Christ Our Life 2016 Grade 8 Teacher School Edition by Loyola Press

NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION

Christ Our Life The Church Then and Now

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 T356, 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 8 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.

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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. Read aloud the page title

Gather and Go Forth. ✦✦ Consider examples of many parts working together to perform one function. ✦✦

✦✦

What are some examples of people working together? (Possible answers: an orchestra; a singing group; a sports team) Why do people need to work together? (to accomplish something they can’t do on their own, to help one another)

Know and Proclaim

Point out that each part has to work for the group to achieve its goal. Use one of the examples the students provided. What are the parts that make up that group? [Allow students time to respond.]

2. Have students read the text and

Scripture in the sidebar on page 11. As Catholics, we believe we are the one Body of Christ. We proclaim the Gospel of Christ with one heart and one voice. [Together pray the Angelus on the inside back cover of the student book. Ask for a volunteer to lead the prayer.]

We Know Our Faith

We Proclaim Our Faith Catholics show they are members of the Church by performing Works of Mercy, such as feeding those who are hungry or consoling those who mourn.

Mary was the first disciple, and she shows us what it is like to be a perfect follower of Jesus. Mary is the best image of what the Church should be.

Catholics honor Mary by observing holy days like the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and by praying prayers like the Hail Mary.

The Holy Spirit makes the Church holy. The Spirit’s presence builds and animates the Church.

Catholics pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance when confused or troubled, using such prayers as Come, Holy Spirit or the Litany of the Holy Spirit.

We are the community of disciples. We learn about our faith so that we can proclaim it to others.

The Church is the People of God. Jesus gathers all those who believe in him into a community, the Church.

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 event do Catholics celebrate with the Feast of the Annunciation? the Last Supper the wedding feast at Cana the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem the message that Mary will be the mother of Jesus

Proclaim

A Community of Disciples CHAPTER 1

1. Ask volunteers to read aloud

the Know and Proclaim introduction and chart. ✦✦ Discuss the first row of the chart. Help students understand that they are part of the Church. ✦✦

What is the function of the Church? (to know and proclaim Christ’s teachings)

✦✦

What does it mean to be Jesus’ disciple? (to follow Jesus and live according to his teachings) How do you show others that you are a disciple? (by performing works of mercy)

✦✦

[Discuss the second row of the chart.] Who was Jesus’ first follower? (his mother, Mary) How did Mary show her belief in Jesus? (by being faithful to God; by standing with Jesus during his life and Crucifixion) How do you show your belief in Jesus? (Possible

answers: by being true to the Church; by bringing Jesus to others) ✦✦

After reading the third row of the chart, lead students in the Prayer for the Work of the Holy Spirit on page 264.

2. Read the directions to the Test

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

Your Catholic Knowledge question at the bottom of the page. Allow students time to fill in the circle of their choice. Discuss the answer.

The Church Evangelizes Welcoming others into your local school, religious education class, or parish community is a way to make others feel more included in the larger community of Jesus’ disciples. Encourage students to take a more active role at Mass by volunteering to greet and extend hospitality to fellow worshipers at Mass each week. Goal 1: To bring about enthusiasm for faith so it is freely shared with others 94. To make the evangelizing mission of Sunday Eucharist more explicit

See pages T406–T408 for a full correlation to the USCCB Go and Make Disciples national plan.

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UNIT 1

The Mystery of the Church

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3. Read aloud A Catholic to

Know. Discuss Saint Hedwig. ✦✦ Tell students that the saints serve as good role models in faith. How did Saint Hedwig show that she was a follower of Jesus? (She took care of those who were sick and poor.) ✦✦

Have students discuss a modernday hero who helps those who are sick and poor like Saint Hedwig.

✦✦

Invite students to suggest ways that they can imitate Saint Hedwig. What are some parish activities that help people in need? What can you do to help? (Possible answers: donate money and time) How does Saint Hedwig inspire you to follow Jesus? [Let students respond.]

A Catholic to Know In the 1200s, Saint Hedwig, the daughter of a count, was considered a living saint. She married King Henry I of Silesia, and as queen, she was admired for her kindness and love for those who were poor. Among her many works of mercy, Saint Hedwig founded a hospital for people with leprosy, and she invited the religious to build monasteries in her kingdom. She welcomed travelers and those who were homeless and sick into her castle. Saint Hedwig also sought out those who needed her help, visiting them in their cottages. The example of Saint Hedwig’s love and service inspired Catholics to serve one another with love throughout the centuries.

Saint Hedwig

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

My Way to Faith • I believe that the Holy Spirit is present and active in the Church today. • I see myself as a member of the worldwide community of the Church. • I look to Mary as an example for how to follow Jesus. • I live as a sign of Jesus’ presence in the world. • I participate in parish activities that serve the needs of others.

4. Explain the concept of witness. What does a witness do? (A witness speaks the truth about what he or she has seen or heard.) How can your life give witness to Jesus? (Your words and actions share his teachings with others.)

Share Your Faith Consider ways in which you can be more active in your parish community through participation at Mass, serving others, or joining a group. Write your ideas on the lines and invite a family member or friend to join you in at least one action during the coming week.

5. Read the Witness and Share

introductory text. Think about how you are growing in a deeper relationship with Jesus.

✦✦

Read aloud each statement, pausing to allow time for reflection.

✦✦

Think about how your words and actions give witness to each faith statement.

✦✦

Ask students to choose one faith statement to discuss with their parents or another trusted adult. Encourage students to write this statement in their journal and return to it from time to time to see how they’ve gown in their faith.

6. Discuss ways to share our faith. Why is faith meant to be shared? (Possible answers: to serve God’s kingdom; to help others grow in their faith)

7. Read aloud the directions for

the Share Your Faith activity. Allow time for students to write their ideas and set a short-term goal to be an active witness.

UNIT 1 The Mystery of the Church

Transform

3. Lead the class in a prayer to

the Holy Spirit, asking for the strength to make a difference in their community.

1. Ask students to think

about their parish and school community. How can the example of your life and witness make a difference? Discuss ideas.

Español Invite Spanishlanguage speakers to access www.loyolapress.com/espanol.

2. Challenge students to work for

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

peace and social justice. You can improve a situation in your community through your example.

The Church Evangelizes Invite students to interview adult relatives and family members to learn how their faith influences their work. Encourage students to apply what they learned from these interviews to their own lives. Goal 3: To foster gospel values, promoting dignity of the human person, the importance of the family, and the common good 123. To develop groups to explore issues of the workplace and lay spirituality

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NEW EVANGELIZATION

Inspire

Gather and Go Forth

1. Read aloud the title Gather

and Go Forth on page 19. Discuss what it means to respond to God’s love. What is an appropriate response when you are given a gift? (thank the giver, give a gift in return; do something to show appreciation) What gifts have been given to you by God? [Allow time for students to respond.] What is an appropriate response to God? (Possible answers: thanks; praise) How can you express appreciation to God? (Possible answer: serve God’s people) Who inspires our response? (the Holy Spirit)

Know and Proclaim The Church, which began with God’s Chosen People, includes all the living and dead who have responded to God’s love.

2. Read about the gifts of the Holy

Spirit in the text and Scripture in the sidebar. Discuss what the gifts of the Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to do. The Holy Spirit gave the gift of tongues (or languages) to the apostles to enable them to proclaim the Gospel and Jesus Christ. The apostles show us what to do with the gifts we have been given by God. End with a prayer to the Holy Spirit.

We Know Our Faith

We Proclaim Our Faith

The Bible tells the story of God’s love for his people and their response throughout history.

Catholics recognize God’s love for all people, and they respect people of all religions.

Revelation is all that God makes known through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition to save us.

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a tradition that acknowledges people’s desire for Jesus’ redeeming love.

Our spiritual family includes the saints— men and women who responded to God’s call while they lived on earth.

Catholics commemorate the lives of the saints by celebrating their memorials and remembering the departed in prayers at Mass.

A PT E R

s Catholics, we believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to guide what we say and do, just as the Spirit guided the apostles at Pentecost. The Holy Spirit speaks through Sacred Scripture and Tradition. And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. Acts of the Apostles 2:4

Test Your Catholic Knowledge Fill in the circle that best completes the sentence. The Communion of Saints includes: people who do not believe in God but live according to their conscience. all members of the Church on earth, in heaven, and in purgatory. the Jewish people, who are God’s Chosen People. people of other religions, such as Islam.

Proclaim Tracing Our Roots CHAPTER 2

1. Read and discuss the Know

and Proclaim introduction and chart. ✦✦ After reading the first two rows of the chart, recall with students ways they learn about their faith. ✦✦

How do we learn more about our faith? (by reading the Bible; attending Mass; learning about the lives of the saints; learning about devotions) Why would we want to learn more? (to live our faith more fully; to be better disciples; to respond to God’s gifts)

✦✦

Discuss the third row of the chart. Help students understand the concept of a spiritual family.

✦✦

How do you honor your relatives who are still living, as well as those who have died? (Possible answers: birthdays; anniversaries) How does knowing about them inspire you to be like them? [Allow time for responses.]

✦✦

Who are some of your ancestors in faith in addition to your relatives? (Possible answers: saints; holy men and women) How do we honor them? (prayers; holy days; feast days) How can knowing more about them inspire us to holiness? [Allow time for responses.]

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

2. Point out the Test Your

Catholic Knowledge section. Read the directions and allow students to respond. Discuss the answer.

The Church Evangelizes Volunteer to help the RCIA ministry by participating in a session during the period of inquiry. Collect stories from prior catechumens to share with people who are inquiring about joining the Catholic Church and share your experiences of being Catholic. 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

See pages T406–T408 for a full correlation to the USCCB Go and Make Disciples national plan.

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UNIT 1

The Mystery of the Church

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3. Read aloud A Catholic to

Know. Discuss Saint Teresa of Ávila. ✦✦ Tell students that Saint Teresa is one of our many ancestors in faith to whom we can look as an example for how to follow Jesus. ✦✦

A Catholic to Know Teresa of Ávila was an energetic and willful child. She entered the convent at the age of 20, but her experience of conversion did not occur until many years later. An image of the crucified Christ made her aware that she was not living in true relationship with God. Her resolve to devote herself to intense prayer, strict poverty, and tireless labor for God’s people brought about a lifechanging realization of the depths of God’s love. Teresa’s conversion led her to become a religious reformer, an author, the founder of many convents, and a master of Christian prayer. In 1622, the Church canonized her. She and Saint Catherine of Siena were the first women to be declared Doctors of the Church.

Invite students to discuss the experience of Saint Teresa’s conversion and how believers and nonbelievers can experience God’s love in new and profound ways.

Witness and Share

4. Read the Witness and Share

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

introductory text. ✦✦ Explain that each person’s experience of God at work in their lives is unique, but that all of us want to know God better. ✦✦

My Way to Faith • I spend time thinking about how God acts in my life. • I use Scripture to pray. • I respect people of other faiths and traditions.

Look at the faith statements and think about how you will respond to God’s gifts this week.

✦✦

As I read each statement, reflect on whether or not you actually think about how God acts in your life. Try to be honest with yourself and ask yourself if it is something you would like to do more often.

✦✦

Read each faith statement Allow time for students to reflect after each one.

✦✦

Ask students to choose one faith statement to discuss with their parents or another trusted adult. Encourage students to return to this page later in the year and reflect on the faith statements again.

5. Read aloud the directions for

the Share Your Faith activity. Let students work together and ask them how they can be more like that saint.

Transform

Saint Teresa of Ávila

• I think it is important to listen to our priest, our bishop, and the pope. • I look to the saints as models for how to be holy.

Share Your Faith Identify a quality of a saint that inspires you to take action in the form of prayer, service, study, or reaching out to others. How can you imitate this saint’s example? Write your ideas on the lines. Invite a family member or friend to talk about a saint who inspires him or her.

UNIT 1 The Mystery of the Church

2. Challenge students to follow

the example of their saint. Look again at the saint’s trait that you wrote in Share Your Faith. Tell a partner how imitating that trait will help bring you closer to God.

3. Ask students to write a prayer, asking their saint to intercede on their behalf.

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

1. Ask students to identify a

person with whom they will share their faith this week in their home, school, or community. How does the life of the saint you researched inspire you to share your faith? [Allow time to respond.] How does sharing your faith make a difference in the lives of others? [Discuss ideas.]

The Church Evangelizes Many Catholics explore different types of Catholic spirituality, including Carmelite, Ignatian, and Franciscan spirituality, to enrich and influence their lives. Goal 3: To foster gospel values, promoting dignity of the human person, the importance of the family, and the common good 123. To develop groups to explore issues of the workplace and lay spirituality

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NEW EVANGELIZATION

Inspire

Gather and Go Forth

1. Ask a student to read aloud the

text and Scripture in the sidebar on page 27. ✦✦ Slowly read the verse again. Which words or phrases are the most powerful? Why? Discuss students’ ideas. ✦✦

Pray aloud the phrase “I have grasped you by the hand.” What image comes to your mind? (Students might suggest a parent or another loving figure.) Continue discussing images or other words or verses that come to mind.

2. Discuss what a “covenant for

the people” means. We believe God called the people of Israel and made a covenant or an agreement with them—that he would be their God and they would be his people. The covenant that God made with the Israelites is our covenant too. We are called to work for justice for all of God’s people.

3. Ask students to write a petition asking the Holy Spirit to help them be a light for others. Take turns praying the petitions aloud.

Know and Proclaim We learn more about our Catholic faith as we grow in relationship with God. What we know, we can proclaim.

We Know Our Faith

We Proclaim Our Faith

The Church began as a small group of disciples who followed Jesus and listened to his words. The Holy Spirit united them into a community of faith.

On Pentecost, some Catholics wear red to recall the tongues of fire that appeared over the heads of the apostles.

The Church is an institution, a mystical communion, a sacrament, a herald, a servant, and a community of disciples.

Catholics support agencies like Catholic Charities, which serves as a voice for people living in poverty and promotes their well-being.

The Christian home—the domestic church—is a community of grace and prayer; it is the Church in miniature.

Catholics decorate their homes with signs of their faith, such as crucifixes, pictures of saints on their walls, and statues of saints in their yards.

A PT E R

od calls us, as he called the people of Israel, to be a light for all nations by working for peace and justice. I, the LORD, have called you for justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations. Isaiah 42:6

Test Your Catholic Knowledge Fill in the circle that best answers the question. Which best describes the Church as a mystical communion? the Acts of the Apostles the Bishop of Rome the Magisterium the Body of Christ

Proclaim

A Closer Look CHAPTER 3

1. Ask volunteers to read the

Know and Proclaim introduction and chart. ✦✦ As you discuss the first row, remind students that faith unites the Catholic community. ✦✦

Pentecost is the birthday of the Church. How can you celebrate the Church’s birthday? [Discuss ideas.]

✦✦

Discuss the second row. Remind students that models of the Church help us understand how the Church works.

✦✦

The Church is a servant through agencies like Catholic Charities. [Discuss examples of how the other models describe the Church.]

2. Remind students that there are many ways to express faith. [As you discuss the third row, explain that the Church extends into the

home.] What does your family do at home to express faith? (Possible answers: pray before meals; read Scripture together) How do you recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit in your home? (Possible answer: We treat one another with respect.)

3. Have students answer the Test

DRE Connect Share ideas with an online community for faith formation leaders by accessing dreconnect.loyolapress.com. Goal 2: To invite all people to hear the message of salvation in Jesus Christ 111. To cultivate an active core of the baptized to serve as ministers of evangelization

Your Catholic Knowledge question. Read the directions to students. Allow time for them to read and answer the question. Discuss the correct answer.

The Church Evangelizes Encourage students to work with members of their family to start a new family religious tradition or revive one that is no longer used. Invite students to share their new or rediscovered traditions with others. G oal 1: To bring about enthusiasm for faith so it is freely shared with others 101. To foster a sense of the domestic church

See pages T406–T408 for a full correlation to the USCCB Go and Make Disciples national plan.

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4. Read aloud A Catholic to

Know. Discuss Saint Robert Bellarmine. ✦✦ Disciples of Jesus have been called upon throughout history to witness in many different ways. Saint Robert Bellarmine was a scholar whose role was to defend the Church during a turbulent time in its history. ✦✦

✦✦

A Catholic to Know Saint Robert Bellarmine (1524–1621) is the patron saint of catechists and students because he guided children in the Church’s catechism. As a Jesuit priest and one of the outstanding scholars of his day, he was called upon to serve as personal theologian to Pope Clement VIII during the years of the Protestant Reformation (1517–1648). He became known as a great defender of the Catholic Church and its teachings through his writing and preaching. His sermons were so powerful that people were attracted from all over to hear them and many were converted. In 1931, Robert was declared a Doctor of the Church. We celebrate the life and works of Saint Robert Bellarmine on September 17.

Saint Robert used his intellect to witness for Jesus in the time in which he lived. How can you use your intellect to witness Jesus? [Allow time for discussion.]

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

We are called upon to use our gifts to be witnesses for our day.

• I thank God for people in my life who have helped me become a better person. • I share in God’s love by proclaiming my Catholic faith.

5. Read the Witness and Share

• I support people in my family, parish, and community as they grow in their faith.

introductory text. ✦✦ Explain that wherever students are in their relationship with God, it is a starting point for the relationship to grow. ✦✦

Look at the faith statements and reflect on where are you in relation to each statement.

✦✦

[Read aloud the first faith statement.] Make an honest assessment of where you are right now and where you want to go from here. [Read aloud the other statements, pausing to allow time for reflection.]

✦✦

Remind students that God gives us the grace to deepen our relationship with him. Ask students to choose one faith statement to discuss with a trusted adult in an effort to learn how to grow in this area. Encourage them to journal about their relationship with God to be able to understand their own growth over time. Encourage students to return to this page later in the year and reflect on the statements again.

6. Read aloud the directions for

the Share Your Faith activity. Let students share examples of how their families express their faith with prayer. Ask students if they heard an idea that they would like to do with their own families.

Saint Robert Bellarmine

• I look to members of my family as examples of discipleship. • I represent the Kingdom of God in the way I treat people who are less fortunate than I am.

Share Your Faith Help make your home a community of grace and prayer. How do you and your family pray together? Write your ideas for praying with your family. Invite family members to choose favorite prayers or write original prayers to say together as a family every day or on special occasions.

UNIT 1 The Mystery of the Church

Transform

3. Pray the Act of Love on the

1. Encourage students to reach

out to people who are less fortunate. What are some ways you can “be Church” to others? (Allow time to respond.)

2. Challenge students to volunteer with a parish ministry or service agency. What are some things your parish does to help people? (Possible answers: food pantry; helping elderly people in their homes; providing gifts for families in need during Christmas) You can be the hands and feet of Christ for others and make an important difference in their lives.

inside back cover of the student book.

Special Needs Explore ways to invite students with special needs to know God better at www.loyolapress.com/specialneeds. Goal 3: To foster gospel values, promoting dignity of the human person, the importance of family, and the common good 126. To involve the Catholic Church in the media

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NEW EVANGELIZATION

Inspire

Gather and Go Forth

1. Read the text and Scripture in

the sidebar on page 37. ✦✦ [Discuss reasons why people pray.] How does talking to your friends help you know them better? (I learn more about them. I get to know how they are feeling.) ✦✦

✦✦

Know and Proclaim As Catholics, we are people of prayer. We offer our joys and sorrows to the God who loves us.

Explain that prayer is having a conversation with God. What do you say to God when you talk to him? (I ask for forgiveness; I say thank you; I praise God’s goodness; I ask for help.) What do you say to friends to get them to help you? (I ask them for help.) Explain to students that asking for help is a good thing. You can ask God to help you in times of need. What are some things you would like God to help you with? (Possible answers: to do well on a test; for a sick person to get better)

We Know Our Faith

We Proclaim Our Faith

Prayer is the lifting up of one’s mind and heart to God. Jesus told his disciples to “pray always.”

As Catholics, we bring our whole lives to the celebration of the Mass where we are nourished and sent forth to love and serve others.

Liturgy is the public worship of the Church. The Mass is the Church’s greatest community prayer.

Catholics pray the Lord’s Prayer during every Mass and in the morning and evening prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours.

The Liturgy of the Hours is the prayer of Christians. It is a traditional form of prayer that has been prayed by Catholics for centuries.

Catholics pray psalms during the Liturgy of the Hours, which are traditional prayers said by Jesus himself.

A PT E R

e pray to God to give praise and thanks as well as to ask for guidance and help. Through prayer, we grow in our relationship with God and receive God’s grace and strength.

Give ear to my words, O LORD; understand my sighing. Attend to the sound of my cry, my king and my God! For to you I will pray, LORD. Psalm 5:2–3

Test Your Catholic Knowledge Fill in the circle that best answers the question.

2. Invite students into the prayer

What is the most important prayer of the Church?

center for silent reflection. ✦✦ Ask students to consider silently the areas in their lives where they need help. ✦✦

✦✦

the Lord’s Prayer the Liturgy of the Hours the lifting up of the mind and heart to God

Where would you like God’s help today? In the quiet of your minds, place before God all your troubles and worries. After a brief moment, pray the psalm verse on page 37.

Proclaim 1. Read the Know and Proclaim introduction and chart. ✦✦ As you discuss the first row, help students understand that there is no right or wrong way to pray. ✦✦

What are the essential ingredients of prayer? (Possible answers: an open heart; the desire to be closer to God; the willingness to share with God what is in your mind and heart)

✦✦

As you discuss the second row, remind students that the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. [Luke 11:1–4]

✦✦

the Hail Mary

What prayer did Jesus teach the disciples? (the Lord’s Prayer)

A People of Prayer CHAPTER 4

✦✦

After reading the third row, ask students if they have any favorite prayers. Tell students that they have to pray to learn how to pray. If you ask, Jesus will teach you to pray.

2. Read the directions to the Test Your Catholic Knowledge question. Allow students time to answer the question at the bottom of the page. Discuss the answer.

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 Church Evangelizes Encourage students to express their faith at home with their families and make it a model of the Church “in miniature.” Suggest that they gather together as a family to read the Gospel reading from the coming Sunday’s Mass and discuss how they can apply it to daily living. G oal 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 T406–T408 for a full correlation to the USCCB Go and Make Disciples national plan.

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3. Have students read A Catholic

to Know. Discuss the qualities of Saint John Vianney that inspired people who knew him. ✦✦ Tell students that saints of the Church are holy men and women who inspired others to follow Jesus. ✦✦

A Catholic to Know Saint John Vianney grew up during the French Revolution, when attending Mass was illegal. His family traveled long distances to pray in secret. Although John wanted to be a priest, his struggles as a student made him an unlikely candidate. John’s sincerity of heart triumphed, however. He was ordained and named pastor in the tiny French village of Ars. He was known for his devotion to prayer and his ability to “read people’s souls” during confession, bringing them closer to God. People traveled from all over France and other countries to pray with him, celebrate the sacraments, listen to his homilies, and confess their sins.

What were the qualities of Saint John Vianney that inspired people? (Possible answers: devotion to prayer; bringing people to God as a confessor) John Vianney invited people into a closer relationship with God through the sacraments and through prayer. God calls us to do the same.

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 talk to God using my own words. • I attend Sunday Mass regularly and participate fully.

4. Ask students to read the

• I believe that prayer brings me closer to God and other believers.

introduction for the Witness and Share section. ✦✦ Look at the statements about prayer. Ask yourself if these statements describe the way you pray. Then ask yourself how you can grow in your practice of prayer. ✦✦

Remind students that no two people are alike when it comes to prayer. Encourage students to let the Holy Spirit guide them. Ask them to focus on one faith statement as a goal for developing their prayer lives. Encourage them to share their goal with a parent or trusted adult.

5. Read aloud the directions for

the Share Your Faith activity. Invite students to write their prayers as individuals or with a partner. Ask if anyone would like to share their prayer with the group.

Transform 1. Encourage students to pray for personal intentions. Ask students to identify someone or something for which they would like to pray. Direct them to write their intentions on colored strips of paper and fashion a paper prayer chain to hang in the classroom.

2. Challenge students to pray for

Saint John Vianney

Witness and Share

• I pray for the needs of others. • I thank God for the beautiful things in the natural world. • I use the Bible to help me pray. • I express my openness to God by listening to his Word.

Share Your Faith Think about what you want to say to God today. What are you thankful for? Where do you need God’s guidance in your life? Who is in need of prayer? Write your prayer using your own words on the lines below. Invite a family member or a friend to pray your prayer with you.

UNIT 1 The Mystery of the Church

students from other classrooms. Where in the world are people in need of God’s help? (Let students respond.) Ask students to pray daily for these intentions as the prayer chain grows.

3. Remind students to “pray

always.” Tell students that prayer is not about saying words. The most effective prayers are the ones that come from the heart.

DRE Connect Share ideas with an online faith 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

✦✦

We are a people of prayer. We ask for God’s blessing, we express thanks, and we ask for help, not only for ourselves but for the whole world.

the world. Encourage students to add to the chain the intentions of family members, friends, neighbors, or

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NEW EVANGELIZATION

Inspire

Gather and Go Forth

1. Invite students into the prayer

center. Have them sit in a circle. ✦✦ Explain that everyone has unique talents and gifts. ✦✦

What talents do you have? (Let students respond.) How do you develop or grow that talent? (Accept all responses.)

Know and Proclaim We are the hands and feet of Christ in the world. We use our gifts to share the love of Christ through service to others.

2. Ask a student to read aloud the

We Know Our Faith

text and Scripture in the sidebar on page 49. ✦✦ Help students understand the meaning of spiritual gift. ✦✦

✦✦

What comes to mind when you hear the word gift? (present; special talent) Is every talent a spiritual gift? If so, why? (Yes, if it can be used to proclaim Jesus.) How can you use your talents to proclaim the Good News of Jesus? [Accept all responses.]

We Proclaim Our Faith

Every baptized person is called to share in the mission of Christ and his Church.

As Catholics, we bless ourselves with holy water to remind ourselves of our baptismal call to share in the mission of the Church.

The Holy Spirit gives people natural and spiritual gifts to help them follow Jesus and share in his mission of service.

Catholics are inspired by the Holy Spirit to recognize and share their gifts at home, in their neighborhoods, and at their parish by donating their time, talent, and treasure.

The Beatitudes teach Christians that they are all called to work for the kingdom.

As Catholics, we act as peacemakers in our daily lives. We often pray the Peace Prayer of Saint Francis, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace . . .”

A PT E R

he Holy Spirit gives gifts to all of us so that we may serve the People of God in Jesus’ name. There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. 1 Corinthians 12:4–6

Test Your Catholic Knowledge

[Ask students to go around the circle and say the following prayer:] God, thank you for my gift of . Help me use it to serve you.

Fill in the circle that best completes the sentence. We participate in the Church’s mission of evangelization by: serving others. choosing a vocation. profiting from our gifts. helping only other Catholics.

Proclaim 1. Allow students time to read

the Know and Proclaim introduction and chart. Help them connect the facts and practices of our faith. ✦✦ [Discuss the first row.] How does blessing yourself with holy water recall the commitment made for you at Baptism? (Allow for responses.) How does blessing yourself proclaim your faith to others? (It is a sign to others of my beliefs.) ✦✦

As you discuss the second row, remind students that it is the power of the Holy Spirit that guides the use of our gifts and talents

✦✦

Following Jesus is not always easy. We rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to serve Jesus with steadfast love and enthusiasm.

✦✦

After reading the third row, pray together the Peace Prayer of Saint Francis. An adapted version of this prayer can be found on page T316.

A People of Service CHAPTER 5

2. Ask students to complete

the Test Your Catholic Knowledge section. ✦✦ Inviting others to join our community of disciples is the primary focus of our Church. As a baptized Catholic, you have been called to evangelize. ✦✦

Allow students time to fill in the circle of their choice before discussing the correct answer.

DRE Connect Share ideas with an online community for faith formation by accessing dreconnect.loyolapress.com. Goal 2: To invite all people to hear the message of salvation in Jesus Christ 109. To equip active Catholic members to exercise their baptismal call to evangelize

The Church Evangelizes Send a newsletter home to students’ families, suggesting service projects that families can do together. Encourage them to ask the Holy Spirit to bless their work and sanctify whatever they are able to accomplish. Goal 1: To bring about enthusiasm for faith so it is freely shared with others 101. To foster a sense of the domestic church

See pages T406–T408 for a full correlation to the USCCB Go and Make Disciples national plan.

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3. Read aloud A Catholic to

Know. Explain that Saint Lawrence shows how even a sense of humor can be used to proclaim the Gospel. ✦✦ Invite students to consider how making people laugh might be useful in proclaiming the Gospel. Lawrence, like most people, liked a good joke and he liked to laugh. Being serious about our faith does not prohibit us from sharing fun with one another. ✦✦

✦✦

A Catholic to Know Saint Lawrence lived at a time when the Roman emperor ordered all citizens to worship the gods of Rome. Those who refused were tortured and executed. As a deacon of the Christian church, Lawrence handled the church’s money. When ordered to deliver the treasures of the Church, Lawrence gathered many people who were blind, sick, and poor to present as the church’s true treasures. Government officials, believing that Lawrence was making fun of them, sentenced him to death by fire. Lawrence is said to have laughed and joked with his executioners even as he burned. We remember Saint Lawrence as a witness for Christ on August 10.

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

Discuss with students someone in your community who uses humor to spread the Gospel like Saint Lawrence did.

My Way to Faith • I follow Jesus even when other people don’t. • I affirm people for their gifts and talents.

Help students understand that any gift or talent can be used to proclaim their faith.

• I show gratitude to the people who help me develop my gifts and talents. • I strive to be generous with my time, talent, and treasure. • I pray to Jesus that he will open my eyes to see the needs of others.

4. Explain the concept of “pay it

Share Your Faith

forward.” ✦✦ Explain that “pay it forward” is a way of repaying someone. Instead of paying back the person who did you a favor, you do a favor for someone else. ✦✦

How can you “pay it forward” in real life? [Discuss ideas.] How might this concept be applied to proclaiming the Gospel through service to others? [Discuss ideas.]

Saint Lawrence

Think of ways to use your gifts to serve the People of God this week at home or in the community. What are some of your gifts? How can those gifts be used to serve others? Write your ideas on the lines. Invite your family to join you in serving or praying with you in support of your service.

UNIT 1 The Mystery of the Church

5. Read the Witness and Share

introductory text. Look at the faith statements. Pray to the Holy Spirit for help and guidance as you think about your life as a disciple today.

✦✦

✦✦ ✦✦

Think about your ability to share what you believe with courage and confidence. Read aloud each faith statement, pausing to allow time for reflection. Ask students to choose one faith statement to discuss with a trusted adult at home or in their parish. Encourage them to turn the statement into a goal for spiritual growth this year and to return to this statement later in the year.

6. Read aloud the directions for

the Share Your Faith activity. Let students work in small groups to share and write their ideas.

Transform 1. Challenge students to put their faith into action. How can your example of doing something for others without expectation of reward make a difference? Discuss ideas.

2. Lead students in the Prayer

of Service from Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Lord, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve as you deserve; to give and not count the cost, to fight

and not heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to ask for reward, save that of knowing that I do your will. Amen.

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

The Church Evangelizes Encourage students to learn more about how local agencies provide support for the welfare of those who are mentally ill, homeless, or unemployed. Organize projects that support efforts in your area to care for people in need. Goal 3: To foster gospel values, promoting dignity of the human person, the importance of the family, and the common good 125. To involve every Catholic in areas of public policy

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ADE

Contents

Program Overview

OV-1

Unit 2

Planning Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OV-16

The Marks of the Church

Scope and Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OV-18

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

One in the Spirit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Meaning of Unity Unity in the Church Toward Unity Among Churches Being a Peacemaker Extending the Chapter

T70 T72 T76 T78 T80 T83

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

Made Holy in the Spirit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Church Is Holy Gifted in the Spirit Holiness: A Way of Life Your Life of Holiness Extending the Chapter

T84 T86 T89 T94 T96 T98

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

A Church That Is Catholic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . For All People and All Times The Mission of the Church You, a Missionary! Sent to Evangelizeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;A Celebration Extending the Chapter

T100 T102 T104 T108 T111 T112

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

An Apostolic Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Founded on the Apostles Church Leaders Follow Christ Popes of Recent History Serving the Needs of the World Extending the Chapter

T114 T116 T119 T121 T123 T126

Correlations to NCEA IFG: ACRE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OV-22

Unit 1

The Mystery of the Church

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

A Community of Disciples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T2 Discovering Church Together T4 Jesus Alive in the World T6 A Pilgrim People T11 Mary and the Holy Spirit T13 Extending the Chapter T16

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

Tracing Our Roots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Our Hebrew Ancestors The Bible: Our Sacred Writings Who Belongs? Duties of a Christian Extending the Chapter

T18 T20 T23 T24 T26 T28

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

A Closer Look . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beginnings Oneness in Community The Models of the Church The Models Today Extending the Chapter

T30 T32 T35 T36 T39 T41

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

A People of Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What Is Prayer The Prayer of the Church Planning a Scripture Prayer Service Planning to Pray Extending the Chapter

T42 T44 T47 T50 T52 T55

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

A People of Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Empowered to Serve Serving the Kingdom Stewardship Serving in Our Parish Community Extending the Chapter

T56 T58 T61 T63 T65 T68

T69

Unit 3

The History of the Church: Part I

T129

Unit 4

The History of the Church: Part II

T197

Chapter 10 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

The First Years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T130 The First Christians T132 Facing Adversity T136 Builders of the Early Church T138 A Good News-paper T140 Extending the Chapter T142

Chapter 15 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

The Church Faces Challenges . . . . . . . . . . . A Need for Healing Challenged to Change Protestant Brothers and Sisters The Holy Spirit Guides Us Extending the Chapter

T198 T200 T204 T207 T209 T211

Chapter 11 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

The Church Grows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A Change of Heart A Church on the Move Witnesses to Jesus A Sacrament of Conversion Extending the Chapter

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

Reforming the Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Renewal Spirit-Filled Leaders The Daily Examen A Look Back Extending the Chapter

T212 T214 T217 T219 T221 T223

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

In a Changing World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . God Is Near to Us Changing Times Science and Religion Gifted for Service Extending the Chapter

T224 T226 T229 T232 T234 T237

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

Signs of the Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T238 Servant of the Truth T240 Catholic Social Teaching T242 The Second Vatican Council T244 Local Church History T247 Extending the Chapter T249

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

The Church in North America . . . . . . . . . . T250 Beginnings in America T252 Freedom to Grow T256 A Puzzle of Church Facts T258 Filled with the Spirit T260 Extending the Chapter T262

T144 T146 T148 T150 T152 T154

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

A House Built on Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Martyrs Give Witness Witness and Defense Outstanding Early Christians A Written Tradition Extending the Chapter

T156 T158 T161 T164 T166 T168

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

A Light in Darkness: Part I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hope for a Dark World Virtueâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;A Strategy for Reform Great Women of Medieval Times Windows of Faith Extending the Chapter

T170 T172 T175 T177 T179 T181

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

A Light in Darkness: Part II . . . . . . . . . . . . . A Struggle for Power Best of Times, Worst of Times Living Signs Letting Our Light Shine Extending the Chapter

T182 T184 T187 T189 T192 T195

Unit 5

The Witness of the Church

T263

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

The Way of Holiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T264 Loved and Loving T266 The Two Ways T270 Virtue in Scripture T274 Making Progress in Love T275 Extending the Chapter T277

Chapter 21 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

The Way of Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loving God Praying to God Honoring God’s Name Serving for Love of God Extending the Chapter

T278 T280 T283 T285 T287 T290

Chapter 22 The Way of Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Day One The Day of Worship Day Two The Church Year Days Three and Four A Liturgy Workshop Day Five Extending the Chapter

T292 T294 T297 T300 T303

Chapter 23 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

The Way of the Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T304 Called to Obey T306 Loving by Giving Honor T309 Love for Human Life T311 Caring for One Another T314 Extending the Chapter T317

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

The Way of Human Dignity . . . . . . . . . . . . . A Whole Person A Gift for Life and Love Helps to Wholeness Peer Power Extending the Chapter

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

The Way of Justice and Truth . . . . . . . . . . . . T336 A Heart for Justice and Mercy T338 A Truthful Heart T342 Celebrating T346 End-of-the-Year Test T350 Extending the Chapter T350

Gather and Go Forth

T318 T320 T323 T327 T331 T335

T353

Student pages follow each chapter.

The New Evangelization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T353 Unit 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T356 Unit 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T366 Unit 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T374 Unit 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T384 Unit 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T394 New Evangelization Correlation Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T406

Special Seasons and Lessons

T409

The Year in Our Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T409 1 Feast of All Saints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T410 2 Advent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T415 3 Epiphany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T424 4 Lent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T430 5 Holy Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T439 6 Easter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T447 7 Pentecost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T454 8 Reconciliation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T459 9 Celebrating Eucharist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T478

vii

What Catholics Should Know

T487

The Catechist’s Handbook

Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prayer and How We Pray Prayers We Pray as Catholics The Rosary Mysteries of the Rosary Stations of the Cross Formulas of Catholic Doctrine Celebrating and Living Our Catholic Faith Making Good Choices The Bible Showing Our Love for the World

T487 T489 T491 T494 T496 T497 T499 T502 T505 T507 T509

The Catechist’s Handbook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T561 Profile of an Eighth Grader T562 Areas of Growth T563 The Catechist T564 Tips for Good Catechesis T566 What the Catechism Says to Catechists T567 Techniques and Tools of Teaching T568 Creative Activities T574 Inclusion: Meeting Special Needs T576 Multicultural Awareness T579 Assessment T580 Catechist’s Resources T582

Student Book Cover Prayers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T511

Saints and Feast Days

T513

Calendar of Saints and Feast Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T513 September T517 October T520 November T524 December T528 January T532 February T536 March T539 April T541 May T545 June T547 July T551 August T554

Parent-Youth Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T583 Music List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T589 Song: “Hymn of the Church” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T594 Song: “Julie’s Psalm” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T595 Song: “The Magnificat” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T596 Song: “Prayer of St. Augustine” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T597 Song: “Something Beautiful for God” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T598 Directory of Suppliers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T599 Online Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T601

Glossary Index

T603

T623

Scripture Index

viii

T561

T631

UNIT

The Mystery of the Church Goal The students should deepen their understanding and appreciation of the Church.

1 A Community of Disciples

The students explore the Church as a mystery. They reflect on the biblical images of the Church and determine whether the spiritual truths the images represent are evident in their own lives. They come to see Mary as the best image of the Church, and the Spirit as the sanctifier. They review keeping a reflection notebook.

2 Tracing Our Roots

The students gain an overview of salvation history. They come to understand Scripture and Tradition as expressions of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Revelation in Jesus Christ. They study the people who belong to the Church and the duties of the members.

4 A People of Prayer

The students reflect on the importance of prayer, what it is, its purposes, and various types of prayer. They review how Jesus prayed and what he taught about prayer. They explore various times and places for prayer. They are introduced to the Liturgy of the Hours, the prayer of Christians.

5 A People of Service

The students learn that every Christian is called to share in the mission of Christ and his Church. They also study the Beatitudes and Corporal Works of Mercy and consider ways to apply them to their lives.

3 A Closer Look

The students learn about the origins of the Church and its early stages. They become acquainted with the six models of the Church proposed by theologian Avery Dulles.

P HA TER C

A Community of Disciples Faith Focus The Church is the community of disciples, the Body of Christ, loved and redeemed by Christ.

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

Listening Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. John 15:4–5

Reflecting At the opening of the second session of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Paul VI called the Church a reality imbued with the presence of God. The Church is a mystery because Christ is present in the Church and the Holy Spirit is guiding it. The Church is also a mystery because it is a sign of the Kingdom of God. It was Jesus’ mission to reveal the mystery of God and our relationship to God. Through images, Jesus shared aspects of the mystery of the Church. He used the symbol of leaven to indicate that the kingdom would extend throughout the world. To show that we are bonded to him and find life through him, he likened our relationship with him to branches grafted to a vine. United, we bear fruit in the form of love for others, which shows itself in service. The image of the vine and branches describes how closely we are linked to Christ. We are like two friends present to each other, listening, understanding, and relating intimately. Transformed by his love, we can strengthen, heal, love, and serve others. In comparing the Church to a sheepfold, Jesus emphasized his care for us. Jesus, T2

UNIT 1

The Mystery of the Church

the Good Shepherd, loves us so much that he laid down his life so that we might have eternal life. Each of us is a small but vital part of the holy and splendid mystery of the Church. We are the leaven in Christ’s parable; we are the living branches grafted onto Christ and rooted in him; we are the sheep of his pasture; we are the Church, and Mary is our mother. Our spiritual heritage is both comforting and challenging. By looking at the past, we gain confidence to respond to Christ’s call to witness to him and his Church. Today we take our turn being servants, pilgrims, and bearers of the Good News. We do so with faith that the future of the Church will fulfill Christ’s promise: “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit.” (John 15:5) Which image of the Church appeals to me most? What would be my own image for the Church?

Responding Holy Spirit, lead my students to an ever deeper relationship with Jesus and his Church.

Scripture for Further Reflection Luke 8:9–10 When Jesus explains why he speaks in parables, he uses the word mysteries in conjunction with the Kingdom of God. Ephesians 3 Throughout this short chapter, Paul speaks of the mystery of Christ and his Church as it has been revealed by the Holy Spirit. He urges his listeners to aspire to the perfect love of Christ, that is, holiness.

Preparing for the Faith Experience Day One Discovering Church Together

Day Two Jesus Alive in the World

Day Three A Pilgrim People

Day Four Mary and the Holy Spirit

Day Five Extending the Chapter

Gather and Go Forth

Scripture in This Chapter Luke 13:20–21 The Leaven John 10:1–16 The Sheepfold John 15:1–8 The Vine and the Branches 1 Corinthians 12:12–31 The Body of Christ Mark 16:15 Proclaim the Gospel to every creature.

Catholic Social Teaching • Family and Community • Rights and Responsibilities • Life and Dignity

Church Documents Catechism of the Catholic Church. The themes in this chapter correspond to the following paragraphs: 781–798, 829, 963–975.

General Directory for Catechesis #53. Our faith in Jesus leads us to make a commitment to think like him, to judge like him, and to live like him. In doing so, we unite ourselves to the Church, the community of disciples. Dogmatic Constitution on the Church #5 (Second Vatican Council). The Church is a mystery that is brought to light in the way Jesus founded it. He used parables to describe God’s kingdom and its presence among people. Above all, his own life and Death revealed the kingdom perfectly. Dogmatic Constitution on the Church #8 (Second Vatican Council). The Church is a community of faith, hope, and love, but it is also a visible organization through which Christ communicates truth and grace to everyone. Dogmatic Constitution on the Church #62–63 (Second Vatican Council). Because Mary is the Mother of Christ the Redeemer, she is the Mother of the Church too. Saint Ambrose taught that Mary is also a type of the Church in the order of faith, charity, and perfect union with Christ.

Gather and Go Forth Find catechist instruction for Gather and Go Forth student pages 11–12 on T356–T357.

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. Bookmark www.christourlife.com to find Web BLMs.

Bulletin Board A suggestion for a bulletin-board design for this chapter is pictured. Put a mirror in the chi-rho so the students realize that they are the Church. See page T571 for further explanation of how to use bulletin boards.

Dogmatic Constitution on the Church #65 (Second Vatican Council). In Mary, the Church has reached its spotless perfection. She shines forth to all of us in the Church as the model of virtues, prompting us to come to her Son and to the love of the Father.

THE CHURCH

THE BODY OF CHRIST

A Community of Disciples CHAPTER 1 T3

Day One Discovering Church Together LEARNING OUTCOMES

Before You Begin

The students will be able to • identify the topic of the lesson (Church) and become familiar with their books. • explain what they hope to learn about the Church. • s how what they already know by taking a pre-test.

1. BLM 1, 2 Consider sending

Materials • BLM 1, BLM 2, BLM 3 • BLM 4A–B Pre-test • 5 or 6 jigsaw puzzles (about 8 pieces each) made from construction paper or greeting cards • 5 or 6 envelopes for the puzzles, with 1 piece missing from each puzzle

Student pages v, vi, and 2

3. Note that telling the students

that their reflection notebooks will not be read will make them feel more free to write honestly. Make them aware that they must respect one another’s privacy in regard to reflection notebooks. Speak from your experience about the value of keeping a reflection notebook.

home BLM 1 Family Letter on The Church Then and Now and BLM 2 Family Letter on Unit 1.

2. The students should be

familiar with keeping a reflection notebook if they used the Christ Our Life program in the past. The school might provide a reflection notebook for each student. You might buy bound books with lined pages. Otherwise, have the students buy a spiral notebook, a three-ring binder, or a book with blank pages. Have the students design a cover for it, using a drawing, a picture of Jesus, symbols of their friendship with Jesus, a favorite quotation, or a title.

4. Collect the pre-tests after

the students complete them. Review the tests to learn the students’ strengths and weaknesses. Use the results to plan your lessons for the year. Save the tests. At the end of the year, give the test again (post-test) and show the students how much they have learned.

• Items for the book presentation ceremony: BLM 3, music, candles (check fire codes), Bible, table for books, reflection notebooks

Note to Students

Dear Students, Every two years the world rivets its attention on the Olympic Games. Weeks before the games begin, an athlete ignites a torch in Olympia, Greece, the original site of the games in the eighth century b.c. He or she runs several miles with the burning torch and then passes it to another athlete, who carries it the next lap. This goes on until the flame arrives at the site of the current Olympic Games. There the last runner lights the Olympic flame in the stadium. It burns brightly throughout the games, as each contestant tries to live the Olympic motto: faster, higher, stronger. How does this relate to you and your faith? The light of faith handed down through the past 2,000 years has been passed to you. Jesus, the light of the world, enkindled the flame of eternal life by his death and Resurrection. He promised his followers that he would be with them until the end of time. At Pentecost, his Spirit came to them in fire and wind, and they set out to inflame the world with faith and love. Countless Christians have been entrusted with this light.

In this book, you will see how the Church shone like a light in the Dark Ages. You will see how the Church has survived social systems, political systems, and persecutions. You will be encouraged to think in newer, more profound ways about Catholic truths. The Holy Spirit, the four gifts that mark the Church, and Mary’s role will become more apparent to you. You will learn how the commandments are a sign of loyalty to Christ, who said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) God’s law will become clearer to you as a guide for doing today what Jesus did 2,000 years ago. You will meet Church members who bring joy and hope to the world.

can make you more aware of who you are and how you are living your life. In a reflection notebook, we take the time to reflect and to pray about our life.

Tips for Writing Reflections 1. Plan to set aside time regularly to write in your reflection notebook.

The flame of Catholic Christianity is being passed to a new generation—yours! Will you accept the challenge of carrying it bravely? You alone can hold the torch of your faith higher and let your love for Christ and his Church grow stronger. Union with Jesus in prayer will help you meet the challenge. Let your motto be “Christ and I, an amazing team!”

The Mystery of the Church

In seventh grade, you saw how keeping a reflection notebook can help deepen your commitment to Jesus and strengthen your relationship with the Church. A reflection notebook is more than a diary. It is not just a collection of events, but what we think and how we feel about those events. Writing about your thoughts and feelings

3. Pray to the Holy Spirit to give you guidance and inspiration. 4. As you write your reflections, listen to how Jesus is speaking to you through the people, events, and thoughts in your entries. 5. Keep your reflection notebook private. Remember, these reflections are for you to question, explore, and discover how God is working in your life.

7. Reread your reflection notebook every now and then. This will help you see how God has spoken to you and how he has been acting in your life.

Louis Comfort Tiffany, stained glass.

UNIT 1

2. Write what you are honestly thinking and feeling. This notebook is for you and your relationship with Jesus.

6. Make your reflection notebook special and neat, but do not worry too much about spelling and punctuation.

Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. 1 Corinthians 9:24–25

Keeping a Reflection Notebook

Day One

Centering 1. Introduce yourself. Share some personal facts, such as why you chose to become involved in catechesis, parish activities, or other faith-related activities.

Family Feature

2. Use a jigsaw puzzle to

Our Universal Church

encourage the students to share their faith this year. ✦✦ Divide the class into groups. Give each group an envelope containing a puzzle with one piece missing. Do not tell the students about the missing piece. Tell the groups to put the puzzles together and to raise their hands when they are finished. Then discuss the activity. ✦✦

✦✦

For most of us, our primary connection with the Church is through our parish. The first unit of the Christ Our Life program invites your eighth-grader to take a broader view. The word catholic means “universal.” Being a universal Church means that • we are a worldwide Church with a worldwide vision. • we are a multi-cultural Church that welcomes people of every race and culture. • We believe that the message of Jesus is true in every time and in every place. The universal nature of the Church prepares us to be citizens of the world. We are called to love our neighbor, both near and far.

Why was it impossible to put the puzzle together? (One piece was missing.) What does that tell you about each piece in a puzzle? (Each piece is important.)

Catholic Insights

One of our eucharistic prayers highlights the universal nature of the Church in an especially beautiful way: “Through the gospel proclaimed by your Son, you have brought together in a single Church people of every nation, culture, and tongue. Into it you breathe the power of your Spirit, that in every age your children may be gathered as one.”

Just as each puzzle piece is important, so every person in the room has valuable ideas and is important to our religion class. This year as we study the Church, we will need everyone’s contributions. We will need to be open to one another’s experiences of faith and the Church. Each of your insights and your gifts from God is valuable to all of us.

(The Church on the Way to Unity)

Faith Connections

Saints — Universal Faces: A good book on the lives of the saints can show how people have lived out their faith in various cultures and times. As a family, read about the saints and share stories about your favorite saints.

Some excellent resources on the saints include My Life with the Saints, James Martin, S.J.; My Best Teachers Were Saints, Susan Swetnam; By Way of Grace, Paula Huston; Loyola Kids Book of Saints and Loyola Kids Book of Heroes, Amy Welborn; The Loyola Treasury of Saints, David Self; The Seeker’s Guide to the Saints, Mitch Finley; Mystics and Miracles, Bert Ghezzi. Make a universal Gospel connection: Take time to read the Sunday Gospel with your family and then discuss these questions together: • What line or image of the Gospel reading stands out for me? • Name issues that are in the news around the world. What message does this reading hold for these worldwide concerns?

1 The Mystery of the Church

Address a universal concern: UNIT As a family, study a global issue that concerns you and make a decision about how to respond. For example, if you are interested in protecting the environment, you might join your family in neighborhood recycling efforts. If you are concerned about world hunger, you might contribute to an international relief organization.

Pray for the universal work of the Church: Choose an article from the diocesan or local newspaper that highlights the universal work of the Church (for example, missionary efforts in a developing country or a special event such as World Youth Day). Share the story with your family at dinner. After the meal, pray for the success of this ministry or event. Visit www.christourlife.com for more family resources.

UNIT 1 The Mystery of the Church

“[Y]ou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18

Sharing

1. BLM 3 Present the student

books and reflection notebooks, using the ceremony on BLM 3 Our Church, the Church of Jesus. Give the students time to page through their books after they have written their names in them.

2. Call on volunteers to read

aloud the Note to Students on pages v–vi. Explain the procedure you will follow for having the students keep reflection notebooks.

3. BLM 4A–B Administer BLM 4A–4B Pre-test.

✦✦

Explain to the students that this pre-test will show you what to stress in teaching about the Church. Mention that it will help them see their progress at the end of the year.

2. At the end of class, have the

students tear out page 2. Encourage them to share the Family Feature with their families.

4. Ask the students what they

hope to learn this year and list on the board keywords from their responses.

Acting 1. Discuss ways the students

can learn this year. (Study their books, ask questions, be attentive during Mass, read books about the saints.)

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

A Community of Disciples CHAPTER 1 T5

Day Two Jesus Alive in the World

Student pages 3–6

LEARNING OUTCOMES

P HA TE

The students will be able to • express their concept of the Church. • explain that the Church is a mystery. • identify scriptural images of the Church.

A Community of Disciples

Words to Know

What is your earliest memory of Church? Who was involved? How did you feel?

Church mystery

Church experiences have probably been a part of your life since you were born. You are now at the age when you look at familiar things in a new light. You form attitudes and make decisions that will affect your whole life and the lives of many other people. This book will encourage you to think about and deepen your relationship with the Church. You can be a Catholic in name only, you can be a

Communion of Saints See the Glossary for definitions.

Materials

Sunday-only member, or you can be an active and involved member of the Church. The choice is yours. The first step in studying the Church is to grasp what the Church is. This is not so easy because the Church is a mystery. A mystery of faith is something that can be known but never fully understood because it relates to God. Even when God reveals himself through his great works, he remains a mystery beyond words.

What the Church Is and Is Not

• Extension cord

Check the photo that best matches your present idea of Church, or describe a photo that would fit your idea.

• Bibles • Flash cards: Body of Christ, temple, bride of Christ, sheepfold, vine and branches, leaven • BLM 5

a large stone building

all the people in the parish

people who do not have much fun

people who help those who are poor and in need

saints who always do everything right

everyone who believes in God

the pope, bishops, and priests

other:

• Song about the Church

Before You Begin 1. Keep in mind that the People of God, the Chosen People, were a national group, a community called by the Lord. Today the Church is the new People of God, called by the Father, justified by the Son, and sanctified by the Spirit. With a variety of races, cultures, and languages, we are united in the Church. We are a worshiping community that believes the same Word, participates in the same sacraments, and serves the same Lord.

2. Recognize that explaining the

biblical images of the Church can be a challenge. It is enough that the students understand the concepts behind each image. This lesson aims to heighten the students’ awareness of Christ’s presence in the Church and in themselves, thereby deepening their identity with the Church.

UNIT 1

The Mystery of the Church

Centering 1. Discuss mystery. ✦✦

Ask the students to brainstorm a list of movies, TV shows, and novels that fit the category of mystery.

✦✦

Write their ideas on the board and ask volunteers to describe what they like best about mysteries.

✦✦

The mysteries that we encounter in movies, TV shows, and novels are presented to be solved. We enjoy the challenge of trying to solve the mystery before the solution is revealed.

Day Two ✦✦

✦✦

In the Bible, we encounter a very different understanding of mystery. According to biblical tradition, a mystery is not something to be solved, but something to be experienced or entered into.

The People of God No matter what your notion of the Church, you can be sure it is not complete. Some things cannot be neatly captured in words. The mystery we call the Church is perhaps most simply defined as the People of God. It is the people from all times and all countries who, like you, believe in God and have responded to Jesus’ call to be holy and to serve the common good of all people.

A mystery is something that we know but cannot fully understand. In other words, a mystery can be described as something that is revealed yet remains hidden.

We know that God exists because of creation and our own human reason. God has revealed himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit through his great deeds and words. Believing is a free human act—a gift made possible by the Holy Spirit. We are made by God to live with God. Therefore, we are religious by nature and by God’s call. The Church is the means and goal of God’s plan for us.

How would you define a mystery of faith? (something that God reveals to us that we can know and enter into but cannot fully understand) We cannot fully understand a mystery of faith because it relates to God, who is much greater than any thought we can think.

The word church means “convocation,” or people called together. Jesus made possible our response to God’s call. When sin separated us from God, Jesus—God the Son—became fully human and redeemed us. He died and rose, enabling us to be God’s people. Jesus— the visible image of the invisible God—is the founder and head of the Church. He gathers his disciples—all those who believe in him—into a community, the Church. The Church, then, is a community of disciples and a Communion of Saints. Through the Church, we come to know God’s plan of salvation.

2. Introduce the Church as

a mystery. With the books you received yesterday and with the help of the Holy Spirit, today you will begin your journey of entering more deeply into one of the greatest mysteries of our faith: the Church.

about the three questions at the top of page 3. ✦✦ After a minute, ask volunteers to share their memories. ✦✦

activity What the Church Is and Is Not on page 3, and then invite volunteers to share their responses.

Have the students read independently The People of God on page 4. Family and Community Rights and Responsibilities ✦✦ Check the students’ understanding of this section.

Your relationship with Jesus will determine your relationship with the Church. Do you believe in him? Do you believe that he saved you by his Death and Resurrection? Do you believe that he loves you and wants you to be his friend? Are you his disciple? Do you want to follow him? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, then you will be interested in the Church. In and through the Church, Jesus has been present to his people since he returned to his Father over two thousand years ago. He is present with us today. Once you are convinced of this, the Church means a lot to you. You love it and desire to grow in your understanding of it. You are faithful to it because it was given to us by Jesus. And while it may be easy to give up a set of rules and customs, it is not so easy to give up a person.

Jesus promised his followers, “I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) Jesus is alive and acting in the world today through the Church—through you!

✦✦

Call on someone to read the next two paragraphs.

2. Have the students work the

Who Is Jesus to You?

Community comes from the Latin word for oneness. Church members are one in their faith in Jesus. Your belief in Jesus and your love for him bind you together with all the other members of his Church.

Sharing 1. Invite the students to think

Through you, he continues to proclaim the Good News and reach out to others with love. Like Jesus the God-Man, the Church is both human and divine. It is a human society in which God is present and acting. As a member of the Church through Baptism, you have the responsibility to let Jesus act through you as you work to bring justice to the world and peace to all people.

✦✦

UNIT 1 The Mystery of the Church

Who belongs to the Church? (people from all times and all countries who have responded to God’s call to be holy; disciples of Jesus) How is Jesus related to the Church? (He redeemed us and made it possible for us to be God’s people; he is founder and head of the Church.) How is the Church both divine and human? (It is a human society in which God is present.) As a human society, the Church is not perfect. Billy Graham said, “If you find a perfect Church, join it. Then it won’t be perfect anymore.”

4. Have a volunteer read aloud Who Is Jesus to You? on page 4. ✦✦ Show an extension cord. ✦✦

What does this do? (brings electrical power across a distance)

✦✦

Can anyone explain why an extension cord is a symbol for the Church? (The Church extends the power of Jesus through time and space.)

A Community of Disciples CHAPTER 1 T7

Day Two ✦✦

✦✦

Jesus lived at a certain time in a certain place. To extend his life and mission to people everywhere down through the centuries, he established a Church.

Images of the Church Scripture uses images that help us understand the mystery of the Church. It compares the Church to things we know. As you learn about the following images, answer the questions on a sheet of paper.

Through the Church—the people who believe in him—Jesus continues to love, teach, and heal. He is able to touch our lives with his saving power.

Saint Paul called the Church the Body of Christ. He referred to Christ as the head and to us as members of that Mystical (spiritual) Body. • Think about the relationship of your body and its parts, or members. Why does your body need its members? Why do its members need one another? What happens to the rest of your body when one member hurts or is injured? • The image of the Body of Christ shows we are a close-knit community. What does this image say about Christ and us? about our relationship with one another?

5. Explain that one way we can

understand the Church is to compare it to different images. ✦✦ The more images of the Church we know, the better we can understand the Church. ✦✦

Read 1 Corinthians 12:12–31. The Church is also called a temple of the Holy Spirit because God dwells with his family in the Church. Jesus is the cornerstone, and we are the living stones that build it.

Let’s look at six images that the Bible gives to help us grasp the meaning of Church.

• Think about the purpose of a temple. Why was the Temple so special to the Jewish people? • The cornerstone of a building is the most important stone. What made Jesus the cornerstone of the Church? • Why is each stone in a building important?

6. Show the flash cards that

you have prepared and read them aloud. ✦✦ Point out that the last three (sheepfold, vine and branches, leaven) are images for the Church that Jesus gave us in the Gospels. ✦✦

Another scriptural image of the Church is the bride of Christ. Christ loved her so much that he died for her. He constantly cares for her and gives her gifts. He joins her to himself in a covenant of love. Some day she will be united with Christ in glory. • What kind of love do a bride and groom have for each other? What does this love tell you about Jesus and the Church? • You are the Church. Reread the above paragraph about the bride of Christ, substituting me for her and I for she. • How is the Church a mother? Why does Jesus call heaven a wedding feast?

Direct the students to spend a few minutes in small groups, talking about what they believe each image tells about the Church.

How Jesus Saw It Jesus spoke of the Church as a sign of his kingdom on earth. He used images in parables to tell us about it. Read each Scripture passage and then use the checklist to note ways you will become a more active member of the Church.

The Sheepfold John 10:1–16 Jesus tells us that he is the Good Shepherd and that his kingdom is like a sheepfold. The Good Shepherd’s love is so great that he lays down his life for his sheep. Jesus also calls himself the gate for the sheep because only through him can we enter the kingdom. All those who have faith in Jesus and his Church belong to the sheepfold.

Listening to the Good Shepherd What does Jesus say will happen when all people listen to his voice? (John 10:16)

Check one way you will respond because you belong to the Good Shepherd. I will be loving and generous like him. pray for the growth of the Church. share my faith with others. show Jesus that I rely on him by regularly celebrating Reconciliation and the Eucharist.

A Community of Disciples CHAPTER 1

7. Have volunteers read aloud

Images of the Church on page 5. ✦✦ Invite volunteers to respond to the questions. ✦✦

Direct the students to open their Bibles to 1 Corinthians 12:12–31 and have volunteers read aloud.

✦✦

Invite the students to rejoin their small groups and discuss whether they were correct about the images.

✦✦

When they are finished, discuss with the entire class each image and the answers to the questions.

Body of Christ ✦✦ Each part of the body has a distinct function. Our bodies are composed of all these parts, or members. Each member needs the others. It can’t survive alone or do the work of the others.

UNIT 1

The Mystery of the Church

When one member is hurt, the other members suffer too. ✦✦

This image says that Christ is very close to us, loves us as he loves himself, and can do certain things only if we do them. It says that all the members of the Church need one another.

Temple ✦✦ The Temple was a sign of God’s presence among the Jewish people. They prayed and worshiped there. ✦✦

Jesus began the Church. He saved it and gave it life.

✦✦

Each stone contributes to the whole. Without each stone, a building is not complete. It is flawed.

Bride of Christ ✦✦ A bride and groom have a total, exclusive, permanent love. Christ and his Church have a deep, permanent love. ✦✦

The Church gives us spiritual life and teaches us. In heaven, the Church will be united with God forever. Heaven is a celebration of the love between God and the Church.

Day Two 8.

Invite volunteers to read aloud How Jesus Saw It on pages 5–6. Family and Community ✦✦ Have the students locate the three Scripture passages in their Bibles. Invite volunteers to read them aloud. ✦✦

The Leaven Luke 13:20–21

The power of Jesus spreads through the whole world like yeast spreading through dough. It is a hidden power that moves slowly but surely. You are the leaven of Jesus when you become like him and proclaim the kingdom with your life. You are also his leaven when you work to change the world into a better place.

Rise to the Occasion

Allow time for the students to work on the activities independently.

The Vine and the Branches John 15:1–8

Jesus is the vine. Members of the Church are the branches. Through Jesus, you and other Church members live and grow. When you are united to Jesus and share his life, you are a healthy branch and bear much fruit. In other words, you recognize God’s goodness in your life and you share it with others.

9. Ask the students if they can

name two letters of the alphabet that tell who the Church is. ✦✦ As a hint, write on the board C H — — C H. Underline the CHs as you explain that Jesus is the beginning of the Church—its founder—as well as the end of the Church, since our goal is to be with him. Then write in the U and R, saying: ✦✦

✦✦

Call on students to choose one and to explain what the image tells about the Church. Invite a volunteer to read aloud A Moment with Jesus on page 6.

✦✦

Allow the students to spend some quiet time with Jesus.

✦✦

After a minute or two of silence, move on to the next activity.

do what I can to bring love and peace to my family. find secret ways to be generous.

To Whom It May Concern:

A Moment with Jesus Each of these images—sheepfold, vine and branches, leaven—gives you a glimpse into who and what the Church is.

Sincerely,

11. Lead the students in prayer. ✦✦

bring a spirit of forgiveness and unselfishness to all my dealings with others.

Imagine you are part of a committee whose job is to explain the meaning of Jesus’ parables. Write a brief letter based on John 15:1–8 to people who are not familiar with the stories of the New Testament. Explain what it means to bear fruit and mention some of the fruits we bear when we are close to Jesus. Also note what the reading tells us about how we can glorify God.

10. Review the flash cards. Turn the flash cards face-down.

I will

A Committee for Jesus

You are the Church, and each of you is very important.

✦✦

Check one way you will be leaven.

Take a moment now to reflect on one of these images. Silently read the Scripture passage that describes this image. Pause for a few moments and ask Jesus to help you deepen your relationship with him and with his Church. Thank Jesus for making you a member of his Church.

UNIT 1 The Mystery of the Church

A Community of Disciples CHAPTER 1 T9

Day Two

Acting 1. BLM 5 Have the students

work on BLM 5 Four Witness Stories. Discuss the answers. These points may be made: Kevin’s story ✦✦ Kevin does need to pray more, but prayer is not a substitute for living out the teachings of Jesus. ✦✦

Trying not to get caught solves nothing. We must take responsibility for our actions and do what is right, even if someone in authority is not watching.

✦✦

If Kevin’s father continues to threaten Kevin, he will build up fear and dislike. Making sure Kevin studies English will help him meet his responsibility.

✦✦

Excusing Kevin is avoiding the issue. Every person has the responsibility to be honest.

Lucia and Mary’s story ✦✦ By asking their parents to pay, Lucia and Mary are not making restitution. ✦✦

✦✦

T10

Quitting student council and never helping again is giving up responsibility and not learning to live up to what Christ calls them to be. Sister Margaret should forgive the girls and try to teach them to be truthful, but she might have to check on their honesty. Taking them off student council will not help them grow in responsibility. Sister Margaret should not discontinue the girls’ attendance at school functions. This would neither build up the trust the girls need nor encourage them to take responsibility for their own actions.

UNIT 1

The Mystery of the Church

Anne’s story ✦✦ Telling a lie is a sin. This lie would be caused by jealousy. ✦✦

Continuing to hate Brianna and Kaitlin is being selfish. It is our responsibility to forget about ourselves and think of others. Anne should think of more positive ways to get over her hurt.

✦✦

Ignoring Brianna and Kaitlin is an external way to avoid showing how hurt Anne is inside. She really needs an interior reconciliation. This will take time, but she should keep trying.

✦✦

Making Brianna and Kaitlin jealous is revenge, which hurts others, ourselves, and our relationship with God.

Peter’s story ✦✦ Lying is never acceptable. The person loses friends, peace, and friendship with God. ✦✦

For Peter to say the teacher is telling about the incident because she doesn’t like him is to blame another person rather than to assume responsibility for his actions.

✦✦

Getting even will cause more hurt and unhappiness. It leads to a loss of self-respect and does not help a person learn responsibility.

✦✦

By pleading with his parents to defend him, Peter is asking his parents to lie. He should have the courage to be truthful with those who can help him live up to his responsibilities.

2. Lead the students in prayer. As a closing prayer, have the students sing or listen to a song about the Church.

CHECKPOINT • Were the learning outcomes achieved? • Do any students need help locating Scripture references?

Day Three A Pilgrim People

Student page 1

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Key Terms

Before You Begin

The students will be able to • e xplain that they are responsible for making Christ and his Church present to others. • identify three more images for the Church: pilgrim people, salt, and light.

pilgrim—someone on a journey with others

In place of Acting #1, consider having the students make mobiles instead of “suitcases.” See Enriching the Faith Experience #3 for more information on the mobiles activity.

pilgrim people—name for the Church, the people on a journey to the Father

Materials • Copy of a recent newspaper • Salt, flashlight (optional) • BLM 6A–B • 1 envelope per student • 5 slips of paper per student • Bibles

Centering Show the class a newspaper and ask what issues are in the world news. ✦✦ Have the students list the issues on the board. ✦✦

Time periods are often named after world events. The period when glaciers covered much of the earth is called the Ice Age. What would you name our age: the Age?

✦✦

Do you think the Church is concerned about world issues? Why? (Yes, because we are concerned about them, and we are the Church)

✦✦

Yesterday you saw that the Church is the Body of Christ in the world. Today you will learn—through three images of yourselves as members of the Church—what role you are to play in the world.

Sharing 1. Write the word pilgrim on

the board. ✦✦ What is a pilgrim? (someone who travels with others on a journey) Why can Church members be called pilgrims? (We are on a journey to the Father.)

✦✦

The life of a pilgrim can be difficult. Why isn’t it easy to be a pilgrim in the Church today? (It is difficult to live up to the values of Christ in the world. Many people live by other standards.)

✦✦

The Church has been on a long pilgrimage through history. The Church has often faced hard times and sometimes finds it difficult to remain true to the values of the Gospel. But Christ has promised to remain with the Church on its journey. Christ’s Spirit guides us.

✦✦

Why is “salt of the earth” a good image for the pilgrim people? (Salt is a seasoning and a preservative. The pilgrim people preserve the Gospel and “season” the world by witnessing Gospel values.)

✦✦

Why is “light of the world” a good image for the pilgrim people? (When the world is discouraged and overwhelmed by difficulties, Church members can bring it light and hope by witnessing to Christ and his values.)

✦✦

Think of a time when you or people you know were salt or light for someone. Allow time for reflection and then ask if there are volunteers willing to share their stories.

How can you show that you are part of the Pilgrim People of God? (by worshiping, by witnessing and showing courage, by service to others)

2. Call on someone to read

Matthew 5:13–16 (The Similes of Salt and Light). ✦✦ What two images in this passage describe a disciple of Christ? (salt, light) ✦✦

✦✦

Write salt and light on the board. Show salt and a flashlight if available.

3. BLM 6A–B Arrange the

students in groups and distribute copies of BLM 6A–B You Belong to the Church. ✦✦ Have the students work the activity together. ✦✦

Discuss the answers as a class.

A Community of Disciples CHAPTER 1 T11

Day Three

Acting

1. Have the students make

“suitcases” to remind them that they belong to God’s Pilgrim People. ✦✦ Step 1. Distribute an envelope to each student and direct the students to draw “travel stickers” on the outside that describe the Church and its spirit today. They may draw and cut out handles on the envelope flaps. ✦✦

✦✦

Step 2. Give five slips of paper to each student. Have the students write on each slip one way they can give witness to the spirit of the Church at home or at school. Encourage them to come up with practical examples, such as “I will promote unity at home by not fighting with my brother” or “I will show love for all by sharing my seat on the bus with an unpopular student.” Step 3. Have the students “pack” their suitcases with their good works. Each day during that week, they should “unpack” one resolution and practice it. Suggest that they keep the suitcases in their books.

Love for All

Missionary

Unity

Na me

Heart for

T12

UNIT 1

The Mystery of the Church

Have the students pray the Scripture quotation on page 1. ✦✦ Direct the students to open their Bibles to Colossians 2:6–7. ✦✦

Pray aloud the passage: “So, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him, rooted in him and built upon him and established in the faith as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”

CHECKPOINT • Were the learning outcomes achieved? • Do the students need more guidance in carrying out group discussions?

Day Four Mary and the Holy Spirit LEARNING OUTCOMES

Before You Begin

The students will be able to • explain why Mary is called the Mother of the Church. • describe the role of the Spirit in the Church. • demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts in this chapter.

1. Keep in mind that Mary is the

Words to Know

Mother of the Church because she trusted God’s plan and followed it to holiness. Her life shows what God’s power can do in a human life wholly given to God. She is the first of Christ’s followers, and she is the perfect disciple.

Student pages 7–10

Visitation, and Assumption. The third set of feasts reflects how Christians love and honor Mary and how she intercedes for us. The names of these feasts begin with “Our Lady of.”

3. The Spirit and the Spirit’s role

in the Church are themes that run throughout this book. For too long, this third Person has been the forgotten Person of the Trinity. Today we are seeing a renewed recognition and appreciation of the Spirit.

2. Note that Marian feasts show us

how to love Christ more deeply. There are three sets of Marian feasts. The first is the single feast of the Solemnity of the Mother of God, which celebrates the part Mary played in salvation history. The second set of feasts deals with events from Mary’s life: the Immaculate Conception, Nativity, Presentation of Mary, Annunciation of the Lord,

sanctify Second Vatican Council See the Glossary for definitions.

Materials • Box with mirror inside • Small fan or blow dryer • BLM 7

4. When planning today’s lesson,

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

• BLM 8 Quiz • Reflection notebooks

Centering Show the students a closed box that contains a mirror. ✦✦ Tell the students there is a picture of someone in the box. ✦✦

Call on a volunteer to come forward, look in the box, and use three adjectives to describe what he or she sees.

✦✦

Then ask the students to guess who it is. If the students cannot guess who is being described, call on other volunteers and repeat the process until they are able to identify the person.

✦✦

It is said that we check our reflections an average of 17 times a day.

✦✦

A mirror gives back a clear image. If the mirror is cracked or smudged, the image is not a true image.

✦✦

Today you are going to study Mary, who was a clear image of Christ. Examining her life will tell us about Jesus and help us see how we should live.

✦✦

In the last lesson, you learned about three images for members of the Church. What were they? (pilgrim people, salt, light) What were images of the Church from Scripture? (Body of Christ, temple, bride of Christ, sheepfold, vine and branches, leaven) Mary is not only an image of Jesus, she is also an image of the Church.

A Community of Disciples CHAPTER 1 T13

Day Four

Sharing 1. Invite a volunteer to read aloud

Mary: The Best Image on page 7. ✦✦ What is one of Mary’s most recent titles? (Mother of the Church) Why does this title fit her? (Mary is the mother of Jesus. Since the Church is the Body of Christ, she is her Mother too. By being obedient to God, Mary made it possible for us to receive eternal life. She teaches us how to live, and she prays for us.) ✦✦

✦✦

While Jesus hung on the Cross, he saw Mary and his faithful disciple John standing there. He said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” (John 19:26) Then he said to John, “Behold, your mother.” (John 19:27) John represented all beloved disciples of Jesus. By referring to Mary as John’s mother, Jesus was saying she was the mother of all who believe.

Why is Saint Joseph a good patron for the Church? (He was the foster father of Jesus. He continues to care for the Body of Christ. He was a just man.) Have the students work the activity Full of Grace on page 7.

✦✦

As members of the Church, you are to try to strengthen these qualities in yourselves. God has sent help in a very special way.

2. Turn on a small fan or blow

dryer and let it blow some paper or a student’s hair. ✦✦ What can the fan [blow dryer] do? Its power is invisible like the inner source of power in the Church: the Holy Spirit. Christ sent us the Holy Spirit as his gift to help us carry out his mission.

3. Invite a volunteer to read aloud

The Sanctifier on page 8. ✦✦ As the power of the Spirit formed Jesus in Mary, so the Spirit can form Jesus in us. With the Spirit to help us, we can be Christ for the world.

T14

At the Annunciation, Mary became the mother of Jesus. She was united with him in the work of salvation—bringing about the birth of all believers in the Church. At the foot of the Cross, Mary became mother of Jesus’ Mystical Body, the Church.

Why is Mary the best image of the Church? (She showed us what it is like to be a perfect follower of Christ.)

✦✦

Mary: The Best Image

How is Mary’s relationship to Jesus an example for us? (Her closeness to Jesus and openness to doing what he wanted are what we strive for.)

UNIT 1

The Mystery of the Church

Mary believed and responded to God all her life. She was close to Jesus and always open to what God wanted. Because of this, she is an example for all of us. Mary, the first disciple of Jesus, showed us what it is like to be a perfect follower of him. That is why Mary is the best image of the Church. The qualities of Mary should be found in the Church: humility, obedience, love, and compassion. During the Second Vatican Council, Mary was given the new title Mother of the Church. If we resemble Mary, our Mother, and turn to her for help, we will be strong members of the Church.

Full of Grace Look up the following Scripture passages. For each passage write one or more words that describe a characteristic or quality of Mary portrayed in the passage. Luke 1:38

Luke 8:19–21

John 2:1–12

John 19:25–27

A Community of Disciples CHAPTER 1

✦✦

Can you give examples of how the Spirit is the all-powerful life-giver in Scripture? in your lives? (Example: Genesis, Chapter 1)

4. BLM 7 Distribute copies of

BLM 7 With the Power of the Holy Spirit. ✦✦ Let the students work with partners. ✦✦

Check their answers when they are finished.

5. Ask the students to finish these statements: ✦✦ Mary is the image of (the Church, Jesus)

✦✦

Mary is Mother of (the Church, Jesus, us)

✦✦

The Holy Spirit brings forth Jesus in . (Mary, the Church, us)

Day Four

Acting 1. Have a student read aloud the

The Ever-Present Spirit

directions for The EverPresent Spirit on page 8. ✦✦ Allow the students to complete the activity on their own. ✦✦

The early Church was very aware of the presence and action of the Holy Spirit. Read chapters 1, 2, and 4 of the Acts of the Apostles. Then create a slogan and design about the Holy Spirit to go on the T-shirt pattern below. Your T-shirt should focus on the Spirit’s presence among us. For example, you might have flames around the words “The Spirit: This fire is always burning.”

Invite volunteers to share their ideas.

2. Have a volunteer read aloud

the directions to Saint Joseph on page 8. ✦✦ Have the students complete the activity on their own. ✦✦

The Sanctifier As Jesus is the Word of God, the Holy Spirit is the breath of God, the life-giver. Being one with the Father and the Son, the Spirit brought about creation. This Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus. They have a joint mission to save us and bring about a new creation. At the end of his life, Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit from the Father. The Spirit did come and remains present and active in the Church, much as he was present and active in the life of Jesus.

Invite volunteers to share their answers.

3. Encourage the students to

follow Mary’s advice. ✦✦ Mothers are good at giving advice. Mary’s last words in Scripture are good advice. She says, “Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2:5) ✦✦

When the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary, Jesus came into being in his humanity. The Church came into being through the power of this same Spirit. The Spirit formed the disciples of Jesus into a community of love, worship, and service. Just as the Spirit directed Jesus throughout his life on earth, the Spirit shapes and guides the Church today. He guides not only the community as a whole but also individual Christians, who are filled with the Spirit at Baptism.

Now silently reflect on something that Jesus might be telling you to do today.

Summary and the Review Activities, pages 9–10.

5. BLM 8 Distribute and

6. Lead the students in prayer. Silently pray the Come, Holy Spirit prayer on the inside front cover of your books.

7. At the end of class, have the

students tear out and take home pages v–vi, 2, and 9–10.

The patron saint of the Church is Saint Joseph. Why is he a good choice for patron saint?

The Holy Spirit builds, animates, and sanctifies the Church. For this reason, the Holy Spirit is called the sanctifier. Sanctify means “to make holy.” The Spirit helps you be holy, that is, devoted to God. Through grace, which is a sharing in God’s own life, the Spirit dwells in you and forms you to be like Jesus. You are given the strength to act as Jesus would act and to love as he loves. You become a sign of Jesus’ presence in the world by upholding the life and dignity of all people.

4. Lead the students through the

administer BLM 8 Chapter 1 Quiz. Use this opportunity to assess the students’ understanding of the main concepts in the chapter. If there is not sufficient time for the students to complete the quiz, consider moving it to Day Five.

Saint Joseph

UNIT 1 The Mystery of the Church

CHECKPOINT • Were the learning outcomes achieved? • How well did the students understand the ideas presented in the chapter quiz (BLM 8)? What concepts need reinforcement?

A Community of Disciples CHAPTER 1 T15

Day Five Extending the Chapter C

Lead students through

pages 11–12 in the student book. Find catechist instruction on T356–T357.

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

1. Remind the students to take

home pages v–vi, 2, and 9–10 to share what they are learning with their families.

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

3. Consider the time of the

liturgical year and use the appropriate Special Seasons and Lessons. SSLs begin on page T409.

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

5. Use activities from Enriching the Faith Experience.

PTE

Gather and Go Forth

Summary

Remember What is the Church? The Church is the People of God, a community of disciples. It is the Body of Christ alive and acting in the world today.

Reach Out 1. Write and illustrate a modern-day parable of the Kingdom of God based on one of the following Scripture passages. You might write the parables as skits and present them.

What are some images of the Church? Images of the Church are the Body of Christ, the temple, the bride of Christ, the sheepfold, the vine and branches, leaven, and Mary. Why is Mary the Mother of the Church? Mary is the Mother of the Church because she is the mother of Jesus. He gave her to us as our Mother while he was dying on the Cross. What does the Holy Spirit do for the Church? The Holy Spirit builds, animates, and sanctifies the Church and helps its members become holy.

Words to Know Church Communion of Saints mystery sanctify Second Vatican Council

Respond In your reflection notebook, write your feelings about being a Catholic Christian. What does it mean to you to go to Mass, to participate in religion classes, or to belong to a parish community? In what ways would you like to see yourself change as a member of the Church?

6. Guide the students in a

Matthew 13:3–9

Matthew 13:47–50

Matthew 13:44

Matthew 25:1–13

Matthew 13:45–46

Luke 19:11–27

2. Show you are a member of the Church by • participating in the presentation of gifts at your parish church. • encouraging prayer in your family, especially before meals. • welcoming a new classmate. • giving one of your personal belongings or part of your allowance to those who are poor and in need. 3. Pray to the Holy Spirit, the sanctifier, for your bishop, parish priests, and all who minister in your parish that they may be spiritual leaders whose words and actions lead others to holiness. 4. Ask your teacher or catechist to help you find a copy of the Litany of Loreto, a popular prayer to Mary. Look through it and find titles that could also apply to the Church. Choose one title and explain how members of the Church can live it. 5. Tell someone what you learned about the Church. Invite a friend who is not Catholic or who does not practice the faith to go to church with you. 6. Research the history of your parish. Find out when it was founded and how it has grown and changed over the years. 7. Check to see if your parish (or a neighboring parish) has a Web site. Visit the site to see how the parish describes its mission and to see what kinds of services it offers.

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 enrich a lesson or to replace an activity with one that better meets the needs of your class.

1. Web BLM Distribute copies

of Web BLM Chapter 1-A Marian Feasts. (Bookmark www.christourlife.com to access Web BLMs.) Let the students work in groups, using Church calendars if available. Check their answers. Ask them to name qualities of Mary that are apparent from her feasts. List these on the board. (prayerfulness, trust, patience,

T16

UNIT 1

The Mystery of the Church

kindness, faithfulness, mercy, obedience, love of those who are poor)

2. Teach the students the

Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55).

3. Help the students make mobiles on the images of the Church. Give each pair of students a piece of poster board (6 by 8 inches). Tell them to choose an image. Make sure that all 10 images in this chapter are presented. On one side of the poster board, one student can draw the image. On the other

side, the other student can explain, using a picture or a few words, how this image is visible in their lives. Punch a hole in the top of each card and tie the cards to a hanger, using string or thread of varying lengths.

4. Have the students make book

jackets, using images of the Church. The front cover can be designed with a title and illustration relating to an image they choose. On the back cover can be a paragraph describing the image and applying it to life

Chapter Enrichment today. Have the students choose from the following images:

CHAP TER

• People of God

Review Activities

Nothing but the Truth Check (✓) the statements that are true. Change the false statements to make them true.

• Treasure • Temple of God

1. We will some day fully understand the Church.

• fish net

2. Jesus is the founder of the Church. 3. The Church is both human and divine.

• vine and branches

4. We are like living stones in the Church.

• wedding feast

5. Jesus called the Holy Spirit the Good Shepherd.

• mustard seed

6. The best image for the Church is heaven. 7. Through grace the Holy Spirit makes us like Jesus.

• Body of Christ

8. To sanctify means to join the Church.

• leaven

The Church in a Word Fill in the blanks. Use the clues to help you. If you fill in the blanks correctly, the boxed letters will spell mystery.

• living stones

1. The Church is called this because God dwells in it.

• Good Shepherd

2. Members of the Church

• Christ’s followers

3. Jesus’ kingdom is like one of these. 4. Christ died for her.

5. Let the students choose one of

5. Jesus’ power spreads like this. 6. Show how we are united with Jesus

the following projects to do with their families.

7. Mother of the Church

• Make three images of the Church, using wool, yarn, toothpicks, wood, clay, or other materials. For each image, write a paragraph explaining its significance. • Make a large rosary out of beads, shells, or similar items. Write three paragraphs about the history of the Rosary. Explain why the Rosary is meaningful today. •

Make a banner showing the Spirit-Sanctifier with an appropriate saying, such as “Come, Holy Spirit.” Write two paragraphs about how the Holy Spirit leads us to greater holiness and how the Holy Spirit is needed today, particularly when it comes to helping us respect and value all people. Life and Dignity

6. Have the students do scriptural research on the Spirit. Some reference suggestions follow.

• In the Old Testament, when God shared power or wisdom with the Hebrew people, they said that ruah, the “spirit of the Lord,” came upon them. The Book of Judges gives examples of this empowering. Certain men

Glimpses of the Mystery For each question, underline the truth about the Church. 1. What do we call the people from all times and countries who believe in God and have responded to Jesus’ call? community People of God apostles 2. Jesus loves the members of the Church so much that he did what for them? preached prayed died 3. How far does the Church spread? throughout North America, South America, and Europe throughout your archdiocese

throughout the world

4. Members of the Church have life as long as they are united to whom? Jesus Saint Peter Mary 5. The Church is called a temple of what or whom? the Eucharist mystery the Holy Spirit 6. Jesus spoke of the Church as a sign of what? the end times his kingdom on earth

the coming of the Good Shepherd

and women, impelled by the Spirit, did difficult deeds with courage and strength, which made known the power and wisdom of God: Samson (Judges 13:1–5,24–25; 14:5–7; 15:9–16), Gideon (Judges 6:11–24), Deborah (Judges 4:4–10), and Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1–21; 7:2–17). • God’s Spirit “rested” on the prophets and transformed them so they could speak God’s message. Ezekiel 37:1–14 expresses this holy guidance of the Spirit. • Jesus, who is filled with God’s Spirit, comes to proclaim the kingdom. He promises to send the Spirit

on the apostles and all people. This descent of the Spirit was the beginning of the new age, when God’s Spirit would direct people to live like Jesus. (John 3:8; 14:15–17; 14:25–26; 16:4–15; Acts of the Apostles 2:1–11)

7. Let the students investigate the

feast days of Mary, using Saints and Feast Days (from the back of this book) and reference books. Have them design and cut out a candle from drawing paper and write on it their favorite Marian feast, the qualities of Mary it shows, and how the students can imitate her.

A Community of Disciples CHAPTER 1 T17