Unit 2 studies Jesus' preaching about the kingdom. Young people will learn about the kingdom as presented in the gospels. They will come to understand the meaning for the individual and the church community. Refer to the Unit Opener in The Story of Jesus for ideas on how to present this unit. We Are the Hope Use the unit song before or after opening prayer, during a prayer celebration, at the end of a session, or during special celebrations. The Kingdom of God The parables of Jesus teach us about God's kingdom and how to prepare for its coming. Servants of the Kingdom God calls every member of the Church to Christian service, according to his or her vocation. Justice in the Kingdom on Earth God gives us the grace to be signs of the kingdom on earth by working for peace and justice. A Prayer for the Kingdom Praying the Lord's Prayer can help us reflect on God's glory and recognize God's kingdom among us. The stories on these pages follow the last chapter of each unit. They introduce social justice issues from a Catholic perpective. Jesus asked, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter answered, "Lord you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Tend my sheep." —John 21:15–16 Servants of the Kingdom Special sacraments of commitment to service are Holy Orders and Matrimony. In Matrimony, the couple vows to be supportive of each other. Their marriage is a commitment of lifelong love between them. Through Holy Orders, a man vows lifelong service to the Church. A priest is an ordained leader of worship for the Christian community. He also serves in a wide variety of ministries under the leadership of a bishop. It can be easy to take for granted the role of the parish priest. He is always present, providing liturgy and sacraments, as well as keeping the parish community in order. Sometimes it can take a crisis to bring a person’s role into proper perspective. A small percentage of priests have brought shame and a questioning of integrity to all in priestly ministry. The pedophilia scandal is a serious one and is being addressed by the US bishops. Because of improper handling of the issue for so long, the integrity of bishops is also under scrutiny. In the midst of such turmoil, it is imperative for Catholics to remain supportive of those priests who do live and serve in accord with their vows. The issue presents an opportunity for lay people, clergy, and religious to work together, to be supportive of one another. We are the Church and are called to provide leadership where it is needed, to insist on justice both within and outside the Church. See also the Family Activity in Parents Unit 2. • How has Jesus revealed himself to me? How can I help others really get to know Jesus? • What difference does knowing Jesus make in my life? Why do I think it is important for the young people in my care to get to know Jesus? Links VISION Vocation Guide www.visionguide.org Catholic Relief Services, "CRS Kids" www.catholicrelief.org/kids/ Books Turn My Heart – a Sacred Journey from Brokenness to Healing Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 1-58595-267-2 Priests for a New Millennium USCCB, 2001; #5-367 Charter for Protection of Children and Young People USCCB, 2002 Videos Answering God’s Call (57 min.) A look into the daily lives of 2 priests. USCCB, #5-169; 800-235-8722 Bernardin (57 min.) An exploration of Bernardin’s leadership in the Church. Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36203-9 Romero (105 min.) Romero’s courageous stand against social injustice. Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36025-7 Pope John Paul II Conscience of the World (90 min.) Celebrating his 20th anniversary as pope. Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36223-3 Music "In Remembrance of You, " "Jesus, Give Us Your Peace," "Send Us Your Spirit," "With Hope and Healing" [Meditation Track] Blest Are We CD, Level 7-8 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36394-9 Blest Are We Audio Cassette, Level 7-8 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36454-6 "Song of the Body of Christ," "The Lord’s Prayer" Blest Are We School Edition CD, Grade 4 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36655-7 Blest Are We Song Book for Grades 1-8, School Edition Words and melody for students; contains music for grades 1-6 (school) and 7-8 (parish and school) Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36617-4 Blest Are We Accompaniment Book for Grades 1-8, School Edition Contains accompaniment music for grades 1-6 (school) and 7-8 (parish and school) Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36618-2 "Psalm 16: Keep Me Safe, O God" John Foley, SJ GIA Publications "O Taste and See" Marty Haugen GIA Publications "Give Us Your Gifts," Michael Mahler Give Us Your Gifts – the New Songs CD GIA Publications "Find Us Ready," Tom Booth Find Us Ready CD OCP Publications