Catechesis for Justice February 27, 2013 “Our faith in the sovereignty of God and the destiny of the human person compels us to work for justice, to serve those in need, to seek peace, and to defend the life, dignity, and rights of every person.” NDC p. 170 Leichner 2015

Overview Personal and social morality Dimensions and themes of Catholic social teaching Catechesis and Catholic social teaching Application of Catholic social teaching Ideas for age-level catechesis The role of the catechist Leichner 2015

Our Experiences: When did you first become aware that the Gospel had anything to do with social issues? What events or experiences in your life have been “consciousness raising” with regard to social justice? Leichner 2015

Reflection: How Social Structures Shape Our Lives 1. How have you been or are you being shaped by the following systems or structures? The political system The economic system The legal system 2. What conclusions can you draw from your reflections? Leichner 2015

Message: Personal and Social Morality Personal sin Social sin is the result of personal sins that get embedded in social structures over time. Institutions Laws Policies Personal sin Perpetuate Evil Personal sin Leichner 2015

Message: The Church’s Social Tradition Two dimensions: Charity + Justice Charity sees and responds to immediate needs Justice sees needs and asks why? Looks for causes Works for change Both are essential Leichner 2015

Message: Modern Social Teaching Rerum Novarum, Pope Leo XIII, 1891 Papal statements and encyclicals such as Laudato Si (On Care for Our Common Home) Vatican II documents such as Gaudium et Spes U.S. Bishops’ statements such as: Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities Stewardship Leichner 2015

Message: Key Principles Human Dignity Community and the Common Good Rights and Responsibilities Option for the Poor and Vulnerable Participation Dignity of Work/Rights of Workers Stewardship of Creation Global Solidarity Constructive Role for Government Promotion of Peace Leichner 2015

Message: Catechesis and Social Teaching “By means of catechesis in which due emphasis is given to her social teaching, the Church desires to stir Christian hearts ‘to the cause of justice’ and to a ‘preferential option or love for the poor,’ so that her presence may really be light that shines and salt that cures.” General Directory for Catechesis, #17 “The sharing of our social tradition is a defining measure of Catholic education and formation.” Sharing Catholic Social Teaching, p. 3 Leichner 2015

Message: Catechesis for Justice Catechesis for justice should occur at every level. What should it look like? Primary Upper Elementary Junior High High School and Adult Introduce process of social analysis Leichner 2015

Prayer and Catechesis for Justice Prayer must always be an integral part of catechesis for social justice. Prayer for all who suffer injustice Prayer for the grace to recognize unjust situations Prayer for the grace to speak up and advocate for change Leichner 2015

The Role of the Catechist Catechists witness for justice by their lives in their classrooms Leichner 2015

Some Important Resources CCC, Part 3, articles 7 and 9 Adult Catechism, chapters 29 and 31 www.usccb.org and www.cacatholic.org Social Ministries of the Diocese Catholic Updates (Liguori Press) Valley Catholic Leichner 2015

Reflection/Discovery/Integration What social teaching do you think is most needed at this time and how might you integrate it into your catechesis or other ministry? Response What is one thing you will do to strengthen your ability to catechize for justice? Leichner 2015

From Sharing Catholic Social Teaching “The most urgent ecclesial task of our times is the proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ. A vital element of this new evangelization is sharing our social tradition with all Catholics so clearly that they may be engaged and challenged, encouraged and empowered to live their faith every day.” (p.7) Leichner 2015

From Sharing Catholic Social Teaching “The commitment to human life and dignity, to human rights and solidarity, is a calling all Catholic educators must share with their students. It is not just a vocation for a few religion teachers, but a challenge for every Catholic educator and catechist.” (p. 7) Leichner 2015

The Jubilee Year of Mercy “True mercy, the mercy God gives to us and teaches us, demands justice, it demands that the poor find the way to be poor no longer.” Pope Francis, Address to Jesuit Refugee Services 9/10/13 Leichner 2015

strengthen our minds and hearts to believe in ourselves and God of justice and love, strengthen our minds and hearts to believe in ourselves and to love you more dearly. Remind us that in caring for your people we come to know you more deeply. Provide us with the courage to seek good for all members of our community, our nation, our world. May we walk humbly in this journey of following your Son’s path, of reaching out to those most in need, and working with them in righting the wrongs of our time. Leichner 2015

“Let justice roll down like waters” We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Spirit now and forever. Amen. “Let justice roll down like waters” Amos 5:24 Leichner 2015