Unit 4 focuses on the Renaissance and the Reformation. It describes causes of the Reformation and the different Protestant traditions that resulted from it. "Send Us Your Spirit" Use the unit song before or after opening prayer, during a prayer celebration, at the end of a session, or during special celebrations. Reforming the Church True reform begins within each person’s heart as he or she seeks God’s truth. Forgiveness and Reconciliation Reconciliation celebrates the fact that God is merciful and always welcomes us back. Morality and Salvation We choose to accept or reject God’s love based on the choices we make throughout our lives. Seeking a Common Prayer The Holy Spirit works in all Christian traditions to bring their members to the truth of the Gospel. The stories on these pages follow the last chapter of each unit. They introduce social justice issues from a Catholic perpective. Forgiveness and Freedom "Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you." —Ephesians 4:31-32 It could be something we’ve done. It could be something that another person, or group, has done to us. When a wrong has been done by us or to us, only forgiveness can make things right again. Fortunately we have Christ to model forgiveness for us. We know that we can look to Christ not only for support, but also for the strength to do what is right. Neither seeking forgiveness, asking forgiveness, or receiving forgiveness is easy. But each is a vital element to the task of making matters right again. Sometimes we need to reconcile with individuals and sometimes with institutions. As the previous unit demonstrates, the Church itself can be in need of forgiveness. Reconciliation and reform are ways to bring clarity and peace to situations. The ability to forgive brings a sense of freedom. One is no longer burdened with the weight of the issue. Even if only one party forgives or offers forgiveness, that person is free. The decision to act as Christ did removes the burden. When both parties forgive and accept forgiveness, both experience that freedom. • Do I need to ask forgiveness of another? • Is there someone I need to forgive? • Do I have trouble accepting forgiveness? Links Taizé community: prayer, reconciliation www.taize.fr Inspiration and healing www.beliefnet.com Ways to end violence www.seedsofpeace.org/site/PageServer 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: 1-889157999-220-X Quick Takes for Teens – Easy On-the-Spot Resources for Youth Ministry : Relationship Issues Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 1-889-108-08-1 Students Resolving Conflict Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-673-36096-2 Seventy Times Seven – Forgiveness and Peacemaking Pax Christi USA, 1993 Videos Big Changes, Big Choices – Handling Emotions (30 min.) Designed to help young people better understand the role of emotions in their lives; how to make positive choices. Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 1-57348-106-8 Walks with Jesus – Meditations for Quiet Moments Volume II: Reconciliation (30 min.) Young people provide insights into the Mass. Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-87061-220-4 Pardon and Peace Remembered (15 min.) An older man shares the story of a teen’s runaway experience. Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36222-5 Bernardin (15 min.) Cardinal Bernardin’s story is told by those who knew him. Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36203-9 Music "With You by My Side," "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 Defining Beauty CD Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 1-58459-098-0 "Standin’ in the Need of Prayer" African American Spiritual "Jesus, Give Us Strength" Tony Alonso Fresh as the Morning CD GIA Publications "Amazing Grace" John Newton NEW BRITAIN