The Washington Post is writing an article entitled, "Pope Benedict XVI Arrives in U.S." The article states, "Touching down at 3:52 p.m., the pontiff's plane, "Shepherd One," taxied to a stop precisely on time at 4 p.m. It is Benedict's first visit to the United States since becoming pope in April 2005. During his six-day journey, he will visit Washington and New York, converse with Bush, celebrate two public Masses attended by more than 100,000 people, address the United Nations and visit Ground Zero." "Even before he touched down, Benedict addressed the hottest issue for many American Catholics: the sexual abuse scandal that has convulsed the church in recent years. Aboard the papal plane, the pontiff said that he is "deeply ashamed" of the Catholic church's clergy sexual abuse scandal and said seminaries would not tolerate pedophiles."
Read the Article!!
Discussion Starters for Younger Children
Ask students to identify the most beautiful thing that they have ever seen. Why do they think that this is beautiful?
If students could say thank you for one thing that they have what would they choose? Why? If students could ask for one thing what would they ask for? Why?
If students could meet one person in the world who would they want to meet? Why?
What do students think they should do if somebody trys to hurt them or touch them in ways that they don't want to be touched? Why should they do this?
Discussion Starters for Older Students:
Vocabulary terms to discuss: Pontiff; Convulsed; Pastoral; and, Mass/Confirmation.
Do students think that the pope's visit to the U.S. is newsworthy? Why/why not? What objectives do students think that the pope might have for his trip to the U.S.?
Ask students to imagine that they served as advisors to the pope. If the pope asked how to respond to the pedophilia among priests, what would students advise? Why would they advise this?
Do students think that it is appropriate to discuss God in school? Why/why not? Does a discussion of God in school violate the First Amendment of the United States Constitution: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof"? Why/why not?