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 Unit Activities & Answer Key With Your Group Unit Resources  
Entries relate to BLEST ARE WE FAITH & Word Edition © 2008 and BENDECIDOS © 2008. Titles that refer only to BLEST ARE WE © 2002 and ©2004 are indicated in parentheses.    Catholic Social Teaching - Care for Creation In its teachings on social justice, the Catholic Church continually reminds us of our obligation to respect and care for creation. As human beings, we have a responsibility to be good stewards of the earth's limited resources. We need to make greater efforts to recycle what we can, be less wasteful in general, and conserve our natural resources. "Praise be to you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth." These words of St. Francis of Assisi remind us to show respect for the Creator by being stewards of creation. One of the greatest gifts of creation is the tremendous variety of animal and plant life on our planet. Various irreplaceable species of plants, animals, and insects are in danger of extinction if we continue to destroy our rain forests and rivers. Ecologists warn us that, unless we find ways to stop this destruction, the future of earth's entire environment is at risk. We are called to make moral and ethical choices that help protect the ecological balance of creation. We are to think globally and act locally. 
 Bring in a tree leaf, flower, rock, container of water, and any other created object that may be of interest to the children. Sit together in a circle. Pass around the leaf. Encourage the children to share what it feels like, its color, and how trees help us to live (provide shade, some have fruit...) Do this with each object. Close with a discussion of how all of these things were made by God. God made them to help us enjoy his world. We each have a responsibility to protect God's creation.  Give each child a piece of paper and crayons or markers. Encourage the children to think of ways they could share the beauty of flowers with others. Have them draw a picture of their favorite flower. Send their pictures home with the children to share one of the beauties of creation with their families. Books Table Prayer Book Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 1-57999-203-X Videos The New Birthday Club: Baptism (13 min.) Introduces young children to the Sacrament of Baptism Available through Ikonographics Sunday Morning (15 min.) Introduces children to Sunday liturgy combing children's voices with original music; spans ages 4-10. Available through Videos with Values Music "He Came Down," "If You Believe and I Believe" BLEST ARE WE Music CD 1 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36652-2 BLEST ARE WE Song Book Words and melody for children; contains music for levels 1-8 ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36617-4 BLEST ARE WE Accompaniment Book Contains accompaniment music for levels 1-8 ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36618-2 "With Open hands," "Father Your People" Gifts for a Lifetime CD Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36113-X Gifts for a Lifetime Song Book ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36103-2 Gifts for a Lifetime Accompaniment Book ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36104-0 |
