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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 God's Creation Unit 3 focuses on the Bible and how it tells of God's creation and God's love for us. The unit also offers stories to help with understanding the importance of love and prayer. In Genesis 1:26, God gave "dominion" over all living things to humankind. With such dominion also came responsibility. Humans have been called to serve as stewards of the earth. God ultimately remains in control, but allows humans to share control over creation on behalf of others. That is, concern for the common good must come before concern for personal good. Earth's resources are to be fairly shared, not hoarded or destroyed by some to the detriment of others. As catechists we help children learn from our example how to care for earth and all of creation. The Church asks us to be stewards of God's creation. When we care for creation, we show respect for the Creator. 
 Provide each child with white construction paper. Have each trace a hand on the paper. On each traced finger, have them write one way to protect God's creation (e.g., recycle, not waste paper, not waste water, not litter, turn off unused lights). Then have them cut out their handprints and put their name on the back. Stand the hands on the chalkboard ledge during your session. Have the children take their handprints home to help them remember ways to protect God's creation.  Ask the children if they know anyone who has a vegetable garden or a flower garden. If so, how do they take care of it? Encourage the children to name their favorite vegetable or flower and draw a picture of it. Links Caring for God's Creation Environmental Justice Program of USCCB Catholic Relief Services Interactive site for children on issues of social justice Books Francis: The Poor Man of Assissi by Tomie dePaola Available through Holiday House, 1990 To Act Justly–Introducing Catholic Social Teaching to Children With Stories and Activities by Anne E. Neuberger Available through Twenty-Third Publications, 2002 The Earth Is the Lord's: The Bible, Ecology, and Worship by Dianne Bergant Available through Liturgical Press, 1998 Sharing Catholic Social Teaching: Challenges and Directions Available through US Conference of Catholic Bishops, 800-235-8722 www.usccb.org English, #5-281 Spanish, #5-803 Videos Sunday Morning (19 min.) Introduces children to Sunday liturgy combining children's voices with original music; spans ages 4-10. Available through Videos with Values Music "Eat This Bread," "Now in This Banquet" [Meditation Track] BLEST ARE WE Music CD 2 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36653-0 BLEST ARE WE Song Book Words and melody for children 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 |
