Monday, August 27th, 2012 - Chapter 1 God Sends His Own Son
Prayer Intentions
Please include the following intentions in your class prayer time:
Global: For The Victims of The Norway Terrorist Attack and For An End To Terrorism Everywhere
Local: For A Good School Year For All Of Our Kids
The prayer for the month of August is The Sign of the Cross and the Our Father. Please be sure that all students know these 2 prayers…Kindergarten has until the end of the school year to learn these 2 prayers.
Word of the Week – August 26
Click to watch Mass Video
If you want to email your parents, send the above link or send them to www.youtube.com/user/transfigurationccga
Mass – The most perfect and important act of worship and prayer of the Catholic Community. Required of all Catholics on Sunday.
Teaching Ideas:
· Always have a visual, write the word on the board or start a chart of all the words that you add to each week.
· What is the main reason to go to Mass? PRAISE GOD. We are transformed/changed because we have participated in the Mass.
We believe Christ is present:
1. In the bread and wine
2. In the Living Word
3. In the assembly — those gathered
4. In the ministers
Lesson Message: The children will learn about Jesus’ life and the ways he taught us to live as his followers.
Essential Questions:
* What is the Blessed Trinity?
* What is the Incarnation?
* How did God the Father show his love for us?
* Who was John the Baptist?
* What is a prophet?
* What does repent mean?
* What do we mean when we say Jesus began his public ministry?
* What is the difference between a disciple and an apostle?
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also the Morning Offering for practice.
Main Activity.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders.
The students will read the above chapter. Discuss and relate the essential questions to their reading and understanding.
· Invite the children to compose a prayer asking for Jesus to help to live as his disciples. Provide an outline, eg. Help me to…., Show me how to…, Give me courage to… Children can then decorate/illustrate their prayer.
· Work either individually or with a partner – Draw three ways to live as Jesus’ missionary.
Circle Discussion: Discuss this and last week’s words of the week..
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Please include the following intentions in your class prayer time:
Global: For The Victims of The Norway Terrorist Attack and For An End To Terrorism Everywhere
Local: For A Good School Year For All Of Our Kids
The prayer for the month of August is The Sign of the Cross and the Our Father. Please be sure that all students know these 2 prayers…Kindergarten has until the end of the school year to learn these 2 prayers.
Word of the Week – August 26
Click to watch Mass Video
If you want to email your parents, send the above link or send them to www.youtube.com/user/transfigurationccga
Mass – The most perfect and important act of worship and prayer of the Catholic Community. Required of all Catholics on Sunday.
Teaching Ideas:
· Always have a visual, write the word on the board or start a chart of all the words that you add to each week.
· What is the main reason to go to Mass? PRAISE GOD. We are transformed/changed because we have participated in the Mass.
We believe Christ is present:
1. In the bread and wine
2. In the Living Word
3. In the assembly — those gathered
4. In the ministers
Lesson Message: The children will learn about Jesus’ life and the ways he taught us to live as his followers.
Essential Questions:
* What is the Blessed Trinity?
* What is the Incarnation?
* How did God the Father show his love for us?
* Who was John the Baptist?
* What is a prophet?
* What does repent mean?
* What do we mean when we say Jesus began his public ministry?
* What is the difference between a disciple and an apostle?
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also the Morning Offering for practice.
Main Activity.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders.
The students will read the above chapter. Discuss and relate the essential questions to their reading and understanding.
· Invite the children to compose a prayer asking for Jesus to help to live as his disciples. Provide an outline, eg. Help me to…., Show me how to…, Give me courage to… Children can then decorate/illustrate their prayer.
· Work either individually or with a partner – Draw three ways to live as Jesus’ missionary.
Circle Discussion: Discuss this and last week’s words of the week..
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Monday, September3rd
No classes - Labor Day Weekend
Monday, September 10th- Chapter 3 Christ Will Come Again
Chapter 3: Christ Will Come Again.
Lesson Message: The children will learn about the Last Judgment and that Jesus taught us to love others.
Essential Questions:
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also the Morning Offering for practice.
Main Activity.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders.
The students will have pre-read the above chapter. Discuss and relate the essential questions to their reading and understanding.
· The Rights and Responsibilities Board. Brainstorm with group about things that governments, local or national, can do to help those in need. Mark their ideas on card. Stick to board.
· Interview each other about how they have helped people. Questions could include When did he/she come to the aid of someone in need? What were the needy person’s circumstances? What did he/she do to help the person? Have the interviewer feed back to the class.
· Writing Activity – Writing Home – Imagine You are traveling with Jesus. Write a letter home to tell what Jesus did for Lazarus in Bethany. www.webelieveweb.com
Circle Discussion: Discuss this and last week’s words of the week..
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Lesson Message: The children will learn about the Last Judgment and that Jesus taught us to love others.
Essential Questions:
- How has Jesus power over life and death?
- What happened to Lazarus?
- What do we mean by the second coming?
- How will we feel when Jesus comes again?
- What were Jesus’ different miracles?
- What will happen when Jesus comes again?
- What is heaven?
- What do we mean by the Last Judgment?
- What is the second greatest commandment that Jesus gave us?
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also the Morning Offering for practice.
Main Activity.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders.
The students will have pre-read the above chapter. Discuss and relate the essential questions to their reading and understanding.
· The Rights and Responsibilities Board. Brainstorm with group about things that governments, local or national, can do to help those in need. Mark their ideas on card. Stick to board.
· Interview each other about how they have helped people. Questions could include When did he/she come to the aid of someone in need? What were the needy person’s circumstances? What did he/she do to help the person? Have the interviewer feed back to the class.
· Writing Activity – Writing Home – Imagine You are traveling with Jesus. Write a letter home to tell what Jesus did for Lazarus in Bethany. www.webelieveweb.com
Circle Discussion: Discuss this and last week’s words of the week..
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Monday, September 17th - Chapter4 The Church Begins
Chapter 4 The Church Begins
Lesson Message: The children will learn about the Holy Spirit coming at Pentecost and about the growth of the early Church.
Essential Questions:
1. Why did Jesus promise to send the Holy Spirit?
2. When did the Holy Spirit come to the disciples?
3. When does the Church begin?
4. How did the early Church grow?
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders.
Discuss the word of the week - Resurrection
Circle Discussion: Discuss chapter 4, pp. 44-47.
· Discuss essential vocabulary.
· Read and discuss the text about Jesus’ Ascension and the Apostles mission. Describe the disciples feelings as they waited for the Holy Spirit to come (p. 44).
· Read and discuss the text and scripture about the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (p. 45 – complete Reproducible Master 4).
· Read and discuss the text about the early Church (p. 46).
· Discuss the growth of the early Church and the conversion of St. Paul. Also read As Catholics – evangelization (p. 47).
Activities :
· Have the children act out a scene from the early days of the Church. Work in two groups. Group 1 to be the disciples, and the other group a crowd of townspeople. Have the groups make up their own scenarios and use their own words to dramatize the preaching of the good news, baptizing of new believers, sharing of food etc.
· Make a picture timeline of the events that occurred from Jesus’ Death and Pentecost.
· Textbook activities, pp. 48-50.
· Who Am I Sheet from webelieve.com
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Lesson Message: The children will learn about the Holy Spirit coming at Pentecost and about the growth of the early Church.
Essential Questions:
1. Why did Jesus promise to send the Holy Spirit?
2. When did the Holy Spirit come to the disciples?
3. When does the Church begin?
4. How did the early Church grow?
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders.
Discuss the word of the week - Resurrection
Circle Discussion: Discuss chapter 4, pp. 44-47.
· Discuss essential vocabulary.
· Read and discuss the text about Jesus’ Ascension and the Apostles mission. Describe the disciples feelings as they waited for the Holy Spirit to come (p. 44).
· Read and discuss the text and scripture about the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (p. 45 – complete Reproducible Master 4).
· Read and discuss the text about the early Church (p. 46).
· Discuss the growth of the early Church and the conversion of St. Paul. Also read As Catholics – evangelization (p. 47).
Activities :
· Have the children act out a scene from the early days of the Church. Work in two groups. Group 1 to be the disciples, and the other group a crowd of townspeople. Have the groups make up their own scenarios and use their own words to dramatize the preaching of the good news, baptizing of new believers, sharing of food etc.
· Make a picture timeline of the events that occurred from Jesus’ Death and Pentecost.
· Textbook activities, pp. 48-50.
· Who Am I Sheet from webelieve.com
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Monday, September 24th - Chapter 5 - We Learn About The Early Church
Chapter 5 We Learn About The Early Church
Lesson Message: The children will learn about the Apostles who led the Church and about those who remained true followers of Jesus despite the risk of losing their lives.
Essential Questions:
1. How did the Apostles lead the early Church?
2. What was the good news that the disciples of Jesus shared with everyone?
3. How did the followers of Jesus stand up for their faith?
4. How are many of our ancestors in faith examples of holiness?
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders.
Discuss the word of the week - Hope
Circle Discussion: Discuss chapter 5, pp. 52-55.
· Discuss essential vocabulary.
· Read about and discuss the Apostles and the early Christians (p. 52).
· Read and discuss the text about the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, Son of God and Savior (p. 53 – Make a gospel chain).
· Read and discuss the text about Romans’ persecution of Christians. (Complete Reproducible Master 5). Read As Catholics – about the symbolism of the fish (pp. 54-55).
· Discuss our ancestors in faith. Talk about their favorite saints (pp. 54-55).
Activities :
· See Circle discussion. Make a gospel chain.
· Complete the Reproducible Master on the symbol of the Fish.
· Role play – situation in which an early Christian shares his/her faith with another person who is not a Christian.
· Workbook activities, pp. 56-58.
· Worksheet ‘Good News to Share’ (webelieveweb.com – 3rd grade, chapter 5)
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Lesson Message: The children will learn about the Apostles who led the Church and about those who remained true followers of Jesus despite the risk of losing their lives.
Essential Questions:
1. How did the Apostles lead the early Church?
2. What was the good news that the disciples of Jesus shared with everyone?
3. How did the followers of Jesus stand up for their faith?
4. How are many of our ancestors in faith examples of holiness?
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders.
Discuss the word of the week - Hope
Circle Discussion: Discuss chapter 5, pp. 52-55.
· Discuss essential vocabulary.
· Read about and discuss the Apostles and the early Christians (p. 52).
· Read and discuss the text about the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, Son of God and Savior (p. 53 – Make a gospel chain).
· Read and discuss the text about Romans’ persecution of Christians. (Complete Reproducible Master 5). Read As Catholics – about the symbolism of the fish (pp. 54-55).
· Discuss our ancestors in faith. Talk about their favorite saints (pp. 54-55).
Activities :
· See Circle discussion. Make a gospel chain.
· Complete the Reproducible Master on the symbol of the Fish.
· Role play – situation in which an early Christian shares his/her faith with another person who is not a Christian.
· Workbook activities, pp. 56-58.
· Worksheet ‘Good News to Share’ (webelieveweb.com – 3rd grade, chapter 5)
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Chapter 21
Chapter 21
Lesson Message: The children will learn that the three days celebrate Jesus’ passing from death to new life.
Essential Questions:
1. What are the The Three Days which celebrate Jesus passing from death to new life?
2. What are our baptismal promises?
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible 182A - My Three Days Prayer.
Word of the Week:
Doxology: " Through Him, With Him, In Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit."
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also the Morning Offering for practice, as well as general prayers.
Circle Discussion: Discuss chapter 21, pp. 178-180.
· Discuss essential vocabulary.
· Read and discuss the Three Days as the greatest celebration of the Church.
Activities : Make a mural depicting the Three Days.
· Form four small groups to work on one panel of a mural.
· Group 1 – to depict Holy Thursday (The Last Supper, Eucharist, service).
· Group 2 – to depict Good Friday (Jesus dies, we pray for the world).
· Group 3 – to depict Holy Saturday (“Christ our Light!”; new members receive the new life of Christ).
· Group 4 – to depict Easter Sunday (Jesus is risen, alleluia!; living new life).
Help the children as they sketch scenes and symbols illustrating the Three Days. Possible resources to use would be children’s bibles and prayer books for inspiration.
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Lesson Message: The children will learn that the three days celebrate Jesus’ passing from death to new life.
Essential Questions:
1. What are the The Three Days which celebrate Jesus passing from death to new life?
2. What are our baptismal promises?
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible 182A - My Three Days Prayer.
Word of the Week:
Doxology: " Through Him, With Him, In Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit."
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also the Morning Offering for practice, as well as general prayers.
Circle Discussion: Discuss chapter 21, pp. 178-180.
· Discuss essential vocabulary.
· Read and discuss the Three Days as the greatest celebration of the Church.
Activities : Make a mural depicting the Three Days.
· Form four small groups to work on one panel of a mural.
· Group 1 – to depict Holy Thursday (The Last Supper, Eucharist, service).
· Group 2 – to depict Good Friday (Jesus dies, we pray for the world).
· Group 3 – to depict Holy Saturday (“Christ our Light!”; new members receive the new life of Christ).
· Group 4 – to depict Easter Sunday (Jesus is risen, alleluia!; living new life).
Help the children as they sketch scenes and symbols illustrating the Three Days. Possible resources to use would be children’s bibles and prayer books for inspiration.
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Monday, March 19th
Chapter 23 - The Church Respects All People
Lesson Message: The children will learn that the Church respects all people in the world.
Essential Questions:
1. What are the different beliefs around the world that people have about God?
2. Why is the Jewish Faith important to Christians?
3. How did Christ call his followers to be united?
4. How does the Church work for Christian unity?
Welcome Activity: Reproducible Sheet 195C
Prayer Circle: Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also so the Morning Offering for practice, as well as general prayers.
Word of the Week: Acclamations - shouts and songs of joy from the assembly.
Discussion: Read and discuss pp. 196-199 of We Believe using the essential questions above.
Activities:
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Lesson Message: The children will learn that the Church respects all people in the world.
Essential Questions:
1. What are the different beliefs around the world that people have about God?
2. Why is the Jewish Faith important to Christians?
3. How did Christ call his followers to be united?
4. How does the Church work for Christian unity?
Welcome Activity: Reproducible Sheet 195C
Prayer Circle: Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also so the Morning Offering for practice, as well as general prayers.
Word of the Week: Acclamations - shouts and songs of joy from the assembly.
Discussion: Read and discuss pp. 196-199 of We Believe using the essential questions above.
Activities:
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Monday, March 12th
Chapter 22 - We Continue the Work of Jesus
Lesson Message: The children will learn that Jesus brings God's life and love to all people. Jesus shared his mission with his disciples. The Church works for justice and peace. We live out the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Essential Questions:
1. How did Jesus bring God's life and love to all people?
2. How did Jesus share his mission with his disciples?
3. How does the church work for justice and peace?
4. How can we live out the Good News of Jesus Christ?
Welcome Activity:
Draw a picture of themselves next to Jesus. Color the picture and complete the sentences - Reproducible Master, p. 187C
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also so the Morning Offering for practice.
Word of the Week: Consecration - actually the entire Eucharistic prayer, remembering God's saving events of the past.
Discussion:
Read and discuss pp. 188-191 of We Believe using the essential questions above.
Activities:
Make a graphic organizer with the word 'mission' in the middle. Think of words and ideas about what a mission is. Invite the children to explain their graphic organizers.
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Lesson Message: The children will learn that Jesus brings God's life and love to all people. Jesus shared his mission with his disciples. The Church works for justice and peace. We live out the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Essential Questions:
1. How did Jesus bring God's life and love to all people?
2. How did Jesus share his mission with his disciples?
3. How does the church work for justice and peace?
4. How can we live out the Good News of Jesus Christ?
Welcome Activity:
Draw a picture of themselves next to Jesus. Color the picture and complete the sentences - Reproducible Master, p. 187C
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also so the Morning Offering for practice.
Word of the Week: Consecration - actually the entire Eucharistic prayer, remembering God's saving events of the past.
Discussion:
Read and discuss pp. 188-191 of We Believe using the essential questions above.
Activities:
Make a graphic organizer with the word 'mission' in the middle. Think of words and ideas about what a mission is. Invite the children to explain their graphic organizers.
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Monday, March 5th
Chapter 19
Lesson Message: The children will learn more about the Sacrament of Penance. The children will learn about the strength and healing that we receive through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
Essential Questions:
1. How did Jesus care for and heal the sick?
2. What is the Sacrament of the Sick?
3. What do we mean by eternal life, Heaven, Hell and Purgatory?
4. How can we become God’s friends through our choices?
5. How does the Church celebrate eternal life with God?
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass or lesson (Text book, p. 163C).
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders.
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also so the Morning Offering for practice.
Circle Discussion: Read about and discuss Jesus’ healing work and ministry among the people (p. 164). Read and discuss the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick (p.165). Read and discuss eternal life, Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory (p. 166). Read and discuss As Catholics (p. 166). Read and discuss the text about the funeral Mass (p. 167).
Center 1: Act out the Gospel Story from Mark 10: 46-52 (p. 164).
Center 2: Write one way to bring comfort and hope to others. Name some ways our choices show that we are God’s friends (p. 165 - 166).
Center 3: Review and revise the words of the week thus far, including this week’s - Crossword.
Word of the Week: Discuss Sacramental.
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Lesson Message: The children will learn more about the Sacrament of Penance. The children will learn about the strength and healing that we receive through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
Essential Questions:
1. How did Jesus care for and heal the sick?
2. What is the Sacrament of the Sick?
3. What do we mean by eternal life, Heaven, Hell and Purgatory?
4. How can we become God’s friends through our choices?
5. How does the Church celebrate eternal life with God?
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass or lesson (Text book, p. 163C).
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders.
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also so the Morning Offering for practice.
Circle Discussion: Read about and discuss Jesus’ healing work and ministry among the people (p. 164). Read and discuss the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick (p.165). Read and discuss eternal life, Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory (p. 166). Read and discuss As Catholics (p. 166). Read and discuss the text about the funeral Mass (p. 167).
Center 1: Act out the Gospel Story from Mark 10: 46-52 (p. 164).
Center 2: Write one way to bring comfort and hope to others. Name some ways our choices show that we are God’s friends (p. 165 - 166).
Center 3: Review and revise the words of the week thus far, including this week’s - Crossword.
Word of the Week: Discuss Sacramental.
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Monday, February 27th
Chapter 18
Lesson Message: The children will learn that we make the choice to love God. God is our forgiving Father. The Sacrament of Reconciliation has several parts. The Church celebrates the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Essential Questions:
1. What is the difference between mortal and venial sins?
2. In what different ways can we show our forgiveness to one another?
3. What is conscience?
4. What are the different parts of the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
5. What are two ways in which we can celebrate Reconciliation?
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also so the Morning Offering for practice.
Circle Discussion: Read about and discuss mortal and venial sins (p. 156). Read and discuss the story of the lost son and God’s forgiveness, and God as a forgiving Father (p. 157). Read and discuss conscience and the parts of the sacrament of Reconciliation (p. 158). Read and discuss As Catholics (p. 159).
Center 1: Reproducible Master 18. Color and cut out door hanger. Write the dates and times that the Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated in our parish.
Center 2: (If time) Review and Resource Book, p. 45. Draw a comic strip to tell a story of forgiveness. Reflect and Pray. Write some questions to help them reflect and pray.
Center 3: (If time) Review and revise the words of the week thus far, including this week’s.
Word of the Week: Eucharistic Prayer. Our perfect prayer of thanksgiving in which Christ becomes present to his people in bread and wine and our response to be present to others and change the world!
Background
The Eucharistic Prayer is the center and summit of the Mass. It is a prayer of thanksgiving and sanctification. The priest invites us to lift up our hearts in prayer. We unite our thoughts with those expressed by the priest, who addresses God in the name of the entire community. Together with the priest we all join ourselves with Christ to proclaim the marvelous deeds of God. During the Eucharistic prayer, the priest speaks more words than we do. At the beginning of the Eucharistic Prayer we exchange a dialogue with the priest as we sing the Holy, Holy, Holy and the Memorial Acclamation. We conclude the Eucharistic Prayer with the great Amen.
There is more than one Eucharistic Prayer. The new translation has affected the entire collection of Eucharistic Prayers. Prior to the Second Vatican Council there was only one Eucharistic Prayer. It is still in the Missal (Eucharistic Prayer 1) and is appropriate on Sundays, on days when we celebrate any of the saints mentioned in the prayer and on days when a special phrase denoting the nature of the celebration may be inserted into it – such as Christmas, Holy Thursday and the octave of Easter. Three additional Eucharistic Prayers were added to this one right after the Second Vatican Council. Eucharistic Prayer II is the shortest and was designed especially for weekday Mass. If you go to www.usccb.org/romanmissal, you will find the text for the Eucharistic Prayers.
The Eucharistic Prayer begins with a dialogue between the priest and the people and is followed by the Preface which the priest prayers, then we sing the Holy, Holy, Holy. No matter which of the Eucharistic Prayers the priest says when we listen we will hear and remember all the ways that God has saved us. Midway through the Eucharistic Prayer the priest prays that the Holy Spirit will make our gifts holy so they become the Body and Blood of Christ. The priest recounts the story of the Last Supper, also known as the Institution Narrative. This is a critical part of Mass, very dear to our hearts. After the consecration of the Bread and Wine into the Body and Blood of Christ the priest announces: “The mystery of faith.” We affirm that the risen Christ is with us now and he will be coming again. We respond in the Memorial Acclamation. Before the concluding doxology, the priest asks God to accept our sacrifice. He prays that God will make us Holy like the saints who are in heaven with him. We pray for all those who have died.
The Eucharistic Prayer ends with the priest praying a prayer of praise to God the Father, through, with and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit. This is called a doxology. We respond with the Great Amen. The closing of the Eucharistic prayer is another dialogue, between the priest and the people. Just as the prayer opens with a dialogue, so it closes with one..
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Lesson Message: The children will learn that we make the choice to love God. God is our forgiving Father. The Sacrament of Reconciliation has several parts. The Church celebrates the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Essential Questions:
1. What is the difference between mortal and venial sins?
2. In what different ways can we show our forgiveness to one another?
3. What is conscience?
4. What are the different parts of the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
5. What are two ways in which we can celebrate Reconciliation?
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also so the Morning Offering for practice.
Circle Discussion: Read about and discuss mortal and venial sins (p. 156). Read and discuss the story of the lost son and God’s forgiveness, and God as a forgiving Father (p. 157). Read and discuss conscience and the parts of the sacrament of Reconciliation (p. 158). Read and discuss As Catholics (p. 159).
Center 1: Reproducible Master 18. Color and cut out door hanger. Write the dates and times that the Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated in our parish.
Center 2: (If time) Review and Resource Book, p. 45. Draw a comic strip to tell a story of forgiveness. Reflect and Pray. Write some questions to help them reflect and pray.
Center 3: (If time) Review and revise the words of the week thus far, including this week’s.
Word of the Week: Eucharistic Prayer. Our perfect prayer of thanksgiving in which Christ becomes present to his people in bread and wine and our response to be present to others and change the world!
Background
The Eucharistic Prayer is the center and summit of the Mass. It is a prayer of thanksgiving and sanctification. The priest invites us to lift up our hearts in prayer. We unite our thoughts with those expressed by the priest, who addresses God in the name of the entire community. Together with the priest we all join ourselves with Christ to proclaim the marvelous deeds of God. During the Eucharistic prayer, the priest speaks more words than we do. At the beginning of the Eucharistic Prayer we exchange a dialogue with the priest as we sing the Holy, Holy, Holy and the Memorial Acclamation. We conclude the Eucharistic Prayer with the great Amen.
There is more than one Eucharistic Prayer. The new translation has affected the entire collection of Eucharistic Prayers. Prior to the Second Vatican Council there was only one Eucharistic Prayer. It is still in the Missal (Eucharistic Prayer 1) and is appropriate on Sundays, on days when we celebrate any of the saints mentioned in the prayer and on days when a special phrase denoting the nature of the celebration may be inserted into it – such as Christmas, Holy Thursday and the octave of Easter. Three additional Eucharistic Prayers were added to this one right after the Second Vatican Council. Eucharistic Prayer II is the shortest and was designed especially for weekday Mass. If you go to www.usccb.org/romanmissal, you will find the text for the Eucharistic Prayers.
The Eucharistic Prayer begins with a dialogue between the priest and the people and is followed by the Preface which the priest prayers, then we sing the Holy, Holy, Holy. No matter which of the Eucharistic Prayers the priest says when we listen we will hear and remember all the ways that God has saved us. Midway through the Eucharistic Prayer the priest prays that the Holy Spirit will make our gifts holy so they become the Body and Blood of Christ. The priest recounts the story of the Last Supper, also known as the Institution Narrative. This is a critical part of Mass, very dear to our hearts. After the consecration of the Bread and Wine into the Body and Blood of Christ the priest announces: “The mystery of faith.” We affirm that the risen Christ is with us now and he will be coming again. We respond in the Memorial Acclamation. Before the concluding doxology, the priest asks God to accept our sacrifice. He prays that God will make us Holy like the saints who are in heaven with him. We pray for all those who have died.
The Eucharistic Prayer ends with the priest praying a prayer of praise to God the Father, through, with and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit. This is called a doxology. We respond with the Great Amen. The closing of the Eucharistic prayer is another dialogue, between the priest and the people. Just as the prayer opens with a dialogue, so it closes with one..
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Monday, February 20th
No classes - President's Day
Monday, February 13th
Chapter 20
Lesson Message: The children will learn that the season of Lent is a time of preparation for Easter.
Read chapter in Class since it is so short
Circle Discussion: Read and discuss the importance of Lent (p. 173). Read and discuss the sacraments connected to the season of Lent (p.173). Talk together with the class about what you can do to grow in faith and love during Lent (We Respond, p 174) ... possible questions to ask: What might we think about? When? How might we pray? How can we do penance for the wrong we have done or the good we have failed to do?
Essential Questions:
1. What are the ashes we receive during Ash Wednesday a sign of?
2. When we renew the sacrament of Baptism, what should the water help us remember?
3. The sacrament of Penance strengthens us with what gifts from God?
4. What sacrament nourishes us with the Body and Blood of Christ?
5. What are some ways we can make special efforts to follow Jesus during Lent?
Center 1: Continue work on Lenten Calendar
Center 2: Reproducible on Page 176A.
Center 3: Review and revise the words of the week thus far, including this week’s. (Millionaire game – groups of 2 into separate room?)
Closing Prayer Circle: End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Try to include prayers for the following:
Global: For peace and stability in the Middle East
Local: To meet our assessment to the Archbishop’s Appeal
Clean up and dismiss to carpool
Lesson Message: The children will learn that the season of Lent is a time of preparation for Easter.
Read chapter in Class since it is so short
Circle Discussion: Read and discuss the importance of Lent (p. 173). Read and discuss the sacraments connected to the season of Lent (p.173). Talk together with the class about what you can do to grow in faith and love during Lent (We Respond, p 174) ... possible questions to ask: What might we think about? When? How might we pray? How can we do penance for the wrong we have done or the good we have failed to do?
Essential Questions:
1. What are the ashes we receive during Ash Wednesday a sign of?
2. When we renew the sacrament of Baptism, what should the water help us remember?
3. The sacrament of Penance strengthens us with what gifts from God?
4. What sacrament nourishes us with the Body and Blood of Christ?
5. What are some ways we can make special efforts to follow Jesus during Lent?
Center 1: Continue work on Lenten Calendar
Center 2: Reproducible on Page 176A.
Center 3: Review and revise the words of the week thus far, including this week’s. (Millionaire game – groups of 2 into separate room?)
Closing Prayer Circle: End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Try to include prayers for the following:
Global: For peace and stability in the Middle East
Local: To meet our assessment to the Archbishop’s Appeal
Clean up and dismiss to carpool
Monday, February 6th
Chapter 17
Lesson Message: The children will learn that we gather to praise God. We listen to God’s word. We receive Jesus Christ. We go out to love and serve the Lord.
Essential Questions:
1. What happens during the introductory rites of the Mass?
2. What do we mean by God’s word?
3. What are the different parts of the Liturgy of the Word?
4. In which ways can we be united to Christ and one another?
5. What is the concluding rite?
6. How can we go out and serve the Lord when the Mass is over?
Music in the Church
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also so the Morning Offering for practice.
Circle Discussion: Read and discuss what happens during the Introductory Rites (pp. 148). Read and discuss the parts of the Liturgy of the Word (pp. 148-149). Read and discuss the Liturgy of the Eucharist and its parts and discuss ways to be united to Christ and one another (p. 150). Read and discuss the Concluding Rite (p. 151).
Center 1: Reproducible Master 17. Design a panel of stained glass to hang in the church. Have the panel illustrate the celebration of Mass and Holy Communion.
Center 2: Review and Resource Book, pp. 40-42. Put four photographs in the correct order of the celebration of Mass. Unscramble the names of parts of the Mass. Write a short prayer they can pray at next Sunday’s Mass, after they receive Communion. Draw three ways they can love and serve God and others – through their family, friends, and other people.
Center 3: Revise the words of the week thus far, including this week’s.
Word of the Week: Apostles Creed--prayer that states what we believe about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Church. Written before Nicene Creed.
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Lesson Message: The children will learn that we gather to praise God. We listen to God’s word. We receive Jesus Christ. We go out to love and serve the Lord.
Essential Questions:
1. What happens during the introductory rites of the Mass?
2. What do we mean by God’s word?
3. What are the different parts of the Liturgy of the Word?
4. In which ways can we be united to Christ and one another?
5. What is the concluding rite?
6. How can we go out and serve the Lord when the Mass is over?
Music in the Church
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also so the Morning Offering for practice.
Circle Discussion: Read and discuss what happens during the Introductory Rites (pp. 148). Read and discuss the parts of the Liturgy of the Word (pp. 148-149). Read and discuss the Liturgy of the Eucharist and its parts and discuss ways to be united to Christ and one another (p. 150). Read and discuss the Concluding Rite (p. 151).
Center 1: Reproducible Master 17. Design a panel of stained glass to hang in the church. Have the panel illustrate the celebration of Mass and Holy Communion.
Center 2: Review and Resource Book, pp. 40-42. Put four photographs in the correct order of the celebration of Mass. Unscramble the names of parts of the Mass. Write a short prayer they can pray at next Sunday’s Mass, after they receive Communion. Draw three ways they can love and serve God and others – through their family, friends, and other people.
Center 3: Revise the words of the week thus far, including this week’s.
Word of the Week: Apostles Creed--prayer that states what we believe about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Church. Written before Nicene Creed.
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Monday, January 30th
Chapter 16
Lesson Message: The children will learn that Jesus celebrated the Last Supper and Passover. The Mass is a sacrifice and a meal. We take part in the Mass. We celebrate Mass each week.
Essential Questions:
1. What is Passover?
2. What happened at the Last Supper?
3. What is the Mass?
4. Why do we take part in the Mass?
5. How often do we celebrate Mass?
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
2. Finish the reproducible from last week on the Seven Sacraments for reinforcement.
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also so the Morning Offering for practice.
Circle Discussion: Read and discuss how Jesus celebrated Passover and the Last Supper (pp. 140-141). Read and discuss the Mass as a sacrifice and a meal (p. 141). Read and discuss the assembly’s participation in the Mass. Discuss ways to encourage others to participate in the Mass (p. 142). Read and discuss Sunday and holy days of obligation, and other feasts (p. 143).
Center 1: Draw a picture to show what Jesus did at the Last Supper. They can also write, if they wish, what happened. Match words with definitions. Make up an email message describing ways they can participate in the Mass (Sadlier: We Believe: Review and Resource Book, pp. 37-39).
Center 2: Children to make invitation cards, inviting their families to attend Mass together.
Center 3: Learn the morning offering. Review and revise the words of the week thus far, including this week’s.
Word of the Week: Discuss Faith.
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Lesson Message: The children will learn that Jesus celebrated the Last Supper and Passover. The Mass is a sacrifice and a meal. We take part in the Mass. We celebrate Mass each week.
Essential Questions:
1. What is Passover?
2. What happened at the Last Supper?
3. What is the Mass?
4. Why do we take part in the Mass?
5. How often do we celebrate Mass?
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
2. Finish the reproducible from last week on the Seven Sacraments for reinforcement.
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also so the Morning Offering for practice.
Circle Discussion: Read and discuss how Jesus celebrated Passover and the Last Supper (pp. 140-141). Read and discuss the Mass as a sacrifice and a meal (p. 141). Read and discuss the assembly’s participation in the Mass. Discuss ways to encourage others to participate in the Mass (p. 142). Read and discuss Sunday and holy days of obligation, and other feasts (p. 143).
Center 1: Draw a picture to show what Jesus did at the Last Supper. They can also write, if they wish, what happened. Match words with definitions. Make up an email message describing ways they can participate in the Mass (Sadlier: We Believe: Review and Resource Book, pp. 37-39).
Center 2: Children to make invitation cards, inviting their families to attend Mass together.
Center 3: Learn the morning offering. Review and revise the words of the week thus far, including this week’s.
Word of the Week: Discuss Faith.
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Monday, January 23rd
Chapter 15
Lesson Message: The children will learn that the Church celebrates the sacraments. Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist are the sacraments of Christian initiation. Reconciliation and anointing of the sick are sacraments of healing. Holy Orders and Matrimony are sacraments of service to others.
Essential Questions:
1. What is a sacrament?
2. What are the seven sacraments?
3. What are the sacraments of Christian initiation?
4. Name the sacraments of healing.
5. What are the sacraments of service to others?
Welcome Activities:
Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition.
Take vocabulary test
Circle Discussion: Read and discuss the seven sacraments as special signs (p. 132). Read and discuss the sacraments of initiation and original sin (p. 133). Read and discuss Jesus’ healing ministry and the sacraments of healing (p. 134). Read and discuss Holy Orders and Matrimony (p. 135).
Center 1: Complete Reproducible Master 15 and Billboard Activity Sheets.
Center 2: Make picture cards depicting the 7 sacraments (1-2 per each student).
Center 3: We Celebrate the Sacraments sheet.
Word of the Week: Discuss Hope.
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Lesson Message: The children will learn that the Church celebrates the sacraments. Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist are the sacraments of Christian initiation. Reconciliation and anointing of the sick are sacraments of healing. Holy Orders and Matrimony are sacraments of service to others.
Essential Questions:
1. What is a sacrament?
2. What are the seven sacraments?
3. What are the sacraments of Christian initiation?
4. Name the sacraments of healing.
5. What are the sacraments of service to others?
Welcome Activities:
Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition.
Take vocabulary test
Circle Discussion: Read and discuss the seven sacraments as special signs (p. 132). Read and discuss the sacraments of initiation and original sin (p. 133). Read and discuss Jesus’ healing ministry and the sacraments of healing (p. 134). Read and discuss Holy Orders and Matrimony (p. 135).
Center 1: Complete Reproducible Master 15 and Billboard Activity Sheets.
Center 2: Make picture cards depicting the 7 sacraments (1-2 per each student).
Center 3: We Celebrate the Sacraments sheet.
Word of the Week: Discuss Hope.
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Monday, January 16th
No classes - MLK day.
Monday, January 9th, 2012
Chapter 12 God Calls Us To Holiness
Lesson Message: The children will learn that God calls each of us to holiness.
Essential Questions:
1. What are the different ways in which we can respond to God’s call to serve him?
2. What are laypeople?
3. Define vocation.
4. What are vows?
Welcome Activities:
Reproducible: Looking Into the Future.
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition.
Word of the Week:January 9-11 Word of the Week – (Click) Prayers of the Faithful
Our petitions to God. The community can be part of the answer to prayer.
We ask God to act through us.
Background – In some churches, the Prayers of the Faithful are also called the General Intercessions. The Liturgy of the Word (our storytelling part of the Mass) concludes with the Prayers of the Faithful. The Prayers of the Faithful help us become who God is calling us to be. We are the Body of Christ by our Baptism. As we prepare to approach the table for Eucharist, we look to the readings and ask, Does the Body of Christ present in this assembly resemble the Body of Christ pictured in the Scripture readings? Usually not! So we make some adjustments and we pray that our assembly really comes to look like the Body of Christ – a body at peace, with shelter for the homeless, healing for the sick, food for the hungry. We pray for the Church, nations and their leaders, people in special need and the local needs of our parish – the petitions usually fall into these four categories. We also pray for the intentions in our heart and pray a common response of Lord, hear our prayer. The prayers of the faithful in our church are written by Monsignor. They are different every week, to reflect the needs of the world and community.
Teaching Ideas:
· Discuss the above. Ask if students can identify the four categories for the prayers. (Church, nations, people in special need and local needs of the parish)
· With a partner or in a small group have students write a prayer of the faithful for one of the four categories and use as your closing prayer in class today.
Circle Discussion: Probe – see if the children know what the call to religious life means. Read pp. 108-111 from the text book. Ask what a vocation is. Get them to define laypeople. Ask what a vow is. Explain that a vocation is God’s call to serve him in a certain way. Tell the children that laypeople are baptized members of the church who share in the mission to bring the good news of Christ to the world. Explain that making a vow is making a promise.
Scripture Reading: (Isaiah 43:1) – Discuss how the reading makes them feel. Ask how can they convince others that they too are important to God.
Class Activities:
· Have the children draw a house with many windows. Label the house holiness. Discuss ways to be holy and write one way in each window of the house (Catechist Guide 3, p. 111 – Multiple Intelligences).
· Make a rights and responsibilities graphic organizer (for details see Catechist Guide 3, p. 107D – Picture This).
· Reproducible Master 12 – Looking into the future – Catechist Guide 3, p. 107C
· Make a chart to show how people help and work in the community (Catechist Guide 3, p. 109 – Curriculum Connection).
· Student Textbook activities, pp. 112-114.
Word of the Week: Assess their knowledge of the words of the week thus far.
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Lesson Message: The children will learn that God calls each of us to holiness.
Essential Questions:
1. What are the different ways in which we can respond to God’s call to serve him?
2. What are laypeople?
3. Define vocation.
4. What are vows?
Welcome Activities:
Reproducible: Looking Into the Future.
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition.
Word of the Week:January 9-11 Word of the Week – (Click) Prayers of the Faithful
Our petitions to God. The community can be part of the answer to prayer.
We ask God to act through us.
Background – In some churches, the Prayers of the Faithful are also called the General Intercessions. The Liturgy of the Word (our storytelling part of the Mass) concludes with the Prayers of the Faithful. The Prayers of the Faithful help us become who God is calling us to be. We are the Body of Christ by our Baptism. As we prepare to approach the table for Eucharist, we look to the readings and ask, Does the Body of Christ present in this assembly resemble the Body of Christ pictured in the Scripture readings? Usually not! So we make some adjustments and we pray that our assembly really comes to look like the Body of Christ – a body at peace, with shelter for the homeless, healing for the sick, food for the hungry. We pray for the Church, nations and their leaders, people in special need and the local needs of our parish – the petitions usually fall into these four categories. We also pray for the intentions in our heart and pray a common response of Lord, hear our prayer. The prayers of the faithful in our church are written by Monsignor. They are different every week, to reflect the needs of the world and community.
Teaching Ideas:
· Discuss the above. Ask if students can identify the four categories for the prayers. (Church, nations, people in special need and local needs of the parish)
· With a partner or in a small group have students write a prayer of the faithful for one of the four categories and use as your closing prayer in class today.
Circle Discussion: Probe – see if the children know what the call to religious life means. Read pp. 108-111 from the text book. Ask what a vocation is. Get them to define laypeople. Ask what a vow is. Explain that a vocation is God’s call to serve him in a certain way. Tell the children that laypeople are baptized members of the church who share in the mission to bring the good news of Christ to the world. Explain that making a vow is making a promise.
Scripture Reading: (Isaiah 43:1) – Discuss how the reading makes them feel. Ask how can they convince others that they too are important to God.
Class Activities:
· Have the children draw a house with many windows. Label the house holiness. Discuss ways to be holy and write one way in each window of the house (Catechist Guide 3, p. 111 – Multiple Intelligences).
· Make a rights and responsibilities graphic organizer (for details see Catechist Guide 3, p. 107D – Picture This).
· Reproducible Master 12 – Looking into the future – Catechist Guide 3, p. 107C
· Make a chart to show how people help and work in the community (Catechist Guide 3, p. 109 – Curriculum Connection).
· Student Textbook activities, pp. 112-114.
Word of the Week: Assess their knowledge of the words of the week thus far.
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Monday, December 12th
Chapter 14
Lesson Message: The children will learn that the Christmas season is a special time to celebrate that God is with us.
Essential Questions:
1. Why is the Christmas season a special time?
2. What saints’ days are celebrated during the Christmas season?
3. How can we follow the example of the Christmas saints?
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Lesson Message: The children will learn that the Christmas season is a special time to celebrate that God is with us.
Essential Questions:
1. Why is the Christmas season a special time?
2. What saints’ days are celebrated during the Christmas season?
3. How can we follow the example of the Christmas saints?
- Meet in the church for Advent Prayer Service
- Word of the Week Assessment.
- Christmas Party.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Monday, December 5th
Chapter 11 The Parish Is Our Home
Lesson Message: The children will gain a deeper understanding of the parish as a Catholic community and the various ways people serve in their parish.
Essential Questions:
What is a parish? (p. 100)
What activities take part in a parish? (p. 100).
What are ministries? (p. 101)
What different activities take part in our parish? (p. 101)
How does our parish worship together and how does it care for others? (pp. 102-103)
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders.
Discuss the word of the week - Eucharist
Circle Discussion: Discuss chapter11.
· Discuss essential vocabulary.
· Read about and discuss the text about parish activities.
· Read and discuss the text about people who work in a parish.
· Discuss ministries within the parish.
· Read and discuss about celebrations of the Church.
· Get them to share their thoughts on worshipping.
· Read and discuss the text about loving and serving one another.
· Read and discuss pastoral administrators in As Catholics.
Activities :
· Workbook activities, pages 103 (We Respond – at the bottom of the page) thru’ 106.
· Reproducible Master – Teacher Book, p. 99C – Our Parish Cares For Others.
· Design a brochure about our parish (see Teacher Book – Picture This – p. 99D).
· Draw a scene of people worshipping and participating at Mass (see Teacher Book – Curriculum Connection – p. 103
· Design a parish logo see - http://www.sadlierreligion.com/webelieve/docs/printable/parish/grade_3/g3_chapter_11.pdf
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Lesson Message: The children will gain a deeper understanding of the parish as a Catholic community and the various ways people serve in their parish.
Essential Questions:
What is a parish? (p. 100)
What activities take part in a parish? (p. 100).
What are ministries? (p. 101)
What different activities take part in our parish? (p. 101)
How does our parish worship together and how does it care for others? (pp. 102-103)
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders.
Discuss the word of the week - Eucharist
Circle Discussion: Discuss chapter11.
· Discuss essential vocabulary.
· Read about and discuss the text about parish activities.
· Read and discuss the text about people who work in a parish.
· Discuss ministries within the parish.
· Read and discuss about celebrations of the Church.
· Get them to share their thoughts on worshipping.
· Read and discuss the text about loving and serving one another.
· Read and discuss pastoral administrators in As Catholics.
Activities :
· Workbook activities, pages 103 (We Respond – at the bottom of the page) thru’ 106.
· Reproducible Master – Teacher Book, p. 99C – Our Parish Cares For Others.
· Design a brochure about our parish (see Teacher Book – Picture This – p. 99D).
· Draw a scene of people worshipping and participating at Mass (see Teacher Book – Curriculum Connection – p. 103
· Design a parish logo see - http://www.sadlierreligion.com/webelieve/docs/printable/parish/grade_3/g3_chapter_11.pdf
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Monday, November 28th - Chapter 13 - Advent
Chapter 13
Lesson Message: The children will learn that the season of Advent helps us prepare for the coming of the Son of God.
Essential Questions:
1. What is the season of Advent, and why do we celebrate it?
2. What are the signs of the season of Advent?
3. Who are the Advent saints?
Prayer Listeners
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also the Morning Offering for practice.
Circle Discussion: Read about and discuss the season of Advent (pp. 116-117). Identify the signs of the Advent season, and introduce the Advent saints (p. 118). Listen to scripture (p, 119 and children’s Bibles).
Activity 1: Complete the Path Sheet (Reproducable on p. 120A). Make sure they complete the action statement at the foot of the page. Color Advent Light worksheet from webelieveweb.com.
Activity 2: Craft activities to help the children spread the Advent message. Make posters, book covers, a mural. Work in small groups in order to work out several ways of communicating the Advent message.
Activity 3: Pages 119-120 of the We Believe text book.
Word of the Week: Discuss Gospel.
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Lesson Message: The children will learn that the season of Advent helps us prepare for the coming of the Son of God.
Essential Questions:
1. What is the season of Advent, and why do we celebrate it?
2. What are the signs of the season of Advent?
3. Who are the Advent saints?
Prayer Listeners
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also the Morning Offering for practice.
Circle Discussion: Read about and discuss the season of Advent (pp. 116-117). Identify the signs of the Advent season, and introduce the Advent saints (p. 118). Listen to scripture (p, 119 and children’s Bibles).
Activity 1: Complete the Path Sheet (Reproducable on p. 120A). Make sure they complete the action statement at the foot of the page. Color Advent Light worksheet from webelieveweb.com.
Activity 2: Craft activities to help the children spread the Advent message. Make posters, book covers, a mural. Work in small groups in order to work out several ways of communicating the Advent message.
Activity 3: Pages 119-120 of the We Believe text book.
Word of the Week: Discuss Gospel.
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Monday, November 21st
No classes - Thanksgiving
Monday, November 14th -
Chapter 10 The Church Prays
Lesson Message: The children will learn about the ways Catholics listen and talk to God in prayer.
Essential Questions:
How and where did Jesus teach his followers to pray? (p. 92)
What do we pray for in the Our Father? (p. 92)
What are the different ways we can pray? (p. 93)
What are the different types of prayer? (p. 94)
How often does the Church pray? (p. 95)
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s lesson.
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders.
Discuss the word of the week.
Circle Discussion:
Mass Mania!
Discuss chapter10.
· Discuss essential vocabulary.
· Read about and discuss Jesus teaching his followers how to pray.
· Read and discuss how we can pray with others or by ourselves.
· Read and discuss the fact that there are different types of prayer.
· Discuss the fact that the Church prays all the time.
Activities (if time allows following Mass Mania1):
· Workbook activities, pages 96-97.
· Design/make a poster reflecting their favorite prayer.
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Lesson Message: The children will learn about the ways Catholics listen and talk to God in prayer.
Essential Questions:
How and where did Jesus teach his followers to pray? (p. 92)
What do we pray for in the Our Father? (p. 92)
What are the different ways we can pray? (p. 93)
What are the different types of prayer? (p. 94)
How often does the Church pray? (p. 95)
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s lesson.
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders.
Discuss the word of the week.
Circle Discussion:
Mass Mania!
Discuss chapter10.
· Discuss essential vocabulary.
· Read about and discuss Jesus teaching his followers how to pray.
· Read and discuss how we can pray with others or by ourselves.
· Read and discuss the fact that there are different types of prayer.
· Discuss the fact that the Church prays all the time.
Activities (if time allows following Mass Mania1):
· Workbook activities, pages 96-97.
· Design/make a poster reflecting their favorite prayer.
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Monday, November 7th
Lesson message: The children will learn more about the Church and the ways in which the Church teaches us.
Essential Questions:
What do we mean when we say the Church is the Body of Christ and the People of God? (p. 84)
Why is the Apostles' Creed important? (p. 85)
How does the Holy Spirit guide the Church? (p. 86)
How does the Church continue to teach the true message of Jesus? (p. 87).Welcome activity:Worksheet - Find the code to figure out the missing words relating to the chapter.
Discussion:
Activities:
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Essential Questions:
What do we mean when we say the Church is the Body of Christ and the People of God? (p. 84)
Why is the Apostles' Creed important? (p. 85)
How does the Holy Spirit guide the Church? (p. 86)
How does the Church continue to teach the true message of Jesus? (p. 87).Welcome activity:Worksheet - Find the code to figure out the missing words relating to the chapter.
Discussion:
- Opening Prayers
- Word of the Week
- Look at essential vocabulary for chapter 9.
- Read and discuss chapter 9. Relate to essential questions.
Activities:
- Give the children a copy of the Apostles' Creed and construction paper.
- Paste the creed onto the construction paper, and then decorate it.
- Discuss the creed with a partner.
- Take the creed home and discuss it with an older family member or another adult.
- page 85 of textbook for extension.
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Monday, October 31st
No classes - Halloween
Monday, October 24th
Chapter 8 - The Church Has Four Marks
Lesson message: The children will learn about the four marks of the Church, which are its special characteristics.
Essential Questions:
Who did Jesus choose to lead the Church? (p. 76)
Who are the successors of the Apostles? (page 77)
What does "The Church is one and holy" mean? (p. 78)
What does "The Church is catholic and apostolic mean? (p. 79)
Welcome Activities:
Crossword on page 80 of the textbook.
Discussion:
Activities:
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Lesson message: The children will learn about the four marks of the Church, which are its special characteristics.
Essential Questions:
Who did Jesus choose to lead the Church? (p. 76)
Who are the successors of the Apostles? (page 77)
What does "The Church is one and holy" mean? (p. 78)
What does "The Church is catholic and apostolic mean? (p. 79)
Welcome Activities:
Crossword on page 80 of the textbook.
Discussion:
- Prayers
- Discuss the word of the week
- Prayer Listeners will be in - nothing to worry about!
- Look at essential vocabulary
- Read and discuss chapter 8, and relate to essential questions.
Activities:
- Crossword Activity based on chapters 7 and 8.
- Prayer Listeners
- Letters to those serving in Afghanistan.
- Finish Church Year Clock
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Monday, October 17th
Chapter 7 - Ordinary Time
Lesson Message: The children will learn that the Church year celebrates Jesus. They will also learn that we celebrate Jesus’ life and teachings during Ordinary Time.
Essential Questions:
1. Why do we call some parts of the Church year Ordinary time? (pp. 66-67)
2. Who was St. Peter Claver? (p. 68)
3. What is the Exaltation of the Holy Cross? (p. 68)
Welcome Activities:
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders.
Word of the Week Assessment
Circle Discussion: Discuss chapter 7, pp. 65-69.
· Discuss essential vocabulary.
· Read and discuss the season of Ordinary Time.
· Read and discuss the life of St. Peter Claver.
· Introduce the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
Activities :
· Reproducible Master 7 (p. 70A).
· Textbook activities (pp. 71 and 72).
·
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Lesson Message: The children will learn that the Church year celebrates Jesus. They will also learn that we celebrate Jesus’ life and teachings during Ordinary Time.
Essential Questions:
1. Why do we call some parts of the Church year Ordinary time? (pp. 66-67)
2. Who was St. Peter Claver? (p. 68)
3. What is the Exaltation of the Holy Cross? (p. 68)
Welcome Activities:
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders.
Word of the Week Assessment
Circle Discussion: Discuss chapter 7, pp. 65-69.
· Discuss essential vocabulary.
· Read and discuss the season of Ordinary Time.
· Read and discuss the life of St. Peter Claver.
· Introduce the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
Activities :
· Reproducible Master 7 (p. 70A).
· Textbook activities (pp. 71 and 72).
·
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Monday, October 10th
Chapter 6 We Learn About The Church Year
Lesson Message: The children will learn that the Church year celebrates Jesus. They will also learn that we celebrate Jesus’ life and teachings during Ordinary Time.
Essential Questions:
1. What does the Church year celebrate? (pp. 60-61)
Welcome Activities:
1. Textbook activity/Wordsearch activity
Living Rosary in the church
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders.
Discuss the word of the week - Lord, I am not worthy
Circle Discussion: Discuss chapters 6, pp. 59-64.
· Discuss essential vocabulary.
· Read about and discuss the seasons of the Church’s year.
·
Activities :
· Make a Church year Wheel - http://www.sadlierreligion.com/webelieve/pop_printableactivity.cfm?sp=teacher§ion=activity&grade=3&ch=6
· Complete chart on p. 62 of their textbook
· Reproducible Master 6 (p. 64A).
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Lesson Message: The children will learn that the Church year celebrates Jesus. They will also learn that we celebrate Jesus’ life and teachings during Ordinary Time.
Essential Questions:
1. What does the Church year celebrate? (pp. 60-61)
Welcome Activities:
1. Textbook activity/Wordsearch activity
Living Rosary in the church
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders.
Discuss the word of the week - Lord, I am not worthy
Circle Discussion: Discuss chapters 6, pp. 59-64.
· Discuss essential vocabulary.
· Read about and discuss the seasons of the Church’s year.
·
Activities :
· Make a Church year Wheel - http://www.sadlierreligion.com/webelieve/pop_printableactivity.cfm?sp=teacher§ion=activity&grade=3&ch=6
· Complete chart on p. 62 of their textbook
· Reproducible Master 6 (p. 64A).
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Monday, September 12th: Chapter 2 - Jesus Teaches Us About God's Love
**Fire Drill**Chapter 2: Jesus Teaches Us About God’s Love.
Lesson Message: The children will be introduced to Jesus’ teaching about God’s love and the Kingdom of God.
Essential Questions:
· Where would you find the many examples of Gods' love written down?
· What is the difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament?
· Who guided the writers of the Bible?
· How would you describe the Kingdom of God?
· What do we mean by the gift of faith?
· Why did Jesus die and rise from the dead?
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also the Morning Offering for practice.
Main Activity.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders.
The students will have pre-read the above chapter. Discuss and relate the essential questions to their reading and understanding.
· Make a love chain. Encourage the children to identify actions of love that surround them. Have the children write on paper-length strips any actions of love or performed. Loop the strips to form a chain.
· Interview each other about teachers who have taught them important lessons. Have them name the teachers and the lessons taught. Invite volunteers to share their interview.
Circle Discussion: Discuss this and last week’s words of the week..
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
April 11th
March 28th
Chapter 26
Lesson Message: The Kingdom of God continues to grow.
Essential Questions:
1. What are parables?
2. How did Jesus use parables?
3. What did Jesus teach about the Kingdom of God?
4. What are miracles, and how did Jesus use them?
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders. Rosary Beads
Discuss the word of the week
Prayer Circle:
· Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also the Morning Offering for practice.
· Decade of the Rosary – The Transfiguration – 4th of the Mysteries of Light
Circle Discussion: Discuss chapter 26, pp. 219-223.
· Discuss essential vocabulary – parable miracle.
· Read and discuss parables and the Kingdom of God in the text, p. 220.
· Identify signs of God’s love.
· Read and discuss the growth of the Kingdom of God, p. 221
· Read and discuss As Catholics section on St. Elizabeth of Hungary.
· Read and discuss Jesus’ miracles, with particular reference on his calming of the storm, pp. 222-223
· Read and discuss the Church and ways we can give witness to the Kingdom of God.
Activities :
· Design a billboard to remind travelers of (a) the Kingdom of God being based on love and service to others, (b) The Kingdom of God is growing, or (c) The Kingdom of God is one of peace, fairness, respect and justice.
· Make affirmation cards – remind the children that to be witnesses to Jesus we must respect one another. Write each class member’s name on card and pass the cards around the room. Ask the children to write something they appreciate or like about their classmates.
· Potted plant activity – make a container of potting soil. Plant it with seeds to represent ourselves growing in God’s love
Closing Prayer Circle:
· Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers.
· End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week.
· Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Lesson Message: The Kingdom of God continues to grow.
Essential Questions:
1. What are parables?
2. How did Jesus use parables?
3. What did Jesus teach about the Kingdom of God?
4. What are miracles, and how did Jesus use them?
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders. Rosary Beads
Discuss the word of the week
Prayer Circle:
· Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also the Morning Offering for practice.
· Decade of the Rosary – The Transfiguration – 4th of the Mysteries of Light
Circle Discussion: Discuss chapter 26, pp. 219-223.
· Discuss essential vocabulary – parable miracle.
· Read and discuss parables and the Kingdom of God in the text, p. 220.
· Identify signs of God’s love.
· Read and discuss the growth of the Kingdom of God, p. 221
· Read and discuss As Catholics section on St. Elizabeth of Hungary.
· Read and discuss Jesus’ miracles, with particular reference on his calming of the storm, pp. 222-223
· Read and discuss the Church and ways we can give witness to the Kingdom of God.
Activities :
· Design a billboard to remind travelers of (a) the Kingdom of God being based on love and service to others, (b) The Kingdom of God is growing, or (c) The Kingdom of God is one of peace, fairness, respect and justice.
· Make affirmation cards – remind the children that to be witnesses to Jesus we must respect one another. Write each class member’s name on card and pass the cards around the room. Ask the children to write something they appreciate or like about their classmates.
· Potted plant activity – make a container of potting soil. Plant it with seeds to represent ourselves growing in God’s love
Closing Prayer Circle:
· Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers.
· End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week.
· Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
March 21st
Chapter 25
Lesson Message: The children will learn about Mary and the saints as models of holiness.
Essential Questions:
1. What does the term ‘Communion of Saints’ mean?
2. Why is Mary the greatest of all the saints?
3. How does the Church honor Mary?
4. What are the Mysteries of the Rosary?
5. How does God call us to be saints?
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders.
Discuss the word of the week
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also the Morning Offering for practice.
Circle Discussion: See Activities.
Activities : Work in centers:
· Group 1. Reproducible Master 25 (p. 211C).
· Group 2. We respond activity (p. 215), and text activities (pp. 216-218). Use this activity to discuss about being a canonized saint in As Catholics section. Read and discuss the Immaculate Conception and Assumption of Mary. Discuss ways to honor Mary. Read and discuss the Mysteries of the Rosary.
· Group 3. Word of the Week game with Mr. Giusti – Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Lesson Message: The children will learn about Mary and the saints as models of holiness.
Essential Questions:
1. What does the term ‘Communion of Saints’ mean?
2. Why is Mary the greatest of all the saints?
3. How does the Church honor Mary?
4. What are the Mysteries of the Rosary?
5. How does God call us to be saints?
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders.
Discuss the word of the week
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also the Morning Offering for practice.
Circle Discussion: See Activities.
Activities : Work in centers:
· Group 1. Reproducible Master 25 (p. 211C).
· Group 2. We respond activity (p. 215), and text activities (pp. 216-218). Use this activity to discuss about being a canonized saint in As Catholics section. Read and discuss the Immaculate Conception and Assumption of Mary. Discuss ways to honor Mary. Read and discuss the Mysteries of the Rosary.
· Group 3. Word of the Week game with Mr. Giusti – Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
March 14th
Chapter 24
Lesson Message: The children will learn that Catholics all over the world share the same faith and celebrate that faith in different ways.
Essential Questions:
1. What are the many customs and traditions of the Church worldwide?
2. How do Catholics share the same faith?
3. How do Catholics celebrate their faith in different ways?
4. How are Catholics the light of the world?
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also so the Morning Offering for practice.
Circle Discussion: Read and discuss the worldwide Church and its many different customs and traditions. Discuss worship with Catholics in other parts of the world (pp. 204-205). Read and discuss the Latin and Eastern Rites of the Catholic Church. Read about the Baptismal Register in As Catholics (p. 205). Read and discuss the different ways of celebrating the Church’s liturgy (p. 206). Read and discuss Catholics as the light of the world (pp. 206-207).
Center 1: Reproducible Master 24. Look at their talents and gifts.
Center 2: Draw a way that they can shine for all to see as Catholics.
Center 3: Workbook activities, pp. 208-210.
Word of the Week: Mass
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.
Lesson Message: The children will learn that Catholics all over the world share the same faith and celebrate that faith in different ways.
Essential Questions:
1. What are the many customs and traditions of the Church worldwide?
2. How do Catholics share the same faith?
3. How do Catholics celebrate their faith in different ways?
4. How are Catholics the light of the world?
Welcome Activities:
1. Reproducible based on this week’s Mass.
Word of the Week Folders.
Supplies Needed: Reproducible/Crayons/Pencils/Folders
Prayer Circle:
Gather the children on the prayer carpet to recite the Our Father/Sign of the Cross/Hail Mary and Act of Contrition. Also so the Morning Offering for practice.
Circle Discussion: Read and discuss the worldwide Church and its many different customs and traditions. Discuss worship with Catholics in other parts of the world (pp. 204-205). Read and discuss the Latin and Eastern Rites of the Catholic Church. Read about the Baptismal Register in As Catholics (p. 205). Read and discuss the different ways of celebrating the Church’s liturgy (p. 206). Read and discuss Catholics as the light of the world (pp. 206-207).
Center 1: Reproducible Master 24. Look at their talents and gifts.
Center 2: Draw a way that they can shine for all to see as Catholics.
Center 3: Workbook activities, pp. 208-210.
Word of the Week: Mass
Closing Prayer Circle: Go over the essential questions and make sure everyone knows the answers. End the class with an informal prayer of thanks and our desire to have Christ with us during the upcoming week. Let anyone who has their own prayerful intentions share them at this time.
Clean the classroom and prepare for dismissal.