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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 Catholic tradition calls us to protect people and the planet, and to live our faith with respect for all God's creation. This tradition compels us to confront environmental issues that raise serious concerns, including the need for clean air, clean water, and renewable energy resources, as well the need to halt wetland and forest devastation. In all cases we are called to be God's stewards of the earth's resources. One responsibility as a good earth steward includes protecting the quality of the air we breathe. We may think that air pollution is created primarily by large industries. Yet many studies show that one of the greatest sources of air pollution is mobile sources such as cars, SUVs, and trucks. Also, our demand for electricity continues to grow. This need for electric energy touches every part of our lives, from the toaster in the morning, to the computer at work, to the air conditioner at home, to the x-ray machine at a hospital. This energy often depends on the burning of fossil fuels such as coal. Obviously, there is a close link between our personal needs and habits and the polluted air we breathe. Trees help to protect and clean our environment. When we plant trees, we are being good earth stewards. As Jesus' disciples, we are called to be responsible earth stewards. We need to think about our values and our lifestyles. Do we appreciate all of God's gifts of creation, our brothers and sister? Does our lifestyle reflect that value? 
 Roots & Shoots is a secular organization that shares Catholic concern about the need to care for all of creation. Founded by anthropologist Jane Goodall in 1991, Roots & Shoots promotes environmental awareness programs specifically for children in the belief that the "strength of young people will help make the world a better place." Visit the Roots & Shoots Web site www.rootsandshoots.org to learn about creating activities that relate to Catholic Social Teaching. Or, write to Roots & Shoots, PO Box 14890, Silver Spring, MD 20911 (301) 565-0086.  Engage the children in creating a list of actions that harm the earth, such as littering, putting recycling items such as paper, plastic and glass in the trash, and using chemicals to keep a green lawn. Write the list on the board. Then, ask the children to suggest what damage occurs when each listed action takes place. Write their responses across from the actions listed (creates pollution in water, wastes natural resources and creates landfills, pollutes drinking water and kills animal life in waters) Then, erase each harmful action, one by one, and replace it with a positive action. Discuss what positive benefits occur when each listed action takes place. Links Interfaith Climate Change Network People of faith acting together for climate justice. Kidscape This site offers assuring discussions for children and young people; practical suggestions for professionals, and identifies bullying for parents. Books I'm Like You, You're Like Me by Cindy Gainer Available through Free Spirit Publishing, 1998 The Value-Able Child - Teaching Values at Home and School by Kathleen Long Bostrom Available through Good Year Books, 1999 Hands Are Not for Hitting by Martine Agassi, PhD Available through Free Spirit Publishing, 2000 Parenting for Peace and Justice by James McGinnis and Kathleen McGinnis Available through Orbis Books, 1990 Videos The Mass for Children (30 min.) Shows the celebration of the Eucharist as a source of joy and strength. Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-30976-6 Music "Gather 'Round This Table," "Do Unto Others," "Children of the Lord" Blest Are We music CD 3 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36654-9 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 |
