Session 7: Catholic Social Teaching

Download the Leader’s Guide: Going Deeper


Opening Prayer:
Loving God, send your Spirit to open our hearts to Jesus.

Guide us to a deeper conversion.

Grant us a greater appreciation of the beauty and truth of our Catholic faith.

Give us the courage and confidence to joyfully share our faith with others.

May your Church be a beacon of light for all who seek your loving presence.

Be with us now as we explore Catholic Social Teaching.

Mary, faithful Mother of God, intercede for us.

We make this prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

One God, forever and ever. Amen.


Scripture: 
Matthew 25:31-40
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who 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 drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’”

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

Opening Song Suggestions:
Least of These by December Radio

OR

The Cry of the Poor by Diocese of St. Benedict

Video #1: Mark Schmidt, Stacia McDermott, Janine Idziak

Discussion Questions:

1. How does Catholic Social Teaching affect your family?
2. As Stacia said, “It’s not always easy to serve the poor.” Who are the poor you find difficult to serve?
3. Which principle of Catholic Social Teaching is the easiest/most difficult for you?
4. Do you agree we must show a “preferential option for the poor?” How can this be lived out in daily life?

Video #2: Witness of Catholic Charities
 

Discussion Questions:

1. What most surprised you about the work of Catholic Charities?
2. Do you know someone who is a resettled refugee? What has been his/her experience?
3. Which of these areas of service seem the most difficult to you? Why?

Video #3: Witness from the Faithful of the Archdiocese of Dubuque Serving Others.

Discussion Questions:

1. Which witness touched your heart most profoundly?
2. How did any certain witness live out the principles of Catholic Social Teaching?
3. Dorothy Day wrote: “We love God as much as we love the least. All our life is a practice to learn to love God.” Who are the least in your home/neighborhood/city?
4. There are so many different ways to make a difference: St. Vincent de Paul, Catholic Worker, Birthright, Hospice, etc. etc. How are you making a difference?

Conclusion:

• What difference does Catholic Social Teaching make in our lives?
• What did you learn about Catholic Social Teaching?
• What did you like best about the session?
• What is one thing you will share with someone at home or in your sphere of influence?
• What difference does it make in one’s life to believe the social teaching of the Catholic Church?

Closing Song Suggestions:
Love Them Like Jesus by Casting Crowns

OR

What About Now? by Chris Dougherty


Prayer in Thanksgiving for the Gift of Catholic Social Teaching:
Loving God, you have called each of us to be servants.

Help us to witness to your love for the least of our brothers and sisters.

Grant us a deep desire to care for the poor and to work for justice.

Help us to be men and women of prayer, humility, love, and service.

Give us the strength and courage to live according to these rich teachings of our Catholic faith.
Help us to respect life, from conception to natural death.

We make this prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, 

One God, forever and ever. Amen.