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 Just World" – Prayer Celebration Notes

Focus		Seeking a world of peace and justice
Materials		Prayer table, Bible, candle, music, liturgy copies
Reading		1 John 4:7, 18-21; Ps 37:27-28, 30-31, 39-40
Music		"We Have Been Told," We Are Called" (Blest Are We CD 7-8); "Sing Out Earth and Skies," Marty Haugen (GIA Publications), "This Little Light of Mine," African American Spiritual
Preparation		Select a leader and a Scripture reader, and assign sides for the antiphonal reading. Print out and photocopy the liturgy, "For a Just World," for participants. To prepare participants for the litany, provide them a list of groups to speak for, such as: the poor, homeless, landless, those w/ AIDS, imprisoned, illegal immigrants, migrant workers, sweatshop workers, abused, unemployed; for deceased champions of justice, provide a list of people such as: Sr. Thea Bowman, Archbishop Oscar Romero, Sr. Maura Clarke, Sr. Ita Ford, Sr. Dorothy Kazel, Jean Donovan, Fr. Solanus Casey, Dorothy Day, Joseph Cardinal Bernardin.
Adaptation		Invite participants to create prayer cards for those in need, and following the celebration have them display the cards in their rooms as a reminder to pray for the persons featured.
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