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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 - Solidarity The news headline read: "Children Attending Catechetical Class in China Arrested" What year do you think this happened? On July 20, 2002, police in southeastern China detained a group of children after they had participated in summer catechetical classes. About 40 children had just emerged from class in a factory when they were taken away. The children were released the same day, but their catechist, a nun who had organized the class, faced detention of up to 15 days. Our Church teaches that we are one human family. As children of God, we are brothers and sisters called to be responsible for one another. Loving our brothers and sisters throughout the world requires that we work for peace and justice. However, our social ministries must be deeply rooted in prayer, both private and communal, for it is in prayer that we find the strength to follow Jesus as we reach out in concrete ways to others. 
 The United States guarantees freedom of religion. That doesn't mean that all Americans automatically respect the religions of others. Understanding encourages respect. Whether or not your community has people who follow the Jewish or Islamic faiths, work with the children to learn more about these faiths. Start with the recognition that Jews, Christians, and Muslims all recognize Abraham as our common Father in faith. If possible, visit a synagogue or mosque together.  Compose prayers of petition to pray for the needs of people in other parts of the world, including the need for religious freedom. Invite the children to respond with the words, "Lord, hear our prayer." Links Catholic Relief Services, "CRS Kids" Books People of Purpose by Arnold Cheyney Available through Good Year Books, 1999 To Act Justly... Introducing Catholic Social Teaching to Children with Stories and Activities by Anne E. Neuberger Available through Twenty-Third Publications, 2002 For the Children: Words of Love and Inspiration from His Holiness John Paul II Scholastic Trade, 2000 Videos Mother Teresa - Seeing the Face of Jesus (35 min.) Life and work of Mother Teresa in words and pictures. Available through Oblate Media & Communication Works of Mercy (15 min.) Illustrates the depth and power of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy in our world. Available through Paulist Press Sacraments for Children (60 min.) At "Camp Sacrament," children interact with Fr. Ray Hain to learn about the sacraments; guide. Available through Oblate Media & Communication Music "Hands of Healing," "We've Got the Power" Blest Are We Music CD 4 ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36655-7 Blest Are We Song Book Words and melodies for songs on the BLEST ARE WE music CDS, Levels 1-8 ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36617-4 Blest Are We Accompaniment Book Accompaniment music for songs on the BLEST ARE WE music CDs, Levels 1-8 ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36618-2 "Make Us True Servants" Susan G. Wente Available through WLP Publications "No Longer Strangers" David Haas Available through GIA Publications "So You Must Do" Marty Haugen Available through GIA Publications "Washing Feet" Mark Friedman Available through OCP Publications |
