Session # 8 : Chapter 9

Printable Version

Reminders

I believe that this is the last chapter that both the 10th and 11th graders will do together. After this we will split up and cover separate chapters, focusing on sacramental life in the 11th grade and Catholic identity for the 10th.

Some new Info!

For 10th graders.

A couple of teachers have told me that some of the sophomores were asking questions about world religions, that got me to thinking...Like many of you, I was disappointed that we had to cancel the 10th grade retreat. I really enjoy this class and I thought it would a good idea to create a day of reflection for this group. So, I have reserved the Sunday, March 28th as Sophomore day! Traveling by bus, we would attend an ethnic mass at St. Michael's, do lunch, then a "Catholic Art" scavenger hunt at the Milwaukee Art Museum and come back to Good Shepherd for a Large Group/Fun Activity about world religions. This of course would replace the class on that day. You all are welcome to chaperone/participate/attend. I believe retreat fees will cover all of this. More on this later.

Materials Needed

• Quiet Music in the background
• Paper, pencils simple art supplies

Background Main Objective

This chapter focuses on the Catholic understanding of the human person and how people relate to and understand God. We are a holistic faith. We believe that the body, the mind, our intuition and the senses are gateways to God. That is why ritual is a key element of Catholicism.

With each generation, ritual becomes more and more difficult to convey. The American Tribe lives in 'flow.' Flow of television, walkman, chat rooms, radio, cell phones, billboards, magazines etc. Ritual requires sacred space and stopping the 'flow.'

If someone is a thinker, our faith encourages them to think, likewise if someone is a feeler or a 'doer' this is perfectly fine. Ritual helps direct our God given abilities and then give them back to God.

Starter

The Super Bowl is coming. Nine of the top fifteen rated television programs in history have been a Super Bowl.

• Ask the kids if they have any family rituals regarding the Super Bowl. (Don't define ritual yet.)
• Do they do things differently if the Packers are in it?
• Do they watch and judge the commercials?

Every tribe has rituals. Again without defining it, ask the kids if they can think of other rituals in their lives.

(The national anthem, the pledge of allegiance, superstitions before participating in sports, going to the same place of summer vacation etc.)

---

Lesson

We don't ask the kids to do this much, but I think it is essential that everyone read three sections in this chapter:

Begin by reading:

Protestants Worship from the Neck Up/Catholics Do it from the Neck down.

• Give the kids a chance to read it to themselves and perhaps to underline key phrases in their books.
  
• After a little discussion put on the music and ask the kids to settle down and draw a picture that is a symbol of their understanding of God.
  
• They don't need to show it to anyone, but if they would like, they may. When you are done explain to them that within our faith picturing, creating, imagining, and visualizing God, and God within the world, is a distinct part of being Catholic. We are encouraged to do so. To further make the point tell them 'we're moving on but before we do I would like you to...'

---

• Give each student a piece of paper and have them draw a line down the center. On top of the first column have them write the words 'God is' and on the top of the second column have them write, 'God is not.' Then have them go at it. It might be easier, depending on your group to do this exercise together on one master.
• When done, ask them which column was easier. if all goes well, Catholic students will find it easier to say what God is, rather than what God is not.

Then read the section:
The Hound of Heaven.

• After reading, ask the kids if they have ever felt 'chased by God." (Probably not, but it's worth a shot.)
• If you are comfortable, share an experience where God has sought you.
• See the resource sheet for a copy of the poem.

Then read
The Touch Feely Stuff

The second to last line is a dead on description of Catholic Spirituality.

"For Catholics, spirituality is about developing increasing awareness."

And I would add "...increasing awareness of the presence of God."

That's where ritual comes in. Good Ritual should stir the imagination.

At the end of Part 2 in the Book there is a Part 3 Cover page (I can't give the exact page because some of us are using different editions), "The Sensuous Side of Catholicism..." Read the first paragraph. It emphasizes that God is present through ritual and sacrament in everyday life-the goal of ritual.

End by discussion this question:

"If God is present in all things, how can we become aware of the nearness of God?"

(Mainly, by choosing to look for God, sacraments and rituals should jar us into looking.)