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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 - Life and the Dignity of the Human Person Our belief in the sanctity of human life and the inherent dignity of the human person is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. Created by God in his image, the human person is the clearest reflection of God's presence among us. This human body deserves to be treated with respect, by society and the individual. One of the greatest plagues on our society today is the widespread problem of substance abuse. This involves not just outlawed narcotics like cocaine and heroin, but also legal drugs such as alcohol. For example, it is estimated that one out of every ten persons in our country today has a drinking problem. Some studies put that number even higher. Substance abuse cuts across all social-economic lines and ethnic groups. Trafficking in illegal drugs seems to be highest in those parts of our cities where poverty is the highest. Misuse of legal drugs, including alcohol and prescription drugs is at the crisis level in areas of higher income, often suburbia. Any misuse of drugs is an assault against the body, a creation of God. 
 Brainstorm with your group ways that people harm their bodies - not getting enough sleep, eating unhealthy foods, smoking, taking dangerous chances, misusing drugs. Then have them replace the negative actions with positive ones. Using magazine cut-outs, invite participants to create a collage with unhealthy actions on the left and healthy actions on the right. Title the collage: "Disrespect for Life," "Respect for Life."  Invite participants to discuss the negative influences on young people, such as pressure to drink, smoke, misuse drugs, or not respect their bodies in other ways. On the chalkboard, list the topics mentioned. How might items in this list keep young people from using their gifts and talents to the best of their ability? Discuss. Links Respect Life Respect for human life through all stages Catholic Social Teaching Themes Guide to serving those in need through acts of justice 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 Videos You Can Choose! Series - Doing the Right Thing (28 min.) A dramatic skit to help with decision-making skills, includes leader's guide Available through Educational Media Character Way Series - Heroes (30 min.) Video cultivates appreciation for virtue and positive role models. Available through Ethics Resource Center Music "Wade in the Water," "Let Us Go Rejoicing" BLEST ARE WE Music CD 6 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36657-3 "Gloria," "Send Down the Fire," "I Have Been Anointed" BLEST ARE WE Music CD 7-8 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36394-9 BLEST ARE WE Song Book Words and melodies for songs on the BLEST ARE WE music CDS, Levels 1-8 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). 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 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36618-2 "Here Begins the Good News," "There is Life Within the River" Marty Haugen Available through GIA Publications |
