Prayer for Leadership

Give us, O God,
leaders whose hearts are large enough
to match the breadth of our own souls
and give us souls strong enough
to follow leaders of vision and wisdom.

In seeking a leader,
let us seek more than development
for ourselves —
though development we hope for —
more than security for our own land —
though security we need —
more than satisfaction for our wants —
though many things we desire.

Give us the hearts to choose
the leader who will work with other
leaders to bring safety
to the whole world.

Give us leaders
who lead this nation to virtue
without seeking to impose our kind of virtue
on the virtue of others.

Give us a government
that provides for the advancement
of this country
without taking resources from others
to achieve it.

Give us insight enough ourselves
to choose as leaders those who can tell
strength from power,
growth from greed,
leadership from dominance,
and real greatness from the trappings
of grandiosity.

We trust you, Great God,
to open our hearts to learn from those
to whom you speak in different tongues
and to respect the life and words
of those to whom you entrusted
the good of other parts of this globe.

We beg you, Great God,
give us the vision as a people
to know where global leadership truly lies,
to pursue it diligently,
to require it to protect human rights
for everyone everywhere.

We ask these things, Great God,
with minds open to your word
and hearts that trust in your eternal care.

Amen.

Election Reflection 3, Catholic Social Teaching and the Responsibility of Civic Engagement

Election Reflection 3:

Catholic Social Teaching and the Responsibility of Civic Engagement

Call to Prayer: In this final reflection on the November election we are going to specifically engage the Catholic tradition of Social teaching. “The Catholic Church always asks its members to look at the principles of Catholic social teaching when making political decisions…The Catholic Church’s stance on public life is shaped by the principles of Catholic social teaching.” Before turning to a discussion of these principles and how they apply to our civic responsibility let us begin in prayer.

Before proceeding a brief word: Discussions of politics, especially when they involve the relationship between politics and religion can become very heated. It is important to recognize that “the Church’s social teaching is neither liberal nor conservative. It seeks simply to be faithful to God’s call.” Therefore, we should “carefully avoid the appearance of being partisan or ideological. The key is to” remain faithful to scripture and the Church’s social teaching. “people of goodwill might see complex social issues differently. Each of us should strive to be faithful to the teachings [of the Church] and respectful of others in discussing issues. The Second Vatican Council taught, “Very often the Christian vision will suggest a certain solution in some given situation. Yet it happens rather frequently, and legitimately so, that some of the faithful, with no less sincerity, will see the problem quite differently…Let [people], then, try to guide each other by sincere dialogue in a spirit of mutual charity and with anxious interest above all in the common good.”

Opening Prayer:

Gracious and loving God,

let your Spirit be with us today.

Hear our prayers,

and increase in us the will to follow your Son Jesus.

Help us to draw on the resources of our faith

as we use the opportunities of our democracy

to shape a society more respectful of the life,

dignity, and rights of the human person,

especially the poor and vulnerable.

We ask this through Jesus Christ,

your Son, who lives and reigns with you

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God forever and ever. Amen.

Scripture: MTTW 25: 31-46

Reflection:

St. Ignatius of Loyola recommends three ways of praying in the Spiritual Exercises. One of them asks us to focus on our selves and the moral life, the other two focus on allowing God to speak to us through deep contemplation on a specific prayer, either in silence or in writing or speaking. Before entering into discussion, let us pray that God will speak to us and inspire our thoughts to do this we will engage in the second method of prayer recommended by Ignatius.

Ignatius asks us to meditate deeply on the individual words of a specific prayer. To do this he asks that we take a deep breath in between each word of a prayer. In the time of the breath be aware of the way in which that word resonates within you. What does the word call to mind? What does the word mean?, or suggest about God’s will for us? What does God say to you through that word, in the moment of saying it? How does the word build upon the previous word? Follow the outline below, read the prayer aloud as a group, pausing for a deep breath where indicated by an asterisk (*).

Lord * Christ * help us * to see * what it is *

That joins * us * together *, not * what separates us *.

For when * we * see * only * what it is * that makes us * different *,

We * too often * become * aware * of what is wrong * with others *.

We * see * only * their faults * and * weaknesses *,

Interpreting * their actions * as flowing from *

Malice * or hatred * rather * than fear *.

Even when confronted * with evil *, Lord *,

You * forgave * and sacrificed * yourself *

Rather than * sought * revenge *.

Teach * us * to do * the same * by the power * of your * Spirit *>

--William Breault, SJ

Allow an opportunity to discuss what you experienced. Where there certain words which especially spoke to you, in what way. How was God present in this reflection? What was God saying?

Activity and Discussion:

The Seven Principles of Catholic Social Teaching are:

1. The life and dignity of the Human Person
2. The call to family, community, and participation
3. Protection of human rights
4. Option for the poor and vulnerable
5. The dignity of work and the rights of workers
6. Solidarity
7. Care for God’s Creation

Consider the Seven Principles of Catholic social teaching

1. Discuss the meaning of each of these seven principles of Catholic social teaching. What sort of values do these principles ask that we cultivate?

2. Look back to the public policy issues discussed in the second activity. How do the principles of Catholic Social teaching add to, help to clarify, complicate, or contradict the teachings of Jesus?

3. What do these principles demand of our leaders? How do the current candidates live up to or fail to meet the challenge of Catholic social teaching?

4. How do these principles challenge the shape of social structures? What priorities do they set for societies? In what ways do they seek to transform, or alter current priorities?

5. What social principles or structures do you see in society which contradict Catholic social teaching? How can they be transformed to better reflect these teachings?

Closing Prayer:

God, source of all light,

We are surrounded by the darkness of

The injustices experienced by your people,

The poor who are hungry and who search

For shelter, the sick who seek relief,

And the downtrodden who seek help in

Their hopelessness.

Surround us and fill us with your Spirit

Who is light.

Lead us in your way to be light to your people.

Help our group to be salt for our community

As we share your love with those caught

In the struggles of life.

We desire to be your presence to the least among us

And to know your presence in them as we

Work through you

To bring justice and peace to this world

In desperate need. Amen.

--United States Catholic Bishops.

Election Reflection 2, Scripture

Exploring Scripture:

Opening Prayer:

Lord Christ, help us to see what it is

That joins us together, not what separates us.

For when we see only what it is that makes us different,

We too often become aware of what is wrong with others.

We see only their faults and weaknesses,

Interpreting their actions as flowing from

Malice or hatred rather than fear.

Even when confronted with evil, Lord,

You forgave and sacrificed yourself

Rather than sought revenge.

Teach us to do the same by the power of your Spirit.

--William Breault, SJ

Leader: The United States Catholic Bishops state, “the application of Gospel values to real situations is an essential work of the Christian community. Christians believe the Gospel is the measure of human realities. However, specific political proposals do not in themselves constitute the Gospel.” (from, Political Responsibility)

Before proceeding a brief word: Discussions of politics, especially when they involve the relationship between politics and religion can become very heated. It is important to recognize that “the Church’s social teaching is neither liberal nor conservative. It seeks simply to be faithful to God’s call.” Therefore, we should “carefully avoid the appearance of being partisan or ideological. The key is to” remain faithful to scripture and the Church’s social teaching. “people of goodwill might see complex social issues differently. Each of us should strive to be faithful to the teachings [of the Church] and respectful of others in discussing issues. The Second Vatican Council taught, “Very often the Christian vision will suggest a certain solution in some given situation. Yet it happens rather frequently, and legitimately so, that some of the faithful, with no less sincerity, will see the problem quite differently…Let [people], then, try to guide each other by sincere dialogue in a spirit of mutual charity and with anxious interest above all in the common good.”

Activity: Make sure you bring Bibles, or have your group members bring a Bible or Christian Scriptures (New Testament). Use the sheet below to identify principles from Jesus’ teachings in the Gospel which would frame your decision on what stand to take for each of the following issues. Look through the Gospels and as a group find and discuss passages which can illuminate how Jesus may have approached some of the challenging issues which face us in today’s world. It is not necessary to go down the list one by one, rather invite participants to look through the Gospels, as they come up with a passage relevant to any one issue allow them to offer it up for reflection. As a group draw conclusions and take notes on the handout to guide final reflections.

Applying Jesus’ Values to Today’s Issues

Issue: Scripture Passages and Principles:

Minimum wage

Jobs:

Low-income housing:

Universal health care:

Abortion:

Capital punishment:

Welfare/welfare reform:

Discrimination/racism:

Education:

Immigration:

Arms control:

Euthanasia:

Environmental stewardship:

After completing the exercise allow time to discuss conclusions.

Leaders: Use the following questions to stimulate, or guide final reflections, if necessary:

What challenges do the actions and words of Jesus offer to our elected officials during the campaigns? After the election?

How can we adhere to the message of Jesus in our words and actions during an election year? After the election?

What is our responsibility, according to the message of Jesus, in regards to these issues?

How can we best apply the conclusions we have drawn to today’s world?

Intercessory prayer: (Pass around allowing all to read a petition, until completed)

The response is: Lord, hear our prayer.

For leaders around world, that they might find ways to bring an end to war and violence, and promote peace and development for all nations, we pray to the Lord. . . .

For all citizens of the United States, that our participation in the upcoming election may lead to a world of greater respect for life and commitment to justice and peace, we pray to the Lord. . . .

For Christians throughout our nation, that the values of our faith may guide us as we exercise our responsibility as voters, we pray to the Lord. . . .

For those who serve in elected office, that they may lead with courage and wisdom, reflecting the Church’s teaching that the moral test of our society is how the weak, the poor, and the vulnerable are faring, we pray to the Lord. . . .

For those who are suffering from poverty and injustice, that our decisions this election year may lead to policies and programs that help them live in dignity, we pray to the Lord. . . .

For the members of this community, that we may find ways to help build a world of greater respect for human life and human dignity, we pray to the Lord. . . .

Closing Prayer: Leader:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

--St. Francis of Assisi

Election Reflection 1, Values

Values Exercise

Call to Prayer: Because we are people who believe in God, who trust in the goodness of the individuals who create our society, who have hope for the world, we must be responsible citizens. Following the call of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops tonight we will seek to bring the assets of our faith to the process of electoral discernment by utilizing “a consistent moral framework anchored in the scriptures and expressed in the teaching of the Church.” Making an informed choice is difficult, indeed, “there is no Catholic voting formula, and there is rarely, if ever, a perfect candidate for Catholic voters.” So what is our responsibility as Catholics? It is essential that we examine our individual conscience, scripture, and Church teachings on social responsibility.

Before proceeding a brief word: Discussions of politics, especially when they involve the relationship between politics and religion can become very heated. It is important to recognize that “the Church’s social teaching is neither liberal nor conservative. It seeks simply to be faithful to God’s call.” Therefore, we should “carefully avoid the appearance of being partisan or ideological. The key is to” remain faithful to scripture and the Church’s social teaching. “people of goodwill might see complex social issues differently. Each of us should strive to be faithful to the teachings [of the Church] and respectful of others in discussing issues. The Second Vatican Council taught, “Very often the Christian vision will suggest a certain solution in some given situation. Yet it happens rather frequently, and legitimately so, that some of the faithful, with no less sincerity, will see the problem quite differently…Let [people], then, try to guide each other by sincere dialogue in a spirit of mutual charity and with anxious interest above all in the common good.”

Scripture: Wisdom 7: 7-12

(Leader should invite a participant to read this passage aloud and allow for silent reflection, play some soft, reflective music for about 5 mins. During this time)

Activity: Personal Influences: (Hand one of the following out to each group member, self included, allow time to reflect and fill out; follow up with discussion, using the questions below to lead the conversation)

What Do You Take With You Into the Voting Booth?

Take a moment to reflect on how much or how little each of the following categories influence how you vote, with 1 being no influence, and 5 being strong influence.

When I vote, I am influenced by:

My gender…………….........................1……….2……….3……….4………..5

My race, or ethnic culture.....................1……….2……….3……….4………..5

My economic status…………………..1……….2……….3……….4………...5

My profession………………………....1………2……….3……….4.………..5

My political party affiliation………….1……….2…….....3……….4………...5

My religious beliefs…………………..1……….2.……….3………4…….......5

My values…………………………….1……….2………..3………4………....5

My past experiences………………….1……….2………..3………4…………5

Being a parent (if applicable)………...1………2………...3……….4………...5

Other_______________________......1………2………....3………4…………5

For Discussion:

While many things influence how you vote, which of the factors named above are particularly important to you in making political decisions? Why?

Why is it important in any election to have people of different economic classes voting? Of different ethnic backgrounds? Of the opposite sex?

Go back to the scripture passage, re-read it if necessary:

What does this passage suggest about what our responsibilities are as voters, what does it suggest about the qualities we should expect of our leaders?

What does the scripture passage suggest about the task of forming our conscience; how should this process of formation occur?

Closing Prayer: (Pass around, allowing each person to read a stanza until the prayer is completed)

From Prayer Without Borders, Celebrating Global Wisdom

To have hope
Is to believe that history continues open
To the dream of God and to human creativity.

To have hope
Is to continue affirming
That it is possible to dream a different world,
Without hunger, without injustice,
Without discrimination.

To have hope
Is to be a courier of God
And courier of men and women of good will,
Tearing down walls, destroying borders,
Building bridges.

To have hope
Is to believe in the revolutionary potential of faith,
Is to leave the door open so that
The Spirit can enter and make all things anew.

To have hope
Is to believe that life wins over death.

To have hope
Is to begin again as many times as necessary.

To have hope
Is to believe that hope is not
The last thing that dies.

To have hope
Is to believe that hope cannot die,
That hope no longer dies.

To have hope
Is to live.

Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo -- Scalabrinians Honduras

Body Meditation

Call to Prayer: Tonight I would like to invite you to enter deeply into your own body. Too often we think of prayer as a way to escape our bodies and the moment, rather than an opportunity to come to know ourselves as loved by God as we are at any time.

Meditation: If people are wearing shoes and socks encourage them to take them off for this exercise. The leader can and should participate in this meditation as well.

Leader:

Find a comfortable sitting position…relax…sit quietly…simply being with yourself…inhale…hold that breath…exhale…inhale…exhale…continue…(allow for a moment of centering quiet)…without moving, and in the same quiet state focus all of you attention on the big toe of your right foot. Sense the presence of that toe as you never have before. Its contentment with simply being there…at the end of your foot. In your heart say a prayer of thanks to God. (moment of silence). Now, focus all of your attention on your entire right foot. Note its peacefulness and tranquility –its lack of anxiety or fear, again say a prayer of thanks to God (moment of silence).

Now, allow its partner, the left foot, into the reflection, pay attention to its quietness…say a prayer of thanks to God for having created it (moment of silence)…Now move up from your feet to the solitude of your shins, thanking God for both of them (moment of silence)…move on now to you torso how peaceful and content it is, thank God for having created it (moment of silence)…Now focus on your chest, thanking God for its presence (moment of silence)…Move to your arms (moment of silence)…Focus on your hands and their stillness, their calm, thank God for having created them and each finger (moment of silence)…Contemplate your neck, its tranquil solitude, thank God for creating it (moment of silence)…Contemplate your head…as you do so pull away to consider your body as a unified whole…at rest and at peace…Go back into your body, very slowly travel through to the various body parts, observing the stillness which pervades everywhere. (allow time for this)

Now, come back out and rest in the quietness of your entire body, all the while thanking God for this body and this moment…[1]

(after a moment of silence begin to read the scripture passage, it is a good idea to have it opened and ready before you begin the meditation to avoid the distraction of fumbling with the pages)

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3: 16-18. (read the passage very slowly and deliberately)

Leader: (read slowly) Become aware of your breathing again. Think of St. Paul’s message. What was on his mind and heart that day? How did he feel about the people he was addressing? Why did he say these particular things to these particular people this particular day? What was his purpose? What was his message? (moment of silence)

(re-read the scripture passage)

Leader: (read slowly) Focus on the audience, the other people in this passage, whose names we do not know… Why are they there? What are their thoughts? What are they seeking? What are their feelings, their prejudices, their fears, their hopes? How do their feelings change as they hear Paul’s message? (allow a moment of silence)

(re-read the scripture)

Leader: (read slowly): Now imagine St. Paul facing you and saying to you these words…How do you feel about St. Paul? Why is he approaching you in this way? What is he really trying to say to you? How would your life change if you allowed this message to take root in your heart? How willing are you to make those changes? (a moment of silence)

Say a prayer within your heart asking God to transform you into the person the scriptures call each of us to be. (A moment of silence)[2]

Discussion:

1. What does the term ‘contemplation’ mean to you?
2. What is the relationship between contemplation and action?
3. In what ways do you see yourself as an image of God?

Closing Prayer:

Glorious Lord Christ:

The divine influence secretly diffused and active

In the depths of matter,

And the dazzling centre

Where all the innumerable fibres of the manifold meet;

Power as implacable as the world and as warm as life;

You whose forehead is of the whiteness of snow,

Whose eyes are of fire,

And whose feet are brighter than molten gold;

You whose hands imprison the stars;

You who are the first and the last,

The living and the dead and the risen again;

You who gather into your exuberant unity

Every mode of existence;

It is you to whom my being cries out

With a desire as vast as the universe:

“In truth you are my Lord and my God.”

--Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, SJ

---

[1] Modified from Mark E. Thibodeaux, SJ. Armchair Mystic: Easing into Contemplative Prayer. Cincinnati: St. Anthony Messenger, 2001, 42-3.

[2] Modified from Mark E. Thibodeaux, SJ. Armchair Mystic: Easing into Contemplative Prayer. Cincinnati: St. Anthony Messenger, 2001, 82-3.

Gathering Together

Introduction: As we gather together to share our faith it is important to build community among ourselves. Gathering to reflect on our faith and how it shapes and challenges us is a way to forge bonds with one another and build friendships grounded in a belief in something greater than ourselves. Because this often requires us to enter into a space of vulnerability, revealing our deepest held values, beliefs, and feelings, building strong community and respect among one another is an essential component to this process.

Icebreaker:

“Group Machine”[1]: Everyone here has amazing potential and can accomplish amazing things if everyone works together for a common purpose. Select one of the machines listed below and join together to “become” that machine. Each person needs to become part of that machine: be sure to include sound effects and motions/movements. Try more than one if you want.

Old-time washing machine
Auto assembly line
Sausage making machine
Car engine
Car wash
Diaper changing machine
Steam train
Grandfather clock
Jukebox

Secular Reading:
Clarissa Pinkola Estes: “One Stick-Two Stick”
You may want to consider doing a dramatic reading such as the following:

Begin by calling all of the participants together have them gather close in a circle: In a whisper, forcing them to draw in, say: “Come my friends, gather close together and listen to the wisdom of the old African kings” and hand each of them a stick (it should be a stick which can be easily broken) and say: “Break the stick.” Allow a moment for them to do this. Then say: “This is how it is when a soul is alone without anyone. They can be easily broken.” Now distribute to them sticks gathered and tied into a bundle (it should be about four sticks to a bundle) and say: “This is how I would like you to live after I pass. No one can break the sticks when they are two or more in a bundle. We are strong when we stand with another soul. When we are with another, we cannot be broken.”

Sharing: Tell of a time when you felt ‘broken’ and someone comforted you: How did it feel when you had no one to discuss you problem with? How did it feel to have someone to share your feelings with? Or, tell of a time when someone else was ‘broken’ and you comforted them: How did the person you comforted react to your presence?

How did these experience affect you? What did you learn about the value of community?

Faith Reading: MTTW 18: 15-20

Discuss:

How does community function for Jesus? How can the advice of Jesus shape your faith sharing community?

Think back to the story One Stick-Two Stick and consider it along side Jesus’ words: “where ever two or three are gathered there I am in their midst.” How does this strike you, what does it mean/suggest to you about the role of community in the life of faith? How does community function in relationship to faith

Activity: Set some ground rules to guide and facilitate the building of community so that all feel welcome and comfortable. As you do this recall especially the words of Jesus: “whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven.”

Prayer:

Prayer Leader: Take time to quiet yourself. Close your eyes, get comfortable, let the world around you fade away. Imagine yourself leaning against God. Are you comfortable there? What thoughts and feelings come to you as you rest in God’s arms? Allow yourself to be there in quiet surrender. Receive what God offers you.

Do you have any relationships which foster unhealthy dependency? If so, at what expense to yourself and others? How would your life be different if you were not in this dependent situation? What are your fears of leaving this dependency? Offer these concerns up to the God in whom your are resting.[2]

Open your eyes. Look at those who surround you. This is a community which will not be built upon dependency, rather it is one founded on mutuality—each one giving and receiving, each respecting and affirming the value of the other. Each leaning on one another, the whole leaning on God. Here you can begin to let go of those dependency, and never feel yourself abandoned. Let us pray:

(Pass around the following reading allowing each person to read a section, or select two people to alternate as readers)

Reader 1:
Some people lean against fence posts
When their bodies ache from toil.
Some people lean on Oak trees,
Seeking cool shade on hot humid days.

Reader 2:
Some people lean on crutches
When their limbs won’t work for them;
And some people lean on each other
When their hearts can’t stand alone.

Reader 3:
How long it takes to lean upon you,
God of shelter and strength;
Hoe long it takes to recognize the truth
Of where my inner power has its source.

Reader 4:
All my independence, with its arrogance,
Stands up and stretches within me,
Trying to convince my trembling soul
That I can conquer troubles on my own.

Reader 5:
But the day of truth always comes
When I finally yield to you, God,
Knowing you are a steady stronghold,
A refuge when times are tough.

Reader 6:
Thank you for offering me strength,
For being the oak tree of comfort;
Thank you being the sturdy support
When the limbs of my life are weak.

Reader 7:
Praise to you, Eternal Lean-to,
For always being there for me.
Continue to transform me
With the power of your love.
Amen.[3]
[1] Steve Sheely. Jumps Starts and Soft Landings: 101 More Ways to Kick off and End Meetings. Littleton: Serendipity, 1997, 90.
[2] Modified from: Joyce Rupp, May I Have This Dance. Notre Dame: Ave Maria, 1992, 48-9.
[3] Joyce Rupp, May I Have This Dance. Notre Dame: Ave Maria, 1992, 41-2.

Solidarity

Play the song One Voice – by the Wailn’ Jennys

Leader say, “In this song, the lyrics speak of one voice, a kind of connectedness that we experience with all of humanity. This song illustrates simply one of the themes of Catholic Social Teaching, solidarity.

So what is solidarity? Solidarity is more than what is commonly meant by the word interdependence. The fact that we are linked to one another in a variety of ways is interdependence. But individuals may acknowledge this fact while being resentful or indifferent toward it, even as they take advantage of the others with whom they are interconnected. Interdependence does not rule out domination or exploitation.

Solidarity, on the other hand, moves interdependence to another level, beyond acknowledging the fact of interdependence. Solidarity shapes the response we should have to interdependence, evoking within us a desire to build the bonds of common life. As a virtue, solidarity, in the words of John Paul II, is not a feeling of vague compassion but a “firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good” (Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, #38). Solidarity shapes the character of a person so that mere recognition of interdependence is transformed into a commitment to the common good. It is solidarity that enables people to devote themselves “to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all” (Ibid.)”

Then say, “I know this is a lot to take in and may be hard to understand, so lets take some time to reflect on some quotes on solidarity. “ Hand out Solidarity Quote Sheet and Reflection questions and pencils.
Then say, “We will take about 10 minutes to reflect quietly. When looking over the hand out feel free to underline or highlight those things that really resonate with you and then answer the first two reflection questions. When we are finished we will take some time to talk about your answers. “

After everyone seems to be done writing (about 10 mns.) Ask them to share some of their reflections. What hit them? IS solidarity a new concept for them? If so, do they think it is an important and valuable way of being in the world? Is living in solidarity connected to being a person of faith?
Optional opening/closings – Use the reflection on homelessness as a lead in and close with the song or use the litany of remembrance as a closing.

“Young people say, "What good can one person do? What is the sense of our small effort?" They cannot see that we must lay one brick at a time, take one step at a time; we can be responsible only for the one action of the present moment. But we can beg for an increase of love in our hearts that will vitalize and transform all our individual actions, and know that God will take them and multiply them, as Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes.
The greatest challenge of the day is: how to bring about a revolution of the heart, a revolution which has to start with each one of us? When we begin to take the lowest place, to wash the feet of others, to love our brothers [and sisters] with that burning love, that passion, which led to the Cross, then we can truly say, 'Now I have begun.'" Let us begin with one action.”
~Dorothy Day


Take some time to reflect on the solidarity quote sheet. What quotes really resonate with you? What does the word solidarity mean to you?


Does living in solidarity connect with being a person of faith? Why or why not?




Litany of Remembrance

We remember the children of the world. As Jesus called to the children to come to him, so we gather in prayer the children of our world who are hurting. We embrace them with loving kindness and with a desire to mend the systems that bring such pain to their young lives.

We remember the children:

…who will go hungry today,

…who are plagued by addiction,

…who have no one to teach them to read,

…who are handicapped and unattended,

…who do not know love,

…who live in filth and degradation,

…who have no friends,

…who are not listened to,

…who have never been sung to or read to or taken by the hand or experienced beauty,

…who are shunned or mistreated because of their color, their religion, or the place they live,

…who have no awareness of their inner goodness,

…who have stopped believing in love,

…who are filled with anger and hate,

…who are receiving a poor education,

…who are ill or in pain,

…who are grieving the death of a loved one,

…who are suffering from AIDS,

…who feel lonely, desolate, and unloved,

…who are filled with fear for their lives,

…who hear only harsh words and hostile language,

…who have been bruised, beaten, and mutilated,

…who hide in fear from the sounds of war,

…who are victims,

…who have no hope.


Yes, we pray for the children of our world today and we pray for each man and woman of this world, including ourselves, that we will do our part to create better living conditions for these children. Show us the way and prod us into action, God of justice and compassion

Reflection on homelessness

This story is true. I do not want money for it, and if it does get chosen for money, please give it to a child’s trust fund for when they are 18. You choose the child.

My name is Brian. I don’t wish to give anything else because I am ashamed of my homeless way right now.

What’s it like being homeless? To be homeless is not even having paper to write on, so you use a paper bag. Next time you have to use the bathroom, go outside and find a place. Or go outside and wait until 6:45 PM. That’s when the mission opens up and then you can go after you sign up. Or try to find some place private enough to use the bathroom downtown. If you don’t have any money, you can’t use a bathroom. So what do you do when you have to go real bad?

Because you are homeless, it is not easy to keep clean. Some people that are homeless have given up because it’s not east to take a shower every day when you don’t have a shower or money to wash your clothes. You probably are saying to use a hose. Well ok, I don’t have and problem with that, but it’s cold. And if someone sees you, they call the police.

When you are homeless, you can hardly wait for the sun to come up so it will warm up. So next time you’re outside and you’re cold, just wait until the sun comes up. Or maybe you can panhandle enough so you can get yourself a beer so you can get out of the cold for a while.

You’re so embarrassed that you’re homeless that you can’t get in touch with a friend to help you. Being homeless is not as easy as I hear you rich people talk, because I used to be a little rich myself, thinking this would never happen to me. But boy was I wrong. I challenge you to try to be homeless for one week, not calling anyone for help. Just live out in the streets. If it is as easy as you people say it is, please come show us, you get in tour car and go where you want. I wonder where I am going to get 50 cents for the bus.

There is no change of getting ahead. These days, labor only pays you $4.25 and hour. So what. I am use to $8 to $14 an hour, until our damn president shut down my job.

But I am still not done yet. Do you know what it is like to see rich people in cars? I wonder what is must be like to have money in my pocket again, to take a shower when I want, to be a somebody, nice warm bed, wishing that you were me and I was you at the wheel of your car, getting out of the cold when I want to.

Do you know that when you’re homeless you don’t even have a place to put your stuff like extra clothes? The mission or Salvation Army won’t let you. So you put your stuff someplace and hope they don’t rip it off while you’re trying to get some money up so you can get a place to live. While you sleep outside at night, you just hope someone don’t come along and slice you through, just to get what little pocket change you have.

What I have told you is just a piece of what it is like being homeless. If I told you all of it, you would puke because you’re not accustom to what it is like out here. You do whatever it takes. So my story ends for now.