Chapter 8
Talk Outlines
Talkshop Questions
The following outlines and questions are meant to be an aid, but not restricting. The talk need not fit the outline exactly as each person giving a talk is different. It is important, however, that the purpose of the talk be met.
Talks should be personal:
· Use the word I, not you. It makes the difference between a lecture and a personal sharing.
· Use personal examples and stories to pull in the listeners. When we listen to stories, we find ourselves in them.
· Use songs, props, poems and whatever else you can think of to reinforce your talk.
· Have fun giving your talk, don’t worry no one is expecting an expert speaker.
Talkshop Questions
These questions are again a guideline and can be used to encourage discussion in the large group setting. You don’t have to get to every question. The co-hosts are the facilitators of the large groups and can adjust accordingly to how the discussions are going.
Talk #8 Do you make a difference?
PURPOSE:
To involve the participant in specific apostolic programs which will increase their sense of belonging.
OUTLINE:
Discuss how your commitment to the service of others has been a greater reward to you.
Give examples of how you have made a difference in the lives of others.
Suggestions:
This talk is to be given by the Spiritual Director or the committed single religious person.
Priests have given talks about how and why they became priests and some of the things that surprised them about being a priest. They have talked about the defining moment when they felt being called to their vocation.
TalkShop #8 Do you make a difference?
A list of specific apostolic opportunities should be distributed to each person in the group and they would be invited to pledge themselves to one.
Specific plans and arrangement for a young Catholic adult action group could be discussed among those in the group.
What is the greatest contribution you could make to Christians? (in one word)
What change(s) do I need to make In order to give myself to the apostolic opportunity I have chosen?
Do You Make A Difference?
Read slowly and thoughtfully.
Friends do not just appear out of nowhere. No one meets someone for the very first time to discover right away they are the best of friends. It takes time, patience and effort to cultivate a friendship. Like a flower that may take months to grow to full bloom, we must nurture friendship and allow it to grow. How do we know when friendship is possible? How do we recognize when the seed can be planted? When Jesus called Simon Peter to be a disciple, Peter’s first reaction was not to drop everything and follow, but to say, “Depart from me, Lord.” Peter saw only himself and his unworthiness. He had trouble recognizing Jesus’ call for what it really was. He had problems accepting that Jesus wanted him to be a part of His life.
We, too, often have the same problem. Others reach out to us and we don’t recognize it. Or worse, we see it but can not accept it, choosing to focus instead on our own problems of unworthiness.
Let’s face it. Relationships are difficult. It is hard to be open and honest. It takes effort to let someone into our lives. Far too often we choose not to make that effort or take that risk. The difficulty is compounded by the fact that society tends to stress the importance of self-reliance and individual accomplishment. And so, we look to ourselves. We stare at the mirror analyzing what we feel, what we want. And we wonder why we feel alone.
Unfortunately, we can not see something if we don’t look for it. There are always people who want to be a part of our lives, others who want to belong to us. We must look away from ourselves to see the wants and needs of others in order for our own needs of belonging to be fulfilled. We must be open to recognizing the morning “Hello” from a co-worker, the smile from a neighbor, the “How was your day?” from a family member as what they are - a call to belonging.
More importantly, we must recognize that, although we may not believe it, we are worthy to answer that call. We must accept ourselves as well as others. Is not God within us all? Therein lies the true nature of all calls to belonging; it is God’s call to us. Like Simon Peter, we are asked to belong to God’s family. God does not want us to be alone. He asks that we share ourselves with others, and accept what others are willing to share with us. We must learn to see God’s call to belong in everyone around us. For God calls us, through others - friends, family, parishioners, to belong to Him and to them. Relationships are difficult, but, like Simon Peter we must look past ourselves to see that God, through others, calls us to belong. We must accept our own worthiness to answer that call to belonging.
Do You Make A Difference?
Some Things to Face
1.My fondest memory of my faith is (check one):
____my First Communion day.
____my years in Catholic school or CCD.
____Sunday morning Mass.
____as an altar boy or choir member.
____parish picnic.
____midnight Mass at Christmas.
____being on a parish sports team.
____my friendship with a parish priest or religious sister or brother.
____my own family.
____other (specify).
2.Who wants to belong to you? Check all that apply.
____your mother
____your father
____your brother
____your sister
____your friends (specify)
____God
____your parishioners
____the person you’re going our with
____a relative (cousin, uncle, or aunt, specify)
____other (specify)
3.What is the greatest contribution that Catholics have made to your life?
4.Which one of the persons mentioned above do you most want to develop a better relationship with? Explain the reason(s).
Solo Exercise
The Rich Man
One of the ruling class asked him then, “Good teacher, what must I do to share in everlasting life?” Jesus said to him, “Why call me ‘good’?” None is good but God alone. You know the commandments:
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not kill.
You shall not bear dishonest witness.
Honor your father and your mother.
He replied, “I have kept all these since I was a boy.” When Jesus heard this he said to him: “There is one thing further you must do. Sell all you have and give to the poor. You will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me.” On hearing this he grew melancholy, for he was a very rich man. (Luke 18: 18-23)
1.In what way do you see yourself as being similar to the rich man?
2.If you were to give two years of your life to others, what would be the most important thing you would have to “go and sell” in order to follow the Lord?
3.What possible “riches” would you gain in following the Lord? Describe as best you can.