These are trying times. COVID-19 has greatly affected our nation, and our government has advised the practice of social distancing, and in some cases quarantining, in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus. As many public institutions close down—and even the Church has closed many of her public Masses—our daily lives seem to grind to a halt, and we can begin to feel as though we are isolated. We can even begin to view our neighbor as a threat, or a competitor in the race for supplies, rather than a person made in the image and likeness of God whom we are commanded to love like Christ. Human dignity, and the charity we are called to as members of Christ’s Body, can easily be forgotten and drowned out by fear in these uncertain times.

Yet the Catholic Church, founded and fed by Jesus Christ, and ever strengthened by the grace of the Holy Spirit, confidently confirms to the world the claim of solidarity: we are never alone! As Catholics we are intimately bound to Christ, and to each other as members of His Mystical Body. As such we are also united to the communion of saints in Heaven! All members of the Holy Church face this trial together, and we must keep our ties strong and build one another up in our prayers and in our labor. “For God did not destine us for wrath, but to gain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live together with him. Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do” (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11).

In this lesson your students will:

• Learn how the Church defines solidarity, and how solidarity can embolden us during these trying times.
• Consider what the parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us about the importance of showing compassion to our neighbor, especially amid social distancing.
• Explore how to be both charitable AND prudent, and how to treat our neighbors with dignity and charity in these trying times.
• Explore ways to keep our connections strong and healthy with family and friends.
• Contemplate how we can follow Christ and draw ever closer to Him, even when we cannot access the Sacraments.
• Consider ways that each of us can show solidarity towards our neighbors and serve those in need.