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.



"Working for Justice" – Prayer Celebration Notes

Focus		Following Jesus by working for social justice
Materials		Prayer table, Bible, candle, music, liturgy copies, seeds for planting, potting soil, cups, water
Reading		John 12:24-26; Psalm 113:1-8
Music		"We Are Called," "Jesus, Give Us Your Peace," "With Hope and Healing," (Blest Are We CD 7–8); "Unless a Grain of Wheat," Bernadette Farrell, (OCP Publications)
Preparation		Discuss some of the justice and peace issues facing our country at this time. Select a leader and a Scripture reader, and assign sides for the antiphonal reading. Print out and photocopy the liturgy, "Working for Justice," for participants. To prepare for the ritual, determine where you will plant the seeds (the season will affect this and the type of seeds to plant) and the type containers to use.
Adaptation		Work in small groups to create bulletin boards or murals to inform the parish community about social justice issues such as those that concerned Oscar Romero. Display the groups’ work during the prayer celebration. Later, display them throughout the parish building(s).
Additional Materials		For a full year of liturgies, from which this one was adapted, see Prayer Celebrations, Middle School Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-30570-1 Blest Are We Music CD, Levels 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, Levels 7 & 8 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-364534-6