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Pre-Lesson: Participant Preparation
Materials found in the Study Guide
Lesson Readings
Scripture and Catechism references are provided for each lesson
Leader Led Opening (10 minutes)
Opening Prayer
Prayer for guidance and grace before embarking on each lesson
To be said as a group
Prior Lesson Recap (Lessons 2-8)
A brief review of what was covered in the previous lesson
Leader reads or summarizes from their Leader Guide
*Note – Lesson 1 will not have a Prior Lesson Recap. This time will be offset by watching the Introductory Video to the entire Doors of Mercy study.
Introduction
An introductory passage written on each lesson’s content
This can be read aloud, or summarized if participants have read it before class.
Transition To Video (15 minutes)
First video session
Fr. Jeffrey Kirby presents each lesson that is enhanced by music and visual aids.
Lesson highlights and room for notes are provided for participants in the study guide
------------- Break into small groups of 8-10 for discussion -----------
Small Group Discussion (30 minutes)
Part I: Lesson Review
Questions from study guide to be discussed by the group to review key highlights.
Part II: Reflections
Life application questions from study guide pertaining to participants own lives.
Break (5 minutes)
Time to have the group take a break and return to the larger group.
Life Application Video (15 minutes)
Second Video Session
Fr. Kirby and other notable Catholic experts share their own insights and answers to the life application reflections
Applying The Lessons To Our Daily Lives (15 minutes)
How Then Shall We Live?
Brief passage to consider and close out discussion which helps participants identify areas in their lives where they can open doors of mercy for themselves and others.
To be read or summarized by leader. Leader can invite participants to briefly share their thoughts as desired, or summarize the thoughts of their small group.
Living It Out
After reading and discussing how then shall we live? Participants discern and write specific actions God is calling them to take that week based on the valuable insights from each lesson. This focused effort fuels an active decision to make daily changes in their lives.
Leader invites participants to take a few minutes to pray and write their plan of action for the coming week to begin to live more fully in God’s mercy.
God’s Plan Of Mercy
A short summary of God’s actions helps bring the lesson full circle and calls participants’ minds back to the overall theme of mercy in salvation history
To be read aloud by group leader or someone they choose.
Closing Prayer
The session closes with the Our Father or another chosen prayer
Post-lesson: Bonus Elements
In the study guide for self-study
Words to Know – Key terms for all participants to know with definitions. These are introduced in the video, and for review here.
Suggested Readings – A list of suggested books participants can read for a deeper understanding of God’s mercy and his various covenants.
Mercy Nuggets – Inspirational passages and quotes in four categories:
God’s Word – Scripture pertaining directly to each lesson
From the Catechism – Supporting references from the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Saints on Mercy – Words from the holiest men and women on God’s mercy
The Popes Teach – The wise teachings from the Popes on mercy
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