Grade 7 – Lesson 12

Key Points  Vocation is the purpose for which God made us and the particular way to answer and live out his call.  Justice is giving God and others what is due to them. This means worshipping God and respecting human rights.

Materials  Encouraging Changes (p. 303G)

Catechist Prayer before the lesson: Lord of all, I thank you for calling me to be a teacher. I ask that you empower me with all that I need to fulfill my vocation. I honor you and teach in your name. Amen.

Before the lesson:  Hand out Encouraging Changes.

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[5 min] Invite – Called by God (p. 291)

 Pray the Anima Christi.  Recite the prayer and Scripture passage on page 291.

[10 min] A Common Mission (p. 296-297)

 Read and discuss vocations on pages 296-297)  Vocations fall into these categories: o Clergy (bishop, priest, deacon) o Religious (monks and nuns) o Lay people (married and single people)

[5 min] Discernment

 Watch Fr. Mike Schmitz’ video What’s My Vocation by Ascension Presents https://youtu.be/vJz9PbakIzY  What is the Universal Call to Holiness?

[15 min] Discover – Listening for God’s Call (p. 298-299)

 Read about consecrated religious life on pages 298-299)  Share some vocation statistics: o There are 74 million Catholics in America, and 1.2 billion Catholics in the world. o There are 37,192 priests in America today. Two-thirds of these work as parish priests, and the other third live in religious communities (i.e. monks living in monasteries). o Last year, there were 548 new priests ordained. o There are 18,173 deacons in America. o There are 47,170 sisters (nuns) in America. o There are 4,119 brothers (monks) in America. But the total is 15,551 when adding in priests who also live in religious communities.  There are many different Orders of consecrated religious life. Some are more active in the world, like the Franciscans and Missionaries of Charity, who work in cities to help the poor. Some focus on teaching in universities, such as the Dominicans, Jesuits, and Benedictines. And some lived a cloistered life, which means they never leave the monastery so that they can focus on a life of contemplative prayer, such as the Carmelites, Trappists, and Carthusians.  What are some obstacles that may get in the way of people hearing or responding to God’s call?

[10 min] Consecrated Religious Life

 Watch “Capuchin Franciscan Novitiate: A Day in the Life” by Midwest Capuchin Franciscan Vocation Office https://youtu.be/F1tmaf3aLvs  What are some good things about consecrated religious life?  What do you think some challenges might be?

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[15 min] All Are Invited (p. 306-309)

 Read about justice on pages 306-307.  What do we need to do to enter the Kingdom of God?  Read about the Kingdom of God on pages 308-309.  How can you be a sign of God’s Kingdom?

[10 min] Live - Our Catholic Life (p. 312)

 When you post on social media, does your message reflect well on you as a Catholic?  What are some ways to spread Christian truth and love on social media?

[5 min] Sending – A Prayer of Petition (p. 313)

 Ask the students if there is anyone they would like to pray for.  Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.  Recite the prayer on page 313.

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