God's Gift 2016 Restored Order Catechist Guide

Primary God’s Gift

Confirmation

Confirmation

completes the grace we receive in Baptism.

God’s Gift: Confirmation in the Restored Order prepares children for the celebration of Confirmation while deepening their Catholic knowledge and faith. Developed with young

God’s Gift

Confirmation

children in mind, this edition focuses on what it means to be Catholic, the Holy Spirit in our lives, and the Rite of Confirmation.

Catechists are provided with thorough background and direct instruction to ensure success. All of this adds up to a program that captures children’s minds and hearts to live Restored Order

as faithful disciples of Christ.

Restored Order

Visit

www.loyolapress.com/godsgift for more information and resources.

ISBN-13: 978-0-8294-4140-6 ISBN-10: 0-8294-4140-9

Catechist Guide

Catechist Handbook

Contents

Opening Prayer.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... iv Program Overview.. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. OV-1 Catechist Handbook. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... H–1

Chapter 1 Catechist Preparation.. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... 1a

We Are the Church.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 1 Chapter 2 Catechist Preparation.. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... 11a

The Holy Spirit Is Our Helper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... 11 Chapter 3 Catechist Preparation.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 19a

Alive in the Spirit. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... 19 I Live My Faith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... 27 Glossary Index

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... 41

.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .....

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Blackline Masters.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CG-44 Answer Key

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CG-47

Suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the holy Spirit.

Acts of the Apostles 2:2–4

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We Are the Church

APTER CH

1

FA I T H FO C U S

As members of the Church, we grow together in faith by praying, celebrating the sacraments, and living a moral life.

As you begin, pause for a moment. Take several deep breaths.

Allow yourself to grow still. Be aware of God’s loving presence within you.

Luke 1:45 “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

Reflection Elizabeth spoke the words above as a blessing to Mary. Mary believed Gabriel’s words that she had been chosen as the mother of Jesus. Elizabeth recognized Mary as the one who would make possible the fulfillment of God’s promise of a Savior. Mary’s decision to trust in God made possible the Salvation of all. Mary’s belief in God has made her our model of hope and faith. As Mary was called, God calls us to be open to his presence, to place our faith in him, and to be thankful for the great things he has done.

Question In what ways do I show that I say yes to God? How do I show that I am a member of the Church?

Prayer God, in whom I place my faith, remove those things that block my heart. Increase my faith. Like Mary, let me proclaim the great things you have done.

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Catechist Background From the beginning of our faith journey at Baptism, we are called to be disciples and to teach others about our faith. We share that calling with our fellow Church members. The shared experiences of the Church help build community. In times of need or celebration, we turn to the Church and the members of God’s family. We are all one, there to help one another along our faith journeys.

Pillars of Faith The four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church support our life in the Church. The Creed articulates what we believe as Catholics. In the sacraments we celebrate the signs of grace given to us by Jesus Christ. Life in Christ shows us the direction in which God is calling us by means of the moral choices we make every day. Prayer outlines the ways in which we open our minds and hearts to God. The four pillars are the foundation by which we grow in the Holy Spirit in relationship to the Father and Jesus Christ.

Celebrating Our Faith in Liturgy Through Baptism, we become members of the Church and receive God’s grace. This grace helps us grow closer to him and others. We grow closer to God through faith and prayer. We grow closer to God and others through the celebration of the sacraments. We experience God’s love and the love of community when we celebrate together and pray together. Through these shared experiences in faith, the Church becomes one body.

Scripture in This Chapter The story of Joseph’s dream from Matthew 1:20–21 shows the importance of faith. In Matthew 22:37–39, we are shown not only to listen to Jesus’ word but to live a moral life. In 2 Thessalonians 2:15, we learn about the importance of our traditions. Finally, 1 Corinthians 12:13,26 demonstrates the unity of the Church, in both times of celebration and times of need.

Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) Our faith and belief in the Creed is discussed in CCC 185–197. We learn about the sacraments and how they are celebrated in CCC 1113–1134. The Lord’s Prayer is discussed in CCC 2765–2766.

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Catechist Preparation Prayer to

Before You Begin

the Holy Sp

irit

Come, Hol y Spirit, fill the hearts And kindle of your fait in them the hful. fire of you Send fort r love. h your Spir it and the And you y shall be will renew created. the face of Let us pra the ear th. y.

• Review the content and activities in this chapter and the additional features provided for your background.

Lord, by the ligh t of the Hol y Spirit you have taught the hearts of In the sam your faithfu e Spirit l. help us to relish wha t is right and always rejoice in your consola We ask this tion. through Chr ist our Lor Amen. d.

God’s Gi

Pr imar y

ft

C on f i r m a

t ion

• Read the Enrich the Lesson activities. Decide which activities you will have time to present in your lesson.

• Prepare the Blackline Master on page CG-44 to conduct a review of this chapter.

Restored

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ISBN-13: 978-0-8 ISBN-10: 0-8294- 294-4138-3 4138-7

• Review the Answer Key for the Blackline Master on page CG-47.

• Gather any necessary materials.

• Prepare the CD player for the opening song and for the ritual for moving to and from the prayer center.

Prayer in This Chapter • Prepare a portion of your meeting space as a prayer center. For this chapter you may wish to include pictures that show loving friendships or celebration of sacraments.

• Review the directions for Gather for Prayer on page 8 and Bridge to Closure on page 9.

• Prepare the CD player for the ritual for moving to and from the prayer center.

Music in This Chapter • Opening Song: “The Disciple’s Song,” Track 2 of the CD • Music for the procession to the prayer center and during prayer: “Saints Point the Way,” Track 4 of the CD

Family Connection Read the I Share with My Family feature box. As you prepare to teach, think about ways you can encourage children to share the chapter content with their families.

Incorporate your ideas for family sharing throughout the discussion of this chapter.

Offer examples of how you and your family share Scripture stories and prayer.

Suggest that children ask parents to set aside time before a family meal once a week to share the chapter content and for other family members to share something about their own faith journey.

Web Resources Visit www.loyolapress.com/godsgift for additional resources.

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Get-Ready Guide Section

Chapter 1 We Are the Church Faith Focus: As members of the Church, we grow together in faith by praying, celebrating the sacraments, and living a moral life.

Outcomes At

the end of this chapter, children will be able to

Chapter Step

Engage

Explore

Music: Opening song Discussion: Group introductions Read: Members of the Church Opening prayer Activity: Pray the Nicene Creed

•

describe our shared faith in God and the Creed.

• understand that the sacraments are signs of Jesus’ love for us.

• define faith, grace, sacrament, Trinity.

Discussion: Trust and friendship Read: We Believe Scripture Story: Joseph’s Dream Discussion: Celebrations Read: The Sacraments Activity: Thank You, Jesus

•

explain that through prayer, we communicate with God. • identify ways we can make good moral choices.

• understand the Great Commandment.

• define moral choice, prayer.

Discussion: Communicating with friends and family Read: We Pray Discussion: Role models Read: A Moral Life Activity: Love Thy Neighbor

writing materials

•

describe how Scripture and Tradition help us learn about our faith.

• identify ways we can turn to the Church.

• define Sacred Scripture, Tradition.

Discussion: Family hand-me-downs Read: We Study Our Faith Discussion: Friendly support Read: We Turn to the Church Scripture Story: One Body, Many Parts Activity: I Support You

writing materials

experience praying the Lord’s Prayer.

• define disciple.

Read: Disciples of Jesus Prayer: Prayer to Our Father

Prayer center items: cloth, Bible, crucifix, dove sculpture CD player CD Track 4: “Saints Point the Way”

Personal Connection: I Live What I Learn Closing prayer Family Connection: I Share with My Family Chapter 1 Blackline Master: Members of the Church, Disciples of Christ

copies of Chapter 1 Blackline Master

5 minutes Child’s page 1

Child’s pages 2–3

10 minutes Child’s pages 4–5

10 minutes Child’s pages 6–7

Reflect

•

10 minutes Child’s pages 8–9

Respond

•

1d

Materials

identify the four pillars of the Catholic faith.

•

10 minutes

Action Plan

explain how we, the Church, are one.

5 minutes Child’s page 10

CD player CD Track 2:“The Disciple’s Song”

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HA

PTE

1

R

We Are the Church

C

Engage

Members of the Church

Engage

1 Introduce

Members of the Church

Smile and greet children. Play “The Disciple’s Song,” Track 2 on the CD. Say: I’m looking forward to getting to know each and every one of you. Invite children to say their names and something about themselves. Distribute the children’s books.

Say: Please receive this book with the blessing of Jesus.

As Catholics, when we are baptized, we become members of the Church and members of God’s family. When we are with our family, we know we belong. We are comfortable and can be ourselves. There are four key ways we grow as members of the Church.

The Creed: What we know about our faith in God Sacraments: How we celebrate our faith in God Moral Life: How we live out our faith in God

2 Build Background

Prayer: How we communicate with God

Have children open their books to page 1.

Read aloud the title of the chapter. Ask: What does it mean to you to be a member of God’s family, the Church? (Accept all reasonable responses.) How do you feel around your friends? (Possible answers: comfortable, like I can be myself, relaxed) Read aloud the first paragraph. Say: Jesus wants a close relationship with each of us.

The first step in this relationship is Baptism, when we become members of the Church.

When we know our faith, celebrate the sacraments, make good choices, and pray, we have a strong, loving relationship with God.

Prayer Dear Jesus, thank you for the sacraments. Help me be open to the grace of the Holy Spirit so that I can show my love for God and others.

1

If/Then If children are new to one another, then use name tags the first few times you meet or give the children a chance to introduce themselves by tossing a beanbag to each child and asking him or her to respond by name.

Invite volunteers to read aloud the rest of the page. Say: Another way to think about the four key ways we grow in our faith is that they are like the legs of a chair. If one of the four legs is weakened, the chair will no longer stand. To keep our relationship with Jesus strong, we need to nourish all four aspects of our faith.

3 Pray Prayer Direct children’s attention to the prayer. Invite them to pray the prayer aloud together. Pause for a few seconds and close by praying Amen.

Enrich the Lesson Pray aloud the Nicene Creed on page 38. Point out that we pray it or the Apostles’ Creed most Sundays at Mass after the Homily. Remind children that the Creed is a summary of what we believe as Catholics.

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Explore Explore

We Believe

We Believe

As members of the Church, we have a shared faith in God. Faith is a gift from God that allows us to trust and believe in him. In the Creed, we learn the words that teach us about God. We proclaim our belief in the Holy Trinity, the mystery of one God in Three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Bible is filled with stories that reveal the faith of those who trusted God.

1 Introduce Write the word trust on the board. Ask: What does this word mean to you? (Accept all reasonable responses.) Say: Imagine you are at a friend’s house or a baseball game. Your parents say they will pick you up. Do you trust them to do this? Why? (Possible answers: I have faith that my parents will tell the truth. I know my parents love me and want to help me.) Why is trust important to a friendship? (Accept all reasonable responses.)

The angel of the Lord appeared to [Joseph] in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 1:20–21

2 Present

God wanted Joseph to be Jesus’ father on earth. Joseph listened to the angel and trusted in God. Joseph said yes to God, and Jesus was born.

Read aloud the first paragraph. Say: Faith and trust go hand in hand. Our faith in God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—means that we trust him. The Bible is filled with stories about people whose faith and trust in God were rewarded. Can you name any people in the Bible who showed great faith in God? (Possible answers: Moses, Abraham, Mary) Invite a volunteer to read aloud the rest of the page and then check children’s understanding of the story.

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3 Check for Understanding Ask: What did the angel tell Joseph? (that Mary would have a baby through the Holy Spirit) How did Joseph respond? (He trusted God.) Say: Joseph believed the angel’s message. He trusted God and knew that God wanted what was best for Joseph and his family. Joseph showed faith, just like the faith we share with our Church family.

Words to Know Check children’s understanding of the boldface words.

Have children refer to the Glossary as needed. faith, p. 41

Trinity, p. 41

Understanding This Scripture The first chapter of Matthew begins with Jesus’ family history. We hear about the mystery of Jesus’ birth: Jesus’ conception is the work of the Holy Spirit. The visit from the angel soothes Joseph’s fear, and he accepts Jesus as his own child. Jesus belongs to the family of David because he was raised by Joseph, who belonged to it.

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The Sacraments

The Sacraments

One important way we show our faith is by loving God and others. We can express our love in many ways. We might tell someone we love him or her, or maybe we help that person. Jesus gives us signs of his love. We call these signs the sacraments. Sacraments are sacred signs of our faith given

by Jesus Christ.

1 Introduce Ask: What are some special occasions your family celebrates? (birthdays, Christmas) What are some ways people show they care for one another? (Possible answers: giving cards and presents, hugging) Say: We celebrate all sorts of different events, and part of those events is sharing our love for one another. Let’s read about how the Church celebrates.

The Church celebrates seven sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Penance and Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony.

2 Present

Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist are called Sacraments of Initiation because they are the foundation of our Christian life.

The signs and rituals (for example, the water used in Baptism) reveal to us the ways we receive grace, the gift of God given to us without our earning it.

Read aloud The Sacraments. Say: The sacraments are a gift from Jesus that shows his love for us. We celebrate the sacraments with our Church family, just as we celebrate birthdays and holidays with our families.

Think of the sacraments as a gift from Jesus to show his love for us.

Say: As part of our celebration of the

We Are the Church Chapter 1

3

sacraments, we use signs and symbols. What are some signs and symbols we use at Church? (Possible answers: making the Sign of the Cross, bowing, water, candles, blessing ourselves with holy water, genuflecting)

3 Check for Understanding Say: In our friendship with Jesus, he shows

Words to Know Check children’s understanding of the boldface words.

Have children refer to the Glossary as needed. grace, p. 41

sacrament, p. 41

us love in many ways. What do we call the signs of his love? (sacraments) What sacraments can you name? What are some of the signs, symbols, and gestures we use during our celebration of the sacraments?

(Accept all reasonable responses.)

Enrich the Lesson Distribute construction paper and crayons. Ask children to write and decorate a thank-you card to Jesus for his gift of the sacraments. Have children fold the construction paper in half, illustrate the cover, and write a note inside.

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We Pray

We Pray

Communication is important in any relationship. When we love someone, we talk and listen to him or her. We can talk and listen to God through prayer. The Church teaches us that there are different kinds of prayer. There are prayers of petition, in which we make our needs known to God. There are also prayers of intercession, in which we pray for the needs of others. In prayers of thanksgiving, we express our thanks to God for his many gifts. And in prayers of praise, we show our respect for God.

1 Introduce Point out that we have many ways to communicate with one another. Ask: How do you communicate with your friends and family? (Possible answers: phone calls, text messages, social media, e-mail, letters, and cards) Say: There are many ways we communicate with friends and family, but the best way is still a conversation.

2 Present Say: Regardless of how you talk to your

friends and family, communication is vital to any relationship. The same is true for our relationship with God. Invite a volunteer to read aloud We Pray.

Hmm . . .

Point out that we can pray anytime and anywhere. Ask: When do you pray? (Possible answers: before going to bed, first thing in the morning, before a meal) Say: It doesn’t matter when we feel the need to talk to God because he is always there for us.

I Think About This When we pray, we raise our minds and hearts to God.

3 Check for Understanding Ask: Why is communication so important?

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(Accept all reasonable responses.) How do we communicate with God? (prayer) When can you pray to God? (anytime)

Word to Know I Think About This Invite a volunteer to read aloud this feature. Remind children that God wants to have a close relationship with us and that prayer helps make that possible.

Check children’s understanding of the boldface word.

Have children refer to the Glossary as needed. prayer, p. 41

Keep in Mind Explain that Jesus gave us a model for praying to God. Point out that in the Lord’s Prayer, we honor God, grow closer to him, and ask God to guide us along our faith journey.

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A Moral Life

A Moral Life

Jesus gave us the Great Commandment. This commandment teaches us how to follow God and care for others. Following the Great Commandment helps us make moral choices.

We make good choices when we love God and others.

1 Introduce Ask children to brainstorm a list of people they admire because of what they do for others. Provide an example of someone you admire. Write two adjectives on the board to describe that person. Ask: Who is the person you admire? What words would you use to describe him or her? (Accept all reasonable responses.) How does this person treat others? What good choices does he or she make? (Accept all reasonable responses.)

Say: These people have something in common. They make good decisions. This helps their relationship with Jesus.

Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment.

The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Matthew 22:37–39

We recognize God’s love, and we respond to that love by helping others. When we choose to ignore Jesus’ words, we can hurt ourselves, our relationship with God, and our relationships with others.

2 Present

Love Thy Neighbor

Read aloud the first paragraph. Point out that the people we admire make good moral choices and that we can do the same thing.

Say: We can live as Jesus wants us to live.

On the lines below, write some ways you can share God’s love this week.

We Are the Church Chapter 1

Words to Know Check children’s understanding of the boldface words.

Have children refer to the Glossary as needed. moral choice, p. 41

5

Invite a volunteer to read aloud the Scripture passage. Say: Jesus wants us to live out what he teaches in the Gospels. If we act in accord with his will, we are truly living as he intended. Read aloud the last paragraph.

Point out that if we share God’s love, we are making good moral choices. We are strengthening our relationship with others and with God.

3 Check for Understanding Have children complete the activity. When children are finished, invite volunteers to share examples. Provide further examples of how to make good moral choices and how to live a moral life.

Understanding This Scripture The Ten Commandments given by God to Moses are fulfilled in Jesus’ Great Commandment. The Great Commandment teaches us how to follow God and care for others. Jesus explained to his disciples that if we live according to his teachings, we are living as his followers.

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We Study Our Faith

We Study Our Faith

In our journey of faith, we are called to act in accord with God’s will in all that we do. We are called to study our faith. As Catholics, we learn about God in many ways. Two key ways that we learn about God are through Sacred Scripture and Tradition.

1 Introduce Have children think about something that has been handed down in their family. Invite volunteers to share their responses. Say: Many families have something they pass from generation to generation. Maybe it’s a recipe, or perhaps a quilt. Share a family “hand-me-down” that your family has. Say: Just like our families at home, our Church family passes on things from generation to generation. Let’s read more about it.

Tradition refers to the beliefs and practices (such as celebrating the sacraments) of the Church that have been passed down from one generation to the next since the time of the Apostles. All of this happens through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. By following the teaching of the pope and bishops and by studying Scripture, we learn to know Jesus.

By studying the lives of the saints, we follow their example in living the faith that we can put into action.

2 Present Read aloud the first paragraph. Say: It is important to study our faith to gain a better understanding of it. We can read Scripture and learn about the history of our faith and the life of Jesus. We can also learn about the Tradition of the Church.

I Listen to God’s Word Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours.

Read aloud the second paragraph. Point out that our learning is guided by the Holy Spirit and that by studying the lives of the saints, we gain further insight into our faith.

3 Check for Understanding

2 Thessalonians 2:15

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Ask: How do we learn about our faith?

(Scripture and Tradition) How do you define Tradition? (Accept all reasonable responses.)

Have children underline the definition in their books. Ask: What are some examples of Church Tradition? (Accept all reasonable responses.)

I Listen to God’s Word Read aloud the Scripture passage. Say: This passage is from a letter written by Paul to a group of early Christians. It reiterates the importance of Tradition in the Church.

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Words to Know Check children’s understanding of the boldface words.

Have children refer to the Glossary as needed.

Sacred Scripture, p. 41 Tradition, p. 41

Keep in Mind Explain to children that Tradition describes how the Church lives out the message of the Gospel. Share examples of Tradition in the Church, such as our belief that Jesus is both human and divine, that we listen to the pope as the Vicar of Christ, and that we are committed to the Eucharist as the real presence of Christ and the center of Christian life.

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Explore Explore

We Turn to the Church

We Turn to the Church

Loving others is a way of loving God. Through this love, Catholics support one another as members of God’s family. The Church helps and supports us through the sacraments, along with guidance from Scripture and Tradition. Our fellow Church members are also there to help us on our faith journey.

1 Introduce Ask: To whom do you turn when you need help with homework or when someone hurts your feelings? (Possible answers: friends, siblings, parents) Read aloud the title of the page. Say: As members of God’s family, we have many loving people, the Church, to support us.

In one Spirit we were all baptized into one body . . . and we were all given to drink of one spirit. . . . “If [one] part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy. ” 1 Corinthians 12:13,26

2 Present

I Support You

Invite a volunteer to read aloud the first paragraph. Point out that our fellow Church family members, including priests and catechists, are always there for us, especially as we approach a big event, such as preparing for Confirmation.

Below, write a note to a fellow Church member and let that person know you support him or her.

,

Dear

Read aloud the Scripture passage. Say: There are many people who make up the Church, but together we all work as one.

We’re all there to support one another, help those in need, and share God’s love.

Your Friend in Christ,

3 Check for Understanding 7

Understanding This Scripture This Scripture passage comes from Paul’s first letter to the Church in Corinth. It shows us what life in the early Christian community was like. Through this letter, we see the strengths, weaknesses, challenges, and triumphs of the small group that made up the early Church. Paul, who served as the leader of this community, explained Jesus’ relationship with Church members by talking about the body. Even in their diversity, members are part of something bigger than themselves.

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Ask: What is Tradition with a capital T? (Tradition is the beliefs and practices of the Church passed down through many generations.) Remind children that Tradition is a big part of the history of the Church. Then have children complete the activity. Invite volunteers to share their work when finished.

We Are the Church Chapter 1

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Reflect Reflect

Disciples of Jesus

Disciples of Jesus

To be strong in our faith, we can learn more about Jesus and his teachings.

Then we can share what we know.

We can be Jesus’ disciples today. A disciple is someone who follows Jesus’ call to live as he did.

1 Prepare for Prayer Invite volunteers to read aloud the first and second paragraphs on page 8. Ask: What is a disciple? (someone who follows Jesus’ call to live as he did) Say: Jesus taught us everything we need to know to be his disciples.

Disciples are strong. To live a faithful life is not always easy. It also means making good choices.

The sacraments give us the grace to do that.

Then read aloud the last paragraph. Ask: How familiar are you with the Lord’s Prayer?

(Accept all reasonable responses.) Say: This prayer was given to us by Jesus. He gave it to us to help us talk with God and be good disciples.

Prayer helps us remain strong in our faith. When the first disciples asked Jesus how to pray, he taught them the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13). We pray this prayer too. Jesus also invites us to pray using our own words. He always listens because he loves us.

Look together at the prayer on page 9.

Review any unfamiliar words so that children are able to pray it with ease.

2 Gather for Prayer You may wish to make a prayer center or some other quiet place where children can pray. Play “Saints Point the Way,” Track 4 of the music CD. Have volunteers lead a procession to the prayer center with the following items: a Bible to represent God the Father, a crucifix to recall Jesus’ sacrifice, and a dove sculpture to represent the presence of the Holy Spirit.

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God’s Gift Restored Order

Word to Know Check children’s understanding of the boldface word.

Have children refer to the Glossary as needed. disciple, p. 41

If/Then If there are some children with attention differences who have difficulty remaining still for extended periods of time, then use sensory experiences during the prayer. For example, you may wish to have them hold a cross during the prayer or mouth the entire prayer to retain focus.

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Reflect Reflect

Prayer to Our Father

3 Lead the Prayer Review any unfamiliar words in the prayer so that children are able to pray with ease.

Show children how they will pray using the response to the prayer. Invite children to pray the Sign of the Cross with you. Then lead the prayer, indicating to children when to pray aloud their response. After a moment of silence, continue with the rest of the prayer. When you have finished the prayer, close by praying the Sign of the Cross with the group.

LEADER: Let us quiet ourselves as we prepare to pray the

words that Jesus taught his first disciples and us, his disciples today.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come.

ALL: Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

LEADER: Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us

our trespasses.

ALL: As we forgive those who trespass against us.

LEADER: And lead us not into temptation.

4 Bridge to Closure

ALL: But deliver us from evil. Amen.

Pause for a few moments after the prayer, allowing children to reflect in silence. Invite children to calmly return to their places. Play “Saints Point the Way,” Track 4 of the CD, while the children leave the prayer center.

LEADER: Let us, the disciples of Jesus today, close

our prayer by praying the Sign of the Cross.

ALL: In the name of the

Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

We Are the Church Chapter 1

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Background for Prayer Prayer is our connection with God. In some cases, it is also our connection with one another. The prayers of our faith that we took to heart as children enable us to pray together. They provide us with the words to express our beliefs, hopes, and needs as a community of believers.

Our personal prayer is different. It can include learned prayers, but, as it is our own conversation with God, it has no special rules. It can be an expression of love, fear, contentment, frustration, anger, or praise. God knows what is in our hearts, but he wants to hear it from us. God wants a loving connection with us, and we need a loving, personal connection with God.

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We Are the Church Chapter 1

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Respond Respond

Living My Faith

Living My Faith

1 I Remember What I Learn

I Remember What I Learn

Have children take turns reading the statements in this section as a review.

Answer any questions that children may have.

• The Creed, the sacraments, the moral life, and prayer are the foundation of the Catholic faith.

• We celebrate the sacraments.

• Through prayer, we communicate with God. • We study our faith and seek support from the Church.

2 I Live What I Learn Ask volunteers to read aloud the statements in this section. Invite children to share an action they can do this week to help others follow Jesus.

Closing Prayer Jesus, my Savior, let your Word heal me and let your sacraments strengthen me so that I can be a sign of your love in the world today.

I Live What I Learn • I pray to communicate with God. • I support my Church family when help is needed.

3 I Know These Words

I Know These Words

Have children read aloud the Glossary definitions of each term. If time permits, encourage children to make a drawing to help them remember the term. For example, children might draw a baby being baptized for sacrament.

disciple, p. 8, 41

sacrament, p. 3, 41

faith, p. 2, 41

Sacred Scripture, p. 6, 41

grace, p. 3, 41

Tradition, p. 6, 41

moral choice, p. 5, 41

Trinity, p. 2, 41

prayer, p. 4, 41

I Share with My Family

4 Pray

At dinner, discuss with your family their Confirmation experience. Ask what names they chose. Share any questions you may have about your own Confirmation.

Closing Prayer Conclude the lesson by praying together the prayer on page 10.

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I Share with My Family Encourage children to discuss with their families their Confirmation experiences.

God’s Gift Restored Order

Chapter Checkpoint • Use the Blackline Master on page CG-44 to conduct a review of the chapter.

• Can children name the four pillars of the Catholic faith?

• Are children able to describe the importance of prayer?

• Can children explain the impact of living a moral life?

Plan Aheadcon antelación Planifique Consult the catechist preparation pages to prepare for Chapter 2 and determine any materials you will need.

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Primary

Confirmation

God’s Gift

Confirmation

completes the grace we receive in Baptism.

God’s Gift: Confirmation in the Restored Order prepares children for the celebration of Confirmation while deepening their Catholic knowledge and faith. Developed with young children in mind, this edition focuses on what it means to be Catholic, the Holy Spirit being active in our lives, and the Rite of Confirmation. Catechists are provided with thorough background and direct instruction to ensure success. All of this adds up to a program that captures children’s minds and hearts to live as Spirit-filled, faithful disciples of Christ.

Restored Order

Visit

www.loyolapress.com/godsgift for more information and resources.

ISBN-13: 978-0-8294-4140-6 ISBN-10: 0-8294-4140-9

Catechist Guide

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