(Tania Paniculam) Junior Lesson Plan: Charity vs. Justice

What? (content knowledge and skills) Learning Expectations:
Justice is a moral virtue - a habit of practicing the good. It consists in giving what is due to God and neighbour. Justice disposes one to respect the dignity of each individual and to protect the common good. Justice thus seeks to establish harmony in human relationships through distribution of goods, services and opportunities to meet the needs of every member of society. Social justice uses the leaven of the Gospel to transform social and political structures which undermine human dignity and the common good. The call to justice is at the heart of the prophets' messages to God's people. Faithfulness to their Covenant relationship with God was mirrored in justice to the poor, widows, orphans and strangers. Jesus fulfils the prophetic tradition and reminds us that our salvation involves acting justly toward the poor, sick, imprisoned, hungry, and strangers, in whom his presence is found. Catholic social teaching tells us that peace is the result of justice. In addition, there can be no justice without forgiveness. If we seek peace, we must do justice, and to do justice, we must be ready to forgive. / Why? (greater purpose) Anchor Concept(s):
FORGIVENESS
HUMAN DIGNITY
COMMON GOOD
MARGINALIZATION
PREFERENTIAL OPTION FOR THE POOR
SOLIDARITY
Reflection Questions:
1. In general what do these concepts mean?
2. How might these concepts relate to the curriculum?
3. How do we make these concepts visible in this curriculum?
CGE(s):
CGE3f Examines, evaluates and applies knowledge of interdependent systems (physical, political, ethical, socioeconomic and ecological) for the development of a just and compassionate society
CGE4a Demonstrates a confident and positive sense of self and respect for the dignity and welfare of others
CGE5e Respects the rights, responsibilities and contributions of self and others
Evidence of Learning? (assessment plan)
1) Participation in class discussion
2) Group presentation on research completed on local charities
3) Reflection journal
How? (sequence of learning activities)
1) Introduce this topic around December, where are focus is on the poor and those in need.
2) Using bible scriptures (Matthew 25: 35-56, Isaiah 58:6-10) and articles from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (#2444, 2453, 2459, 2461), we will look at the theme of love, social teaching, helping the poor, charity and justice.
3) define key words: poor, salvation, vulnerable, charity,
4) Reflection Questions: Why is it important to step in and help? Why is it the right thing to do?
5) Read: (from the papal encyclical, Solicitudo Rei Socialis (On Social Concern), Pope John Paul 11, 1987) ” A consistent theme of Catholic social teaching is the option or love of preference for the poor. Today, this preference has to be expressed in worldwide dimensions, embracing the immense numbers of the hungry, the needy, the homeless, those without medical care, and those without hope.” (#42) Have students reflect on what this passage means to them in their journals.
6) Discuss the difference between Charity vs. Justice; once discussed assign the task of students (in groups of three or four) researching on the internet or elsewhere, various examples of charity groups (ie. Food Bank, Good Shepherd Refugee, St. Vincent De Paul Charity). Have students research and present these charitable groups to the class.
7) Charity groups are necessary and helpful, but we as Christians are called to work for justice. Some times we are called to step in and help work for change.
- What does this really mean?
- Are people hungry just during Thanksgiving/Christmas
- Then, what can we do to work on the issue of hunger?
- Do people need clothing just when it’s cold?
- Then, what can we do to work on the issue of jobs?
- Are poor people any different than us?
- Then, what can we do to work on the issue of poverty?



/ Supporting Resources: (Catholic perspective)