Wisdom of Social Justice: Prudence (moral duty)-doing the good

WORDS OF WISDOM: The Wisdom of Social Justice
WHAT SCRIPTURE HAS TO SAY…
1. Acts 4:32-35
2. John 13: 34-35
PRAYER SERVICE: We Seek Justice
1. All: Amen.
2. SCRIPTURE READINGS
Praying the Our Father with Reflections on Justice
Unpacking SOCIAL JUSTICE and CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING for Students

	Growing in WISDOM to WORSHIP & WITNESS
October 2012	Wisdom of Social Justice It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of love that is put into them that matters - Blessed Mother Teresa

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

St. Thérèse

of Lisieux

World Habitat Day

Holy Guardian Angels

St. Francis of Assisi

Happy

Thanksgiving

St. Denis

Bl. Cardinal Newman

World Mental Health Day

50^th Anniversary of Vatican II

Bl. John XXIII

St. Teresa of Avila

St. Marguerite D’Youville

St. Ignatius of Antioch

18

Feast of St. Luke

Canonization of

Bl. Kateri Tekakwitha

25

WFMP

26

St. Alfred

Niagara Catholic Pilgrimage Sunday

Halloween

WORDS OF WISDOM: The Wisdom of Social Justice

Wisdom is seeking to know and understand the will of God. We grow in wisdom when we live out our faith, by putting our virtues into action. This month we focus on the wisdom of social justice. Jesus himself tells us to “Love one another as I have loved you. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). By standing up for what is right and just in our world we are showing our love for one another. When we work to support and care for others whose lives are filled with injustice we are also growing in our knowledge and wisdom of God, for Christ continues to live in the hearts of those in need. We must not be afraid of being saints! It is our Christian duty to be witnesses of Christ by serving our God and caring for one another with enthusiastic joy and unending love.

Suggestions for School Signage or Bulletin Boards

Act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with God.

— Micah 6:8

Start by doing what is necessary, then do what is possible,

And suddenly you are doing the impossible.

— St. Francis of Assisi

We are responsible for one another: friends, family and strangers.

We are brothers and sisters because God has created us that way.

— Genesis 4: 9

(School Mascot)’s are called to a Faith of Action!

Holy Childhood Walk: ?

Food Drive: ?

Winter Coat Drive: ?

NC Pilgrimage: October 28

Suggested Prayers for Morning Announcements

October 1

Today we celebrate the feast day of St. Thérèse of Lisieux . She is one of the patron saints of the missions, not because Saint Thérèse ever travelled to other countries but rather for her special love of the missions, and the prayers and letters she gave in support of missionaries. This is reminder to all of us who often feel that we can do nothing in the face of injustice and social change…this special saint reminds us that it is the little things that keep God's kingdom growing.

Loving God, there will be times when we will be put to the test, when fear and apprehension will try to take control and prevent us from “doing”. We pray today for the discipline to focus on our inner strength and gifts and use these to build your kingdom. Amen

October 2

Life sometimes presents us with challenges that consume us. However, God is always there with us. With God, all things are possible and if God is with us who can stand against us? Knowing that God is with us, let’s pray for the courage and determination to get through the challenges that life brings.

Dead God, give us the courage and strength today to carry out your will. May we keep an open heart and mind, and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. May we feel the comfort of your unconditional love. Keep us strong and confident in all that we say and do. Amen.

October 3

We live in a world that often embraces values that run contrary to the gospel. This morning in our prayers, we pray that we may each speak and act in a way which reflects the work and actions of Jesus and that we use our gifts to work for justice.

God of justice, help us promote the dignity of each and every person. Help us to respect other cultures and faiths. While recognizing the importance of freedom may we never compromise our gospel values, and may we always work toward attaining the common good. Amen

October 4

Today is the fest day of St. Francis of Assisi. As we celebrate this feast day, we ask God to allow St. Francis’ voice to be heard loud and clear in our hearts in order to help us make good decisions and overcome obstacles.

God of wisdom, we face many decisions in our lives. We pray for the prudence to make choices that assist us in developing our full potential. We pray for wisdom so that we look not only at the immediate future but consider the long-term effect of our decisions. We pray for wonderful friendships so that we may have the comfort of supportive and loyal friends.

October 5

God commands us to love Him, ourselves, and our neighbour. When Jesus gave us commandments such as these, we were given a responsibility to live our lives a certain way; in a way that brings glory to God. As we enter this Thanksgiving Weekend, we need to reflect on how we demonstrate our love for each other and our neighbours, through this beautiful world.

Dear Lord, Free us from attitudes and behaviours that restrict our ability to love. Instead, may we remain open to the spirit so that we can grow closer to God. May we follow the direction of the Spirit with strength and be mindful of the invitation Jesus offers to each of us : "Come follow me." Amen.

October 9

Welcome back everyone. I hope that you had a special time with your family as we took time to thank God for his creation and many gifts. As we enter the second week of October and learn more about the wisdom we receive as we work for justice, we know that life is filled with many opportunities to make a difference in the world. Today we pray that God opens our eyes and allows us to see the opportunities that present themselves moment by moment.

Jesus, help us not to get stuck in the mundane routine of the day. Allow our minds to work creatively to foster an environment that enables and encourages people to shine. May we be co-creators with you here on earth through all that we do. Amen.

October 10

Part of our responsibility as Christians is to make God`s world come alive on earth. Today we pray for the cardinal virtues that will help us to make God`s world come alive.

Dear God, we pray that we be blessed with the cardinal virtues - prudence, justice, temperance and fortitude. Grant us prudence to make decisions that embrace and carry out your will. Grant us the desire for justice so that we may work at obtaining fairness. Grant us temperance so that we may moderate and pace our actions. Grant us fortitude so that we may endure all that life brings while remaining true to our faith. May these virtues show us the light and the way. Amen.

October 11

Today is a new day, a day to experience God`s love as we have a fresh start. Today let`s remember that we are deeply loved by God and that today is an opportunity to grow in His sacred love.

Dear God, we know that this new day offers us great potential to learn and grow in your love. In this day that is ours to have and hold, pour down your love on us, helping us to give this day the best we have and may generous things we do today because of your love, make it a day to be remembered. Amen.

October 12

Wisdom is something that allows us to make good decisions, to have good judgement and good knowledge. Today we pray that God will give us the spirit of wisdom and that we may do great things with it in our lives

Father, you guide your people with kindness and govern your people with love. Give the spirit of wisdom to the students, teachers, and staff within our school community. May the growth of your people be the eternal joy of your shepherds. Amen.

October 15

Today is the feast day of St. Teresa of Jesus. Today on her feast day, we pray to God for a virtue that allows us to have self-discipline and good judgement, two qualities that not only help us in the classroom but in many other areas of life. This virtue is known as prudence.

Dear God, be with me and help me; work with me and teach me what is pleasing to You. You, who know all things, guide me to be prudent in all my undertakings, and protect me by your glory. Only then will everything I do, be acceptable in your sight. Amen

October 16

Today is the feast day of St. Marguerite D'Youville. St. Marguerite D`Youville the first Canadian born to be elevated to sainthood. She always fought for the rights of the poor and broke with the social conventions of her day. It was a daring move that made her the object of ridicule and taunts by her own relatives and neighbours. Today we pray that God strengthens our virtues of prudence, love, fortitude and wisdom.

Lord, give me the wisdom to always know your way, give me the prudence to have self-control, the fortitude to do what seems impossible, and the love that reflects your grace. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen

October 17

Today we celebrate the feast day of St. Ignatius of Loyola. From the bible, James Chapter 5, verse 1 tells us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. Today let us all ask God for the virtue of wisdom.

Father, I acknowledge that I am dependent upon You and Your wisdom. I thank you that You created me this way so that I can learn to draw near to You each day and receive Your abundant supply. I ask You for wisdom and insight for this day. Help me to know what to do in every situation. Help me not to rely on my own understanding alone. Rather, let me judge and decide by what the Holy Spirit shows me. Amen

October 18

We often pray for the wisdom to do what is right, to make good decisions, and for the wisdom to know what to do. Therefore, wisdom means knowing not only what is right but also what is wrong. There is also a right time for certain things and a wrong time. Today, let us pray that God gives us the wisdom to better understand about good timing.

Lord, Give me wisdom...to know when to speak and when to keep silent, to know when to act and when to refrain from action. Amen

October 19

Everyday of our life we face challenges. This challenge could be faced at school, at home, or in any area of our lives. These challenges can be small or so big that you may wonder how you can ever face it. On Sunday, Kateri Tekakwitha becomes the first North American aboriginal to be sainted. She faced many challenges with dignity because she believed and loved God: she was an orphan, she had a scarred face, and was treated as an outcast in her uncle’s village. Today we pray that God helps us through adversity and brings us to the end of this day in goodness, in happiness and in peace, allowing the virtue of fortitude to be victorious.

God, Give me strength...to overcome every temptation which may come to me, to do well in every task which is assigned to me, and to shoulder every responsibility which is laid upon my shoulders. St. Kateri Tekakwitha, pray for us. Amen.

October 22

Some days we don’t feel very special. On days like this, it`s hard not to feel sorry for ourselves and forget our responsibility to God to put Him first. Let us pray for those who don’t feel special today, that God will let His love shine down on them and give them strength.

Loving God, you are all knowing and powerful. Even though I feel insignificant at times, I also feel Your immeasurable love. Teach me that the big things in life will work out if I am responsible and use my gift of faith. Amen

October 23

Today, we reflect that we are called to be responsible, creative, and reflective thinkers. As Disciples of Christ, we try to be prudent and wise. This can be difficult when we have made poor choices or lied. In these times, it’s comforting to know that our God loves us unconditionally and forgives us whenever we ask for forgiveness.

Heavenly Father, sometimes my own feelings blind me to the truth. Instead of blaming someone else for my failure to make a team, maybe I have to accept that I was not fast enough or strong enough. Rather than thinking I failed a test because the teacher marked too hard, maybe I need to realize that I didn’t study enough. Help me to understand that although I have been blessed with gifts and talents, it is my responsibility to develop them. Amen.

October 24

We have many responsibilities in our lives but no other is greater than our responsibility to serve God.

Lord, grant me a sense of responsibility to myself so that I may never waste the gifts which you have given to me; A sense of responsibility to my parents, so that I may do something to try to repay them for all the love and the care they have given to me; a sense of responsibility to You, so that I may always remember that You loved me and gave Yourself for me. Amen.

October 25

As Catholics we have a responsibility to be the hands and feet of God in the world. Today we pray that we can carry out our responsibility to be God`s hands and feet and to bring glory to His name.

Lord God, please fill my heart with Your love, Your compassion, Your mercy, Your forgiveness so that I may pass these on to those around me. Lord Jesus, send me out to love and serve family, friends and even strangers. Let me see the need and fill it with the many gifts that You have blessed me with. Amen.

October 26

In the song "Awesome God" we sing that "With wisdom, power, and love" our God is an awesome God. Today we pray that God’s wisdom and love will give us strength, especially as our Niagara Catholic Family joins together to walk in solidarity in the annual pilgrimage.

Father of light and wisdom,

Thank you for giving me a mind that can understand and a heart that can love. Encourage me when studies are difficult and when I am tempted to give up. Let your wisdom convince me that all knowledge leads to You. Grant me the strength to follow You and love You in all the things that You have made. Amen.

October 29

Isaiah Chapter 40, verse 31 tells us that those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. “They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint". Today we pray for the wisdom to trust in God’s love, and that it may give us fortitude.

God the Father,

Be my rock in a world built on sand. Help me to carry my cross gracefully as you did in Your Passion. Help me to follow Your beam of light in the midst of this darkness. Help me to see Your will in all things and to show others Your comfort and strength. Amen.

October 30

Have you carved your jack o lantern yet? This glowing pumpkin can help to remind up that God is the light of the world. Today we pray that like the Jack o lantern, God’s light will shine through us and allow others to see His love.

Father in Heaven, make your love the foundation of my life. May my love for You express itself in eagerness to do good for others. Through the intercession of Jesus Christ, Your Son, by His example, give me courage. By His teachings, make me wise, so that I, like Him, may burn with love for Your divine word. Amen.

October 31

Today is All Hallow’s Eve – the night before the Holy Day of All Saints. Its darkness reminds us that we need to seek out the light of Christ. The costumes that so many will dress up in, remind us that we need to wear our faith like a soldier’s armour, especially when doubts, anger and poor choices take us into the dark.

Loving God,

May you comfort us when we are angry, may you understand us when we are sad, may you sympathize with us when we are misjudged. There are times, dear God, when we feel all alone in this world full of people and we need a friend in whom we can confide. Thank you for always being there in those times when we need a friend who will comfort rather than criticize us.

Amen.

Possible School Newsletter Wisdom Insert

As October begins, our Wisdom Model draws our attention to the fact that our faith is called into action. As the hands, feet and heart of Christ, the community of (School Name) is called to act in love and justice. We are proud of the work we do in raising awareness and providing assistance through special food and clothing drives and fund raisers for ( list a few of the agencies or organizations which you will be supporting…e.g. St. Vincent de Paul Society, Community Care, Development and Peace, the annual Niagara Catholic Pilgrimage, Heart and Stroke Foundation, etc .) Thank you, families, for your continued generous support and involvement in our social justice activities. Here at _______, we Grow in Wisdom because of our commitment to our less fortunate neighbour.

WHAT SCRIPTURE HAS TO SAY…

Acts 4:32-35

The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favour was accorded them all. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.

John 13: 34-35

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’

Matthew 7: 12 The Golden Rule

"In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets."

Matthew 25: 31-40 The Judgment of the Nations

‘When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”

Luke 4: 16-21 Jesus in the Synagogue at Nazareth

When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’ And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’

PRAYER SERVICE: We Seek Justice

“If you listen to me, you will know what is right, just and fair.”

Proverbs 2:9

OPENING PRAYER

+ God of Justice,

We know that we should always work hard to treat others with respect and fairness.

Help us to remember to play by the rules and to take turns.

Teach us to live with justice every day so we can live happily with others and look for peaceful solutions to any problems.

We ask this through your Son, and our friend, Jesus Christ.

All: Amen.

SCRIPTURE READINGS

First Reading – (Micah 6:8)

A reading from the prophet, Micah

And what does the LORD require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humblywith your God.

The word of the Lord….. Thanks be to God.

Leader: The Bible speaks to us about justice, mercy and peace.

Gospel Reading (adapted from Matthew 5:7-9 – Beatitudes)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew… Glory to You, Lord

“Happy are those who show mercy to others, God will be merciful to them.

Happy are those who are pure in heart; they will see God.

Happy are those who work for peace; God will call them his children.”

The Gospel of the Lord…… Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

REFLECTION shared by leader

We are often told to “Be nice”. What does that really mean? (be welcoming, respectful, sharing, kind, etc) Why is this important? … The main reason is that they and we have all been created by God. We are all children of God – one family and every person is important to God. We are gifts to one another. The greatest thing we can do with our lives is to love and care for others – to ‘be nice’.

In the first reading we heard from the Bible, the prophet Micah tells us exactly what we need to do as followers of Jesus – to act with justice, to love others and be humble (kind).

In the second reading, we hear Jesus tell us that we will be happy when we are kind to others, when we act nicely and fairly and when we work for peace and justice.

ACTION – Invite everyone to share a sign of peace with one another.

PETITIONS:

Our response is “May we seek justice, O God.”

All: May we seek justice, O God.

We seek to play fair in the classroom and in our schoolyard games. …R

We seek to treat others as we want to be treated….R

We seek to respect people from other nations and faiths….R

We seek peace in our school life and in our homes….R

Leader:

Thank you God for sending us Your son, Jesus to show us the way to peace.

All: Amen.

(Adapted from Words for the Journey for Kids - Ten Minute Prayer Services for Schools by Lisa Freemantle & Les Miller …available in your school library) 1

Praying the Our Father with Reflections on Justice

by Julia Esquivel

from We Dare to Say- Praying for Justice & Peace.

Edited by Sylvia Skrepichuk & Michel Cote. Novalis

Leader – Creator God

Reflection Reader – You are the lives of all who seek justice and peace because they love their bothers and sisters and serve you.

Leader – Hallowed be your name

Reflection Reader – In those who defend the lives of the poor and who work day and night to free their brothers and sisters from illiteracy, sickness, exploitation and persecution.

Leader – Let your Kingdom come

Reflection Reader – In freedom, justice and love, as people unite their efforts and discover new paths of hope.

Leader – Let your will be done

Reflection Reader – as we struggle together to remove the yokes that oppress humanity.

Leader – Give us today our daily bread

Reflection Reader – the bread of dignity, equality and freedom, the bread that nourishes full human development.

Leader - And forgive us, God

Reflection Reader – for not knowing how to share the bread you have given us.

Leader – And lead us not into temptation.

Reflection Reader – of fitting ourselves into the patterns of this world, thus losing clarity of vision.

Leader – But deliver us from the evil one

Reflection Reader – which from our very depth tempts us to live our lives by keeping to ourselves, when you are inviting us to give our lives for our friends.

Leader – For yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory

Reflection Reader – for you are the only God, forever and ever.

All –AMEN

Unpacking SOCIAL JUSTICE and CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING for Students

Please use these two teacher resource found in your school library to learn more about how to link Catholic Social Teaching and Social Justice to literacy and Religion.

Visit http://www.anneneuberger.com/

Why Social Justice?

In each century, our world has been a place of conflict and war, of starvation in the midst of plenty, of riches gained by some at the expense of others. It was that way when Jesus walked on earth, and it is that way today.

However, in every era, there is also a strong force for the good and the just. Jesus, the Light of the World, is our best example. Over the centuries since Jesus' death and resurrection, there have always been people who followed his teaching to bring the light of love, fairness and compassion to a suffering world. Indeed, in looking back at history, we can see that many times the only hope was the love and compassion that good Christians and other caring people shared and showed. We need to continue the work of this absolutely necessary tradition.

Why Social Justice for Kids?

Each generation of Christians is called to spread hope through loving concern and to work for justice for those who are treated unfairly. When we bring our children to be baptized, we are passing on this heritage, making us responsible for guiding and teaching them how to act.

Today's global economy touches people in even the most remote regions of the world. While this may bring improvements, it often brings rampant injustices too. A common example is the production of goods for one country through the use of child labour in another. Pollution and the abuse of natural resources are beginning to have increasing and dire repercussions on people in a variety of places.

The need for compassion and social justice, as well as awakening our children to that need, has become urgent. We must give them the tools to answer Jesus' call. Indeed, to raise children to act with loving concern, justice, and fairness is our greatest hope.

paraphrased from Anne Neuberger, To Love Tenderly: Teaching Compassion and Justice Through Stories and Activities.)

Principle: The Dignity of the Human Person

We are made in God’s image, so each of us has dignity. The world’s standards for measuring a person’s worth do not come into play here. All people have dignity. There are no standards set by racial, gender, ethnic, religious, cultural, intellectual or physical boundaries.

(Children’s definition)

God made each of us, which means each of us is special. No matter who we are, how tall or small, how happy or sad, each of us is special. And we must treat others as special because we know they are made by God too.

Book Recommendation

Hope by Isabell Monk, illus. by Janice Lee Porter

Hope is a little girl who looks forward to her annual visit with her beloved aunt. When a stranger disturbs Hope by commenting that she must be ‘mixed’ racially, Hope is confused and shamed. Then her aunt tells her the story of how she was given the name Hope. She learns of the great dignity of her great-grandparents and grandparents on both sides of her family, of the work they did to better the world, and of her parents’ hope for an even better future for themselves and their daughter. She is, says her aunt, generations of faith ‘mixed’ with lots of love, which is hope!

Discussion Starters: Did Hope feel special during the whole book? What happened to make her confused? How did her aunt help her see once again that she was special because God made her?

Big Book Ideas: For this page, have children choose and cut out pictures of people in a wide variety of ages, ethnic groups and cultures. Using a marker, write in large letters, “We are all made by God.” Have the children place the pictures on the page with a glue stick.

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Principle: Rights and Responsibilities

Every person has rights and responsibilities. We are entitled to food, education, work, clothing, shelter, and health care. We also have freedom of conscience, religious liberty, and the right to raise a family and to be free of unfair discrimination. With rights, of course, come responsibilities, and we are responsible to see that others always receive these same rights. This is working for the common good.

(Children’s definition)

Jesus knew that people need other people. We all need our family, friends, and neighbors. He tells us it is right that in our lives we should have these important people who help us. And, Jesus says, we must work to help them, too.

Picture Book recommendation:

Thank you, Mr. Falker , written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco

Despite her family’s great enthusiasm for books and reading, Patricia cannot read. She tries hard, but the letters get all mixed up on the page. As she proceeds through the early grades, she is soon tormented by other children who call her names and shame her. It becomes so intolerable that she hides under a stairwell each day at recess. Then along comes Mr. Falker, a perceptive teacher who takes her rights and his responsibilities very seriously. Working intensely with Patricia, he unlocks the door to her learning disability. This autobiographical story is a great example of a person’ right to learn in safety and with assistance, and of the miracles that happen when someone takes the responsibility to do what is right. What better example than the child in this story who became the adult who wrote the book, as well as many other books for children!

Discussion starters: Patricia had food and a home, and she even had a school, but she was missing something very important that she needed. What was it? What was Mr. Falker’s responsibility? What happened because Mr. Falker acted on his responsibility?

Big Book ideas: Discuss with children the differences between needs and wants. Help them understand that needs are something we cannot live without. List some needs. Help them find pictures of those needs: healthy food and drink, adequate housing, schools (or of children in schools), and hospitals or medical staff. Place these on a page in your book with the words, “We all have needs.”

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Principle: Stewardship of the Earth

God gave us the earth and all life as our gift, and calls upon us to care for them. Because the earth supports us, a troubled environment will lead to issues of injustice.

(Children’s definition)

God made the earth and the sky, as well as all the people, animals, and plants. And God tell us we must take good care of them.

Picture Book recommendation:

Someday a Tree by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Ronald Himler

Alice is a little girl blessed with a huge, ancient oak tree in her yard. Frequently she and her mother picnic under it and read stories, or her mother tells her tales of her family: how they acquired the land because of the tree, how Alice was christened under it, etc. Others stop by and enjoy a picnic under the tree and Alice understands the tree is to be shared. But when someone dumps a chemical poison under the tree, the tree begins to die. As Alice and her parents struggle to save the tree, their neighbours and friends arrive to help. Their battle is heroic, but the leaves continue to dry up, and squirrels, birds and deer leave the area. Alice must accept the fact that her tree is dying, and whoever killed it probably did not even intend to do so. Then she finds a bit of hope: her acorn collection. Someday, she hopes, there will be more oak trees. This story shows the longevity and yet the fragility of some aspects of nature. It shows the serious implications of carelessness with God’s creation. It shows the comfort of caring people working together. And it shows that we must keep working together to be good stewards of the earth.

Discussion starters: Talk briefly about the beauty of a tree. If possible, examine some twigs with buds, and consider placing them in water. Talk about a tree being a gift from God, and that God has entrusted it in our care. Do an experiment: plant bean seeds in potting soil in three paper cups and place them into a sunny window. In cup No. 1, water the soil, keeping it evenly moist but not too wet. In cup No. 2, water the soil with lemon juice, explaining to the children that while lemon juice might not hurt people, it might hurt plants, like the tree in the story. In cup No. 3, do not water the soil at all. Watch the cups for growth. Talk about the differences between giving the seeds something they need, giving them something that may be harmful, and not giving them what they need. Pray together that you all learn how best to take care of God’s creation.

Big Book ideas: To a new page in the book, add many pictures of creation: flowers, trees, the sky, animals, water, people, and so on. Children may also want to draw pictures. Add the words, “We take care of God’s creation.”

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October

Virtue and related ideas	CGE	Catholic Social Teaching	Examples of School wide And Professional Look- Fors	Examples of Student of the Month Look- Fors
Justice Prudence Love Right Choice Wisdom Responsibility Gratitude	A Responsible Citizen A Reflective and Creative Thinker	Preferential Option for the poor and vulnerable Rights and Responsibilities Solidarity	Anchor charts reflecting the age appropriate decision making process…Theme 2, Fully Alive program Anchor charts reflecting problem solving method Teacher & CYW focus: making good choices through role play and age appropriate scenarios Word wall vocabulary reflects justice words Teaching about saints as models of justice and wisdom (Saint is Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Kateri Tekakwitha) Staff and Student Planning of activities outreach projects including becoming a Free the Children/Me to We school Selecting read aloud stories with Justice as the big idea Initiate a Rosary Circle that will pray for peace and justice and the work of Catholic Missionaries Promote of Catholic Social Teachings, especially in prayer and music	Demonstrates empathy and consistently helps peers, especially those who are marginalized Is kind, thoughtful, and respectful Takes on a leadership role to supports both charity and justice initiatives within the school Responds appropriately to conflict (WWJD) Consistently fulfils responsibilities and class/school commitments Participates enthusiastically in the Thanksgiving Food Drive Holy Childhood Walk or Pilgrimage or Rosary Circle

Supporting Catholicity within the Library Visits

Consult your Library Technician for other books and teacher resources that will help you teach about social justice and integrate it into your grades ON curriculum.

Month

Virtue/

Theme

Books that directly relate to Catholicity

Other Read Aloud books that could support

			Fiction	Non-Fiction
October	Justice Wisdom Prudence Gratitude	St. Francis and the Wolf by Richard Eglieski All Things Bright and Beautiful God’s Dream by Archbishop Desmund Tutu & Douglas Carlton Abrams My Book of THANKS by B.G. Hennessy (CRC)	The Empty Pot by Demi The Little Hummingbird by Michael Nicoll Miss Rumphius by Barbara Conney Thank You World by Alice B. McGinty I will Make Miracles by Susie Morgenstern The Boy who Changed the World by Andy Andrews A Chance to Shine by Steve Seskin & Allen Shamblin 14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy Small Acts of Kindness by James Vollbracht (CRC) Listen to the Wind by Greg Mortenson and Susan L. Roth Thank you, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco Someday a Tree by Eve Bunting Hope by Isabell Monk	Paths to Peace: People who changed the World by Jane Breskin Zalben Take Action: A Guide to Active Citizenship by Marc & Craig Kielberger (part of the soon to be arriving elementary Media Literacy through Catholic Themes kit) Take More Action by Marc & Craig Kielberger …(the CARE decision making model) Do Something! A Handbook for Young Activists by Nancy Lublin www.dosomething.org