A Heritage of Peace
The Old Testament provides a rich heritage of peace. God addresses the people of Israel, calling them to seek peace over war, especially following their Exodus from Egypt. The earlier image of a warrior God dissolves into that of a peace-loving God. Because the covenant is with a people, the community rather than the individual is stressed. The whole community is to seek peace and harmony within and without. This view is illustrated in Isaiah 32:16–20:
LITURGY AND CATECHESIS
A parish is called to secure peace within its own community. Do your parish liturgies reach out to everyone? the newcomer? the immigrant? the disabled? the young? the elderly? Assess the reality of your parish liturgies. Recognize the strengths and build on them. Learn from the weaknesses.
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PLANNING AHEAD
Select one area you would like to strengthen to provide a genuine sense of peace and justice within your parish community. For example, if parish youth are without a strong youth ministry – work with others to build up the ministry. Perhaps an existing ministry serves only a portion of the parish – does it reach out to youth in both parochial and public schools? How is the relationship among parish youth of different cultures? Contact parishioners who would be able to assess the situation and together plan a more equitable ministry. Pray together as you reflect on the possibilities. |
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Additional Materials
Books
To Act Justly...Introducing Catholic Social Teaching to Children With Stories and Activities
by Anne Neuberger
Available through Twenty-Third Publications, 2002
Making Room at the Table–An Invitation to Multicultural Worship
edited by Brian K. Blount
Available through Westminster John Knox Press, 2000
Diversity Consciousness
Available through Prentice Hall, 2001
Videos
Pardon and Peace Remembered (15 min.)
An old man shares with a troubled young woman his experience with a teenage runaway 20 years ago. A story of reconciliation and healing
Available through Twenty-Third Publications
Music
"Somos el Cuerpo de Cristo / Song of the Body of Christ," "We are Called"
Gifts for a Lifetime Music 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
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