their stories with empathy. I will strive to understand before seeking to be understood.
DIGITAL DOCTRINE
Fr. John Jerek
Vicar for Clergy, Diocese of Youngstown
The Catholic Conundrum: Vote 2020
Faced with a complex election season, there is no single candidate that embodies the whole of Catholic teaching. How should the individual Catholic discern the faithful response when
voting? Join us online for an interactive
discussion on this important issue.
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
7:00 pm
Facebook Live @PortageCatholic
Link to presentation
www.facebook.com/watch/?v=400933264233943
www.wearesaltandlight.org/civilize-it
The following is a link the the United States Council of Catholic Bishops website on Faithful Citizenship
www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/forming-consciences-for-faithful-citizenship-title
www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/forming-consciences-for-faithful-citizenship-title
