Building Common Ground

Journey of Discipleship ProjectJuly 13, 2013Ss. James Parish & Patrick ParishDecatur, IllinoisDiocese of Springfield in Illinois

What is the Common Good?

Scripture Foundation

OPENING SONG & PRAYER

A. Song – Lead Me, Guide Me (verse 1)Page 7

B. Prayer Service: Catholic Social Teaching

Exercise I – Scripture Puzzles

WHAT IS THE “COMMON GOOD?” (THAT WHICH BENEFITS ALL)

Elements of the “Common Good”

1. Respect for the person and groups

a. Dignity of the human person

b. Sacredness of life –thou shall not kill

2. Social well-being and development

a. Reaching full potential

b. Sharing gifts, talents, etc.

CONTINUE ~ WHAT IS THE “COMMON

GOOD?” (THAT WHICH BENEFITS ALL)

3. Peacea. Absence of violence

(violence – anything that hurts you or someone else)

b. Serenity of being (free from stress or worry)

4. Love ~ Human Kindness, compassion, affectiona. For oneselfb. Appreciation for all other people & living life forms

EXERCISE II Table Talk (What other elements can we add?)

(Break)

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO WORK FOR THE COMMON GOOD?

A. Holy Spirit (What is the Holy spirit?)1. Given to us by God2. Our holy armor/protection

B. Self Esteem1. What we think of ourselves2. What other people think of us3. How do we build our self esteem?

a. Think positive of yourselfb. Surround yourself with positive peoplec. Think positive of othersd. Help other people

EXERCISE IIIA. What is the relationship between the Holy Spirit and self-esteemB. What is the relationship between self-esteem and working for the common

good?C. Quietly reflect on a person

(Lunch)

Song – Lead Me, Guide Me (verse 2) page 7

WHAT CAN WE LEARN ABOUT THE SINS THAT DIVIDE US?

A. (Whatever we have learned we can unlearn)(Sins are learned behaviors)(Sins are tools in the devil’s workshop)

B. List of major sins1. Ageism2. Sexism3. Racism4. Ableism

ERIC’S LAW

Institutionalism

Discrimination

Stereotype

Prejudice

Bias

Exercise IV Reflect on an example using Eric’s Law.

Song - Lead Me, Guide Me (verse 3) Page 7

HOW DO WE BECOME EMPOWERED TO WORK FOR THE COMMON GOOD?

A. Self assessment – Importance

1. Where are we/you in dealing with diversity?

2. Instruments for assessment

EXERCISE V Complete Diversity Inventory – Page 7

B. Seek exposure to other cultures

1. Establish partnerships

2. Use the internet

3. Establish friendships with People of Color

4. Become culturally proficient

HOW DO WE KNOW IF WE ARE COOKING?

A. Creative tension (stirring the pot)B. Visible change/resultsC. Link between scripture/behaviorD. Practice, practice, practice

EXERCISE VI Assessing the TWO FEET OF JUSTICEWhat does Ss. James & Patrick have?

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:What have I learned today?How can I be a more faithful and engaged disciple?Am I challenged to stand up and speak out?