Finding God: Faith Formation Program Grades K-8

School and Parish Editions • Grades K–8

Our Response to God’s Gifts

Forming Disciples of Jesus

Now includes Kindergarten! Available in English and Bilingual Versions.

School and Parish Editions • Grades K–8

Our Response to God’s Gifts English and Bilingual

Forming Disciples of Jesus The perfect place to start a life of intentional discipleship is with Finding God. Rooted in Ignatian Spirituality and covering the full and authentic teachings of the Catholic Church, this faith formation program fosters a lived relationship with God though Jesus. Finding God’s emphasis on Scripture, prayer, and Church Tradition nurtures children every step of the way on their journey to becoming disciples of Jesus and leads them into a lasting love for the Church.

PROGRAM BENEFITS • Scripture and Tradition: Engaging presentation provides catechists and teachers with a meaningful opportunity to proclaim the Good News and pass on our Catholic faith to the next generation.

• Reflection: Guided reflections help children form a rich prayer life, which is essential for authentic discipleship.

• Prayer: Relevant opportunities help children integrate traditional prayer into daily life.

• Multisensory Learning: Exploring Faith Through Art prints, music, and video suggestions serve a variety of learning styles.

• Parent Resources: Practical resources such as family e-newsletters, an at-home edition, and prayer books build the home-faith bridge.

Available in English and Bilingual versions.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Overview................pages 2–5 Kindergarten...........pages 6–11 Grades 1–8..............pages 12–23

Spiral Curriculum

Scripture

Catholic Social Teac hing

Prayer

Morality

The Church/Creed

Jesus

G od

Sacraments

Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts is based on a spiral curriculum that integrates the fundamental themes of the Catechism of the Catholic Church as well as Scripture and Catholic social teachings. As children are introduced to and revisit concepts and vocabulary from one year to the next, their knowledge and experience both broaden and deepen as they grow in faith as committed disciples of Jesus.

GR ADE 8: Y ou Are the Chosen People —Church H istor y

G R A D E 7 : Th i s

I s M y B e l o ve d S o n — J e s u s C h r i s t

G R A D E 6 : I Am

GR ADE

GR

ADE

4: Ble

5: The Bread of Life —Sacraments & Worship

s s e d Are

GR ADE GR A

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Who Am—The Old Testament

mand

men

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3 : Fi s h e r s o f M e n — C h u r c h & H o l y S p i r i t

Am the True Vine —Eucharist & Reconcilia

DE 1: G

AGES 4

the Poor—Beatitudes & The Ten Com

od Found Ever ything Good—G od & Cr

tion

e ato r

TO 6: G od Calls —Foundations of Fait Us

h

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OVERVIEW

Our Promise to You Forming Lifelong Disciples of Jesus FINDING GOD is more than just a program—it’s a promise. In short, it’s a promise to be with you every step of the way as you form lifelong disciples who love Jesus and love the Church.

Embodying the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Finding God provides all the tools to engage the whole child—mind, heart, and soul—uniquely guiding children to practice prayer and reflection, to explore Scripture, and to find God in all things.

Finding God fully engages children and their families in the full teachings of the Catholic Church, ensuring that they will know their faith. The program guides children into a lifelong, prayer-centered relationship with God, allowing children to grow in faith. Finally, Finding God calls entire families to go in faith, integrating Catholic teachings into everyday life and serving as disciples who take the Good News of Jesus into the world.

Benefiting Your Entire Parish Community CHILDREN • The Children’s Book features Catholic content shared in a rich context, connecting students to their faith in a meaningful, relevant way as they develop Catholic identity and literacy.

• Children become increasingly intentional in their discipleship as they explore Scripture, prayer, and Church Tradition in every lesson.

• The various learning styles of children are honored through multisensory learning opportunities— such as Exploring Faith Through Art prints—woven throughout the program.

PARENTS • • Multiple, practical resources specifically designed for families to use in-home encourage parents to become active partners in the faith development for their child.

• An Intergenerational Events Kit engages parents at the outset of each Finding God unit, preparing them to help their child as each theme is explored.

• Parents’ own intentional discipleship is nurtured through resources like Seasons of Family and Faith Magazines, family e-newletters, and Catholic Prayer for Catholic Families.

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CATECHISTS/TEACHERS • The easy-to-use Catechist Guide helps you form children for discipleship by providing complete catechetical background, clear plans, step-by-step support, and plenty of choices for engaging activities.

• Diverse in-class resources—including dramatized Scripture stories, guided reflections, and music CDs—offer numerous ways to reach the minds and hearts of children.

DRES/PRINCIPALS • The Director Quick-Start Guide gets leaders up and running quickly and with ease; the Guide includes an easy-to-follow overview of the program, multiple implementation models for various settings, and tools to introduce the program to parents.

• Full online support for directors at www.FindingGod.com includes lesson planning, prayer services, blackline masters, and much more.

English and Bilingual versions for K–8

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KINDERGARTEN

NEW!

Finding God Kindergarten (Ages 4–6)

Jesus famously told his disciples not to hinder future disciples—the “little children”—from coming to him. Loyola Press has always taken this charge seriously. It was with little children in mind that Finding God Kindergarten was created.

This compelling program honors the spirituality of little children and their ability to learn complex concepts when presented in ways that are friendly and proven to work with fourto-six-year-olds. With active-learning opportunities on every page of the program, children are always engaged and fully immersed in the rich content of their faith.

PROGRAM COMPONENTS Warm and inviting, yet soundly grounded in Scripture, Church Tradition, and multiple forms of prayer, Finding God Kindergarten provides everything needed to inspire children’s faith formation and guide them into a lifelong, personal relationship with Christ. Developmentally appropriate content and faith experiences for young children are paired with easy-to-use catechist materials to develop a comprehensive, and engaging program.

• Children’s Book: Always Christ-centered, the truth and beauty of the Catholic faith is shared in ways most appropriate for young learners. Every page is interactive!

• Jesus the Teacher, a Plush Figure: This soft and inviting plush figure is featured in every session as part of instruction, prayer, and listening activites. One figure included with each Catechist Guide.

• Exploring Faith Through Art: 25 age-appropriate works of art are featured on an easel, allowing children to explore their faith through the beauty of well-known and beloved fine art.

• Scripture Stories, Songs, Reflective Music, and Guided Reflections CDs: Dramatized recordings of scripture stories bring the Bible to life. The songs and reflective tracks reflect the simultaneous diversity and unity of the Catholic Church. Guided reflections mentor children to live a life of prayer.

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2018 Loyolaof Press 6. I Have Great Joy in My Soul 7. Silent Night 8. Dios tiene al mundo entero en sus manos 9. Las posadas 10. Somos Iglesia 11. La canción del Bautismo 12. Canción de amor 13. Yo tengo un gozo en mi alma 14.4276-2 Noche de paz 15. Reflective Music / Música instrumental CD 1: Scripture Stories 16. Reflective Music / Música instrumental

GRADE

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Teaching the Catholic Faith Through Artwork, Experience, and Prayer

Historias bíblicas dramatizadas

P © 2018 1. Creation 2. The Man Through the Roof 3.Loyola Pentecost Press 4. The Last Supper 5. Zacchaeus 6. La Creación 7. Lo bajan por el techo 8. Pentecostés 9. La Última Cena 10. La historia de Zaqueo

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© 2018 Loyola Press

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When Faith and Early Childhood Education Meet. . .

Developed by a team of professionals experienced in kindergarten and early childhood education, and led by a former editor for Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Finding God Kindergarten blends key principles of early childhood education with Ignatian-infused, scripturally-based catechetical materials, instruction, and approaches to provide simply the very best Catholic curriculum for young children available today.

Key Principles of Early Childhood Education

How Principles Are Addressed in This Program

Early experiences have profound effects on learning.

Unlike most “me” centered programs for young children, we’ve built a Christ-centered program. Every page and activity in the program leads to discussion and activity related to God and the Catholic faith. In addition, by helping children regularly encounter God through prayer (four times in every session), seeds of faith are sown for a lifetime.

Young children learn in a variety of ways.

This program teaches to children’s strengths, providing instruction for a variety of learning styles: songs, rhymes, chants, finger plays, drawing, dancing, crafting, creating artworks, role-play, games, quiet-time prayer, and reflection.

Through careful guidance and practice, young children can develop self-regulatory capacities that are necessary for “quiet” or sustained learning experiences.

This program understands that in order to hear the Word of God, pray, and take abstract faith concepts to heart, young children need to learn self-control, listening skills, and calming techniques. Therefore, when appropriate, instruction is geared toward developing self-regulatory skills in children—such as through the use of Jesus the Teacher, a Plush Figure.

Children learn at varying rates.

Lessons are presented for children who are at early, intermediate, and advanced stages of development. Depending on the makeup of the group, this program is appropriate for children at the kindergarten level, transitional kindergarten/late Pre-K classes, or a combination.

“Play” and activity promote language, cognitive development, and social and emotional development.

Young children learn through getting up and moving. Finding God Kindergarten takes this into account. With this program, children get up and move, and therefore LOVE to learn!

Learning advances when children are challenged.

Finding God Kindergarten isn’t watered down—it presents challenging concepts in a very simple and clear way.

Children’s experiences shape their motivation.

Scripture and Tradition are presented through inviting text, engaging activities, and bright, beautiful art that motivate children to learn more and pique their desire to grow closer to God.

Young children develop more freely when they have secure relationships with classmates and adults.

The warm, inviting tone of the program will resonate with children from week to week. The activities in the program are designed to create a caring community—helping children know that their parish family is one on which they can rely now and throughout their whole lives.

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KINDERGARTEN

Children’s Book Kindergarten

Catechetically rich and Christ-focused throughout, the Finding God Kindergarten Children’s book uses beautiful images, thoughtful prayer, and engaging activities to help young children understand, experience, and express their budding faith as they begin a lifelong journey of discipleship. Every page is interactive and accommodates different stages of development and learning styles.

NEW!

Employing the Engage, Explore, Reflect, Respond steps used in Finding God for the older grades, the kindergarten program involves the whole child: mind, heart, body, and soul.

You can do small, good things too.

Unit Opener

Sa in t Th é rè se of

Sain t Thér èse of the Child Jesu s

Draw a picture that shows one “little thing” you can do for God.

th e C h ild Je su s Sa int Thé rès e Saint Thérè se and her simple life of the Ch ild JesCous lead us to lor the pictur God. e of Sai

Thérèse lived in France.

Fold

Each unit opens with a saint whose holy life and response to God’s love reflect the unit theme, followed by a coloring page to engage children.

nt Thérèse.

She loved God with all her heart.

B/W line art.

D

A tear-out booklet with the biography of the saint and an activity accompany each unit opener.

SES SIO N

ises God Prom r io v a Sa

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Go d, Ou r Cre ato r an d Fa the r 2

UNIT 1 • God, Our Crea

tor and Fathe

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1

Each session begins with a fun song, rhyme, chant, or finger play that actively introduces the children to the session. Thought-provoking questions and an opening prayer lead children into the session.

SESSION 4

ises • God Prom

a Savior

21

EXPLORE

for sending EXPLORE

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Engage

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UNIT

A

S Is for Savior

Be Like Jesus

God promised a Savior to help us stay close to him. The Father sent his Son, Jesus, to save us from sin.

Jesus saves us so that we can enter into the happiness of heaven.

Draw a picture of yourself with Jesus.

Write the letter S in the blank spaces.

Read the message.

Explore Children deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith as they read, discuss, draw or write, and pray. Activities appear on every page so that children can share their learning!

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I AV I O R .

Reading God’s Word

I Go to Church

At Mass we ask God to forgive us for our sins.

22

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“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him . . . might have eternal life.”

UNIT 1 • God, Our Creator and Father

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John 3:16 SESSION 4 • God Promises a Savior

Art Time

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REFLECT

Thank You, God

Prayer

God’s Promise

Praise the Father for sending Jesus.

Leader: The Father sent his Son, Jesus, to be our Savior.

Trace the words on the prayer card. Draw a picture of Jesus.

Reflect

All: Jesus saves us.

Various forms of prayer draw children into a personal relationship with God.

Leader: Jesus rose from the dead.

Thank you , Father, for sending Jesus. Amen .

Leader: Jesus died for our sins.

All: Jesus saves us.

All: Jesus saves us.

Leader: Thank you, Jesus, for showing us the way to heaven.

Children are invited to express thoughts and ideas as another way to process and reflect.

Did You Know?

Jesus is the Son of God. UNIT 1 • God, Our Creator and Father

SESSION 4 • God Promises a Savior

25

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Key vocabulary is reinforced with a tracing exercise. Fun and easy to read rebus stories invite families to explore session concepts so everyone can participate!

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save?

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The Year in Our Church seasonal sessions provide options for learning more about the liturgical year and its feasts.

SESSION

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Celebrating Ordinary Time

Wed holy days ay.birth during It isof a time Adve the year. nt sisata timenesd Jesu to wait and prep Chri stma for grow s. The ing and changing. are.

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Twel Jesu days after Chri s’Timve Westmas, ary birth . we ek din r O celebrate the Feast of the Epip s hany.

On that day, the Mag i Ch came with gifts for rist ma the s baby Jesus.

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26

people

Young children review what they’ve learned and pray in gratitude for God’s gifts.

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Christmas Advent

161

157

153

151

Praye r

to Thank you, God, for times celebrate your love.

Ordinary Time SESSION 5 • Celebrating

27

Celebrating the Liturgical Year Celebrating Sessions highlight the Mass and how and why we celebrate throughout the liturgical year.

Glossary A Advent the four weeks before Christmas.

During Advent, we prepare for the birth of Jesus, our Savior. [Adviento]

All Saints Day a special day when we honor those who have died and gone to heaven [Todos los Santos, Día de]

Alleluia a word we use to offer praise to God [Aleluya]

angel a messenger sent by God from heaven [ángel]

Glossaries Two glossaries, one for the rebus stories and one for the sessions, provide further support so that reading is comprehensible. The Catechist Guide offers the glossary with expanded definitions to aid in discussion.

B Baptism the first sacrament.

Baptism makes us part of God’s family, the Church. [Bautismo]

C choice something we freely decide to do [decisión] 208

Glossary

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KINDERGARTEN

Catechist Guide Kindergarten

It’s simple for teachers to help nurture children’s faith and bring essential faith lessons to life with the Finding God Kindergarten Catechist Guide.

Even first-time catechists and teachers will find the book easy to use and full of supportive teaching tips.

Catechist Preparation CATECHIST PREPARATION

CATECHIST PREPARATION

CATECHIST PREPARATION

SES SION 4

UNIT 1

3-Minute Retreat

Unit 1 focuses on God’s creation and the fulfilled promise of Jesus Christ. In this unit, the children will learn the following concepts.

SESSION 1

Before you prepare the session, pause and be still. Take three deep breaths and be aware of the loving presence of God, who is with you on this journey.

God Creates the World

To show his love for us, God creates the beautiful world and everything in it.

We thank God by caring for the plants, animals, and people he created.

SESSION 2

God Creates People

SESSION 3

Adam and Eve Make a Choice

God created the first people, Adam and Eve, and told them the rules he wanted them to follow. God wants us to follow his rules.

SESSION 4

God Promises a Savior

God kept his promise and sent Jesus to be our Savior. Jesus is the Son of God.

SESSION 5

Celebrating Ordinary Time

UNIT SAINT

Thérèse Martin entered the Carmelite monastery in Lisieux, France, in 1888 when she was 15 years old.

She focused on showing her devotion to God in every daily thought and action— described as her “little way.”

She was canonized in 1925 as Saint Thérèse of Lisieux and is also known as “The Little Flower.”

Children will learn the meaning of Ordinary Time, why we celebrate it, and how Ordinary Time is celebrated in our Church.

Session Theme: God sent Jesus to be our Savior.

Consider how Scripture and Tradition can deepen your understanding of session content.

▶

Bookmark your Bible to John 3:16. Place the open Bible in your prayer center.

▶

Read the Guide for this session, choose any additional If Time Allows activities that you might have time to complete, and gather the listed materials.

John 3:16 shows the promise and power of God’s love for us.

The Father sent his Son to us for our salvation, so that we might know the Father’s love with wholehearted conviction. In his life on earth, Jesus was a teacher, guide, healer and peacemaker. We trust in the promises Jesus made, strengthen our faith by our actions, and hold onto the hope for eternal life.

Question How can I help the children in my class understand the depth of God’s love for us?

Prayer Pray to Jesus, using these words or your own.

Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of salvation.

God sent his Son, Jesus, to be our Savior. Jesus came and lived among us to teach us to love God as our Father, and he died in order to deliver us from our sins and bring us everlasting life. Jesus reveals God’s forgiveness, steadfast presence, and unwavering love even as we struggle to fulfill his expectations. Jesus helps us open our hearts to God’s power, wisdom, and protection in this life and the next.

In this session, the integrated Catholic social teaching themes are Care for God’s Creation; Call to Family, Community, and Participation;, and The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers.

See page 1b for an explanation of these themes.

Catholic Social Teaching For each unit, catechists are provided with an overview of prayer experiences and Catholic social teaching themes. Each session includes an idea for serving others, a real-life opportunity to experience a Catholic social teaching theme.

UNIT 1 • Session 4

10 minutes

PAGE 21

Explore S is for Savior Be Like Jesus

30–40 minutes

PAGE 22 PAGE 23

Art Print: Prophet Isaiah

ART PRINT AND PRINT BACK

Reflect Prayer: God’s Promise

Living My Faith

Retreat/Background To begin each session, catechists are invited to pray in preparation.

Then they read to gain background knowledge in Scripture, Tradition, and catechesis that children will experience.

5–10 minutes

PAGE 26

Materials ▶

21a

15–20 minutes

PAGE 24

PAGE 25

Respond

REQUIRED Bible

Window on the Catechism

The importance of understanding the centrality of Jesus for our salvation is found in the GDC 98.

Overview To begin each unit, catechists are introduced to the unit theme, session descriptions, and the unit opener saint.

APPROXIMATE TIME

Engage

Thank You, God

Catholic Social Teaching

General Directory for Catechesis

1a

STEPS Safe and Sound

Tradition

Christ’s coming for man’s salvation is described in CCC 456–457.

UNIT 1

Prayer in Session 4 In this session, continue to establish the pattern and tone for prayer. The short opening prayer and closing prayer of thanks allow children to reflect on the gift of Jesus in their lives.

Before This Session

Scripture

Reflection

God Promises a Savior

Knowing and Sharing Your Faith in Session 4

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so might have eternal life.

Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus

SESSION 4

John 3:16 that everyone who believes in him might not perish but

God created us to be like him. People are the best part of all that God creates.

God loves us and cares for us because we are special to him.

One-Hour Session Planner

God Promises a Savior

God, Our Creator and Father

IF TIME ALLOWS Session 4 BLM, T-260 (page 22)

▶

▶

Jesus the Teacher Plush Figure

▶

Note cards (page 23)

▶

Art Print 4: Prophet Isaiah and Explore Art Print 4 BLM.

▶

Construction paper, note cards, art supplies, glue, stapler (page 25)

▶

Art supplies

▶

Session 4 Assessment, www.findinggod.com (page 26)

21b

www.findinggod.com

One-Hour Planner This easy-to-follow, onehour lesson plan guides catechists to implement the session. (A five-day session plan is provided in the school edition Catechist Guide.)

ENGAGE Choose one approach to open the unit.

5-Minute Approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . below Optional Unit Opener . . . . . . . . . next page

5-MINUTE APPROACH Children’s Pages

Choose the Unit Opener Catechists can either stay in the book and introduce the unit theme with the focus on a saint, or the unit theme can be introduced to children and adults through an exciting intergenerational event.

1 Begin Have children form a circle and sit on the floor.

Hold up a Children’s Book. Say: We’ll use this book to help us learn about God. Now I want to learn about you. I will pass around the book. When it’s your turn to hold the book, say your name and tell us your favorite thing that you do with your family.

Invite children to hold the book and introduce themselves. Then say: Now that we know a little more about one another, let’s keep learning! After children return to their seats, distribute a copy of the Children’s Book to each child.

2 Introduce the Saint Have children turn to page 1, the Unit Opener saint page. Read aloud the unit title and say: We will learn about God, our Creator and Father. Read aloud the name Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus. Say: Saint Thérèse loved flowers. She loved God’s creation.

Read aloud and discuss page 2. Ask children to color the picture.

Say: We will make a little book that tells about Saint Thérèse. A saint is a person who lived a good, holy life as a follower of Jesus and who now lives with Jesus in heaven. Guide children to tear out and fold the Unit 1 saint booklet at the back of the book.

Read aloud page A, inviting them to track the words with their finger. Show children the country of France on a globe or map. Say: Thérèse was born in France almost 150 years ago. She was such a good woman that we still learn about her today!

Read aloud pages B, C, and D. Have children complete the activity on page D and share it with a partner. Then ask children to turn to page 3 in their books.

UNIT 1

10

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1

A helpful list informs catechists of desired outcomes.

ENGAGE SES SION 4

Each page of every session contains helpful, succinct instructions to aid catechists and teachers as they prepare for and teach the sessions.

OUTCOMES ▶

Explain that the Father sent Jesus to be our Savior.

▶

Explain that Jesus helps us stay close to God.

▶

Identify God’s promise.

▶

Define heaven and Savior.

1 Set the Stage Take a walk outside. Invite children to look for bugs, birds, and butterflies. Talk about the things these creatures need. (food, water, air) Discuss actions that people can take to help God’s creatures. (Put up a birdhouse or a birdfeeder; plant flowers that attract butterflies.)

If Time Allows suggestions lead catechists to help children complete hands-on, minds-on extension activities.

Every page has at least one activity.

2 Get Started Say: Let’s read a poem. It is about saving a ladybug, a mouse, and a baby bird—little creatures that might need our help. Have children open their books to page 21. Read aloud the session title and the poem. Encourage children to track the words with a finger as you read. Talk about how each animal is protected. Say: God sent Jesus to keep us safe too.

IF TIME ALLOWS

A Safe Game

Simple instructions guide catechists to pray with children and set the tone for the session.

Play a safety game. Write the word safe on the board. Point to the letter s. Say aloud the sound that s makes. Say: My name is Sally and I save spiders. Help children find the words that begin with the s sound. (Sally, save, spiders) Invite volunteers to think of a similar response for the letter a. (My name is Ann and I save alligators.)

Repeat the process for the letters f and e. Talk about what it means to feel safe and loved. Say: We are close to God when we take care of his world.

Prayer Invite children to get ready to pray. Say: Some of our prayers give thanks to God. Pray the prayer aloud. Together pray Amen. Say: It takes great love to keep others protected.

God’s Creation

Fun, meaningful activities and discussion introduce UNIT 1 • Session 4 21 children to the session theme.

Additional Resources—Free with program!

Beyond the Catechist Guide, there are many additional fully integrated resources to help catechists present the lesson in ways that will reach ALL children’s hearts and minds: • Dramatized Scripture stories bring the Bible to life.

ART

Exploring FaithThrough

• Recorded guided reflections lead children into prayerful encounters with Jesus.

• Vocal and reflective music CDs provide musical inspiration in English and Spanish.

• Jesus the Teacher, a plush figure, helps children relate more intimately to the words and stories of Jesus.

• Exploring Faith Through Art uses fine prints to creatively engage children’s faith through historical and modern works of art.

• Online resources—such as the Activity Finder, Prayer Services, Blackline Masters, Assessments, and more— make session preparation a snap.

GRADE

K

Teaching the Catholic Faith Through Artwork, Experience, and Prayer

Actual size 18”x24”

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11

GRADES 1–6

Discipleship begins early. . .

Children’s Book Grades 1–6

The Children’s Book for grades 1–6 features Catholic content shared in a rich context with beautiful images, thoughtful prayers, and engaging activities that draw children into fully learn and express their faith. Each session creates a culture of discipleship by offering opportunities for children to encounter, talk about, and follow Jesus as they develop their Catholic identity and literacy.

Each unit opens with a saint and invites children into an opportunity to learn and grow in our Catholic faith.

12 6

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. . . and builds the Kingdom of God. Young People’s Book Grades 7–8

By sharing the truth and beauty of the Catholic faith through prayer, Scripture, articles, and relevant experiences, Finding God reaches young people at this unique time of growth in their lives. Features such as Where Do I Fit In, Past and Present, and What’s What relate to young people and help them reflect upon and recognize God’s presence in their world. By connecting with young people, Finding God helps form lifelong disciples of Jesus.

Each unit opens with a saint and invites young people into an opportunity to learn and grow in our Catholic faith.

GRADES 7–8 Preview samples and learn more: www.FindingGod.com | 800.621.1008

7 13

GRADES 1–6

Making it easy to share the faith . . .

Catechist Guide Grades 1–6

Each easy-to-use guide includes complete catechetical background, clear plans, step-by-step support, Coaching Children to Pray tips, inclusion modifications, and additional activities. Catechists and teachers of all experience levels are fully supported with all the guidance and tools to bring faith to life for children.

FREE WITH EACH GUIDE • CDs including dramatized Scripture stories, guided reflections, and music (English only) • Posters • Reproducible blackline masters, including assessments and activities

Catechists and teachers are supported with Catechetical background knowledge, planning charts, and step-by-step instructions.

Video YouTube Cor relations by Joe Paprock i, D. M 14

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. . . with children of all ages Catechist Guide Grades 7–8

Helping you reach a group of young people who are at a unique time of growth in their lives, Finding God for Grades 7–8 offers effective teaching methods to instill the practice of thoughtful prayer and share the full and authentic teachings of the Catholic Church.

FREE WITH EACH GUIDE • CDs including dramatized Scripture stories, guided reflections, and reflective music (English only) • Posters featuring relevant topics and beautiful visuals • Reproducible blackline masters, including assessments and activities

Three Persons in One God

OPEN

ACTIVITY 1

ACTIVITY 2

Signs of Love

Looking at Love

Songs and Poems of Love

PAGE 8

PAGE 9

Where Do I Fit In?

TIME: 10 minutes

Faith Q and A Materials: writing supplies

TIME: 25 minutes

PAGE 9

TIME: 25 minutes

OPEN

60 minutes ACTIVITY 1

Unit Saint: Saint Augustine PAGES 12

Daily Examen PAGE 1

Three Persons in One God PAGE 3

PAGE 2

TIME: 20 minutes Small-Group Project OPTIONAL

If you wish to have young people complete the smallgroup project on page S-1D, have small groups begin now. Allow time on Days 1 through 5 for young people to work.

Organize young people into three groups. Assign each group one of the following topics: God the Father, Jesus the Son, the Holy Spirit.

Ask each group to write a list of questions about their topic for which they’d like answers or guidance. Have each group share its questions.

As a class, discuss possible answers. After class, give the questions to a pastoralCATECHIST leader in your parish. At a later date, invite this person to be PREPARATION a guest speaker and discuss young people’s questions.

TIME: 20 minutes

DAY 2: Explore

ACTIVITY 2

Shout-It-Out Relay

Trinity Tour

PAGES 45

PAGE 4

TIME: 15 minutes

TIME: 15 minutes

Three Persons in One God 60 minutes

Trinity Artwork

PAGE 5

▶

Bookmark your Bible to Genesis 1:26–31 and Luke 9:23. Place the open Bible in your prayer space.

▶

Read the Guide for this session, choose any additional If Time Allows activities that you might have time to complete, and the listed materials.

60 gather minutes

OPEN

ACTIVITY 1

ACTIVITY 2

God Is Our Creator

Session 1 BLM

Online Activity Finder: Praising Creation

PAGES 67

PAGE T349

Engage www.findinggod.com/additionalactivities

TIME: 20 minutes

TIME: 20 minutes

Saint: Saint Augustine TIME: 20Unit minutes

TAKE IT HOME:

Blessed with Life and Love

STEPS

PAGE 7

Daily Examen

APPROXIMATE TIME

10–20 minutes PAGES 12

PAGE 3

Explore

S-1C

www.findinggod.com

PAGES 45

God Is Our Creator

PAGES 67

Prayer: Signs of Love

PAGE 9

Respond

10–15 minutes

PAGE 5

Blessed with Life and Love

PAGE 7

If young people completed the smallgroup project of the week, have each group present its oral presentation.

If young people did not complete the project, organize them into two groups and have them revisit the session articles to complete the Making Connections BLM. Discuss the activity after young people complete it.

Notes from Article 1: The Blessed Trinity

Notes from Article 2: God Is Our Creator

• The Trinity is a mystery of our faith.

• God created the world as an expression

God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

• The Trinity is a mystery to explore and

a relationship to enter into.

• Our faith is connected to the faith

CLOSE the Project

CONNECT • Our faith in the Trinity helps us respond in faith to the needs of others.

• God, who is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, gave us all that we have.

www.findinggod.com

UNIT 1 • Session 1

▶ ▶ ▶

▶ ▶ ▶

Part C Directions: 1. Use a computer software program to develop a slide-show presentation based on your research.

Grade 7 • Unit 1 • Session 1 Making Connections

3. Collect and arrange images that support your research.

CATECHIST PREPARATION

4. Add music that coordinates with the mood or tone of your presentation.

5. Turn in this planning sheet, your note cards, and your slide-show presentation.

www.findinggod.com

S-1D

Grade 7 • Unit 1 Research Project

TIME

Time will vary.

Knowing and Sharing

3-Minute Invite Retreat other classes, parents, community advocates for those who are Your Faith in Session 1 homeless, or members of the parish to view the slide-show presentations.

Encourage volunteers to Take get involved with the cause.

Consider how Scripture and Tradition can Before you prepare the session, pause and be still. three deep breaths and be aware of the loving presence deepen your understanding of session content. of God, who is with you on this journey.

Scripture John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.”

Reflection God is a model of selfless love for us. There was no need for God to create our planet or the creatures that inhabit it. Creation was an act of selfless love. There was no need for God to send his only Son to save us. It was an act of selfless love. As we learn about God’s love, we draw closer to God and the mystery of the Trinity. God has lavished us with love in the Persons of the Son and the Spirit, who in turn nurture in us the desire to do the same for others.

Questions In what ways do I live out God’s selfless love for me in my caring for others? When has someone shared an act of selfless love with me? Recall the experience and say a silent prayer for that person.

Genesis 1:26–31 tells us that God made us in his likeness, that he gave us dominion over the earth and the creatures on it, and that God found his creation to be good.

Luke 9:23 reminds us to take up Jesus’ cross daily and to follow him.

Tradition God has made the Trinity known to us by revealing himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As the Trinity, the Three Persons are inseparable in what they are and what they do. The word Person is used to designate the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as really distinct from one another. The word relation is used to designate that their distinction lies in the relationship of each to the other two. When the Father sends his Word, he always sends his breath, the Spirit. In their joint mission, the Son and the Holy Spirit are distinct but inseparable. Christ is the one who is seen, the visible image of the invisible God, but the Spirit is the one who reveals him.

UNIT 1

S-1A

Catholic Social Teaching

OPTIONAL ▶ Painter’s tape (page 2)

▶

Sacramentals (page 2)

▶

Bible (page 3)

▶

Picture of a popular athlete or celebrity (page 4)

▶

CD 1, Track 7: Reflective Music (page 8)

▶

Tape, books (page 4)

▶

Session 1 BLM, T-349 (page 6)

Nature photograph (page 6)

▶

▶

Writing supplies (pages 7, 9, 10)

Computers with Internet access (page 10)

▶

▶

Magazines and computers with Internet access (page 9)

▶

CD player (page 8)

▶

Session 1 Assessment, www.findinggod.com (page 10)

Speak to God, using the words of this prayer or your own.

Triune God, your love for us is beyond our ability to comprehend. May I grow in my desire to share your love with the people I meet today.

In this session, all seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching are introduced. See page 1b for explanations of these themes.

Window on the Catechism The mystery of the Trinity is described in CCC 232–260.

General Directory for Catechesis The Trinitarian nature of the Gospel message is described in GDC 99 and 100.

Catechists and teachers are supported with catechetical background knowledge, planning charts, and step-by-step instructions.

1d

Date

Focus on Homelessness Slide Show

Part B Directions: Research a national or local Catholic organization that works to combat homelessness. Use at least three reliable print or online sources.

Record key information on note cards. Write your sources below.

Guide young people to use a computer software program to develop a slide show that highlights the key points of their research. Encourage young people to add photos, graphics, and music.

us. We, in turn, should love ourselves and others.

his love; the Father and Son sent the Holy Spirit.

• Catholic Social Teaching helps us respond to God’s love by taking care of creation and loving others.

Concluding Prayer

CD 1, Track 1: “Living in Relationship” (10:48) (page 8)

Name

Part A Directions: Research the issue of homelessness in the United States. Use at least three reliable print or online sources. Record key information on note cards. Write your sources below.

PREPARE the Slide Show

• God made us in his likeness. He loves

• God sent Jesus so we would know

community.

• Our faith turns us to God, who gave us all that we have.

Materials ▶

Unit 1 Research Project Blackline Master (page S-405)

Three Persons in One God

of love.

• The Trinity is Three Persons in one

PAGE 10

REQUIRED ▶ Can of juice, can opener (page 1)

Writing supplies

www.findinggod.com

UNIT 1 • Session 1

1c

GRADES 7–8

What’s What?

Trinity Artwork

Computer slide-show presentation software

▶

Have pairs of young people do research using the Blackline Master as a guide.

Supervise the research to ensure that young people are using reliable and approved print and online sources.

S E S S IO N 1

Date

Three Persons in One God Connecting ideas helps us see the big picture.

Directions: Read the article assigned to your group. Write the main points in the appropriate column. Join with a group who read the other article, summarize for each other, and each fill in the column for the article you did not read. Work together to tell how the ideas in the two articles relate to each other and complete the Connect section.

Possible answers:

Homework options:

10–15 minutes PAGE 8

▶

▶

2. Organize your key ideas in a clear, compelling way.

DO the Research

Name

NOTE: See page 1d for Prayer in Session 1, materials lists, and how to teach this session in one hour.

TAKE IT HOME

Reflect Where Do I Fit In?

60 minutes Presentation or Making Connections BLM Materials: completed project or Just for Schools Making Connections BLM (page S-406)

30–40 minutes

The Blessed Trinity

Computers with Internet access and printers

Say: During Unit 1, you will work with your partner inside and outside of class to research and develop a slide-show presentation about a local or national Catholic organization that works to combat homelessness. You will use the Unit 1 Research Project Blackline Master to guide your research, track your sources, and use a computer program to develop a slide show.

ACTIVITY 2

In this session, set a precedent for the pattern and tone for prayer throughout TIME: 30 minutes the program. Point out that young people will experience SERVICE: Set Up ainJunior’s Department PAGE 10 different forms of prayer the sessions. A short prayer on the opener page invites young people to reflect on Small-Group Project of the Week: School Brand the session’s theme. At the endMaterials: of the session, young poster board, Explain that the word brand comes from an Old English word that means “an identifying mark made people are invited to access art supplies, reference by burning.” Discuss how a brand represents the identifiable mark of a company. Have young people an online 3-Minute Retreat your school’s name popular brands of clothing, soft drinks, and sports gear. Discuss logos, taglines, and what thatmaterials reflectsabout on Scripture. history and identity brands represent to the public.

This session includes an Explain that when we mark ourselves with the Sign of the Cross, we are, in a sense, “branding” extended guided reflection. ourselves and expressing that we belong to God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Follow the Prepare Organize young people into small groups. Ask each group to research the answers to the directions on the Catechist Guide page before sharing following questions you write on the board: How can you identify a Catholic parish? How does your with young people. parish reflect Christian beliefs? What three words describe the best parts? Is your parish named after a holy event or a saint? If so, how is that event or saint honored?

Ask each group to develop a brand for your parish, including a logo, a tagline, and a description that answers these questions. Have groups display their work on poster board and present it to the group.

PAGE 1

Three Persons in One God

TIME: 10 minutes

Prayer in Session 1

Session Theme: The Trinity is the central mystery of our Christian faith and life.

Lead young people on a tour of your church and parish grounds to find images of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Have young people Before Session sketch their favorite This image and record personal reflections that come to mind ▶as Prepare they thinka about imageSee andpages their sketch. prayerthe space.

EC-4–EC-5 for ideas.

▶ minutes Establish group rules and procedures. See page EC-8 for ideas.

TIME: 30

TAKE IT HOME:

PAGE 10

Choose and implement a vocabulary-review activity from the options found at www.findinggod.com/ vocabcheck.

One-Hour Session Planner

Materials: small notebooks, pencils

DAY 3: Explore

Say What?

PAGE 10

Print and online reference materials

Photocopy and distribute to each young person a Unit 1 Research Project Blackline Master. Have volunteers take turns reading the directions on the Blackline Master. Organize young people into pairs.

Hemera/Thinkstock

ACTIVITY 1

The Blessed Trinity

ACTIVITY 1

What’s What?

TIME: 20 minutes

SESSION 1

OPEN

DAY 5: Respond OPEN

SET the Stage

▶

▶

Dynamic Graphics/liquidlibrary/Thinkstock (t) | iStockphoto/Thinkstock (b)

TIME: 20 minutes

ACTIVITY 2

Faith Meter

Session 1 Making Connections

DAY 1: Engage

MATERIALS

The following is an optional research project that young people can complete as they experience Sessions 1 through 5. Young people learn about the theme Option for the Poor and Vulnerable as they develop a slide-show presentation.

Materials: writing supplies Together review the Where Do I Fit In? article. Then ask young people to reflect silently on these questions: When was a time in your life when you gave love completely and freely and it was accepted by the recipient? How might this experience relate to the way that God loves us and how we receive his love? Organize young people into pairs. Ask each pair to write song lyrics or a poem that expresses ideas that came to mind as they reflected on the questions. Have pairs exchange their writing and discuss.

Session Theme: The Trinity is the central mystery of our Christian faith and life.

Catholic Social Teaching: Unit 1 Research Project

60 minutes

UNIT 1 Research Project

DAY 4: Reflect

©

SESSION 1

CATECHIST PREPARATION: Just for Schools

CATECHIST PREPARATION: Just for Schools

Five-Day Classroom Session Planner

©

CATECHIST PREPARATION: Just for Schools

ock i , D. M in., for ever y ses sion of ever y grade!

Preview samples and learn more: www.FindingGod.com | 800.621.1008

15

GRADES K–8

Exploring Faith Through Art Fine Art Easels

Kindergarten–8th Grade The Finding God: Exploring Faith Through Art easel provides catechists and teachers with meaningful opportunities to use renowned works of art to further explore Scripture, Tradition, and age–appropriate concepts of the Catholic faith. With 25 different prints per easel, per grade, children are offered a new way to explore what it means to “find God in all things.”

Each print includes information on the artist, artwork, and discussion suggestions, as well as activities for children to explore each faith theme.

Actual size 18”x24”

Each grade level has 25 prints per easel.

Guided Instruction on the Back of Each Art Print Additional information, instructions for use, and a blackline master are on the back of each print for ease of use and convenience in planning.

Spanish instructions for the Fine Art Easels are in the Bilingual Catechist Guide only.

16

www.FindingGod.com | 800.621.1008

NEW DIGITAL PREP PROGRAM

What Catholics Know

What Catholics Know is an online tutorial and test-preparation program designed to help students of all ages learn and grow in their faith. This suite of online tools supports you in building Catholic identity and reinforcing the faith concepts children learn each year.

Aligned to the Finding God curriculum, NCEA IFG: ACRE, and the Six Tasks of Catechesis, this tool fortifies foundational Catholic knowledge through intentional and repeated practice, helping to form knowledgeable disciples who can live faith-filled lives.

This online tool features • Self-guided, intuitive exercises that can be repeated • Progression at students’ own pace, regardless of level • Immediate, detailed feedback for students • An easy-to-use reporting system for teachers and catechists to monitor progress • Comprehensive references from Sacred Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church • A detailed Program Coordinator Guide that serves as a guide for implementation

NEW!

ONLINE RESOURCES

Available in English only.

Preview samples and learn more: www.FindingGod.com | 800.621.1008

17

GRADES K–8

Discipleship: It’s a family thing Faith Moves

Designed for kids of all ages, Faith Moves is ideal for busy families who want to live out their faith. Practical and fun, this spiral-bound booklet provides opportunities for parents to have faith conversations with their children, followed by a game or an activity to drive the message home. Perfect for family night, car rides, waiting in line, or mealtime!

Available in English and Spanish.

Catholic Prayer for Catholic Families

Catholic Prayer for Catholic Families helps adults and children learn prayers and the practice of prayer. This excellent family resource contains all of the traditional Catholic prayers, including the Rosary, the Lord’s Prayer, the Doxology, and many others.

FREE for each family when your parish or school adopts Finding God. Available in English and bilingual.

Seasons of Family and Faith Magazines

Get parents actively engaged in the spiritual development of their adolescents by nurturing the parents’ own faith and practice. These captivating magazines (one each for parents of seventh–and eighth–graders) will grab parents’ attention and help them recognize the holiness in their life as a family. Ideal for kick–off program meetings, gatherings of parents, mothers’ groups, and the personal spiritual growth of every parent who picks up one of these magazines.

Each magazine contains insights into the spiritual tasks (challenge, togetherness, sorrow, and joy) of moms, dads, sons, and daughters in each season of family life.

Available in English and Spanish.

18

www.FindingGod.com | 800.621.1008

Free Online Resources for Families The Finding God At-Home Edition

Jan uar y

Full lesson plans are available to print online. It is specific to each lesson and helps parents who choose to work with their children at home as part of the parish religious education program, homeschooling, or as a result of their children missing sessions.

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Finding God Family E-Newsletters

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SeSSion 3

God Is Our Father

Provided seven times a year, the e-newletters give parents inspiring suggestions to help bring faith alive. Articles and special features on topics such as saints, what it means to be Catholic, and media reviews make these newsletters relevant and inviting.

Keep these ideas in mind as you study Unit 1, Session 3.

God’s message is in the Bible.

At Mass we hear stories from the Bible.

PAge 17

The Bible is the story of God’s promise to care for us.

PAge 17

We learn about God’s love in the Bible. God thinks each of us is special.

PAge 17

The Bible also tells us about Jesus, God’s Son. PAge 17

PAge 20

Jesus teaches us that God is our Father. He tells us how much God loves us Art Print 3

For more games, activities, and resources related to Finding God, please visit www.findinggod.com.

Living My Faith

©

Review key concepts and vocabulary for each session and invite families to “bring the learning home” with three varied experiences that include activities, discussion, and prayer.

www.findinggod.com Grade 1 • Unit 1 Session 3 • Study Guide

Our Response to God’s Gifts

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GRADE

4

Raising Faith-Filled Kids

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RAISING FAITH-FILLED KIDS

a parent page

Focus on Faith

RAISING FAITH-FILLED KIDS

Beginning Small

O

ur children are fascinated with how and why things grow. Either in school or at home, they may at some time have taken a small seed, planted it, watered it, and, with patience, watched it grow. Perhaps the plant had to be transplanted into a larger pot or into the ground to give its roots room to spread. From the tiniest beginnings, flourishing plants grow. It is no surprise that when Jesus spoke to his people in an agricultural society, he used this image to describe the growth of the Kingdom of God. In the same way, relationships within families are built on small acts of kindness and consideration. These small acts provide the foundation every family needs to grow together when facing the stresses of daily life.

a parent page

Focus on Faith In Safe Hands With God

n old spiritual tells us “He’s got the whole A world in his hands.” It is a vivid personal image of God, one that we are not always used

Hints for at Home

Spirituality in Action Emphasize to your child the importance of caring for our world. Separate items at home for recycling and encourage your child to recycle.

You might explain that sharing clothes and games with younger brothers and sisters by “handing them down” is one kind of recycling. With your child, go through clothes and toys. Place unused or outgrown items that are in good condition in a “sharing bag” for a homeless shelter.

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iscuss together what you can do this week for family time. You might share a bag of popcorn and a rental movie, play a board game, take a walk, or have ice cream cones. Plan a special time when the family can be together.

The love of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is the source of our love. God wants us to share his love with others.

Words I Learned Sign of the Cross

Ways of Being Like Jesus Jesus helped people when they were sick or in need. Treat people kindly. Offer to help others, even when you are busy.

We believe in God our Father, who created the world out of love for us. God wants us to know him and love him through the Prayer beauty of our world that leads us to him.

Jesus, thankWords you for Ishowing me howWays to help Learned ofothers.

BeingLetLike Jesus me care for apostle others like you did so I can grow closer to cares you. for all God’s people.

Jesus loves and

Spirituality in Action Encourage your child to keep in mind the small things that he or she can do to serve God’s Kingdom. These may include being polite and friendly or helping friends or family members without being asked. Praise your child for doing small favors for others.

Focus on Dinnertime Prayer Conversation Starter

iscuss favorite things you do together as a D family and ways you show your love for one another.

Your child has read and talked about the parables of the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31–32)

Faith Summary

Your child also has reflected on the wonders of God’s creation and about how to care for the things in our world. Spend some quiet time with your child thinking about the beauty in nature, or take a nature walk together. Share your thoughts, if you wish, or talk with Jesus silently.

Be kind to people and animals around you.

Activity Decide with your family what you can do together to help others. Some choices are making a food basket for aPrayer family in need, shopping for a wish-tree gift at Christmas, helping a sickme orto know and love God. Jesus, thankoryou for helping elderly neighbor with around the house.

Helpchores me to care for God’s world as he cares for me.

Focus onandPrayer the yeast

(Matthew 13:33). Talk The Apostles’ Creed is our about these stories with your child. Help special faith prayer. Your your child to understand that his or her child has learned the first commitment to love others serves the sentence of the Creed. Help Kingdom of God. your child to practice praying this sentence.www.findinggod.com The complete 60can be found Apostles’ Creed at www.FindingGod.org.

Apostles’ Creed creed

With My Family

Faith on the Go Ask one another: If you could help one person, whom would it be? Why?

© Loyola Press

God teaches us through the Bible, which is his Word. Look at your family Bible or a children’s Bible with your child. In this session your child read Genesis 1:31. The ideas for praising God in this session were based on Psalm 148:7–14. These verses are good choices for reading together.

Dinnertime Conversation Starter

© Loyola Press

Hints for at Home

to seeing. Many images of God show him looking at us from a distance. We can even be This is a good opportunity tempted to think that he is absent from the for the family read world. But God’s care fortous is the always with Bible together.

You couldOur read gentle us. It is ongoing and personal. the mustard seed parable in care for our children is like the gentle Matthew 13:31–32, Mark care of God. Our children may be con4:30–32, and Luke 13:18–19. cerned about what is happening in Discuss the lesson that Jesus the world and wondering what was teaching. Talk about how willwording happen in parable the future. In the the of the environment maycaring vary, but the message that we create, we can help give the remains the same.

Discuss assurance of God’s gentle how Jesus used simple care and concern. stories to explain complex The gentle care that our children experiideas. ence through us today will help prepare them for recognizing God’s presence in the future.

Faith Summary

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ONLINE RESOURCES

Written by Tom McGrath, these articles are offered to parents to nurture their own Catholic Faith.

With Family Prayer Pray the Sign My of theFamily Cross and the Glory Be to the Father with your family. Then Activity Work together as a family to keep your spend a few minutes talking about the Trinity. neighborhood neat. Take a walk around the block and pick up litter you find lying on the ground.

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UNIT 1 • God, Our Creator and Father

Faith on the Go Ask one another: Think about our wonderful earth. What do you think is the most beautiful part of God’s creation? Why?

LoyolaPress.

Family Prayer Dear God, bless our family as part of your creation. Help us to show love for your creation by taking care of the PDF Signoff: Production _______ world Design _______ around us. Amen. Editorial _______

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GRADES K–8

Gathering Around the Saints An Intergenerational Events Kit Finding God Together: An Intergenerational Events Kit focuses on learning more about the saints as a family.

Although designed around the Finding God program, these intergenerational events can integrate into and enhance any elementary faith formation program.

The kit includes everything you need to get kids, parents, grandparents, and the entire parish community excited about the saints and their stories. With plenty of skits, crafts, saint station posters, and prayers to choose from, the Intergenerational Events Kit is adjustable to fit your own needs.

Available in English only.

The Intergenerational Events Kit includes the following components: • Leader Guide with step-by-step instructions • Complete Plans for Five Events • 30 Saint Station Posters Online resources for the Intergenerational Events Kit include the following: • Saint Station Activity Pages • Saint Station Planners Unit 1 Grade 1

• Discussion Questions • Skit Scripts and Skit Planner

Saint Francis’s Story Directions: Cut out each scene below. Choose one and color it. Listen to your leader to learn how to make a necklace with your card.

• Saint Station Blackline Masters

UNIT

Page 1 of 2

Saint Station Planner Recruit Leaders and Helpers

Assisi

Recruit Saint Station Leaders to run the Saint Station for each grade. Designate at Unit 1 take-Home least one helper for each Saint Station. If you have a large parish, you can have more than one leader and one helper for each grade.

• Group Share Games

activity

Plan Logistics Select a location for each Saint Station. Make sure there will be enough space for participants and that the locations will have tables and chairs.

Dear Family,

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• Family Take-Home Packets

page 1 of 2

Date:

Use the following grid to help you plan the Saint Station sessions.

Thank you for participating in our Intergenerational Event. Together we explored how God, our Creator and Father, is present in our lives. Additionally we learned how the saints serve as role models in faith. We hope you had fun!

Date:__________________________________________ Time:_____________________

Helper

Leader

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3 4 5 6

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www.findinggod.com

(a) © iStockphoto.com/ildogesto; (b) Philomena Oneill.; (c-f) © Yoshi Miyake.

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We invite you to continue your faith journey as a family at home. Here are a few ideas Location to get you started: ▶▶

1

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▶▶

Finding God Together • Unit 1 • Grade 1 W0129

Look through family photographs. Find pictures that illustrate the beauty of God’s creation, including pictures of your family. Use craft supplies to put together a special scrapbook. Label the pictures. Display the scrapbook for all to see.

Discuss a project you can do together as a family to care for the earth. You may wish to plant flowers or trees in a family garden, pick up litter at a nearby park, agree to participate in your community recycling program, or something similar.

As a family take a walk around the neighborhood to collect specimens of creation. Arrange the specimens in a basket. As part of your family mealtime prayer, invite each family member to take turns selecting an item and sharing why he or she finds that item to be especially beautiful. Use the prayer service to help you.

Thank you for spending your very us. God Together withFinding time Press valuable© Loyola

www.findinggod.com

Blessings,

© Dynamic Graphics/liquidlibrary/Thinkstock.

Grade

W0169

©

www.findinggod.com

Finding God Together • Unit 1 Take-Home Activity W0124

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www.FindingGod.com | 800.621.1008

All You’ll Need to Lead Director Quick-Start Guide Comprehensive yet concise, the Director Quick-Start Guide provides an overview of the program structure, tips on implementing the program into a school or parish with five ready–to–use implementation models, training for catechists and teachers, and tools to introduce the program to parents.

Spanish Director Quick-Start Guides are online only.

Online Digital Resources Online Assessment System The Finding God Assessment System provides catechists and teachers with tools to gauge progress at every level.

Our system allows you to create, assign, and deliver tests through a secure online test center. This online tool includes • Full–featured test generator • Secure online testing • Complete reporting system

http://www.christourlife.com

Interactive Digital Student Edition The digital edition is accessible online and allows students to highlight, make notes, and write responses. Students can access the book from anywhere on any device with web access.

Preview samples and learn more: www.FindingGod.com | 800.621.1008

ONLINE RESOURCES

• Available in English only

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GRADES K–8

Finding God Website The Finding God website fully supports directors of religious education, principals, catechists, and teachers with resources: • Director Guide: supplemental tools for introducing and implementing Finding God • Activity Finder: a searchable way to find hundreds of activities for every grade level, topic, grouping, and learner • Prayer Services: printable prayer service PDFs for every unit and session • Blackline Masters: available as PDFs • Lesson Planner: fast, easy-to-use, customizable lesson planning • Session Extenders: helpful Loyola Press web links to articles, prayers, activities, and more • Assessments: session and unit assessments available as printable PDFs • Intergenerational Events Kit Support Pieces: supplements that guide the event planner to implement a fun, faith-filled series of events

For parent resources, see page 19.

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www.FindingGod.com | 800.621.1008

For Children with Special Needs Adaptive Finding God is the foremost program of it’s kind, offering faith formation for children with special needs that is adaptable to a variety of settings and situations. Adaptive Finding God can be used in conjunction with the Finding God grade level books or as a stand-alone program for parishes, schools, and at home.

All of the learning tools seen on this page are included with the program, ensuring that children of all abilities can engage at the appropriate level and express their faith.

LOYOLA LOYOLA

E xa m

i n a t i o n o f Co n s c

Do I love God first?

Do I listen to my parents?

Do I pray often?

Do I listen to my teacher ?

Do I take care of my things?

Am I like Jesus?

Do I love my neighbo r?

Am I respect ful at church?

Do I say nice things?

Do I forgive others?

i e nc

e

Do I Iove myself?

Do I share?

Do I tell the truth?

Do I say I’m sorry?

Do I want to do better?

LOYOLA

© 2016

SPECIAL NEEDS

Do I help people?

Do I love my family?

| Developed in consultation with the National Catholic Partnership on Disability.

Preview samples and learn more: www.FindingGod.com | 800.621.1008

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School and Parish Editions • Grades K–8

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