Ask Ellen: Our Continued Series On How To Explain Catholic Social Teachings To Middle School Students

Theme 4: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

This theme is a critical one for middle school students to understand.  The key word that stands out in my mind is “option.”  Students should understand that we have the right to choose to help.  We are not compelled to help the poor and vulnerable by our society.  In fact, society tells us just the opposite.  Society tells students every day that people must fend for themselves, taking what is theirs and using it for their own personal gain.

In this Social Teaching, the Catholic Church tells us the opposite.  As Catholics and Christians we ARE compelled to help the poor and vulnerable.  We are called to help and defend those that cannot do it for themselves.  The Church tells us that we are “only doing as well as our poorest member.”  Encourage students to think of this in terms of the Body of Christ.  We are all members of this same Body.  Like a body, society needs all parts to work together to be healthy.  I may have the strongest heart in the race, but if I break my foot, I cannot run.  Have students understand this important teaching in this light:  I may be a millionaire, but if I never help the poorest person I am not healthy.  I suffer as a person due to my selfishness.  The Church suffers as a whole when any member of her Body is neglected.

Explain to students that in our fast paced technological world the divide between rich and poor goes greater each day.  Today’s students are in a unique position to address this concern throughout their lives.  In this teaching, the Church reminds them to think of the poor and vulnerable first.

Ask students to think of people who fit in the category of poor and vulnerable.  Answers might include: the elderly, immigrants, the sick, the dying, the unborn, the homeless, the unemployed etc.  Brainstorm ways the students can make a tangible difference in the lives of these people.

Being Catholic is incredible because it teaches you to have a worldview.  It is so much bigger than our individual needs and desires.  Students need to understand this universal way of thinking.  Heck, we all do.  Do something for someone less fortunate….today.