Those leading discussion please note that some of the students in your classroom may be experiencing homelessness or have experienced it in the past. Be compassionate and avoid making students share their experience. If a student offers their experience voluntarily be sure to instruct other students about respecting the student’s privacy and be mindful not to press for more information in front of the other students. If your school/parish was unaware of the student’s situation follow local policy on addressing student and family needs.
If you are a member of your family is experiencing homelessness contact your local parish/school or a local non-profit that works with homelessness to find out what resources may be available in your community.
1. Opening Prayer
Incline a merciful ear to our cry, we pray, O Lord,
and, casting light on the darkness of our hearts,
visit us with the grace of your Son.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen
(from the collect of prayers Proper of Time: Monday of the Third Week of Advent ; Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010, ICEL. All rights reserved.)
II. Scripture Reading – Gospel Reading – Third Sunday of Advent Luke 3:10-18
III. Catechesis Video reflection questions
Grades K-6
Domestic Church (the home)
Saint Benedict Joseph Labre – https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-benedict-joseph-labre/
IV. Witness Video Reflection Questions
Grades K-6
Domestic Church (the home)
V. Action Steps
Grades K-6
Domestic Church (the home)
VI. Closing Prayer
God of Justice,
open our eyes
to see you in the face of the poor.
Open our ears
to hear you in the cries of the exploited.
Open our mouths
to defend you in the public squares
as well as in private deeds.
Remind us that what we do
to the least ones,
we do to you.
Amen.
—from Being Neighbor, the Catechism and Social Justice,Catholic Campaign for Human Development, ©1998 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Bonus video. Pope Francis speaks on homelessness:
Compendium 166; 182; 152-159; 365; 482;
Universal destination of goods 171-184
Pope Francis statement at St. Patrick’s in Washington DC on homelessness
USCCB, “Homelessness and Housing: A Human Tragedy a Moral Challenge”
Quotes on homelessness compiled Catholic Charities of Twin Cities