Christ Our Life 2016 Grade 2 Teacher School Edition

NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION

Christ Our Life God Cares for Us

2

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 T336, 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 2 that shows how these pages align with the goals and objectives expressed by the U. S. bishops in Go and Make Disciples: A National Plan and Strategy for Catholic Evangelization in the United States.

If not me, then who will proclaim the Gospel?

If not now, then when will the Gospel be proclaimed?

If not the truth of the Gospel, then what shall I proclaim?

—excerpt from Prayer for the New Evangelization (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)

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

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

For Whom Is the New Evangelization Intended? Jesus’ commission to the apostles is at the heart of our call to know and share our faith with others. Every member of the Church plays a part in the New Evangelization.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops identifies various relationships that people may have to Jesus and his Church. The bishops tell us that each type of relationship has a role in the New Evangelization: “Evangelization, then, has different implications depending on our relationship to Jesus and his Church.

For those of us who practice and live our Catholic faith, it is a call to ongoing growth and renewed conversion.

For those who have accepted it only in name, it is a call to re-evangelization. For those who have stopped practicing their faith, it is a call to reconciliation. For children, it is a call to be formed into disciples through the family’s faith life and religious education. For other Christians, it is an invitation to know the fullness of our message. For those who have no faith, it is a call to conversion to know Christ Jesus and thus experience a change to new life with Christ and his Church.” (Go and Make Disciples: A National Plan and Strategy for Catholic Evangelization in the United States: #27)

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

THE NEW EVANGELIZATION

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“‘[E]veryone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed?

And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent?”

(Romans 10:13–15)

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

Gifts of Service Each member of the Church uses the Gifts from the Holy Spirit to evangelize. A young person might witness to Christ among friends, playing sports, volunteering, or at school. A parent may express faith in his or her workplace, demonstrating acts of kindness and charity, or championing Catholic Social Teaching in the neighborhood. A priest might share in the Church’s mission by leading Scripture study groups, celebrating the Mass on Sunday, or providing counseling to parishioners. A religious sister might share faith by teaching, volunteering in the community, or offering prayers and devotions for the living and the dead. In these and similar ways, Catholics reflect and spread Christ’s light and attract others to him.

Embracing the Challenge Catholics who are brimming with joy for God’s Word might meet resistance in a culture and society whose values are often on a collision course with Jesus’ teaching. Indeed, Catholics are challenged to be “in the world” but not “of the world.” Saint Paul reminds us: “Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.”

(Romans 12:2) The world is a good place that God created out of his love for us. He sent his Son to live among us and save us from sin. Our Catholic challenge is to live the values of the Kingdom of God as Jesus taught us.

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

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

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NEW EVANGELIZATION

Inspire

Gather and Go Forth

1. Read aloud the page title

Gather and Go Forth.

Discuss how we “gather and go forth” in our daily lives. ✦✦ What are some gatherings you go to each day or week? Do you practice a sport or have piano or swimming lessons? Which gatherings are your favorite? ✦✦

✦✦

CH

Know and Proclaim We Know Our Faith

Gathering and going forth sums up the Catholic way of life. We gather to pray and learn, and then we go forth to share our faith and God’s love for us.

Scripture in the sidebar on page 9. Explain that God speaks to us through the Gospels and the sacraments. ✦✦ Have children name any of the four Gospels and sacraments they know.

When we receive God’s message from the Bible or in the celebration of the sacraments, God wants us to share it with others. This is a big job, but one we can all do because God is with us always.

Pray together: Thank you, God, for the Gospels and the sacraments.

Amen.

Proclaim 1. Read the Know and Proclaim introduction and chart with children. ✦✦ Ask children to name something God created in our world. ✦✦

✦✦

Ask children to think of someone in the room. Who made this person and loves this person? (God) God made and loves everyone.

Lead children in prayer, beginning and ending with the Sign of the Cross: Loving God, help us love everyone. Thank you for making us in your image. Amen.

We Proclaim Our Faith

God made everything. God loves everyone.

As Catholics, we respect God’s creation, especially people.

God is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We call this the Trinity.

Catholics remember the Trinity when praying the Sign of the Cross. It is a sign of our faith.

gather to hear God’s Word and celebrate the sacraments.

“Go . . . proclaim the gospel to every creature.”

Mark 16:15

Test Your Catholic Knowledge

2. Read aloud the text and

✦✦

1

As Catholics, we

God gives us our lives. We share the gift of life with others.

When do Catholics gather every week? (at Mass) What does the priest say at the end of Mass? (“Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.”)

A PT E R

Fill in the circle that best completes the sentence.

The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are: saints. disciples. the Trinity. the Sign of the Cross.

God Is the Giver of Gifts CHAPTER 1

✦✦

How did we begin and end our prayer? (with the Sign of the Cross) Who is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? (the Trinity)

2. Discuss everyday signs.

What signs do you see and use every day? (road signs; signs in school) The Sign of the Cross is an important sign. What does it tell others about you? (I am a Catholic.)

3. Direct children’s attention to the Test Your Catholic Knowledge section.

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Knowing our Catholic faith helps us know God and share his love.

Read aloud this section. When all children have finished, discuss the correct answer.

Sunday Connection Explore this Sunday’s Scripture readings with children by accessing www.loyolapress.com/sunday.

Goal 1: To bring about enthusiasm for faith so it is freely shared with others 93. To foster an appreciation of God’s Word

The Church Evangelizes Many Catholics pray before meals at home, but not in restaurants or other public places. Explain to children the importance of praying before meals and invite them to talk with their parents about when and how their family prays together. Goal 1: To bring about enthusiasm for faith so it is freely shared with others 97. To foster a deeper sense of prayer

See pages T386–T388 for a full correlation to the USCCB Go and Make Disciples national plan.

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God Gives Us Life and Love

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4. Read aloud A Catholic to

Know. Discuss Saint Bernadette. ✦✦ Role models are good examples.

They show us how to live like Jesus. What do the saints model for us? (how to love and follow Jesus) Invite volunteers to tell about saints. ✦✦

✦✦

A Catholic to Know Bernadette was born in France in 1844.

When she was a young girl, she was visited by Mary at a cave near her home. Mary gave her a message of penance and prayer to share with others.

Bernadette told the truth about what she saw. Hardly anyone believed her at first, but Bernadette never backed down.

Today, millions of people have visited Bernadette’s town in France seeking God’s healing in their lives.

Saint Bernadette is a good role model. Mary, Jesus’ mother, visited Bernadette. Many people did not believe Bernadette at first, but she was brave and told the truth. It is important to tell the truth, even when others might not believe you. God will guide you and give you strength.

Witness and Share Listen to each faith statement. Think about what you believe.

My Way to Faith

Have children discuss a modern-day hero who models strength and courage like Saint Bernadette.

• I believe that God made everything and everyone.

• I believe that God made me in his image.

5. Explain the concept of witness.

• I remember the Trinity when I pray the Sign of the Cross.

A witness is someone who sees or hears something and then tells the truth about it. How can you give witness to Jesus? (by hearing and sharing Jesus’ message)

Share Your Faith Write one way you can share your Catholic faith.

6. Read the Witness and Share

introductory text. Lead a reflection on the My Way to Faith statements. ✦✦ Explain that faith grows over time.

To grow in our faith, we must take time to think about our beliefs. ✦✦

After I read a statement, think about it quietly. Read aloud each faith statement, allowing time for reflection.

✦✦

We are called to grow closer to God. Ask God to help you grow in your faith.

✦✦

Ask children to choose one faith statement to discuss with a parent or a trusted adult. Encourage children to grow in this area and then come back to the page later in the year and complete it again.

Saint Bernadette

Invite friends to tell more ways to share God’s love.

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UNIT 1 God Gives Us Life and Love

Transform

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

1. Ask children to reflect on what

they wrote in Share Your Faith.

What special gift or talent will help you share God’s love? Read aloud Matthew 5:14–16. Have children think about their own special light.

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

2. Invite children to imagine

shining their light everywhere.

Our special light from God gets brighter the more we share it.

7. Discuss ways to share our faith.

Why is faith meant to be shared?

(It helps us and others grow closer to God.)

8. Read aloud the directions for

the Share Your Faith activity and have children complete it.

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NEW EVANGELIZATION

Inspire

Gather and Go Forth

1. Read aloud the text and

Scripture on page 17. ✦✦ Discuss the power of love. Whom do you love? How do you show that you love someone? [Let children respond.] ✦✦

CH

Know and Proclaim

Share faith stories, personal or from current events, that illustrate acts of selfless love.

Jesus gives us new life. We share this life with others through our loving actions.

2. Discuss the idea that Jesus is

a gift.

Jesus is a gift from God our Father.

He is the most precious gift of all.

Jesus tells us about the Father’s love and how we can grow closer to him. of thanksgiving.

Have children finish this prayer: Thank you, Father, for the gift of your Son, because he . Amen. Take turns praying aloud children’s prayers.

✦✦

We are Jesus’ followers too.

What can we do to be closer to Jesus? Explain that everything Jesus’

know that Jesus is God’s best gift to us.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.” John 3:16

We become more like Jesus when we love others and pray.

Jesus is the: Son of the Father. first disciple.

Proclaim introduction and chart with children.

Draw three boxes on the board connected by arrows. In the first box, write God gives us Jesus. In the second box, write Jesus gives us grace. Then ask children what grace gives us. Write their responses in the third box.

(Examples: Grace gives us the strength to love others. Grace gives us new life.)

Read aloud Acts of the Apostles 2:41–47. What did followers of Jesus do after his Death, Resurrection, and Ascension? (listened to Jesus’ teachings; prayed; gave witness; praised God; shared with one another)

During Easter, Catholics celebrate that Jesus is alive.

We receive his gift of new life at Baptism.

As Catholics, we

Fill in the circle that best completes the sentence.

1. Read aloud the Know and

✦✦

Jesus came to give us new life, which we call grace.

2

Test Your Catholic Knowledge

Proclaim

disciples and followers of Jesus. ✦✦ Read aloud Matthew 4:18–20 and 10:8. What were some things Jesus’ disciples did before Jesus died? (listened to Jesus’ words; followed him; cured people of diseases)

We Proclaim Our Faith

Jesus’ friends, the disciples, became the Church.

3. Invite children to write a prayer

2. Discuss the actions of the

We Know Our Faith

A PT E R

Spirit of God. Trinity.

Jesus Is God’s Best Gift CHAPTER 2

first followers did, Catholics can do today.

3. Direct children’s attention to

the Test Your Catholic Knowledge section. ✦✦ Read aloud the sentence and the answer choices. Give children time to record their answer before discussing the correct answer. ✦✦

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DRE Connect Share ideas with an online community for faith formation leaders by accessing dreconnect.loyolapress.com.

Goal 1: To bring about enthusiasm for faith so it is freely shared with others 99. To foster a sense of discipleship among Catholic adults and children

Point out that the Father, the Son, and the Spirit (choice 3) together are called the Trinity (choice 4), which is God.

The Church Evangelizes Have children write and decorate brief “Welcome to Mass” notes. Coordinate with the pastor and those responsible for the liturgy to have children tuck their notes inside the pages of bulletins or Mass booklets. Goal 2: To invite all people to hear the message of salvation in Jesus Christ 106. To make every Catholic institution more welcoming

See pages T386–T388 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 Peter. ✦✦ Peter was the leader of the Church. But he was not perfect.

He made some mistakes along the way. Jesus chose him anyway. ✦✦

Point out that Jesus knows we aren’t perfect. What do we have to do to be a leader for Jesus? (love Jesus; tell others about Jesus)

✦✦

Discuss with children someone in your community who is a leader in the Church. Invite children to pray for him or her.

A Catholic to Know Peter was a fisherman and one of Jesus’ closest friends. Jesus saw that Peter was a strong leader. He made Peter the leader of the Church. After Jesus ascended to heaven, Peter preached the Good News.

He also worked miracles. Peter loved Jesus very much. He gave his entire life to Jesus.

Witness and Share Listen to each faith statement. Think about what you believe.

5. Read the Witness and Share

My Way to Faith

introductory text. ✦✦ To be a leader for Jesus, we have to take time to think about our beliefs. When we know what we believe, we can share our beliefs with others. ✦✦

Explain that you will read some faith statements aloud. Invite children to think about each one.

✦✦

Read aloud the first faith statement.

Think about this statement. Hold it in your heart.

✦✦

Read aloud the other faith statements, giving children time for reflection.

✦✦

Remind children that we are called to become more and more like Jesus. To be like Jesus, we help those in need. We share what we know about God.

✦✦

Ask children to choose one or more faith statements to discuss with an adult they trust. Encourage them to write this statement in a journal and revisit it later in the school year to consider how their faith has grown.

6. Read aloud the directions for

the Share Your Faith activity.

Ask children to name words that describe Jesus and write them on the board. Then invite children to think about these words before they begin the activity.

Saint Peter

• I believe that Jesus came to save us.

• I rejoice that Jesus rose on Easter.

• I pray and do good deeds to become more like Jesus.

Share Your Faith Write one way you can be more like Jesus this week.

Invite family members to help you be more like Jesus.

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UNIT 1 God Gives Us Life and Love

Transform 1. Have small groups share what

they wrote for Share Your Faith.

Ask groups to choose one idea and make up a simple cheer that tells its main idea. Invite each group to teach its cheer to the other children.

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. Encourage children to teach a

faith cheer to a sibling, relative, or friend in the coming days.

The Church Evangelizes Discuss with children how Catholics of all ages can participate in retreats, which are gatherings designed for prayer, reflection, and sharing one’s faith with others. Going on retreat helps us love God more and makes us want to share our joy with others. Goal 1: To bring about enthusiasm for faith so it is freely shared with others 91. To foster an experience of conversion and renewal in the heart of every believer, leading to a more active living of Catholic life

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NEW EVANGELIZATION

Inspire

Gather and Go Forth

1. Discuss names. ✦✦

✦✦

Imagine that nobody in our school had a name. How would things be different? (It would be confusing. It would be difficult to get someone’s attention.)

CH

Know and Proclaim

Why are names important? (They help us communicate. They help us tell one person from another.)

Through Baptism, we receive God’s grace. We want to share God’s love with others.

2. Read aloud the text and the

We Know Our Faith

Scripture on page 25. ✦✦ This Scripture passage is about names. Peter is reminding early Christians who they are. Who are they? (God’s people) ✦✦

In what sacrament do we receive the name child of God? (Baptism)

✦✦

What other name did we receive at Baptism? (our personal name)

We Proclaim Our Faith

In Baptism, we receive the gift of grace. We become members of God’s family.

Catholics receive the Sacrament of Baptism, which takes away Original Sin.

Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God.

As Catholics, we love others as Jesus did.

A PT E R

3

As Catholics, we share in God’s life through Baptism.

Once you were “no people” but now you are God’s people.

1 Peter 2:10

3. Have children pray this prayer

Test Your Catholic Knowledge

with gestures.

[Place your hands over your heart.]

Thank you, God, for the gift of my name. [Hold your arms open.] Thank you, God, for the gift of my family.

[Bless yourself.] Thank you, God, for the gift of Baptism. [Raise your arms above your head; bring them down at your sides.] Amen.

Fill in the circle that best completes the sentence.

When we are baptized, we become members of: Original Sin. our parents’ family. the United States. the Church.

Jesus Lives in His Church CHAPTER 3

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Proclaim 1. Read the Know and Proclaim introduction and chart with children. ✦✦ What do you picture when you hear the word grace? [Let children respond.] ✦✦

✦✦

In Baptism, grace flows into us like water or light. It washes away Original Sin. Grace is so strong that it wants to overflow.

How does your family help others? [Let children respond.]

These are examples of grace flowing outward or overflowing.

2. Draw a sun on the board. ✦✦

Ask children to write grace in the center of the sun and loving actions on the sun’s rays.

✦✦

Your sun reminds us of Jesus.

Jesus loves us, which encourages us to love others.

3. Direct children’s attention to

the Test Your Catholic Knowledge section. ✦✦ Read aloud this section. Give children time to fill in a circle before discussing the correct answer. ✦✦

We belong to our family, our parish, our community, and our country. We belong to the best group of all—the family of God, the Church.

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

The Church Evangelizes Some Catholics get together to look at the problems of their neighborhood, city, or world through God’s eyes. Through prayer, study, and conversation, they respond to the question, “What would God want us to do to make this situation fairer for all?” 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

See pages T386–T388 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 Pius X. ✦✦ Have children recall the change Pope Pius X made to Church laws to allow younger children to receive the Eucharist. ✦✦

A Catholic to Know Giuseppe Sarto was born in Italy in 1835. He believed God called him to help those who were poor. Giuseppe worked to improve their lives. Later he became Pope Pius X. As pope he helped lead the Church in a more reverent celebration of the Mass. He allowed children aged seven and older to receive Holy Communion. Pope Pius X did great things for God.

How does this change affect you?

(We will receive the Eucharist for the first time this year.) When we follow Jesus and do God’s work, we can make a big difference.

5. Read the Witness and Share

introductory text. Lead a reflection on the My Way to Faith statements. ✦✦ Without ever playing a game before, would you be able to play the game well? Why or why not?

[Let children respond.] It’s the same with God’s work. To do it well, we have to know our faith. ✦✦

✦✦

Witness and Share Listen to each faith statement. Think about what you believe.

My Way to Faith • I show my faith in God. • I believe Jesus’ grace takes away Original Sin at Baptism.

• I love others as Jesus did.

Think about each of the following faith statements. Everyone’s faith journey is unique. Read aloud the statements and give children time to reflect.

Ask children to choose one or more faith statements to discuss with an adult they trust. Encourage them to write this statement in a journal and revisit it later in the school year to consider how their faith has grown.

Saint Pius X

Share Your Faith Write one way you can show your faith in God this week.

Invite family members to show their faith.

26

UNIT 1 God Gives Us Life and Love

6. Read aloud the directions for

the Share Your Faith activity.

Remind children that faith requires trust. We don’t have to know everything to have faith in God. We just have to trust in God.

✦✦

✦✦

Have children think of a problem they are facing. Invite them to write about it and tell how faith will help them handle it.

Transform

✦✦

When we have faith in God, his grace makes us feel peaceful about whatever may happen.

Sunday Connection Explore this Sunday’s Scripture readings with children by accessing www.loyolapress.com/sunday.

2. Have children pray for someone they know who is facing a challenge.

The next time you see this person, invite him or her to trust God and feel God’s peace.

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. Have children reflect on what

they wrote for Share Your Faith.

Trusting God when we face a problem helps us grow closer to him.

✦✦

✦✦

Share a time when you faced a challenge and trusted God, and what you learned from the experience. (Example: a misunderstanding with a friend.)

The Church Evangelizes If your parish has a “Coffee Sunday” gathering after Mass, teach the children a favorite hymn appropriate to the readings of the day that they can sing for those gathered for the celebration. Goal 2: To invite all people to hear the message of salvation in Jesus Christ 106. To make every Catholic institution more welcoming

Jesus Lives in His Church CHAPTER 3 T341

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NEW EVANGELIZATION

Inspire

Gather and Go Forth

1. Read aloud the text and

Scripture on page 33.

Who are the race, nation, and people in this Bible passage? (us; God’s people) God wants all human beings to be members of his family.

CH

Know and Proclaim

2. Discuss the phrase “royal

We listen to God’s Word in the Bible. Like the saints, we share God’s Word with others.

priesthood.”

When we are baptized, we become members of a royal priesthood. We are royal because we are God’s people. We are priests because it is our job to serve others and share the Good News of Jesus.

We Know Our Faith

3. Explain that it is the calling

of all baptized Christians to serve others.

Have children turn to page 217 in their books. Together, pray aloud the Prayer for Vocations.

you with a demonstration.

[Ask two children to hold hands and form a circle.] The Old Testament tells us who God is and who we are. [Have a third child join the circle and make it bigger.]

Jesus stretches these ideas to include more people. [Invite the fourth child to join the circle.] The Holy Spirit keeps stretching these ideas to reach new places, times, and people.

✦✦

The New Testament tells about Jesus.

Catholics tell others about the Good News of God’s love.

believe all people are called to serve others.

You are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own.”

1 Peter 2:9

We learn about Jesus’ life in the: Old Testament.

introduction and chart with children. ✦✦ The Scripture passage we discussed is from the New Testament, but Peter is using phrases from the Old Testament.

Often, ideas from the Old Testament take on new meaning for the followers of Jesus.

2. Ask for four volunteers to help

As Catholics, we believe all people are part of God’s plan.

As Catholics, we

Fill in the circle that best completes the sentence.

1. Read the Know and Proclaim

In the Old Testament, God tells the Jewish people that they are “a kingdom of priests, a holy nation.” (Exodus 19:6) Later, Jesus tells us that anyone who loves him, the Father, and one another is a member of this nation.

Anyone can belong!

The Old Testament tells about God’s plan for all people.

4

Test Your Catholic Knowledge

Proclaim

✦✦

We Proclaim Our Faith

A PT E R

Sacrament of Baptism.

New Testament.

Book of Genesis.

God Speaks to Us CHAPTER 4

✦✦

Who helps the Holy Spirit spread God’s Word? (We do.) Look back at the chart in your book. Who can show us how to answer God’s call with love? (the saints)

3. Direct children’s attention to the Test Your Catholic Knowledge section.

Read aloud this section. After children make a choice, discuss the correct answer.

33

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 106. To make every Catholic institution more welcoming

The Church Evangelizes Discuss with children the idea that God is everywhere, not just in church. Explain that his Spirit is with us any time we notice something beautiful or do something loving. Have children watch for God in the everyday world and then tell about it in class the next day. Goal 1: To bring about enthusiasm for faith so it is freely shared with others 100. To foster active and religious experience through communal experiences in which the Good News is shared, experienced, and applied to daily life

See pages T386–T388 for a full correlation to the USCCB Go and Make Disciples national plan.

T342

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UNIT 1

God Gives Us Life and Love

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4. Read aloud A Catholic to

Know. Discuss Saint John Bosco. ✦✦ Point out the word mission. What is a mission? (a task or a job) A mission can be something we are asked to do or feel in our hearts that we should do. Who asked John Bosco to care for struggling boys? (God) ✦✦

✦✦

A Catholic to Know John Bosco was born in Italy in 1815. He became a priest. God called him to help boys become the best they could be. John opened a home where boys could study, pray, play, and work. Later he started an order of priests who continued his mission. John’s faith in God helped him help others.

God wants each of us to go on a mission. [Draw a word web on the board. In the center, write Serve others. Invite children to name people who serve others. Write their names on lines branching out from the web.] (Examples: Dad, Mom, me, Aunt Jane) All of us have the same mission: to serve others.

Saint John Bosco

Witness and Share Listen to each faith statement. Think about what you believe.

My Way to Faith • I open my heart to know God’s plan for me.

• I read the Bible to hear God’s Word.

We serve others in different ways.

But we are all called to teach in God’s name. [Add the word teach to the web with your name. Invite volunteers to name their talents and write them on lines in the web next to their names.] God wants us to use our talents to serve others.

• I learn about the saints.

Share Your Faith What Bible story can you share with someone in your family?

5. Read the Witness and Share

introductory text.

To do our best for God, we have to exercise our faith so that we will have the strength for our mission.

Invite family members to read this Bible story with you.

✦✦

✦✦

Explain that you will read some faith statements about ways to exercise our faith in God. Invite children to think about each one.

✦✦

Read aloud each faith statement, giving children time for reflection.

✦✦

Ask children to choose one faith statement to discuss with a parent or a trusted adult. Remind children that they can come back to this statement later and consider how they have grown in their faith.

6. Read aloud the directions for

34

✦✦

UNIT 1 God Gives Us Life and Love

After children complete the sentence, have them practice telling the Bible story to a partner.

2. Encourage children to take a

Transform 1. Have children think about the

Bible story they named in Share Your Faith. ✦✦ What did someone in your chosen story do to serve God and others? [Let children respond.]

similar action to serve God and others.

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

the Share Your Faith activity.

Remind children that the Bible is at the center of the Catholic faith.

✦✦ ✦✦

Read aloud some stories from a children’s Bible, and allow time for children to choose one. What is your favorite Bible story? Why? [Let children respond.]

The Church Evangelizes Send home a list of key biblical images of Jesus, e.g., the Good Shepherd, Bread for the Hungry, Light of the World, Prince of Peace, etc. Have each family choose one image of Jesus that they will try to imitate during the coming week and tell how they can make that happen. 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

God Speaks to Us CHAPTER 4 T343

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GR

ADE

2

Contents

Program Overview

OV-1

Program Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OV-12 Planning Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OV-16 Scope and Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OV-18 Correlations to NCEA IFG: ACRE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OV-24

Unit 1

God Gives Us Life and Love

T1

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

God Is the Giver of Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T2 God Gives Us Many Gifts T4 We Are Gifts T7 God Cares for His Gifts T10 Each Person Is a Special Gift T12 Extending the Chapter T15

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

Jesus Is God’s Best Gift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Jesus Shows Us the Father’s Love The Friends of Jesus Are the Church Jesus Shares His Life with Us We Pray the Sign of the Cross Extending the Chapter

T16 T18 T21 T23 T25 T27

Chapter 3 Jesus Lives in His Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Day One God Gives Us New Life in Baptism Day Two The Church Welcomes Us Day Three We Belong to Jesus’ Church Day Four You Are a Part of the Church Day Five Extending the Chapter

T28 T30 T32 T36 T39 T42

God Speaks to Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Jesus Helps Us Hear God’s Word Unit 1 Review Unit 1 Test Unit 1 Celebration Extending the Chapter

T44 T46 T49 T51 T52 T54

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

Unit 2

Jesus Calls Us to Give Ourselves in Love

T55

Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

Jesus Shows Us How to Love God Our Father . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Jesus Loved God His Father We Can Pray to God Every Day We Honor God’s Name and Day We Celebrate God Extending the Chapter

T56 T58 T62 T65 T67 T69

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

Jesus Shows Us How to Love Others . . . .

Jesus Tells Us to Love Others We Love When We Obey God We Show Love with Our Gifts Every Day Is a Kindness Day Extending the Chapter

T70 T72 T75 T79 T81 T83

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

We Give Love to Others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

How Else Do We Show Love?

Acting with Courtesy and Concern We Love When We Are Honest We Love When We Are Truthful Extending the Chapter

T84 T86 T89 T90 T92 T95

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

Jesus Calls Us to Live in Love . . . . . . . . . . . .

Love Takes Sacrifice Unit 2 Review Unit 2 Test Unit 2 Celebration Extending the Chapter

T96 T98 T101 T104 T105 T108

Chapter 5

v

Unit 3

Jesus Gives Us the Gift of Peace

T109

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

Our Friend Jesus Forgives Us . . . . . . . . . . .

Jesus Is Our Friend We Tell Friends, “I’m Sorry” Jesus Forgave Zacchaeus Jesus Forgives Us Extending the Chapter

T110 T112 T115 T118 T121 T124

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

Jesus Leads Us to His Peace . . . . . . . . . . . . .

We Need Jesus’ Forgiveness Jesus Gives Us a Sacrament of Peace Jesus Helps Us to Bring Peace Jesus Forgave the Woman Extending the Chapter

T126 T128 T131 T134 T136 T139

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

The Holy Spirit Helps Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Holy Spirit Is with Us We Look into Our Hearts The Holy Spirit Helps Us to Love We Open Our Hearts to God’s Love Extending the Chapter

T140 T142 T145 T149 T151 T153

Chapter 12 We Meet Jesus in the Sacrament of Reconciliation . . . . . . . .

Day One Jesus Forgives Us Day Two We Tell Jesus We Have Failed Day Three We Confess to Jesus Day Four Jesus Helps Us Become Better Day Five Extending the Chapter

T154 T156 T159 T161 T164 T167

We Become Better Persons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

We Make Up for Our Sins God Forgives Us We Praise God Making Heart Pendants Extending the Chapter

T168 T170 T173 T176 T179 T181

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

vi

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

Jesus Calls Us His Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

We Are Friends of Jesus Unit 3 Review Unit 3 Test Unit 3 Celebration Extending the Chapter

Unit 4

Jesus Gives Us the Gift of Himself

T182 T184 T186 T189 T190 T192

T193

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

Jesus Promised the Gift of Himself . . . .

Jesus Fed the People Jesus Promised Living Bread We Are Invited to the Table We Come to Be Enrolled Extending the Chapter

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

We Celebrate God’s Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T206 God’s People Celebrate Passover T208 Jesus Offers the Gift of Himself T210 Jesus Gives Himself at Mass T213 We Give Ourselves with Jesus T215 Extending the Chapter T218

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

Jesus Invites Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T220 We Celebrate at Mass T222 We Come with Joy T224 We Pray Together T227 We Begin Our Celebration T229 Extending the Chapter T231

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

We Listen and Pray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

We Listen to the Word We Live God’s Word We Tell God We Believe We Ask God for Help Extending the Chapter

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

We Prepare Our Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T244 We Prepare to Offer Gifts T246 We Give Thanks and Praise T248 We Make Gifts T251 We Lift Our Hearts to the Lord T253 Extending the Chapter T255

T194 T196 T199 T203 T205 T205

T232 T234 T236 T237 T239 T242

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

Jesus Offers Himself . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T256 Jesus Gives Himself at Mass T258 Jesus Offers Himself for Us T261 We Make Bread and a Chalice T263 We Celebrate in Prayer T264 Extending the Chapter T265

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

We Receive the Bread of Life . . . . . . . . . . . .

We Prepare to Receive Jesus Jesus Helps a Roman Soldier Jesus Gives Himself to Us We Thank Jesus Extending the Chapter

Chapter 22 Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five

We Share God’s Love with Others . . . . . . T280 We Love and Serve the Lord T282 We Bloom Wherever We Are T285 Unit 4 Review T288 Unit 4 Test T291 Extending the Chapter T292

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

The Church Celebrates God’s Love . . . . . T322 Unit 5 Review T324 Unit 5 Test T327 Unit 5 Celebration T328 We Plan to Follow Jesus T330 Extending the Chapter T332

T266 T268 T271 T274 T276 T279

Gather and Go Forth

T333

Student pages follow each chapter.

The New Evangelization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T333 Unit 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T336 Unit 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T344 Unit 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T352 Unit 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T364 Unit 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T380 New Evangelization Correlation Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T386

Special Seasons and Lessons

T389

The Year in Our Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T389 1 Feast of All Saints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T390 2 Advent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T395

Unit 5

The Church Celebrates God’s Care

T293

We Are One in the Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

We Are One in the Church We Bring Others to Jesus We Become like Jesus We Need the Eucharist Extending the Chapter

T294 T296 T299 T302 T305 T308

Chapter 24 Mary, Mother of the Church, Cares for Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Day One Mary Asks Jesus to Help Day Two We Try to Be like Mary Day Three We Honor Our Mother Day Four We Celebrate Mary Day Five Extending the Chapter

T310 T312 T316 T318 T320 T321

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

3 Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T404 4 Lent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T410 5 Holy Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T417 6 Easter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T423 7 Pentecost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T428 8 The Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T433 9 Reconciliation Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T440 10 Eucharist: Planning a Mass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T442

vii

What Catholics Should Know

T449

Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Prayer and How We Pray Stations of the Cross The Seven Sacraments Holy Days of Obligation Commandments Making Good Choices The Bible Showing Our Love for the World

T449 T451 T458 T462 T466 T467 T468 T469 T470

Student Book Cover Prayers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T471

The Catechist’s Handbook

Saints and Feast Days

T473

Calendar of Saints and Feast Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .T473 September T474 October T474 November T475 December T476 January T476 February T477 March T477 April T478 May T478

The Catechist’s Handbook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T479 Profile of a Second Grader T480 Areas of Growth T481 The Catechist T482 Tips for Good Catechesis T484 What the Catechism Says to Catechists T485 Techniques and Tools of Teaching T486 Creative Activities T492 Inclusion: Meeting Special Needs T494 Multicultural Awareness T497 Assessment T498 Catechist’s Resources T499 Sacramental Preparation Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T501 Music List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T516 The Ten Commandments Song for Little Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T522 Directory of Suppliers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T524 Online Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T526

Glossary Index

T529

T537

Scripture Index

viii

T479

T545

UNIT

1

God Gives Us Life and Love Goals The children will come to appreciate everything and everyone as a gift from God. They will have a deeper understanding of Baptism and the Church.

1 God Is the Giver of Gifts

The living God shares with each person the gift of human life and calls each one to eternal union. The children learn that their life is a sign of God’s love and that they are led to a deeper awareness of God’s presence in the love, beauty, and goodness of the other gifts given to them each day.

2 Jesus Is God’s Best Gift

The Father reveals his love for the human family in the gift of his Son. Jesus shows us how we can come into the fullness of our being and enjoy life with God forever. The children learn how they can begin to live in union with God, who has come to dwell among us.

3 Jesus Lives in His Church

Baptism initiates us into a way of life that leads to personal fulfillment and to oneness with all peoples and with the Father, in and through Christ, together with the Holy Spirit. It joins us to the Church, a community of people who believe in Jesus and try to live together in love and unity under the leadership of our Holy Father, the pope. The children learn how Baptism opens their hearts to God’s love and is the beginning of a new life. They learn that the Church proclaims and teaches God’s Word, celebrates God’s presence among us, and devotes itself to living in the power of God’s love. They share in the mission of Christ as members of his Church.

4 God Speaks to Us

We celebrate God’s gifts by using them for others. The children review the main concepts of Unit 1. They participate in a celebration of their belonging to the Church community.

T1

P HA TER C

1

God Is the Giver of Gifts Faith Focus We were made like God and given many gifts.

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

Listening You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb.

I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works!

The psalmist, reflecting on how the human person surpasses the other marvels of creation, says When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars that you set in place— What are humans that you are mindful of them, mere mortals that you care for them?

Yet you have made them little less than a god, crowned them with glory and honor.

You have given them rule over the works of your hands, put all things at their feet.

Psalm 139:13–14

Reflecting Poets capture in words the wonder of the world and the vitality of life.

Their sensitivity to sights, sounds, and feelings helps us see familiar things in a new way and increases our awareness of the greatness of God. Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in what he has made.

Romans 1:20

T2

UNIT 1

God Gives Us Life and Love

Psalm 8:4–7

Do I express thanks to God aloud in the presence of my students and other people?

Responding God, giver of all good gifts, thank you for your gift of life to my students and me.

Scripture for Further Reflection Genesis 1:27–30 We are created in the image of God. Luke 12:24–29 God provides for his creatures.

James 1:17 Every perfect gift comes from God.

Preparing for the Faith Experience Day One

Church Documents

Gather and Go Forth

God Gives Us Many Gifts

Catechism of the Catholic Church.

The themes of this chapter correspond to the following paragraphs: 299, 301, 355–358, 422.

Find catechist instruction for Gather and Go Forth student pages 9–10 on T336–T337.

National Directory for Catechesis #48.

Children should learn to recognize their own dignity and their importance not only for what they will do in the future but for who they are now.

Enriching the Faith Experience

Day Two We Are Gifts

Day Three God Cares for His Gifts

Day Four Each Person Is a Special Gift

Day Five Extending the Chapter

Gather and Go Forth

Sharing Catholic Social Teaching (USCCB). Our Catholic tradition teaches us that every person is precious and that people are more important than things.

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.

Scripture in This Chapter

Bulletin Board

Psalm 139:14 Psalm of Praise

A suggestion for a bulletin-board design for this chapter is pictured.

Write the name of each student in gift boxes. You may want to use real bows on the gifts. See page T489 for a further explanation of how to use bulletin boards.

Mark 16:15 Share the Gospel

Catholic Social Teaching • Life and Dignity • God’s Creation

GOD’S I F T S

God Is the Giver of Gifts

1 T3

CHAPTER * Post pictures or children’s drawing depicting God’s gifts. Use real bows on the gifts.

Day One God Gives Us Many Gifts LEARNING OUTCOMES

Before You Begin

The children will be able to • describe the gifts of God’s love that are experienced each day.

• explain that God’s love is known through the love of the people in their lives.

• e xplain that God’s gifts are for sharing.

1. God reveals himself as a

loving Father who has given us everything in nature and even a chance to participate in divine life.

2. All creation speaks of the

wonders of our God, who calls us to an ever-closer intimacy.

3. God’s gifts are given for all

Materials • Recorded music: Find suggestions for Chapter 1 on page T516.

• Student book for each child • Gift box with a mirror taped inside (see Day Two Materials)

people and are to be shared by all.

Student pages 1–3

5. The student books could be

blessed earlier—either before the dismissal at a eucharistic celebration or at a prayer service. Presenting the religion book in a prayerful ceremony encourages the children to regard it as a special book that can help them come closer to Jesus. The presence of a priest will further impress the children with the book’s importance.

4. You may wish to begin religion

time by calling the children to a different part of the room, by playing special music, or by praying the Sign of the Cross.

• Bible

Centering 1. Talk about religion class. ✦✦

✦✦

✦✦

T4

You have come to learn more about Jesus so that you can grow to be more like him.

This year is special because you will be preparing to meet with Jesus in the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.

During this year together, we will help one another know and love Jesus more as we come to know one another better. We will share ideas and pray together.

UNIT 1

God Gives Us Life and Love

2. Play a song and have the

children walk around the room. ✦✦ Take one child by the hand and walk a little. ✦✦

Have him or her join hands with another child so that three of you are walking together. Continue until the entire class is walking hand in hand.

3. Present the religion books. ✦✦

Today you will receive a special book to use this year. [Show the religion book and ask someone to read the title.]

✦✦

How do you think this book will help you? (It will help us learn more about Jesus.) This is a special book.

How can you care for it? (Handle it carefully; keep it clean; do my best work in it.)

4. In a simple ceremony, distribute the books.

Call each child by name and present the book. Add a comment such as “John, here is your religion book. It will help you on your way to Jesus” or “Emily, I know Jesus wants you to have this special book so that the two of you may become even closer friends.”

5. Direct the children to write

their names on the inside front cover of the books.

Day One

Sharing 1. Show the gift box to the

A Letter Home

children and discuss gifts. ✦✦ What are some gifts you have received? ✦✦

✦✦

✦✦

Dear Parents and Family,

Did you ever receive a gift that wasn’t in a gift box? What was it?

Turn to page 1 in your books.

Here is a picture of a gift that is not wrapped up and tied with a pretty bow. What is the gift in this picture? (a baby)

Welcome to Christ Our Life! You have the opportunity to be involved in your child’s learning about the Catholic faith.

Your interest, participation, and discussions at home will expand your child’s understanding of these lessons and convey a message about their importance.

This first unit of Christ Our Life introduces your child to an all-loving God who cares personally about each of us. Your child will learn that everything and everyone are gifts from God and be led to a greater awareness of God’s presence in the everyday.

How many of you have made something, drawn a picture, or picked flowers as a gift for your mother, father, or friend? What is it that you did? Why did you give these gifts? (to show my love)

In the second chapter, the children learn that God’s greatest gift is his Son, Jesus, who freed us from sin. Jesus shows us how we can enjoy life with God forever.

The children will be offered a deeper understanding of Baptism and the Church in Chapter Three. Baptism is an initiation into a new life united with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This leads to a discussion of a key mystery of our faith, the Trinity.

Someone has given all of us hundreds and hundreds of gifts out of love.

Baptism also joins us to the Church. The children will learn how the Church shares and teaches God’s Word, celebrates his presence among us, and is dedicated to living in his love.

2. Turn to God’s Gifts Show His Love on page 3.

Have the children close their books.

Then invite them to listen while you read aloud each verse of the poem and discuss the gifts it mentions: ✦✦

(after verse 1) What gifts of God did you enjoy this summer?

✦✦

(after verse 2) What things in the world are your favorite gifts?

✦✦

(after verse 3) Who are some of the people who love and care for you?

At the end of three of the chapters in this unit, the children will bring home a review of the chapter along with the “Building Family Faith” feature. This feature gives you a quick review of what your child learned and offers practical ways to reinforce the lesson at home so that the whole family may benefit. At the end of the fourth chapter, the review for this unit, the children will bring home a Family Feature handout to help nurture the family’s faith at home.

1 God Gives Us Life and Love UNIT

Visit www.christourlife.com for more family resources.

2

UNIT 1 God Gives Us Life and Love I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works!

Psalm 139:14 1

God Is the Giver of Gifts CHAPTER 1 T5

Day One 3. Have the children open their

books to page 3. ✦✦ What is the title above the poem?

(God’s Gifts Show His Love) ✦✦

Read the poem again and have the children say the words in all capital letters with you.

4. Tell the children the story of

✦✦

C

1 God Is the Giver of Gifts

In God’s holy book, the Bible, there is a story about Elijah.

Elijah was God’s friend. One day he was very hungry. He met a woman and asked her for something to eat. This woman was poor. She had only enough flour and olive oil in her house to make a little bread for her son and herself. Even so, she made some bread for Elijah first. Then she went to make her own bread.

To her surprise, she found that her jar still had the same amount of flour as before and that her jug had the same amount of oil as before. For a whole year, she never ran out of flour or oil.

God’s Gifts Show His Love God is the GIVER OF GIFTS. God gives the gift of summer.

I feel the warm sun on my back and cool blades of grass beneath my feet.

And I know that GOD IS GOOD! God sends the gifts of rain, colorful flowers, trees to climb, and lakes with waves.

I know the gift of the touch of a soft, furry kitten and the sight of a puppy’s wagging tail.

And I know that GOD IS GOOD! God gives the gift of people who love me and care for me when I fall and scrape my knee, who help me with my school work, who hug me when I feel sad or lonely or scared.

And I know that GOD LOVES ME!

5. Discuss the story with the

children. ✦✦ In the story, what did the woman do with her gift of food? (She shared it with Elijah.) ✦✦

✦✦

✦✦

T6

How do you think Elijah felt when he received the bread? (happy, grateful) Why did God bless the woman by giving her enough food for another year? (He rewarded her because she shared.)

God likes us to share his gifts. It is good when countries share their gifts with other countries, when churches share their gifts with other churches, and when children share their gifts with other children. What gifts have you shared with other children? (toys, a snack, clothing) Life and Dignity

UNIT 1

God Gives Us Life and Love

P HA TE

R

Elijah (1 Kings 17:7–16). ✦✦ Show the children a Bible.

3

Acting 1. Tell the children that they can

share the gift of God’s goodness. ✦✦ You can do this by telling friends and family about what you learned. ✦✦

2.

What are some other ways?

Have the children thank God in the quiet of their hearts for his love.

3. Point out A Letter Home on page 2 of the student book. ✦✦ Tell the children that the letter explains what they are learning. ✦✦

Help them tear out the page.

✦✦

Have them take it home for their parents to read.

CHECKPOINT • Were the learning outcomes achieved?

• Do the children show that they understand that God is the source of all goodness?

Day Two We Are Gifts

Student pages 4–5

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Materials

Before You Begin

The children will be able to • explain that we are made in the image of God. • name three things we can do because we are created in God’s likeness.

• e xplain how to give ourselves as gifts.

• Gift box with a mirror taped inside so that when the children look inside the box, they see themselves

1. Our lives are precious gifts

Word to Know Trinity

• Bible, with note card on which you have written the adapted Scripture reading for Sharing #1 • Pictures of mountains, flowers, animals, and children that reflect things that appeal to the senses (optional)

from God our Father, who has formed all people in his image.

God made us with the power to think, to choose, and to love.

2. We are set apart from and called to care for the rest of creation.

• Crayons and pencils

See the Glossary for definition.

Key Terms image—a likeness; something that is like another thing in form Psalm—a prayer in the form of a poem

Centering

Sharing

1. Let the children think quietly of

1. Develop the concept of image.

how they have shared God’s gifts.

2. Present the gift box. ✦✦

✦✦

I want to show you another of God’s wonderful gifts. You will know what this gift is when you look inside the gift box. Who would like to unwrap the box and look inside to find out what the gift is? Don’t tell us what you see.

✦✦

Why did you laugh or smile when you looked into the box?

✦✦

You saw an image or likeness of yourself. [Write image on the board and explain its meaning as found in the Key Terms.]

✦✦

The Bible tells us that we are made in the image and likeness of God. [Read the following adaptation of Genesis 1:27 from the Bible.]

Let all the children look inside to discover that the gift is themselves.

God created man and woman in his own image; in the image of God he created them.

2. Talk about why we are gifts. ✦✦

We all have strengths and weaknesses, but God loves each of us, and that is why God made us. We are special gifts. We are made like God in some ways.

✦✦

What can people do that the mountains, flowers, and animals God made cannot do? [Show pictures of these things.]

God Is the Giver of Gifts CHAPTER 1 T7

Day Two 3.

4.

Have a volunteer read aloud the first two paragraphs of We Are Gifts on page 4. ✦✦ How can you tell that the child in the picture is enjoying life? What gifts has God given him? ✦✦

Who created all things? (God)

✦✦

What is another name for God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

(Trinity) We recognize the Trinity every time we pray the Sign of the Cross. (Point out that Trinity is a Word to Know.)

✦✦

What three things can we do because we are made in the image or likeness of God? (think, choose, love) God’s Creation

We Are Gifts God made everything. He made the sun and the moon. He made plants and animals. All creation is a gift from God. God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We call this the Trinity.

Have a child read the third paragraph. ✦✦ How can we give the gift of ourselves to others? (give our time to help someone; give someone a smile or a kind word) ✦✦

God made us. We are gifts too. God made us like himself. We can think. We can choose.

We can love.

How can we give ourselves back to God? (by offering ourselves to God in prayer; by doing everything for God) Life and Dignity

Gifts are to be given. We give ourselves to others.

We give ourselves to God. I give you thanks for making me so wonderful.

5. Tell the children the story

of Lea. ✦✦ Lea’s mother was having a birthday party. Everyone had come with a pretty gift. Lea was only five years old. She had no money to buy a present. While her mom was opening her gifts, Lea left the room. When she returned, she was carrying a tray. She set it down on the floor in front of her mother. Then she stood on the tray and said, “Happy birthday, Mom. I’m your gift.” ✦✦

T8

God made all of us to be gifts like Lea. We are meant to be given.

UNIT 1

God Gives Us Life and Love

adapted from Psalm 139:14

4

UNIT 1 God Gives Us Life and Love

Day Two 6. Guide the children through

God Gives Us Gifts on page 5. ✦✦ Have the children do each activity. ✦✦

God Gives Us Gifts God gives us a mind so that we can think.

Invite one of the children to share his or her responses.

Print one thing you learned last year.

7. Talk about things the children can do with their senses. ✦✦ God has given us eyes to see.

What do you like to look at? ✦✦

God has given us ears to hear.

What do you like to hear?

✦✦

God has given us touch so that we can feel things. What do you like to touch and feel?

✦✦

God has given us a nose to smell.

What smells good to you?

✦✦

God has given us taste to enjoy food. What do you like to eat?

We can choose, too.

Choose the pet you like best. Make a circle around it.

8. Draw on the board an outline of a body and talk about God’s gifts. ✦✦ As you add parts of the body, have the children tell the things we can do in relation to each part: head (think), eyes (see), ears (hear), nose (smell), mouth (taste), fingers (feel). ✦✦

What special thing can we do that wasn’t mentioned? (choose) [Refer the children to page 4 if they have difficulty.]

✦✦

What three things can we do because we are made in the likeness of God? (think, choose, love)

Acting 1.

Provide a few moments of quiet.

Have the children thank God for the gift of themselves and the things they can do.

God has also given us a heart to love with.

Whom do you love in a special way?

Write their names or draw their pictures in the heart.

God Is the Giver of Gifts CHAPTER 1

2.

Ask the children to think about how they can give someone the gift of themselves today. ✦✦ Invite volunteers to share their ideas with the class. ✦✦

List their suggestions on the board.

✦✦

Ask each child to choose from the list one way they can gift themselves and the person to whom they will offer that gift.

✦✦

Allow time for them to write this on a sheet of paper, fold it up, and put it somewhere safe. Once they have done what they indicated, they can dispose of the paper.

Life and Dignity

5

CHECKPOINT • Were the learning outcomes achieved?

• Were the children able to demonstrate an understanding of giving themselves as gifts?

God Is the Giver of Gifts CHAPTER 1 T9

Day Three God Cares for His Gifts

Student page 6

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Materials

Before You Begin

The children will be able to • describe God’s never-failing care for creation.

• explain why people are especially important to God. • talk about trust in our heavenly Father’s care.

• Bible enthroned on a table

A person whose vision of life is shaped by the Christian faith sees God manifesting himself in all of creation, in the events of everyday life, and especially in the people who faithfully image God’s loving kindness.

• Scenic pictures: sky, land, trees, flowers, birds, sun, stars, animals • Pictures of people • Crayons

Centering

Sharing

Introduce the Bible as a treasure. ✦✦ What are some valuable gifts or “treasures” you own? How do you care for them? Why do you care for your treasures in this way?

1. Display the pictures of nature

✦✦

✦✦

✦✦

I have a special treasure to show you that really belongs to all of us. [Reverently hand the Bible to a child and ask him or her to place it on the worship table.] The Bible contains messages from God to us.

How did [Name] show that the Bible is a treasure? (by carrying the Bible carefully, by walking slowly, by placing the Bible on the table and not dropping it)

and people. ✦✦ Ask the children to tell how God cares for each creation. ✦✦

God cares for people, giving them the things they need. What do we need? (food, clothing, homes)

✦✦

God takes care of the things in the sky. What are some of these? (sun, moon, stars, planets, clouds) God gives them special laws to follow. The sun shines during the day, and the moon shines at night. There are times the clouds give us rain or snow.

✦✦

Today we will talk about the way God cares for us because we are precious to God.

God takes care of the land and makes it beautiful too. The grass, the trees, and the flowers grow according to God’s laws of nature. The trees change colors in the fall. In some places, it snows in winter. God cares for plants and animals during winter.

✦✦

God also takes care of the lakes, the rivers, and the seas. The waters stay in place according to God’s laws.

✦✦

God takes care of all living things, giving them food, water, and sunshine to help them grow.

2. Tell Jesus’ story about how God

cares for all creatures. ✦✦ Jesus wanted people to know that God our Father cares for everything he made but that God cares for people in a special way. ✦✦

T10

UNIT 1

God Gives Us Life and Love

In the Bible, Jesus tells us about God’s loving care. Listen to what Jesus said:

“Look at the ravens. They don’t plant seeds or store food in storehouses or barns. Yet God our Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth much more than the birds? Look at the flowers that grow wild in the field. They don’t spin thread or weave cloth to make clothes. Yet not even a king has clothes as beautiful as theirs.

Now if this is how God clothes the wild grass in the field, which is here today and gone tomorrow, how much more will he take care of you!

You are worth so much more than the birds and the flowers.” (adapted from Luke 12:24–29)

3. Ask the following questions: ✦✦

Do birds plant seeds or store food in barns? (no)

✦✦

Why don’t birds do this? (God provides food for them in nature.)

✦✦

Do flowers have to make cloth and sew clothes to look beautiful? (no) Why are flowers so beautiful? (God makes them that way.)

✦✦

Do you think God will take care of us? (yes) Why? (We are more precious than all the other creatures.)

✦✦

How are people special? (God made us in his image. We can think, choose, and love.)

Day Three 4. Share with the children a

personal experience of God’s loving care.

God Cares for His Gifts

5. Invite the children to share a

One day Jesus said,

time they experienced God’s loving care. ✦✦ Remember that whether you are happy, sad, excited, or afraid, God is always with you and will take care of you. ✦✦

6.

“God loves you more than the birds. He loves you more than the flowers. God takes good care of you.” adapted from Luke 12:24–29

Trace the bird and the flowers. Color them.

God loves us just as much when we are in trouble or in pain as he does when everything seems pleasant and we are feeling fine.

Discuss with children how they can care for creation. ✦✦ God asks us to take care of ourselves, other people, and all the things he has made and given to us. Why do you think God wants us to look after all these things? ✦✦

How can you take care of yourselves? (eating well, learning) How can you take care of other people? (sharing with them)

✦✦

How can you help take care of the beautiful land God has given us? (not littering or destroying the land)

✦✦

How can you take care of the water in the lakes, rivers, and streams? (by not polluting)

✦✦

How can you help take care of living things such as animals? (feeding, playing with, and loving your pets, respecting wild animals, not littering where wild animals live)

✦✦

How can you show God during mealtimes at home and in the cafeteria that you’re grateful for the gift of food? (Don’t waste food.

Don’t play with food. Pray before and after meals.) God’s Creation

A Moment with Jesus Think about the wonderful things God made. Tell Jesus how you will help care for God’s gift of creation. Listen to Jesus tell you how much God loves and cares for you.

6

UNIT 1 God Gives Us Life and Love

7. Let the children read and work God Cares for His Gifts on page 6.

CHECKPOINT

Acting

• Were the learning outcomes achieved?

Invite the children to spend some quiet time with Jesus each day.

• Were the children able to share ways they can care for creation?

God Is the Giver of Gifts CHAPTER 1 T11

Day Four Each Person Is a Special Gift LEARNING OUTCOMES

Materials

The children will be able to • identify the different levels of being.

• describe the dignity of each person.

• demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts in this chapter.

• Stepladder (or a drawing of ladder steps on the board)

Key Terms angels—creatures God made that are pure spirits and have no bodies creation—everything God made creature—something God made

Centering

• Rock • Plant • Pictures of a fish, a turtle, or a bird • Picture of a person • Picture of an angel • Large sheets of paper • Crayons • BLM 1 Quiz

Before You Begin 1. God has set humankind over

the rest of the created world and calls us to cooperate in bringing it to perfection. The story of creation in the Book of Genesis is placed at the very

✦✦

1. Have the children name ways

they used their senses since the last class.

✦✦

2. Ask the children what they

would thank God for if they were grass, a pony, or a bird. ✦✦

Sharing 1. Introduce the Ladder of

Creation exercise.

You can help me make a very special ladder called the Ladder of Creation.

What does creation mean? (things God made) We can also call whatever God made creatures. [Print the words on the board.]

2. Show the children some things God has created. ✦✦ Let’s put a rock, a plant, and an animal on the right steps of the ladder. ✦✦

T12

On the bottom step belongs something God made that is not alive. What can we put on this step? (rock)

UNIT 1

God Gives Us Life and Love

Put a living thing that can grow, but cannot see or hear, on the next step. (plant) On the third step, put a creature that can do more than a plant can do. What are some things an animal can do that a plant can’t do?

At the top of the ladder belongs someone God made in his own image and likeness. Who could this be? [Place a picture of a child on the top step of the ladder.]

3. Discuss why people are special. ✦✦

Why are people on the top step of the ladder? (People are greater than the other creatures God made on earth.)

✦✦

Why are people greater than the other things God has made? (God made people in his own image and likeness.)

✦✦

How are people like God? (They can think, choose, and love.) Because we are more advanced than other created things on earth, we have a responsibility to take care of them. God’s Creation

Student page 7–8

beginning of the Bible for a reason: to make the emphatic statement that all of creation comes from God, is directed toward God, and is good.

2. For the self-portraits in Sharing

#5, you might choose to use paper large enough so that each child can lie down on it and be traced for a life-sized picture.

3. You may wish to read aloud the

BLM quizzes for the children to test their knowledge of religion, not their reading ability.

4. When planning today’s lesson,

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

4. Place a picture of an angel

above the Ladder of Creation. ✦✦ God made some creatures who are his special helpers. What do we call them? (angels) ✦✦

The angels are beautiful creatures who adore God in heaven. Angels can also do some of the things we do. What are some of these things? (They can think, choose, and love.) Angels take care of us.

✦✦

The Bible tells us that God made us a little like the angels.

We are special people who share God’s life.

Day Four 5. Have the children make

self-portraits. ✦✦ Distribute large sheets of paper. ✦✦

✦✦

Instruct the children to make self-portraits. Encourage them to make their drawings fill the paper.

Remind them to think about the color of their hair, eyes, and so on before they draw.

God’s Gifts Are Special

To From

GOD

Have them write at the bottom “God, thank you for making me so wonderful.”

6. Discuss uniqueness. ✦✦

Have the children form a circle, holding their portraits in front of them so all can see.

✦✦

Does anyone have a portrait that looks just like yours? Why not? God didn’t use a cookie cutter to make us all alike. He designed each person individually and carefully. There is no one else like you in the whole world.

Each person is a wonderful creation. Each one is in the image of God and is a child of God. [Hang the portraits around the room if possible.]

Pick a gift of God that is special to you.

Draw the gift in the gift box above. Print your name on the tag.

Was it hard to choose just one gift? God is good to give us so many gifts. What would you like to say to God when you think about God’s gifts to you?

Print it here:

7. Guide the children in reading

and working God’s Gifts Are Special on page 7. ✦✦ Read aloud (or have a volunteer read) the first sentence and the directions. ✦✦

Let the children draw their special gifts.

✦✦

Have them turn to the person next to or behind them and show their pictures.

✦✦

Read the rest of the page to the children, pausing to allow them to answer the questions.

✦✦

Give the children time to write their prayer on the lines. On the board, print words they will probably need: Jesus, love, thank, God.

✦✦

Ask volunteers to share their prayers with the other children. Respect the privacy of those who do not wish to share.

God Is the Giver of Gifts CHAPTER 1

7

God Is the Giver of Gifts CHAPTER 1 T13

Day Four 8. Have a volunteer read aloud the C

HA

PTE

1

R

directions for the activity Each Person Is a Special Gift on page 8. ✦✦ Have the children complete the circling activity.

Review

Each Person Is a Special Gift

✦✦

How many people did you circle? (all of them)

God made everybody. God loves everybody, too.

✦✦

There are about 5 billion people in the world, and they’re all different. [Write 5,000,000,000 on the board.] How many of these people are special? (all of them)

Circle each person God made and loves.

We Respond

10. BLM 1 Distribute and

How wonderful are your gifts.

They are more than I can count.

administer BLM 1, Chapter 1 Quiz.

Use this opportunity to assess the children’s understanding of the main concepts in the chapter. If there is not sufficient time for the children to complete the quiz, consider moving it to Day Five.

adapted from Psalm 40:6

Building Family Faith ALL CREATION speaks of God’s love, beauty, and goodness, but human beings have a special relationship with God. Each one of us is made in the image of God, and we are called to do our part to take proper care of the world God has entrusted to us.

REFLECT “Notice the ravens: they do not sow or reap; they have neither storehouse nor barn, yet God feeds them. How much more important are you than birds!” (Luke 12:24)

Acting

2. At the end of class, have the children tear out page 8.

Encourage them to share Building Family Faith with their families.

T14

UNIT 1

God Gives Us Life and Love

What is the Trinity?

The Trinity is God. God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Trinity

Review activities, page 8.

Pray a litany of thanks for all God’s people with the response “Bless them.” ✦✦ Thank you, God, for people who care for us. (Bless them.) ✦✦ Thank you, God, for people who are our friends. (Bless them.) ✦✦ Thank you, God, for people who make us laugh. (Bless them.) ✦✦ Thank you, God, for people who are lonely and alone. (Bless them.) ✦✦ Let the children add their own petitions.

How did God make us?

God made us in the image and likeness of himself. We can think, choose, and love.

Word to Know

9. Lead the children through the

1.

We Remember

DISCUSS AS A FAMILY • How has God taken care of you in your life?

• What are some typical ways that people take care of one another in our family?

Visit www.christourlife.com for more family resources.

8

CHECKPOINT • Were the learning objectives achieved?

• Do the children demonstrate an understanding of their dignity as creatures of God?

PRAY Thank you, Lord, for all your gifts.

DO • At family mealtimes this week, ask each person to tell one thing he or she is grateful for.

• Show gratitude for creation by picking up litter.

• Help your child see that everyone is created in the image of God by performing a kind act, such as offering to help a neighbor with a chore.

• Read a story or poem that evokes an appreciation for nature.

Day Five Extending the Chapter

Day Four

Gather and Go Forth Lead children through pages 9–10 in the student book. Find catechist instruction on T336–T337.

Materials: Bible Use the following suggestions to develop an additional lesson for Day Five.

1. If you haven’t already done so,

remind the children to take home page 8 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 T389.

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

5. Use activities from Enriching the Faith Experience.

6. Guide the children in a

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.

4. Make a class booklet with

drawings of good things God has given us. Let each child contribute one page. Have someone design a cover for the booklet and write on it the title “God Fills My Life with Good Things.”

1. Take a nature walk around the school grounds. Point out the beauty and bounty of God’s creation.

2.

Have each child write his or her name at the top of a sheet of paper. Then have the children move from desk to desk and jot down one thing that makes that person special.

Life and Dignity

3. BLM 2 Guide the children in

working BLM 2 Window of Love, which leads them to a greater appreciation of the gifts of creation.

5. Invite a local veterinarian or

wildlife rescuer to the class to talk about how to care for animals.

6.

Have the children decorate a large box in which to collect supplies for an animal shelter. Children can use drawings, pictures, or words to decorate the box.

Consider placing the box at the church entrance. God’s Creation

7. Start a Good News Box by

covering a small box with a lid and labeling it with the words Good News. Each week, have the children think of one or two important things they have learned. These might be taken from the We Remember and We Respond sections or might be expressed in the children’s own words. Write them on cards, place them in the box, and use them for review the following week.

God Is the Giver of Gifts CHAPTER 1 T15