LYCEUM OF TUAO

HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Module 5-6
Common Home
CHRISTIAN LIVING 12
Name: _____________________________________________________ Date __________
Grade 12/ Section: ___________________________________________Score:_________
Teacher: Sr. Zenaida V. Luvidice SdP. C.P 09068402043
2 weeks

Learning Outcome:

OBJECTIVES:

• To know what Laudato Si’ is and how it fits into the teachings of the Catholic Church
• To understand the links to stewardship and the call to love our neighbor.
• To be able to put the call from Pope Francis into practical action.

INTRODUCTION:
Concern for environment-
Pope Francis lays out his vision of global environmental deterioration and a spirituality of care in
Laudato si’: On Care for Our Common Home. There are six chapters and an introduction in this
encyclical. The introduction begins with the words that become the title: Laudato si’, mi’ Signore” –
“Praise be to you, my Lord.” These are the words of the beautiful poetic song written by St. Francis
of Assisi in the 13th century that reminds us that being in relationship with God and all Creation is to
live a life of praise to our God for our common home, that is “like a sister with whom we share our
life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us” (1). The Pope then makes an earnest
appeal, “This sister now cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her…”2). Because
St. Francis was able to approach the world around him as a “brother” with affection, wonder, and
praise, Pope Francis sees him as the “example par excellence of care for the vulnerable and of an
integral ecology lived out joyfully and authentically” (10). If we feel united to nature in a similar
way that honors and cares for the interconnected of all things, the Pope has hope that our attitude
can shift from being consumers, masters, and exploiters to one that exudes sobriety, care, and joy.
The introduction also shows how care of creation is not new with Pope Francis but is in continuity
with his predecessors, including Benedict XVI, and with many other scientists, philosophers, and
theologians. After this encyclical though, concern for the environment will no longer be seen as an
“optional” aspect of discipleship but rather an integral and urgent part of the Church teaching.
The introduction strongly puts forward a challenge to the people of the world that we can no longer
be in denial, indifferent, or blindly confident in technical solutions. Instead, Pope Francis calls “for a
new dialogue” and “a new and universal solidarity” so that every person living on this planet might
come together and consider
how we are shaping the future of our common home (14).
Let us pray :

A Prayer for Our Earth

All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists./Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we
may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth,
so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe
and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey
towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace. AMEN

The subtitle of the Pope’s encyclical Laudato Si’ makes clear the underlying concern of the letter: On
Care for our Common Home. Saint Francis reminds us that “our common home is a like a sister with
whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us (#1). Our sister
cries out because of the harm done to her due to our lack of responsibility, and because
“We have come to see ourselves as her lords and
masters, entitled to plunder her at will” (#2).

Before we continue the lesson let us read the following terminology.

What is an encyclical?
An encyclical is a “circular letter” containing authoritative papal teaching.

Laudato Si’ is the name of Pope Francis’ letter, or encyclical. The phrase means “praise be to you”
and the title is taken from a canticle (or hymn) written by St Francis of Assisi. St Francis, whose
name the Pope chose when he was installed as Pope, is the patron saint of the environment.
Before answering the questions Read the Chapter 1 Encyclical letter of “Laudato Si”

What is being asked of us?

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Why is Pope Francis writing about this matter?
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Is the Church saying anything new?

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What has the environment got to do with people and religion?

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Notes: Laudato Si’ is the name of Pope Francis’ letter, or encyclical. The phrase means “praise be to
you” and the title is taken from a canticle (or hymn) written by St Francis of Assisi. St Francis,
whose name the Pope chose when he was installed as Pope, is the patron saint of the environment.
Encyclicals offer Catholics guidance from the Pope concerning issues which affect the lives and
beliefs of Catholics. They often address new technologies or modern issues which aren’t directly
addressed in the bible. The Pope is guided to write these by Catholic teachings, the bible and the
Holy Spirit. He will also seek the advice of those who are expert in the relevant field.
In this particular letter, the Pope is not just writing to Catholics, but to everyone who lives on Earth
because it is our common home.
To be able to answer to questions. We need a reference” Read: Chapter 1 from the Encyclical letter
of Pope Francis “ Laudato Si” You can avail the book in Daughter of St Paul Tug bookstore .
Next module you should have you own copy.
Pollution and Climate Change
The first deals with pollution and climate change (#20-
26). Many types of pollution are leading to a broad spectrum of health hazards, especially for the
poor, and technology is not the only way to solve these problems
(#20). The hundreds of millions of tons of waste generated every year, much of it toxic, radioactive
and non-biodegradable, is another form of pollution, and
because of it the earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth
(#21). These problems are closely related to the throwaway culture in which we live which affects
the excluded while reducing things to rubbish; we must learn to preserve resources for present and
future generations, while limiting as much as possible the use of non-renewable resources #22

Regarding climate change, the Pope states that a very solid scientific consensus indicates that we are
presently witnessing a disturbing warming of the climate system. While other factors are involved,
studies indicate that most global warming in recent decades is due mainly to human activity, and the
problem is aggravated by a model of development based on the intensive use of fossil fuels.
Furthermore, many of the poor live in areas particularly affected by phenomena related to warming,
and this has led to a tragic rise in the number of migrants seeking to flee the growing poverty caused
by environmental degradation. Humanity is called to
recognize the need for changes of lifestyle, production and consumption, and to promote effective
policies to address these issues (#23-26).
The Second Area is that of Water (#27-31).
Fresh drinking water is an issue of primary importance, since it is
indispensable for human life and for supporting terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems; the situation is
particularly serious in relation to the poor, causing many deaths
and the spread of water-related diseases (#28-29). The encyclical is clear in stating that access to safe
drinking water is a basic and universal human right (#30).
The third area deals with loss of biodiversity (#32-42).
Extinction of plant and animal species caused by humans changes the ecosystem, and future
consequences cannot be predicted. This loss entails not only the elimination of resources for us, but
the disappearance
of species that have value in themselves (#32-33). We must recognize the fact that ALL creatures are
connected, and that all are dependent on one another (#42).
The fourth area deals with the decline in the quality of human life and the breakdown of
society (#43-47).
We must take into account the effects of environmental
deterioration, current models of development and the throwaway culture on people’s lives (#43).
Consideration of these effects indicates that the growth of the last two centuries has not always led to
integral development and an improvement in quality of life (#46).
The fifth area is that of global inequality (#48-52).
Pope Francis clearly states that “the deterioration of the environment and of society affects the most
vulnerable people on the planet,” the poorest and the excluded, who are the majority of the planet’s
population, and who are
often treated in international discussions as an afterthought or as collateral damage (#48-49). The
encyclical forcefully notes that “a true ecological approach always becomes a social approach; it
must integrate questions of justice in debates on the environment, so as to hear both the cry of the
earth and the cry of the poor” (#49). The birth rate cannot be used as a scapegoat; we must face the
question of “extreme and selective consumerism on the part of some” (#50).
Such considerations will lead us to be aware that, in regard to climate
Finally, Chapter 1 addresses the weak response to our environmental problems (#53-59). While we
have never mistreated our common home so badly as we have in the last two hundred years, we have
not found adequate responses to this crisis, an indication that international politics are subject to
global technology and finance (#53-54). “Any genuine attempt by groups within society to introduce
change is viewed as a nuisance based on romantic illusions or an obstacle to be circumvented” (#54).
We cannot be satisfied with “false or superficial ecology which bolsters complacency and a cheerful
recklessness” (#59), but we must face up to our crisis and make bold decisions.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Do you agree with the Pope that the Earth, our common home, is falling into serious
disrepair?
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2. What evidence can you provide to support your opinion?

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3. Over the last few years there has been contention over the causes of global warming. The
Pope says that while there are other causes, the main one is human activity. What do you
think? What can we do in our personal, communal and social lives to address the
causes of climate change?
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4. The encyclical calls on everyone to recognize the effects of the environmental crisis on
the poor, and to remember that any true ecological approach is always also a social
approach to the issues. The Pope also says that in regard to climate change there must be
differentiated responsibilities.
How might this approach affect our lifestyle?
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5. What other area of concern presented in Chapter 1 do you consider important in a
discussion of the environmental crisis?
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Activity 2
 “The history of our friendship with God is always linked to particular places which take on an
intensely personal meaning; we all remember places, and revisiting those memories does us much
good. Anyone who has grown up in the hills or used to sit by the spring to drink, or played outdoors
in the neighborhoods square; going back to these places is a chance to recover something of their
true selves.” Laudato Si’, 84
Reflect on the quote. Think about a place that feels familiar to them and/or they enjoy spending time:
I invite you to think of a place in nature they love to be. Give them time to identify this special
space.
Invite them to close their eyes and think about this place – what do they see, smell, hear, feel, taste?
What
emotions do they feel? What specific memories come to mind?

Using the My Sacred Space worksheet, invite them to respond to each reflection prompt and record
some of the memories of a place in nature that is sacred to them.

• How do I feel when I’m there?

Name of the place:______________________________________________________________

• What makes this place special?

• How do I feel when I’m there?

Reflection sheet just to focus on the two questions above. Write some of their reflection. Now,
think about how they would feel if that place no longer existed and what impact this would have?

MY SACRED SPACE
How does it nurtured me as a whole person?
SPIRIT BODY
Does being in this space awaken a sense of What does it feel like, physically, to be in this
peace? awe? wonder? What does your spirit space? Is ‘being’ in this space good for your
experience there? body? How?

MY SACRED SPACED
SPACEDSPACE
MIND HEART
What do you think about and learn which What emotions do you feel when you are
you’re there? How does ‘being’ in the space there or imagine being there?
shape and alter your state(s) of mind?

CHRISTIAN MESSAGE:
Pope Francis’ invites to everyone to look after the earth and all of its people. When we damage our
earth, as well as damaging the environment, we also cause great damage to other people. Humans are
a part of the environment too and those who pay the greatest price are people who already live in
poverty. Christians believe that God created the whole earth, so it is special.
Creation shows God’s power and great love for all life.

Closing Prayer:
We thank you, Creator God, for the goodly heritage you offer us, from green down land to the
deep salt seas, and for the abundant world we share with your creation. Keep us so mindful of its
needs and those of all with whom we share, that open to your Spirit we may discern and practice
all that makes for its wellbeing, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

LYCEUM OF TUAO
HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Module # 5-6
Creation
CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Name: _____________________________________________________ Date __________
Grade 12/ Section: ___________________________________________Score:_________
Teacher: Sr. Zenaida V. Luvidice SdP. C.P 09068402043

Learning Task:

Agree or disagree: Write agree if the statement is right and disagree if it is wrong
____________ 1. Human beings are the most important creatures on Earth.

____________ 2. Humans are most important in creation and so have the right to use
the rest of creation to serve their purpose.
____________ 3. Humans are responsible to protect and care for the rest of creation.
____________ 4. Humans are intimately related and connected to the rest of
creation in a harmonious relationship that is to be honored and
respected. There is not a hierarchy of importance in creation.
______________ 5. We live in a throw away culture.
___________ 6. The deterioration of the environment and of society will not affects
the poor and the planet.
___________ 7. Mining, farming, and industrial activities will not threatened water
pollution.
___________ 8. Scarcity of water of water will not lead to increase of in the cost of
food.
___________ 9. Our world have grave social debts towards the poor who lack
access of drinking water, because they are denied the right to life.
__________ 10.The encyclical awaken us ” of the ways we have not been
providing protection and care of the very place we call “home.”