SEE JUDGE ACT HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND How

SEE ~JUDGE ~ACT HOW SHOULD WE RESPOND?

How do we respond. . . ? • when natural disasters strike here in Canada or in other countries? • in situations of war? • when a crisis happens in our own community or country? • In situations of injustice here in Canada or around the world?

LEARN WHAT’S HAPPENING § § § § What is happening and where? When did it start? Who is involved? What are people saying about their experiences? How do they feel about it? What are they already doing? What other questions we can ask? SEE

HOW ARE WE CONNECTED? § How do I feel about this situation? § How does it touch me personally? § If I were in this situation, what would I hope for? SEE

A. UNDERSTAND THE SITUATION B. TEACHINGS OF OUR FAITH

A. UNDERSTAND THE SITUATION: GUIDING QUESTIONS § Why is this happening? § What are the root causes? JUDGE

A. UNDERSTAND THE SITUATION § Who benefits from this situation? § Who is excluded? How? § Why are some included and some excluded? JUDGE

A. UNDERSTAND THE SITUATION § What groups or people have power? § Does everyone have a say in the decisions that affect them? JUDGE

A. UNDERSTAND THE SITUATION § What values and beliefs do people have? JUDGE

A. UNDERSTAND THE SITUATION § What events led to what is happening today? JUDGE

A. UNDERSTAND THE SITUATION § How will land, water, air, animals and other parts of the natural environment be affected? § Which people will be most affected by changes in the environment? JUDGE

A. UNDERSTAND THE SITUATION § What are those who are most affected doing about their situation? § What successes and struggles are they having? JUDGE

B. THE TEACHINGS OF OUR FAITH § What does the Bible teach us about how to love our neighbour? § What did Jesus teach about this kind of situation? § Where else can we find guidance? JUDGE

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING PRINCIPLE DEFINITION Human Dignity We are each made in the image and likeness of God. Common Good Each and every person’s wellbeing is protected. Solidarity As members of one global family, we are committed to the good of every person and group, and responsible to one another. Even if we are different, we are our sisters’ and brothers’ keepers, called to love one another in this world. JUDGE

B. THE TEACHINGS OF OUR FAITH § What values come to mind when we think of this situation? § How can Catholic Social Teachings guide us? JUDGE

ACT “Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. . . ” – 1 John 3: 18

FIRST WE MUST ASK § What do the people most effected by the situation want? § What are they or other groups already doing about the situation? ACT

BEFORE WE ACT § What act of charity is needed? § What act of justice is needed? ACT

ACTS OF CHARITY meet immediate needs – such as food, water, shelter, clothing – and reflect the compassion of Christ. ACTS OF JUSTICE try to resolve the root causes of a problem, so that charity is no longer needed. When he was on Earth, Jesus worked for fairness and justice. BOTH ARE EQUALLY IMPORTANT! ARE CRUCIAL TO ANY RESPONSE! BOTH ACT

TO PLAN OUR ACTION § How will we be a part of the solution? § What tools and support do we need? § When will we start? ACT

REFLECT ON OUR PLAN § Are those we want to help leading the way? § Will our actions reflect the values of our faith? § Will our actions be realistic? Will we be able to complete them? ACT

OUR ACTIONS BEAR FRUIT TO JUDGE OUR ACTIONS § § What impact did we have? How were we changed by doing this?

THE FRUIT ENRICHES THE SOIL AND NEW THINGS HAPPEN § § How did our actions change the situation? What is different about the soil now? What long-term seeds were planted? How can we nurture them?

Living in solidarity means we don’t abandon an issue or the people affected after one action. With them, we continue to look for longterm solutions together.

References “Catholic Social Teaching Series - Reading the Signs of the Times. ” Australian Catholic Social Justice Council, 2016. http: //www. socialjustice. catholic. org. au/socialteaching/10 -social-teaching/94 -catholic-socialteaching-series-reading-the-signs-of-the-times Doran, Thomas G. “Dare to Dream: Essential Steps to Discerning God’s Will. ” Catholics United for the Faith, 2012. http: //www. cuf. org/2012/03/dare-to-dreamessential-steps-to-discerning-gods-will/