MORAL CONVICTIONS

What did Jesus model with his behavior? Morality Jesus taught:

Active concern for others Especially for the marginalized

On the edges of society, out of the mainstream

Who are the marginalized in our society?

What does it mean to be a religious person? Religion is not just a matter of going to

church on Sunday and participating in worship

It involves being a good person, and helping others—especially those in greatest need

Quick Quiz

Nearly one-third of American teens are involved in bullying.

Fewer than 10% of American teens admit to bullying others

Students who are bullied usually participate in class and have good attendance.

Most students who bully are insecure. Male bullies are not usually bigger and

physically stronger than their peers.

Witnesses often end friendships with the victim and feel guilty for not reporting the incident.

Bullies have trouble making friends. Bullies do poorly in school compared to

students who do not bully. Most bullies discontinue aggressive

behavior in adulthood. Nine out of 10 LGBT studnets have been

bullied.

Bystanders

“I’ve often wondered about the kids who watched (the bullying) happen– why didn’t they say anything, how they felt about what was going on.” T.C. Largaespada, Social Worker

A bystander is a person who sees unacceptable behavior but does nothing to stop it.

What do you think prevents bystanders from taking action?

Have you ever been a bystander? What did you do?

Respond to following on loose leaf with either agree or disagree

Bullying is a problem in my school. Someone I know is sometimes afraid to come to this

school because of harassment. My school is unsafe for some students. I’m not sure what the procedures are for reporting

bullying and harassment. I’ve heard adults in my school make negative remarks

about a student or particular group of students. I feel uncomfortable reporting bullying or harassment. At my school, there are no consequences for bullying. In my opinion, some kids deserve to be picked on or

bullied.

Watch

http://whatsyourstory.trendmicro.com/internet-safety/Video.do?ident=cyberbullying-0

Do situations like this happen? Would you ever say those things to

someone’s face? Why do we say things like that online

then? Why is cyberbullying so harmful?http://whatsyourstory.trendmicro.com/internet-safety/pg/winners-2011 Where are you one the line?

Is cyberbullying a big problem? Why? New technologies “virtually” anonymous Takes less energy and fortitude No immediate feedback if any from the

victim Large number of people can unwittingly

be a part of the problem Supervision is lacking in cyberspace

In Groups

Discuss one of the scenes from the movie Bullied

If you had witnessed the scene, what might you have done?

If you saw this happening to a friend, what would you do?

If you saw this happening to someone you didn’t know– or someone you didn’t like– what would you do?

If someone you know was doing this, what would you do?

Create an action plan for the school On loose leaf: Describe our school climate Develop a clear action plan with ideas

and implementation for what we need to do to change.

Create a poster or advertisement for one of your activities or an idea you would like to implement.

When you ask most people what they want for themselves or for their children what do they say?

What guidelines did Jesus give for being happy? We all have a desire to be happy

This desire is given to us by God It attracts us closer to God Can only be satisfied by God

Why is it difficult for us to be happy?

How is it possible for us to be happy? We need to seek God Our happiness does not depend on what

happens to us but how we respond

Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5:3-10 Jesus gives us the Beatitudes

Presents the loving attitudes we need in order to endure the difficult times

Helps to bless us with true happiness “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is

the kingdom of heaven.” Simple life More you have, the more you suffer Clear our lives of the material possessions in

order to hear the voice of God

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

Find comfort in the promise that you will meet again in the Kingdom

Then comforted reach out to others in despair

“Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth.”

Humble What does it mean to be humble? Treat all things with respect and care. Content with greatness and smallness

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for

they will be filled.” Justice

The principle, ideal, or virtue of just dealing or right action; giving God and others their due

Love is founded on justice And loving unselfishly fulfills justice

Just person: respect everyone’s dignity and rights, be fair with people

Strive for justice despite our efforts that may fail

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.”

Without limits When we are forgiving of others we

will receive forgiveness Compassion and forgiveness in action

Compassion: empathize with others Forgiveness: we give others a chance to

change We seek to help rather than harm one

who has done harm

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Look for the good in people Respond to God in every person and

situation Ex.: Mother Teresa

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Are you part of the problem? Or are you

a part of the solution? Stand for peace between individuals

among churches, between nations

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

What’s your goal?

Read 72-73 Write:

What’s your ultimate goal? Write down your objectives for today and

how you are going to live that out.

What does it mean to be a good person?

What does it mean to be a good Christian?

Is there a difference between the two?

Being Christian

Following Jesus’ example Being kind to people

Especially those we don’t like

What does the parable of the good Samaritan teach us about being a good Christian? We must help people We also have an obligation to be

caretakers of creation Must go above and beyond “Go and do likewise.”

Why are we tempted not to help? Compassion fatigue

To just give up Overwhelmed by the problems and think

that we cannot make a difference Stop caring

Why is it important to overcome compassion fatigue? Only way things can change is we get

involved We are called to by God Making a difference is part of what being

a Christian means How can we make an even greater

impact?

Solidarity

“We must all hang together, or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.” Benjamin Franklin

Pull together Unity within a group over a common

cause Human solidarity is the way to peace

and human development. Society=US!

Being a Catholic Christian

We are free to make moral decisions from our own conscience

Absolute moral norms Never to be violated

Jesus gave us ideals to strive for Church’s fundamental unchanging moral

teaching traces back to Jesus and the apostles