Background Notes

Throughout history there have always been people who model Jesus through their works and words. These are justice seekers and peacemakers. Jesus taught us the importance of loving others as we love ourselves; therefore, issues of justice are central for Christians. Working for justice includes respecting the rights of others, excluding no one, and learning to resolve disagreements in ways that honor and respect the needs of all. This prayer celebration focuses on the needs of others to which justice demands response.



"For A Better World" Prayer Celebration Notes

Focus		Following Jesus, our leader in peace and justice
Materials		Prayer table, Bible, candle, pictures of peacemakers, music
Reading		John 14:23–24
Music		"Blest Are They," "Hands of Healing," Blest Are We Music CD 4; "Gather Your People," (Gifts for a Lifetime CD); "Christ Be Our Light," Bernadette Farrell (OCP Publications)
Preparation		Display pictures of peacemakers including Dorothy Day, Mother Teresa, and Joseph Cardinal Bernardin among others. Encourage participants to add more peacemakers including family members and community people. Discuss what actions of these people make them peacemakers. Print out and photocopy "For A Better World" Liturgy. Select a leader and Scripture reader.
Adaptation		Invite participants to create prayer cards for those in need, and after the celebration, have them place the cards where they will serve as a reminder to pray for others.
Additional Materials		"Blest Are They," "Hands of Healing" Blest Are We Music CD 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 Words and melody for children; contains music for levels 1-8 ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36617-4 Blest Are We Accompaniment Book Contains accompaniment music for levels 1-8 ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36618-2 "Gather Your People" Gifts for a Lifetime Music CD 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