July session of Building Common Ground (powerpoint)

1. Building
Common Ground
Journey of Discipleship Project
July 13, 2013
Ss. James Parish & Patrick Parish
Decatur, Illinois
Diocese of Springfield in Illinois

2. What is the
Common Good?
Scripture Foundation

3. OPENING SONG & PRAYER
 A. Song – Lead Me, Guide Me (verse 1)
Page 7
 B. Prayer Service: Catholic Social Teaching
 Exercise I – Scripture Puzzles

4. WHAT IS THE “COMMON GOOD?”
(THAT WHICH BENEFITS ALL)
Elements of the “Common Good”
1. Respect for the person and groups
a. Dignity of the human person
b. Sacredness of life –thou shall not kill
2. Social well-being and development
a. Reaching full potential
b. Sharing gifts, talents, etc.

5. CONTINUE ~ WHAT IS THE “COMMON
GOOD?” (THAT WHICH BENEFITS ALL)
3. Peace
a. Absence of violence
(violence – anything that hurts you or someone
else)
b. Serenity of being
(free from stress or worry)
4. Love ~ Human Kindness, compassion, affection
a. For oneself
b. Appreciation for all other people & living life forms
EXERCISE II Table Talk
(What other elements can we add?)
(Break)

6. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO WORK FOR
THE COMMON GOOD?
A. Holy Spirit (What is the Holy spirit?)
1. Given to us by God
2. Our holy armor/protection
B. Self Esteem
1. What we think of ourselves
2. What other people think of us
3. How do we build our self esteem?
a. Think positive of yourself
b. Surround yourself with positive people
c. Think positive of others
d. Help other people
EXERCISE III
A. What is the relationship between the Holy Spirit and self-esteem
B. What is the relationship between self-esteem and working for the common
good?
C. Quietly reflect on a person
(Lunch)

7. Song – Lead Me, Guide Me (verse 2) page 7
WHAT CAN WE LEARN ABOUT
THE SINS THAT DIVIDE US?
A. (Whatever we have learned we can unlearn)
(Sins are learned behaviors)
(Sins are tools in the devil’s workshop)
B. List of major sins
1. Ageism
2. Sexism
3. Racism
4. Ableism

8. ERIC’S LAW
Institutionalism
Discrimination
Stereotype
Prejudice
Bias
Exercise IV Reflect on an example using Eric’s Law.

9. Song - Lead Me, Guide Me (verse 3) Page 7
HOW DO WE BECOME EMPOWERED TO
WORK FOR THE COMMON GOOD?
A. Self assessment – Importance
1. Where are we/you in dealing with diversity?
2. Instruments for assessment
EXERCISE V Complete Diversity Inventory – Page 7
B. Seek exposure to other cultures
1. Establish partnerships
2. Use the internet
3. Establish friendships with People of Color
4. Become culturally proficient

10. HOW DO WE KNOW IF WE ARE COOKING?
A. Creative tension (stirring the pot)
B. Visible change/results
C. Link between scripture/behavior
D. Practice, practice, practice
EXERCISE VI Assessing the TWO FEET OF JUSTICE
What does Ss. James & Patrick have?
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
What have I learned today?
How can I be a more faithful and engaged disciple?
Am I challenged to stand up and speak out?