Citizenship and Children

GRADES SEVEN THROUGH TWELVE:
CONNECTING CHURCH AND CITIZENSHIP

How do we help our young people become voters who are part of a community of conscience? In a complicated and large society, how can they eventually use their votes to answer Jesus’ succinct command to “love one another”? The following discussion suggestions, resources and action ideas can be used either within a family or in a classroom.

1. Discussion suggestions for home or class:
Making the connection:
• There is a connection between receiving the gift of Body of Christ at Mass and the political side of our lives. We are called at the end of each Mass to, “Go now, to love and serve the Lord.” Have you ever considered those words before? Do you feel that after receiving the Eucharist, you are part of Christ, and called to be his hands, feet, eyes, etc., in the world?
• As Americans, our identity is linked with exercising our right to choose and vote for our leaders. Now that you are closer to voting age, consider the fact that through our votes and additional political and community actions we help determine the kind of country we want to live in. What kind of country do you envision? Does your Christianity affect your vision for this country?
• As Catholics, our identity is intertwined with the Eucharist. This very core of our faith is a tangible sign of God’s presence in our lives and in the world. This means we are in a political world along with God! How does this affect our actions, beliefs, votes, etc.?

2.Together read, “Faithful Citizenship”: You can order copies or read it online. As a class or family, write guideposts for how to be a faithful citizen.

3. During an election campaign: Challenge young people to use the Catholic Social Teachings as a guide to evaluate the candidates for themselves. As a parent, if you don’t agree with your children’s choices, discuss that, respecting their opinions and remembering that this is a learning experience for them:

	Does this candidate, policy, platform or party:		CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING (click on each for more information)

	• Protect all human life—the unborn and newborn, the Iraqi soldier, the person on death row, the teen in a disintegrating family, and parents without medical insurance?		Life and Dignity of the Human Being

	• Recognize that people are more important than things and encourage public and private institutions to recognize this in their operations?		Call to Family, Community and Participation

	• Recognize the need for stable families, which means employment, healthcare, adequate food and water, shelter and education?		Rights and Responsibilities

	• Stand for polices that work for Jesus’ “least of these”- the poor and vulnerable?		Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

	• Believe that the economy must work for people, not the other way around?		Dignity of Work and the Right of Workers

	• Understand that ‘loving your neighbor’ has global dimensions, and therefore the pursuit of peace is imperative?		Solidarity

	• Work to protect our natural environment, which is God’s gift of creation, guarding it for generations to come?		Caring for God’s Creation

4. Service and Compassion: Many young people already participate in youth groups that do service for others. Make certain they make the connection between their actions and being a faithful citizen.

5. Taking Action: Encourage young adults to participate in justice or political work. Suggest they begin to look for opportunities on these sites: www.publicachievment.org and www.freethechildren.org.