DISCUSSION GUIDE Issue of 04-19-15
WONDERFUL BLUR
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1. Are we able to know why evil exists in the world? What did Bishop Donald J. Hying have to say to this group on the subject? Discuss.
2. In moments of suffering, why do we, as Christians, tend to desire greater closeness with God?
3. Why does Jesus, most especially, understand our suffering?
4. What role do you think our Church plays in community life?
5. Discuss the problem of poverty in our area. In what ways does poverty affect all our lives and why is the problem a concern to be solved by all?
POPE
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1. What is mercy?
2. Do you think there is any limit to God’s mercy? Discuss.
3. What role does mercy play in promoting peace in the world?
4. In small groups, choose one of the spiritual or corporal works of mercy and discuss how you, as a young person, might perform the work.
5. According to the pope, what does mercy invite?
6. What does God’s mercy express to the sinner?
PRIEST FOR A DAY
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1. What affliction is Brett Haubrick suffering and what was one of his greatest wishes?
2. As a priest-for-a-day, what was Brett able to participate in/
3. In what way is the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday “all about the Eucharist?”
4. If you were seriously ill, what is one thing you would like to do?
EVERY TREE
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1. What is a parable? Why did Jesus use parables so frequently?
2. Read Luke 6:43-44 out loud in class and discuss what it might mean.
3. Jesus often called hypocrites to task. What is a hypocrite?
4. If we call ourselves Christians, why should we carefully consider what our words and actions say about us?
5. If we believe God dwells within each of us, are we called to behave in a way that is sometimes seen as “not the popular choice” by our peers or society?
Discuss and give examples.
UP CLOSE
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1. Do you think it would be interesting to be an art restorer? Why/why not?
2. The Church holds as precious, centuries of sacred art. Why? How does this art speak to us today?
3. In what ways could painters of the past be “playful?”
4. Ask your teacher to show the class a piece of sacred art. Study the picture and talk about what you see and what meaning it conveys to you.
5. According to Mary Angela Schroth, this art can guide pilgrims in their journey of faith. Discuss.