UPPER: GRADES 7+HS

Observe the sky during the day and at night, Ask yourself a question How Great is my God who created all universe, write your thoughts, questions, poem…

3.MOVIE

Apollo13 https://youtu.be/rCK3tBK6IRA

REFLECTIONS

Apollo 13” shows men solving problems with intelligence, skill, teamwork, and bravery. The movie shows the process of preparing for space travel in the 1970s. It raises issues of loyalty to individuals on the team against the need for loyalty to the team as a whole. The role that Ken Mattingly played in saving the mission, even when bad luck prevented him from being on the spacecraft, shows that even if you cannot be on the first team, you can still perform an essential role, save the day, and become a hero. Each of the astronauts, in his own way, is a positive male role model.

How did the people at NASA work through the failure of Apollo 13? How does this relate to Catholic doctrine of loving one another?

Suggested Response:

Daniel S. Goldin, former administrator of NASA, said that one should never be deterred by failure but that if you learned from your failures, they would be the building blocks for later success.

ACTIVITIES

Think:

If we analyze the process of making principled decisions, we’ll improve the chances of making effective decisions that will satisfy our needs and stand the test of time.

What Do We Value in Life? People value many different things. Values can include: acting in an ethical manner, getting rich, having a happy family life, buying a new car, being popular, wearing the right clothing, fitting in, having children; building a satisfying career; having a good marriage; eating well; traveling; having a good reputation; being healthy, etc

It’s not always easy to know what we really value. We must be honest with ourselves and perceptive about how we will feel about the consequences of our actions, now and in the future.

Consistent actions are joyful and we can focus our full energies on what we are doing. Acting ethically also affirms our relationships with our loved ones, coworkers, and friends. Consistent actions liberate energy within us whose source is beyond us because it furthers everything we deeply and truly believe in. Acting ethically is, therefore, a liberating and empowering experience.

(Be honest; Don’t deceive, cheat or steal; Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do; Have the courage to do the right thing; Build a good reputation; Be loyal — stand by your family, friends and country)

Discussion Topics:

Was Lovell right in agreeing to remove Ken Mattingly from the team?

Suggested Response:

Reasonable minds could differ on this point, as it is a close call because the chances of Mattingly getting measles was slight. However, the film takes the position that Lovell made the right decision. He could not sacrifice the potential success of the mission and risk wasting all of the effort and money put into the mission, out of loyalty to one member.

(Do what you are supposed to do; Persevere: keep on trying!; Always do your best; Use self-control; Be self-disciplined; Think before you act — consider the consequences; Be accountable for your choices)

What would have happened had anyone at NASA or on board the spacecraft not done their best?

JULY

MUSIC

Before the Throne of God Above – Selah [with lyrics

https://youtu.be/4MUNywhsZPU

Jesus Paid it All – Fernando Ortega – Lyrics

https://youtu.be/D5DyeCx8H4U

One Bread, One Body:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OshpSD0z1ts&list=PLizk5KJCp4im9Q-EADcec11B7UWdkmCm8

1. MOVIE

Don Bosco

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki99iREMIrc

REFLECTION

How did Don Bosco help young people to change their lives? How does your life experience compare to the boys in the movie?

2. MOVIE

Mother Teresa

https://vimeo.com/330119360

REFLECTION

How did Mother Theresa show her love for God and neighbor? How did she overcome violence in the society where she worked, in India and elsewhere?

How can we learn from her life today?

ACTIVITIES

Please visit our website at the Archdiocese Office of Human Dignity and Solidarity: Find out how our church applies Catholic Social Teaching. You would be surprised to see how many good things are happening around us!

https://pvm.archchicago.org/human-dignity-solidarity/our-faith-in-action/catholic-social-teaching

AUGUST

MUSIC

TRADITIONAL

“Salve Regina”
“Christ Be Our Light”
“Miserere Mei Deus”
“All Creatures of Our God and King”
“Table of Plenty”

CONTEMPORARY:

“Revelation Song”
God’s Great Dance Floor
“Holy Water”
“The Blessing”
“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)”

MOVIES

“All or Nothing: Sr. Clare Crockett”

REFLECTIONS

Is this what you envisioned holiness to look like? Why or why not.How do you relate most to Sr. Clare? (How are you alike and how are you different)What surprises you most about Sr. Clare?When you do things, do you do it with all of your heart?Fun Fact: In less than one year, Sr. Clare’s cause for canonization will be opened!

ACTIVITIES:

Spend AT LEAST 20- 30 minutes in silence in front of the Blessed Sacrament and listen for God’s voice.(Either in adoration or in front of the Tabernacle)He is always trying to speak to you…let Him.

Incredible things happen when you make time for God, you won’t regret it.

Did you hear Him speaking to your heart? What did He say? Did you havIng a hard time keeping your mind quiet? That’s ok! Invite Jesus into your thoughts, ask Him to help you with all that is on your mind….yes…even the embarrassing stuff!

“Matteo Farina: A Venerable Saint of the Millennial Generation”

REFLECTIONS

How do you relate to Matteo?

Do you think it’s possible to be young and holy in this day and age? Why or why not?

Who do you know that you would consider to be particularly holy? What about them stands out to you?

ACTIVITIES:

We all have a tendency to complain. Next time you have to do something that you really don’t want to do,

pause for a moment and take a breath. Instead of getting angry or annoyed think of all that Jesus did for you without complaining.

Now, choose to offer up the task that you don’t feel like doing to Jesus for the conversion of poor sinners. Wait…Not so fast! Your task isn’t done yet!

Repeat this on your next chore or duty or whatever it is that you don’t want to do….now try to do it just out of love for God alone.

How did that feel? Can you make this a habit? Did it change how you see your suffering?

“The Song of Bernadette”

(I know it’s an old black and white movie but give it a chance guys!)

REFLECTIONS/ ACTIVITIES:

Let this story just sit in your heart for a while and ask yourself, do I believe that God can work in my life in such a powerful way?

(Hint: the answer is yes! While everyones journey with God looks different, each and every one of us was born to be a saint)

Imagine you are 80 years old talking to your grandkids; you are telling them about your journey through life with God. What story are you telling them?

Let your imagination run wild with this story and have fun! Did Mother Mary appear to you? What did she say?

Summer Opportunities for Youth

Summer Virtual Sacred Space for Youth
During the summer, Cabrini Retreat Center will provide “virtual sacred space” for teens, inviting them to engage with their peers on a faith level through social media. The desire is to provide a “safe place” to keep the spirit of “Kairos / God’s Time” alive and support the teens in a summer that will be very different from what they might have imagined.

To do this well, Cabrini Retreat Center asks for your help and the help of youth leaders from past Kairos retreats or retreats that have been cancelled or rescheduled in the past few months. Cabrini is extending a special invitation to these young people to prepare and share a 1 – 2 minute reflection that may include a bit of the “Karios experience”. Contact Kathleen McManus for more information.

Benedictine Summer Conference – July 10 – 12, 2020
This conference has moved to online. Benedictine College is excited to invite you and your teens to join them this summer for Virtual BCYC Encounter. At BCYC Virtual Encounter, students will be inspired by Catholic youth presenters from all walks of life. 2020 speakers include Sister Bethany Madonna of the Sisters of Life and youth minister Mark Bocinsky, as well as Noelle Garcia, musician and author of the Lighthouse Media talks 13 Reasons Why You Matter and Getting Others to Heaven.

Light of the World! Summer Institute – July 6 – 9, 2020
This virtual summer program is an opportunity for high school students to investigate, research, and learn how faith and culture interact with everyday life. Students witness faithful excellence in action in business, science, politics, sports, and the arts. This year’s virtual program will welcome rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Learn more and apply here.

Life Teen Leadership Conference for Upperclassmen – June 22 – 26, 2020
This conference has moved to online. The Life Teen Leadership Conference plays a significant role in the formation of teen leaders for many parishes. Learn more about the virtual conference and register here.