Christ Our Life 2016 Grade 6 Teacher School Edition by Loyola Press

NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION

Christ Our Life God Calls a People

SCHOOL EDITION S CTeacher’s H O O L E DGuide ITION

The New Evangelization The Essential Mission of the Church Entrusted by Jesus Jesus’ Commission In the Gospel of Matthew, after his Resurrection, Jesus gives this mandate to the apostles: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19–20) The Acts of the Apostles tells us that the apostles and disciples were at first afraid. But their fear disappeared with the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church (Acts of the Apostles 2:1–41). Peter went out and boldly proclaimed the Gospel to the gathering crowd. The mission of the Church to know, proclaim, witness, and share the Word did not end with the early Church. Jesus Christ is with us and continues to send the Holy Spirit to inspire us and give us the courage to proclaim the Gospel. Every generation is called to share the Good News of God’s love with the world. Catholic parents are especially called to recognize their vocation as the first catechists for their children to see that they learn the fundamentals of the faith. The children will then be prepared to enter the world with the knowledge they need to become evangelizers for their generation.

The Holy Fathers Speak The popes since the Second Vatican Council have called the Church to realize how central the mission of evangelization is to our identity as Catholics. The call for the Church to be an evangelizing community began in modern times with the Second Vatican Council. This was seen especially in the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World (1965) and The Decree on the Missionary Activity of the Church (1965). This was followed up in 1975 with Pope Paul VI’s Apostolic Exhortation, On Evangelization in the Modern World. Building on the initiative of Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II stressed the need for a New Evangelization in his Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in America. There Pope John Paul II wrote, “The program of a new evangelization . . . cannot be restricted to revitalizing the faith of regular believers, but must strive as well to proclaim Christ where he is not known.” Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI made New Evangelization the theme of the 2012 Synod of Bishops. Following up the synod, the bishops of the United States published a new document, Disciples Called to Witness: The New Evangelization. Pope Francis has made evangelization a

“I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” (Luke 12:49)

primary focus of his Apostolic Exhortation, The Joy of the Gospel. In that Exhortation, Pope Francis encourages all the Christian faithful “. . . to embark upon a new chapter of evangelization marked by this joy, while pointing out new paths for the Church’s journey in years to come.” The primary language Pope Francis asks Christians to use is “. . . the language of mercy, which is more about gestures and attitudes than words.”

Catechesis and the New Evangelization The National Directory for Catechesis affirms that catechesis leads believers to a deeper knowledge and love of Christ and his Church. With the New Evangelization, catechesis is given a missionary dynamic to evangelize the culture, affirming what aligns with Jesus’ teaching and challenging what does not. (NDC 17.D) Among its pastoral directives, the NDC encourages dioceses and parishes to adopt and implement the goals of Go and Make Disciples: A National Plan and Strategy for Catholic Evangelization in the United States. A summary of some fundamental objectives follows: (NDC 17.E) • for every believer to experience a personal conversion to Jesus Christ that leads to renewal and participation in the life of the Church • to encourage knowledge of Holy Scripture and Tradition of the Church • for believers to work toward renewing every parish, especially through implementation of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults • for believers to rededicate themselves to the Word of God and the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, and to commit to celebrating the Eucharist every Sunday • to make evangelical and social justice connections to the Sunday Eucharist • to call believers to daily prayer, in particular, to pray the psalms and the Liturgy of the Hours, to contemplate Christ’s life in the Mysteries of the Rosary, and to revere the Eucharist through adoration of the Blessed Sacrament THE NEW EVANGELIZATION

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THE NEW EVANGELIZATION • to make all parishes and Catholic institutions welcoming and accessible to all

The New Gather and Go Forth Pages in Christ Our Life The addition of the Gather and Go Forth pages to the Christ Our Life program is a response to the Church’s call for a New Evangelization including that of Pope John Paul II, who asked each Catholic to evangelize in a way that is “new in its ardor, in its methods, in its expressions.” We become members of the Church through the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. We celebrate the Eucharist, the source and summit of Christian life, every Sunday. There we hear the Word of God that helps to prepare us to evangelize. As Pope Francis tells us, “God’s Word, listened to and celebrated, above all in the Eucharist, nourishes and inwardly strengthens Christians, enabling them to offer an authentic witness to the Gospel in daily life” (The Joy of the Gospel, 2013). The Gather and Go Forth pages in the Student Book show children ways to know, proclaim, witness, and share their faith. In the Catechist’s Edition, the threestep teaching plan (Inspire, Proclaim, Transform) guides catechists to help children become more aware and active in their personal relationship with God, the Church, and their call to invite others to the faith. Beginning on page T338, you can find catechist instruction that accompanies all 25 chapters of the Gather and Go Forth pages in the Student Book. You will also find a full correlation of Grade 6 that shows how these pages align with the goals and objectives expressed by the U. S. bishops in Go and Make Disciples: A National Plan and Strategy for Catholic Evangelization in the United States.

If not me, then who will proclaim the Gospel? If not now, then when will the Gospel be proclaimed? If not the truth of the Gospel, then what shall I proclaim? —excerpt from Prayer for the New Evangelization (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)

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In the document Go and Make Disciples, the U. S. bishops’ vision of the New Evangelization is centered around three goals: • Goal 1—to bring about in all Catholics such an enthusiasm for their faith that, in living their faith in Jesus, they freely share it with others; • Goal 2—to invite all people in the United States, whatever their social or cultural background, to hear the message of salvation in Jesus Christ so they may come to join us in the fullness of the Catholic faith; • Goal 3—to foster gospel values in our society, promoting the dignity of the human person, the importance of the family, and the common good of our society, so that our nation may continue to be transformed by the saving power of Jesus Christ.

Jesus’ Vision Is Our Own Being Jesus’ witness requires energy, renewed conviction, personal conversion, and enthusiasm from every baptized Catholic.

For Whom Is the New Evangelization Intended? Jesus’ commission to the apostles is at the heart of our call to know and share our faith with others. Every member of the Church plays a part in the New Evangelization. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops identifies various relationships that people may have to Jesus and his Church. The bishops tell us that each type of relationship has a role in the New Evangelization: “Evangelization, then, has different implications depending on our relationship to Jesus and his Church. For those of us who practice and live our Catholic faith, it is a call to ongoing growth and renewed conversion. For those who have accepted it only in name, it is a call to re-evangelization. For those who have stopped practicing their faith, it is a call to reconciliation. For children, it is a call to be formed into disciples through the family’s faith life and religious education. For other Christians, it is an invitation to know the fullness of our message. For those who have no faith, it is a call to conversion to know Christ Jesus and thus experience a change to new life with Christ and his Church.” (Go and Make Disciples: A National Plan and Strategy for Catholic Evangelization in the United States: #27)

Roles of Life in the Church Catholics share a common vision to express faith according to their chosen role and state of life. To proclaim Christ is not solely for foreign missionaries, parish priests, bishops, or the pope. Young and old, ordained clergy, professed religious, and the laity share in knowing, proclaiming, and sharing God’s Word in ways suitable to their lives.

THE NEW EVANGELIZATION

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“‘[E]veryone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent?” (Romans 10:13–15)

Additional Resources Second Vatican Council Documents on Evangelization www.vatican.va • Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium) • On the Mission Activity of the Church (Ad Gentes) Vatican Documents on Evangelization www.vatican.va • Address to the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Council for the Family • Lineamenta for the 2012 Synod: New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith • Message for the 2012 World Day of Migrants and Refugees

Gifts of Service Each member of the Church uses the Gifts from the Holy Spirit to evangelize. A young person might witness to Christ among friends, playing sports, volunteering, or at school. A parent may express faith in his or her workplace, demonstrating acts of kindness and charity, or championing Catholic Social Teaching in the neighborhood. A priest might share in the Church’s mission by leading Scripture study groups, celebrating the Mass on Sunday, or providing counseling to parishioners. A religious sister might share faith by teaching, volunteering in the community, or offering prayers and devotions for the living and the dead. In these and similar ways, Catholics reflect and spread Christ’s light and attract others to him. Embracing the Challenge Catholics who are brimming with joy for God’s Word might meet resistance in a culture and society whose values are often on a collision course with Jesus’ teaching. Indeed, Catholics are challenged to be “in the world” but not “of the world.” Saint Paul reminds us: “Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2) The world is a good place that God created out of his love for us. He sent his Son to live among us and save us from sin. Our Catholic challenge is to live the values of the Kingdom of God as Jesus taught us.

• On Evangelization in the Modern World (Evangelii Nuntiandi) • The Door of Faith United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Documents on Evangelization www.usccb.org • Go and Make Disciples: A National Plan and Strategy for Catholic Evangelization in the United States • Sons and Daughters of the Light: A Pastoral Plan for Young Adult Ministry • Teaching the Spirit of Mission Ad Gentes: Continuing Pentecost Today • The Hispanic Presence in the New Evangelization in the United States Diocesan Evangelization Resources www.usccb.org/ about/bishops-and-dioceses/all-dioceses.cfm

As the Church, the People of God, we pray for ourselves and for one another. We ask the Holy Spirit to help us to know, proclaim, witness, and share the Good News courageously, even in difficult situations. We ask for the saints’ intercession, praying that the example of our lives, lived faithfully and authentically, welcomes others to the Church and invites them to know the Father.

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NEW EVANGELIZATION

Inspire

Gather and Go Forth

1. Remind students of the faith

focus. ✦✦ This year, we are studying the Old Testament and what it means for us as Catholics. We will learn that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise. He asks us to live as his disciples. ✦✦ ✦✦

Know and Proclaim When we know the beliefs of our Catholic faith, we can proclaim them through our words and actions.

Ask students what being a disciple means to them. Living as a disciple means to follow Jesus and his example.

2. Read aloud the Scripture in the

sidebar on page 9. What is Saint Mark challenging us to do? (share the Good News of Christ with everyone) What do you need to share the Gospel? [Allow time for discussion.]

✦✦

3. Ask students to pray with you. ✦✦

We pray for all students, that they may respond to God’s call and enter into a loving relationship with God and the Church. Holy Spirit, set our hearts on fire to inspire us to share our faith. [Pray the Sign of the Cross.]

We Know Our Faith

We Proclaim Our Faith

God reveals himself first in creation. He also reveals himself in deeds and words in Scripture and Tradition as transmitted and interpreted by the Church.

As Catholics, we respect and safeguard creation as a gift from God. The responsibility to care for creation is a requirement of our faith.

Scripture teaches us about Jesus, the Son of God, sent by the Father to redeem us.

Catholics trace the cross with their thumb over their foreheads, lips, and hearts before listening to the Gospel as a sign of their desire to have God’s Word in their minds, on their lips, and in their hearts.

The Church’s bishops safeguard and share the Sacred Deposit.

Catholic families often read letters and articles written by bishops. The bishops help Catholics understand what the Church teaches about Jesus.

A PT E R

s Catholics, we gather to hear the Word of God and celebrate the sacraments. The Holy Spirit sets our hearts on fire and sends us forth as disciples to live our faith. “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15

Test Your Catholic Knowledge Fill in the circle that best answers the question. What do Catholics call the holy writings collected in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible? psalms Tradition Scripture Roman Missal

Proclaim

The Bible Reveals God’s Saving Love CHAPTER 1

1. Read the Know and Proclaim introduction. Remind students that, as we understand our Catholic beliefs more deeply, we are better able to live them.

2. Have volunteers read aloud the

Know and Proclaim chart. Discuss the first row of the chart. Ask students to share how they care for the environment.

✦✦

[Discuss the second row of the chart.] When you trace the Sign of the Cross on your forehead, lips, and heart, say to yourself, “May the Word of God be in my mind, on my lips, and in my heart.”

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As you discuss the third row of the chart, share with students a letter or article written by a bishop.

✦✦

What does this letter tell you about how to live the Catholic faith? [Allow time for discussion.]

3. Point out the Test Your

Catholic Knowledge question at the bottom of the page. ✦✦ Knowing our Catholic faith helps us live our faith. ✦✦

Read aloud the directions. Ask students to read silently the question and the four answer choices.

✦✦

Have students choose their answer before discussing the correct answer as a class.

Daily Inspiration Find insightful meditations on Scripture at www.loyolapress.com/ daily. Goal 1: To bring about enthusiasm for faith so it is freely shared with others 93. To foster an appreciation of God’s Word

The Church Evangelizes Discuss with students the ways that Catholics celebrate their faith. If your parish hosts a family faith night, teach the students Bible stories, music, and prayers to share. Goal 2: To invite all people to hear the message of salvation in Jesus Christ 108. To develop within families the capacity to share the Gospel

See pages T388–T390 for a full correlation to the USCCB Go and Make Disciples national plan.

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UNIT 1

God Reveals a Plan of Love

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4. Read aloud A Catholic to

Know. Discuss Saint Jerome. ✦✦ Explain to students that Jerome’s translation of the Bible is called the Vulgate because it was written in the common language of the people. ✦✦

✦✦

A Catholic to Know Could you perform a task that would take 30 years to complete? Saint Jerome did. He was called by Pope Damasus to translate the Bible into Latin. Jerome was such a brilliant scholar that his translation became the official text of the Catholic Church. Born in Eastern Europe in the 300s, Jerome was a man of extremes. He had a fierce temper and strong opinions but an equally intense love of Christ. Through his writings, Saint Jerome shared God’s Word with us. Like Jerome, we go forth to share the Word. We can ask Saint Jerome to help us grow in our love of the Scriptures.

Saint Jerome was named a Doctor of the Church for the Vulgate, his commentaries on Scripture, and his writings on monastic life. Like Jerome, we are called to translate the Bible into a life of action.

These sentences describe what Catholics believe. Listen carefully as they are read. Ask yourself, “How strong are my Catholic beliefs?”

My Way to Faith

5. Review the idea of being a

• I believe the Bible reveals the truth about God.

witness. ✦✦ What is a witness? (a person who sees something) What is a witness called to do? (testify or tell the truth about what they saw) ✦✦

Saint Jerome

Witness and Share

• I experience and respect God in his creation. • I learn about Jesus by reading the Bible. • I trust the Church’s bishops to safeguard the teachings of the Church. • I look to the Bible to guide me in making decisions in my life. • I read Scripture on a regular basis. • I talk with my family about the Sunday readings we hear at Mass.

Remember that a witness speaks the truth about what he or she has seen or heard. How would you describe a witness of the Word? [Allow students to respond.] A witness of Jesus is the simple living of the faith.

Share Your Faith Review the Scripture verse from the Gospel of Mark on page 9. How can you proclaim the Gospel in daily interactions with others? Write your ideas on the lines. Invite your classmates and members of your family to share the ways that they proclaim the Gospel in their lives.

6. Read aloud the Witness and

Share directions. Remind students that they are always on the path of faith and that it helps to carry the Bible with them on this path.

✦✦

Read aloud each statement. Allow students time to reflect on each one. Choose a faith statement that you would like to discuss with your parents or other trusted adults. Notice how you grow in faith by recording this statement in a journal and looking back at it from time to time.

7. Recall God’s Revelation. How does God reveal himself to us? (first through creation, then in his words and deeds in Scripture and Tradition as transmitted and interpreted by the Church) Where do you encounter God in your life? (in prayer; through others; in the Bible)

8. Introduce the Share Your

✦✦

UNIT 1 God Reveals a Plan of Love

What do you think Jesus wants us to do with his message? (share it) [Explain that proclaiming the Gospel requires more than just telling its stories.]

Point out that the best way to know the Bible is to read it and discuss it with others.

3. Challenge students to adopt

How do you share the Gospel message with others? [Let students respond. Share with students ways you share the Gospel with others, for example, by reading the Gospel with friends and family.]

Transform 1. Guide students to pray. Pray to the Holy Spirit for the grace to hear God’s message in the Bible.

2. Encourage students to begin a Bible study group.

Faith activity.

a motto. Invite students to find a verse from Proverbs 22–24 and make it their personal motto.

Arts & Faith Celebrate how faith is expressed and deepened through art at www.loyolapress.com/arts-faith. Goal 3: To foster gospel values, promoting the dignity of the human person, the importance of the family, and the common good 124. To encourage Catholic witness in the arts and in the American intellectual community

The Bible Reveals God’s Saving Love CHAPTER 1 T339

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NEW EVANGELIZATION

Inspire

Gather and Go Forth

1. Ask a volunteer to read aloud

the text and Scripture in the sidebar on page 19. ✦✦ What is Luke telling us? Let’s read the Scripture again. [Read Luke 11:28 aloud to students, emphasizing the phrases “word of God” and “observe it.”] Blessed are those who hear the Word of God. Scripture is the Word of God. ✦✦

Know and Proclaim We explore the Bible to deepen our Catholic faith. Understanding our faith, we are excited to share it with others.

What does observe mean? (to watch carefully or to notice) Observe also means “to practice.” We practice his Word in our daily lives. How do you show others you are practicing your faith? [Students may suggest helping someone in need, doing acts of kindness, forgiving someone, and being joyful.] Your thoughtful actions say “I believe!” During this week, let’s be aware of how we observe God’s Word.

We Know Our Faith

We Proclaim Our Faith

The Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, teaches Catholics how to read and interpret the Bible.

Catholics read and study the Catholic Bible using footnotes and commentaries that help them understand what it means.

All Scripture is the inspired Word of God.

Many families display the Bible in places of honor in their homes. Many Catholics have a family Bible that has been handed down from generations.

The Gospels tell us about the life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus and his teachings and sayings.

✦✦

Some families display the Bible in a place of honor. Who has a special Bible in their family? [Let students respond.] How is it special? (Students may have a Bible they received from a family member; they may have a Bible that has the names and birth dates of family members recorded in it.)

Luke 11:28

the inspired Word of God. the history of the Church. the biography of Jesus. a collection of laws.

Scripture Is God’s Saving Word CHAPTER 2

✦✦

After reading the second row of the chart, discuss ways that students’ families honor the Bible.

“Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”

The Bible is best described as:

1. Read the Know and Proclaim

✦✦

s Catholics, we desire the Word of God. We yearn to hear it and understand. Inspired by the Bible and guided by the Holy Spirit, we show others how to live a faithful life.

Catholics find practical suggestions for following Jesus in the Gospels. During his homily, a priest will often offer suggestions on how Catholics can apply the Gospel message to their lives.

Proclaim

When we understand how the Bible guides our faith, we understand how to use the Bible in our daily lives.

Fill in the circle that best completes the sentence.

Let us pray: Holy Spirit, guide us to understand the Word of God. Inspire us to share it with every person we encounter.

✦✦

Test Your Catholic Knowledge

2. Lead the class in a prayer.

introduction with students. As you discuss the first row of the chart, remind students that the Bible helps us realize our Catholic faith.

A PT E R

✦✦

As you discuss the third row, ask students to share some of their favorite homilies or Gospel stories.

2. Explain that the Bible is

precious and revered because it is the Word of God. When we read the Bible, we become closer to God. [Explain to students that when they read Sacred Scripture, they are encountering God.]

3-Minute Retreat Invite deeper reflection on God’s Word by accessing www.loyolapress .com/retreat. Goal 1: To bring about enthusiasm for faith so it is freely shared with others 93. To foster an appreciation of God’s Word

3. Ask students to complete the

Test Your Catholic Knowledge section. Catholics believe that the human authors who wrote the Bible were inspired by God and guided by the Holy Spirit. [Read aloud the directions. Allow students time to respond before discussing the correct answer.]

See pages T388–T390 for a full correlation to the USCCB Go and Make Disciples national plan.

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God Reveals a Plan of Love

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4. Ask a student to read aloud A Catholic to Know. Discuss Saint Luke. ✦✦ As an early Christian, Saint Luke carefully recorded events, which help us understand Jesus and the early Church. ✦✦

A Catholic to Know Though we do not know many facts about Saint Luke, he recorded events about the life of the early Christian community. We are grateful that he shared this information with us. Living at the time of Saint Paul, Luke was the author of the third Gospel and of the Acts of the Apostles. He wrote excellent prose and accurately presented details. Luke’s main themes of prayer, the Holy Spirit, and mercy reveal his spirit and compassion. He wanted his books to persuade the Gentiles that the Christian story of Jesus was the one true faith. Saint Luke’s spirit and openness to others is a model of Christian living.

Invite students to find Luke 4:18 in the Bible or read the verse to them: “The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor.”

✦✦

Saint Luke

Witness and Share These sentences describe what Catholics believe. Listen carefully as they are read. Ask yourself, “How strong are my Catholic beliefs?”

In this case, poor means someone who lacks material possessions. How would you define someone who is poor in spirit? (someone who trusts God completely) Saint Luke shares the spirit of gladness with our community of faith. Discuss with students someone in your community who spreads the glad tidings of God’s Word to others.

My Way to Faith • I familiarize myself with the miracles, teachings, and sayings of Jesus. • I read the Bible in a prayerful manner. • I believe that all Scripture is the inspired Word of God. • I know Jesus better by reading and understanding Scripture.

Share Your Faith Find a verse in the Old Testament that speaks to your heart. List the book, chapter, and verse on the lines. Share your verse aloud with a partner. Explain to each other why your verse is special. Invite members of your family to share their favorite verses from the Old Testament.

5. Read aloud the Witness and

Share introductory text. Remind students that each of us is in a different place on our faith journey.

✦✦

We are on a lifelong journey to God. Our faith grows over time.

✦✦

I will read each faith statement aloud and pause after each one so that you may reflect quietly.

✦✦

Read aloud the faith statements, pausing to allow time for reflection.

✦✦

Have students pick one faith statement to discuss with a trusted adult. Encourage them to write this faith statement in a journal and look back at it from time to time to see how they’ve grown in that area.

6. Discuss sharing our faith. What are some ways we share our faith? (Possible answers: volunteering our time; treating everyone with dignity)

UNIT 1 God Reveals a Plan of Love

Transform

2. Encourage students to pray with Scripture every day. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand God’s Word.

1. Explore the Bible with students. Have students locate and read Exodus 3:1–6, 1 Kings 19:1–12, and Psalm 24:1–6. Ask students to identify the section of the Old Testament these verses belong to. [Exodus 3:1–6,: The Law; 1 Kings 19:1–12: the historical books; and Psalm 24:1–6: Wisdom Literature]

Español Invite Spanishlanguage speakers to access www.loyolapress.com/espanol. Goal 2: To invite all people to hear the message of salvation in Jesus Christ 115. To foster cultural diversity within the unity of the Church

7. Read aloud the directions for

the Share Your Faith activity. Have students complete the activity and invite them to share their verses with the class.

The Church Evangelizes Family Bible study offers renewed closeness to one another and to God. Send a letter home to families, encouraging them to set aside time each week to meet in a comfortable space with the family Bible. Suggest that after lighting a candle and singing, each family member shares a favorite verse or blessing. End the study with a family blessing. Goal 1: To bring about enthusiasm for faith so it is freely shared with others 101. To foster a sense of the domestic church

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NEW EVANGELIZATION

Inspire

Gather and Go Forth

1. Invite students into the prayer

center. ✦✦ Have students gather around a table with a crucifix or flameless candle. ✦✦

✦✦

Ask a volunteer to read aloud the text and Scripture in the sidebar on page 27. Discuss God’s goodness.

Know and Proclaim We believe that God reveals himself through love, gives himself to us, and dwells within us. Through our daily actions, we live these beliefs for all to see.

What does it mean to share God’s goodness with others? [Allow students to respond.]

2. Have students say a class

prayer of thankfulness. Creation is a sign of God’s love for us. Take a moment to think about the beauty of God’s creation. [Allow time for students to reflect.]

We Know Our Faith

We Proclaim Our Faith

Everything God created is good. Creation is a sign of God’s love and goodness.

Catholics act as good stewards of the environment by recycling, picking up litter, and supporting conservation efforts at the local, national, and international levels.

We are made in the image of God in the sense that we have intellect and free will.

As Catholics, we express our belief that we are made in the image of God by participating in campaigns that promote and defend life. Catholics are committed to protecting life from conception to natural death.

✦✦

Begin the prayer: Dear God, we are grateful for your gifts of beauty in the world. We join with all of creation in praising you. Today we are especially thankful for these gifts.

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Ask students to name one gift, such as family or sunlight.

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After each gift is named, we will pray, “Thank you for your creation, God!”

God has provided enough resources for everyone’s needs.

A PT E R

e reflect on the story of Creation in the Old Testament for reassurance of God’s unique love for each of us. All of God’s creation and all of God’s gifts are good. As Catholics, we share God’s goodness with others. God looked at everything he had made, and found it very good. Genesis 1:31

Catholics support organizations and public policies that work for a more just sharing of the world’s resources. Many parishes have ministries to help deal with unjust economic practices.

Test Your Catholic Knowledge Fill in the circle that best completes the sentence. Our first task in caring for God’s creation is to: care and protect human life. support the rights of workers. care for those who are poor and vulnerable. build and participate in community.

Proclaim

Everything God Created Is Good CHAPTER 3

1. Have a student read the Know and Proclaim chart. After reading the first row, remind students that, as Catholics, we understand that no act of love is too small.

✦✦

How do you take care of the environment? (Possible answers: I do not waste food, water, or energy; I am kind to animals and nature.) [Discuss the second row.] How can you help defend life? (Possible answers: I can support efforts that respect life; I can contribute to antiviolence campaigns.) [Discuss the third row.] How do you help ensure that everyone has what he or she needs? (Possible answers: donate money to those people who need it most; let others know about needs in the world)

2. Remind students that God

created the world for all people to share. ✦✦ Explain that, as Catholics, we accept responsibility for caring for God’s creation. ✦✦

Holy Spirit, guide us in taking care of God’s creation.

DRE Connect Share ideas with an online community for faith formation leaders by accessing dreconnect.loyolapress.com. Goal 1: To bring about enthusiasm for faith so it is freely shared with others 99. To foster a sense of discipleship among Catholic adults and children

3. Point out the Test Your

Catholic Knowledge section. Read the directions. After students complete the sentence, discuss the correct answer.

The Church Evangelizes Catholic pastors encourage the discovery and use of individual gifts in the workplace. They could help people identify their passion, realize their vocation, and identify opportunities to make God’s presence known to others. Goal 1: To bring about enthusiasm for faith so it is freely shared with others 102. To promote and develop a spirituality for the workplace

See pages T388–T390 for a full correlation to the USCCB Go and Make Disciples national plan.

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4. Call on a student to read aloud

A Catholic to Know. Discuss Saint Anthony of Padua. ✦✦ Tell students that Anthony was one of the best preachers because he used plain words and simple language to share his love of God with all who would listen. He brought Jesus into the lives of hundreds of people by encouraging them to change their lives and bad habits. ✦✦

A Catholic to Know Saint Anthony of Padua is one of our most beloved saints. We turn to him for help in finding lost things. Born in Portugal in 1195, Anthony studied to be a priest and became a great Scripture scholar. Eventually, he became a captivating preacher across Italy and France. Huge crowds came out to hear Anthony speak about how important it is for us to live every day in God’s presence. He did not use complicated language, but his words showed his holiness and love for God. Saint Anthony shows us how we can show our love for God through our words too.

These sentences describe what Catholics believe. Listen carefully as they are read. Ask yourself, “How strong are my Catholic beliefs?”

Anthony challenged his listeners to live every day in God’s presence. What does this mean for us? (Possible answers: We take time to appreciate God’s beauty and gifts; we thank God daily; we live as witnesses to Christ as best we can.)

My Way to Faith • I believe God shows his love and care for us through his creation. • I take care of God’s creation by using and protecting it properly. • I respect myself because I am made in God’s image. • I recognize God’s presence in other people. • I express my gratitude for all that God has given me by sharing with others.

5. Read the Witness and Share

Share Your Faith

introductory text. ✦✦ Close your eyes and imagine yourself on the path of faith. Notice God’s beauty all around you. Reflect on each faith statement as I read it aloud. ✦✦

Read aloud the first faith statement.

✦✦

Read aloud the other statements, pausing to allow time for reflection.

✦✦

Open your eyes. Read the faith statements silently to yourself. [Pause to allow students to read.]

✦✦

Remind students that we are not alone on the path. God, our family, our teachers, and our friends are helping us.

✦✦

Let us say a silent prayer asking the Holy Spirit for strength along our faith journey.

✦✦

Ask students to choose one faith statement to discuss with their parents, pastor, teacher, or another adult they trust. Encourage them to grow in this area and then come back to the page later in the year and reflect on it again.

6. Read aloud the directions for

the Share Your Faith activity. Tell students that we can pass on God’s love to others by sharing with them. Encourage them to share their stories of God’s love with a family member.

Saint Anthony of Padua

Witness and Share

Remember a time when you recognized God’s deep love for you. Where were you? Who was with you? What were you doing? Describe the experience on the lines below. Invite a family member to share a time when he or she recognized God’s love.

UNIT 1 God Reveals a Plan of Love

Transform

3. Remind students to become

1. Guide students in writing

personal mission statements as stewards of God’s creation. Suggest students may begin their statements with these prompts: I use my eyes to . . . ; I use my hands to . . . ; I use my time to . . .

2. Invite students to start a project that cares for God’s earth. Examples could include a school recycling program or tending to a class or school garden.

personal witnesses. Your words and actions reflect God’s love for the world.

Sunday Connection Explore Sunday Scripture readings with children by accessing www.loyolapress.com/sunday. Goal 1: To bring about enthusiasm for faith so it is freely shared with others 96. To foster a greater appreciation of the power of God’s Word in our worship

The Church Evangelizes Many Catholics come together to discuss issues regarding education and employment that challenge their community. These groups reach out to those people who are struggling and provide resources and spiritual support. Goal 3: To foster gospel values, promoting dignity of the human person, the importance of the family, and the common good 127. To involve Catholics in questions of economic systems

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NEW EVANGELIZATION

Inspire

Gather and Go Forth

1. Read aloud the introductory

text before the Scripture in the sidebar on page 37. Think of a time when somebody forgave you for hurting him or her. How did it make you feel? What changed? [Point out to students that God calls us to forgive others, though it is sometimes difficult.] In forgiving, we are acting as disciples of Jesus.

Know and Proclaim The Old Testament stories teach us about sin and forgiveness. Each new day offers a chance to turn from sin to love of God and others.

We Know Our Faith

2. Call on a student to read aloud the Scripture in the sidebar on page 37. What is the Word saying to you? [Allow time for students to respond.] God’s great mercy gave us a living hope in Jesus Christ. That is Good News!

3. End with a prayer of thanks

and forgiveness. Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus, who died on the Cross so that our sins are forgiven. We thank you for forgiving our sins. Please help us forgive others.

We Proclaim Our Faith

Because of the Original Sin of Adam and Eve, people are born with a tendency to sin.

Catholics turn away from sinfulness and ask God for forgiveness by praying the Act of Contrition and celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

It is through the Sacrament of Baptism that grace is restored and we again become children of God.

Catholics recall their Baptism by blessing themselves with holy water, preserving their baptismal candle, and celebrating the anniversary of their Baptism.

Jesus Christ sends us his Holy Spirit to help us overcome temptation.

Catholics celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation, in which they are sealed with the Holy Spirit.

A PT E R

s Catholics, we believe that God responds to our sins with mercy and love. As God forgives us, we are called upon to forgive others. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:3

Test Your Catholic Knowledge Fill in the circle that best completes the sentence. We can avoid sin by: making choices that are easy. only doing things that are popular. examining the reasons for our actions.

Proclaim

ignoring the consequences for our actions.

1. Read aloud the Know and

Proclaim introduction. ✦✦ Remind students that the Old Testament stories about sin tell about God’s forgiveness. ✦✦

God is our great source of forgiveness.

✦✦

The effects of sin are separation from God and the evils that follow. How does God respond to sin? (with love and mercy)

2. Ask a volunteer to read the

Know and Proclaim chart aloud. ✦✦ [Discuss the first row of the chart] How do Catholics reconcile themselves to God? (We celebrate the sacraments.) God’s gifts of the sacraments draw us closer to him and are outward signs of God’s inner grace. ✦✦

After you read the second row of the chart, remind students that their Baptism unites them with Christ.

God Offers Love and Mercy CHAPTER 4

✦✦

When we enter a church, we bless ourselves with holy water. What does this remind us of? (It reminds me of my Baptism.) [Encourage students to keep a vial of holy water in their homes.]

✦✦

Discuss the third row of the chart. Remind students that the Holy Spirit gives them the gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, piety, fortitude, knowledge, and fear of the Lord.

✦✦

Which gift of the Holy Spirit helps you the most in making a good decision? Why do you think so? [Allow time for discussion.]

3. Point out the Test Your

Catholic Knowledge section. Discuss the correct answer with the class.

See pages T388–T390 for a full correlation to the USCCB Go and Make Disciples national plan.

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4. Call on a student to read aloud

A Catholic to Know. ✦✦ How did Maria Goretti act like Jesus? (She forgave her attacker; she respected her body.) ✦✦

✦✦

A Catholic to Know Maria Goretti, the modern patron of youth, has touched the hearts of many people. Born in 1890 in Italy, Maria lived in a poor, hardworking family that deeply loved God. This faith sustained twelve-year-old Maria when a man named Alessandro attacked her. Maria resisted, and Alessandro stabbed her 14 times. Before Maria died from her wounds, she forgave Alessandro and prayed for God to have mercy on him. When Alessandro was released from prison 27 years later, his first act was to beg forgiveness of Maria’s mother, which she gave. Maria Goretti’s brief life gives powerful witness to showing mercy to others.

God gave us one body, and he asks that we take good care of it. Maria Goretti was an especially courageous young woman. She is an example of how we should respect our bodies.

Witness and Share

[Encourage students to say a short prayer.] God is a merciful and loving God. Let us pray silently, asking God to help us be willing to forgive others.

These sentences describe what Catholics believe. Listen carefully as they are read. Ask yourself, “How strong are my Catholic beliefs?”

My Way to Faith • I seek forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Have students discuss a modernday hero who models forgiveness like Saint Maria Goretti.

• I ask Jesus to help me overcome temptation. • I believe that God’s love and mercy is with me, even on bad days. • I forgive people when they hurt my feelings. • I learn from my mistakes and the mistakes of others.

5. Help students think about their

• I look to the Church to help form my conscience so that I can make good choices.

faith journey. ✦✦ Our faith changes and grows over time. You may not be the same person you were yesterday. ✦✦

What are some things that strengthen our faith? (our relationship with Jesus; our connection with others; prayer)

✦✦

What can you do to strengthen your faith? (pray; celebrate the sacraments)

Saint Maria Goretti

Share Your Faith Compose a short prayer asking God for forgiveness. Write this prayer on the lines. Pray this prayer throughout the day. How does it change your relationship with God? Invite a friend to pray your prayer for one day. How does sharing your prayer strengthen your relationship with God and with others?

UNIT 1 God Reveals a Plan of Love

6. Read aloud the Witness and

Share introductory text. ✦✦ Read aloud each faith statement, pausing after each one for time to reflect. ✦✦

How do the actions in these statements bring you closer to Christ?

✦✦

Remind students that faith in Jesus requires them to grow. Tell them that these statements can be used as guideposts on their faith journey.

✦✦

Have students select one faith statement to discuss with an adult they trust. Invite them to return to the statement later and reflect on it again.

7. Introduce the Share Your

Faith activity. Allow time for students to write their prayers of forgiveness. Invite students to share their prayers with the class.

Transform 1. Challenge students to forgive. Encourage students to ask for God’s grace to forgive someone who has hurt them. It is not always easy to forgive someone who has hurt you. Remember that Jesus forgave those who crucified him. His great mercy is an inspiration for us to follow.

2. Look for examples of

✦✦

Present some stories from the news about forgiveness.

✦✦

What did the person forgive? Why do you think that person forgave?

✦✦

Tell students that forgiving is a powerful way to witness Christ. How do you think the world would be different if more people forgave one another?

3. Challenge students to ask for

forgiveness. Ask for forgiveness from someone you have wronged.

forgiveness in the media.

The Church Evangelizes Catholics of all ages share the joy of being Catholic by participating in parish events. Inviting Catholic friends who have been away from the Church to attend a parish social event is one way to welcome them back to their faith. Goal 2: To invite all people to hear the message of salvation in Jesus Christ 114. To design programs that reach out to those who do not participate in a church community or who seek the fullness of faith

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NEW EVANGELIZATION

Inspire

Gather and Go Forth

1. Invite students into the prayer

center. ✦✦ Call on a student to read aloud the text and Scripture in the sidebar on page 45. ✦✦

✦✦

Can you think of a time when you felt far away from God? [Explain that when we feel far away from God yet continue to trust him in spite of our feelings, we worship him in the deepest way.] As Catholics, we trust in God.

Know and Proclaim As we explore the stories in the Bible, we realize the truth about our Catholic faith. We can proclaim our faith by sharing this truth with others.

What message of hope does the Scripture offer us? (The Lord is always with us; he will not fail us; we should not be afraid.)

2. Pray for people who feel alone

or abandoned. Ask students to join silently in their hearts while you pray aloud.

✦✦ ✦✦

Dear God, we pray for people who feel alone or abandoned. Lift their spirits and guide them. May they feel the comfort of your presence. We are grateful for your love. Amen.

We Know Our Faith

We Proclaim Our Faith

God’s revelation is part of the divine plan.

Catholics come to understand God’s plan by reading Scripture, attending Bible studies, praying, and learning about what the Church teaches.

The Bible tells stories that explain the mystery of creation and the beginning of sin in the world.

Catholics show appreciation for the mystery of God and his love by singing praises to God for his wonderful creation.

The stories of sin tell us that even when people try to live their lives without God, God never abandons them.

As Catholics, we keep God at the center of our lives by forgiving others, praying prayers like the Lord’s Prayer, keeping his commandments, and going to Mass on Sunday.

A PT E R

hough we sin and separate ourselves from God and one another, God calls us. He never abandons us. He is with us always. It is the LORD who goes before you; he will be with you and will never fail you or forsake you. So do not fear or be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8

Test Your Catholic Knowledge Fill in the circle that best answers the question. What covenant did God make with Noah? All sin was washed away forever. Half the earth was covered with water. All living creatures were saved during the flood. The earth would never be destroyed by flood again.

Proclaim 1. Ask a student to read the

Know and Proclaim introduction and discuss the chart. ✦✦ As you discuss the first row of the chart, remind students that Jesus studied Scripture, and we understand that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. ✦✦

✦✦

[Ask students to name some of their favorite passages from the Old Testament.] What do these stories tell you about God’s relationship with his people? [Discuss the second row of the chart.] What are some actions that show our appreciation for the mystery of God? (Possible answers: singing; praying; reading Scripture; forgiving others; offering kindness)

Unit 1 Review CHAPTER 5

2. Discuss the meaning of

a peacemaker. ✦✦ One way to avoid sin is by being a peacemaker. Tell about a time when you tried to be a peacemaker. [Allow students to respond.] ✦✦

What does it take to be a peacemaker? (Possible answers: patience; understanding; not judging)

3. Point out the Test Your

Catholic Knowledge section. After students have marked their choices, discuss the correct answer.

✦✦ ✦✦

Do you remember God’s special sign of this covenant? (a rainbow)

After reading the third row of the chart, discuss ways students can keep God at the center of their lives. See pages T388–T390 for a full correlation to the USCCB Go and Make Disciples national plan.

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4. Call on a volunteer to read

aloud A Catholic to Know. Discuss Saint Thomas Aquinas. ✦✦ Thomas was known as a quiet thinker. This trait helped him think deeply about God and write about our Catholic faith. Because of his contributions, he has been named a Doctor of the Church. ✦✦

A Catholic to Know Born in Italy in the 1200s, Thomas Aquinas joined the Dominicans and became known for his writings and deep insight into the Christian mysteries. His most famous work, the Summa Theologiae, shows Thomas’s depth of understanding and clear reasoning. His love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament led him to write prayers and hymns that we still use to honor the Eucharist. This brilliant man was very humble. He knew that all his gifts came from God. Because of his contributions to philosophy and theology, Saint Thomas is the patron of students and Catholic schools. Catholics pray for the grace to realize our gifts and humbly share them as Thomas did.

Explain that Summa Theologiae is considered one of the greatest works of our Catholic Tradition. It is a work that helps us understand mysteries of our faith such as the One God, creation, and sin.

Saint Thomas Aquinas

Witness and Share These sentences describe what Catholics believe. Listen carefully as they are read. Ask yourself, “How strong are my Catholic beliefs?”

My Way to Faith

5. Discuss the concept of faith.

• I strive to recognize and follow God’s plan for me.

What does faith mean to you? (Allow students to respond.) Thomas Aquinas wrote many ideas about faith. Let’s read one of them. [Share the following quote from Saint Thomas Aquinas with the class. Have students respond in small discussion groups:] “Faith has to do with things that are not seen, and hope with things that are not at hand.” —Thomas Aquinas

• I believe that God inspired the authors of the Bible. • I believe that God wants me to experience joy and happiness in this life. • I know how to locate books and passages in the Bible. • I encourage and support others so that they can be aware of God’s presence in their lives.

Share Your Faith Think about God’s plan for you. Where do you see God acting in your life? What is he asking you to do? How will you answer him? Use the lines to journal and write your feelings. Ask somebody close to you what they think God’s plan is for them. Invite them to share where they see God acting in their lives.

6. Read aloud the Witness and Share introductory text. Sit quietly and reflect as I read the faith statements aloud.

✦✦ ✦✦

Read aloud the first faith statement.

✦✦

Sometimes to recognize God’s plan, we really have to listen to our hearts.

✦✦

Read aloud the other statements. Allow time for students to reflect.

✦✦

Have students consider one faith statement to discuss with a parent or another trusted adult. Invite them to revisit this statement again.

7. Allow time for the Share Your Faith activity. Remind students that God is always revealing his plan. We simply need to be open to him.

UNIT 1 God Reveals a Plan of Love

understand things correctly. Grant me the talent to be clear with my answers. Help me complete the work I begin this day. Amen.

2. Encourage students to keep

God at the center of their lives. Ask students to pray this prayer as they begin the school day and at night before doing any homework assignments.

Sunday Connection Explore this Sunday’s Scripture readings with students by accessing www.loyolapress.com/sunday. Goal 1: To bring about enthusiasm for faith so it is freely shared with others 96. To foster a greater appreciation of the power of God’s Word in our worship

Transform 1. Share with students the

following prayer inspired by Saint Thomas Aquinas. Hand out the following prayer and pray together as a class: O God, give me a sharp sense of understanding and good memory so that I may

The Church Evangelizes Work with other catechists and the pastor to plan a Religious Youth Day with other community religious organizations. This event can provide students and their families an opportunity to learn about other faiths. Encourage dialogue about community issues and share ideas for problem solving. Goal 2: To invite all people to hear the message of salvation in Jesus Christ 116. To deepen ecumenical involvement

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ADE

Contents

Introduction to the Program Planning Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OV-16 Scope and Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OV-18 Correlations to NCEA IFG: ACRE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OV-24

Unit 1

God Reveals a Plan of Love

Chapter 5 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

Unit 1 Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Salvation History Review Unit 1 Test Celebration of God’s Word Extending the Chapter

T54 T56 T58 T61 T62 T63

Note to Families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T1a Chapter 1 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

The Bible Reveals God’s Saving Love . . . . T2 Let the Son Shine In T4 Let’s Get Acquainted T7 Invited by God T9 A Bible Journey Log T13 Extending the Chapter T15

Chapter 2 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

Scripture Is God’s Saving Word . . . . . . . . . . God’s Revealing Love A Sacred Library Sharpening Bible Skills God Speaks to You Extending the Chapter

T16 T18 T21 T25 T26 T29

Chapter 3 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

Everything God Created Is Good . . . . . . . . Creation Is a Sign of God’s Love Our Dignity and Our Duty Caring for God’s Creation Celebrating God’s Creative Love Extending the Chapter

T30 T32 T35 T38 T40 T41

Chapter 4 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

God Offers Love and Mercy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sin and God’s Response Relationships in Conflict A Forgiving Heart Peacemakers Extending the Chapter

T42 T44 T47 T49 T51 T53

Unit 2

God Forms a Family of Faith

T65

Chapter 6 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

Abraham Is Our Father in Faith . . . . . . . . . Abraham, Father of All Believers A Test of Abraham’s Faith Faith Expressed Through Prayer Faith Expressed Through Sacrifice Extending the Chapter

T66 T68 T74 T77 T79 T81

Chapter 7 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

Jacob Is Chosen by God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How Jacob Was Chosen How We Were Chosen Living Our Mission Remembering That We Are Chosen Extending the Chapter

T82 T84 T88 T91 T93 T95

Chapter 8 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

The Israelites Journey to Egypt . . . . . . . . . . Joseph in Trouble Divine Providence The Meaning of Trust Joseph and Jesus Extending the Chapter

T96 T98 T102 T105 T107 T109

Chapter 9 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

Unit 2 Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A Memorial Stone Review Unit 2 Test Celebrating God’s Presence Extending the Chapter

T110 T112 T114 T117 T118 T120 v

Unit 3

God Guides the Chosen People

T121

Chapter 10 God Rescues the Chosen People from Slavery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T122 Day One Moses, a Great Leader T124 Day Two Exodus—Escape from Egypt T129 Day Three We Celebrate the New Covenant T132 Day Four Passover and the Eucharist T134 Day Five Extending the Chapter T137 Chapter 11 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

God Gives Us the Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Struggles in the Wilderness A Covenant with the Lord A Spiritual Hike A Time to Give Thanks Extending the Chapter

T138 T140 T143 T145 T147 T149

Chapter 12 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

We Live the Commandments Today . . . A Heart of Love Honoring God A Heart for Others The Mind and Heart of Jesus Extending the Chapter

T150 T152 T157 T159 T162 T164

Chapter 13 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

Learning God’s Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Learning to Live as God’s People In Times of Decision You Decide Intercessory Prayer Extending the Chapter

T166 T168 T171 T174 T175 T177

Chapter 14 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

God Forgives Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T178 Power to Heal and Forgive T180 Reconciliation in Our Lives T183 The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation T185 A Celebration of Reconciliation T187 Extending the Chapter T189

Chapter 15 God’s Chosen People Enter the Promised Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Day One Two Leaders of God’s People Day Two The Promised Land at Last Day Three Respecting Our Leaders Day Four Becoming Good Leaders Day Five Extending the Chapter vi

T190 T192 T195 T197 T199 T201

Chapter 16 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

Unit 3 Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T202 A Bible Scroll T204 Review T206 Unit 3 Test T209 Celebrating God’s Guidance T210 Extending the Chapter T212

Unit 4

God Leads the Chosen People

T213

Chapter 17 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

The Period of Judges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Problems in the Promised Land Judges, Heroes, and Heroines Media Influence Media Influence Extending the Chapter

Chapter 18 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

The Kings of Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T228 The Israelites Request a King T230 Anointed for Service T234 Catholic Leaders Today T237 Who Rules Your Life? T238 Extending the Chapter T241

Chapter 19 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

David and Solomon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T242 David, a Great King T244 Solomon, a Wise King T247 The Temple, a Place of Beauty and Worship T250 Praying the Psalms T252 Extending the Chapter T254

Chapter 20 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

Unit 4 Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T256 A Talk Show T258 A Talk Show T258 Review and Celebration T259 Unit 4 Test T263 Extending the Chapter T264

T214 T216 T219 T223 T223 T226

Unit 5

Prophets Prepare the Lord’s Way Chapter 21 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

Elijah and Amos Speak for the Lord . . . . Prophets—God’s Mouthpieces God’s Call for Justice Called to Social Justice Missionary Work Extending the Chapter

T265 T266 T268 T271 T274 T276 T279

Gather and Go Forth

T335

Student pages follow each chapter.

The New Evangelization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T335 Unit 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T338

Chapter 22 Isaiah Proclaims the Promised Messiah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T280 Day One Isaiah: God’s Holiness T282 Day Two Dreamers and Planners T286 Day Three Tracing the Promise: A Play T289 Day Four Signs of the Messiah T291 Day Five Extending the Chapter T292

Unit 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T348

Chapter 23 Prophets Proclaim God’s Everlasting Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Day One Prophet of a New Covenant Day Two Exile in Babylon Day Three Prophecies of Jeremiah Day Four Opposing Evil Today Day Five Extending the Chapter

Special Seasons and Lessons T294 T296 T301 T303 T304 T307

Unit 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T356 Unit 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T370 Unit 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T378 New Evangelization Correlation Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T388

T391

The Year in Our Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T391 1 Feast of All Saints November 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T392 2 Advent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T398 3 Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T405 4 Lent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T410 5 Holy Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T418 6 Easter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T425 7 Pentecost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T431 8 Our Lady of Guadalupe December 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . T436 9 March: The Month of Saint Joseph March 19 . . . . . T442 10 May: The Month of Mary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T446 11 Jonah: A Fish Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T451 12 Judith: A Brave Woman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T456 13 Job: A Man of Suffering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T460 14 Esther: Queen of Courage and Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T465

Chapter 24 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

The Savior Is Jesus, the Son of God . . . . . T308 John, the Last Prophet T310 The Promise Fulfilled T314 Giving Joyful Praise with Mary T318 Preparing the Lord’s Way T320 Extending the Chapter T323

Chapter 25 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

Unit 5 Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Preparing to Celebrate Celebrating the Prophets Review Unit 5 Test Extending the Chapter

T324 T326 T327 T329 T333 T333

What Catholics Should Know

T471

Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T471 Prayer and How We Pray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T473 What Is Prayer? T473 Many Forms of Christian Prayer T473 Adoration T473 Blessing T473 Contrition T473 Petition T474 Intercession T474 Thanksgiving T474 Praise T474 We Meditate and Contemplate T474 We Get Ready to Pray T474 vii

Prayers We Pray as Catholics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T475 An Ancient Language of Prayer T477 The Rosary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T478 Praying the Rosary T479 Mysteries of the Rosary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T480 Stations of the Cross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T481 Formulas of Catholic Doctrine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T483 The Great Commandment T483 The New Commandment T483 The Golden Rule T483 The Beatitudes T483 The Ten Commandments T484 Precepts of the Church T484 The Four Last Things T484 Virtues T485 Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit T485 Works of Mercy T485 Celebrating and Living Our Catholic Faith . . . . . . . . . . The Mystery of Faith Made Present The Seven Sacraments Sacraments of Initiation Sacraments of Healing Sacraments at the Service of Communion Holy Days of Obligation Order of the Mass

T486 T486 T486 T486 T486 T487 T487 T487

Making Good Choices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Morality of Human Acts An Examination of Conscience How to Make a Good Confession

T489 T489 T490 T490

The Bible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T491 How the Old Testament and the New Testament Were Put Together T491 Showing Our Love for the World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T493 Call to Family, Community and Participation T493 Rights and Responsibilities T494 Option for the Poor and Vulnerable T494 The Dignity of Workers and the Rights of Workers T494 Solidarity T494 Care for God’s Creation T494 Student Book Cover Prayers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T495

Saints and Feast Days

T497

Calendar of Saints and Feast Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .T497 Introduction T498 September T499 October T500 November T501 December T502 January T503 February T504 March T505 April T505 May T506 June T506 July T508 August T510

The Catechist’s Handbook

T513

The Catechist’s Handbook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T513 Profile of a Sixth Grader T514 Areas of Growth T515 The Catechist T516 Tips for Good Catechesis T518 What the Catechism Says to Catechists T519 Techniques and Tools of Teaching T520 Creative Activities T526 Inclusion: Meeting Special Needs T528 Multicultural Awareness T531 Assessment T532 Catechist’s Resources T533 Parent-Catechist Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T535 Music List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T539 Directory of Suppliers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T545 Online Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T547 Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T549 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T561 Scripture Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T567

viii

UNIT

God Reveals a Plan of Love Goals The students will grow in love for God through a deeper understanding of God’s plan of salvation. They will come to appreciate the Old Testament.

1 The Bible Reveals God’s Saving Love

The students are reminded that the Bible is one of the chief means of discovering God’s love for them and of learning how they can deepen their relationship with God. They learn that through Scripture, God reveals himself and the divine plan for our happiness. They see that the Old Testament helps us to understand Jesus.

2 Scripture Is God’s Saving Word

The students learn that God reveals himself and calls us to an intimate relationship through Sacred Scripture as well as through Sacred Tradition. They come to understand that God desires to speak to them through Scripture. They are introduced to the Bible as a collection of various kinds of inspired writings and learn the major categories of books in the Old Testament. They review how to locate passages.

3 Everything God Created Is Good

4 God Offers Love and Mercy

Through a study of the first stories in Genesis, the students ponder the entrance of sin into our world and its effect on our relationship with God and others. They see how God revealed the depth of divine love and mercy in promising a redeemer, and they discover in this promise the basis for Christian hope. They are given opportunities to grow in the Christlike response of peace and forgiveness.

5 Unit 1 Review

The students review the terms, people, and events, as well as the concept of salvation history, presented in Unit 1. In the context of a celebration, the Scripture prayer booklet “God’s Word Is Alive in  .” is provided for them from the back of the students’ book. It may be used in class or assigned as a home project to lead the students to scriptural prayer.

The students learn not only of the original creation of all things but of God’s continual act of creation, which includes creating new beings and keeping all things in existence. They are made aware of God’s special creation of people and are led to realize that people are more important than things. Responding to their call as stewards of the earth, they consider ways of protecting and caring for human life and for all the gifts of the earth.

The Bible Reveals God’s Saving Love CHAPTER 1 T1

P HA TER C

The Bible Reveals God’s Saving Love Faith Focus: We come to know God and Jesus through Scripture.

Reflecting on the Faith Experience Take a few moments to reflect prayerfully before preparing the lesson.

Listening I, the Lord, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go.

read,” he opened the Bible and read in silence the first verses on which his eyes fell: Let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and licentiousness, not in rivalry and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.

Isaiah 48:17

Reflecting Christians and Jews share the belief that the Old Testament is the Word of God. As such, the books of Scripture teach that truth that God has communicated for the sake of our salvation. (See Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation #11.) Beginning with Abraham, God’s self-revelation was made at specific times, in specific places, to specific people. The record of this communication has been faithfully transmitted through the ages, first orally and then in writing. Catholic tradition has always held that God’s revelation in the Bible is true, for the Church has always believed in the divine origin of the Scriptures. What God reveals must be true; a loving God cannot deceive. The compelling power of God’s Word can radically change our lives—as it changed the life of St. Augustine. In his youth Augustine recklessly abandoned himself to the cravings of his passions, but his spirit still hungered. Finally, in desperation, Augustine prayed for deliverance from his sin. Hearing a childlike voice chanting repeatedly, “Take up and read. Take up and

UNIT 1

God Reveals a Plan of Love

Romans 13:13–14

That message was the catalyst that converted St. Augustine, set him free from the bondage of sin, and enkindled in him the desire to put away all that had kept him from the Lord. With the psalmist, therefore, we sing God’s praise and pray that God’s revelation will guide our lives: Wonderful are your decrees; therefore I observe them. The revelation of your words sheds light, gives understanding to the simple. I sigh with open mouth, yearning for your commands. Turn to me and be gracious, your edict for lovers of your name. Steady my feet in accord with your promise; do not let iniquity lead me.

Psalm 119:129–133

Do I read Scripture on a regular basis?

Responding Lord, help my students grow in knowledge and love of you through your Word—Scripture.

Scripture for Further Reflection Colossians 1:15–20 God’s plan to draw all things in the heavens and on earth to himself in Christ existed from the beginning of time. Jesus, by his Death and Resurrection, destroyed the power of sin— the only obstacle keeping us from intimacy with God. 1 Corinthians 2:7–8 God’s plan to embrace and love each of us is more wonderful than even our greatest dreams.

Preparing for the Faith Experience Day One

Catholic Social Teaching

Gather and Go Forth

Let the Son Shine In

The Poor and Vulnerable

Day Two

Church Documents

Find catechist instruction for Gather and Go Forth student pages 9–10 on T338–T339.

Let’s Get Acquainted

Day Three Invited by God

Day Four A Bible Journey Log

Day Five Extending the Chapter

Gather and Go Forth

Scripture in This Chapter Isaiah 43:1 I have called you by name. Luke 24:13–35 The Road to Emmaus Ephesians 5:8 Live as children of light. Mark 16:15 Proclaim the Gospel to every creature.

Catechism of the Catholic Church. The themes in this chapter correspond to the following paragraphs: 102, 151. General Directory for Catechesis #108. Catechists should make known the words and actions with which God revealed himself in the Old Testament.

Enriching the Faith Experience Use the activities at the end of the chapter to enrich a lesson or to replace an activity with one that better meets the needs of your class.

National Directory for Catechesis #51. Catechists should recognize the special meaning of the Old Testament for the Jewish people, its original audience. Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation #6 (Vatican II). God’s revelation of himself enables us to know the truth about him with ease, certainty, and confidence.

Bulletin Board Below is a suggestion for a bulletin-board design for this chapter. Invite students to write their own names in the box. See page T523 for further explanation of how to use bulletin boards.

Weren’t our hearts burning within us . . .

I have called you by name.

You are mine.

Isaiah 43:1

as he opened Scriptures? The Bible Reveals God’s Saving Love CHAPTER 1 T3

Day One Let the Son Shine In LEARNING OUTCOMES The students will be able to • compare Jesus, the Son of God, to the Sun. • articulate the importance of letting Jesus touch their lives. • describe how to be open to Jesus.

• Recorded music: Find suggestions for Chapter 1 on page T539.

Before You Begin 1. This introductory lesson sets

the tone for the year. It centers the subject matter on Jesus and motivates the students to learn.

2. In Acting #2, the students

Materials • Bible • BLM 1, BLM 2 A–B, BLM 3A–C, BLM 4 • Time line of b.c. and a.d. years • Bulletin board with caption: “Let the Son Shine In” • Sun to put on the bulletin board • Picture of Jesus or a chi-rho • Daisy (real or paper) • Flashlight (optional) • Scissors • Crayons or markers • Bulletin-board pins

might create a poster or banner instead of a bulletin board. If notebooks are unavailable, they might glue their daisies onto a folder.

3. The students might use BLM 4

as patterns to draw daisies on white tissue paper. Students can cut and glue on yellow centers made from construction paper. You might wish to collect the second daisies so students don’t lose them before the Day Four lesson.

4. After correcting the pre-tests (BLM 3A–C), evaluate the students’ strengths and

Centering

Sharing

1. Greet the students.

1. Draw a picture of the sun on

Introduce yourself and share with the students why you are happy to be their catechist.

2. Invite a volunteer to come

forward and spell the word sun (son) on the board. ✦✦ Depending on which way the volunteer chooses to spell the word, point out the other way of spelling it and write the word on the board.

✦✦

What is the center of our solar system? (the sun) Our lives are dependent on the sun. During the summer how did the sun make life more enjoyable for you?

✦✦

Today you will reflect on the Son, spelled S-o-n, and how Jesus, the Son of God is like the sun (s-u-n) in your life.

UNIT 1

God Reveals a Plan of Love

the board. Ask the students to identify ways the sun helps us. As volunteers name ways that the sun helps us, have a volunteer list them on the board as rays coming from the sun.

SUN

weaknesses. Do not return the tests to the students, but be sure to save them. At the end of the year, give the test again as a post-test and let the students see how much they have learned.

5. If you will not be supplying

notebooks for Day Four, have the students bring them. They can use composition books, spiral notebooks, or pocket folders.

6. Send home Note to Families

(pages v–vi), BLM 1 Letter to Families, and BLM 2A–B Letter to Families on Unit 1. BLM 1 contains a letter to parents concerning the course, God Calls a People. BLM 2A–B concern the study of Unit 1, God Reveals a Plan of Love.

Day One 2. Relate the sun to Jesus. ✦✦

✦✦

Centuries ago, some people who recognized the importance of the sun worshiped it as a god. The chief god of the Egyptians, for instance, was Re (RAY), spelled R-e or R-a. This god was said to cross the sky in a solar ship every day. The Egyptians believed that their rulers, the pharaohs, were this sun-god on earth. We know that the sun is a burning ball of gases, and we do not worship it. But it is a good symbol of what Jesus is for us. In fact, Jesus once said, “I am the light of the world” (John 9:5). Look at the words on the board. How is Jesus like the sun? (He helps us to see what is true and how to live. He gave us eternal life by his Death. He feeds us in the Eucharist. He gives us the warmth of his love. He gives us peace, joy, and love. He gives us grace, his own life, to do good.) After the first sin, the world was in darkness. We needed someone to save us from sin and death, and to show us the way to happiness and eternal life. Jesus was the light sent by the Father to give us life. [Post the sun on the bulletin board.]

resemble the sun? (It has a large yellow center and white petals that come out from the center like the rays of the sun.) ✦✦

5. Use a flashlight to demonstrate

how to avoid light. Have a volunteer turn a flashlight on the class. Let the students demonstrate how they can avoid the light. Introduce the concept of being close to the sun (Son).

4. Show a daisy and ask how it

can be a symbol for us. ✦✦ What happens to flowers if they don’t get sun? (They die.) ✦✦

The daisy’s name comes from the words “day’s eye.” What do you think is meant by “the day’s eye”? (the sun) How does the daisy

1. BLM 4 Distribute two daisies

from BLM 4 Daisy Patterns to each student. ✦✦ As a reminder to be open to Jesus, the Son God, you will make two daisies. One you will add to the bulletin board. The other you will save for your journey log, which you will hear more about later. ✦✦

Cut out the daisies. Print your name in the center and then color the center yellow.

✦✦

As you work, think of a specific way to let Jesus shine more in your life. Maybe you can set a time for prayer and try to stick to it. Maybe you can plan to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, especially if you haven’t done so for a while. Maybe you can renew your efforts to resist a particular sin.

✦✦

You might resolve to get as much out of religion class this year as you can by putting as much into it as you can.

6. Discuss ways to let the Son

shine in. ✦✦ Jesus, the Son of God, is always there for us, ready to fill us with power and life. But we are free to be open to him or not. ✦✦

If we let Jesus into our lives, we will become what we are meant to be: fully mature human beings. If we let him into our lives, we will resemble him and shine forth love and goodness to others.

✦✦

How do we let the Son shine in our lives? (pray, celebrate the sacraments, read about him, try to be like him, stretch out our arms to help others)

✦✦

This year you will let the Son shine by learning more about who he is for us. You will learn how God prepared the world for his Son. You will also learn ways to let the Son enter your life and enrich you and enrich others through you.

3. Show the time line and point

out Jesus’ central position. Comment: The coming of Jesus gave meaning to the lives of all the people who lived before him and all who will live after him.

If the sun is a good symbol for Jesus, the daisy is a good symbol for us. Why? (We need Jesus like the daisy needs the sun. We are to resemble Jesus and be lights for the world.)

Acting

7. Play or let the students sing a song about Jesus and/or themselves as light.

The Bible Reveals God’s Saving Love CHAPTER 1 T5

Day One 2.

Have the students paste one daisy in their notebooks with the caption “Let the Son Shine In” above the daisy. Have them pin the other daisy on the bulletin board during the following prayer. ✦✦ Let us pray to be open to the Son as we finish the bulletin board together. ✦✦

Look at your daisy and listen to this reading from the letter to the Ephesians. [Read aloud Ephesians 5:8.] “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”

✦✦

Jesus, the Son of God, is our Savior. He is the source of our life. [Pin a picture of Jesus or a chi-rho to the sun.]

✦✦

Try to choose one way you will be open to Jesus and live as a child of light. [Pause.]

✦✦

Come forward and pin your daisy to the bulletin board. Let it be a sign of your intention to let Jesus shine in your life in some particular way. [You might play the song about light again.]

1 God Reveals a Plan of Love UNIT

For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

3. BLM 3A–C Administer the

pre-test God Calls a People on BLM 3A–C. This pretest will let me know what you already know about the Old Testament, which we will be studying this year. It will show me what to highlight as I teach the events that led to the coming of Jesus. It will also help you to see your progress at the end of the year.

UNIT 1

God Reveals a Plan of Love

Jeremiah 29:11

CHECKPOINT • Were the learning outcomes achieved? • What conclusions can be drawn from the results of the students’ pre-tests?

Day Two Let’s Get Acquainted LEARNING OUTCOMES The students will be able to • compare ways of coming to know people with ways of coming to know God. • explain that God’s self-revelation is in the Bible. • d escribe how to read the Bible as a Catholic. • identify habits of prayer.

Student pages 1–2

• Glue, tape, or a stapler

Before You Begin

• Crayons or markers

1. While many of the students may

• List of words on the board:

already know one another, there are often some newcomers. Taking the time to get acquainted will help to develop a sense of community. The opening activity in this lesson gives everyone, including you, a chance to learn something about the thoughts and feelings of the others.

shy funny kind brave patient quiet grateful

honest

loyal thoughtful agreeable polite studious adventurous cooperative cheerful

Materials

understanding forgiving

• BLM 5 • Word LISTEN on the board in capital letters

helpful

Sharing

1. Ask the students the meaning

1. Discuss getting to know

2. Have the students introduce

themselves. First let’s have you introduce yourself. Say your name and use three words from the board to describe you. For instance, “My name is Mary. I’m quiet, agreeable, and loyal.” You can use other words besides those listed.

program, the students will be experiencing many types of prayer. In this lesson they are motivated to pray, and they receive a visible reminder to pray.

dependable hardworking

Centering of the caption on the bulletin board, “Let the Son Shine In.” The first step to letting Jesus into your life is getting to know him better. Today you will think about how we get to know other people, including Jesus.

2. In the course of the sixth-grade

someone well. Think of someone you know well. Recall how you came to know that person. (Possible answers: being with them, listening to them, listening to what others say about them, watching what they do, reading about them, reading what they have written) [List the students ideas on the board as they volunteer them.]

2. Discuss how we come to know

God. ✦✦ God is with us all the time. Sometimes, however, we can be with someone and totally ignore him or her. How can you show that you remember God is with you? (talk to God in prayer) ✦✦

What are some ways God speaks to us? (through creation, the love of others, the Bible, the Church) When God speaks, we should listen with our whole selves. How

do we do that? (be quiet, pay attention to God, give time to prayer) Can you rearrange the letters in “listen” to spell a word that tells what you must be to really listen? (silent)

3. Guide the students to realize

that we can always come to know God better. ✦✦ The Bible tells us how God has revealed himself to his people through his great deeds. Because God inspired or guided the writing of the Bible, everything that it tells us about God is true. The Bible teaches us about God’s plan to fill our lives with happiness and peace. ✦✦

You already know many things that God teaches us in the Bible. This year you will learn many more. God is so great that no matter how much we study, we will never be able to say, “I know all about God.” We can always come to know God better.

The Bible Reveals God’s Saving Love CHAPTER 1 T7

Day Two 4. Invite volunteers to read aloud How to Read the Bible as a Catholic on page 2.

Getting Star ted

5. Explain why prayer should be a

regular part of daily life. ✦✦ God has made us to live with him. God is always with us, and speaks to us in many ways. But God speaks quietly. Since God never forces us to listen, it is important for us to take time to pray. When we pray we open our minds and hearts to God. Then we are able to know God. Then God can give us the peace and joy that come to those who follow God’s way. ✦✦

How to Read the Bible as a Catholic CATHOLICS BELIEVE that everything in the Bible is true. So, then, is it a fact that • God created the world in seven days? • Adam lived to be 930 years old? • Noah built an ark? • Jonah was swallowed by a large fish? If everything in the Bible is true, does this mean that Catholics have to choose between science and the Bible?

If you do not already have a special time or times when you pray during the day, think of a time now. Five or ten minutes before you go to bed might be a good time.

The key to understanding how to read the Bible as a Catholic is to understand the difference between truth and fact. Simply put, something can be truthful without being factual. For example, if you are trying to download a large file onto your computer and it is taking a long time, you might say that it is "taking a million years." You would be speaking the truth: the file is taking a long time to download. However, the information is not factual: the file is not taking a million years to download. Figurative language such as this communicates truth without relying totally on facts.

6. BLM 5 Distribute the leaves

from BLM 5 Leaf Patterns to the students. ✦✦ Jesus once described how close he is to us and how close we are to one another. He said, “I am the vine, you are the branches” (John 15:5). ✦✦

Today you will use these leaves to make a vine. On your leaf write your name and the three words you chose to describe yourself. Then on the back write this sentence and complete it: “I knew Jesus was with me when .”

7. Have the students put their

leaves together to form a vine. Hang the vine in the room so the statements can be read. Invite students who are willing to read aloud their sentences.

UNIT 1

God Reveals a Plan of Love

We say that as Catholics, we believe that everything in the Bible is true. What we mean is that the Bible teaches us, without error, the truth about God. Although the Bible does contain historical information, the authors of

the Bible were not primarily concerned with historical or scientific facts. Their goal was to teach the truth about God. With this in mind, we can say that the first creation story in the Book of Genesis is true, although it does not attempt to teach scientific facts. It teaches us truths about God and his relationship with creation, such as • God is the author of all creation. • God brings order out of chaos. • Human beings are created in God’s image. • Everything God created is good. As Catholics, we can learn from what scientists are teaching us about creation and, at the same time, learn from the Book of Genesis about the religious truth of Creation. Likewise, when the Bible says that Adam lived to be 930 years old, it is teaching the religious truth that he lived a long life, which is a sign of God's blessing. The story of Noah’s Ark is also true: we drown in sin and only those who obey God's voice are saved. Finally, the story of Jonah is true: when you say no to God’s will, you will find yourself in darkness. When reading Old Testament stories, don't be overly concerned with historical and scientific facts. The important thing is to search for the religious truth being taught in each story. Remember, everything in the Bible is true. After all, God has given us his Word!

UNIT 1 God Reveals a Plan of Love

Acting Lead the students in prayer. Let’s take a few moments to think quietly about God right now. [Pause.] Hear God calling you by name. [Pause.] Listen to God inviting you to get to know him better. [Pause.] Tell God what you really want to happen during each religion class this year. [Pause.] Tell God how you will cooperate with his plan for you. [Pause.] Now let’s all pray together, “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”

CHECKPOINT • Were the learning outcomes achieved? • What did the students’ statements reveal about their awareness of God in their lives?

Day Three Invited by God

Student pages 3–6

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Key Term

Before You Begin

The students will be able to • explain that God reveals himself to us in the Scriptures. • describe how the Old Testament helps us understand Jesus. • identify Scripture and Tradition as forming one sacred deposit.

Sacred Deposit—Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition form one sacred deposit of God’s revelation.

1. You might have the students

Materials

2. Decide how you will guide

Word to Know

• Newspaper with horoscope section • Scripture booklet “God’s Word Is Alive in ” from the back of the students’ books

See the Glossary for definition.

• Student books and Bibles on a decorated table

Centering

2. Hold up the invitation that you

Old Testament

1. Use the text below to prepare

an invitation to share with the students.

Dear students, You are invited to go on a special journey this year. You are invited to travel with my chosen people as you study their sacred writings, the Old Testament, sometimes called the Hebrew Scriptures. On this journey you will see how much I love my people. You will learn more about my plan to save all people. You will see that the journey of the ancient Israelites was much like your own journey to my kingdom. Through your study I will lead you to greater freedom and happiness. I will bring you closer to me. Will you come on the journey with me?

• Stapler or yarn and a hole punch

have prepared. Ask a student to open it and share the message with the class.

3. Show the students the

horoscope section of a newspaper. ✦✦ Some people read horoscopes thinking that the movements of the stars and planets affect fate and behavior. As Catholics, however, we believe in an allpowerful God who has revealed himself to us by entering into human history. The Bible is a very important source of God’s communication with us.

enact the story of the journey to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35). the students in using their Scripture prayer booklet. You might assign and check certain pages throughout the year or give the students a few weeks to finish the entire booklet. Set a date when they can share their work. Encourage the students to use their booklets before school, during free moments, and at home.

✦✦

Today you will receive two books that will help you know God better: the Bible and your Christ Our Life book. These books will help you better understand his communication with us

4. Present the students with Bibles and copies their student books. Call each person by name and add a comment such as “Joe, may these books help you understand how much God loves you.”

5. Allow time for the students to look through their books.

Love, GOD

The Bible Reveals God’s Saving Love CHAPTER 1 T9

Day Three

Sharing

Have volunteers read aloud the rest of page 3. The Poor and Vulnerable

3. Draw the students’ attention to page 4. ✦✦ Have them write their own names on the line within Isaiah 43:1. ✦✦

What plan does the Old Testament tell about? (God’s plan to save all people)

✦✦

How was this plan fulfilled? (through the Death and Resurrection of Jesus)

✦✦

Could we know anything about God without God’s revelation to us in Scriptures? (yes, because God reveals himself in creation)

✦✦

What are other ways we come to know what God is like? (through creation, Scripture, community, and Jesus)

P HA TE

aloud the first paragraph of Invited by God on page 3. Have the students write their answers to the question. Then invite students to share their answers with the class or with those sitting near them.

1. Choose a volunteer to read

The Bible Reveals God’s Saving Love Invited by God How do you feel when you are invited to a party or to a friend’s house? Every time you receive an invitation, you have been chosen to take part in something. You must decide how you will respond. If you say yes, you can enjoy all that has been planned. You can deepen your friendship with the person who invited you and with all the other guests. Name two places you would like to be invited.

This year God invites you to go on a journey with his Chosen People through a study of the Old Testament. As you journey, you will see how much God loves his people, especially those who are poor and vulnerable. You will see how God is calling you to love his people. You will learn how God’s people responded to that love. You will see that their journey is much like your own journey to God’s kingdom. Who is this God who invites you? God is the all-powerful, all-knowing, all-loving one who is perfect in every way. God always was and

always will be. God is so great and so far beyond our understanding that we can never completely grasp who God is. Fortunately, God helps us to know him. God reveals himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—three divine and inseparable persons in one God. All of creation reveals how good and how great God is. The Scriptures tell us more. They tell how God made himself known to the Hebrews. They reveal God’s plan to save all people by sending his Son Jesus to earth. Jesus, by his Death and Resurrection, fulfilled God’s plan. What’s more, Jesus reveals what God is like more clearly than creation and Scripture do. He is the perfect revelation of God. The Church, the community of faith, helps us understand God's revelation. God’s message on the next page reveals his attitude toward you. Read it and write your name on the line. Take some time to tell God how you feel about this message.

How is God best revealed to us? (through Jesus, the perfect revelation) Why is Jesus the perfect revelation? (Jesus is God)

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine

According to God’s message on page 4, why shouldn’t we be afraid? (God has redeemed us. God has called us by name and we are his.)

Isaiah 43:1

T10

UNIT 1

God Reveals a Plan of Love

UNIT 1 God Reveals a Plan of Love

Day Three 4. Write image of the invisible God

(Colossians 1:15) on the board. ✦✦ God has always planned to bring us and all creation back to a loving relationship through Jesus. Little by little, God revealed his plan to people like Abraham, Moses, and the prophets, and did great things to show love and care for the Chosen People. ✦✦

Finally God’s most perfect revelation, Jesus, came. In a New Testament letter, Jesus is called “the image of the invisible God.” Through Jesus we come to know and love God. With Jesus’ Death and Resurrection, God’s selfrevelation was complete.

5. Have the students complete the activity Why Study the Old Testament? on page 5. Let a few students tell which answers they checked.

6. Call on volunteers to read aloud the rest of page 5. ✦✦ Who is with Jesus in the picture on page 5? (disciples on the way to Emmaus) ✦✦ ✦✦

What is Jesus doing? (explaining the Scriptures) How do we know it was the Old Testament Jesus taught from and not the New Testament? (The New Testament wasn’t written yet.)

✦✦

Why were the disciples filled with joy? (From the Scriptures they learned that Jesus’ Death did not mean he wasn’t the Messiah. They could still hope in him.)

✦✦

The way we handle the Bible and the way we treat it should show our love for God’s Word.

Why Study the Old Testament? Here are seven good reasons to study the Old Testament. Check the three that are most convincing to you.

❍ The history of the Jewish

people is our history too.

❍ Jesus read, studied, and prayed the Hebrew Scriptures.

❍ The Old Testament is God’s Word.

❍ Educated people are expected to know Bible stories.

❍ The Old Testament helps us to understand Jesus.

❍ God speaks to us

personally in the Bible.

❍ Reading the Old Testament helps us to understand our Jewish brothers and sisters.

A story in Luke’s gospel tells how Jesus used Scripture to teach about himself. On Easter Sunday, Cleopas and a companion, who were disciples of Jesus, were on their way from Jerusalem to Emmaus. As they walked, they talked about Jesus’ Death and the rumors of his Resurrection. The risen Jesus joined them on the road, but they did not recognize him. When Jesus asked what they were discussing, the disciples told him how disappointed and confused they were. They had hoped that Jesus was their Messiah, the Savior. Jesus listened to their story. Then he explained how the Hebrew Scriptures foretold the events in Jerusalem. He pointed out how passages about the Messiah referred to Jesus. The disciples were filled with joy as their fellow traveler spoke. By evening they were near Emmaus. The two disciples invited Jesus to stay with them. While they were eating supper, Jesus took

bread and said the blessing. Then he broke the bread and gave it to them. With that, Cleopas and his friend recognized Jesus. Then Jesus disappeared. The disciples said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us as he spoke to us and opened the Scriptures to us?” Excitedly they returned to Jerusalem. There they spread the news that Jesus was risen. They told others what he had taught them. Jesus also helps us to know him and understand his teachings through Scripture. The persons and events in the Bible reveal to us the greatness of God’s love. The Bible Reveals God’s Saving Love CHAPTER 1

The Bible Reveals God’s Saving Love CHAPTER 1 T11

Day Three 7. Complete Jesus Fulfilled Old Testament Promises on page 6 as a class.

A Moment with Jesus

8. Have a volunteer read aloud

Jesus helped the two disciples on the road to Emmaus to understand his teachings through Scripture. Take a moment to ask Jesus to help you this year to come to know him and his teachings through Scripture. Ask Jesus to fill you with his Holy Spirit so that you can recognize God's presence in the words of the Bible and in the people you meet each day.

A Sacred Deposit on page 6.

Read aloud A Moment with Jesus on page 6. Allow time for the students to pray independently.

Jesus Fulfilled Old Testament Promises

Acting

Match each Old Testament reference with its New Testament fulfillment. Print the correct letter on the line.

1. Encourage the students to pray

The Messiah will be born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:1)

short prayers throughout the day. Saying short prayers, just one or two sentences long, during the day can help us remember that God is with us, loving us, and that God wants us to come closer. Do you know short prayers you could pray while walking to school, down the halls, or anywhere, anytime?

2. Have the students

The Messiah will surrender himself to death and let himself be regarded as a sinner for the sake of sinners. (Isaiah 53:12)

A Sacred Deposit When you get your allowance or you receive money for your birthday or other special occasions, you might put some of the money in a bank. When you put money in a bank for safekeeping, it is called "making a deposit." A deposit is something that is entrusted to someone or something else for safekeeping.

My Page

For favorite Scripture quotations, personal prayers, and reflections . . .

Jesus gave to the Apostles a "sacred deposit"— his Word. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles shared Jesus' message and used it to bring God's Word to the people. Today, the Sacred Scripture, along with Sacred Tradition, is entrusted to the Church for safekeeping. The Church's bishops continue to safeguard and share this Sacred Deposit with the help of priests, religious men and women, and catechists. With the help of the bishops, and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can understand what God, who is the author of the Sacred Scripture, is saying to us today.

Scripture Prayer Booklet

remove the Scripture booklet God’s Word Is Alive in God’s Word Is Alive in from the back of their books. Direct them to put the pages in sequence, fold them, and staple or tie them with yarn. Have the students write their names on the booklets and page through them. Name:

Direct the students to page 2 of their Scripture booklets. Pray the prayer together and allow time for them to find the quotation in their Bibles and write a response. Some may wish to share their reflections. You might begin by sharing yours.

4. Tell the students how they are

to work through the booklet and the date(s) it is due. Point out page 12 where they can record verses, prayers, and reflections during the year.

T12

UNIT 1

God Reveals a Plan of Love

UNIT 1 God Reveals a Plan of Love

CHECKPOINT • Were the learning outcomes achieved? • Do the students understand the importance of studying the Old Testament?

Jerusalem’s king will come victorious and humble, riding on a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9) The eyes of the blind will be opened; the ears of the deaf will be unsealed. (Isaiah 35:5) A. Jesus healed many people. B. Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey while the people waved palm branches. C. Jesus was born in Bethlehem. D. Jesus suffered and died on the Cross.

Day Four A Bible Journey Log LEARNING OUTCOMES

Student pages 7–8

The students will be able to • know that God’s main message in the Bible is “I love you.” • design a notebook or folder for materials on the Bible. • demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts in this chapter.

P HA TER

Summary

We Remember How does God reveal himself to us? God reveals himself to us through creation, through Scripture, and through Jesus. What are some good reasons for reading the Old Testament? • The history of the Jewish people is our history too. • Jesus read, studied, and prayed the Hebrew Scriptures. • The Old Testament is God’s Word. • The Old Testament helps us to understand Jesus. • God speaks to us personally in the Bible. • Reading the Old Testament helps us to understand our Jewish brothers and sisters.

Materials • Bibles

What does it mean to refer to Sacred Scripture as a single sacred deposit of God’s Word? God's Word is entrusted to the Church for safekeeping.

• BLM 6 • BLM 7, Chapter 1 Quiz • Notebooks or folders

Things to Do at Home

Before You Begin

1. Ask five people, including

members of your family, why they think it is important to read the Bible. Report their answers to your class. 2. Read Psalm 91. Use it as a model to write a prayer telling God how you feel about his promises to protect you. 3. Read Jeremiah 7:23. Write a summary of what God tells us we must do to enjoy life with him.

1. The word revelation refers to

God’s act of revealing himself to us gradually over the course of history. As Catholics, we believe that God’s revelation culminates in Jesus. In Jesus, the invisible God becomes visible. By proclaiming Christ to all nations, we cooperate in God’s revelation of himself to all people.

3. When planning today’s lesson,

keep in mind that Day Four is when students take the quiz for this chapter. Reserve time at the end of class for this assessment. This quiz can also be administered on Day Five.

Psalm 89:2

Old Testament

• Recorded music: Find suggestions for Chapter 1 on page T539.

for the journey log, students can make a folder out of two sheets of heavy paper. If notebooks are used, students may divide them into sections: Vocabulary, Who’s Who, Prayers and Reflections, Creations, and Projects.

The promises of the Lord I will sing forever, proclaim your loyalty through all ages.

Word to Know

• Daisies made in Day One’s lesson

2. Instead of buying Bible folders

We Respond

4. Every night for a week, read a short passage from the Bible before you go to bed.

5. Discuss with your family what this Sunday’s readings tell you about God.

6. Find out whether your family has a special Bible.

If so, look through it together. Talk about why the Bible is special, and where it can be placed in your home to honor its important role in your lives. If your family does not have a Bible, make arrangements to purchase a family Catholic Bible and display it in a place of honor in your home.

Visit www.christourlife.com for more family resources.

Centering 1. Review the last lesson. ✦✦

In the last class, you learned some ways that God reveals himself. What are these ways? (through creation, through the Bible, and through Jesus) Of these, which is the best way? (Jesus)

✦✦

Today you will prepare for your study of the Bible this year. You will make something that will help you accept God’s invitation to journey with the Chosen People.

2. Talk about the main message of the Bible. ✦✦

If you could tell your friends only one thing about yourself, what would you choose to tell? [After some time for thought, invite the students to share their answers with a partner.]

✦✦

Although there are many pages and many books in the Bible, God is really giving only one message. What do you think it is? [Let some students write their answers on the board.]

The Bible Reveals God’s Saving Love CHAPTER 1 T13

Day Four

Sharing

CHAP TER

1. Help the students locate the

Review

Studying the Old Testament Unscramble the words below to complete each sentence.

main message of the Bible and compare it to their responses. Among the letters in the New Testament are three called letters of John, the apostle who was very close to Jesus. A summary of the Bible’s message about God is found in 1 John 4:16. Can someone locate this in the Bible and read it aloud? (“We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.”)

God’s Chosen People were the

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We call the scriptures of the Hebrew people the God reveals himself in

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The Old Testament tells about God’s The Old Testament tells how the Hebrews The Old Testament reveals God’s plan to

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for the Chosen People.

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to God’s love.

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all people.

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On the way to Emmaus, Jesus used Hebrew Scriptures to teach about Jesus studied and

2. Distribute notebooks or folders,

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The Old Testament helps us understand

or ask the students to take out theirs. Explain: ✦✦ What is a log, other than a piece of wood? (a full record of a journey) This year you will keep a journey log. ✦✦

Some verses of the Old Testament foreshadow

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the Hebrew Scriptures. .

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in Jesus’ life.

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A Bible Ad Complete this ad for the Bible.

Take and Read

You will be learning many new terms and ideas in your study of the Old Testament. To help remember these and the people and events, you will record them in your log. During the year, you can add important words and definitions, maps, art, and worksheets; and you can complete some activities right in your log.

● Journey with the Chosen People by reading the

● Come to know about God’s great

you.

● Find out about God’s plan to

● Learn more about your journey to God’s ● Discover how to meet God and listen to God through his Word in the ●

, the Son of God, will help you.

3. BLM 6 Using BLM 6 Bible

Activities, give directions for decorating the Bible notebooks. ✦✦ Pass out copies of BLM 6. You might play background music as the students work. ✦✦

Take out the daisies you made.

✦✦

Choose one of the quotations from the list on the worksheet and letter it on the front of your log. You might practice first on another paper in order to decide on a style of print and spacing. [Let some students put sample styles on the board.]

✦✦

T14

In designing the cover, plan a place to put your daisy. It will remind you that the reason for your Bible study is to let Jesus shine in your life.

UNIT 1

God Reveals a Plan of Love

✦✦

You can make a border around your quotation or complete it in another artistic way. When you finish the cover, do the activity on the worksheet. This exercise will help you to become more familiar with the names of the Old Testament books.

Lead the class in a prayer response to God’s Word. Lord, your Word is full of power and love. Help us to listen to your Word and to do whatever it tells us. You may add your own prayers in your heart. [Pause.] We ask all this through Jesus Christ your Son. Amen.

Acting 1. Lead the students through the Summary and Review Activities, pages 7–8.

2. BLM 7 Distribute and

administer BLM 7, Chapter 1 Quiz. Use this as an opportunity to assess the students’ understanding of the main concepts of the chapter. If there is not sufficient time for the students to complete the quiz, consider moving it to Day Five.

3. Encourage the use of the Bible

at home. ✦✦ You will be using the Bible often in class, but you can also let God’s Word be the Word of Life.

Day Five for you by reading at least one passage each day at home. ✦✦

✦✦

Before reading the Bible, you might pray the quotation on the cover of your journey log, asking for help to hear and understand God’s Word. Would someone be willing to share how their quotation could become a prayer before reading the Bible? Here is an example:

“Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” Dear God, I listen to many things: the radio and TV, my friends, teachers, parents, but I don’t always hear what is said. Please help me listen and hear your message for me now. I know your Word will help me be happy.

CHECKPOINT • Were the learning outcomes achieved? • What attitudes toward the Bible were reflected by the way the students worked?

4. At the end of class, have the

students tear out and take home pages 7–8.

Day Five Extending the Chapter Gather and Go Forth Lead students through

pages 9–10 in the student book. Find catechist instruction on T338–T339.

Use the following suggestions to create an additional lesson for Day Five.

1. Remind the students to take

home pages 7–8 to share what they are learning with their families.

2. Incorporate any unused BLMs from the week’s chapter.

4. Visit www.christourlife.com to find additional activities for Extending the Chapter.

5. Use activities from Enriching the Faith Experience.

6. Guide the students in a

3. Consider the time of the

liturgical year and use the appropriate Special Seasons and Lessons. SSLs begin on page T391.

prayerful discussion of Sunday’s Scripture readings. Visit www.christourlife.com for more information.

Chapter 1 Enriching the Faith Experience Use the following activities to create enrich a lesson or to replace an activity with one that better meets the needs of your class.

1. Invite the students to designate

an outdoor space that they can think of as their “sacred space.” Encourage them to go there often for personal prayer and to do what they can to show care for God’s creation.

2. Have the students write

personal responses to God’s invitation from Day Three’s lesson. These can be kept in their journey logs.

3. Direct the students to label a

page in their log “Prayers for the Journey.” Have them list short prayers that can be prayed

by heart as portable journey prayers. Offer these starters: “My Lord and my God.” “Your Word is a light on my path.” “Son of David, have pity on me.” Suggest that they add to the list whenever they find a short prayer they like, or that they compose one.

4. Have the students plan a prayer celebration for enthroning the Bible in the classroom.

5. Have the students plan a TV

commercial urging people to read the Bible. The students may work alone or in groups.

Scripture, a homily on the passage, and a commercial. The students might broadcast the program over the school public-address system.

7. Ask the students to find

pictures of everyday happenings and to print beneath each picture a verse from the Bible that shows how our daily experiences can bring us closer to God.

8. Make a class visit to church and pray silently, or aloud in unison, Psalm 105.

6. Ask for volunteers to plan a

Bible radio broadcast. The broadcast might include an introduction, a passage from The Bible Reveals God’s Saving Love CHAPTER 1 T15