Family and Community

Proverbs 18:1

The one who lives alone is self-indulgent, showing contempt for all who have sound judgment.

Hebrews 10:24-25

And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

1 Thessalonians 5:15

See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all.

Question 321: Can a Christian be a radical individualist?

No, a Christian can never be a radical individualist, because man is by nature designed for fellowship.

Question 49: What does it mean to live in society?

Social life is originally experienced in the family. The family thrives when its members regularly talk to one another, when it develops a culture of mutual consideration, and when individual interests are repeatedly subordinated to the community and welfare of all. The family is creative as God is creative not only because it brings forth children. As social beings in relation, we human beings have a share in God's creative power. Hence we are also responsible for creation and for every other personal living being. Each one of these human persons is sacred and inviolable, always and everywhere.

• Read Pope Benedict's 2008 Address Message for World Peace
• Investigate the life of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys as a model of a saint whose focus was on family and community. Click here for more information.
• For older students, use this link to access lesson on building a healthy community.
• For younger children, try this activity "Showing my Love to Others" during Holy Week.

A Prayer for Families

Lord God, we thank you for the gift of our families and for the love that we share with one another. Continue to provide for the needs of our family and protect us from all harm. Increase our faith and draw us closer together that we may always live together in peace and harmony. Bless us with joy and with the understanding that we need each other. May the love that keeps us together guide our thoughts and actions that we may enrich the community with a witness of faithful prayer and selfless service. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

A Prayer for Our Community

God of all people, you gather us together in community, fill us with many blessings and call us to serve you and one another in love. Help us to discover and develop our gifts and talents that we may serve the needs of our community in the best way possible and give witness to our faith in Jesus in all that we say and do. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayers by Michelle Hoogveld, District Chaplain

If you are interested in preparing a liturgy or staff meeting around this Catholic Social Teaching, please consider these songs:

1. All Are Welcome (Marty Haugen)

2. Come to the Feast/Ven al Banquete (Bob Hurd)

3. Gather Your People (Bob Hurd)

4. In This Place (Thomson/Thomson)

5. Ubi Caritas (Laurence Rosania)

All titles are found in Breaking Bread 2019 and are permitted for reprint with One License. Click on the song title to listen to a sample. Songs researched by Andreas Berko, Consultant, Fine and Performing Arts.

Created by Nancy Krar, Secondary ELA Consultant, these posters are intended to create discussion around books and lessons in Catholic Social Teachings. The idea is to print the poster and then create a display of books around the theme or concept. Click the image to the left for other ideas.