Social Mission of the Church

Building towards a civilization of love

LESSON OBJECTIVES:At the end of the lesson, the students are able to:

1. link the plan of salvation with the kingdom of God

2. see the continuation of Jesus’ ministry with the social mission of the Church

3. define the Catholic Social Teachings4. explain the process of see-judge-act

Plan of Salvation

Starting point: God’s LOVE began in creation

Continued in his mighty works of salvation

creati

on

Plan of Salvation

Definitive point: Jesus’ coming was meant to emphasize God’s love

“For God so loved the world that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn. 3: 16)

creati

on

Plan of Salvation

Jesus’ ministry: Jesus’ words and deeds proclaimed the graciousness of God using the KINGDOM OF GOD as his symbol.

Plan of Salvation

CHURCH: Continues Jesus’ saving works as its way of proclaiming the KINGDOM OF GOD

Plan of Salvation

SOCIAL MISSION OF THE CHURCH: Must respond to the challenge to build a just and peaceful society here on earth

Kingdom of God

A sign of victory over sin and its effects

A sign of new and future world full of life-blessings

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHINGS

Social Mission of the

Church

An embodiment of concepts (truth, values, principles)

which the Church extracts from revelation and natural law

and adopts and applies to the social problems our times

to help people and governments to organize a more human society

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHINGS

Social Mission of the

Church

An embodiment of concepts (truth, values, principles)

which the Church extracts from revelation and natural law

and adopts and applies to the social problems our times

to help people and governments to organize a more human society

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHINGS

Social Mission of the

Church

An embodiment of concepts (truth, values, principles)

which the Church extracts from revelation and natural law

and adopts and applies to the social problems our times

to help people and governments to organize a more human society

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHINGS

Social Mission of the

Church

An embodiment of concepts (truth, values, principles)

which the Church extracts from revelation and natural law

and adopts and applies to the social problems our times

to help people and governments to organize a more human society

Principles for reflection

Criteria for judgment

Guidelines for action

ELEMENTS : CIVILIZATION OF LOVE

• Sacred Scripture

• Teachings of the Fathers of the Church and Theologians

• Magisterium

SOURCES :

The Fundamental Principles

I bring you GOOD NEWS!

solidarity

human dignity common good

human rights

authentic human development

universal

purpose of

goods

subsidiarity

option for the poor

stewardship

dignity of work

JUDGESEE

ACT

There are three stages which should normally be followed in the reduction of social principles into practice. . . expressed in the three terms: see, judge, act.

Mater et Magistra, 263

METHOD :

SEE Seeing, hearing, and experiencing the lived reality of

individuals and communities

SEE

What are the causes of the situation?

What are the consequences?

What are the people’s reactions, motives and mentalities?

JUDGE

Social Analysis

Theological Reflection

This involves the evaluation of the facts we have gathered in the light of the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church

JUDGE

Is what is happening consistent with Christian and human values?

Is it contributing to God's plan to build His Kingdom of love, peace and justice?

Are they, human, truly Christian?

ACTPlanning and carrying out

actions aimed at transforming the social

structures that contribute to suffering and injustice

ACTWhat active response am I to make?

Is my action educative for me, and for others?

Did I change the situation and the way people think?

References:Images taken from:

http://www.virginmedia.com/images/eyes430x300.jpghttp://www.virginmedia.com/images/man_thinking430x300.jpghttp://www.adcet.edu.au/Admin/UploadedFiles/Images/Photos/jigsaw%20success.jpghttp://images.faithclipart.com/images/3/1174073665536_15/img_large_watermarked.jpghttp://www.fotosearch.com/bthumb/CSP/CSP030/k0300296.jpghttp://www.timshen.truepath.com/christian/jesus_wine_bread_hg_clr.gifhttp://www.problogger.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/how-to-build-community-blog.pnghttp://socialmediamemo.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/social-media-people.jpghttp://oldlife.org/files/2010/05/social-justice.jpg

Some slides taken from Fr. Dan Kroeger, OFM

SEE-JUDGE-ACT questions taken from: http://www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au