The series is based on a recent CCCB document on the environment and it includes 12 programs 10 minutes each, featuring interviews with Bishop Donald Bolen. The segments interweave papal teaching on the environment with interviews or presentations of various environmental initiatives that have integrated a healthy relationship with the environment into their Christian commitment and lifestyle.
See below for the study guide and video for Program One: A Life-Giving Ecology for All.
The goal of Program One is to introduce students to Church thought on the environment, highlighting documents from recent Popes and Canadian Bishops, as well as the efforts and thoughts of Catholic religious, lay communities and individuals with long-standing commitments to eco justice.
1. Show the video "Program One: A Life-Giving Ecology for All "
2. Ask students to form small groups to describe the following impressions from the video:
What is the document mentioned in this episode and why was it created?
What small steps can we make towards improving the environment?
What did you know after viewing the video that you didn't know before?
Which quote from what pope in this program means the most to you and why?
3. Option for Take-Home Assignment. Using the internet links offered here, find more facts about:
Existing Catholic eco justice initiatives
The writings of Popes on the environment
4. Write 1.5 pages on the results of your research.
5. Group discussion
In groups, first share your short essays and then, asking one person to represent the discussion, make presentations to the class about any or all of the above.
Include suggestions on how students could start an ongoing eco justice project or become involved with local Catholic eco justice projects already in existence.