Download the seven principles of Catholic social teaching. Try to live one of the principles in a special way this week. Share how the principle helped you respond to people you met and situations you encountered.
Catholic Social Justice
Prayer of the Week
Music and the Gospel: “Shooting Star,” Owl City
“Without roots in the people, no government can avail, much less when it wants to impose its program through bloodshed and sorrow.” In 1980, Archbishop Oscar Romero was assassinated not long after he spoke these words. Romero challenged the government in El Salvador to end the violence that was sweeping through his country and killing his people. He refused to be silent about the injustice that affect people who were poo. The song “Shooting Star” is about being a beacon of hope, whether it’s through a simple act of kindness or taking on injustice by calling out our government officials. It’s about using our talents to light up the world.
Lyrics: Let your colors burn, and brightly burst, / Into a million sparks, but all dispersed and / illuminate a world, / That’ll try to bring you down, but not this time / When the sun goes down, and the lights burn out, / Then it’s time for you to shine / Brighter than the shooting star, so shine no matter where you are / Fill the darkest night, with a brilliant light, / ‘Cause it’s time for you to shine / Brighter than a shooting star, so shine no matter where you are, tonight
Questions: Who do you see standing up injustice to people who are poor? What examples of injustice do you see in our society? How can you take a stand against them? Who that you know takes a stand against them?
Faith in Action
Check out our Social Justice Resources page to find more ways to get involved in your school and community.
Faith in Action
Weekly SPIRIT Prayer
Faith In Action
Weekly Spirit Prayer
Check out SPIRIT Online!
SPIRIT Online is the only religion program for teens that links the Sunday Gospels to their lives. And it is all online—ready for teens on their phones and tablets. Ready for you to forward to parents and Confirmation sponsors. SPIRIT begins on October 6th this year. The autumn issues feature a series on prayer. Advent brings the prophecies of Isaiah for a peaceful world. The Sundays after Christmas explore Jesus as he teaches and heals in Galilee. The Lent and Easter issues ask teens what kind of Christians they want to be.
Any Sunday Gospel or SPIRIT issue can lead to conversion. When we let the Holy Spirit in, something good takes root. We are happy that SPIRIT is a part of that for the teens in your care. Please call Lacy at 800-232-5533 to set up your subscription for 2019-2020. Or go to goodgroundpress.com to place your order. May the blessings of summer be yours in abundance.
Music and the Gospel: “You Belong,” Francesca Battistelli
Currently, immigration dominates our news headlines and politics. Poverty, violence, war, displacement, no work—all can force people to move. These conditions separate many refugees and immigrants from families and friends for long periods of time. They have to navigate cultures, laws, and languages that they don’t know. They start anew in the hope of achieving a better future for themselves and their families. The song “You Belong” reminds us that everyone belongs and deserves the chance to thrive.
Key Lyrics: You belong / The whole world is waiting / No one else can sing your song / You belong / The lie that’s been chasing you / Love’s gonna prove it wrong / Open your eyes / Breathe in the light / You don’t have to hide / You belong
Questions: Visit un.org to learn more about why people may be forced to immigrate. How can you reach out to new students or neighbors different from you? Whose voices in your school or community are others not hearing? When do you listen to the voices of people who appear different from you?
