Formation for All – Domestic Violence August 2018 Grades K-6 Domestic Church

If you are experiencing domestic violence call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224 or go to the National Domestic Hotline website: http://www.thehotline.org/ 

For educators: This topic is very sensitive. For that reason it is important to recognize that there are survivors of domestic violence in your parish as well as perpetrators of domestic violence. A topic like this can trigger past or current trauma among survivors. There may be children present who live in homes of domestic violence. Refer to parish and Archdiocesan policies for steps to take if a child reports violence in their home.

Utilizing Archdiocesan education materials on abuse is primary for talking about domestic violence and abuse.

This session is designed to help students themselves peacefully and non-violently resolve conflict with one another.

Opening Prayer

Prayer to the Holy Family
Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
in you we contemplate
the splendour of true love;
to you we turn with trust.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
grant that our families too
may be places of communion and prayer,
authentic schools of the Gospel
and small domestic churches.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
may families never again experience
violence, rejection and division;
may all who have been hurt or scandalized
find ready comfort and healing.
Holy Family of Nazareth,
make us once more mindful
of the sacredness and inviolability of the family,
and its beauty in God’s plan.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
Graciously hear our prayer.
Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(from Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis)

 

Scripture Reading – August 27 is the Feast of St. Monica, a survivor and patroness of domestic violence survivors. Ephesians 5:25-32 is from the Sunday before her feast day.

Catechesis Video 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqnQgNpKy9Y

Catechesis Reflection Questions

Grades K-6

  1. What conflict was happening between the two cities?
  2. Was the fighting between the two cities helpful? What problems did it cause between people from differing cities?
  3. What can we learn about this funny take on the story of the Good Samaritan?
  4. How did the boy with the pot on his head resolve conflict to help another person out?
  5. How does God want us to treat each other when we are in conflict with one another?

Domestic Church (the home)

  1. What conflict was happening between the two cities?
  2. Was the fighting between the two cities helpful? What problems did it cause between people from differing cities?
  3. What can we learn about this funny take on the story of the Good Samaritan?
  4. How did the boy with the pot on his head resolve conflict to help another person out?
  5. How does God want us to treat each other when we are in conflict with one another?

Witness Video –

Witness Video Questions

Grades K-6

  1. In the Sesame street video we find out about conflict. What is conflict?
  2. In the song we learn three steps to resolving conflict peacefully. What are three steps to working through a conflict?
  3. Why is it sometimes hard to work through conflict peacefully without being mean or using violence?

Domestic Church (the home)

  1. In the Sesame street video we find out about conflict. What is conflict?
  2. Why is it sometimes hard to work through conflict peacefully without being mean or using violence?
  3. In the song we learn three steps to resolving conflict peacefully. What are three steps to working through a conflict?

 

Action Steps

Grades K-6

  1. Practice the three steps to resolving conflict.
  2. Make a plan in your classroom for students to follow if they see someone hurting another person or using violence.
  3. Share the plan with parents, other teachers, friends.

Domestic Church (the home)

  1. Practice the three steps to resolving conflict.
  2. Talk as a family about why hitting and yelling hurts
  3. Consider alternative ways to resolve conflict, fighting, or discipline that is non-violent

Closing Prayer

From now on, Lord,
Help me to bring your love everywhere:
to schools and hospitals,
to marketplaces and theaters,
to press and television.
No one should be deprived
of the environment of love.
Lord, love is the means you want me to use
to bear witness to you,
or you would have shown me another way.

(From Prayers of Hope, Words of Courage,
by Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan,
Pauline Books, 2002)