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The Subcommittee on the Catechism, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has found this catechetical series, copyright 2014, to be in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Nihil Obstat Rev. Fr. Jeremiah L. Payne, S.Th.L. Censor Librorum, Diocese of Orlando Imprimatur ✠ Most Rev. John Noonan Bishop of Orlando January 20, 2014 © 2014 by Our Sunday Visitor Curriculum Division, Our Sunday Visitor. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Write: Our Sunday Visitor Curriculum Division Our Sunday Visitor, Inc. 200 Noll Plaza, Huntington, Indiana 46750 Alive in Christ is a registered trademark of Our Sunday Visitor Curriculum Division, Our Sunday Visitor, 200 Noll Plaza, Huntington, Indiana 46750. For permission to reprint copyrighted materials, grateful acknowledgment is made to the following sources: English translation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church for the United States of America copyright © 1994, United States Catholic Conference, Inc.—Libreria Editrice Vaticana. English translation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Modifications from the Editio Typica copyright © 1997, United States Catholic Conference, Inc.—Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 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 from the General Directory for Catechesis, Congregation for the Clergy. © 1997, United States Catholic Conference, Inc.—Libreria Editrice Vaticana. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Inc., Washington, D.C.: Hail, Holy Queen and Psalm Prayer (Retitled: “Evening Prayer”) from Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers. Translation copyright © 1989 by United States Catholic Conference, Inc.
Sampler Table of Contents About Alive In Christ
Sample Teacher Edition Lesson
Program Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TE4 Vision and Philosophy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TE4 Alive in Christ Structural Framework. . . . . . . . . . . TE8 Alive in Christ School Edition Program Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TE12 Online Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TE13
UNIT 1: Revelation Unit Preview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50A Chapter 1: In God’s Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51A
Call of the Teacher as Catechist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TE14 Responding to Your Vocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TE14
51 63 75 87
The Task of Catechesis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TE16 As Jesus Formed His Disciples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TE16 Unique and Effective Pedagogy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Divine Pedagogy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Catechetical Process and the Five-Day Lesson Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chapter Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chapter Planner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chapter Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chapter Reproducibles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sacred Scripture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sacred Tradition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TE18 TE18
Developmental Appropriateness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Theory and Practice of It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Use of Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reaching All Learners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Teaching Seventh and Eighth Graders . . . . . . . .
TE30 TE30 TE32 TE33 TE34
Sample of Student Lessons UNIT 1: Revelation Chapter 1: In God’s Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chapter 2: Revelation and Faith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chapter 3: The Church Is Holy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unit Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TE20 TE24 TE25 TE26 TE27 TE28 TE29
Church Community. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TE35 Living and Learning Together. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TE35 Connecting to the Church Community. . . . . . . . TE36
Table of Contents TE3
SAMPLER
Program Overview
Vision and Philosophy I am the way and the truth* and the life… I am the resurrection and the life.
John 14:6, 11:25
Jesus Christ not only transmits the word of God: he is the Word of God. Catechesis is therefore completely tied to him. Thus what must characterize the message transmitted by catechesis is, above all, its ‘christocentricity’. 1 General Directory for Catechesis, 98
Jesus Christ at the Center Welcome to Alive in Christ. Christ is at the center of our faith, our Church, our catechesis. Alive in Christ is intentional in its focus on the life, mission, and saving work of Jesus Christ. This lays a foundation for a relationship with Jesus, who continually leads us to his Father’s love and calls us through the Spirit to share in the divine life through his Church (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 426).
Mirroring the Divine Pedagogy The catechetical process of Alive in Christ mirrors the divine pedagogy—the gradual and relational way God teaches us so that we can know him and his truth, be guided by the Holy Spirit to respond with faith and love, and accept the gift of new life in Christ. In this unique and effective pedagogy, each lesson encourages a personal and ongoing relationship with God, beginning with God’s invitation through Sacred Scripture and leading children to reflect on his Word, deepen their understanding of our Sacred Tradition, and respond with a lived faith within the home and among friends, within the Church and in the community.
Building Knowledge of, and Reverence for, Sacred Scripture Sacred Scripture from the New American Bible Revised Edition is foundational to every lesson in Alive in Christ. Scripture from both the Old Testament and New Testament is presented in a variety of ways that encourage students to listen to the voice of God in his written Word and learn about the people and stories of the Bible. Each lesson offers several distinct encounters with Sacred Scripture, giving students the opportunity to pray with, reflect on, study, and apply God’s Word to their lives and helping form Cathollic identity.
TE4 Alive in Christ
Comprehensive Presentation of Catholic Teaching Alive in Christ provides an authentic and comprehensive presentation of the essentials of the Catholic faith and has been found by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Subcommittee on the Catechism to be in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Following a systematically organized scope and sequence, key themes of Catholic teaching are repeated each year, through a grade-level focus, building on the student’s knowledge of the faith at each developmental stage. This presentation of Catholic teaching—coupled with a purposeful emphasis on Catholic practices, images, and models of faith—promotes a common language of faith and builds a vibrant Catholic identity.
Developmentally Responsive and Appropriate Created by a team of experts in catechesis, theology, and child psychology Alive in Christ incorporates the most trusted research on how children learn and communicate. Definitions, activities, questions, and reading passages have been reviewed for developmental appropriateness. Targeted on-page interactions help students more effectively learn or reinforce lesson content. Topics are presented at important developmental “windows”—ages when research in child development tells us that learning about a particular topic would be most effective. Illustrations, Catholic art, and photos emphasize Scripture and visually present the chapter objectives in ways students can understand and relate to.
Program Overview
TE5
Program Overview
Complete and Purposeful Approach to Prayer and Worship Every grade level intentionally incorporates each of the five forms of prayer mentioned in the Catechism—blessing and adoration, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise (see CCC, 2626–2643). Students learn about and pray these basic prayer forms and are introduced to traditional prayers and devotions. They are taught how to talk with God in their own words and listen silently as he speaks to them. Each grade level also presents many opportunities to deepen students’ understanding of the feasts and seasons of the Church year and how we celebrate the Paschal Mystery through them.
Putting Faith into Practice Alive in Christ presents and effectively implements the six fundamental tasks of catechesis (see General Directory for Catechesis, 84–85). Exercises, features, and questions throughout the text prompt students to relate knowledge of our Catholic faith with their life experience. Every chapter has on-page activities for immediate application as well as concrete suggestions for students to live out the faith at school, at their parish, and in their homes and communities. Each lesson’s Our Catholic Life section provides practical examples of the ways we worship, live, pray, and serve together. It introduces students to Catholic figures who stand as models of heroic virtue in everyday life. Every lesson has connections to the Catholic social tradition, and each grade level provides catechesis on the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching.
Practical Ways to Involve Families in Their Children’s Faith Formation It is vitally important, and equally challenging, to maintain communication with parents of students this age. The Alive in Christ website provides information teachers and administrators can share with parents via email, on class websites, or by sending it home with the students. Parents will gain insight into their children’s developmental understanding of chapter topics, discussion prompts, and resources for family prayer. Taking into consideration the aims of the New Evangelization, parents are provided opportunities for adult reflection on their own relationship with Jesus and the Church. Online multimedia resources foster family interaction and reinforce the lesson.
A Commitment to Support Both New and Experienced Catechists Alive in Christ Teacher Editions empower teachers with easy-to-use and effective tools for lesson planning, teaching, and reinforcing faith concepts, and growing in their own relationship with Christ and his Church.
TE6 Alive in Christ
The key concepts and chapter objectives are fully explained and conveniently located at the beginning of each lesson along with background information to strengthen teacher understanding and nurture personal faith. A clear, concise, wraparound lesson plan leads the teacher pageby-page through the effective three-step process with integrated background on Sacred Scripture and doctrine, teaching tips, and connections to music, liturgy, and Catholic Social Teaching.
Extensive Online Resources for Teachers and Families Alive in Christ provides teachers, principals, and religion coordinators comprehensive program level resources and unit, chapter, and seasonal specific tools and activities. Online support includes lesson planning tools, teacher formation for their role as catechist, custom test building and eAssessments, connections to the Sunday readings, and the option to share lesson plans via social media. This extensive site provides students and families access to web-based assessments, interactive games and reviews, and resources targeted specifically to adults—all to support faith sharing and continued learning.
Age-Appropriate Music that Enhances Learning With the knowledge that music is a means for forming students in Sacred Scripture, Church teachings, and Catholic Identity, Alive in Christ utilizes a variety of traditional and contemporary music from Oregon Catholic Press. Many prayer pages feature a song to be used within the prayer service. Music can be sampled and downloaded from aliveinchrist.osv.com.
Alive in Christ Development Team
Greg Erlandson
Beth McNamara
Sabrina Magnuson
President and Publisher
General Manager
Associate Publisher
Dr. Jo Ann Paradise Ana Arista
Heidi Busse
David Dziena
Dr. Joseph White Dr. Hosffman Ospino
Denise Utter
Program Overview
TE7
Program Overview
Alive in Christ Structural Framework Alive in Christ follows a systematic Scope and Sequence organized around key themes of Catholic teaching that repeat each year within a grade-level focus, building on the student’s knowledge of the faith at each developmental stage. This organizational structure takes into account research in child development that tells us at which age learning about a particular topic is most effective. These developmental “windows” help us to understand when the spiritual, cognitive, emotional, sociological, moral, and physical abilities of a child are “ripe” for learning. Included in the sequence, then, is a sensitivity to when students are ready to learn. A grade level focus based within the structural framework of the seven essential truths allows for optimal learning.
The seven essential, eternal truths of the faith— Revelation, Trinity, Jesus, The Church, Sacraments, Morality, and Kingdom of God—provide the structural framework that organizes the content of the grade. Progressing from first to eighth grade, the student deepens understanding as he or she is presented content that is theologically precise and developmentally appropriate. As you study the Scope and Sequence, you will see how the objectives across grades move the learner to examine and appropriate a greater knowledge of our Catholic faith and how those objectives help to form a vibrant Catholic Identity.
Grade Level Focus 1: Jesus Christ
“For through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:26
2: Sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist
“This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.” Luke 22:19
3: The Church
“I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit…” John 15:5
4: The Moral Life
“This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.” John 15:12
5: The Seven Sacraments
“The water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14
6: The Word of God in the Old Testament
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105
7: Jesus Christ and the New Testament
“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24
8: The The Church Church 8:
TE8 Alive in Christ
“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Mark 1:17
Go to aliveinchrist.osv.com for an overview of the developmental windows for each grade level focus and a full program Scope and Sequence.
Program Scope and Sequence This graphic gives a visual image of the scope and sequence as a seventh grader in your class will experience it. The circles name the essential truths that are the framework (unit structure) for every grade level. The snapshots below show key developmental factors
Unit 1 Revelation
Unit 2 Trinity
Unit 3 Jesus Christ
or “windows” that lead to the grade level focus (for more on this, see pages TE34– TE35). No matter what unit you are teaching, some component of the grade level focus is being treated.
Unit 4 The Church
Unit 5 Morality
Unit 6 Sacraments
Unit 7 Kingdom of God
Snapshot of Developmental Factors Seventh Grade—Jesus Christ and the New Testament
• The physical growth and change of the middle school years leads to questions and concerns about identity. It is an excellent time to talk about discipleship— following Jesus, as he offers us a pattern for living, showing us what it looks like to be fully human. • Seventh graders are often preoccupied with their own identity. Encourage them to think of their future goals, and discuss choices together as a group.
Snapshot of Developmental Factors Eighth Grade—The Church
• Young people this age have grown in their abstract reasoning ability. They can imagine hypothetical situations and better understand symbols and signs. This can help them dive deeper into their faith and learn the meaning behind some of the things they have previously learned. • Eighth graders want to belong. Peers are very important at this age. Their experience of Church should be one of inclusion and welcome.
Program Overview
TE9
Program Overview
Student Book Structure With the systematic Scope and Sequence as the foundation, each grade level’s Student Book has four sections:
• Church Feasts and Seasons: In these eight lessons, students learn about special days and times of the Church year that celebrate Jesus and honor Mary and the Saints. • Core Chapters: Each unit begins with a Unit Preview that forecasts main chapter emphases and concludes with a three-page Unit Review. Also, each chapter begins with a preview of chapter objectives and pre-assessment activities and concludes with a Chapter Review. • Our Catholic Life/Live Your Faith: This section covers the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching, and connects them to both core and seasonal lessons.
These pages introduce students to important teachings of Jesus and the Church that help us live Jesus’ New Commandment to love as he loved.
• Church History Timeline/Our Catholic Tradition: These reference sections present information on important events in Church history, as well as our Creeds, Sacraments, prayers, and practices of our Catholic faith. Within this structure, Alive in Christ School Edition offers helpful and important features that support the unique needs of Catholic schools. PERF
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Meeting Jesus with Joy Let Us Pray Leader: Lord Jesus, by your Cross and Resurrection, you have set us free. You enable us to say,
“God indeed is my salvation, I am confident and unafraid.”
Isaiah 12:2–3
All: I am confident, Lord. Amen.
as judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.” Acts 10:34a, 37–43
© Our Sunday Visitor
Peter proceeded to speak and said: “You know what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree. This man God raised on the third day and granted that he be visible, not to all the people, but to us, the witnesses chosen by God in advance, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God
© Our Sunday Visitor
Each seasonal lesson has a Fruits of the Holy Spirit feature in the Live step. Each Seasonal lesson focuses on one of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit and how that quality is expressed when students allow the grace of the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts. The same Fruit of the Holy Spirit is introduced in each of the seasonal lessons across the different grade levels. For example, the Advent seasonal lesson focuses on “Patience,” making the students more aware and connected to the gifts that God has offered.
Catholics gather as the processional begins during a Easter Sunrise Mass
The Center of Our Beliefs When you were younger, you probably considered Christmas the primary religious holiday. It was easy for you to understand the happiness that came with the birth of a baby, and the songs, food, and presents that came with the holiday made it even more memorable.
Have you ever thought…
Now that you are older, you can understand why the Easter season, which runs from Easter to Pentecost, is the primary season of the liturgical year.Yes, it is important that God became man in Jesus Christ. What the Easter season celebrates, though, is the entirety of the Paschal Mystery: that Jesus
• Why does Jesus’ Resurrection take away our biggest fear?
• Hoe does believing in eternal life change the way you live this life?
• Hoe does believing in eternal life change the way you live this life?
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How does an appreciation for Easter reflect a more mature view of your faith? What does “Alleluia!” mean to you?
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Our Reason for Joy There is much to be joyful about at Easter. All of nature echoes the joy of the season, with greenery, blossoms, and new life. If we quietly contemplate the season, we will experience inner joy as well. If we have been diligent during Lent and Triduum, we have been serving God and our fellow humans with love. We have denied ourselves pleasures in order to develop self-control. We have given alms
and time to worthwhile causes to increase our charity to others. Those self-giving acts have opened us up to Christ’s sacrifice and the Easter joy of his presence in our lives. Joy is a Fruit of the Holy Spirit. It comes from the growing awareness that God and his love are with us no matter our personal circumstances or achievements. Now that we are in the habit of serving with love, we will want to continue to share Christ’s joy with others. Then it will grow even more.
A Prayer of Praise Pray the Sign of the Cross together.
Leader: We give thanks as we joyfully celebrate Christ’s victory over death. All: Alleluia!
Fruits of the Holy Spirit
© Our Sunday Visitor
© Our Sunday Visitor
The twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit are what we can see in us when we let the Holy Spirit work in our hearts. This season we are focusing on joy.
Leader: : Give thanks to the lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. Let the house of Israel say, “His mercy endures forever.” All: This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
Leader: “The right hand of the lord has struck with power; the right hand of the lord is exalted. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the lord.” All: This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. Leader: The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the lord has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes. All: This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23, 24
WRITE
Leader: Let us go forth to celebrate the Easter Season with joy.
Write a short reflection on your own reasons for feeling Easter joy. Include observations on nature, your relationships, or ways you have changed for the better during Lent.
All: Alleluia! Amen. Sing or play “Come to the Water”
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The Church Year
Easter PERF
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During this season, we sing “Alleluia!” often. It is one way we express the joy we find in the risen Christ.
Easter PERF
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The twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit are what we can see in us when we let the Holy Spirit work in our hearts. This season we are focusing on faithfulness.
suffered, died, rose, and ascended to Heaven. When we celebrate Easter, we see the Risen Lord, who is glorified after his horrible suffering for our sake. We celebrate that he has returned from the dead and that he will teach us for a little longer. We recognize that he must return to his Father. We are happy that he sends the Spirit to sustain our faith.
The Church Year
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Seasonal Lessons: Seasonal lessons catechize and celebrate the Church year in a liturgically focused way. Eight complete seasonal lessons introduce children to the themes and Scripture of feasts and seasons of the Church year. Each four-page lesson follows the threestep catechetical process and is intended for a one- or two-day Fruits of the Holy Spirit implementation.
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The Big Question ties directly to chapter objectives and demonstrates the intentionality of the Alive in Christ scope and sequence. The students will be able to answer this question by the time they complete the three chapters of the unit.
UNIT PREVIEW
Unit Review: Using the closing points from Days 2–4 in each chapter, each Unit Review highlights the lesson concepts taught in a particular unit.
REVIEW UNIT 1
REVELATION
A
Work with Words Match the words on the left with the correct definitions or descriptions on the right. 1. New Commandment
a. the Church’s complete list of inspired books of
Sacred Scripture 2. Divine Inspiration
How does Divine Revelation help us live as children of God?
b. the Divine likeness in all human beings c. an author of a Gospel
3. canon of Scripture
d. Aramaic word that means “daddy”
4. Evangelist
e. Jesus’ command for his disciples to love one another
CHURCH HISTORY TIMELINE
as he has loved us
5. covenant The first Gospel—the Gospel according to Mark—written
400
Saint Jerome publishes Vulgate Latin Bible Johannes Gutenberg prints Bible on newly invented press
1545
Council of Trent convenes to consider matters of faith
g. God’s promise to remain in a loving relationship with
j. a description of God that tells us he was, is, and
always will be k. a truth of faith that cannot be fully understood
Our Catholic Life
11. eternal
The creation accounts in Genesis reveal a number of truths about God and his creation, including that he created the world from its beginning, for humans to live in harmony and to oversee his gifts of creation. (CCC, 306–307)
12. Divine Revelation
Out of nothing, God created the heavens and the earth, and made humans in his image and likeness. We can come to know God through all that he has created and through human reason. (CCC, 46)
•
•
God speaks to us and tells us about himself and his plan for us. God is the author and inspiration of the sacred words of Scripture that humans have recorded under his guidance and direction. (CCC, 134–136)
•
Scripture has an important role in our lives, as God’s Word is proclaimed in the liturgy, read and studied personally and in religion class, turned to for wisdom and guidance, and prayed. (CCC, 132–133)
•
Jesus is the fulfillment of the law, and he perfectly reveals God the Father to us. He has a close and intimate relationship with the Father, and invites us to share in that relationship as God’s sons and daughters. (CCC, 65)
•
The many titles of Jesus teach us about him, his mission, and his relationship with God and each of us. (CCC, 429)
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authors in writing the Bible i. the process by which God makes himself known
9. Gospels 10. mystery
Our Catholic Tradition
Unit Preview: The Unit Opener includes a Church History Timeline connection and a bulleted list for both Our Catholic Tradition and Our Catholic Life, which forecast the fundamental Catholic beliefs, teachings, and practices presented in the chapters of each unit.
h. the gift of the Holy Spirit which assisted the human
8. image of God
Go to page 348 for more
•
his people
7. natural moral law © Our Sunday Visitor
1455
f. order of the universe created by God
6. abba
© Our Sunday Visitor
c. 65
but that is believed because God has shown it in Scripture, in the life of Jesus, or in the teachings of the Church l. the central books of Sacred Scripture because Christ
is at their center
Revelation
Unit 1: Revelation
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DESCRIBE
INVITE
In this chapter you will gain a deeper understanding of the Church as the Body of Christ, made up of a CHAP TER 11 diversity of members united by the Holy Spirit.You will also consider how individuals’ gifts and talents contribute to the whole Church.
Catholic Faith Words
Needs and Gifts What are three gifts or talents you have? Write about them on the lines below. Then describe how you can use one of your gifts to help meet the needs of another person—such as a family member, friend, classmate, or neighbor—or to help your parish or school.
• Mystical Body of Christ
Christ Present Among Us
• hierarchy • one, as a Mark of the Church
•
Let Us Pray In the web below, name different gifts
Leader: O God of every good gift, help us to love your peopleand talents our Church needs in order by sharing our gifts with each other. to continue Jesus’ work.
•
“How good and how pleasant it is, when brothers dwell together as one!”
Pre-assessment: Within the Invite Step (Day 1 of a five-day lesson plan, see page TE21), after the opening Scripture reflection, a two-page spread previews the main topics and vocabulary of the chapter, and helps teachers gauge the students’ prior knowledge and exposure to concepts. This “pre-assessment” is done using developmentally appropriate graphic organizers that the students complete.
Psalm 133:1
All: Lord, you are the God of all unity.
© Our Sunday Visitor
Now the body is not a single part, but many. If a foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand I do not belong to the body,’ it does not for this reason
1 Corinthians 12:12−18
•
© Our Sunday Visitor
belong any less to the body. Or if an ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye I do not belong to the body,’ it does not for this reason belong any less to the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God placed the parts, each one of them, in the body as he intended.”
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“As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.
Gifts and Talents
Have you ever thought… • What does being part of the Body of
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talents contribute to the Church?
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Muslim armies invade Spain.
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Justice and Peace Justice is a cardinal virtue. It is the habit and A.D. is due him. It alsoA.D. practice of giving God what 755 770 means to give each person what he or she is due because that person is a child of God. Social justice is a part of this cardinal virtue. It is the part that urges individuals to seek the common good of the whole group rather than just his or her individual good.
given freedom by God that we may choose to good things.
Go to the Source Some of Boniface’s works include: “Collection of Letters”; “Poems and Riddles”; “Poenitentiale”; “Compendium of the Latin Language” and “Compendium of Latin Prosody.”
• Conscience is a gift from God that helps
By this time in history, the Muslims ruled much of us beginning judge whether Spain and were to makeactions inroads are into right the or wrong. is important us to know rest of Europe. CharlesIt Martel, a Christianfor prince, defeated a Muslim presentGod’sforce lawsthat so had ourinvaded conscience can help us day France asmake far as Tours. historians agree that helps goodMost decisions. Conscience if Martel hadn’t defeated the Muslim army, all of you choose what is right. It involves free Europe might have fallen under Islamic rule, effecand reason working tively endingwill the Christianization of Europe.together. Because You must form yourwas conscience of his role in the battle, Charles given the properly. If nickname Martellus, “The Hammer. ” He your was the not formed properly, conscience can grandfather of Emperor Charlemagne.
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lead you to choose what is wrong.
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of God’s creation is to savor and enjoy it. Our second response is to discover God’s presence in creation. But our most important response is to care for God’s creation and share it with others.
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There are three ways you can serve God through your vocation: as a layperson, or member of the laity (see page 194), as a member of a religious community, or as a member of the ordained ministry.
The Laity The laity is all of the baptized people in the Church who share in God’s mission but are not priests or consecrated sisters and brothers. Members of the laity can be single people or married couples. They can perform various roles in the Church, such as lector, altar servers, and musicians at Mass, and also serve their parish by acting as good Catholic role models in their daily lives.
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Members of Religious Communities There are many kinds of communities of religious sisters and brothers. The members of these communities teach, care for the sick, work as missionaries, or do other good works as part of their call from God. Consecrated brothers and sisters dedicate their lives to serving God by following the Our Catholic Tradition
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God calls all of us to share in the life and mission of Jesus. A vocation is the purpose for which God made us, and a particular way to answer his call to service. The word vocation comes the Latin word vocare, which means “to call.” Our vocation helps us see how everything fits together in our lives. It shows us how God created us to love, serve, and work with each other. Our vocation comes from the grace we receive in the Sacrament of Baptism. Every one of us must answer our call from God to work with him as he builds his Kingdom on Earth.
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of the West. Possessing both great political power and enormous personal Charlemagne was of Dignity ofcharisma, Work and the Rights accepted asWorkers ruler of Europe from the Baltic the Work is one waytothrough which Mediterranean. He isexpress sometimes called theand “second people themselves fulfill their Constantine” because he unitedusing all of Europe underand talents. human potential their gifts the Catholic faith. Believing he ruled by divine right, Charlemagne refused to be to the pope, and We are Solidarity ofsubject the Human Family actively involved in Churchthe affairs, even insticalledhimself to recognize rights and needs of tuting rulespeople for members of the andand enacting all over theclergy world, to stand with laws againstthem heresy. coronation the as His brothers andsymbolized sisters. Catholics are union of Church and in Western Europe, lead-personally meant tostate respond to those needs ing to a growing discontent between the Western and sacrificially. Church and the emperor in the East, which eventually led to the splitfor between Eastern and Western Care God’s Creation Our first Christianity.response to the beauty and goodness
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Rights andCharlemagne Responsibilities of the Human Person crownedWe Holyare called to respect and recognize theEmperor. basic human rights of Roman everyone, and work to promote human rights and the common good.
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable Catholics are called to use their Charlemagne crowned Holy Roman time, talents, and resources in the service A.D. 800 Emperor ofpoor the West, of the and vulnerable. We are called On Christmas 800, Pope Leoin III crowned to Day, recognize Jesus the poorCharand to show lemagne, or Charles the Great, Holy Roman Emperor them the same respect and love.
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the middle part of Italy, founding the Papal States, which existed until 1870. Today Vatican City is all that remains. It is a separate city-state, independent from Good Italy, even though it lies in the heart of Rome.
ments and vestments, on walls and panels, in houses and by public ways; these are the images of our Lord, God and saviour, Jesus Christ, and of our Lady without blemish, the holy God-bearer, and of thePERF revered 1/8/14 12:53 AM angels and of any of the saintly holy men…”
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The common good refers to the good Second Ecumenical of everyone, with particular concern for Council of Nicaea resolved to Iconoclasm, A.D. 787 those who might be most vulnerable Iconoclasm refers to the destruction of religious harm. It means images. all the Around conditions that allow 730, the Byzantine Emperor Leo III people to become whothe God wants them ordered removal of an image of Jesus over the to the Great Palace of to become. Theceremonial commonentrance good includes Constantinople replacedand by a cross. This began peace, development of groupstoofbepeople, removal of holy images and a quarrel respect for everya systematic person. These conditions between those who venerated “icons” and those who vary from society to society, which isThe why wanted them removed. Second Council of Nicaea the Church does not the recommend any one ended conflict by stating: country’s political economic The “weor decree with fullsystem. precision and care that, like the figure of the honoured andbasis life-giving Church evaluates each system on the of cross, the and holy whether whether or notrevered it provides theimages, conditions forpainted or made of mosaic or of other suitable material, are to be exhuman fulfillment. posed in the holy churches of God, on sacred instru-
Forming your conscience is a lifelong process. It involves practicing virtues and avoiding sin and people or situations that may lead you to sin.You can turn to good people for advice, to Church teachings for guidance, and to God for help in educating your conscience.
Venerable Bede writes Ecclesiastical History of the English People, A.D. 731 An author and scholar, Venerable Bede was given the title of “The Father of English History” based on his most famous writing, The Ecclesiastical History of the English People, which he wrote to demonstrate the growth and history of the English Catholic Church. About 160 manuscript copies of his work still exist today. A skilled linguist and translator of both Latin and Greek, he was named a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIII in 1899, the first native Britain to be so designated.
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Battle of Tours, A.D. 732
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Second Ecumenical Council of Nicaea.
Peace is a state of calm and harmony when things are in their proper order and people settle problems with kindness and justice. Birth of Papal States, A.D. 756 In the Catholic tradition, peace is not just In 751, Pepin the Short (the son of Charles Martel) the absence of conflict. It isKing the ofresult of beginning the was crowned the Franks, right relationships with God and Five withyears your Carolingian dynasty. later, in the Donation of Pepin, he gave Pope Stephen III control over neighbor.
• Free will is the gift from God that allows humans to make their own choices. Go to the Source Because you are free to choose between Read The Ecclesiastical History of the English People, rightonline and wrong, you are responsible for which is available at http://www.fordham.edu. your choices and actions.
Call to Family, Community, and Participation As part of our own families A.D. A.D. and as part 800of the greater human 815 family, we form one Body of Christ. We are called to promote a sense of community in every level of society.
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Saint Boniface evangelizes the Germans, A.D. 716–718
Life and Dignity of the Human Person Beginning of Viking raids All people are created in the image of God and are equal in human dignity. We are called on Christian Europe. to respect and protect the dignity of all. A.D. 793
Birth of the Papal States
Venerable Bede writes Battle of Tours. • Freedom means you are able to choose Ecclesiastical History of and act with few limitations. We are the English People.
Boniface, also known as Winifred, was an English Benedictine priest. He traveled to what is now present-day Germany to convert the native peoples to Christianity. The story is told that when Boniface started to chop down an oak that was sacred to the pagan population, a great wind finished the job. When Boniface was not punished by the god, the townsfolk converted and Boniface used the wood to build a chapel dedicated to St. Peter.
For more on these topics see the Live Your Faith section of your book.
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725 740that is present in God’s image is his likeness you because you are his creation.You are called to respect the dignity of all people A.D. 731 because everyone is made A.D. 732 in God’s image.
Vocations
Themes of Catholic Social Teaching
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Church History Timeline: At the back of each Student Book, a Church History Timeline presents key people, places, and events in the Church’s life, along with secular events that impacted the course of Church history.
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Our Catholic Tradition: This reference section presents information on our Creeds, Sacraments, prayers, and practices of our Catholic faith.
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Respecting Life
Our Catholic Tradition
Human dignity is the worth each person has because he or she is made in the image of God. We are all equal in dignity, each A.and D. 716–718 every one of us worthy of respect and Saint Boniface love. Because our common human dignity, evangelizes the basic human rights, such as people have Germans. food, clothing, and shelter. No government or social group should fail to recognize those rights. A.D. A.D.
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Program Overview TE11
Program Overview
Alive in Christ School Edition Program Components Student Books Grades 1–8 Student Books follow a seven-unit structure with a grade level focus on a foundational topic in our Catholic faith. They are the perfect tool to teach students to know, love, and live their Catholic faith through Sacred Scripture, doctrine, prayer, practices of the faith, and seasonal celebrations. Teacher Editions Grades 1–8 The Teacher Editions help to build confident, capable, and successful teachers with comprehensive background and lesson preparation pages, timed wrap around lesson plans, optional activities, and point of use information. They are spiral bound and conveniently sized to match the Student Book. People of Faith Collection Grades 1–6 This beautifully illustrated collection of Saints, Blesseds, and Venerables are connected to
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specific chapters. Students will learn about models of our Catholic faith while deepening their relationship with God and the Church. Music Resources Teachers are provided options for developmentally appropriate music that enhances learning. Alive in Christ integrates music for grades 1–8 into each lesson. A variety of music from Oregon Catholic Press is tied to chapter objectives and themes. A unique, all new music component for Grades 1–6, Songs of Scripture: Deepening Children’s Understanding of God’s Word, features songs by John Burland and Dr. Jo Ann Paradise, that teach, reinforce, and unfold the meaning of Scripture stories presented in the Student Book. Go to aliveinchrist.osv.com to download hands-on activities related to Songs of Scripture.
Go to aliveinchrist.osv.com to find comprehensive online support with lesson planning tools, electronic assessments, and a variety of helpful resources for catechists, program directors, parents, and children.
Online Resources for the Teacher • Online lesson planning helps teachers to plan using chapter, seasonal, or Catholic Social Teaching lessons
Online Resources for the Student & Family • Interactive Reviews offer students an opportunity for web-based assessment, preparation, and practice
• Share lesson plans via social media such as Facebook & Twitter
• At-home faith formation resources for all ages help reinforce Catholic identity
• Unit- and chapter-specific tools, assessments, activities, and multimedia resources • Build a Custom Test allows teachers to build, print, and distribute tests using a bank of multiple choice, matching, fill in the blank, and long answer questions
• Faith-sharing features and resources geared to parents, students, and families encourage continued learning at home via games, multimedia activities, Lectionary-connected resources, social media interaction, and topical articles
• Assign eAssessments to students for completion online
• Sample and download chapter-specific music to enhance catechetical learning or for prayer
• Catechetical formation and professional development tools are designed to help teachers hone their skills and grow in the knowledge of God’s love
Online Resources for the Religion Coordinator • Program-level tools and resources provide principals, administrators, and religion coordinators with higherlevel materials from correlations to in-service models
• Sample and download chapter-specific music to enhance catechetical learning or for prayer • Download chapter- or unit-specific activities that reinforce the chapter objectives of Alive in Christ in the instruction of other disciplines
• Sample and download chapter-specific music to enhance catechetical learning or for prayer
Program Overview TE13
Call of the Teacher as Catechist
Responding to Your Vocation We must remember that teachers and educators fulfill a specific Christian vocation and share an equally specific participation in the mission of the Church, to the extent that ‘it depends chiefly on them whether the Catholic school achieves its purpose.’ (25) — The Catholic School on the Threshold of the Third Millennium, 19 Teachers and administrators play an important role in enhancing the Catholic identity of Catholic schools. Do you reflect on why you have chosen to teach in a Catholic school? Why did the added responsibilities of being a Catholic school teacher stir your heart? Who are the teachers and catechists in your life that were role models for you? Catholic schools are vital to the life of the Church, and a vibrant school can be the lifeblood of a parish. They foster Catholic identity in their students and can help make Christ the center of their family life. For it is through education and formation that schools form future Church leaders and laypeople. No matter the circumstances regarding how you became a religion teacher, it was Christ who called you. And by the power of the Holy Spirit, you, like Mary, responded, “Yes!” The vocation to catechesis, like all vocations, first comes from the grace of Baptism, is strengthened in Confirmation, and is sustained by the Eucharist and Penance. “The person of each individual human being, in his or her material and spiritual needs, is at the heart of Christ’s teaching: this is why the promotion of the human person is the goal of the Catholic school” (Pope Saint John Paul II, Address to the National Meeting of the Catholic School in Italy, “L’Osservatore Romano,” 24 November 1991, p. 4).
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You have been called by Christ and been given the mission by his Church to be instruments of his work. Take a moment and ponder that statement. With so many responsibilities and demands on our time, we might sometimes lose sight of this and being a catechist becomes just one of the many things we must do each week. This cannot be so. Every time you gather with your students, you take your place in the long line of those who have for 2,000 years held the sacred duty of bringing others into “communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ” (Catechesi Tradendae, 5).
Your Role as Catechist To support and nurture your students in their baptismal call to a lifetime of growing closer to and more like Jesus, the Church sets out some essential instructions. In order to provide a presentation of the “entire treasure of the Christian message” while adapting it to the “capacity of those being catechized” (GDC, 112), a teacher must do several things. Teach the comprehensive course of study outlined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Subcommittee on the Catechism. In Alive in Christ, you find these doctrines and practices presented in the objectives of the lesson. (See GDC, 112) Respect the developmental level of your students by understanding how they learn. (See GDC, 112) Use various methods as they are a “sign of life and richness” that will address multiple learning styles and special needs (GDC, 148).
Model a Catholic life through your own behaviors and practices, for the “charism given to [the teacher] by the Spirit, a solid spirituality and transparent witness of life constitutes the soul of every method” (GDC, 156). Proclaim with joy and enthusiasm that “God so loved the world he sent his only Son.” In the words of Pope Benedict XVI, “Today too, there is a need… to rediscover the joy of believing and the enthusiasm for communicating the faith” (Porta Fidei, 7).
As you accept this sacred and challenging vocation be assured that the Holy Spirit will lead and guide you in handing on our Catholic faith to the next generation. Let the love of God pour through so that they see in you the image and heart of our loving God.
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The Task of Catechesis
As Jesus Formed His Disciples There are six fundamental tasks in the ministry of catechesis. These six tasks are named and treated in the General Directory for Catechesis (GDC, 85), and later in the National Directory for Catechesis (NDC, 20). Each of these tasks corresponds to an aspect of faith in Jesus. The following are the six tasks of catechesis.
General Directory for Catechesis
Promoting Knowledge of the Faith
Moral Formation
We cannot live a faith we do not know. For this reason, studying the teachings of Jesus and his Church is an essential task of catechesis. The U.S. Bishops’ Subcommittee on the Catechism and the conformity review process direct what is to be contained in this comprehensive presentation of the faith. According to the National Directory for Catechesis, this task of catechesis is a response to the individual’s desire that God plants in the heart of every person to know. This desire comes naturally when individuals have had opportunities to encounter Christ and his message and have experienced an initial conversion. Alive in Christ begins each lesson by giving students an opportunity to meet God in his Word and to wonder about his life and love, followed by a process of helping them to know more about him through Sacred Tradition—the teaching of the Church. In this way, we help students frame questions that drive their desire to know more.
This task of catechesis involves forming the consciences of learners through the moral teachings of Jesus and his Church and fostering understanding of what it means to live these teachings in one’s daily life. Morality in the Christian life involves standards and guidelines, but it is more than learning a list of rules. Morality is about discipleship. As you use Alive in Christ, you will find opportunities to challenge students to apply what they have learned about the Ten Commandments, Jesus’ command to love as he has loved, and the Beatitudes to situations at home and school and in the community.
Liturgical Education This task relates to learning about the ways in which the Church worships and celebrates, including the Seven Sacraments, the Order of Mass, and the liturgical year. According to the General Directory for Catechesis, liturgical education includes teaching about the form and the meaning of liturgical celebrations, but also means helping individuals prepare their minds and hearts to enter into these mysteries of our faith. As you use Alive in Christ, you will teach your students about the liturgy both through the doctrine presented in the core chapters as well as through seasonal activities and prayerful experiences that echo the words and rhythms of our liturgical celebrations.
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Teaching to Pray “When catechesis is permeated by a climate of prayer, the assimilation of the entire Christian life reaches its summit” (GDC, 85). The “climate of prayer” in catechesis invites individuals into an ever deeper relationship with God. Teaching to pray is more than merely “teaching prayers”; it involves fostering an understanding of prayer as conversation with God— helping students learn how to talk with God in their own words as well as how to listen to God. This task of catechesis involves teaching the traditional prayers of the Church and the various forms and expressions of prayer mentioned in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Alive in Christ incorporates experiences of all five prayer forms. You will also have opportunities to help students speak to God in their own words.
Education for Community Life This task of catechesis relates to developing an understanding of what it means to be a part of the Christian community, including respecting the authority and structure of the Church, as well as living out Jesus’ New Commandment to love one another as he has loved us. “Catechesis prepares the Christian to live in community and to participate actively in the life and mission of the Church” (GDC, 86). Catechesis should prepare us to live and work with one another, both within the Church and in society as a whole. The
bishops write that catechesis “should encourage a spirit of simplicity and humility, a special concern for the poor, particular care for the alienated, a sense of fraternal correction, common prayer, mutual forgiveness, and a fraternal love that embraces all these attitudes.” Various chapter features, as well as the Live Your Faith sections on Catholic Social Teaching will assist you in this task of catechesis.
Missionary Initiation While only some may be called to other lands to minister in Christ’s name, by Baptism, all are called to live in such a way that we serve as witnesses of the faith to those who are around us. This task of catechesis prepares the learner to share his or her faith with others. Alive in Christ helps to form students in the language of the Catholic faith and the behaviors and practices of the faith. Forming them in a vibrant Catholic identity gives them the skills necessary to be strong witnesses of the faith. This is reinforced in the tools we provide the parents in the Family + Faith page, as it equips the parents to talk about faith with their children. Our bishops state, “all efforts in evangelization and catechesis should incorporate these tasks” (NDC, 20). In this way, we pay attention to several different dimensions of faith, with the ultimate goal of helping students grow into deeper communion with Christ so that they live as disciples in faith, word, and deed.
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Unique and Effective Pedagogy
The Divine Pedagogy As teachers, we always hold two realities: the “what” and the “how” of catechesis. What do we want our students to know and love about our faith and how do we best communicate the treasure of our faith? We use the word pedagogy to speak about the art, science, or profession of teaching. In other words, pedagogy is the “how” of faith formation. We are called to hand on the truths of our faith by echoing God’s own way of teaching us his truths. The General Directory for Catechesis tells us that, Catechesis, as communication of divine Revelation, is radically inspired by the pedagogy of God, as displayed in Christ and in the Church… It is the Church’s mission to be a visible and actual continuation of the pedagogy of the Father and of the Son. GDC, 143, 141 Each lesson in Alive in Christ mirrors the divine pedagogy—the gradual and relational way God teaches us so that we can know him and his truth, be guided by the Holy Spirit to respond with faith and love, and accept the gift of new life in Christ. Even as we teach others, God remains active in their hearts, bringing growth to the seeds of faith that are planted there. Here are five important characteristics of the divine pedagogy that are at the heart of each lesson of Alive in Christ. The pedagogy of God is invitational and person-centered. God initiates a relationship with each person. He does so by first creating us with a desire to know him and the capacity to respond to him. The ultimate invitation to relationship comes in Jesus. Pope Saint John Paul II tells us that the purpose of all catechesis is to bring people into intimacy with Jesus.
Jesus the Teacher
As God enters into dialogue with us, we are called to follow this example by providing catechesis that it is rooted in interpersonal relationships and involves a process of dialogue (see GDC, 143). God also meets us where we are and accommodates for our particular needs. Therefore, effective catechesis should be developmentally appropriate and should make allowances for adapting to special needs. God’s pedagogy is incarnational. Dei Verbum points out the “inner unity” of deeds and words in God’s plan of revelation: “the deeds wrought by God in the history of salvation manifest and confirm the teaching and realities signified by the words, while the words proclaim the deeds and clarify the mystery contained in them” (2).
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From speaking the universe into existence, to his promise to Noah and his covenants with Abraham and Moses, to the Word made flesh in Jesus Christ, it is evident that God’s Word becomes action. An effective pedagogy should make the faith come to life through hands-on activities and applications and multisensory teaching methodologies. It should give learners clear ways to go out and live the Gospel they have received. The pedagogy of God is familial and communal. God reveals himself as a communion of Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and creates human beings to be in communion with one another. Effective catechesis should build community among the students, involve parents and families as primary catechists, and connect students to the larger parish community. Connecting the families to the life of the parish, particularly through participation in the Sunday Eucharist, is vital in building up the Body of Christ. God’s pedagogy is structured and comprehensive. In salvation history, God reveals himself to humanity gradually as people are able to understand. One revelation builds upon the next, until Revelation reaches its fullness in the Person of Jesus Christ. Effective catechesis also presents key truths of the faith gradually as the learner is able to receive them. The pedagogy of God is perpetual. We read in Isaiah 55:11, “So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me empty, but shall do what pleases me, achieving the end for which I sent it.” God’s truths are handed on through the generations in the forms of Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, which is the living memory of the Church. God’s covenants do not end, but come to greater fulfillment and realization. A catechesis based on the divine pedagogy prepares the learner to share the Gospel with others, in word and deed, so that the Good News of salvation is handed on to others and to future generations.
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Unique and Effective Pedagogy
The Catechetical Process and the Five-Day Lesson Plan Alive in Christ’s catechetical methodology mirrors the divine pedagogy by following a threestep process of Invite, Discover, and Live. Unfolding over a five-day lesson plan, this process encourages a personal and ongoing relationship with the Holy Trinity. Catechetical Process 1. Day 1: The Invite Step begins the lesson with God’s invitation through Sacred Scripture. Students open their minds and hearts to what God is saying to them in Scripture and reflect on it. Uniquely created for the Alive in Christ School Edition, pre-assessment of Catholic Faith Words and chapter concepts are then presented and serve as a transition to the Discover step and chapter objectives. 2. Days 2–4: The Discover Step helps form Catholic identity through the study of Scripture, knowledge of Church teaching, and an understanding of Catholic practices. It presents the doctrine of the lesson in developmentally appropriate language and images. Charts, on-page questions, and gold star activities prompt students to interact directly with the page, and aid in understanding and retention. With large on-page activities, students are given the opportunity to process and reinforce what they have learned and apply it to their own lives and the experience of the Church. 3. Day 5: The Live Step helps students relate knowledge of the faith and the ways we worship, live, pray, and serve together as Catholics. Students are given the tools to connect their faith to everyday life and to deepen their relationship with God and the Church through the prayer experiences at the end of each lesson.
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Teaching Method The three-step catechetical process unfolds over five sessions of approximately 30–40 minutes each. Each session’s self-contained structure Open, Build, Close provides teachers with a natural daily lesson arc while keeping the three-step catechetical process intact. Open: Includes an introduction, prayer, and discussion questions. Build: Provides the instruction for the heart of the day’s lesson and includes Scripture, activities, and Catholic Faith Words. Close: May include an activity or a song, but always wraps up each day’s lesson by reinforcing the day’s objectives. If you follow this three-step process, you will in fact mirror the divine pedagogy by offering your students the opportunity to know God and his truth through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. You will inspire them to be open to the Holy Spirit so that they will respond in faith and love and accept the gift of new life in Christ!
INVITE As a teacher, during the Invite step you:
• Call the students together to begin in prayer. PERF • Prepare the students to hear the Word of God.
INVITE
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INVITE
• Guide the students through the Scripture reflection process, proclaiming God’s Word and inviting quiet thought. (See TE28 for a full description of the Scripture reflection process.)
CHAP TER 11
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The Church Is Catholic
The Church Is Catholic Let Us Pray
Leader: O God of every good gift, help us to love your people by sharing our gifts with each other. May we help others believe in you.
“How good and how pleasant it is, when brothers dwell together as one!”
Psalm 133:1
All: Lord, give us the right words to say.
• After proclamation of the Scripture, allow time Let Us Pray (governed by what is developmentally appropriate) Leader: O God of every good gift, help us to love your people by sharing our gifts with each other. May we help others for sacred silence. © Our Sunday Visitor
“‘For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call.’
“All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need.” Acts 2:39, 43–46
believe in you.
• Invite the students to share what they have “How good and how pleasant it is, experienced, what they felt God was saying when to brothers dwell together as one!” All: inLord, give us the right words to say. them or what he wanted them to know a special way today. Assure them sharing is voluntary.
Psalm 133:1
Have you ever thought…
• Prompt continued thought about God’s Word and “‘For the“Have promise isyou made to you and to your children and to all move to chapter objectives by using the those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call.’ ever thought” questions. “All who believed were together and had all things in common;
• How does the Good News reach every corner of the Earth?
• How can you explain your Catholic faith to a friend?
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Getting Started Catholic Faith Words
Top Ten Catholic In the Acts of the Apostles, you read about how the Apostles shared their faith and the Christian community grew. (see Acts 2:39, 43–46). A friend wants to learn more about what you believe and how you practice your faith. Create a Top Ten List of Catholic beliefs and practices that you could share with your friend.
• Evangelists • missionary mandate • catholic, Mark of the Church • missionaries
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• Opening Paragraph: Introduces the main points of the chapter.
In the circle, describe ways people and groups grow—in understanding and knowledge, or in size, or in influence. Why is it important to grow? Who or what can help us to grow? Ways Families Grow
• Graphic Organizer: This chapter preview feature includes cluster Have you ever thought… diagrams, basic timelines, Venn • How does the Good diagrams, and more.News reach
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they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need.” Acts 2:39, 43–46
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Ways a Community Grows
every corner of the Earth?
• Pre-assessment Activity: Provides • How can you explain your Catholic faith to a friend? activities that focus on pre-assessment rather than teaching. 183 184
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• Preview of the Catholic Faith Words: Assesses a student’s prior knowledge Our Sunday Visitor Curriculum Division Alive in Christ School Edition G8 Core Chapter ofBottom theto Folio terms presented in a chapter. Trim Size 49p6 x 65p3 Inside Margin: 6p Outside Margin: 4p6 Margin: 1p6 Bottom to Text margin: 5p8 The Church Is Catholic
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Unique and Effective Pedagogy D IS COV ER PERF
As a teacher, during the Discover step you:
Believers Spread the Good News
Evangelists
An Urgent Mandate
The four authors of the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are called the Four Evangelists.. Inspired by God to record his to record his Word, they were certainly bearers of the Good News.
Jesus sends his disciples out with urgency. He says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but may have eternal life” (John 3:16). After his Resurrection, Jesus told his Apostles to make disciples of all nations. The Church is the sign of salvation and new life sent by God to all nations in all times to bring the saving message of Jesus to everyone. Salvation can only come through faith in Christ and his Church, so the Church must spread the Gospel everywhere. This is her missionary mandate.
Sometimes talking about your faith is easy and natural. Sometimes it feels awkward. Sometimes it feels competitive—or preachy. When it comes to talking about your Catholic faith, speak simply and from your heart.
The four authors of the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are called the Four Am I willing to tell other people about Jesus Evangelists. Inspired by God to record When you speak from the heart about what and his Church? you believe, others tend to respect it— his to record his Word, they were certainly whether they get it or not. Talking about Jesus knew all about her, and he told her so. God comes with being a disciple. Sometimes talking about your faith is easy Christ did not send only leadersGood to bearers ofthethe News. He also told her he was the Messiah who spread the Gospel. He sent the whole could give her life-giving water. Church. This means he also sent and and natural. Sometimes it feels awkward. She believed what Jesus told her and she continues to send each of us. There is no Before any of the Gospels were written, a told others about him. And they came to way for us to truly be disciples of Jesus. Sometimes it feels competitive—or preachy. other believe too. He expects us to spread his Good News. Catholic Faith Words woman brought an entire town to meet Jesus came to stay with you, what would We might doubt our ability to spread the When itIfyoucomes to talking about your want to ask him and learn from him? Good News or be afraid of how people will Jesus, even though many of the townspeople receive us. Jesus reassures us: “And behold, I Catholic faith, speak simply and from am with you always, to the end of the age” did). Henot like her very much. She became has stayed with his Church ( your heart. “Many of the Samaritans of that town down through the ages. He is with us now. known as the Woman at the Well. (See began to believe in him because of the word of woman who testified, ‘He told me everything I havefrom done.’ When the heart about what 4:4–42.) She was a woman with a bad When you speak the LISTJohn AND APPLY Samaritans came to him, they invited him to stay with them; and he stayed there two List some ways people can tell that you are a Catholic. reputation. you believe, others tend to respect it— days. Many more began to believe in him because of his word, and they said to the whetherwoman, they‘We get itbelieve or not. about no longer because Talking of Jesus knew all about her, and he told her so. your word, for we have heard for ourselves, Think of other Catholics you know. Explain some of the ways their faith is visible. and we know that this is truly theasavior of God comes with being disciple. the world.’ ” He also told her he was the Messiah who Go to the Source give water. What iscould one thing you can learnher from thelife-giving ways their faith is visible? Chapter 11
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The word fits the Catholic Church in two ways: • The Church proclaims all the truths of the faith. In the Church we have the total message and everything we need for salvation with nothing left out. • The Church is for everyone. She is sent out to all people everywhere in every time. When Jesus was ascending to his Father, he told his Apostles, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
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catholic a Mark of the Church. The church is catholic because her mission is to the whole world.
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The Universal Church:
The Church takes on different cultures, customs, and appearances in each part of the world where she puts down roots. The rich variety of liturgical traditions and cultural expressions of the faith are part of the Church’s great glory.
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• Present the Catholic Faith Words, which are highlighted in the text and called out in separate boxes. These Go to the Source language words build aWhatcommon did Jesus say to the woman? Read John 4:13−26 to find out. of faith and are explained with precise theological language that is developmentally appropriate.
Write down some ways the Church is for everyone, welcoming all people, and going out to people everywhere. Then, explain how your parish acts in the same way on a local level.
Although the Church strives to be universal and reach everyone in the world, she does not have to look and act the same in every place she is established.
This is why we say that one of the Marks of the Church is that she is catholic. 188
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The word catholic means “universal.” When something is universal, it is for everyone. It is total and complete.
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“Many of the Samaritans of that town began to believe in him because of the word of woman who testified, ‘He told me everything I have done.’ When the Samaritans came to him, they invited him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. Many more began to believe in him because of his word, and they said to the woman, ‘We no longer believe because of your word, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the savior of the world.’ ” John 4:39–42
• ordained ministry that follows in direct succession from the Apostles
The Church has to reach out to everyone in the world in order to be herself. From the beginning, Jesus wanted the Church to be universal, welcoming, and open to everyone. In order for this to happen, we, like the first disciples, have to spread the message.
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These things can only be found completely in the Catholic Church. People who are not members of the Church can be saved, but only because of the grace of God present in the Church.
Universal Doesn’t Mean Identical
She believed what Jesus told her and she told others about him. And they came to believe too.
The Church Is Catholic
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• full sacramental life of all Seven Sacraments
Why does the Church want to reach everyone in the world?
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John 4:39–42
• correct and complete instruction in the faith
Meant for Everyone
missionary mandate the responsibility given by Jesus to the Church to bring his saving message to everyone
What did Jesus say to the woman? Read John 4:13−26 to find out.
The Catholic Church has everything needed to be reconciled with God and to be made one with him. The Fathers of Vatican Council II listed all that is needed for salvation:
Church of Mary Girgis, Cairo, Egypt
Evangelists the four inspired human authors of the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Matthew 28:20
Everything Needed Go to the Source
Evangelists
Before any of the Gospels were written, a woman brought an entire town to meet Jesus, even though many of the townspeople did not like her very much. She became known as the Woman at the Well. (See John 4:4–42.) She was a woman with a bad reputation.
PERF
Read Acts 1:8–9 to discover how the Apostles would be able to carry out Jesus’ command to be his witnesses.
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Believers Spread the Good News
Am I willing to tell other people about Jesus and his Church?
• Follow the instruction in the vertical side columns, which walks you through the entire lesson. Note that the activities are an integral part of the lesson. They emphasize the essential elements of Church teaching and help the students apply those truths to worship, prayer, and daily life.
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• Teach the objectives of the lesson, which are identified in the Teacher Edition in several places: the overview Lesson Plan in the teacher background section and in the top left-hand corner of each Discover spread.
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D IS COV ER • Use the boxes at the bottom of the page that provide additional Scripture and doctrinal background, optional activities, teaching tips, ways to adapt lessons for special needs, suggestions for including music, and more.
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A Missionary Church
Catholic Faith Words
God, in his great love, wants everyone to know and love him. Everyone who searches for the truth is on the way to salvation, but the whole truth has been given to the Church. So, the Church goes out to those seeking the truth, offering them salvation through faith in Christ. The Church has been missionary from the very beginning and continues to be so today. Missionary work requires patience; it doesn’t succeed overnight! The Church acts like water on a seed—a whole tree doesn’t grow instantaneously. It gradually leads people to Christ in these stages:
• establishment of Christian communities • foundation of local churches
Missionaries enter into “respectful dialogue” with those who do not yet accept the Gospel. They respect other traditions and
Saint Paul Miki, 1580s
Catholic missionaries have been among the greatest world explorers. Missionaries have found isolated tribes, explored unmapped lands, and gained new knowledge about cultures, languages, and even plant and animal life from distant places.
Saint Damien, 1864
Saint Francis Xavier, 1542 Saint Peter Claver, 1610
Missionaries help people needing food, shelter, medical care, education, and even protection from war and violence. Catholic missionaries are lay people, deacons, priests, bishops, or religious brothers and sisters. They work in every country in the world today, and are often in danger. There have been missionaries martyred in every land and time, including now.
Everyone Is Called You might be called to become a missionary someday. If not, you are still called to be part of the Church’s missionary work—in fact, all Catholics are! One of the Patron Saints of Missionaries is Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, who never left her convent! Her prayers for the missions contributed so much that she has been recognized as a missionary herself. There are many opportunities to share in the missionary work of the Church with prayers and donations, and even projects in your local area.Your parish
Why is it important for missionaries to respect other religions and cultures?
IN SUMMARY
may even be a sister Church working with missionaries around the world. If you could be a missionary in a distant land, what kind of work would you do?
ACTIVITY Find out about the life of one of the missionaries listed here and write a short summary of their work. Then spend some time in prayer for missionaries around the world.
Catholics Believe
As members of the Church, we are called to proclaim the Good News of Christ to the world.
• While Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are the four Evangelists of the Gospels, all Church members are called to spread the Good News of the Gospel.
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Saint Patrick, 415
Saint Isaac Jogues, 1640s
cultures and try to incorporate symbols and traditions of cultures into the way they teach about the Gospel.
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• proclamation of the Gospel to nonbelievers
Saint Katharine Drexel, 1894
Missionaries people who answer a call from God to devote a period of their lives to bringing Christ’s message to people in other places
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How does the Church carry out her missionary mandate?
• Guide the students through a review of the In Summary section to reiterate the chapter’s key concept and wrap up with the main summary points.
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• The Church is universal, going out to the whole world, welcoming people of all cultures and ages.
• Missionaries continue Christ’s mission of healing and bring the message of salvation to people who have not yet come to know and believe in Jesus. Each of us is called to share in the missionary work of the Church.
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As a teacher, during the Live step you:
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Our Catholic Life
• Reflect on a practice of Our Catholic Faith and introduce the students to a Saint, Blessed, or Venerable whose life exemplifies the content of the lesson.
Our Catholic Life
The Church’s missionary mandate continues Jesus’ mission of spreading the Good News by what we say and do, by loving one another, by working for peace and justice as we work with God to help build his Kingdom: “Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me” (Matthew 10:40). It is our responsibility to study, know, and live our faith so that we can share it with others. Talk to someone you know who is an example of Catholic faith, and ask them how they share their faith with others. You can also decide how to share in the missionary work of the Church right now. Choose a mission to pray for and think of ways you can help that mission financially.
The Church’s missionary mandate continues Jesus’ mission of spreading the Good News by whatPrayer we of Acknowledgement Leader: God calls all of us, his disciples, to All: We will go out and tell the Good News. say and do, by loving one another, by working be Saints. for Reader 4: God of all goodness and mercy, Let us listen well to the words of Jesus. open our hearts to be compassionate, peace and justice as we work with God to help What aspect of the Church’s missionary Reader 1: Be attentive to the wisdom of the open our minds to understand the needs mandate interests you most? according to Matthew. of others. build his Kingdom: “Whoever receives youGospel receives Read Matthew 28:19–20. At the conclusion, All: We will go out and tell the Good News. for silent reflection; then continue with me, and whoever receives me receives thepause one who the following: Leader: God, we know and believe that you have chosen us DISCUSS People of Faith Reader 2: Let us pray. sent me” (Matthew 10:40). It is our responsibility to to be your servants, O God, give us the strength we need, to take your missionaries, Form groups of three and talk about being Saint Agnes, c. 291–304 up the cause of those who so willingly gave your Saints. Catholic. Makeand notes here.live our faith so that we can share study, know, their lives to serve others. Agnes was born to a Christian family in Rome. A Help us to respond to your call; My favorite Catholic symbol is high-ranking official wanted her to marry his son, help us to receive this challenge All: We will out and tell the Good News. but Agnes didn’t want to marry a non-Christian. it with others. Talk to someone you know who is goan with confidence and trust This made the official angry, so he had her knowing you are with us. Reader 3: God of light, help us to see as you because sentenced to death. She was dragged through We ask this through your Son, example of Catholic faith, and ask them how would they want us to see. the streets, then tied to a stake to be burned, who is Jesus Christ, our friend but the wood wouldn’t catch fire. One of the and brother. share their with others. You can also decide My favoritefaith Catholic season is soldiers in charge of the execution then cut off Amen. her head. She was buried in the catacombs under Sing or play “Go Ye Out” Rome, but today her bones are in two how to because share in the missionary work of the Church churches named after her in Rome. Saint Agnes is the patron saint of right now. Choose a mission to pray for and think What aspect of the Church’s missionary girls and engaged couples. The One thing I still don’t understand about being Church celebrates her feast day . of waysCatholic youis . . can help that mission financially. mandate interests you most? on January 21. © Our Sunday Visitor
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• Use a closing activity to help the students relate their knowledge of the faith to their lives, and to commit more deeply to what it means to be Catholic. • Lead the prayer celebration and have the students complete the Chapter Review.
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Saint Agnes, c. 291–304 Agnes was born to a Christian family in Rome. A high-ranking official wanted her to marry his son, but Agnes didn’t want to marry a non-Christian. This made the official angry, so he had her sentenced to death. She was dragged through the streets, then tied to a stake to be burned, but the wood wouldn’t catch fire. One of the soldiers in charge of the execution then cut off her head. She was buried in the catacombs under
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Form groups of three and talk about being Catholic. Make notes here.
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My favorite Catholic symbol is
because
My favorite Catholic season is
Unique and Effective Pedagogy TE23
Unique and Effective Pedagogy
Chapter Background Alive in Christ Teacher Editions give you everything you need for lesson planning, teaching and reinforcing faith concepts, and growing in your own relationship with Christ and his Church. Each chapter has teacher specific content provided in the planning and background pages. These are the seven pages that provide Scriptural, doctrinal, and methodological background and formation. You will also find pages that address the different ways students process, understand, and learn lesson content at any given grade level. Key Concept for each lesson is clearly stated at the start of each chapter. Doctrinal Content correlates to paragraphs from the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
CH A P T ER 15
How Grade Level Children Understand offers insight on the relationship between the lesson objectives and the students’ developmental level of understanding.
Teacher’s Prayer offers a moment of reflection for the teacher before planning each lesson.
Being Virtuous Teacher’s Prayer
KEY CONCEPT We are called to strive for what is right, just, holy, and gracious.
Teacher Background
DOCTRINAL CONTENT • Virtues are strong habits of doing good that help us make moral decisions and contribute to how we become the people God created us to be.
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. Colossians 3:12–13
• The Theological Virtues are gifts from God that help us believe in him, trust in his plan for us, and love him as he loves us. (CCC, 1812–1813) • The Cardinal Virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance can help us respect ourselves and others and act with integrity. (CCC, 1805–1809) • The Eighth Commandment forbids misrepresenting the truth in our relationships with others. This sin damages our integrity and character, but by practicing the virtues and avoiding sin, we can live truthful and faith-filled lives. (CCC, 2464, 2468)
Seventh graders often live in the “here and now.” They are still learning to control their impulses and can often fall into the trap of putting momentary pleasure over lasting happiness. They need guidance to think about larger goals for the future— who they are called to be and how they will get there.
Everybody wants to be happy. There is nothing wrong with that. Indeed, God wants us to be happy as well. The problem is that we often confuse happiness with momentary pleasure. True happiness comes in doing the will of God. Jesus and the Scriptures teach us that true happiness is the same as blessedness, and blessedness is the result of living in right relationship with God. If we really want to be happy, there is no other path than that which leads to eternal life with God, for God is our one, true source of happiness.
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Teaching Tip Talk about the difference between happiness and pleasure. Pleasure is only momentary, but happiness continues. Ask: What things will make you happy in the future? What pleasures are worth sacrificing in the present so that you can be truly happy? Encourage discussion, especially pointing out the difference between what the Church teaches about how to achieve happiness and what popular culture teaches.
It stands to reason that since the path to God leads to happiness, the path that leads away from God leads to unhappiness. We walk this path when we believe that pleasure is the only goal worth achieving. Seeking inappropriate television shows, magazines, or websites can be a very popular and seductive notion these days. The good news is that we have a wonderful traveling companion in Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help us stay on the right road.
Sharing the Message with Seventh Graders • Seventh graders’ bodies are changing rapidly during this period and so are their emotions. Show them how the virtues can help guide their emotions and conduct. • At this age, learning how to understand and control their budding sexual interests is critical. According to Church teaching, parents should take the lead in guiding their children in these issues.
Reflect How have you experienced in a personal way the happiness that comes from having a right relationship with God?
TASKS OF CATECHESIS Helping children grow in a faith that is “known, celebrated, lived, and expressed in prayer” (NDC, 20).
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How Seventh Graders Understand Chapter Topics
Reflect How can practicing the virtues shape you into the person that God created you to be?
(CCC, 1803–1804)
ONLINE RESOURCES
Lord Jesus, you are the first and finest teacher of virtue. May your Holy Spirit be with me, that I may reflect your virtue in all I do, and may my life serve as an inspiration for those I teach. Amen.
• As adolescents discover themselves and others as sexual beings, it is important that they be taught, and see modeled, respect for the gift of sexuality. Discuss with them the importance of modesty and chastity.
This chapter focuses on the following tasks of catechesis: • Promoting Knowledge of the Faith • Moral Formation
You will find: • Interactive lesson planning, additional activities, and ideas for the classroom environment • Step by step lesson instruction from printed Teacher Edition for integrated lesson planning • Custom-built assessments to download and eAssessment links • Interactive reviews that provide scores and the option to review answers • Chapter-specific Lectionary connections and a complete correlation ordered by the Sundays of the year, with suggestions for how to Integrate the Scripture readings into chapter lessons Go to osvparish.com for Ask the Experts Q and A, Community Connections, and Blogs.
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Being Virtuous 235B
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Tasks of Catechesis relate lesson components to one of the six Tasks of Catechesis as outlined in the National Directory for Catechesis. Trim Size 49p6 x 65p3
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Alive in Christ Teacher Edition G7 Interleaf
Sharing the Message Online Resources FIRST PROOF provides general background are clearly labeled on where students this age throughout the Teacher Edition typically are with cognitive, and direct you to downloads, social, spiritual, and lesson planning tools, interactive emotional development. reviews, eAssessments, and more. Trim Size 49p6 x 65p3
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Chapter Planner The Chapter Planner presents objectives and step-by-step instructions for a five-day lesson plan, with flexibility for alliterative pacing and inclusion of review and multiple options for assessment.
Open Column points out the Invite Scripture, prayers, and discussion questions for each session.
Build Column provides Scripture, activities, instructions, and Catholic Faith Words for the lesson.
Close Column indicates activities, closing points, and songs that complete each day’s session.
Chapter 6 Planner Objectives Objectives
Open Open
Build Build
Close Close
Materials Materials & Resources & Resources
DAY 1—Invite/Preview, DAY 1—Invite/Preview, Pages 115–117 Pages 115–117 • Reflect •on Reflect God’son personal God’s personal invitationinvitation through through ScriptureScripture • Indicate• prior Indicate knowledge prior knowledge of chapter of concepts chapter concepts and vocabulary and vocabulary
Psalm 139:7 PsalmPray 139:7 the Pray opening the opening prayer. prayer. Romans Romans 5:1–5 Proclaim 5:1–5 Proclaim “Faith, Hope, “Faith, and Hope, and Love.” Guide Love.” the Guide students the students through through the process the process of Scripture of Scripture reflection. reflection. • Discuss•Have Discuss YouHave Ever You Thought Ever Thought questions. questions.
• Present• lesson Present highlights. lesson highlights. • Preview• Catholic Preview Catholic Faith Words. Faith Words. Reflect on Reflect symbols on symbols of the Holy of the Holy Spirit. Spirit.
• Activity • Activity Discuss how Discuss Godhow fills God us fills us pencils orpencils pens or pens with lovewith in times love of in difficulty times of difficulty and and index cards index cards loneliness. loneliness.
DAY 2—Discover, DAY 2—Discover, Pages 118–119 Pages 118–119 • Explain•why Explain Jesus why sent Jesus the sent Holy the Spirit Holy as an Spirit Advocate as an Advocate • Identify• the Identify Church theas Church the Body as the of Christ Body of Christ
Pray the Pray Prayer thetoPrayer the Holy to the Spirit, Holy page Spirit, 384.page 384.
• Discuss•the Discuss opening the opening question.question. • Recognize • Recognize that the members that the members of the Church of theserve Church as the serve hands as the and hands feet and feet of Jesus of Jesus • Examine • Examine the Holy the Spirit Holy as the Spirit source as theofsource gifts and of gifts talents and talents
• Activity • Catholic • Catholic ConsiderConsider ways thatways the that the Faith Words FaithAdvocate Words Advocate • Activity Holy canSpirit be our canAdvocate. be our Advocate. • Talk about • Talk how about the how Holy the Spirit Holy wasSpirit was Holy Spirit • Conclude with a review with aofreview key of key sent to be sent ourtoGuide be our and Guide Advocate. and Advocate.• Conclude conceptsconcepts and objectives. and objectives. Read John Read 14:15–17. John 14:15–17.
pencils orpencils pen or pen Activity Master (Page 115G) Activity6 Master 6 (Page 115G)
Point outPoint how out the how Church theserves Church asserves as the Bodythe of Christ. Body of Christ. • Optional • Optional Activity Activity Develop Develop a a Plotline (Activity Plotline (Activity Master 6)Master 6)
DAY 3—Discover, DAY 3—Discover, Pages 120–121 Pages 120–121 • Identify• the Identify Holy the Spirit Holy as the Spirit Comforter as the Comforter • Understand • Understand why we call whyon wethe callSaints on the toSaints intercede to intercede for us for us
• • Catholic • Catholic Faith Words FaithSaint, Words Saint, intercession intercession • Explain•that Explain the Holy that the Spirit Holy is there Spirit is there• for us when for us wewhen need we comfort. need comfort.
Pray a Litany Pray to a Litany the Saints. to the Saints.
• Activity pen or pen Activity Think about Think ways about thatways we that we pencils orpencils can benefit canthe benefit Church. the Church. board orboard chart paper or chart paper • Conclude Conclude with a review with aofreview key of key Bible Bible conceptsconcepts and objectives. and objectives.
Create prayers Createof prayers intercession. of intercession. Read Matthew Read Matthew 26:36–39. 26:36–39.
DAY 4—Discover, DAY 4—Discover, Pages 122–123 Pages 122–123 • Recognize • Recognize Pray the Pray last stanza the lastofstanza the Nicene of theCreed, Nicenepage Creed, page the relationship the relationship betweenbetween prayer and prayer spiritual and spiritual growth growth 367. • Explore• how Explore the how Holy the Spirit Holy guides Spiritusguides through us through others, Sacred others,Tradition, Sacred Tradition,367. • Point out • Point the opening out the opening questionquestion to the students. to the students. and prayer and prayer
• Discuss•some Review In Summary the In Summary statements. statements. pencils orpencils pen or pen Discuss of the some ways of the theways Holy the Holy • Review•the Spirit guides Spiritus. guides us. board orboard chart paper or chart paper • Examine • Examine the five forms the five of forms prayer.of prayer. Bible Bible Read Philippians Read Philippians 2:1. 2:1.
DAY 5—Live, DAY 5—Live, Pages 124–125 Pages 124–125 • Reflect •on Reflect the strength on the strength and wisdom and of wisdom the Holy of the Spirit Holy Spirit • Explore• the Explore faith the life faith of Saint lifeRafqa of Saint Rafqa
Pray Psalm Pray 139:7, Psalm page 139:7, 115.page 115.
• Offer the • Offer Prayer the toPrayer the Holy to the Spirit Holy Spirit
• Discuss•the Discuss question the question in the Our in the Our Catholic Catholic Life section. Life section. • Learn about • Learn Saint about Rafqa. Saint Rafqa.
• Select five • Select students five students to serve as to serve as leaders and leaders readers. and readers. • Follow •the Follow orderthe of prayer. order of prayer.
• Activity • Activity ConsiderConsider how the how Holy the Holy Spirit changes Spirit changes us for theusbetter. for the better.
Sing or play Singthe or closing play thesong. closing song.
pencils orpencils pen or pen Spirit, Come Down” Spirit, Come Down”
REVIEW REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT AND ASSESSMENT Chapter Review, Chapterpage Review, 126page 126 Chapter Test, Chapter page Test, 115F page 115F
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aliveinchrist.osv.com aliveinchrist.osv.com Customize Customize and Download and Download Assessments, Assessments, Email Links Email to eAssessments, Links to eAssessments, Interactive Interactive Student Reviews Student Reviews
115C Chapter 6
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Objectives Column FIRST PROOF clearly presents specific and measurable learner outcomes for each day.
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FIRST PROOF Materials & Resources Column notes materials and online resources needed for the lesson.
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Unique and Effective Pedagogy TE25
Unique and Effective Pedagogy
Chapter Connections This page references ways to connect the chapter content to other sections of the Student Book, as with one of the features on Catholic Social Teaching, as well as to web-specific content, such as cross-curricular activities and music. It also highlights the correlation between chapter content and independent assessment tools from NCEA.
NCEA IFG: ACRE Edition correlates the lesson objectives to the domains of NCEA Information for Growth: Assessment of Children/Youth Religious Education (2013) and helps teachers measure students’ understanding and appropriation of lesson content.
Catholic Social Teaching identifies which principles of Catholic Social Teaching/Live Your Faith pieces connect to this chapter and provides direction for how to integrate them into the Live step of the process. In the seasonal lessons, these connections are noted at point of use in the bottom band of the lesson plan.
Music Options are provided to enhance catechetical learning and in the prayer celebration.
Forming Catholic Identity across the Curriculum Each chapter contains a unique feature for forming Catholic identity across the curriculum. This feature identifies the connection between chapter objectives and other disciplines. These are designed to reinforce the learning in other disciplines and help make a connection to what is being taught in religion class.
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Chapter Reproducibles Each chapter of the Teacher Edition includes a reproducible Chapter Test and Chapter Activity Master for assessment and extension opportunities.
Chapter Activity Master provides an additional activity that can be completed in class or at home (when applicable, answers are located in the back of the Teacher’s Edition).
CHAPTER 1 Activity Master 1 Name
Date
What Does God Look Like? You will be working in a small group to create a poster. You will need poster board, magazines, scissors, tape or glue, markers, yarn, colored paper, pipe cleaners, and this instruction sheet.
Step 1: Create a headline for your poster. It could read “What We Think God Looks Like,” “Our Vision of God,” or something along those lines. Step 2: As a group, discuss what you think God looks like and how you would like to illustrate your ideas. Step 3: Work together to create your image. Use as many supplies as you would like. Try to think beyond “typical” images of God. © Our Sunday Visitor
Step 4: Be prepared to make a presentation on your creation. Make sure someone in your group is able to explain why you created your image of God the way you did.
Chapter Test provides an assessment of key themes and Catholic Faith Words for each lesson (answers are located in the back of the Teacher’s Edition).
CHAPTER 1 Test
Name
Column 1
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a. intellect
2. Choosing to turn from God
b. sin
3. God is, was, and always will be
c. attributes of God
4. The ability to think and make connections
d. eternal
5. Created in the image of God, humans have the ability to think,
, be free, love, and be in a
relationship with God and others. a. hate
c. protest
b. choose
d. change
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, is a truth of faith that cannot be fully understood but is believed because God has shown it to us through Scripture, his Son, or the Church.
51G Alive in Christ, Grade 7 Chapter 1
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1. Steadfast love, truth, almighty
6. A(n)
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Circle the letter of the choice that best completes each sentence.
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Date
Match each description in Column A with the correct term in Column B by filling in the appropriate letter.
a. mystery
c. canon
b. account
d. truth
7. The story of God’s relationship with his Chosen People is recorded in the
a. Tradition
c. Old Testament
b. Gospels
d. New Testament
8. Through
.
, God wants to reconcile creation to himself.
a. the Old Testament
c. his Son
b. his attributes
d. his blessings
Write a response on the lines below. 9. What is Divine Revelation?
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10. Why do humans need the salvation of Jesus Christ?
1 Chapter 1
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Chapter Tests and online assessment: Chapter Tests appear in the Teacher Edition at point of use. In addition, teachers can prepare customized and downloadable assessments, send eAssessments, and assign interactive reviews.
Unique and Effective Pedagogy TE27
Unique and Effective Pedagogy
Sacred Scripture For in the sacred books, the Father who is in heaven meets His children with great love and speaks with them; and the force and power in the word of God is so great that it stands as the support and energy of the Church…. Dei Verbum, 21 Sacred Scripture from both the Old Testament and New Testament is at the heart of Alive in Christ. The students are invited to understand the importance of Sacred Scripture, as a font of Divine Revelation and the guide for their lives. The Word is always given prominent visual importance to highlight its significance, with a parchment background, an icon, and a logo. Students are led to know, love, and be formed by God’s Word.
New American Bible Revised Edition
Students are formed by this practice of reflecting on Scripture and being open to the Word of God personally speaking to them by following a simple process noted in the Invite bottom band box. Listening with the ear of the heart and reflecting on Scripture prepares students for practices such as Lectio Divina.
The students always pray with Scripture in the opening prayer of the Invite step and often in the prayer experience in the Live step.
Sacred Scripture is studied in the Discover step as students learn about God’s action throughout salvation history and see how Scripture is a source of Church teaching. Key Scripture accounts are presented in multiple grade levels to encourage biblical literacy, familiarity, and understanding.
The practice of Scripture reflection is an essential element in the Invite step of every lesson and the means by which we enter into the divine pedagogy.
Throughout the Discover and Live steps the students apply the Word of God to their lived experience and acquire the behaviors and practices of a Catholic life.
Scripture in the Catechetical Process
Go to the Source Scripture is foundational to each chapter, and passages are contained within each chapter. In addition, throughout the Discover step of the chapters, Go to the Source features prompt students to go directly to Scripture itself for reading, reflection, and activities.
you have to When making a choice, : what is the ents elem consider all three are you doing it, why lf; itse ct obje or on acti the pressures, are t wha and it; or not doing ding it that oun surr environment, or issues t. men judg r you g ctin affe might be
Some Go to the Source references appear directly below a Scripture passage included in the Student Book. Student see the context of the included passage and can go deeper into God’s message revealed there.
on described Why is the brother’s acti act? earlier a morally good
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Consider This
as wanting to A good intention—such make an object help your sister—does not wrong—such rally mo is that r avio or beh d. A bad goo nts— as lying to your pare re to boast—can desi the as such n— ntio inte r that is good— make an object or behavio time to a worthy or such as donating money s said, “[But] take Jesu As . bad rally mo cause— s deeds in order teou righ care not to perform (Matthew 6:1). ” that people might see them Go to the Source
find out more of Read Matthew 6:2− 4 to ut good deeds. what Jesus had to say abo
ed that whether
Saint Thomas Aquinas argu
In other instances, the Go to the Source is independent of Scripture contained in the Student Book. Students may be searching for parables or accounts with a similar message, looking for a biblical connection to a doctrine included in their books, or reflecting in a personal way on Jesus’ life, teachings, and actions. action can increase The circumstances of an dness of the action. or decrease the moral goo change whether not can ces stan um But circ , only the not or d an act is morally goo evilness. Some acts, or ss dne goo its of ree deg wrong no matter such as murder, are always ances because
Sacred Tradition What is necessary for the students to know so that they will develop a vibrant Catholic identity and be able to express their faith with competence, understanding, and love?
Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Church guides us, teaching that the catechetical message has “a ‘comprehensive hierarchical character,’3 which constitutes a vital synthesis of the faith” (GDC, 114). The truths of the faith are organized in a hierarchy around the mystery of the most Holy Trinity, in a Christ-centered (or Christocentric) perspective. The mutual connections between dogmas, and their coherence, can be found in the whole of the Revelation of the mystery of Christ.4 ‘In Catholic doctrine there exists an order or “hierarchy” of truths, since they vary in their relation to the foundation of the Christian faith.’ 5 CCC, 90 In other words, some truths are so basic and foundational to what we believe as Catholics that they must be presented first, and then other related truths D can IS COV ER understood. be better
Systematic and Comprehensive
The content of Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition are systematically presented in precise theological language in the lesson objectives of each lesson. The objectives are found on your Lesson Planner and at point of use To help us know what is basic and foundational, the Seeing God in thethey Works where are presented to the students. USCCB’s Subcommittee the Catechism has identified Coming to KnowonGod of Creation the truths faith deemed essential to the formation How doof wethe come to know who God is? Important Catholic Faith Words are highlighted in From the beginning of our time on Earth, of students. Alive in Christ has been found Most people can’t help but have a sense of to be in every chapter with definitions that grow as students’ the natural world has helped humans awe and with wonder the beauty and order conformity theatCatechism of the Catholic Church. understanding recognize and acknowledge God.does, Peopleand their repetition across grades of the stars, planets, and galaxies, especially
humans to know and love him.
“In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth … the earth was without form or shape . . .” Genesis 1:1–2
Go to the Source Read Genesis 1:1–2:4 to find out more about why God created the world and humans.
presence of God even in the most basic parts of his created world. What aspects of nature W help you see God UN IT 1 PR EV IE as the Creator?
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God’s powerhelps in thetoforces of wind, promote thefire, common language of faith. In salvation history, revealed himself tofelt people when they look atGod somehas amazing satellite and water. They saw God’s beauty in the images. Looking picturesway, of theshowing universe us more of in a systematic andatgradual Each key concepts being trees and flowers. TheyUnit got Opener a sense of summarizes God’s can sometimes make us aware of how GDC, himself as we are capable of understanding. (Seegenerosity as hepresented gave them the responsibility and references these faith statements to the human beings are a part of “the big picture.” to be caretakers of his many gifts of creation. Ourincatechesis models 38 and CCC And at 54–65.) some point our lives, most of us this divine Catechism of the Catholic Church. A Big Question allows pedagogy and includes of the ask ourselves what’s theall reason foressential it all, and elements Adamof and Eve for werediscussion able to see around these aspects an essential aspect of each unit. what role do we play in that picture. of God because he had given them the gift the faith, presenting them in abigger gradual and systematic AtLike the all back of they eachwere Student Book, the Our Catholic of human reason. of us, way The as the learner is ready to hear creation accounts in the Bookthem. of given an intellect—the ability to thinksection reinforces the faith basics Tradition reference Genesis tell us something wonderful: Even and make connections. With this gift, we Alivethough in Christ organizes the part essential humans are a small of the truths around presented in the lessons. It is referenced in your lesson can grow in knowledge and search for the seven key themes of Catholic teaching universe, they have a special place in the that eyes repeat each specific instruction on how to integrate the meaning of the plan thingswith we experience. When God. And God level showsfocus. that he wants all year of within a grade content into lesson. we use reason, we discover thethe power and
Theme
e Unit roducexperience How doIntyou God’s presence in the page. Invite at the image on the students look tes to the the world? Begin by having they think it rela t they see and how them to share wha ion. theme of Revelat
nteers read timeline. Have volu highlights of the Our olic Tradition and Share some of the ets in the Our Cath bull the of aloud each ions. the Catholic Life sect that out be about. Point tionship s what Unit 1 may tion and his rela Discuss as a clas e about God’s crea mor n lear s. will students next three chapter they review the with humans as
The Vatican Observatory at Castel Gandolfo, Lazio, Italy
Go to the Source the students nsion, organize As an optional exte group one of ps, assigning each . into three grou found in this unit
Ask the unit’s page 68.
nd on
Big Question fou
discussion. Allow time for the ents that this is Explain to the stud y will n for the unit. The essential questio y the as fully answer it be working to rs in the unit. pte cha e thre complete the
echism m. Explore the Cat 35 of the Catechis paragraphs 31– m or Read and discuss ing or write a poe to make a draw ents ld that Ask the stud the physical wor of ect asp e som re, such paragraph about ething from natu out God (e.g., som
TE29
Developmental Appropriateness
The Theory Behind It At one point or another in your family life and your ministry as a teacher, you’ve likely found yourself explaining to a student, “It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it.” The message is as important as the delivery. You can’t separate the what from the how. Similarly, doctrine and method are not two ends of a spectrum. They are interdependent. In catechesis, you can’t have one without the other. And it goes a step further, for it’s not just what we teach, and how we teach it, but how the learner receives it.
The Practice of It Alive in Christ provides you with carefully selected topics and activities that meet the developmental level of the students you are teaching as well as tips for addressing individual needs. The program includes prayers, Saints, and activities that represent the diversity
Presentation of Text PERF
“Consequently catechesis starts out with…the integral structure of the Christian message, and proceeds to explain it in a manner adapted to the capacity of those being catechized” (GDC, 112).
According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), developmental appropriateness includes multiple components. 1. It is important to know how children develop and learn at particular ages and stages and to create learning environments that are responsive to these general needs. 2. Because every child is unique, knowing the individual children and how they learn best is essential. 3. It is important to know what is culturally appropriate for different ages and stages of development.
TE30 Alive in Christ
A Temple Not Built by Human Hands
What the Church Is
What plan does the Holy Spirit have for the Church?
The Church is truly a mystery, visible and spiritual at the same time. The Church is both a structured organization of members with a variety of roles, and the Body of Christ. The Church is a visible community and a spiritual one. This visible organization needs buildings and structures. Parish churches, along with schools, hospitals, monasteries, convents, shelters, centers, halls, and office buildings, make up the bulk of our buildings.
The Church is the Mystical Body of Christ. The Church unites all believers through the Holy Spirit into one holy people, with Christ as their head and themselves as the body, or members. The same Spirit unites members to one another as brothers and sisters in the faith.
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When we teach things in a theologically accurate way, and in a manner sensitive to where the students are developmentally, we provide the best chance that they will appropriate the content—process and understand it in a way that has meaning to them so that they can then apply it to their own lives.
Just as our own bodies have a soul, the Holy Spirit is like a “soul” for the Church. In other words, the Mystical Body is not just a collection of human beings who happen to believe the same thing or belong to the same community. Together they are the Church because the Holy Spirit lives in them, giving them energy and life, helping them live as
But just as we are more than our bodies, the Church is more than just the visible organization or its property. “For we are the temple of the living God; as God said:
Catholic Faith Words
‘I will live in them and move among them, and I will be their God and they shall be my people . . .
Mystical Body of Christ a name the Church, whose baptized members are all united to Christ and one another through the Holy Spirit, forming one holy people with Christ as her head
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• Information is sequenced and organized in smaller “chunks” to make reading and understanding faster and easier. Trim Size 49p6 x 65p3
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the People of God. The Holy Spirit makes this promise of God real:
• Fonts and type sizes are set with consideration given to the reading level of the child across all eight grades. • Words are defined consistently at point-of-use and highlighted for easy identification. • Terms and concepts are introduced, reinforced, and then further defined in advanced ways as they develop across grades.
of cultures found in our Church and introduces these traditions at developmentally appropriate times. Alive in Christ takes into account the experience level of today’s students with various topics and how they are used to receiving and processing those topics. So, the series is developmentally appropriate not just in what
Use of Visuals
students learn at particular ages, but how they learn it. As a teacher, you can feel confident that you are giving the students the most precise presentation of Church teaching in the most developmentally appropriate way. That’s what excellent catechesis is all about.
Teaching Strategies
How do humans fit into God’s plan?
Our first parents reflected the goodness and glory of God. They were created in harmony with one another and with God. And when they freely chose to turn from God and to sin, God did not abandon them. Humans did not completely lose what made them like God—their ability to be good, to love, to be holy, to think, and to be free. In fact, we are each created in the image of God, his Divine likeness. Human nature remained basically good, but weakened, inclined to sin. God remained with humans and promised to restore, or bring back, the human family to its original glory so that all can once again share life fully with him.
Christ. The Church is holy because the Holy Spirit gives us life and lives within us, guiding us as individuals and a community. The Church helps each of us to follow Jesus’ example and to become holy, sometimes in small ways, sometimes in great ways.
• God made Abraham the “father of all nations,” and promised that through Abraham’s descendants, all nations would be blessed. (See Genesis 15:1–21.)
Prayer and Worship In the prayer and worship of the Church, Catholics meet God in a personal way and are strengthened to grow in holiness. This is why the Church invites us to pray at all times and in all places.
Prayer and Worship
• In spite of her old age, God blessed Sarah with a son. She and her husband Abraham shared in God’s blessing and promise. (See Genesis 17:15–19; 21:1–3.)
Sacraments of Healing (Penance and Reconciliation and the Anointing of the Sick) strengthen us in body and spirit when we have failed or when we are weakened by sickness.
God planned from the beginning of creation to give his only Son, Jesus Christ, to the world so that humans would be restored to the place that they enjoyed originally. The promise of salvation was planted in the hearts of the Israelites, God’s Chosen People. This hope gave them the courage to face hardship and even exile.
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• The accounts in Genesis show that God wanted to lead all people to know his love.
• With Noah, God made a lasting covenant, or sacred, binding agreement, to bring all creation back to the harmony he had originally intended it to have. (See Genesis 9:1–17.)
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God’s Plan for Us
Special devotions, like the Stations of the Cross, help us recall the presence of God in our lives and the help God offers at all times.
1.
Highlight the type of prayer or worship you most often take part in.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament helps us remember and honor in a special way Jesus’ unique presence in the Eucharist.
2.
Draw a star next to a type that interests you or that you have questions about.
Sacraments at the Service of Communion (Matrimony and Holy Orders) mark our commitment to follow God’s call. The Liturgy of the Hours (prayed by ordained men, consecrated religious, and many laypeople) makes every part of the day holy. Feasts of the liturgical year remind us of events and people that are important models for holiness.
Go to the Source Read 1 John 4:6 and 1 John 1:5 to see how John speaks about God, who is Truth and Love.
Personal prayer gives us an opportunity to speak with God in a way that relates to the circumstances of our own life. Eucharist, or the Mass, is the central act of worship because we hear God’s Word, remember the Death and Resurrection of Christ, and are intimately joined to Christ in Holy Communion.
IDENTIFY In Colossians 3:12, Saint Paul asks us to clothe ourselves in Christ. Read that passage from Scripture. Think of a concrete example of how Jesus lived as Paul suggests. Compare your answers with a classmate.
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• Fine art, illustrations, and photos advance in detail and sophistication as grades progress.
• Questions focus reading, prompt reflection, and reinforce learning.
• Graphic organizers, charts, and call outs are used to present content in easy to track and access formats.
• On-page activities and teaching strategies incorporate dynamic, interactive learning methods.
• Captions are used to aid in learning, and the content and purpose of captions advance as the grades do.
• Chapter reviews use multiple formats to accommodate different learning styles.
• The text-to-art ratio is intentional and customized for each grade level.
• The Teacher Edition includes a Teaching This Grade page that gives details on how students at this age might understand lesson objectives.
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• Ideas for customizing content are found in the Reaching All Learners boxes in some chapters.
Developmental Appropriateness
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Developmental Appropriateness
The Use of Images In order to communicate the message entrusted to her by Christ, the Church needs art. —Letter of Pope Saint John Paul II to Artists (1999), 12 While educational research assures us that students make meaning through the interplay of text and images (Carney and Levine, 2002), any adult who has spent time with a young child knows that verbal and visual both tell the story. For hundreds of years, the Church has used sacred art and stained glass windows to teach Catholic doctrine and provide a physical presentation of the truths of our faith. Jesus often used images when he preached, giving his disciples a glimpse into his Father’s mystery and the Kingdom. Its use of fine art, stained glass, photos, and statues created specifically for this program is another way that Alive in Christ mirrors the divine pedagogy. Educational research (Carney and Levine, 2002) and our own experience tells us that photos, illustrations, and art closely tied to text
• improve the reader’s learning and recall • direct the child’s attention to what’s most important on the page • make the text more understandable and memorable • help the child connect and apply what’s been learned to their lived experience. In Alive in Christ lessons, developmentally appropriate visuals—Scripture illustration, fine art, stained glass, statues, icons, photos, and accompanying captions—meet lesson objectives and build Catholic identity.
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Reaching All Learners Growth in faith is related to human development and passes through stages. Individuals develop as human beings and faithful followers of Christ in different ways and according to their own pace…The Church’s catechesis—and even more so, the catechist—must take into consideration all the human factors of a particular age level in order to present the Gospel message in a vital and compelling way. NDC, 48 Benefitting from the work of educators in the past decades, religious educators now have new tools in providing children the fullness of the faith in developmentally appropriate ways. Not only must we teach the faith related to children’s level of human development, we must also meet the individual needs of our students. When working with any group of children, it does not take long to realize that they learn in different ways. Many have written about how to best provide strategies to address different learning styles. Dr. Howard Gardner’s research on Multiple Intelligences provides particular insight. His theory looks at eight different ways people learn. Applying his theory to your planning will help you reach each student with the Good News of salvation. Throughout Alive in Christ, a variety of teaching strategies are employed within the lesson process. Working with words and reading Scripture (Verbal/ Linguistic), using photos and illustrations to prompt discussion (Visual/Spatial), and listening to, singing, and reflecting on songs (Musical) are just a few examples. Additional features, such as Reaching All Learners and Optional Activities, address various methods to help students with different learning styles and abilities connect with the lessons.
Multiple Intelligences Verbal/ Linguistic
This learning occurs best through reading, writing, telling stories, and discussing ideas.
Logical/ Mathematical
This learning occurs best through problem solving, analyzing, and applying logic.
Musical
This learning occurs best through singing, listening to music, and remembering melodies.
Bodily/ Kinesthetic
This learning occurs best through physically moving, dancing, acting, and making things.
Visual/Spatial
This learning occurs best through looking at pictures, drawing, and creating.
Interpersonal
This learning occurs best through sharing about one’s feelings, talking with others, and collaborating with others on tasks.
Intrapersonal
This learning occurs best through working alone and reflecting.
Naturalist
This learning occurs best through exploring nature and living things.
Go to aliveinchrist.osv.com for additional resources on meeting the challenges of providing for special needs in your religion classroom.
Developmental Appropriateness TE33
Developmental Appropriateness
Teaching Seventh and Eighth Graders Cognitive Development In seventh and eighth grades, young people have reached a period of cognitive development in which they should be more able to take the perspective of others and understand what others are feeling. This may at times be compromised by the young adolescent’s own defensiveness. For example, they may have difficulty seeing their parent’s point of view if they are being told no about something. Students this age are also more adept at abstract reasoning. They can imagine hypothetical situations and better understand symbols and signs. This can help them dive deeper into their faith and learn the meaning behind some of the things they have previously learned.
Identity Development The physical growth and change of the middle school years lead to questions and concerns about identity. Young people may be very self-conscious, wondering if they look okay or act “cool enough.” They might even appear to try on different personalities, roles, and looks. At this age, they are realizing that they are becoming young men and young women, and this naturally leads to thoughts of what sort of people they are and will be as they get older. It is an excellent time to talk about discipleship— following Jesus as he offers us a pattern for living, showing us what it looks like to be fully human. Emphasize that, while we don’t always know what will make us happy, God does. He created us and knows what he made us to be. Following God’s plan for our lives will lead to our ultimate happiness, even if we must make some sacrifices along the way.
Moral Development Seventh and eighth graders are still impulsive at times, acting without thinking things through. However, they have entered a stage of life in which their actions can
TE34 Alive in Christ
have more serious consequences. Some choices could profoundly affect their lives. Recent research has suggested that there are some things we can do to help seventh and eighth graders make responsible choices and avoid risky ones. One is to encourage them to think of their future goals— where do they wish to see themselves in five, ten, or fifteen years? What choices can they make now that will get them closer to these goals? What choices would get them further away? Discussing choices in a group setting with peers can also be helpful for young people this age, provided an adult moderates the discussion.
Social Development and Belonging Seventh and eighth graders want to belong. Peers are very important at this age, and we should be concerned when young people are socially isolated or have trouble getting along with peers. Some conflict is expected. Boys can sometimes be rough with one another as they try to appear tough or strong. Girls are more likely to use name-calling or social isolation as ways to find their place in the social order. Be sensitive to students who may be being teased or bullied, and set limits on this behavior when you see it. Work to create environments in which everyone feels he or she has a place. Some students may need help understanding and appreciating the effect of their actions on others.
Church Community
Living and Learning Together In the General Directory for Catechesis we are told that the “childhood religious awakening which takes place in the family is irreplaceable”6 (226). The role of the principal, religion coordinator, and the teacher in the school is to help form and support families in this sacred journey. The Alive in Christ website provides information teachers and administrators can share with parents via email, on class websites, or by sending it home with students. These resources are invaluable in providing adults the practical help they need to grow in faith themselves and to nurture the faith of their children.
Catholic Social Teaching
Third, all have a right to participate in decisions that affect their lives. With rights go responsibilities. We all have the responsibility to exercise our own rights and to work with others to gain, support, and expand their human rights. Too often the voices of people who need our support are silenced, and we are called to help them make their voices heard. Disciples of Jesus are called to bring the light of the Gospel to unjust situations, and help make them right.
What are these fundamental human rights? They start with the right to life and the basic necessities of life—food, shelter, clothing, health care, education, and work.
Catholic Social Teaching
Rights and Responsibilities of the Human Person Because God made every person, everyone has rights and responsibilities. Rights are the freedoms or things every person needs and should have. Responsibilities are our duties, or the things we must do. Jesus tells us to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). The Catechism teaches that when we respect the dignity of another person, we treat them as “another self.” We respect the rights that come from their dignity as a human being (CCC, 1943–44). Everyone has a right to food, shelter, clothing, rest, and the right to see a doctor if they need one. We also have a responsibility to treat others well and work together for the good of everyone.
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Second, all people have the right to their own dignity and religious and cultural expression. This means being respected and appreciated for how unique each one of is. It also means developing relationships with people—learning from them as well as helping them.
“All men [and women] are created equal and endowed with certain inalienable rights. . . .” This basic principle of the United States Declaration of Independence is echoed in Church teaching. But the Church goes a step further. Yes, we are all endowed with rights and freedom, but we are also called to use this freedom constructively, for the common good.
As you read about current events, listen to the news, or observe how different people live or are treated in your community or in other parts of the world, who are the people that are treated unfairly?
Which of these people do you want to stand up for and help?
Live Your Faith
Group Action Research what you and your classmates can do to help, and decide how you are going to do it. Consider making some kind of slogan or pin members of your class can use or wear to express your concern and invite others to join you in action.
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How does the Church support human rights in the world?
Personal Action
Governments, too, are meant to respect the fundamental rights of the human person, promote freedom, and defend the common good. Public authority is part of God’s plan for promoting positive values in society and the well-being of all. The Church, too, gets involved in political affairs whenever economic and social issues affect peoples’ fundamental human rights.
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You can use these Catholic Social Teaching features in a variety of ways. Every core chapter and seasonal lesson has a Catholic Social Teaching Connection integrated into the lesson plan. Combining this component with the seasonal lessons can help your students connect how Catholics worship with how Catholics live.
Our Human Rights
Live Your Faith
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Each grade level of Alive in Christ, presents the seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching, articulated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. In this Live Your Faith component, the scriptural and doctrinal foundations of the principles help the students connect their faith to a life of peace and justice. While peace and justice are taught in many of the core chapters, the seven principles are intentionally treated in Live Your Faith.
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Pope Saint John Paul II reminded us that one of the fundamental tasks of the Christian family is to remember that the family is always at the service of God’s Kingdom. While the family is to “guard, reveal, and communicate love,” it does so knowing that their love is not only to be shared within itself, but meant to be shared with the world (Familiaris Consortio, 17). We are called to reach out past our family to build relationships of love and justice in our neighborhoods, communities, and beyond.
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Your principal or religion coordinator may choose to schedule these components so that all the students will be focusing on the same principle at the same time. If you schedule your own lessons, you may choose to combine several of the principles and present them at one time. This presentation of Catholic teaching builds a vibrant Catholic identity and prepares us to evangelize the world through faith and action as we work in service of God’s Kingdom.
Church Community TE35
Church Community
Connecting to the Church Community Alive in Christ grades 7 and 8 Student Books include features that draw students into the historical, geographical, and cultural context of the Church. As seventh and eighth graders are searching for a deeper sense of belonging, these features highlight where we have been and how we are living as the Church today.
Church History Timeline At the back of each Student Book, a Church History Timeline presents key people, places, and events in the Church’s growth and development, along with major secular events that impacted the course of Church history and the life and work of Catholics around the world. Grade Seven spans from the death of Christ to 1054, the period surrounding the Great Schism. Grade Eight spans from 1085 to the present day. Timline Span Each two-page spread presents a continuous timeline covering 120 years from left to right. The timeline is broken down into 10-year segments, as noted by the vertical lines.
Graphic Representations Some entries include visuals—such as portraits, artifacts, statues, and modern geographical indicators—to give a greater frame of reference for understanding the event, person, or place noted on the timeline. PERF
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A.D. 711
A.D. 716–718
A.D. 756
A.D. 793
Muslim armies invade Spain.
Saint Boniface evangelizes the Germans.
Birth of the Papal States
Beginning of Viking raids on Christian Europe.
A.D. 695
A.D. 710
Saint Boniface evangelizes the Germans, A.D. 716–718
Go to the Source Some of Boniface’s works include: “Collection of Letters”; “Poems and Riddles”; “Poenitentiale”; “Compendium of the Latin Language” and “Compendium of Latin Prosody.”
A.D. 740
A.D. 755
A.D. 770
A.D. 785
A.D. 800
A.D. 732
A.D. 787
A.D. 800
Venerable Bede writes Ecclesiastical History of the English People.
Battle of Tours.
Second Ecumenical Council of Nicaea.
Charlemagne crowned Holy Roman Emperor.
Birth of Papal States, A.D. 756
Go to the Source Read The Ecclesiastical History of the English People, which is available online at http://www.fordham.edu.
Battle of Tours, A.D. 732 By this time in history, the Muslims ruled much of Spain and were beginning to make inroads into the rest of Europe. Charles Martel, a Christian prince, defeated a Muslim force that had invaded presentday France as far as Tours. Most historians agree that if Martel hadn’t defeated the Muslim army, all of Europe might have fallen under Islamic rule, effectively ending the Christianization of Europe. Because of his role in the battle, Charles was given the nickname Martellus, “The Hammer.” He was the grandfather of Emperor Charlemagne.
In 751, Pepin the Short (the son of Charles Martel) was crowned King of the Franks, beginning the Carolingian dynasty. Five years later, in the Donation of Pepin, he gave Pope Stephen III control over the middle part of Italy, founding the Papal States, which existed until 1870. Today Vatican City is all that remains. It is a separate city-state, independent from Italy, even though it lies in the heart of Rome.
Second Ecumenical Council of Nicaea resolved Iconoclasm, A.D. 787 Iconoclasm refers to the destruction of religious images. Around 730, the Byzantine Emperor Leo III ordered the removal of an image of Jesus over the ceremonial entrance to the Great Palace of Constantinople to be replaced by a cross. This began a systematic removal of holy images and a quarrel between those who venerated “icons” and those who wanted them removed. The Second Council of Nicaea ended the conflict by stating: “we decree with full precision and care that, like the figure of the honoured and life-giving cross, the revered and holy images, whether painted or made of mosaic or of other suitable material, are to be exposed in the holy churches of God, on sacred instruments and vestments, on walls and panels, in houses and by public ways; these are the images of our Lord, God and saviour, Jesus Christ, and of our Lady without blemish, the holy God-bearer, and of the revered angels and of any of the saintly holy men…”
Venerable Bede writes Ecclesiastical History of the English People, A.D. 731 An author and scholar, Venerable Bede was given the title of “The Father of English History” based on his most famous writing, The Ecclesiastical History of the English People, which he wrote to demonstrate the growth and history of the English Catholic Church. About 160 manuscript copies of his work still exist today. A skilled linguist and translator of both Latin and Greek, he was named a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIII in 1899, the first native Britain to be so designated.
Charlemagne crowned Holy Roman Emperor of the West, A.D. 800 On Christmas Day, 800, Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne, or Charles the Great, Holy Roman Emperor of the West. Possessing both great political power and enormous personal charisma, Charlemagne was accepted as ruler of Europe from the Baltic to the Mediterranean. He is sometimes called the “second Constantine” because he united all of Europe under the Catholic faith. Believing he ruled by divine right, Charlemagne refused to be subject to the pope, and actively involved himself in Church affairs, even instituting rules for members of the clergy and enacting laws against heresy. His coronation symbolized the union of Church and state in Western Europe, leading to a growing discontent between the Western Church and the emperor in the East, which eventually led to the split between Eastern and Western Christianity.
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PROOF Extended DescriptionsFIRSTLocated below the timeline, students will find more FIRST PROOF information regarding selected entries along with an opportunity to research more about the importance and implications of that entry on the whole of the Church.
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A.D. 815
A.D. 731
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Boniface, also known as Winifred, was an English Benedictine priest. He traveled to what is now present-day Germany to convert the native peoples to Christianity. The story is told that when Boniface started to chop down an oak that was sacred to the pagan population, a great wind finished the job. When Boniface was not punished by the god, the townsfolk converted and Boniface used the wood to build a chapel dedicated to St. Peter.
A.D. 725
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A.D. 680
Entry Speciffics Each entry on the timeline includes a title and date (or range of dates) to promote viewing singular events within the context of a broader historical picture.
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Catholics Today This feature introduces students to customs, practices, and devotions of our Church as experienced and celebrated throughout the world.
CATHOLICS TODAY Every year, we end the Easter Season by celebrating the Feast of Pentecost, remembering the day the Holy Spirit came to the Apostles in the form of fire and wind, filling them with the courage to go out and spread the news of salvation in Jesus Christ. That day, no matter what language they spoke, everyone who heard the Apostles understood them!
On Pentecost, the Church celebrates the Gifts of the Holy Spirit given to us at Baptism and Confirmation. Those gifts help us build unity in the Catholic faith, grow in moral and spiritual well-being, and give us strength to witness to the Risen Lord in our lives. On Pentecost, the Church gives thanks by renewing her commitment to spread the Word.
The Church helps us recognize and give thanks for the many ways in which God This feature makes geographical and historical connections with scriptural accounts, reveals his glory. In the Church, the Holy events in Church history, and Catholic figures addressed in the presentation of a Spirit prepares us to know and love Christ, chapter’s objectives. In some instances, images are used to provide visual context to share his communion, and to transform us on the geographical and cultural connections. in Christ’s saving work.
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Apart from religion class or a parish youth group, when was the last time you talked about to another Why is Jesus the Nicene Creed soperson? much longer than the IfApostles’ you’re shy about talking about your faith, Creed? At the time the Nicene Creed was how can you show your faith to others? written (A.D. 325), there were heresies (false teachings) being spread that Jesus was not really a man, but was God who made himself look like a man; did not already Underline what the Holy Spirit does exist asChurch the second Divine Person of the Holy Trinity for the today. before he was born on Earth. The Pope and bishops met together in several councils at Nicaea and Constantinople expressly to answer DESCRIBE these heresies. They declared that Jesus Christ is both true God and true man. The councils wrote the Nicene What are some of your glorious moments? Make Creed with very clearly defined details, which stated a list and then describe how the experience this belief once and for all. brought you closer to your family, friends, or God.
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Unity 2. Amid Diversity The3.Christian churches of the world can be called a world Christian family. But
are united by fidelity to Apostolic Tradition: They are in union with the Pope and Community TE37 Church bishops. They carry on the faith and the
1
UNIT PREVIEW
REVELATION How do we learn to be holy through the example of God, Jesus, and the Church?
TRINIT
CHURCH HISTORY TIMELINE
JESUS CHRIST The first Basilica of Saint Peter is consecrated
756
Birth of the Papal States
1506
Construction begins on New Basilica of Saint Peter
THE CHURCH
1929
Lateran treaty establishes Vatican City
Go to page 348 for more
MORALIT
Our Catholic Tradition
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God made humans in his image and likeness so we could be in relationship with him. God calls each of us to be in relationship with him and to honor the covenant and live by natural and revealed law. (CCC, 45, 54)
Our Catholic Life
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With a soul, reason, and free will, humans can set their priority and direction in life toward friendship with God. Jesus is the model for living out this relationship. (CCC, 356, 357)
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God’s Revelation is contained in his written Word of Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition entrusted to the Apostles and safeguarded by them and their successors, the bishops, and handed down verbally to future generations. (CCC, 84)
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Each of us is called to be holy in the ordinary circumstances of our lives. God created humans to share in his glory, to be holy, and to be joined fully with him. (CCC 319, 2013, 2014)
SACRAMENTS God reveals himself to us in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, and we are called to respond in love by what we say and do. Faith is both a gift from God and a free human choice. (CCC, 80, 176, 177) The Church is a sign of the holiness of God. Being holy is one of the Marks of the Church, and she helps us grow in holiness, especially through prayer and worship. (CCC, 867)
KINGDOM OF GOD
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UNIT 1 PREVIEW Introduce Unit Theme Tell the students the theme for this unit is Revelation. Read aloud each of the bullet points under Our Catholic Tradition. Ask a student to read aloud the bullets under Our Catholic Life.
Allow time for discussion.
Direct the students’ attention to the photo on the page. Ask volunteers to describe what they see and comment on how this image might relate to the unit theme and/or the bullet points. After some discussion, explain that the class will be exploring this theme and the doctrinal statements in the next three chapters.
Go to the Source As an optional extension, organize the students into three groups, assigning each group one of the main Scripture passages found in this unit. • Chapter 1: Genesis 1:27–28, 31 • Chapter 2: James 2:14–17 • Chapter 3: Luke 12:22–23, 31–34 Have each group read its passage and then give a dramatic reading (narrator with silent actors), create a visual representation, or write down one question they would ask God about the passage. Reading the verses directly from the Bible will familiarize students with sequence of the canon of Sacred Scripture.
Ask the unit’s Big Question found on page 50.
Explain to the students that this is the essential question for the unit. They will be working to fully answer it as they complete the three chapters in the unit.
Explore the Catechism Using the Catechism, especially paragraphs 54–65, have the students outline the stages of revelation, highlighting what was promised and what was expected of God’s People in the covenants with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and in the new covenant in Jesus Christ.
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Allow time for any questions the students may have.
Reading the paragraphs directly from the Cathechism will help the students learn where to find key teachings from the Sacred Tradition of the Church.
CHURCH HISTORY TIMELINE BACKGROUND Refer the students to the Church History Timeline on pages 348–361 to learn more about important Church events and figures after A.D.1054. First Basilica of Saint Peter Consecrated In the fourth century after Christ’s Death and Resurrection, Constantine, the first Christian emperor of Rome, decided to build a basilica on Vatican hill, where a small shrine marking the tomb of Saint Peter was located. Construction began between A.D. 319 and 322, and the site was consecrated in 326. The basilica was completed in A.D. 349.
The Papal States Established The Papal States were territories located in Central Italy around Rome that were governed by the papacy. They were officially established in A.D. 756, but the Bishops of Rome had been acquiring land for more than 400 years before that date. The Papal States fluctuated in size and power over the centuries, and lasted until 1870. They were also known as the Republic of Saint Peter, Church States, and Pontifical States.
Unit 1: Preview 50A
CHA P T ER 1
In God’s Image
KEY CONCEPT God made humans in his image and likeness so we could be in relationship with him. DOCTRINAL CONTENT • God made humans in his image and likeness so we could be in relationship with him.
Teacher Background God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. … God looked at everything he had made, and found it very good. Genesis 1:27, 31 Reflect What does it mean to you to be created in God’s image?
(CCC 35, 45)
• With a soul, reason, and free will, humans can set their priority and direction in life toward friendship with God. Jesus is the model for living out this relationship. (CCC, 356, 357) • Through the accounts of creation and the establishment of the covenant, we learn that God is faithful to all humans, even when they sin. (CCC, 346) • Natural and revealed law helps us live out the covenant and grow closer to God. (CCC, 1954–1974)
TASKS OF CATECHESIS Helping children grow in a faith that is “known, celebrated, lived, and expressed in prayer”(NDC, 20). This chapter focuses on the following tasks of catechesis: • Promoting Knowledge of the Faith • Moral Formation
51A Chapter 1
Human beings were created to be in relationship. It is part of our nature. Because we were created by a God who is himself a communion of Persons—and created for the expressed purpose of union with our Creator—how could it be otherwise? There is a natural inclination within each of us to be with others. When those relationships are defined by justice and love, they become what God intended them to be. When they are defined by selfishness and abuse, relationships become disordered. We find in the Old Testament that God’s People struggled to maintain just and right relationships with him and others. He continued to love them despite their shortcomings, and he established a covenant with them as an indication of their unique relationship with him. He also provided laws for them to follow, and he continued to affirm this covenant with his Chosen People. He remained faithful to the covenant, and chose leaders and prophets to call the Israelites to be faithful to the covenant, too. Through the law, most notably revealed in the Ten Commandments, God gave his People loving instruction and direction on what their relationships with him and others should be like. All of his laws are based on love and helping his People know his will. Reflect How do the relationships in your life help you come to know God better?
Teacher’s Prayer God our loving Father, be with those who seek to pass along their love for you and the Church to others. Bless us as teachers that we may faithfully and honorably share your truth with the students in our care. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
ONLINE RESOURCES http://www.aliveinchrist.osv.com
How Eighth Graders Understand Chapter Topics Eighth graders may still understand God’s law as a list of “dos and don’ts,” rather than an invitation to relationship. They will be more open to God’s law when they understand his great love for them, and how the law of God helps them be the people they were meant to be. Teaching Tip: All schools have rules about how students should interact with each other. Ask students to name some of the rules about physical fighting, name-calling, etc. Now ask them if they would need reminders of these rules when they are spending time with their closest friends, or whether they would follow these rules naturally. Talk about how when our relationship with God and others is as it should be, we naturally follow God’s law, not because we are forced to, but because we want to.
Sharing the Message with Eighth Graders • As they expand their relationships and social responsibilities, younger adolescents are beginning to grapple with the expectations of others, including the sometimes-conflicting expectations of family members and peers. • They want to believe in a God who is bigger and more in control than they are, yet they also seek a God who is an intimate, understanding, and very personal companion. • One of the greatest things you can communicate to a young person is that he or she is made in God’s image and likeness. When teens begin to see themselves and others as precious children of God rather than objects to be used, they grow greatly in their sense of self-worth and in their ability to love generously.
Go to aliveinchrist.osv.com
You will find: • Interactive lesson planning, additional activities, and ideas for the classroom environment • Step by step lesson instruction from printed Teacher Edition for integrated lesson planning • Custom-built assessments to download and eAssessment links • Interactive reviews that provide scores and the option to review answers • Chapter-specific Lectionary connections and a complete correlation ordered by the Sundays of the year, with suggestions for how to Integrate the Scripture readings into chapter lessons G o to osvparish.com for Ask the Experts Q and A, Community Connections, and Blogs.
In God’s Image 51B
Chapter 1 Planner Objectives
Open
DAY 1—Invite/Preview, Pages 51–53 • Reflect on God’s personal invitation through Scripture
Psalm 139:14 Pray the opening prayer.
• Indicate prior knowledge of chapter concepts and vocabulary
Genesis 1:27–28, 31 Proclaim “In God’s Image.” Guide the students through the process of Scripture reflection. • Discuss Have You Ever Thought questions.
DAY 2—Discover, Pages 54–55 • Recognize that we are made to be in relationship with God
Pray the Lord’s Prayer, page 383.
• Identify ways humans are different from the rest of the created world • Examine Jesus’ relationship with God the Father and apply it to our own lives
DAY 3—Discover, Pages 56–57 • Discuss the covenant, or sacred promise, made between God and humans • Recognize God’s faithfulness to humans even when we sin
Pray the Glory Be, page 383. • Discuss the opening question.
DAY 4—Discover, Pages 58–59 • Discover how God’s Law guides us to live in his image and follow the covenant • Understand that natural and revealed law guide us in faithful living
Pray Psalm 139:14, page 51. • Discuss the opening question.
DAY 5—Live, Pages 60–61 • Apply the Ten Commandments to personal attitudes and actions • Explore the faith life of Saint Marcella • Offer the Prayer of Petition
REVIEW AND ASSESSMENT Chapter Review, page 62 Chapter Test, page 51F
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51C Chapter 1
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Pray a reflection.
Build • Present lesson highlights.
Close
Materials & Resources
• Activity Identify important commitments. • Optional Activity Intergenerational Sharing (Activity Master 1)
pencils or pens
• Activity Name characteristics that are “like” Christ. • Conclude with a review of key concepts and objectives.
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• Activity List responsibilities that are part of a personal relationship with God. • Conclude with a review of key concepts and objectives.
pencils or pens
• Catholic Faith Words Ten Commandments, Decalogue • Discuss how the Commandments help us maintain God’s friendship. • Activity Identify the correct number of each Commandment.
• Review the In Summary statements.
pencils or pens
• Learn about Saint Marcella.
• Ask four volunteers to be readers.
pencils or pens
• Activity Identify expectations for seeing the image of God in others.
• Follow the order of prayer. Sing or play the closing song.
• Preview Catholic Faith Words. Answer questions about the uniqueness of humans and our special role in God’s creation.
• Catholic Faith Words soul, free will • Brainstorm ways humans differ from the rest of creation. • Review key points on Jesus’ relationship with God the Father.
board or chart paper Activity Master 1 (Page 51G)
board or chart paper Bible
Read Matthew 6:26–33.
• Catholic Faith Words covenant • Discuss what a covenant is. Read and reflect on Genesis 12:1–9. • Review ways God called others to serve him.
Bible
”Almighty Creator”
In God’s Image 51D
Chapter Connections
FORMING CATHOLIC IDENTITY ACROSS THE CURRICULUM
NCEA IFG: ACRE EDITION
To integrate the Catholic faith in all aspects of curriculum, this chapter’s objectives can be reinforced and applied in the instruction of other disciplines.
• Objective: To know and understand basic Catholic teaching about the Incarnate Word Jesus Christ as the way, truth, and life
Go to aliveinchrist.osv.com for cross-curricular activities and projects linked to the doctrinal content discussed in this unit. Activities are available from among the following knowledge categories and content areas: Language Arts
• Integration of Knowledge • Literacy • Speaking and Listening • Writing Skills
Knowledge of the Faith
Moral Formation
• Objective: To be knowledgeable about the teachings of Jesus and the Church as the basis of Christian morality and to understand Catholic Social Teaching Catholic Faith Literacy covenant, Ten Commandments
Catholic Social Teaching To integrate Catholic Social Teaching into your lesson, choose one of the following features: Rights and Responsibility of the Human Person, pages 338–339; or Solidarity of the Human Family, pages 344–345. Start the Live step of the process by talking about Saint Marcella on page 60. Then move directly to the Catholic Social Teaching feature.
Math
• Or, to expand the lesson, complete page 60, then move to the Catholic Social Teaching feature.
• Algebraic Thinking
• Return to Chapter 1 for the prayer on page 61.
• Geometry • Measurement and Data • Numbers and Operations Science
• Earth Science • Life Science • Physical Science • Technology Social Studies
• Civics • Economics • Geography • History
51E Chapter 1
Music Option Use the following song to enhance catechetical learning or for prayer.
• “Almighty Creator,” Day 5, Page 61
CHAPTER 1 Test
Name
Date
Match each description in Column A with the correct term in Column B. Column A
b
1. Sacred promise or agreement between humans
or between God and humans
a
2. Another name for Ten Commandments
c
3. Spiritual principle of a human that is individual,
created by God, and will exist forever
d
4. God-given freedom and ability to choose and
make decisions
Column B a. Decalogue b. covenant c. soul d. free will
Indicate whether the following statements are true or false. Then rewrite the false statements to make them true. 5. Natural law, like the Ten Commandments, guides us in making choices. True/False
Revealed law guides us in making choices. 6. The prophet Noah constantly reminded the people that God would take away their hardened
hearts and replace them with a new heart. True/False
The prophet Jeremiah reminded the people of what God would do. 7. It is your soul that makes it possible for you to think, reason, and judge. True/False
It is your intellect that makes it possible to think, reason, and judge. 8. God chose Moses to lead his people out of Egypt and gave him the Ten Commandments.
True/False
Write a response on the lines below. 9. How does natural law serve as the foundation for the rights and responsibilities all humans share.
Natural law is the part of every human person that reveals how each person is created in God’s image and has fundamental dignity. 10. Explain how intellect helps people live out their covenant relationship of love.
Intellect helps humans distinguish between good and evil, showing us the ideal ways to live, and giving us the insight to make God’s love part of our lives. 1 Chapter 1
Alive in Christ, Grade 8 Chapter 1 51F
CHAPTER 1 Activity Master Name
Date
Intergenerational Sharing Take an opportunity to learn some things from your grandparents, a favorite aunt or uncle, or an older person who plays an important role in your life. Tell the important elder in your life that you have some questions from class that you would like to discuss with him or her. Ask your chosen person if he or she would like to have the discussion over lunch or dinner or simply find a comfortable place to sit and talk. Give your relative or friend a copy of the questions you want to discuss before your outing. Think about how you would answer these questions. How do I know what is really important?
What is my purpose in life?
How do I know the right way to live?
What I wish I had more wisdom about:
1 Alive in Christ, Grade 8 Chapter 1
51G Alive in Christ, Grade 8 Chapter 1
INVITE INVITE
DAY 1
CHAP TER 1
In God’s Image
Objective • Reflect on God’s personal invitation through Scripture
Let Us Pray Leader: Holy God, we praise and bless you for your presence with us. Thank you for helping us to remember that we are holy and chosen.
“I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works!” Psalm 139:14
OPEN
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All: God, help me to see clearly what matters in my life.
Let Us Pray Invite the students to gather in the prayer space and make the Sign of the Cross. Pray the leader prayer. Choose a student to read aloud the Psalm verse. Prompt the group’s response. Have the students return to their seats.
“God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and God said to them: Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that crawl on the earth. …God looked at everything he had made, and found it very good.” Genesis 1:27–28, 31
Say: Because God wanted to have a relationship with us based on our ability to choose, he made us different from the rest of creation. Let’s listen to what the Bible says about how God created man in his image and likeness.
Have you ever thought… • What does it mean to be created in God’s image?
Scripture
• How can we know the right way to live? In God’s Image
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Scripture Reflection Process Invite the students to be still, close their eyes, and focus on their breathing. Encourage them to open their minds and hearts to what God is saying to them. • Proclaim the Scripture and have the students sit in silence. • Ask: What did you hear God say to you today? • Allow volunteers to share. You may play instrumental music to begin the reflection.
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Guide the students through the process of Scripture reflection (see the Scripture Background box below). • Remember, this is a spiritual discipline that takes practice. The students will grow in their capacity to sit in silence. Throughout the year, build to five minutes.
Have you ever thought… Say: The purpose of our life is to grow in total union with God so that we will experience that union for all of eternity. Invite the students to respond to the questions.
In God’s Image 51
INVITE DAY 1 Objective • Indicate prior knowledge of chapter concepts and vocabulary
Getting Started In this chapter, you will learn about God’s desire for people to live in his image and to be in relationship with him. He wants to have a personal relationship with each of us, and his law helps us live in his love and his image.
Catholic Faith Words • soul • free will • covenant • Ten Commandments • Decalogue
BUILD Use this page to assess the students’ knowledge related to the chapter content.
Getting Started Have a volunteer read aloud the first paragraph. • Ask: Why do you think God wants to have a personal relationship with each of us? • Allow volunteers to respond. • Write their answers on the board or on chart paper. Living in His Image Arrange the class into small groups to complete the chart. • Ask the students to work together to answer the questions on living in God’s image. Possible responses: We can think and make decisions; we have a soul. We are spiritual beings. God gave us laws to follow.
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Answer the questions below to tell what you already know about the uniqueness of humans and their special role in God’s creation.
Living in His Image What makes humans different from the rest of creation?
How do these things relate to being made in God’s image?
What are some ways God helps us to live as he intends?
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Small Group Participation As you know, some students may have difficulty engaging in small group arrangements. Invite the class to help come up with guidelines for group discussion. Make sure they include the following: • Give everyone an opportunity to speak; listen well to one another. • Assign a role to each person to allow everyone the opportunity to participate. • Remember to ask quieter group members their thoughts.
52 Chapter 1
Work with Words IDENTIFY
Point out the vocabulary words on page 52 in the Catholic Faith Words box.
Commitments On the lines below, write about commitments you have made to different people and things. Which commitments are most important to you? Why?
• Remind the class that important words will be highlighted in every chapter. These are words that they should pay particular attention to.
Friends
Family
• Ask the students to put a check mark next to the words they have heard before and circle any words they are unfamiliar with.
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God
Myself
• Invite volunteers to share the meaning of the words they know.
Clubs or Sports
• Explain that the students will find the definitions for each of these words throughout the chapter.
Church
CLOSE ACTIVITY
School
Introduce the activity. • Give the students time to reflect on the commitments they have to different people. In God’s Image
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• Have them work independently to identify the commitments that are important to them. • Allow volunteers to share their responses with the class.
Activity Master 1: Intergenerational Sharing Distribute copies of the activity found on teacher page 51G. • Direct the students to follow the instructions on the page. • This activity will allow the students to benefit from the knowledge and experience of an older person. It also helps the students to see how someone’s perspective on life can change over time.
CHAPTER 1 Activity Master 1 Name
Date
Intergenerational Sharing Take an opportunity to learn some things from your grandparents, a favorite aunt or uncle, or an older person who plays an important role in your life. Tell the important elder in your life that you have some questions from class that you would like to discuss with him or her. Ask your chosen person if he or she would like to have the discussion over lunch or dinner or simply find a comfortable place to sit and talk. Give your relative or friend a copy of the questions you want to discuss before your outing. Think about how you would answer these questions. How Do I Know What Is Really Important?
What Is My Purpose in Life?
How Do I Know the Right Way to Live?
What I Wish I Had More Wisdom About:
1 Alive in Christ, Grade 8 Chapter 1
In God’s Image 53
D I S COV E R D IS COV ER
DAY 2 Objectives • Recognize that we are made to be in relationship with God • Identify ways humans are different from the rest of the created world • Examine Jesus’ relationship with God the Father and apply it to our own lives
Have the students move to the prayer space. Begin with the Sign of the Cross. Pray the Lord’s Prayer from page 383.
BUILD
Joined with God Tell the students: • God wants us to have a relationship with him. • We are challenged to discover what is really important in life and how to build our lives around what really matters.
Why did God create us?
We all have expectations put on us and our time. Our family and friends need us, and schoolwork takes time. With all of these demands, you might wonder what’s really important. The challenge is to find out what really matters, and to build your life around that.
Our Purpose As humans, we all share the same purpose. By our very nature, we are made to have a relationship with God: to be his friend, to know and love him, and to help others do the same. This is our purpose and in life. How we respond to the expectations placed on us, and create expectations for ourselves, should be based on which ones lead us toward friendship with God. Because God wanted to have a relationship with humans, he made us different from the rest of his creation.You were made in God’s image and likeness, with a body and a soul—the spiritual principle, or part, of a human person that is individual, created by God, and will exist forever. With only a body, human beings would be like all the other animals. Because God has breathed his own Divine Spirit into every human person, you are both a physical and spiritual being.You have an intellect that makes it possible for you to think, reason, and judge, and a free will—the God-given ability to choose between good and evil. God created us with free will so we can have the freedom to choose good, to choose to love him above all things, and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. This unique combination makes you an image of God. 54
As a class, brainstorm ways we differ from the rest of the created world. • Create a list on chart paper. Hang the list where it can be seen. Invite three students to read the paragraphs in this section. • Give the class an opportunity to identify the connection between their list and the contents of the paragraphs. Allow them to add to the list. Emphasize the last paragraph in this section and discuss the question.
54 Chapter 1
How would you describe your journey of faith so far?
Jesus’ Example Jesus showed us that our happiness comes from trusting in God the Father and being one with him. This is what God created us for, and when our lives are lived with this purpose, everything else leans toward it. Jesus taught us what friendship with God is all about. The choices he made, the ways he prayed, and the priorities he had in life showed us how to love God and others. He recognized the dignity of all people, even when society did not. He welcomed people others ignored, forgave people who were truly sorry, and cared for people in need. He showed compassion. He was also responsible to Mary and Joseph, and he followed the rituals and feasts of his Jewish faith. Having a relationship with God the Father was not something separate from the rest of Jesus’ life. It was part of who he was when with his family, friends, and followers. It was part of the choices he made and the things he did, whether eating a meal with his disciples or performing a miracle to feed 5,000 people.
Catholic Faith Words soul the spiritual principle of a human person that is individual, created by God, and will exist forever free will the God-given freedom and ability to make choices. God created us with free will so we can have the freedom to choose good .
Chapter 1
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Our Purpose
You are related to God. The journey of life involves the ways that you live out that relationship with God.
© Our Sunday Visitor
OPEN
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Teacher Background Children of God
Adolescence is a time when young people can experience a heightened sense of not being enough. One of the greatest things you can communicate to a young person is that he or she is made in God’s image and likeness. When teens begin to see themselves and others as precious children of God rather than people who do not measure up to cultural standards, they grow greatly in their sense of self-worth and dignity and in their ability to love generously.
Jesus’ Example Have the students silently read the paragraphs on pages 54 and 55. • Ask them to underline the key point in each paragraph. • Review the key points as a class, making sure that the students understand that Jesus is our model for being in relationship with God the Father.
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Jesus once told his disciples not to worry about what they were going to wear or eat.
brothers and sisters of Christ. We are in some ways an image of the invisible God. Though not perfect like Christ, each of us shares in the image of Christ.
“Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?”
Scripture Invite a student to proclaim the Scripture.
NAME
• Ask: What was Jesus telling the disciples with these words? Possible response: that material concerns were not important
Because you have been united with Christ in Baptism, you have put on Christ to become more like him. Name some things that you recognize in yourself that are “like” Christ.
Matthew 6:26–33
He was not telling them that material concerns were not important, but he didn’t want them to be constantly worried about them. He wanted them to depend upon God and to be focused first on God’s Kingdom.
CLOSE
What is really important to you? What is really worth worrying about?
ACTIVITY
Name some ways you recognize that you need to grow more “like” him.
How would things change for you if you followed Jesus’ advice about worrying?
Read aloud the directions.
Jesus was able to model a complete relationship with God because he is fully human and fully Divine. As Saint Paul said, Jesus was the “image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15). Through Baptism, we are as
• Have the students work independently on completing the activity. In God’s Image
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God’s Treasure Matthew wants us to know that Jesus is the Messiah promised to the Jewish people. This Gospel emphasizes the love that is centered in Jesus’ teachings and the relationship we are called to have with God the Father.
• Allow volunteers to share the different ways they are “like” Christ. Quick Review We are made in the image of God, who wants us to live in relationship with him. Jesus is our model for being in relationship with God the Father.
• Matthew 6:26–33 reminds us not to be a slave to the world’s ideas of treasures. • Blessed are the meek, and those who mourn, the poor, the merciful, the clean of heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted. These are the treasures God values.
In God’s Image 55
D I S COV E R DAY 3 Objectives • Discuss the covenant, or sacred promise, made between God and humans • Recognize God’s faithfulness to humans even when we sin
OPEN
Ask: What is a covenant? • Allow the students to share their thoughts. Then read aloud the definition.
Even though we are free to make choices, we do not always choose what is right. Sometimes we show God’s goodness, and at other times we fail. Whether people are good or bad, God never stops offering his love. But people might still wonder, “If God is so good and loving, why is there sin and evil in the world?” God created our first parents, Adam and Eve, in his image and likeness. They shared fully in his holiness and goodness. They also shared in God’s gift of freedom but chose to disobey him. Because of their choices and actions, they lost the holiness and goodness first received from God. Yet, God remained perfect in his love for Adam and Eve. Instead of abandoning them, he promised that all humans would once again share fully in his life. He made a covenant with them and their descendants, first Noah, then Abraham. A covenant is like a contract between two persons, but it is more serious and heartfelt than a legal contract. It is a sacred promise or agreement between God and humans
BUILD
Called to Covenant Give the students an opportunity to quietly read and reflect on the paragraphs in this section. • Share that even though our first parents sinned, God didn’t abandon them. He made a covenant with their descendants. • Point out that God has shown over and over again that he would remain faithful to the covenant. • Say: If you were baptized as an infant, your baptismal promise is a covenant between God and you.
Catholic Faith Words
What is a covenant with God?
covenant a sacred promise or agreement between humans or between God and humans
involving mutual commitments. In the Old Testament accounts, God showed over and over again that he would remain faithful to the covenant he made to be their God and for them to be his People. What covenant or sacred promise do you share with God?
Called by Name God seemed to surprise people in the Old Testament with the way he called them to serve him. • Abraham was called to journey to the land of Canaan, where God would make of his descendants a great nation. (See Genesis 12.)
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Have the students gather in the prayer space and pray the Glory Be from page 383.
Called to Covenant
• Jacob was chosen to be given the family birthright even though his brother Esau was older. (See Genesis 27.) • God called Samuel to be a prophet, even though he was only a servant to the prophet Eli. (See 1 Samuel 3.)
Go to the Source Read Genesis 12:1–9 and think about how you would respond if God called you like he did Abraham.
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Teacher Background Commitment to Christ
Our sacramental life is key to our covenant relationship with God. • Baptism is our entry into our covenantal relationship with the Holy Trinity. In addition, each time we participate in the Eucharistic liturgy, we are given the strength and encouragement to be faithful to this covenant. • Each Sacrament contains a vow, a promise, or a sign of commitment. The commitment is to continue our journey of life in Christ for the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation.
56 Chapter 1
God calls all people to live in covenant friendship with him. It is always possible to say “yes” to God, because God provides help in showing how to live in this relationship. Many figures in the Old Testament provided
Called by Name
examples of what it means to live in a covenant relationship with God. They reacted to God’s call in different ways, but each is an example of trusting in him and his will.
Summarize the material in this section, which runs across pages 56 and 57, allowing a student to read aloud the bullet points.
Living Out the Covenant
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Noah
In the section of the Book of Genesis that we call pre-history, we hear the story of Noah. With his family, he trusted that God would keep them safe through the flood. God made a covenant with Noah never to wash away all living creatures on Earth again.
Go to the Source
The Chosen People
They were the descendants of Abraham and Sarah, and God promised to make of them a great nation. Even when they turned from God, they were forgiven and called back to the covenant.
Moses
God saved Moses from his abandonment as an infant and raised him to lead the people of Israel in rebellion against their Egyptian captors. Moses then led the people out of Egypt and through the Red Sea when God parted the water. God gave Moses the Ten Commandments as a sign of his covenant love.
Ruth
Ruth was a Moabite who became part of the Chosen People through marriage. She became an example of self-sacrifice and good moral character through her gift of faith in God.
Solomon
As King of Israel, Solomon was noted for a wisdom that reflected God’s care for the people.
Susanna
She trusted that God’s wisdom in the prophet Daniel would prove that the accusations against her were false. She became a model of truthfulness for her family and all of God’s people.
Jeremiah
Though at first he did not believe he was capable or worthy of being a prophet, he finally put his trust in God and answered the call. He constantly reminded the people that God would remove their hardened hearts and replace them with new hearts.
Ask a volunteer to read aloud, Genesis 12:1–9. Invite the students to think about how they would respond if God called them like he did Abraham. Say: It is always possible to say “yes” to God, because God provides help in showing us how to live in covenant friendship with him. Living Out the Covenant Allow the students to work with a classmate to review the content of the chart.
LIST
• Provide an opportunity for them to ask questions or to comment on information they found interesting.
List three responsibilities you have as part of your personal relationship with God. My personal relationship with God calls me to: 1. 2. 3.
CLOSE
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Verbal/Linguistic
The ark of the covenant is shrouded in mystery and myth. There is historical, biblical, geographical, and religious information available about it. So, how do we know what’s true? • Organize the students into several groups and ask each group to research information on the ark. Tell them to provide as much information as they can in a one-page report.
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Have a volunteer read aloud the directions. • Offer the students an opportunity to share their lists. Quick Review God has shown over and over again that, no matter what, he remains faithful to the covenant he made with humans to be their God and for them to be his People.
• Provide an opportunity for each group to present their report to the whole class.
In God’s Image 57
D I S COV E R DAY 4
Laws of Love The revealed laws of God, like the Ten Commandments, guide us in making choices. Revealed law:
Objectives • Discover how God’s Law guides us to live in his image and follow the covenant
• shows us how to live in relationship with God and others • sets before us the virtues (like faith, hope, and charity) that help us live as God’s children in his image
• Understand that natural and revealed law guide us in faithful living
• helps us to recognize what is evil and what creates separation or division from God and others, and • gives us insight about how to make God’s love a real part of our lives
OPEN
Read aloud the question and elicit responses from the class. • Have a volunteer record the responses on the board or on chart of paper.
BUILD
Guided by the Law Ask two volunteers to read aloud the opening paragraphs. Emphasize the point that natural moral law is written by God in our hearts. It’s accessible through our God-given reason and shows that each person created in God’s image has a fundamental human dignity.
Laws of Love Review the section on Revealed Law with the class. Involve several students by assigning the bullet points to different readers. • Tell the students to underline the sentences they think are most important in the readings. • Provide time for them to share what they noted as most important and why.
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Moses carries the tablets of the Decalogue in the film The Ten Commandments
Guided by the Law How does the law help us live in God’s image?
The law serves as God’s way of helping us live out the covenant and grow closer to him because it helps us recognize evil. The law is first of all based on nature, because it is through human nature that people participate and share in God’s goodness. Natural moral law refers to the precepts about goodness that are written by God in our hearts and accessible through our God-given reason. This natural moral law shows that each person created in God’s image has a fundamental human dignity. Natural moral law, or simply natural law, is the foundation for the rights and responsibilities all humans share. 58
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Have the students pray the Psalm from page 51.
If human nature had remained perfect, humans would not have needed the laws of the Ten Commandments because these rules would have come from the heart and spirit of each person. The Ten Commandments, also called the Decalogue, from a Greek phrase that means “ten words,” are based on natural moral law, but have also been revealed by God as a way of instructing us in how to live the life God intends for us. God gave Moses the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai so that the people would have a guide for learning how to live in God’s image and follow the covenant— through their love for God (Commandments 1–3) and their love for each other (Commandments 4–10). The Ten Commandments are found in the Old Testament, but the two versions given have some variations. (See Exodus 20:2–17 and Deuteronomy 5:6–21.) Saint Augustine used the Ten Commandments to teach baptismal candidates and Church members.
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Scripture Background The Ten Commandments As noted in the student textbook, the Ten Commandments can be found in Exodus 20:2–17 and Deuteronomy 5:6–21. In other places in the Old Testament we find these laws summarized into love of God and love of neighbor. (See Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18.) In Jesus’ time, Jews may have already combined the two into a Great Commandment as he did so in his response to the question “Which commandment is the greatest?” He tells his listeners that love of God, neighbor, and self are the basis for and fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. (See Matthew 22:34–40.)
Natural law: • helps humans distinguish between good and evil, • shows the way to put that which is good into practice, • is universal because it applies to every human being,
number of the Commandment next to its text. Then draw a star next to a Commandment you will work on following this week.
7
You shall not steal.
10
You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
1
I am the Lord your God: you shall not have strange gods before me.
8
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
2
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
Ten Commandments the ten fundamental moral laws given by God to Moses, and recorded in the Old Testament, to help his People live by the covenant
9 3 6
You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
Decalogue another name for the Ten Commandments; from the Greek phrase meaning “ten words”
4
Honor your father and your mother.
5
You shall not kill.
• provides the basis for all other moral laws and rules.
© Our Sunday Visitor
• Read aloud the definitions for Ten Commandments and Decalogue.
The Commandments Write the correct
• is unchangeable and permanent throughout all of history, and
The Ten Commandments apply to all human beings in matters that are serious and also in ways that are less serious but important. For example, everyone knows that killing is
Catholic Faith Words
• With a soul, reason, and free will, humans can set their priority and direction in life toward friendship with God. Jesus is the model for living out this relationship.
ACTIVITY Read the instructions to the class.
Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day.
• Have them complete the activity individually.
You shall not commit adultery.
• Review the correct answers together.
CLOSE
In Summary
be their God. God calls each of us to be in relationship with him and to honor the covenant.
Have volunteers read aloud the opening sentence and each of the three summary points.
• The natural moral law and revealed law— especially the Ten Commandments—guide people in what is good and evil, what is faithful living, and what it means to truly be an image of God.
• God established a covenant with his People, promising to be faithful to them and to
In God’s Image
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• Point out that the Ten Commandments guide us, not only in regard to serious sin, but also in matters that are less serious.
Catholics Believe
God made humans in his image and likeness so we could be in relationship with him.
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Continue the class review of the content by enlisting the help of volunteers in covering the bullet points under Natural Law.
IDENTIFY
• varies in the way it is applied because humans are asked to use the gift of reason to make choices,
IN SUMMARY
Laws of Love, continued
a most serious sin (going against the Fifth Commandment). But the Commandment also applies to hurting someone with abusive language.
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• Discuss how the Ten Commandments help us maintain our friendship with God.
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Applying the Bible Message Reading God’s message in Scripture can help us understand how we can live out his plan for us. • Remind the students that the habit of reading Scripture regularly is an important step in learning to apply God’s Word to our lives. • Applying the message of the Bible, as well as God’s Law, to our lives may be the most basic and important skill for Christian living.
In God’s Image 59
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DAY 5 Our Catholic Life
Objectives • Apply the Ten Commandments to personal attitudes and actions • Explore the faith life of Saint Marcella • Offer the Prayer of Petition
OPEN
• Allow a minute of silence for their personal reflection.
BUILD
Our Catholic Life Ask a volunteer to read aloud this section. • Have the students work in groups of two or three to discuss how the Ten Commandments apply to the lives of people their age.
People of Faith Explain to the students that Saint Marcella lived in a way that helped her grow in relationship with God. • Read aloud the People of Faith paragraph. • Review with the class the People of Faith Background box. • Share with the students that Saint Marcella gave up many of the comforts of life to give herself to God and his work.
Which Commandments are easiest for you to follow? Which are most difficult?
People of Faith
IDENTIFY
Saint Marcella, 325–410
Imagine your life with no expectations or demands from others. You have to set all the expectations for yourself regarding your home life, school, friendships, and relationship with God. What expectations would you give yourself that would help you be an image of God to others?
Marcella married young, but she was widowed within her first year of marriage. Afterward, she invited a group of noble ladies to meet at her home, where they lived a life of self-discipline and self-denial to grow more deeply in their relationship with God through Christ. Because of the way she lived in faith and sacrifice, Saint Jerome called Marcella “the glory of the ladies of Rome.” Marcella’s relationship with God pointed her toward a life rich in the Spirit of God. The Church celebrates her feast day on January 31. For more, go to aliveinchrist.osv.com
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People of Faith Background Saint Marcella Saint Marcella spent much of her time reading and praying. • Saint Jerome gave her and the women who met at her mansion guidance about spiritual matters. Marcella learned from Saint Jerome, but was never afraid to stand up to him in arguments. • When the Goths looted Rome in A.D. 410, they tortured Marcella. They wanted her treasure. But they let her go when they learned that she had given all her money to the poor. Encourage the students to go to aliveinchrist.osv.com at home to learn more about Saint Marcella.
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Invite the students to consider what they can do to grow in relationship with God.
Rules are in place and enforced in every part of our lives, from rules about classroom behavior to traffic signs. Some are easy to follow, but others are more difficult or require explanation. Some are common sense, but others have been made in response to events or problems in society. The Ten Commandments go beyond everyday “rules.” You have probably heard them since you were a young child, and over time you’ve understood them better. They are God’s laws for living in relationship with him and with each other, and they are at the heart of God’s covenant. God gave the Ten Commandments to the Israelites, but they apply to our lives even now, at every age.
ACTIVITY Read the activity directions. • Give the students time to reflect on and respond to the prompt.
Prayer of Petition Leader: God, as we hear in the book of Genesis, on that sixth day, you made all of the living creatures of our planet. Last of all, you created man, male and female. From the first man and woman, we have been gloriously made in your own image.
Leader: Let’s ask God to help us respect the gift of sexuality and all people because they are made in his image.
Prayer of Petition
Reader 4: A reading from Genesis 1:29–31: “God also said: See, I give you every seedbearing plant on all the earth ... to be your food; and to all the wild animals, all the birds of the air, and all the living creatures that crawl on the earth, I give all the green plants for food. And so it happened. God looked at everything he had made, and found it very good.”
Reader 1: A reading from Genesis 1:24–25. “Then God said: Let the earth bring forth every kind of living creature: tame animals, crawling things, and every kind of wild animal. And so it happened ... God saw that it was good.”
© Our Sunday Visitor
CLOSE
Leader: Let’s pray for the Earth’s animals.
Ask four volunteers to serve as the readers. You will be the leader. Give the students a few minutes to read over their assigned passages. Remind them to read slowly and reverently.
Leader: Let’s thank God for the variety of plants, bushes, and trees that grow all over the Earth; they feed us.
Reader 2: A reading from Genesis 1:26: “Then God said: Let us make human beings in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over ... all the creatures that crawl on the earth.”
All: God, your plan of Creation was a perfect plan. We often fail to take good care of this Earth. We don’t protect the dignity and life of other human beings. Help us remember to do so. Amen.
Leader: Let’s ask God to guide the way we treat animals and the environment.
Set up a prayer table and place on it symbols or pictures of creation and a Bible opened to Genesis 1:24–31.
Sing or play “Almighty Creator”
Reader 3: A reading from Genesis 1:27–28. “God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
God blessed them and God said to them: Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it.”
Ask the students to gather around the prayer table and begin the prayer. In God’s Image
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Work with Words Circle the letter of the
B
choice that best completes the sentence. 1. The
is the spiritual principle that is created by God and will exist forever.
2.
a. intellect
c. soul
b. spirit
d. body
c. Free choice
b. Free will
d. Covenant
3. A
is a sacred promise or agreement between God and humans involving mutual commitments. c. vow d. Commandment
4. Another name for the Ten Commandments
is the
.
a. natural law
c. Decalogue
b. revealed law
d. Decalaw
c. heart d. soul
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Moses
Solomon
Revealed law
spirit
Decalogue
Review the instructions for each section and have the students complete the review.
law helps people recognize the evil that leads them away from God.
7. The
8. 9.
Natural moral law is universal because it applies to every human being. Revealed law , like the Ten Commandments, guides us in making choices.
10. The prophet
Jeremiah
constantly reminded the people that God would take away their hardened hearts and replace them with a new heart. C
Make Connections Write a brief response about a relationship in which you have seen or experienced a human reflection of God’s covenant love. How did the relationship illustrate that love? What effect did that love have on you or the others involved?
Chapter 1
Go to aliveinchrist.osv.com to prepare customized and downloadable assessments, send eAssessments, and assign interactive reviews.
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Conclude by inviting the students to sing or reflect on the song “Almighty Creator,” downloaded from aliveinchrist.osv.com.
CHAP TER R E VIE W
Moses to lead his people out of Egypt and gave him the Ten Commandments.
makes it possible for you to think, reason, and judge. b. conscience
law
Jeremiah
6. God chose
5. Your
a. intellect
Natural moral law
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a. covenant b. contract
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Check Understanding Complete each sentence with the correct term from the Word Bank.
is the God-given freedom and ability to make choices without being forced to choose or act in a certain way. a. Intellect
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UNIT PREVIEW
REVELATION How do we learn to be holy through the example of God, Jesus, and the Church?
TRINIT
CHURCH HISTORY TIMELINE 326
The first Basilica of Saint Peter is consecrated
756
Birth of the Papal States
1506
Construction begins on New Basilica of Saint Peter
JESUS CHRIST Lateran treaty establishes Vatican City
Go to page 348 for more
MORALIT
Our Catholic Tradition
•
•
•
God made humans in his image and likeness so we could be in relationship with him. God calls each of us to be in relationship with him and to honor the covenant and live by natural and revealed law. (CCC, 45, 54)
Our Catholic Life
•
With a soul, reason, and free will, humans can set their priority and direction in life toward friendship with God. Jesus is the model for living out this relationship. (CCC, 356, 357)
•
God’s Revelation is contained in his written Word of Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition entrusted to the Apostles and safeguarded by them and their successors, the bishops, and handed down verbally to future generations. (CCC, 84)
•
Each of us is called to be holy in the ordinary circumstances of our lives. God created humans to share in his glory, to be holy, and to be joined fully with him. (CCC 319, 2013, 2014)
SACRAMENTS God reveals himself to us in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, and we are called to respond in love by what we say and do. Faith is both a gift from God and a free, human choice. (CCC, 80, 176, 177) The Church is a sign of the holiness of God. Being holy is one of the Marks of the Church, and she helps us grow in holiness, especially through prayer and worship. (CCC, 867)
KINGDOM OF GOD
50 Unit 1: Revelation
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THE CHURCH
1929
INVITE CHAP TER 1
In God’s Image Let Us Pray Leader: Holy God, we praise and bless you for your presence with us. Thank you for helping us to remember that we are holy and chosen.
“I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works!” Psalm 139:14
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All: God, help me to see clearly what matters in my life.
“God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and God said to them: Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that crawl on the earth. …God looked at everything he had made, and found it very good.” Genesis 1:27–28, 31
Have you ever thought… • What does it mean to be created in God’s image?
• How can we know the right way to live? In God’s Image 51
Getting Started In this chapter, you will learn about God’s desire for people to live in his image and to be in relationship with him. He wants to have a personal relationship with each of us, and his law helps us live in his love and his image.
Catholic Faith Words • soul • free will • covenant • Ten Commandments • Decalogue
Living in His Image What makes humans different from the rest of creation?
How do these things relate to being made in God’s image?
What are some ways God helps us to live as he intends?
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Answer the questions below to tell what you already know about the uniqueness of humans and their special role in God’s creation.
IDENTIFY Commitments On the lines below, write about commitments you have made to different people and things. Which commitments are most important to you? Why? Friends
Family
© Our Sunday Visitor
God
Myself
Clubs or Sports
Church
School
In God’s Image 53
D IS COV ER
Joined with God Why did God create us?
We all have expectations put on us and our time. Our family and friends need us, and schoolwork takes time. With all of these demands, you might wonder what’s really important. The challenge is to find out what really matters, and to build your life around that.
Our Purpose
Because God wanted to have a relationship with humans, he made us different from the rest of his creation.You were made in God’s image and likeness, with a body and a soul—the spiritual principle, or part, of a human person that is individual, created by God, and will exist forever. With only a body, human beings would be like all the other animals. Because God has breathed his own Divine Spirit into every human person, you are both a physical and spiritual being.You have an intellect that makes it possible for you to think, reason, and judge, and a free will—the God-given ability to choose between good and evil. God created us with free will so we can have the freedom to choose good, to choose to love him above all things, and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. This unique combination makes you an image of God. 54 Chapter 1
How would you describe your journey of faith so far?
Jesus’ Example Jesus showed us that our happiness comes from trusting in God the Father and being one with him. This is what God created us for, and when our lives are lived with this purpose, everything else leans toward it. Jesus taught us what friendship with God is all about. The choices he made, the ways he prayed, and the priorities he had in life showed us how to love God and others. He recognized the dignity of all people, even when society did not. He welcomed people others ignored, forgave people who were truly sorry, and cared for people in need. He showed compassion. He was also responsible to Mary and Joseph, and he followed the rituals and feasts of his Jewish faith. Having a relationship with God the Father was not something separate from the rest of Jesus’ life. It was part of who he was when with his family, friends, and followers. It was part of the choices he made and the things he did, whether eating a meal with his disciples or performing a miracle to feed 5,000 people.
Catholic Faith Words soul the spiritual principle of a human person that is individual, created by God, and will exist forever free will the God-given freedom and ability to make choices. God created us with free will so we can have the freedom to choose good.
© Our Sunday Visitor
As humans, we all share the same purpose. By our very nature, we are made to have a relationship with God: to be his friend, to know and love him, and to help others do the same. This is our purpose in life. How we respond to the expectations placed on us, and create expectations for ourselves, should be based on which ones lead us toward friendship with God.
You are related to God. The journey of life involves the ways that you live out that relationship with God.
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Jesus once told his disciples not to worry about what they were going to wear or eat.
“Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?” Matthew 6:26–33
He was not telling them that material concerns were not important, but he didn’t want them to be constantly worried about them. He wanted them to depend upon God and to be focused first on God’s Kingdom. What is really important to you? What is really worth worrying about? How would things change for you if you followed Jesus’ advice about worrying?
brothers and sisters of Christ. We are in some ways an image of the invisible God. Though not perfect like Christ, each of us shares in the image of Christ.
NAME Because you have been united with Christ in Baptism, you have put on Christ to become more like him. Name some things that you recognize in yourself that are “like” Christ.
Name some ways you recognize that you need to grow more “like” him.
Jesus was able to model a complete relationship with God because he is fully human and fully Divine. As Saint Paul said, Jesus was the “image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15). Through Baptism, we are as In God’s Image 55
Called to Covenant What is a covenant with God?
Even though we are free to make choices, we do not always choose what is right. Sometimes we show God’s goodness, and at other times we fail. Whether people are good or bad, God never stops offering his love. But people might still wonder, “If God is so good and loving, why is there sin and evil in the world?” God created our first parents, Adam and Eve, in his image and likeness. They shared fully in his holiness and goodness. They also shared in God’s gift of freedom but chose to disobey him. Because of their choices and actions, they lost the holiness and goodness first received from God.
He made a covenant with them and their descendants, first Noah, then Abraham. A covenant is like a contract between two persons, but it is more serious and heartfelt than a legal contract. It is a sacred promise or agreement between God and humans
Go to the Source Read Genesis 12:1–9 and think about how you would respond if God called you like he did Abraham.
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covenant a sacred promise or agreement between humans or between God and humans
involving mutual commitments. In the Old Testament accounts, God showed over and over again that he would remain faithful to the covenant he made to be their God and for them to be his People. What covenant or sacred promise do you share with God?
Called by Name God seemed to surprise people in the Old Testament with the way he called them to serve him. • Abraham was called to journey to the land of Canaan, where God would make of his descendants a great nation. (See Genesis 12.) • Jacob was chosen to be given the family birthright even though his brother Esau was older. (See Genesis 27.) • God called Samuel to be a prophet, even though he was only a servant to the prophet Eli. (See 1 Samuel 3.)
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Yet, God remained perfect in his love for Adam and Eve. Instead of abandoning them, he promised that all humans would once again share fully in his life.
Catholic Faith Words
God calls all people to live in covenant friendship with him. It is always possible to say “yes” to God, because God provides help in showing how to live in this relationship. Many figures in the Old Testament provided
examples of what it means to live in a covenant relationship with God. They reacted to God’s call in different ways, but each is an example of trusting in him and his will.
© Our Sunday Visitor
Living Out the Covenant Noah
In the section of the Book of Genesis that we call pre-history, we hear the story of Noah. With his family, he trusted that God would keep them safe through the flood. God made a covenant with Noah never to wash away all living creatures on Earth again.
The Chosen People
They were the descendants of Abraham and Sarah, and God promised to make of them a great nation. Even when they turned from God, they were forgiven and called back to the covenant.
Moses
God saved Moses from his abandonment as an infant and raised him to lead the people of Israel in rebellion against their Egyptian captors. Moses then led the people out of Egypt and through the Red Sea when God parted the water. God gave Moses the Ten Commandments as a sign of his covenant love.
Ruth
Ruth was a Moabite who became part of the Chosen People through marriage. She became an example of self-sacrifice and good moral character through her gift of faith in God.
Solomon
As King of Israel, Solomon was noted for a wisdom that reflected God’s care for his People.
Susanna
She trusted that God’s wisdom in the prophet Daniel would prove that the accusations against her were false. She became a model of truthfulness for her family and all of God’s People.
Jeremiah
Though at first he did not believe he was capable or worthy of being a prophet, he finally put his trust in God and answered the call. He constantly reminded the people that God would remove their hardened hearts and replace them with new hearts.
LIST List three responsibilities you have as part of your personal relationship with God. My personal relationship with God calls me to: 1. 2. 3. 57
Laws of Love The revealed laws of God, like the Ten Commandments, guide us in making choices. Revealed law: • shows us how to live in relationship with God and others, • sets before us the virtues (like faith, hope, and charity) that help us live as God’s children in his image, • helps us to recognize what is evil and what creates separation or division from God and others, and • gives us insight about how to make God’s love a real part of our lives.
Guided by the Law How does the law help us live in God’s image?
The law serves as God’s way of helping us live out the covenant and grow closer to him because it helps us recognize evil. The law is first of all based on nature, because it is through human nature that people participate and share in God’s goodness. Natural moral law refers to the precepts about goodness that are written by God in our hearts and accessible through our God-given reason. This natural moral law shows that each person created in God’s image has a fundamental human dignity. Natural moral law, or simply natural law, is the foundation for the rights and responsibilities all humans share. 58 Chapter 1
God gave Moses the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai so that the people would have a guide for learning how to live in God’s image and follow the covenant— through their love for God (Commandments 1–3) and their love for each other (Commandments 4–10). The Ten Commandments are found in the Old Testament, but the two versions given have some variations. (See Exodus 20:2–17 and Deuteronomy 5:6–21.) Saint Augustine used the Ten Commandments to teach baptismal candidates and Church members.
© Our Sunday Visitor
Moses carries the tablets of the Decalogue in the film The Ten Commandments
If human nature had remained perfect, humans would not have needed the laws of the Ten Commandments because these rules would have come from the heart and spirit of each person. The Ten Commandments, also called the Decalogue, from a Greek phrase that means “ten words,” are based on natural moral law, but have also been revealed by God as a way of instructing us in how to live the life God intends for us.
Natural law: • helps humans distinguish between good and evil, • shows the way to put that which is good into practice,
a most serious sin (going against the Fifth Commandment). But the Commandment also applies to hurting someone with abusive language.
• is universal because it applies to every human being,
IDENTIFY
• varies in the way it is applied because humans are asked to use the gift of reason to make choices,
The Commandments Write the correct number of the Commandment next to its text. Then draw a star next to a Commandment you will work on following this week.
• is unchangeable and permanent throughout all of history, and
You shall not steal.
© Our Sunday Visitor
• provides the basis for all other moral laws and rules.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods. I am the Lord your God: you shall not have strange gods before me.
The Ten Commandments apply to all human beings in matters that are serious and also in ways that are less serious but important. For example, everyone knows that killing is
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
Catholic Faith Words Ten Commandments the ten fundamental moral laws given by God to Moses, and recorded in the Old Testament, to help his People live by the covenant
You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
Decalogue another name for the Ten Commandments; from the Greek phrase meaning “ten words”
Honor your father and your mother.
IN SUMMARY
Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day. You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not kill.
Catholics Believe
God made humans in his image and likeness so we could be in relationship with him.
• With a soul, reason, and free will, humans can set their priority and direction in life toward friendship with God. Jesus is the model for living out this relationship.
• God established a covenant with his People, promising to be faithful to them and to
be their God. God calls each of us to be in relationship with him and to honor the covenant.
• The natural moral law and revealed law— especially the Ten Commandments—guide people in what is good and evil, what is faithful living, and what it means to truly be an image of God. In God’s Image 59
LIVE
Our Catholic Life Rules are in place and enforced in every part of our lives, from rules about classroom behavior to traffic signs. Some are easy to follow, but others are more difficult or require explanation. Some are common sense, but others have been made in response to events or problems in society. The Ten Commandments go beyond everyday “rules.” You have probably heard them since you were a young child, and over time you’ve understood them better. They are God’s laws for living in relationship with him and with each other, and they are at the heart of God’s covenant. God gave the Ten Commandments to the Israelites, but they apply to our lives even now, at every age.
Which Commandments are easiest for you to follow? Which are most difficult?
IDENTIFY
Saint Marcella, 325–410
Imagine your life with no expectations or demands from others. You have to set all the expectations for yourself regarding your home life, school, friendships, and relationship with God. What expectations would you give yourself that would help you be an image of God to others?
Marcella married young, but she was widowed within her first year of marriage. Afterward, she invited a group of noble ladies to meet at her home, where they lived a life of self-discipline and self-denial to grow more deeply in their relationship with God through Christ. Because of the way she lived in faith and sacrifice, Saint Jerome called Marcella “the glory of the ladies of Rome.” Marcella’s relationship with God pointed her toward a life rich in the Spirit of God. The Church celebrates her feast day on January 31. For more, go to aliveinchrist.osv.com
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People of Faith
Prayer of Petition
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Leader: God, as we hear in the book of Genesis, on that sixth day, you made all of the living creatures of our planet. Last of all, you created man, male and female. From the first man and woman, we have been gloriously made in your own image. Reader 1: A reading from Genesis 1:24–25. “Then God said: Let the earth bring forth every kind of living creature: tame animals, crawling things, and every kind of wild animal. And so it happened ... God saw that it was good.” Leader: Let’s pray for the Earth’s animals. Reader 2: A reading from Genesis 1:26: “Then God said: Let us make human beings in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over ... all the creatures that crawl on the earth.” Leader: Let’s ask God to guide the way we treat animals and the environment.
Leader: Let’s ask God to help us respect the gift of sexuality and all people because they are made in his image. Reader 4: A reading from Genesis 1:29–31: “God also said: See, I give you every seedbearing plant on all the earth ... to be your food; and to all the wild animals, all the birds of the air, and all the living creatures that crawl on the earth, I give all the green plants for food. And so it happened. God looked at everything he had made, and found it very good.” Leader: Let’s thank God for the variety of plants, bushes, and trees that grow all over the Earth; they feed us. All: God, your plan of Creation was a perfect plan. We often fail to take good care of this Earth. We don’t protect the dignity and life of other human beings. Help us remember to do so. Amen. Sing or play “Almighty Creator”
Reader 3: A reading from Genesis 1:27–28. “God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and God said to them: Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it.”
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REVIEW
CHA P T ER 1 Go to aliveinchrist.osv.com for an interactive review.
A
Work with Words Circle the letter of the
B
choice that best completes the sentence.
sentence with the correct term from the Word Bank.
1. The
is the spiritual principle that is created by God and will exist forever.
2.
a. intellect
c. soul
b. spirit
d. body
Check Understanding Complete each
is the God-given freedom and ability to make choices without being forced to choose or act in a certain way. a. Intellect
c. Free choice
b. Free will
d. Covenant
c. vow
b. contract
d. Commandment
4. Another name for the Ten Commandments
is the
.
a. natural law
c. Decalogue
b. revealed law
d. Decalaw
c. heart
b. conscience
d. soul
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Moses
Solomon
revealed law
spirit
Decalogue
to
lead his People out of Egypt and gave him the Ten Commandments. 7. The
helps people recognize the evil that leads them away from God.
8.
is universal because it applies to every human being.
9.
, like the Ten Commandments, guides us in making choices.
10. The prophet
constantly reminded the people that God would take away their hardened hearts and replace them with a new heart.
makes it possible for you to think, 5. Your reason, and judge. a. intellect
Jeremiah
C
Make Connections Write a brief response about a relationship in which you have seen or experienced a human reflection of God’s covenant love. How did the relationship illustrate that love? What effect did that love have on you or the others involved?
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a. covenant
law
6. God chose
3. A
is a sacred promise or agreement between God and humans involving mutual commitments.
natural moral law
INVITE CHAP TER 2
Revelation and Faith Let Us Pray Leader: Holy Lord, you have made yourself known to us through words and actions. Increase our faith!
“You will show me the path to life, abounding joy in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.”
Psalm 16:11
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All: Help us be open to your ways, Lord. Make our faith stronger.
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,’ but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James 2:14–17
Have you ever thought… • What does it mean to truly live our faith?
• How does faith make a difference in our lives? 63
Getting Started In this chapter, you will learn more about God’s Revelation and explore how we respond in faith to what God has made known to us. You will look at how faith affects the way we live.
Catholic Faith Words • Sacred Tradition • faith • Church • councils • virtue • Theological Virtues
Examples of Faith Old Testament •
•
New Testament •
•
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In the chart below, write names of some people who showed great faith from the Old Testament and the New Testament. Then write how each person demonstrated his or her faith.
NAME The Practice of Faith Faith and works go hand-in-hand (see James 2:14–17). Maybe you’ve heard the expression, “practice what you preach.” As Catholics, we practice what we believe. On the chart lines, list a Catholic belief in the left-hand column. Across from the belief, name one way that you practice that belief. In other words, how do you live what you believe? Catholics Believe
We treat each other with respect.
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God created us in his image and likeness.
Catholics Practice
Revelation and Faith 65
D IS COV ER
God Made Known Where do we find God’s Revelation?
We all have doubts and uncertainties at times, even about God and his presence in the world. Sometimes it’s hard to have faith, especially when things aren’t going very well.You might even wonder what it means to have faith, to believe in God and all that he has made known to us. Faith is a gift that God gives to each of us. We each can accept this gift of faith, or reject it. By following up on the questions or doubts we have, we can get to the bottom of things. We can understand our faith better.
Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition
As the Church grew, the Apostles’ successors, the bishops, looked to Sacred Scripture, especially the Gospel accounts about Christ, and they handed on verbally God’s Word entrusted to them. They helped Christians interpret God’s Word contained in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. Sacred Tradition is God’s Word to the Church, safeguarded by the Apostles and their successors, the bishops, and handed down verbally—in her Creeds, Sacraments, and other teachings—to future generations. Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition together are the sources of God’s Revelation to us. Scripture is the basis of the written Word of God, and Tradition is the Word of God handed down verbally since the time of the Apostles. Contained in them is the Deposit of Faith. We need both to help us understand who God is and our relationship with him.
“This is good and pleasing to God our savior, who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:3–4
Statue of Saint Paul the Apostle in front of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican, Rome
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In order that the people would continue to hear the Good News of God’s love, Jesus asked his followers to tell others all about him. The Apostles did just that, and, inspired by the Holy Spirit, they passed on the Good News through their preaching, writing, and baptizing.
The newly baptized believers first relied on the accounts and teachings of the Apostles and others who had known Jesus. They later turned to the letters of Saint Paul and other disciples, then to the Gospels recorded by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Handing It On The Church strives to spread the message of God’s Revelation by finding just the right words and actions that will help people say “yes” to God. In this way, the Church’s leaders continue to share and apply the Word of God to the circumstances of our time, helping us to more fully know Jesus and live out his message.
We proclaim the Nicene Creed at Mass. In worship, like the Mass and the Seven Sacraments, the Church comes together to give God thanks and praise. In the life of the members of the Church, we see the faith of Christians put into action, especially for those who are in need of God’s help.
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In doctrine, the Church sets down in writing the important beliefs that are central for living a life of faith. An important example of this is a creed, or brief summary or statement of beliefs. Both the Apostles’ and Nicene Creed capture the Sacred Tradition handed down from the Apostles.
Catholic Faith Words Sacred Tradition is God’s Word to the Church, safeguarded by the Apostles and their successors, the bishops, and handed down verbally—in her Creeds, Sacraments, and other teachings—to future generations
THINK What’s one thing about your faith that you feel is certain?
What’s one thing that you want more clarity about?
Revelation and Faith 67
We Respond in Faith What does it mean to have faith?
Faith is a gift from God, but it is also your response to God’s invitation to share in his life. It is your acceptance of what God has made known through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, and by your willingness to
Catholic Faith Words faith the Theological Virtue that makes it possible for us to believe in God and all that he has revealed. Faith leads us to obey God. It is both a gift from God and a free, human choice. Church the community of all baptized people who believe in the Holy Trinity and follow Jesus councils gatherings of bishops during which they speak about the faith of the Church, her teachings, and important issues
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Having faith in God influences our whole life. Because of faith, we come to an understanding of God’s greatness and how unique we are. Faith leads us to be thankful to God for all he has given us and show our gratitude for others as well. Faith helps us to understand and respect the unity and dignity of people, and lets us put our trust in God, no matter what is happening in our lives. Because people are imperfect, we need God’s help to have faith. This is why Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit when he died. The Holy Spirit makes Christ present to us. With the Holy Spirit’s help, it is possible for someone to have faith. But no one is ever forced to have faith. We are drawn toward faith by the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and lives. It is by God’s grace—the free gift of his own life and help—that we are able to believe.
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Most of us enjoy receiving a gift and hope it will be something we like. If we get something useless, we may pretend we like it, but then put it aside. The gift of faith that God gives to us is similar because he freely gives it. We may either accept or reject it.
let his love make a difference in your life. You show your faith through the things you think, the decisions you make, and your actions. Faith involves the whole of you: your heart, will, mind, and soul. Faith is a way of seeing life and the people around you as if through God’s eyes.
Having faith and believing in God is always a free decision. And it takes work. We have to respond to the gift God has given us so that our faith can grow and mature. One way we can strengthen our faith is by reading Sacred Scripture. Another is by asking Jesus to help us believe and increase our faith as one father did in the Gospel according to Mark: “I do believe, help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). We rely on the Holy Spirit to do both. When have you caught yourself believing in something that did not seem possible?
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Belief: An Act of the Church Not only is “believing,” or having faith, a human act, but it is also an act of the community of people who believe in the Trinity. The community of baptized believers who believe in the Holy Trinity and follow Jesus is the Church. No one is alone when they have faith in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our faith in God flows from the faith of the Church. In turn, the faith of the Church offers us support and helps us to become stronger in faith throughout our lifetime. Everything that the Church does and teaches relates to God’s Word revealed in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition.
One of the ways that the Catholic Church interprets and explains Sacred Tradition is by gathering bishops in councils to speak about the faith of the Church, her teachings, and important issues. The last council was the Second Vatican Council, or Vatican II, between 1962 and 1965.Vatican II took place in Vatican City, Rome, beginning in October 1962. The council of over 2,500 bishops met in Saint Peter’s Basilica. This council produced teachings on the topics listed in the chart:
Topics of Vatican II • Revelation
• What the Church Is
• Liturgy and Worship
• How the Church Lives in the Modern World
• Religious Freedom
• Communications
• Ecumenism
• Bishops, Priests, Laity, and Religious Life
• Missions
• Education
• Eastern Churches
• Non-Christians
IDENTIFY Imagine that you are a parent and you want to help your child to grow in faith. Identify five important things that you would do to help your child grow in faith.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Revelation and Faith 69
lived their lives. We can see the Holy Spirit giving them the initial promptings to turn to God the Father. The Holy Spirit is in our hearts, too, guiding us to see and believe in what the Son has revealed. We find accounts in all four of the Gospels that Jesus often healed or forgave someone because they had faith in him. He would tell them that their faith in him had saved them. Jesus’ followers understood the importance of faith for life.
David Kills Goliath, by Reni Guido, 17th Century.
Strength through Faith Faith is much more than belief in creeds and doctrines. If we look at some of the important people in Sacred Scripture, we see that faith made a difference in the way they
The Lord replied, ‘If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to [this] mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea,” and it would obey you.’” Luke 17:5–6
What do you think Jesus is telling his followers in this passage?
The Effects of Faith Abraham and Sarah were able to take the risk of moving to a foreign land because they believed that God would keep his promise to make them the parents of a great nation. David was willing to face the giant because he believed God would help him even though he was so much smaller than Goliath. The Apostle Paul, after he converted to belief in Jesus, continued to preach the Gospel even when people tried to imprison and persecute him. Mary, the Mother of Jesus, had such faith in God and trusted in him so much that she said “yes” to the angel at the Annunciation. Peter was the first of all the Apostles to identify Jesus’ divinity, saying, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).
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Place a check mark next to the person whose experience you most identify with.
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How does faith affect the way I live?
“The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’
Catholic Faith Words virtue a good spiritual habit that strengthens and enables you to do what is right and good. They develop over time with our practice and openness to God’s grace. Theological Virtues gifts from God that help us believe in him, trust in his plan for us, and love him as he loves us; they are faith, hope, and charity
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With openness to God as a gift from God, faith is one of the Theological Virtues. A virtue is a good spiritual habit that enables you to do what is right and make good moral decisions.Virtues guide our conduct and our emotions. The word theological is a combination of the two Greek words for “God” and “word.” The three Theological Virtues, faith, hope, and charity (also called “love”), point us toward God. These gifts from God make it possible for Christians to live in relationship with God. They help us believe in him, trust in his plan for us, and love him as he loves us. They are the three virtues from which all other virtues flow. If a follower does not have them, it would be difficult to possess any other virtues. Saint Paul writes “So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).
IN SUMMARY
• Faith helps us to see beyond what is purely human, to recognize the mystery of God in our hearts, in other people, and in all of creation. • Hope sets our vision in the future, helping us realize that no matter what happens on Earth, God will keep his promise to bring us to everlasting life. It helps us put our trust in God and his plan for us. • Charity, or love, makes faith and hope concrete—through love of God we join with the Church in working with God to spread his Kingdom and make his Reign known. Why do you think Saint Paul says that the greatest of the Theological Virtues is love?
Anchors are often shown as symbols of the Theological Virtue of hope.
Catholics Believe
God reveals his love to us, and we are free to respond in love by what we say and do.
• God’s Revelation is contained in his written Word of Sacred Scripture and his Word in Sacred Tradition safeguarded by the Apostles and their successors, the bishops, handed down from generation to generation.
• Faith is both a Theological Virtue (a gift from God) and a human choice and action. Faith is an individual act and act of the Church as a whole; the faith of the Church nourishes and strengthens the faith of each of us.
• Faith makes a difference in our lives; others can see by the way we live that we believe in God. Revelation and Faith 71
LIVE
Our Catholic Life You may have heard this saying before: “Faith without works is dead.” It is a summary of the passages in James 2:14–26, in which James explains the effect our faith should have on our lives even outside of our Church. The Catholic Church demonstrates the power of her faith by performing good works all over the world, whether in relief settings or in missionary work. Good works are performed locally, too, in parishes and our neighborhoods. Catholic Churches work with each other and those from other faith communities to improve the lives of people in schools, neighborhoods, towns, and cities. We do this to show our gratitude for everything God has given us, and to honor the human dignity of everyone, because we are all made in God’s image.
How are you involved in the good works performed in your school or parish?
INTERVIEW
Saint Thomas, d. 72
Think of a Saint about whom you know. Imagine that you get an opportunity to spend time with him or her. What three questions you would like to ask about his or her relationship with God?
Saint Thomas is best known for his response to reports of Jesus’ Resurrection. Because he didn’t believe that Jesus had risen from the dead, he is called “Doubting Thomas.” Sacred Tradition says that after Pentecost, Thomas preached in India. A large group there still call themselves “Christians of Saint Thomas.” When Thomas came to the city of King Misdai, he converted the king’s wife and son. For this, he was led out of the city to a hill, and pierced through with spears by four soldiers. The Church celebrates his feast day on July 3. For more, go to aliveinchrist.osv.com
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1.
2.
3.
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People of Faith
Celebration of the Word Leader: Let us begin with the sign of our faith, the Sign of the Cross. In today’s reading, we hear the cry, “I do believe, help my unbelief!” A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark.
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Read Mark 9:14–29.
The Gospel of the Lord. All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. Leader: Lord, you alone provide the grace to help us believe. With all our heart, we pray to you: All: Lord, I believe; help my unbelief. Leader: When we are in doubt, when we feel weak, when we feel you have abandoned us, All: Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.
Leader: When we want to make choices we know are wrong, when we wonder whether or not you are real, when we lose all our hope, All: Lord, I believe; help my unbelief. Leader: When everything seems to be going right, when we have more to be thankful for than to ask for, when we need to remember that all our blessings come from you, All: Lord, I believe; help my unbelief. Leader: When we have lost our way, when it seems like our prayers go unanswered, when we doubt ourselves, All: Lord, I believe; help my unbelief. Sing or play “Open My Eyes”
Revelation and Faith 73
REVIEW
CHA P T ER 2 Go to aliveinchrist.osv.com for an interactive review.
A
Work with Words Complete each sentence
7. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is founded on
with the correct term from the Word Bank.
1.
Church
virtue
councils
the Gospel
Sacred Tradition
inspiration
canon
faith
the commissioning of the Apostles by Jesus to share in his ministry and work as Church leaders. True/False
8. Sacred Scripture is God’s Word handed
is the Word of God safeguarded by the Apostles and their successors, the bishops, handed down verbally through the generations.
down verbally to the Church in her Creeds, Sacraments, and other teachings. True/False
9. The Theological Virtues—mercy, grace, and
2. One of the ways that the Church interprets and
peace—are the three virtues from which all other virtues flow. True/False
applies Sacred Tradition is by gathering
3.
is the Theological Virtue that makes it possible for us to believe in God and the things that he has revealed to us.
10. Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture together
ensure that what the Church writes and hands down through the generations comes from God. True/False
4. The
is the community of baptized believers who believe in the Holy Trinity and follow Jesus.
5. A good spiritual habit that strengthens and
enables you to do what is right is known as a . B
Check Understanding Indicate whether the following statements are true or false. Then rewrite false statements to make them true.
6. Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition together
are sources of God’s Revelation to us. True/False
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C
Make Connections On a separate sheet of paper, write a one-paragraph response to the questions: Think of someone—described in the Bible or from your life—who has great faith. What role does faith play in that person’s life? What have you learned from that person about your own faith?
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bishops in to speak about the faith of the Church, her teachings, and important issues.
INVITE CHAP TER 3
The Church Is Holy Let Us Pray Leader: Father, most Holy One, give us the faith and the holiness we need to follow your Son, Jesus, and to discover your will for our lives.
“Know that the Lord is God, he made us, we belong to him … His mercy endures forever, his faithfulness lasts through every generation.” Psalm 100:3–5
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All: Holy God, you sent your Son Jesus to show us the way to you. We bless and praise you!
“He said to [his] disciples, ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life and what you will eat, or about your body and what you will wear. For life is more than food and the body more than clothing. Notice the ravens: they do not sow or reap; they have neither storehouse nor barn, yet God feeds them. How much more important are you than birds! … seek his kingdom, and these other things will be given you besides. Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an
inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.’” Luke 12:22–23, 31–34
Have you ever thought… • How can anyone completely trust in God? • What does it really mean to be holy?
The Church Is Holy 75
Getting Started In this chapter, you will explore God’s holiness and what it means to be holy in our everyday lives. God’s holiness and the holiness of the Church help us grow in holiness.
In the chart below, write the first four things you think of when you hear the word holiness. Explain your answers to a classmate. © Our Sunday Visitor
Holiness
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Catholic Faith Words • holiness
• angels
• holy
• Marks of the Church
SOLVE To Be Holy In the Gospel according to Luke, Jesus offers us insight into
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what it means to be holy. Solve the word search below to find some of the advice this Gospel gives.
S
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K
G
O
D
B
J
Z
N
Q
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P
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V
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L
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Q
B
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What is your definition for holiness?
Share with a classmate one way you have witnessed or experienced holiness. The Church Is Holy 77
D IS COV ER
Visitors explore space travel history at a planetarium in Poland.
The Holiness of God How can we really be holy?
“When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars that you set in place— What is man that you are mindful of him, and a son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him little less than a god, crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him rule over the works of your hands, put all things at his feet.” Psalm 8:4–7
Sharing God’s Glory On each of the six days of creation, God looked upon what he had made and said that it was “good.” Everything reflected his own goodness and holiness. So all of creation is related because everything was created by God and shows his goodness. God created the variety of creatures each with a different purpose and order. He made them to be interdependent. But God made human beings special. He created us in his image, with an intellect and free will, and he set us over all creation to care for it. God 78 Chapter 3
When the holiness of God is seen and communicated in creation and in humans, this is the glory of God. We have many chances to share in God’s glory so that the whole human race will come to realize this gift of sharing in God’s own holiness. When we live for the good of others, we show God’s glory. And God promises that the fullness of glory will be ours when we finally arrive in his heavenly Kingdom. How have you experienced God’s friendship in a way that surprised you?
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Sometimes people think that holiness is about living in a monastery or spending the whole day in prayer. Some people are called to do that. But holiness is also about the ordinary events of life. Holiness is becoming more God-like, living in his presence and with his love no matter where you are. Holiness involves opening your heart to God’s presence and growing deeper into relationship with God every day. God calls every person to be holy in some unique way.
wanted people to live in ways that would reflect his own goodness and holiness.
Messengers From time to time God has sent messengers to make known and help people understand his plan for all of creation. These messengers are angels, spiritual beings that praise God and serve him. They can think and choose like humans, but they do not have bodies. The word angel comes from Greek and Hebrew words that mean “messenger from God.” Although there are many angels in the stories of Sacred Scripture, three of them are named:
• is mentioned in the Letter to Jude as one who fights with the devil • leads the battle in Heaven recorded in the Book of Revelation (see Revelation 12)
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Gabriel (“the strength of God”) • helps the prophet Daniel understand the mysteries and prophecies God wants him to communicate (see Daniel 7 and 10) • announces to Zechariah that he will have a son named John, who becomes John the Baptist and the cousin of Jesus • announces the birth of Jesus to Mary at the Annunciation
Raphael (“the healing of God”) • appears by name only in the Book of Tobit (12) to heal Tobit of blindness and to help his wife struggle against evil Michael (“who is like God”) • also appears with the prophet Daniel as the one who will help God’s followers in their struggles, especially at the end of time (see Daniel 10 and 12)
Tobias and the Archangel Raphael attributed to Vecellio Tiziano
WRITE List some things you do as a part of your routine every day. Then write what the difference might be to this event if you saw that moment as an opportunity to grow in holiness. For example, choosing what to eat for breakfast can remind you of God’s command to care for our bodies.
Catholic Faith Words holiness a state of becoming more God-like, living in his presence and with his love angels spiritual beings that praise God and serve him as messengers to help people understand God’s plan or to keep them safe from harm
The Church Is Holy 79
The Holiness of the Church Who will help you grow in holiness?
Our world is covered with lakes and streams that are filled with life because water flows into one area and flows out somewhere else. Sometimes we find a stagnant body of water. Because there is no movement or outlet for the water, living organisms cannot survive. It is much the same with the holiness of God that is given to every person and to the Church. If we try to keep God’s holiness for ourselves, we become lifeless. But when we share the goodness of God with others, we grow more and more in God’s life. We are each called to holiness because the Church is called to be holy, as Christ himself is holy.
holy a mark of the Church. The Church is holy because she is set apart for God and his purposes and God is holy. Christ gave himself up to make the Church holy and gave the Church the gift of the Holy Spirit to give her life. Marks of the Church the essential characteristics that distinguish Christ’s Church and her mission: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic
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As the perfect and complete Revelation of God, Jesus shows God’s holiness • by taking on our burdens • by being the way to the Father • by speaking with the voice of God • by the way he lived the Beatitudes • by reaching out to the lost, the needy, and sinners • by being the perfect model of love
Being holy is one of the Marks of the Church—the four essential characteristics that distinguish Christ’s Church: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. The Church can be identified by these characteristics. Because the Church is the Body of Christ, the holiness of the Church comes from
Jesus Rescues the Sinful Woman by Hendrick Krock
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Catholic Faith Words
The Holiness of Jesus
Christ. The Church is holy because the Holy Spirit gives us life and lives within us, guiding us as individuals and a community. The Church helps each of us to follow Jesus’ example and to become holy, sometimes in small ways, sometimes in great ways.
Prayer and Worship In the prayer and worship of the Church, Catholics meet God in a personal way and are strengthened to grow in holiness. This is why the Church invites us to pray at all times and in all places.
Prayer and Worship
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Sacraments of Healing (Penance and Reconciliation and the Anointing of the Sick) strengthen us in body and spirit when we have failed or when we are weakened by sickness. Special devotions, like the Stations of the Cross, help us recall the presence of God in our lives and the help God offers at all times.
1.
Highlight the type of prayer or worship you most often take part in.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament helps us remember and honor in a special way Jesus’ unique presence in the Eucharist.
2.
Draw a star next to a type that interests you or that you have questions about.
Sacraments at the Service of Communion (Matrimony and Holy Orders) mark our commitment to follow God’s call. The Liturgy of the Hours (prayed by ordained men, consecrated religious, and many laypeople) makes every part of the day holy. Feasts of the liturgical year remind us of events and people that are important models for holiness. Personal prayer gives us an opportunity to speak with God in a way that relates to the circumstances of our own life. Eucharist, or the Mass, is the central act of worship because we hear God’s Word, remember the Death and Resurrection of Christ, and are intimately joined to Christ in Holy Communion.
IDENTIFY In Colossians 3:12, Saint Paul asks us to clothe ourselves in Christ. Read that passage from Scripture. Think of a concrete example of how Jesus lived as Paul suggests. Compare your answers with a classmate.
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Holiness in Action What does it mean to be holy?
Saint Paul tells us that a person without love is like a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. A person may do nice things and speak very persuasively, but if words and actions do not flow from love, that person is nothing. (See 1 Corinthians 13:1–2.) Being holy means being in love with God and expressing that love of God through love for all creation and all people.
Go to the Source Read 1 John 4:16–21. How would you describe the relationship between love of God and love of our brothers and sisters?
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When people are baptized, they receive the light of Christ, and the Church prays that the light of faith will always be bright. They also receive a baptismal garment, and the Church prays that the dignity of the baptized person will always be strong. The prayers of Baptism recognize that the gift of holiness develops and grows through a person’s lifetime. Those prayers also recognize that sometimes people will face difficulties or evil as they learn how to grow in holiness and love. • The members of the Church help each other grow in holiness. • They support and encourage each other. • They pray together and learn together. • They listen to the Word of God and reflect on how to put God’s Word into practice. • They remember God’s mercy when they fail and find God’s grace to help them become more holy.
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Prayer is an important part of being holy, but it is not the only part. Holiness that comes from love shows in your actions. Saint John taught this when he said that the way we can tell someone is in union with Christ is by the way that person lives like Christ. (See 1 John 2:5–6.)
We Grow in Holiness
CREATE
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Use the letters in the acrostic to make a list of some of the ways the Church helps and supports you and some ways you help and support other members of the Church.
IN SUMMARY
Catholics Believe
The Church is a sign of the holiness of God.
• Each of us is called to be holy in the ordinary circumstances of our lives. God created humans to share in his glory, to be holy, and to be joined fully with him.
• The Church is holy because Christ is holy and because the Holy Spirit lives within her. The Church helps us grow in holiness, especially through prayer and worship.
• A life of holiness is built on love; the love that God first gives us and his love that we share with our brothers and sisters. The Church Is Holy 83
LIVE
Our Catholic Life Just as God blesses us, we are a blessing to God and others. As Catholics, our lives, our actions, our thoughts, and our words give praise to God because we show God’s goodness wherever we are. We bless God in prayer. Because God blesses us, we can return that blessing. When we pray a prayer a of blessing, we are really asking God, who is the source of all blessings, to bless. We can bless people, places, and things. Parents bless their children, teachers bless their students, priests and deacons bless parishioners, and we bless ourselves with the Sign of the Cross. You can read more about prayers of blessing on page 380 of the Our Catholic Tradition section of your book. When have you felt God’s blessing on you? When have you asked for it for someone else?
IDENTIFY
Blessed Miguel Pro, 1891–1927
Name some people who you think model holiness. Describe someone younger than you, someone your age, and someone older than you.
Miguel Agustin Pro Juarez become a Jesuit at the age of 20. During a time of anti-Catholicism in his native Mexico, Miguel spent his life in a secret ministry, living like a daring spy. He was falsely accused of trying to assassinate a former Mexican president and sentenced to death without a trial. At his execution, Father Pro refused a blindfold. As he died, he bravely said, “Viva Cristo Rey,” which means “Long live Christ the King!” Pope Saint John Paul II beatified Father Pro in 1988. The Church celebrates his feast day on November 23. For more, go to aliveinchrist.osv.com
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Younger:
Your age:
Older:
What do these people have in common? What can you do to be more like them?
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People of Faith
Prayer of Service
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All: In the name of Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen. Leader: Heavenly Father, over the centuries, women and men of faith have served you in many ways. We pray for guidance and assure you of our longing to serve you in our day and in our time. Let us pray. Side 1: We know and believe that Jesus, your Son, followed your plan and trusted in your will for his life. We are here—we come to do your will. All: We come to do your will. Side 2: We know and believe that we are your children, and that you want us to be happy and to trust in your plan for us all. We are here—we come to do your will.
Side 1: We know and believe that our world is hurting, is wounded and in need of servants who follow and respond to your voice; servants willing to help and to heal a weary and broken world. We are here—we come to do your will. All: We come to do your will. Side 2: Heavenly Father, send us your Spirit. Give us the faith and the holiness needed to be your people, your servants, committed to you and to your will. All: We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. Sing or play “Psalm 40: Here I Am, Lord”
All: We come to do your will.
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REVIEW
CHA P T ER 3 Go to aliveinchrist.osv.com for an interactive review.
A
6. The Angel Gabriel leads the battle in
Work with Words Circle the letter of the choice that best completes the sentence. 1.
Heaven that is recorded in the Book of Revelation. True/False
is becoming more God-like, living in his presence and with his love. a. Beatification
c. Holiness
b. Justification
d. Glorification
7. The four essential or distinguishing
characteristics of the Church are one, holy, catholic, and sacramental. True/False
2. Human beings are created by God to be
unique because we are made in his image , and he set us over all creation with a(n) to care for it. a. intellect
c. challenge
b. free will
d. both a and b
8. The Liturgy of the Hours gives special honor to
Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist. True/False
3. The word
comes from Greek and Hebrew words that mean “messenger from God.” c. savior
b. angel
d. Christ
9. Holiness that comes from love is seen primarily
in prayer and actions. True/False
4. Being holy is one of the
of the Church (the four essential or distinguishing characteristics of the Church).
B
a. Doctrines
c. Traditions
b. Marks
d. Characters
10. Members of the Church grow in holiness as
they listen to the Word of God and reflect on how to put God’s Word into practice. True/False
Check Understanding Indicate whether the following statements are true or false. Then rewrite false statements to make them true. 5. All of creation is related because everything,
including human beings, has been created by God. True/False
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C
Make Connections On a separate sheet of paper, respond to the questions. Which type of prayer or worship is most meaningful to you? How do you encounter God through this experience?
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a. Messiah
REVIEW UNIT 1 A
Work with Words Match the words on the left with the letter of the correct description on the right. 1. soul
a. a sacred promise between God and humans
involving mutual commitments 2. free will 3. covenant
b. the four essential characteristics that distinguish
Christ’s Church and her mission c. another name for the Ten Commandments
4. Decalogue 5. Sacred Tradition
d. a good spiritual habit that strengthens and enables
you to do what is right and good e. spiritual principle of a human person that is
6. virtue
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7. angel 8. Marks of the Church 9. natural moral law
individual, created by God, and will exist forever f. from Greek and Hebrew words that mean
“messenger from God” g. is God’s Word to the Church, safeguarded by the
Apostles and their successors, the bishops, and handed down verbally to future generations h. the God-given freedom and ability to make choices.
10. revealed law 11. Liturgy of the Hours 12. councils
God created us with this so we can have the freedom to choose good. i. this is universal because it applies to every
human being j. rules for living that guide us in making choices k. a practice of prayer that makes every part of the
day holy l. gatherings of bishops during which they speak
about the faith of the Church, her teachings, and important issues
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REVIEW B
Check Understanding Complete each sentence with the correct term from the Word Bank. Not all terms will be used. 13.
and Sacred Tradition are the source of God’s Revelation to us.
14.
free will
is God’s Word to the Church, safeguarded by the Apostles and their successors, the bishops, and handed down verbally—in her Creeds, Sacraments, and other teachings—to future generations.
15. The Sacrament of
is founded on the commissioning of the Apostles by Jesus to share in his ministry and work in a special way as Church leaders.
16. The
, faith, hope, and charity, are the three virtues from which all other virtues flow.
17. Human beings are created uniquely by God, the only creatures made in
his image with a(n)
. gives special honor to
Jesus’ unique presence in the Eucharist. 20. Members of the Church grow in
as they listen to the Word of God and reflect on how to put God’s Word into practice. 21.
is the Theological Virtue that makes it possible for us to believe in God and all that he has revealed.
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Theological Virtues faith Holy Orders Sacred Scripture holiness Reconciliation
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19.
holy
Sacred Tradition
.
18. The four essential characteristics that distinguish Christ’s Church are one,
catholic, apostolic, and
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
C
Make Connections Write a short answer to the following questions or prompts. 22. God has a purpose for our lives: to know him, to love him, and to serve
him. What does this purpose mean for your life?
23. Write a purpose statement for your life that reflects your goals and
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desires as they are shaped by your relationship with God.
24. Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of God’s own Revelation. What aspects
of God’s nature become more clear to you through the life of Jesus? Provide specific examples from Jesus’ life to support your answer.
25. How do the virtues help you to respond to challenges in your life?
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