 |
||||
|
about the author |
Principle: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
(Adults’ definition) As Catholics, we are called to give preferential treat to those who are poor and vulnerable. This is not referring to acts of mercy, valuable as they are, but beyond mercy to acts of justice. Those of us who are wealthy (that is, those who have more than what is needed) owe a share of our wealth to those of us who are poor (that is, those who do not have their needs met). The sharing is a requirement that is made clear in the Gospel.
(Children’s definition) Jesus teaches that people who have less than others must be helped and given what they need. It is very important that this be done. Jesus wants us to do this.
Book recommendation: The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau, illustrated by Gail de Marcken
This is a wonderfully symbolic story to introduce this concept. The quiltmaker is a talented woman of magical talents. Her quilts are made of the colors of the bluest seas, the purplest wild flowers, and the orangest sunsets. Many wealthy people come to her mountaintop home, pockets and purses bulging, in hopes of purchasing one of her exquisite quilts. But on this, the quiltmaker remains firm: her quilts are never purchased. They are always given away, and only to those shivering in the streets. Now in this same country there is a greedy king. Though he is the wealthiest person in the country, he is not happy and decides he must have a quilt. He rages with frustration when he is told he can only have a quilt if he gives everything else away. Grudgingly at first, then with greater and greater joy, he gives everything away. And when he receives a most spectacular quilt, he is happy, not only with its beauty, but also with himself.
Discussion Starters: How does the quiltmaker get the king to see that he must help others who have less than he does? What happenes to the poor people when the king gave them his things? What happens to the king?
Big Book ideas: Add to the book by brainstorming ideas with children about people helping one another. If possible, find pictures of people helping others, and after adding them to the poster board page, write words describing how we can help one another. If you cannot find appropriate photos, you and the children can draw pictures depicting their ideas on helping. Consider adding quilt-like borders on this page.
|
|