1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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
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11. 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
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12. The Role of the Catechist
Catechists witness for
justice
by their lives
in their classrooms
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13. Some Important Resources
CCC, Part 3, articles 7 and 9
Adult Catechism, chapters 29 and 31
and
Social Ministries of the Diocese
Catholic Updates (Liguori Press)
Valley Catholic
Leichner 2015

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. “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