Video Recommendations
 

Communities of Salt and Light (V 1144)
Challenges believers to put social teachings of the Church into practice in every parish. Introduces the bishops’ call to strengthen parish social ministry. Using hundreds of images illustrating socialjustice needs and work as well as interviews from Church, parish and community leaders, this video challenges viewers to put their faith into action and seek justice and peace in their homes, parishes, local communities and beyond.

In the Footsteps of Jesus (V 1522)
How does God call you to make a difference in the world? That question is answered in this presentation. In part one, a brief overview of the seven themes of Catholic social teaching is presented. In part two, each theme is highlighted through the living examples of six extraordinary individuals and a couple who offer insight and inspiration as they share their commitments to promoting justice and peace in the world today.

When Did I See You Hungry? (V 1522)
A photographic meditation on the plight of the poor and our responsibility to help. View Gerard Thomas Straub’s black-and-white photos taken in India, Brazil, Kenya, Jamaica, the Philippines, Mexico, Italy, Canada and the United States.

One Border One Body: Immigration and the Eucharist (D 5160)
In the dry, rugged and sun-scorched terrain where many immigrants lose their lives, bishops, priests and lay people come together each year to celebrate the Eucharist. As in other liturgies, they pray and worship together. Unlike other liturgies, a 16-foot iron fence divides this community in half, one side in Mexico and the other in the United States. “One Border, One Body” tells the story of a ritual that unites people beyond political constructions that divide them. Amid a desert of death and a culture of fear, it testifies to God’s universal, undivided and unrestricted love for all people. It speaks of the gift and challenge of Christian faith and the call to feed the world’s hunger for peace, justice and reconciliation. More than just another documentary on immigration, this film is a meditation of the kingdom of God, a globalization of solidarity and a journey of hope.


Book Recommendations
 

The Kid’s Guide to Social Action (BK 4627)
Barbara A. Lewis; Free Spirit Publishing
Help transform creative thinking into actions that make a difference in our neighborhoods, states and even our world. There are no lesson plans or ready-made projects, but kids will learn the skills needed to solve social problems.

Bring Forth Justice: Basics for Just Christians (BK 4714)
Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk; St. Anthony Messenger Press
Justice is rooted in a deep relationship among humans who have been created by a just and loving God. The Church— the community of God’s people—and the teachings of Scripture can point us in the direction of justice when we turn to them for guidance. Ultimately, justice belongs to God.

Living the Works of Mercy: Daring Teens to Change the World (BK 5442)
Ellen P. Cavanaugh; St. Mary’s Press
Helps facilitate for teens the dialogue between profound human experiences and the revealed word of God. This book helps teens understand the relevance of God’s word in their life, and ultimately dares them to translate this sacred dialogue into action that will change the world.


Internet Recommendation
 

www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops articulates the social teachings of the Church. Visit this website to read the brief reflections that highlight several of the key themes at the heart of our Catholic social tradition.


To check out these materials or others, phone Kathy Ward at 406-442-5820 or email kward@diocesehelena.org. To see more holdings, please visit www.diocesehelena.org. Select “Education” and then “Resource Center.”


Published in The Montana Catholic Online, Volume 27, No. 10, October 21, 2011.