Be My Disciples SE G3

3 SCHOOL

“If you remain in my word, you will truly be

my disciples, and you will know the truth,

and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:31-32

20703

SCHOOL 3

Welcome to a sample of Be My Disciples School Grade 3 — Student Edition.

Included in this sample: Introduction of Be My Disciples Catholic School Program l

Cover, Title Page, Acknowledgments, and Table of Contents

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Welcome Lesson with an Enthronement Prayer for the Bible

Unit 1 including l

Unit Opener

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Chapters 1-4

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Catholic Social Teaching lesson

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Unit Review

The We Celebrate the Church Year section follows the 24 core chapters in the student book. This section contains sixteen liturgical lessons.

One lesson, Exaltation of the Holy Cross, is provided in this sample.

Peter M. Esposito President Jo Rotunno, MA Publisher Anne P. Battes Associate Publisher Program Advisors Michael P. Horan, PhD Elizabeth Nagel, SSD

GRADE THREE SCHOOL EDITION

Thank you for reviewing Be My Disciples program for Catholic schools from RCL Benziger. This pre-publication electronic sample may be utilized for the product review of the Be My Disciples program grades 1–6 and Junior High levels. The contents are not intended for student, parent and family, or classroom use at this time and may not be copied for any purpose. Copyright © 2014 RCL Publishing LLC. All rights reserved.

The Imprimatur and Statement of Conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church are pending.

For further information about the program and its support materials for teachers, students, families, and program directors, please contact your local RCL Benziger sales representative. You may also call our Customer Service Department, 877-275-4725, for contact information about your local representative.

RCL Benziger is grateful for your ministry in Catholic education. We are also grateful that you have chosen to review our newest program, Be My Disciples, to support you in sharing the faith with future generations.

Acknowledgments Excerpts are taken and adapted from the New American Bible with Revised New Testament and Revised Psalms, © 1991, 1986, 1970, Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C., and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All rights reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Excerpts are taken and adapted from the English translation of the Roman Missal, © 2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy, Inc. (ICEL). All rights reserved. No part of the Roman Missal may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Excerpts are taken or adapted from the English translation of the Rite of Baptism, © 1969; Rite of Confirmation (Second Edition), © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy, Inc. (ICEL). All rights reserved.

Excerpts and adaptations of prayers were taken from the book of Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers, © 2007, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C. All rights reserved. No part of the book of Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright holder.

Copyright © 2014 RCL Publishing LLC All rights reserved. Be My Disciples is a trademark of RCL Publishing LLC. This publication, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form by photographic, electronic, mechanical, or any other method, for any use, including information storage and retrieval, without written permission from the publisher. Send all inquiries to RCL Benziger, 8805 Governor’s Hill Drive, Suite 400, Cincinnati, OH 45249.

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Visit us at www.RCLBenziger.com and www.BeMyDisciples.com 20763 ISBN 978-0-7829-1636-2 (Student Edition) 20773 ISBN 978-0-7829-1642-3 (Teacher Edition) 1st printing Manufactured for RCL Benziger in Cincinnati, OH, USA. March, 2013

Contents Welcome to Be My Disciples . . . . . . . 6

Unit 2

Unit 1

We Believe, Part Two . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

We Believe, Part One . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Chapter 1 God Speaks to Us . . . . . . . . . . 11 Faith Concepts: faith, revelation, the mystery of the Holy Trinity, love Scripture: Mark 9:2–7; 10:21; Acts 2:42, 45–47; 2 Timothy 3:15–17 Faith-Filled People: The Evangelists Prayer: Glory to God

Chapter 2 God the Creator . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Faith Concepts: Creation, the soul, Divine Providence, generosity

Scripture: Genesis 1:1–27, 31, 26–30;

Psalm 19:2; 104:1, 24, 25 ; Matthew 6:25–26, 30–32 Faith-Filled People: Saint Andrew the Apostle Prayer: God, You Are Great!

Chapter 3 Mary Trusted God . . . . . . . . . 35 Faith Concepts: Mary the Mother of God, the Annunciation, the Incarnation, honor Scripture: Proverbs 3:5–6; Luke 1:28, 31, 35, 38, 39–40; 46, 49, 56 Faith-Filled People: Saint Elizabeth Prayer: Salve Maria!

Chapter 4 Jesus, the Son of God . . . . . . 47 Faith Concepts: Jesus is the Messiah, Savior, ministry of Jesus, Kingdom of God, justice Scripture: Matthew 25:34–36; Luke 2:30–38, 46–47, 51–52; Acts 2:1–4, 14, 22–24, 36 Faith-Filled People: Saint Joseph Prayer: Lord, Have Mercy

Unit 1 Catholic Social Teaching . . . . . . . 59 Unit 1 Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Chapter 5 Jesus Is Risen! . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Faith Concepts: the Paschal Mystery, the Resurrection, Stations of the Cross, the Sacrifice of the Cross, hope Scripture: Lamentations 3:21–24; Psalm 33:22; Matthew 27:59–60; 28:1, 5–7; Luke 23:26, 33–34, 44, 46; 24:50–51 Faith-Filled People: Saint Joseph of Arimathea Prayer: Prayer of Adoration

Chapter 6 The Gift of the Holy Spirit . . . 77 Faith Concepts: the Advocate, Pentecost, Fruits of the Holy Spirit, joy Scripture: John 13:38; 14:15–17, 25, 27; 16:5–7; Acts 1:12–14; 2:1–4, 14; Romans 8:26 Faith-Filled People: Saint Mary Magdalene Prayer: Feel the Spirit!

Chapter 7 The Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Faith Concepts: the Catholic Church, the People of God, the work of the Church, the Apostles, the Pope, faithfulness Scripture: Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 1:16–17, 21–22, 24, 42–47; 1 Corinthians 6:19 ; 1 Peter 2:9–10 Faith-Filled People: The Ordained Prayer: Padre Nuestro

Chapter 8 The Communion of Saints . . 101 Faith Concepts: saints, the Communion of Saints, the Body of Christ, humility

Scripture: Mark 12:30–31; 1 Corinthians 12:12, 27; 1 Thessalonians 4:14

Faith-Filled People: Patron Saints Prayer: A Litany to the Saints

Unit 2 Catholic Social Teaching . . . . . . 113 Unit 2 Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 3

Unit 3 We Worship, Part One . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Chapter 9 A People of Prayer . . . . . . . . 119 Faith Concepts: petition, intercession, blessing, thanksgiving, adoration, and praise, patience Scripture: Matthew 18:20; Luke 23:34, 46; John 17:11–17, 19; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 Faith-Filled People: Saint Stephen Prayer: Thanks Be to God

Chapter 10 The Church Year . . . . . . . . . 131 Faith Concepts: the liturgical year,

worship, Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Ordinary Time, Easter Triduum, diligence Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1–4 Faith-Filled People: The Elect Prayer: Thank You, God

Chapter 11 Celebrating God’s Love . . . 143 Faith Concepts: Sacraments of Christian

Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation, fortitude Scripture: Matthew 25:35–37, 40; 28:19–20; John 13:34 ; Acts 8:14–17 Faith-Filled People: The Apostles Prayer: We Promise

Chapter 12 God’s Healing Love . . . . . . . 155 Faith Concepts: Sacraments of

Healing, Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, sin, kindness Scripture: Luke 7:2–10, 15:16–24; John 20:23 Faith-Filled People: Saint Peter the Apostle Prayer: An Act of Contrition

and Blood of Christ, Holy Communion, goodness Scripture: Matthew 26:26–28; Mark 6:35–42; Acts 3:6 Faith-Filled People: Saint Jeanne Jugan Prayer: Giving Thanks

Chapter 15 The Sacrament of Matrimony . . . . . . . . . . . 197 Faith Concepts: Sacraments at the Service of Communion, Matrimony, miracle, the domestic Church, chastity Scripture: Ruth 1:16; John 2:3–11 Faith-Filled People: Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Prayer: Bless Your Servants

Chapter 16 Called to Serve . . . . . . . . . . 208 Faith Concepts: Sacrament of Holy Orders, consecrated life, bishop, priests, deacons, consecrated life, wisdom Scripture: Isaiah 6:8; John 13:4–5, 15, 20:21; Acts 6:1–6; Faith-Filled People: Saint Teresa of Jesus Prayer: A Vocation Prayer

Unit 4 Catholic Social Teaching . . . . . . 221 Unit 4 R eview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223

Unit 5 We Live, Part One . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225 Chapter 17 Happiness with God . . . . . . 227 Faith Concepts: grace, sanctifying grace, eternal life, Heaven, hell, prudence

Scripture: Luke 14:16, 18–21, 23; John

14:2–3; 1 Corinthians 2:9; 1 Peter 1:16

Unit 3 Catholic Social Teaching . . . . . . 167 Unit 3 R eview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169

Faith-Filled People: Saint Thomas the

Unit 4

Prayer: Act of Hope

We Worship, Part Two . . . . . . . . . . . 171 Chapter 13 The Word of God . . . . . . . . 173 Faith Concepts: parables, the Mass, the Liturgy of the Word, understanding

4

Chapter 14 The Bread of Life . . . . . . . . 185 Faith Concepts: the Last Supper, Body

Scripture: 1 Samuel 8:12; Mark 4:2–9 Faith-Filled People: Saint Jerome Prayer: God’s Active Word

Apostle

Chapter 18 God’s Laws of Love . . . . . . . 239 Faith Concepts: First, Second, and Third

Commandments, Ten Commandments, gentleness Scripture: Exodus 20:2–3, 7–8; Matthew 5:17; John 14:21; 15:12; 1 John 4:7–10 Faith-Filled People: Saint John the Apostle Prayer: Prayer of Adoration

Chapter 19 Love One Another . . . . . . . 251 Faith Concepts: Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Commandments, self-control Scripture: Exodus 2:46, 51–52; 20:12–17; Psalm 133:1 Faith-Filled People: Saint Francis Cabrini Prayer: We Pray for Others

Chapter 20 The Great

Commandment . . . . . . . . . . 263

Faith Concepts: the Covenant, the Great Commandment, the Holy Spirit Our Helper, piety Scripture: Matthew 5:44; 22:35–40; Luke 6:35; John 15:12–13; 1 John 4:21 Faith-Filled People: Dorothy Day Prayer: Act of Love (Psalm 146)

Unit 5 Catholic Social Teaching . . . . . . 275 Unit 5 Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277

Unit 6 We Live, Part Two . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279 Chapter 21 Witnesses of Faith . . . . . . . 281 Faith Concepts: Paul the Apostle, women disciples, missionaries, four marks of the Church, reverence Scripture: Luke 8:1–3; 24:1–3, 9; John 9:25; Acts 9:3–6, 17–18 Faith-Filled People: Saint John Neumann Prayer: We Believe in Jesus

Chapter 22 T he Creeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293 Faith Concepts: the Creeds, the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, knowledge

Scripture: John 14:16–26; Romans 8:26;

1 Corinthians 12:3; 15:3; Hebrews 12:2

Faith-Filled People: Saint Bernadette Prayer: You Are God

Chapter 23 Living Our Faith . . . . . . . . . 305 Faith Concepts: the Beatitudes, solidarity, patience Scripture: Matthew 5:3–12; 1 Corinthians 10:13 Faith-Filled People: Saint Pauline of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus

Prayer: Building God’s Kingdom!

(Prayer of Petition)

Chapter 24 Praying Like Jesus Did . . . . 317 Faith Concepts: Jesus’ trust and obedience to his Father, the Lord’s Prayer, obedience Scripture: Matthew 6:9; Luke 23:34, 46; 1 Thessalonians 1:2 Faith-Filled People: Saint Teresa of the Andes Prayer: Hallowed Be Thy Name (Spanish)

Unit 6 Catholic Social Teaching . . . . . . 329 Unit 6 Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331

We Celebrate the Church Year . . .

333

Exaltation of the Holy Cross . . . . . . .

All Saints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Advent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Immaculate Conception . . . . . . . . . .

Our Lady of Guadalupe . . . . . . . . . .

Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mary, the Holy Mother of God . . . . .

Epiphany of the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ash Wednesday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Palm Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Triduum/Holy Thursday . . . . . . . . . .

Triduum/Good Friday . . . . . . . . . . . .

Triduum/Easter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Ascension of the Lord . . . . . . . .

Pentecost Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

335 337 339 341 343 345 347 349 351 353 355 357 359 361 363 365

Catholic Prayers and Practices . . . . . .

We Celebrate the Mass . . . . . . . . . . . .

Key Teachings of the Catholic Church .

Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

367 375 383 391 398 400

5

Welcome to

A Snapshot of Me My name is My favorite story is The thing I like best about my Church is A game I like to play with my friends is

Learning About the Catholic Church

The Church is like a house of faith. In each of the rooms we can learn more about what Catholics believe, how we celebrate, how Jesus calls us to live, and how we pray. Do the activity on these pages to discover some things we will learn about this year.

Unit 1: We Believe, Part One

Write three words that describe what God made (see page 26).

Examples:  

6

 

Unit 2: We Believe, Part Two

Complete the sentence to tell what the Paschal Mystery is (see page 68).

The Paschal Mystery is the

,

, and

of Jesus Christ.

Unit 3: We Worship, Part One

What are the three Sacraments of Christian Initiation?

(See page 147.)

Unit 4: We Worship, Part Two

Through which two Sacraments do many men and women serve the whole Church? (See page 202.)

Unit 5: We Live, Part One

Which Commandments teach us to respect others and ourselves? (See page 255.)

Unit 6: We Live, Part Two

Find the name of a woman who regained her faith in God and become a Saint. (see page 282).

7

Do What I Have Done Leader

Lord, we gather to listen to your word. Help us remember how to serve others as you did.

All

We will do as you ask.

Leader

During the meal, Jesus got up from the table. He poured water into a bowl and began to wash his disciples’ feet. He dried their feet with a towel.

When Jesus finished, he said, “I have given you an example. Do what I have done.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

All

Thanks be to God. Come forward and reverence the Bible by bowing before it.

8

Based

on

John 13:4–5, 15

We Believe Part One

UNI T

1

Calming the Sea Jesus and his disciples were in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. All of a sudden, a violent storm blew in. The disciples were afraid they were going to drown.

Jesus was asleep! The disciples woke him up and yelled, “Lord, save us! We are going to die!”

Jesus said to them, “Why are you so afraid?

Where is your faith?”

Then Jesus stood up and said to the winds and the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” At once the storm was over.

The disciples were amazed. They asked each other: “Who can make the winds and sea obey?”

Based on Matthew 8:23–27 9

What I Know What is something you already know about these faith concepts?

The Kingdom of God

Messiah

Put an X next to the faith terms you know. Put a ? next to faith terms you need to learn more about.

Incarnation

Annunciation

Holy Trinity

Messiah

Divine Providence

Creator

What do you know about the story of Creation in the Bible?

A Question I Have What question would you like to ask about Mary the Mother of God?

10

Looking Ahead In this chapter, the Holy Spirit will help you to →

1

CHAPTER

EXPLORE the story of Saint Francis of Assisi.

DISCOVER the different ways that God reveals himself to us.

DECIDE how you will come to know God better.

God

Speaks to Us When someone speaks to you, why is it

important to listen carefully?

Listen to these words from Mark’s Gospel:

One day, Jesus took James, Peter, and John up on a high mountain. While they were there, Jesus’ clothes turned bright white. A cloud covered the place, and a voice from a cloud said, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”

Based on Mark 9:2–7 Who was speaking to the disciples from the cloud?

11

Disciple Power

rch The Chu

Follows

Jesus

Love Love is a gift from God. It is the virtue that God gives us to love him above everyone and everything else and to love other people because of our love for him.

Saint Francis of Assisi Saint Francis lived in Assisi, Italy. His family was very wealthy. His father sold fabric that people used to make clothes, curtains, and other things. But having money did not make Francis happy.

Francis was looking for real happiness. He asked God to show him how he could love God above everyone and everything.

One day while Francis was praying, he asked God how he could show that he loved him above everyone and everything. Francis took a Bible, opened it and read these words of Jesus:

“Go sell what you have, and give it to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”

Based on Mark 10:21 What did God say to Francis in the Bible?

12

A Disciple of Jesus Francis believed that the Bible was God’s Word to him. He believed that when he read the Bible, God was speaking to him.

Francis wanted to live as a disciple of Jesus. He listened to God’s Word and he did what Jesus said.

Francis gave his money to the poor and he became poor himself. He told people to listen to Jesus. He told them to be happy by following Jesus.

Soon, people noticed how happy Francis was. They wanted to be happy too, so they listened to him. Today many men and women live as Franciscan priests, brothers, and sisters.

How did Francis listen to the words of Jesus?

Activity

Decorate a card that says “Come Follow Me.” Place it where you can see it every day. It will remind you to follow Jesus.

Come Follow Me 13

Faith Focus What has God told us about himself?

Faith Vocabulary faith Faith is a gift from God. It helps us believe in God and all that he has revealed.

Holy Trinity The Holy Trinity is the mystery of One God in Three Divine Persons— God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

God Speaks to Us God has shown his love for us by telling us about himself. We really could never come to know who God is on our own. Most of what we know about him, God himself has revealed, or made known to us.

God gives us the gift of faith. Faith helps us know and believe in God. He helps us know and believe in what he has revealed. Faith helps us listen to what God tells us about himself. Faith helps us come to know who God is.

The Holy Trinity God has told us that he is the Holy Trinity. He is One God in Three Divine Persons. Trinity means “three in one.” There is One God who is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We believe in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit when we pray the Creeds.

What is one thing you would like

to know about God?

14

Catholics Believe

A Mystery of Faith Jesus, the Son of God, revealed, or made this known to us. We call this the mystery of the Holy Trinity. It is a great mystery of faith.

We could never know this about God unless he told us.

Creeds of the Church A creed is a summary of what someone or a group of people believe. The Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed are summaries of the beliefs of the Church.

How would you tell someone about the

meaning of the Holy Trinity?

Activity The Church uses symbols to help us understand the mystery of the Holy Trinity. Look at these symbols.

What do you think they tell us about God? ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ Complete this prayer to the Holy Trinity.

Dear God, the Holy Trinity, I praise you for .

God the Father, I ask you to .

God the Son, I thank you for .

God the Holy Spirit, help me to .

Amen.

15

Faith Focus What does the Bible teach us about God?

The Written Word of God The Bible is the written Word of God. God the Holy Spirit inspired God’s people to write the Bible. They wrote what God wanted his people to know.

God wants us to know and to love him.

We cannot love God unless we know him first. God revealed himself by his own Word, the Bible.

The Bible is also called Sacred Scripture.

Sacred Scripture means “holy writings.”

In the Bible we read,

Always remember that the holy writings come to us from God. They teach us to know what is right and to do what is good. In that way, we belong to God.

Based on 2 Timothy 3:15–17

How does the Bible help you to know and

love God?

16

The Old Testament The Bible has two main parts. They are the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament tells us that God created the world. He loves everything and everyone he created. The Old Testament also tells us about the very special promises God and his people in the Old Testament made with each other.

We learn about the promises made to Noah, Abraham, Moses and the Israelites, and to the prophets.

God promised to always love his people and to take care of them. God’s people promised that God would be the center of their lives.

We call the promises that God and his people made to each other the Covenant.

What does the Old Testament teach us?

Activity

Faith-Filled People The Evangelists The four Gospels represent the testimonies of Saint Matthew, Saint Mark, Saint Luke, and Saint John about Jesus Christ. They are called the four Evangelists.

The word evangelist means “announcer of good news.” Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John announce the Gospel, or the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Draw or write about your favorite person in the Bible.

What have you learned about God from this person?

Write your ideas, and then share your thoughts.

17

Faith Focus What does the New Testament tell us about Jesus?

Jesus Tells Us About God The New Testament tells us about Jesus and his teachings. Jesus told us the most about God. Everything that Jesus said and did showed people how much God loves them.

Many years after Jesus returned to Heaven, Saint Matthew, Saint John, Saint Mark, and Saint Luke wrote down what they remembered about Jesus. The Church has gathered together these writings, called Gospels, in the New Testament.

The Early Church The New Testament tells us that many people listened to Jesus and saw what he did. They came to believe in Jesus. Those who follwed Jesus and came to believe in him are called his disciples. They were the first members of the Church. Some of Jesus’ closest disciples, called the Apostles, were the first leaders of the Church.

After Jesus rose from the dead and returned to Heaven, the followers of Jesus gathered together.

They listened to the teachings of the Apostles.

They cared for one another. They prayed together. They broke bread together and praised God.

Based on Acts of the Apostles 2:42, 45–47

Today the Church still tells us about Jesus.

What do the Gospels teach us?

18

The Holy Spirit helps us make good choices and live as disciples of Jesus. We live as disciples of Jesus when we listen to God’s Word.

Activity

I Follow

Jesus

Living as a Disciple of Jesus Think about some of the good ways that disciples of Jesus show their love for others at home, at school or with friends.

Draw three scenes from your story in the spaces below.

My Faith Choice

Disciples of Jesus read the Bible often and listen to what God wants them to do. When will you read the Bible? This week, I will

.

Pray,“Holy Spirit, help me to live each day as a disciple of Jesus. Amen.”

19

TO HELP YOU REMEMBER 1. G od gives us the gift of faith to help us know and believe in him.

2. God speaks to us through the Bible.

3. G od speaks to us through the Church.

Chapter Review Recall Identify and write the name of one of the Three Persons of the Holy Trinity on each side of the triangle. On the line to the left of the triangle, write the name of the Person who revealed the Holy Trinity to us.

Persons of the Holy Trinity

Reflect How is faith a gift of God? How does faith help you be a disciple of Jesus?

Share 20

Share one thing that Jesus told us about God that you can tell others.

Glory to God The word glory means “great honor and praise.” In prayer we give great honor and praise to God. Pray this prayer to the Holy Trinity aloud with your class in Spanish or in English. Pray it at home with your family and alone in silence.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son Gloria al Padre y al Hijo and to the Holy Spirit, y al Espíritu Santo. as it was in the beginning Como era en el principio is now, and ever shall be ahora y siempre, y por los world without end. Amen. siglos de los siglos. Amén.

21

With My Family This Week . . .

Sharing God’s Word

In Chapter 1, “God Speaks to Us,” your child learned:

Read together in the Bible Acts of the Apostles 2:42–47 about the first members of the Church.

Or read the adaptation of the story on page 18. Emphasize that the first Christians cared about one another and prayed together.

→ God has revealed, or made himself known, to us. → God is a mystery. We could not know who God is unless he revealed himself to us. → Jesus revealed that there is One God in Three Divine Persons—God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We call this mystery of God the Holy Trinity. This is the central belief of Christians. → God gives us the gift of love.

This gift gives us the power to love God above everyone and everything else and to love other people because of our love for God. For more about related teachings of the Church, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 232–260, and the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, pages 49–63.

We Live as Disciples The Christian home and family is a school of discipleship.

Choose one of the following activities to do as a family or create a similar activity of your own. → Create a badge or button that reads, “I am a disciple of Jesus.” Each time a family member acts in a special way as disciple of Jesus, give him or her the badge to wear for a day.

→ Talk about how your family helps one another know God and his love for you. Ask each family member to choose one thing to do this week to show God’s love to one another.

Our Spiritual Journey The Church gives us creeds to profess our faith. Knowing the Apostles’ Creed by heart can provide guidance for our journey on Earth. Learn the Apostles’ Creed by heart as a family. Pray together the Apostles’ Creed, which can found on page 368. Or say this short prayer with your family each day this week: “Holy Spirit, help us to live each day as disciples of Jesus. Amen.”

For more ideas on ways your family can live as disciples of Jesus, visit 22

BeMyDisciples.com

Looking Ahead In this chapter, the Holy Spirit will help you to →

2

CHAPTER

EXPLORE the gifts of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd.

DISCOVER what it means that God is the Creator.

DECIDE how you can help care for God’s creation.

God

the Creator hat do you think of when you look at a W bequtiful sunset?

Close your eyes and imagine you are looking at the night sky filled with stars. Listen to these words from Bible:

Everything in the sky declares the glory of God; the sun, moon, and stars proudly tell us about the One who made them.

Based on Psalm 19:2

What is the writer of these words telling you?

23

Disciple Power

rch The Chu

Follows

Jesus

Generosity Generosity helps you choose to share with others. Followers of Jesus offer their time and talents freely for the good of others.

Let Your Light Shine!

The Sisters of the Good Shepherd live all over the world. Their founder, Saint Mary Euphrasia Pelletier, always said, “Let your light shine!” The Sisters use their gifts to make things that teach about God’s love.

This is how they let their light shine.

The Sisters of the Good Shepherd use the gifts of creation to honor God. They make altar bread from wheat for us to use at Mass.

They weave cloth from plants to make some of the vestments, or clothes, that the priests wear at Mass.

The Church also uses oil and candles in many celebrations. Oil is made from olives.

Candles are often made from beeswax.

The next time you see things in church made from creation, think about God who gave us those gifts.

Think about the people who were generous with their gifts.

They help us to come closer to God when we celebrate the Sacraments. ow do the Sisters of the H Good Shepherd use the gifts of creation to honor God?

24

The Gifts of Creation When you use God’s gifts, you let your light shine. You honor God by using the gifts God gave you. You honor God by using the gifts of creation to do good. Look at this prayer from the Mass.

Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the bread we offer you: fruit of the earth and work of human hands, it will become for us the bread of life.

Prayers at the Preparation of the Gifts, Roman Missal,

hat does it mean when we pray, “fruit of W the earth and work of human hands?”

Activity

Draw gifts of God’s creation to decorate this candle. Add a flame on the candle to show that you will let your light shine.

25

Faith Focus What does creation tell us about God?

Faith Vocabulary creation Creation is all that God has made out of love and without any help.

God’s Creation God alone is the Creator. He created everything and everyone out of love and without any help.

The Book of Genesis is the first book in the Old Testament. It tells the story of creation.

od made the earth and sky and sea. God G filled the earth with plants. God made the sun and the moon and the stars. God made birds for the sky and fish for the water. God made animals for the land. Then God created people. God saw that everything he created was very good.

Based on Genesis 1:1–27, 31

God gave us the gift of our five senses.

We can use our five senses to come to know that God is wonderful and good. All of God’s creation helps us to know his love for us.

How can our five senses help us to know

and love God?

26

Knowing More about God All creation helps us know that God is wonderful and good. These are some ways that might help us learn more about God. • Five blue eggs in a robin’s nest helps us to know that God gives life.

• A tree full of ripe red apples helps us to know that God is generous.

• Seeing birds flying south for the winter helps us to know that God is wise.

Catholics Believe Prayers of Blessing The Church prays prayers of blessing.

Prayers of blessing honor God.as the source of all our blessings.

• Rain on a hot summer afternoon helps us to know that God gives us what we need.

• A tiny purple violet helps us to know that God is gentle.

• A mother listening to her child helps us to know that God is patient.

What does creation tell you about God?

Activity

Look at the pictures on these pages. What do they tell you about God? Now close your eyes. magine you are outdoors. What do you see, hear, or touch that God has made? Write one sentence about what you notice. ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

27

Faith Focus How does God care for us?

Faith Vocabulary Divine Providence Divine Providence is God’s caring love for all his creation.

People Are Images of God God created every person in his own image.

He created people with a body and a soul. The soul is that part of us that lives forever. It gives us the power to know, love, and serve God. God created each person to be the same and different. There are differences in our looks and talents. Yet we are the same in one very important way. Each of us is created in the image of God. Every person is a child of God. Because we are created in God’s image we can make loving choices. We can care for other people. We can choose to love God in return.

We also have differences. No one is exactly the same as another person. All of our differences make us special. Being special is a gift from God. We can share our special gifts with others. God knows and loves each of us.

What are two ways you and your friends

can use your special gifts to care for God’s creation together?

28

God Cares for His Creation God the Creator is always with us. He takes care of his creation. We call God’s caring love for his creation Divine Providence.

Jesus told us that God cares for us.

He said:

“Look at the birds in the sky. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Look at the fields with beautiful wild flowers. Your Father in heaven knows everything you need.”

Based on Matthew 6:25-26, 30–32

Faith-Filled People Andrew the Apostle Saint Andrew the Apostle was one of the first disciples of Jesus. Saint Andrew and his brother Saint Peter worked as fishermen. Jesus invited them to follow him and become fishers of men.

God cares for the smallest parts and the greatest parts of creation. He cares about everything that happens in the world. We never have to handle our problems alone.

God is always with us.

What are some ways God cares for us?

Activity

Decorate the “God’s Loving Care” box with signs of God’s creation. Write three things that you would like to entrust to God’s loving care.

1 2 3

29

Faith Focus How do we care for God’s creation?

We Care for God’s Creation God gives all people an important responsibility. He calls us to care for his world. In the Bible God tells us:

God created people in his image. He made them man and woman. God blessed them.

God gave them the world to care for.

Based on Genesis 1:26–30

We care for creation when we share God’s gifts with all people. We use the gifts of creation wisely. We know that God gave the world to all of us.

We Use God’s Creation We can use God’s creation to help others.

We can discover new plants to make medicine and find cures for disease. We can create beautiful works of art.

What are two ways you can use your special gifts to care for God’s creation?

30

God created you and all people out of love. He created the whole world out of love. He is always with you. He helps you to care for creation. He helps you to live with generosity as a disciple of Jesus.

Activity

Jesus

Caring for God’s Creation In the left column, draw one of God’s gifts of creation. In the right column, write what you can do to care for it.

God’s gift

My Faith Choice

I Follow

How I can care for it

I will be generous with my gifts and talents. I will care for God’s creation. I will

.

Pray, “Come, Holy Spirit, teach me and help me take care of the wonderful gift of creation. Amen.”

31

TO HELP YOU REMEMBER 1. G od created everyone and everything out of love and without any help.

2. God created every person in his image and likeness.

3. G od always cares for us and for all of his creation.

Chapter Review Recall Use the words below to complete the faith sentences.

Blessing

soul

Providence

Creator

Generosity

1. The Bible tells us that God is the ________________.

2. Divine ________________ is God’s caring love for all his creation.

3. God created people with a body and a ________.

4. _____________________________ prayers express our faith in God’s loving care for us.

5. _____________________________ helps you use your talents to help others.

Reflect Think of five things you do that gives honor to God or his creation.

Write one thing on each finger of the hand.

Share 32

Share with a classmate what you believe is the most amazing part of God’s creation and why.

God, You Are Great!

The psalms are prayer songs in the Bible. The Church prays the psalms every day. You can pray this psalm in English or in Vietnamese.

Leader

Close your eyes and think of all the beautiful things in creation. (Pause.)

Now let us bless God together for the gift of creation.

All

Đúc Chúa Tròi ban phú Our God, you are great!

Group 1

ou created all the creatures on the land, Y in the oceans, and in the sky.

All

Đúc Chúa Tròi ban phu˛óc Our God, you are great!

Group 2

The Earth is full of your creatures.

All

Đúc Chúa Tròi ban phu˛óc Our God, you are great!

Based

on

Psalm 104:1, 24, 25

33

With My Family This Week . . .

Sharing God’s Word

In Chapter 2, “God the Creator,” your child learned:

Read together the biblical accounts of creation in Genesis, chapters 1 and 2.

Or read the adaptation on page 26. Discuss and emphasize that the diversity within creation helps us come to know that God is wonderful and good. Talk about what is unique about each family member.

→ God alone is the Creator.

He created everyone and everything out of love and without any help. All that God creates is good. → God creates every person in his image. God creates every person with a body and a soul. → God creates everyone to be a unique individual and blesses them with special gifts that they are to use to care for God’s creation. → God’s caring love is known as Divine Providence. → Generosity is a quality of a disciple of Jesus.

We Live as Disciples The Christian home and family is a school of discipleship.

Choose one of the following activities or design an activity of your own to do together as a family.

→ Enjoy a diversity adventure!

Learn about the diversity that make up your parish or community. Explore different nationalities. → Take notice of all the times your child is generous. Praise him or her. Don’t forget to acknowledge small acts of generosity.

Our Spiritual Journey Praying the psalms has always been part of the Church’s tradition. Pray the psalms in the daily prayer of your family.

Memorize a psalm verse each week and pray it daily. See page 33 for an example.

For more about related teachings of the Church, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 279–314, 325–349, and 355–379, and the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, pages 53–63.

For more ideas on ways your family can live as disciples of Jesus, visit 34

BeMyDisciples.com

Looking Ahead In this chapter, the Holy Spirit will help you to →

3

CHAPTER

EXPLORE how Catholics honor Mary.

DISCOVER that Jesus is both God and man, divine and human.

Mary Trusted

DECIDE how you will honor Mary.

God

Have you ever placed your trust in someone?

The writer of these words below helped people clearly see what God wanted them to do.

Listen to what he had to say:

Trust in God with all your heart. He will guide you. He will help you know and see clearly what he wants you to do.

Based on Proverbs 3:5–6

How would remembering these words help you when you are afraid?

35

Disciple Power

rch The Chu

Follows

Jesus

Honor When we honor someone, we show respect. When we ask someone to help us, we show respect and honor.

We Honor Mary Mary trusted in God with all her heart. She listened and knew what God wanted her to do.

The bishops of the Catholic Church in the United States chose to honor Mary in a special way. They chose Mary to be the patron saint of the United States. A Patron Saint is a Saint whose good example we can follow.

As the patron Saint of the United States, she is called Mary, the Immaculate Conception. The bishops built a basilica named the Immaculate Conception to honor Mary. It is one of the largest churches in the whole world. A basilica is a special type of church.

We also honor Mary when we pray to her. We honor Mary when we place statues and images of her in our homes. These are ways that help us to remember Mary’s trust and faith in God. Mary helps us see and know more clearly how to live as disciples of Jesus.

How do you and your family

honor Mary?

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington D.C.

36

Praying the Rosary One special way that G3_SSE_Ch03_37 Catholics honor PENCIL Mary is to pray the Rosary. It is really many short prayers that form the Rosary. We use rosary beads to keep our place as we say the prayers. The prayers of the Rosary are the Hail Mary, Our Father, the Glory Be, Apostles’ Creed, and Hail, Holy Queen.

We pray the Sign of the Cross at the beginning and at the end of the Rosary.

What are some ways you

can honor Mary?

Activity

Color the beads on this rosary. In each space, print the prayer you would say for that bead or set of beads. Look at page 372 in the back of your book if you need help.

37

Faith Focus How did Mary show her faith in God?

Faith Vocabulary Annunciation The Annunciation is the announcement the angel Gabriel made to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The angel told Mary that God had chosen her to be the Mother of Jesus, the Son of God.

The Faith of Mary The best news that we will ever hear is that God the Father sent his Son, Jesus, into our world. The angel Gabriel announced this good news to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Gabriel said,

Hail, Mary. The Lord is with you. The Holy Spirit will come to you. You shall give birth to a son and you shall name him Jesus. Your son will be God’s own Son.

Based on Luke 1:28, 31, 35

The Church calls the announcement of Jesus’ birth to Mary the Annunciation.

Mary trusted that God. She had great faith in God’s love for her. She responded,

“May these things happen as you say.”

Based on Luke 1:38

When have you shown trust

when you have been asked to do something?

38

Mary is Our Model Mary is a model of faith. Mary shows us how to act with faith. She trusted God and said “yes” to him.

Mary is a model of prayer who shows us how to pray. She praised and thanked God. Mary is also the model disciple. She shows us how to trust in God’s love.

The angel Gabriel told Mary that her cousin Elizabeth was going to have a baby. Elizabeth was much older than Mary. Mary knew that Elizabeth would need help. Mary thought about the needs of Elizabeth. Read to find out what Mary did to help her cousin.

Faith-Filled People Saint Elizabeth Elizabeth and her husband, Zechariah, were the parents of John the Baptist. Their son, John, grew up to announce that Jesus was the Savior that God promised to send to his people.

As soon as the angel left, Mary set out on a journey. She hurried to the town in an area called Judah. There she went to the house of Elizabeth and Zechariah. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned to her own home.

Based on Luke 1:39–40, 56

Why did Mary go to visit her cousin Elizabeth?

Activity

Write about a time you said yes to something a parent or teacher asked of you, even if you wanted to say no.

.

39

Faith Focus How is Mary a disciple?

Faith Vocabulary Incarnation The Incarnation is the Son of God becoming a man and still being God.

Mary Praises God Mary’s visit to Elizabeth is known as the Visitation. The word visitation is another word for a “visit.” The Bible tells us that Elizabeth greeted Mary when she saw her.

Elizabeth said:

“Blessed are you, Mary!” Mary answered Elizabeth by praising God. Mary said, “My soul praises the great goodness of God! God has done great things for me!”

Nativity The Nativity is the story of the birth of Jesus.

Based on Luke 1:45–46, 49

Mary praised God. Mary’s prayer of praise is called the Magnificat. Mary believed that all her blessings came from God. Mary is our model of faith. She helps us see clearly that all our blessings come from God, too. She shows us how to praise God. How can Mary be a model of faith for you?

40

Jesus Is Born God the Father chose Mary to be the Mother of his Son, Jesus the Savior. The Holy Spirit helped Mary believe in God. The Holy Spirit helped Mary trust his plan for her and for her son.

Jesus is the Son of God and the Son of Mary. The Son of God becoming a man and still being God is called the Incarnation.

The Church calls the story of the birth of Jesus the Nativity. We can read about Jesus’ birth in Chapters 1 and 2 of the Gospels of Saint Matthew and Saint Luke in the New Testament.

Activity

Look at the picture of the Nativity and see yourself in the story. Tell your class what you see, hear, and feel.

Catholics Believe Feast Days of Mary The Catholic Church has many feast days to honor Mary.

Three of these days are also holy days of obligation. They are: January 1, Mary, the Holy Mother of God; August 15, the Assumption of Mary to Heaven; December 8, Immaculate Conception. On these days, we have the responsibility to go to Mass.

41

Faith Focus Where can we learn about the birth of Jesus?

Sharing the Good News We read about Jesus’ birth in the Gospels of Saint Matthew and Saint Luke which is in the New Testament. It was only after Jesus died on the Cross that the Gospels were written by four of the Apostles, called the Evangelists. The Apostles told about Jesus’ birth, life, Death, and Resurrection.

In Jesus’ time, most people could not read.

They passed down the stories by word of mouth. Grandparents told their grandchildren.

And they told their grandchildren.

When Jesus was born, the shepherds were there. The shepherds helped to tell everyone about the angels and the baby lying in the manger. The Holy Spirit helped the evangelists write about the Nativity of Jesus.

How do you share the Good News about Mary and the Nativity with others?

42

Mary is the Mother of God and the Mother of Jesus. We honor Mary when we pray to her. Mary is also the Mother of the Church. We ask Mary to help us live as disciples of her Son, Jesus.

Activity

I Follow

Jesus

A Disciple’s Passport It is hard to enter a country without a passport. It is hard to be a disciple of Jesus if you do not serve others. Create an entry for your Discipleship Passport. Draw a picture of of how you haved served others. Write a title beneath your picture.

My Faith Choice

This week, I will honor Mary by asking her to help me.

I will

.

Ask Mary to help you live as a disciple of her Son. Pray, “Mary, Mother of Jesus, help me to follow your Son each day. Amen.”

43

TO HELP YOU REMEMBER 1. G od the Father chose Mary to be the mother of his Son, Jesus.

Chapter Review Recall Unscramble the bolded letters to find the words that complete the sentences. Write the words on the lines.

2. Jesus is the Son of God and the son of Mary. He is true God and true man.

1. The Son of God becoming man without giving up being God is called the CANRAONINIT.

3. M ary shows us what it means to say Yes to God.

2. The announcement of the birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary is called the NNUANIOTIACN.

3. The story of the birth of Jesus is called the VIYTINAT.

4. Mary’s visit to Elizabeth is called the ITOVSIATNI.

5. Mary’s great prayer of praise is called the GITCAMINAA.

Reflect Let Mary be your model in prayer. Write a prayer of praise and thanksgiving in honor of Mary.

Share 44

Share a Christmas message about Jesus with the class. Then make a card to give to a friend or family member.

Salve Maria!

Catholics all over the world pray the Hail Mary in their own languages. We can honor Mary by praying the opening words from the Hail Mary in Spanish.

Salve Maria!

Leader

e can ask Mary to help us live as W disciples of Jesus. Let us honor Mary and praise God. Dios te salve María! Bendita tú eres. (dee yos) (tay) (sal veh)! (ma ree yah) (behn dee tah) (too)!

All

Dios te salve María! Bendita tú eres.

Leader

Mary, you are the Mother of Jesus.

María, tú eres la Madre de Jesús. (ma ree ya), (too) (air–es) (lah) (ma dreh) (deh) (hey zoos)

Group 1

María, tú eres la Madre de Jesús.

All

Dios te salve María! Bendita tú eres.

Group 2

María, tú eres la Madre de Jesús.

All

Dios te salve María! Bendita tú eres.

45

With My Family This Week . . .

Sharing God’s Word

In Chapter 3, “Mary Trusted in God, your child learned:

Read together Luke 1:26–38, the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary. Or read the adaptation of the story on page 38. Emphasize and talk about Mary’s faith and trust in God and her love for him.

→ God chose Mary to have an honored part in his plan to fulfill his promise to send the world the Savior. → Mary believed and trusted God. → Mary is the Mother of Jesus, the Savior of the world. → Jesus is the Son of God and the son of Mary. Mary is the Mother of God. → The Incarnation means that the Son of God who became man without giving up being God. He is true God and true man. → The Church honors Mary.

When we honor Mary, we honor God.

We Live as Disciples The Christian home and family is a school of discipleship.

Choose one of the following activities to do as a family or design a similar activity of your own. → Talk about your family’s devotion to Mary. Discuss ideas together before making your choice.

→ Name ways the members of your family honor one another. How might you be more consistent in the way you honor one another?

When you show honor and respect for one another you honor God.

Our Spiritual Journey Devotion to Mary is central to the prayer practices of the Catholic Church. Read John 19:26–27. Mary is the Mother of the Church. She is our constant companion on our spiritual journey. Praying the Hail Mary reminds us of our identity as Catholics. Pray this prayer daily with your family.

For more about related teachings of the Church, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 456–478 and 484–507, and the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, pages 141–149.

For more ideas on ways your family can live as disciples of Jesus, visit 46

BeMyDisciples.com

Looking Ahead In this chapter, the Holy Spirit will help you to →

4

CHAPTER

EXPLORE how Martin de Porres treated people with mercy and justice.

DISCOVER that Jesus, the Son of God, is the Messiah.

DECIDE to treat people justly as Jesus commanded.

Jesus, the Son of God Who takes care of you when you are sick?

What do they do?

Imagine you are with Jesus and his disciples. Jesus says:

“The kingdom of God has been prepared for you from the creation of the world. You will enter the kingdom because when I was hungry you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me water to drink . . . I was ill and you cared for me.”

Matthew 25:34–36

How do you help others?

47

Disciple Power

rch The Chu

Follows

Jesus

Justice Justice is the virtue, or good habit, of treating everyone fairly with love, care, and respect.

Good News in Action Martin de Porres grew up in poverty in Lima, Peru. Peru is a country in South America. When he was a young man, Martin joined a group of religious men called Dominicans. The Dominicans follow the good example of Saint Dominic.

Martin was called Brother Martin. Brother Martin did the things Jesus told his disciples to do. He was in charge of a hospital and helped care for people who were sick.

When patients asked for glass of water, Brother Martin would gladly get it for them.

He asked people to give him money to feed people who were hungry.

Brother Martin also started a home for children who had nowhere to live. They had no parents to care for them. He welcomed them and gave them clothes and gave them food.

The Church named Brother Martin a Saint. Saint Martin de Porres is a good example for us. He listened to Jesus. He did what Jesus asked his followers to do.

How did Martin practice the virtue

of justice?

48

Martin of Charity Martin de Porres was canonized in 1962 by Pope John XXIII. That means he became an official Saint of the Church.

Martin was also named the Patron Saint of justice because of how he worked with different cultures of people. Martin helped the sick, the poor, the farm workers, and people of different cultures. Martin earned the name he was called by the people of Lima. They called him, Martin of Charity.

The Holy Childhood Association helps children do what Saint Martin de Porres did. Children collect money that is used to help children in more than one hundred countries. The money helps provide clean water, food, medicine, education, and places to live.

How can you show charity to others?

Activity

Use each letter in Saint Martin’s name to tell how he was a disciple of Jesus.

M A R T I N 49

Faith Focus What is the Good News of Jesus Christ?

Faith Vocabulary Messiah The word messiah means “anointed one.”

Jesus is the Messiah.

He is the Anointed One of God, the Savior God promised to send.

Jesus Is the Savior The angel Gabriel told Mary to name her Son, Jesus. The name Jesus means “God saves.”

Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior whom God promised to send his people. God’s people were waiting a long time for the Savior who was coming to save them.

Mary and Joseph were faithful Jews. Soon after Jesus was born, they took the baby Jesus to the Temple. The Temple was in the city of Jerusalem. The Temple was the most important place of Jewish worship. There, Mary and Joseph presented, or dedicated, the baby Jesus to God. The Church calls this event the Presentation of the Lord. ow would you describe the Good News H of Jesus?

50

Simeon and Anna When Mary and Joseph arrived at the Temple, they met Simeon and Anna. They had been waiting all their lives for the Messiah whom God promised to send.

Here is how the Gospel describes what happened:

Simeon took Jesus in his arms, blessed God, and said, “O God, my eyes have now seen your salvation.” He recognized that Jesus was the Messiah for whom he had been waiting. Anna, who was a widow, saw Jesus and gave thanks to God. Then she told others about Jesus.

Faith-Filled People Saint Joseph Joseph is Mary’s husband. The Bible tells us that Joseph was a carpenter. He is the Patron Saint of workers. The feast day of Joseph, Husband of Mary, is on March 19.

The feast day of Saint Joseph the Worker is on May 1.

Based on Luke 2:28–30, 37–38

hat can you do to share the Good News W of Jesus?

Activity

Role-play the Presentation of the Lord with your classmates.

Answer these questions to prepare for your role.

How do you think Mary and Joseph felt as they traveled to Jerusalem?

How do you think Simeon and Anna felt when they saw Jesus?

How do you think Mary felt when she heard the words of Simeon and Anna?

51

Faith Focus What is the Kingdom of God?

Faith Vocabulary Kingdom of God The time when all people will live in peace and justice with God and with one another and with all creation. God’s Kingdom will be complete when Christ returns in glory at the end of time.

Finding Jesus in the Temple When Jesus was twelve years old, he went with Joseph and Mary to celebrate Passover in Jerusalem. Passover celebrates God’s mercy and love for his people. It especially celebrates God freeing his people from slavery in Egypt.

When the celebration of Passover ended, Mary and Joseph left for home. But they could not find Jesus. So they went back and searched the city of Jerusalem for three days.

Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the Temple.

He was sitting there with the teachers. He was listening to them and asking them questions.

Then he left the Temple with Mary and Joseph. They joined their friends and relatives and returned home to Nazareth. Jesus was obedient to Mary and Joseph. Jesus grew in wisdom, age, and grace.

Based on Luke 2:46–47, 51–52 hat question do you want to ask your W parish priest or teacher about Jesus?

52

The Kingdom of God Jesus grew up in a little town in Palestine.

His neighbors were people who waited and watched for the Promised One. They hoped and believed that the Messiah would come and save them. Jesus was the Savior God promised.

When Jesus was about thirty years old, he left his home in Nazareth. He began the work his Father sent him to do. Jesus traveled from place to place. Most of the time he walked.

Jesus taught people the Good News of the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is the time of peace and justice for all.

What can you do to share the Good News about the Kingdom of God?

Activity

Catholics Believe The Kingdom of God Each time we act as disciples of Jesus the Kingdom of God grows among us. The Kingdom of God will never be complete here on Earth. When Jesus returns, we will live in peace and justice with God and one another.

In the Gospels, the Kingdom of God is also called the Kingdom of Heaven.

Write your ideas on ways you can share the Good News about the Kingdom of God. Share it with your class.

53

Faith Focus What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus?

Disciples Spread the Good News Many people listened to Jesus and some of the people became his disciples. A disciple learns from someone and follows that person’s teachings. The disciples of Jesus had great respect for him. They showed this respect by calling him Rabbi, or Teacher.

The disciples came to believe that Jesus was the Son of God and the Messiah. Like Anna and Simeon, the disciples believed Jesus was the One whom God promised to send to be our Savior.

The disciples told many people that Jesus was the Messiah. Listen to what Peter told the people.

One day when all of the disciples were in one place together, they were all filled with the holy Spirit. The disciples began to speak in different languages. Peter was with them. Suddenly, he was not afraid. He stood before a huge crowd of people and said loudly, “Jesus from Nazareth is the Messiah. He is the one everyone has been looking for. He is risen. We have seen, and we believe.”

Based on Acts 2:1–4, 14, 22–24, 36 Peter Preaches at Pentecost, T. W. Wilson, c. 1910.

54

hat are two words that you W think describe a good disciple?

Every time you do what Jesus taught his disciples to do, you are living the Gospel. When you treat others with justice and respect, you live as a disciple of Jesus. You help prepare for the coming of the Kingdom of God.

Activity

I Follow

Jesus

Building God’s Kingdom Look at these newspaper headlines. Circle the events that are helping to build the Kingdom of God. Then write a headline telling how you are helping to build the Kingdom of God. 1 Many Go Hungry in Big Cities 2 Local Schools Collect Coats for Kids 3 Crime Wave Breaks Out 4 Pet Adoptions on the Rise 5 Kids Organize Recycling Drive

My Faith Choice

This week, I will treat people justly as Jesus did. I will

.

ray,“Thy kingdom come” several times.“Help me P Jesus live as your disciple. Amen.”

55

TO HELP YOU REMEMBER 1. J esus Christ is the Messiah, the Savior God promised to send.

2. Jesus obeyed Mary and Joseph and grew in wisdom, age, and grace.

3. Jesus announced the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

Chapter Review Recall Match the people and places in the left column with the meanings in the right column.

People and Places

Meanings

___ 1. Anna and Simeon

a. People who are followers of Jesus

___ 2. disciples

b. The holy city of the Jewish people

___ 3. Temple

c. Treating everyone fairly with care and respect

___ 4. justice

d. People who recognized the infant Jesus to be the Messiah

___ 5. Jerusalem

e. The most important place of Jewish worship

Reflect Write two ways that you show love and respect for your parents and families.

Share 56

Share with your class how you would like to grow in wisdom this year like Jesus did.

Lord, Have Mercy In a prayer of petition we ask for God’s help to do better. We ask for God’s mercy or forgiveness when we do not act as we should.

Many of the first disciples who were baptized lived in places where they spoke Greek or Latin. Latin became the official language of the Catholic Church. One prayer that remained Greek was the Kyrie Eleison, which means “Lord, have mercy.” It may be used as a petition during Mass.

Leader

Lord Jesus, you came to gather all people into the peace of God’s Kingdom. Kyrie eleison. Lord have mercy.

All

Kyrie eléison. Lord, have mercy.

Leader

Lord, Jesus, you announced the Good News of the coming of your Kingdom.

Christe eleison. Christ, have mercy.

All

Christe eléison. Christ, have mercy.

Leader

You will come in glory with Salvation for all your people. Kyrie eleison. Lord have mercy.

All

Kyrie eléison. Lord, have mercy.

Amen.

Based

on the

Roman Missal

57

With My Family This Week . . .

Sharing God’s Word

In Chapter 4, “Jesus, the Son of God,” your child learned:

Read together Luke 2: 22, 33–38, the Presentation, or dedication, of Jesus in the Temple. Or read the adaptation of the story on pages 50–51. Talk with your child and describe that at Baptism, you presented him or her to the Church and she or he became an adopted daughter or son of God.

→ God the Father sent his Son, Jesus Chirst, as the Messiah. → Jesus is the Anointed One, or the Messiah, and the Christ.

He is the Savior of the world. → Simeon and Anna recognized the infant Jesus to be the Messiah when Mary and Joseph presented him in the Temple in Jerusalem. → Jesus grew up in Nazareth.

He left his home when he was about thirty years old and he traveled about announcing the coming of the Kingdom of God. → Practicing the virtue of justice helps prepare the way for the coming of God’s Kingdom.

For more about related teachings of the Church, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 512–560, and the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, pages 79–87.

We Live as Disciples The Christian home and family is a school of discipleship.

Choose one of the following activities to do as a family or design a similar activity of your own.

→ Establish a “Circle of Care” in your family. Come together at a regular time and sit in a circle around a table or on the floor. Each person names a way he or she is acting with fairness and showing respect.

No one in the cirle can accuse another, but each can praise another’s success. → Make a forgiveness poster to remind family members of the importance of forgiveness. Remember that the work of Jesus the Messiah is a work of forgiveness. Grow as a forgiving family. Include the prayer “Lord, have mercy” as part of your daily prayer.

Our Spiritual Journey Conversion to Christ is a life-long process. Acts of penance are part of the spiritual discipline of deepening our relationship with Jesus Christ and with one another.

Small acts of penance no one notices or sees are the hallmark of true penance. See Matthew 6:16–18.

For more ideas on ways your family can live as disciples of Jesus, visit 58

BeMyDisciples.com

Catholic Social Teaching The Desert Tortoise The Mojave Desert in California is the home of the Desert Tortoise. Since 1989, the Desert Tortoise has been a threatened species in danger of extinction. Over the past thirty years humans have moved into the desert.

Automobiles, off-road vehicles, and military training exercises have killed many of the tortoises. Industries such as mining and grazing have affected the tortoise population.

Young tortoises are also killed by the increase number of ravens, which are the tortoise’s natural predator.

WE CARE FOR GOD’S CREATION Taking care of God’s creation is a responsibility we all share. God has trusted us with the care of the Earth and all its animals.

The people at Joshua Tree Tortoise Rescue work hard to make sure people will be able to enjoy the Desert Tortoises for years to come.

They educate adults and children about the tortoises. The plight of the Desert Tortoise is an example of how human actions can hurt animal populations and affect the fragile natural environment.

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Making Connections We need to be aware of how our actions affect the natural world around us.

with SOCIAL STUDIES The Desert Tortoise is an indicator species. An indicator species is an animal that scientists study to see how healthy a particular region is. An indicator species is sensitive to the changes in its environment. When humans moved to the desert, the desert tortoise was affected. Draw a map that shows the geography of the region where you live. On your map show how people have used and made changes to the natural environment, for example, building a dam. Find out how these changes may have affected any animals.

with MATH AND SCIENCE On a chart show the many forms of animal life that live in the environments on Earth. You can include mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles. Share whether any of the animals on your list are threatened or endangered.

Discuss why they are threatened and possibe solution.

with LANGUAGE ARTS Write a poem about one of your favorite wild animals. In your poem express why you like this animal and why it is important to you that this animal be protected. Illustrate your poem.

Faith Action 60

The animal world is one of God’s wondrous gifts. Write one way you can help take care of this gift.

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Unit 1 Review

Name

A. Choose the Best Word Fill in the blanks, using the best choice from the word bank. faith Holy Trinity

Divine Providence Kingdom of God

1. The gift of in God.

Incarnation

helps us believe

is the mystery of One God 2. The in Three Divine Persons.

3. God’s love and care for creation is called

.

4. The Son of God becoming man and still being

God is called the

.

is the time when all 5. The people will live in peace and justice with God, with one another, and with all creation.

B. Show What You Know Match the words or phrases in Column A with the words or phrases in Column B. Column A 1. the Messiah 2. creation 3. creeds

Column B a. summaries of the beliefs of the Church b. the Savior God promised to send c. all that God made out of love and without any help

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C. Connect with Scripture What was your favorite story about Jesus in this unit?

Draw something that happened in the story. Next to your drawing, write the name of the story and tell one thing that happened in it. Share with your class.

D. Be a Disciple 1.  What Saint or holy person did you enjoy hearing about in this unit? Write the name here. Write something about the person that you admire. Tell your class what this person did to follow Jesus.

2.  Recall the virtues and gifts that you learned about in Disciple Power in this unit. Write about one that you are practicing so you can be a good disciple of Jesus. Tell how you are using it to follow Jesus. Share your answer with a partner.

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Faith Focus How is the Cross a sign of victory?

The Word of the Lord Choose one of the Scripture readings to share.

Then talk about the reading with them.

First Reading Numbers 21:4b–9 Second Reading Philippians 2:6–11 Gospel John 3:13–17

What You See A cross is simply the shape of the Cross on which Jesus died. A crucifix shows the body of Jesus on the Cross.

Exaltation of the Holy Cross Look at a cross. What do you see? A cross is a simple sign that has so much meaning. It is a sign of a Christian.

The Rite of Baptism uses the Sign of the Cross. When you were baptized the priest or deacon and your parents and godparents all made a small cross on your forehead.

Later the priest or deacon anointed you with Chrism in the shape of a cross. Then he poured the water and said these words, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” By this sign, you are marked forever as belonging to Christ.

The Cross is a sign of victory. By his Death and Resurrection, Jesus triumphed over sin and death. Most of all, the Cross is a sign of God’s great love for each of us. The Church celebrates the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14.

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A Sign of Love

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a celebration of God’s saving love.

Decorate the cross below with signs of joy and celebration. In the circle print words that tell about your love and thanks for Jesus.

My Faith Choice

This week, when I will look at a cross, I will remember God’s great love for me. I will

.

Pray, “We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you. By your Cross, you have redeemed the world. Amen.”

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