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Overview
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Grade:
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3
4
5
6
Grade 4
Unit 1
Chapter 1 - Connection to Stewardship
Remind the students that Jesus' life on earth was humble. He had few material possessions. Sometimes we have many possessions. Ask the students to consider donating a game or some clothing to a local drive for those in need.
Chapter 2 - Connection to Liturgy
After the Last Supper Jesus prayed that the cup of suffering might be taken away. Yet he chose not his will but
his Father's will to be done. Even in his suffering on the cross Jesus trusted in God his Father. When we pray the Our Father at each celebration of the Eucharist, we are reminded of Jesus' trust in God. We say "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Only in perfect trust could Jesus do his Father's will and endure the pain of the cross to save all people.
Chapter 3 - Connection to Catholic Social Teaching
Solidarity
As the students learn more about the effects of sin on their relationship with God and others, ask them to think of ways to counteract these effects. Point out that different groups work together for the good of others. These groups promote and advocate peace and justice in families, communities, and nations. Help the students to see that when they make an effort to serve the common good, they can make a difference in society.
Chapter 4 - Connection to Stewardship
The Church teaches that human beings are called to care for and protect our planet. We do this because we live our faith in relationship with all of God's creation. Explain to the students that in making decisions we need to be guided by our conscience. Encourage them to respect the environment. The ways we use our limited resources now will have a future impact. Have them seek out more information about conservation, recycling, and preservation.
Chapter 5 - Connection to Family
Sharing stories is a way to show that different situations can be reconciled through peace and forgiveness. Have the students write a questionnaire. They could ask each family member to complete sentences, such as "I had to forgive someone when . . . " and "I was
forgiven by someone when . . . " Discussing stories of forgiveness help students see examples of reconciliation in their own families.
Unit 2
Chapter 8 - Connection to Mission
The Church lives out its mission to share the gospel message in many ways. One way the Church does this is by sending missionaries throughout the world to spread the good news to all peoples. Explain to the students that missionaries show respect for the local cultures in the countries they serve and present the gospel to the people in their own languages. Share with the students mission magazines (such as Maryknoll magazine) and encourage the students to find out about missionary work in their diocese.
Chapter 9 - Connection to Stewardship
As the students learn that they are to believe in and honor God, remind them that they can do so both by praying to and worshiping God and by providing help to others. Jesus is an example of this: He helped others because it was what God his Father called him to do. Invite the students to suggest ways that they can help or serve others, such as by helping tutor a younger student. Help them to see that doing God's will in this way shows honor and love for God.
Chapter 10 - Connection to Liturgical Music
Encourage the students to listen carefully to the music used during Mass. Ask them to consider how we use music to call upon the Lord. What titles for God do you hear in the music? Some titles used in liturgical music include "Heavenly King," "God of Life and of the Living," "Our Father," "Lamb of God," and "Almighty Father." Invite the students to note some of these titles after they next participate in Mass.
Chapter 11 - Connection to Catholic Social Teaching
Solidarity of the Human Family
Help the students recognize that we are one human family and that people of different cultures and those who live in different countries are our neighbors, too. God calls all Catholics to use their time, strength, and resources to help people everywhere. Explore with the students the many ways their parishes and dioceses help people all around the world. Invite the students to find out what organizations are offering the help. Encourage the students to find opportunities to do volunteer work for these organizations.
Chapter 12 - Connection to Mission
The Church's celebration of the Eucharist cannot be separated from its missionary mandate to bring the good news of Christ to others. When we remember others' needs in the general intercessions, we pray not only for God to be with them but also for God to strengthen us to act as Christ would to them. And at the conclusion of the Mass, we are sent out to serve the Lord, to bring his peace to others. Use these two examples to connect worship and our daily lives of discipleship.
Unit 3
Chapter 15 - Connection to Community
The students are reminded in this chapter that God wants us to love and respect others in our families and communities. Guide the students to understand that "community" includes our own families, the parish and Church family, the greater community of neighbors, and, ultimately, the community of all people everywhere. Encourage the students to reach out within the community of the parish and their neighborhoods to show someone that they care. Remind the students of the positive influence individuals in the parish can have on the community around them.
Chapter 16 - Connection to Scripture
Saint Paul writes in Romans 13:9 that the fifth commandment and all other commandments "are summed up in this saying, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" Read this passage to the students to help them understand that loving others is a fulfillment of the fifth commandment. Help the students to see that their everyday actions are a way of keeping the commandments. This will make
following God's law more relevant to them.
Chapter 17 - Connection to Scripture
In Matthew 5:27-28 we read that Jesus also taught about the sixth commandment. Students may not understand the idea of committing adultery in one's heart. Explain that not only are we called to keep the sixth commandment in our actions but also in our hearts and minds. God wants our thoughts and feelings to be loving and respectful. As you teach this chapter, emphasize the idea that our thoughts and feelings are as important as our actions.
Chapter 18 - Connection to Vocations
As the students learn about the importance of living out their faith by giving to others, encourage them to learn more about the priests, brothers, and sisters who give so freely of themselves to others. Use Catholic newspapers, biographies of the saints, and other religious publications to introduce the students to different types of religious orders whose members work to live out the message of the seventh commandment.
Chapter 19 - Connection to Saints
Tell the story of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Stephen was put on trial for preaching about Jesus and then was executed by stoning. Even as he faced death, Stephen did not abandon his faith. He called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" (Acts 7:59). Although we may never have to make such a sacrifice, we can follow Saint Stephen's example of being a faithful witness. Nothing should deter us from proclaiming the truth of our Savior.
Unit 4
Chapter 22 - Connection to Prayer
As the class discusses ways to resist temptation, remind the students that we ask God for help in overcoming temptation when we pray the Our Father. Tell the students that Jesus understands that we encounter difficult situations. He wants us to be reminded, each time we pray the Our Father, that we do not have to resist temptation alone. Encourage the students to pray the Lord's Prayer whenever they are faced with a challenge and they need to rely on their conscience to make a decision.
Chapter 23 - Connection to Saints
Explain that many saints are known for rejecting worldly ideals. Many of them lived and worked among the poor. Invite the students to read the lives of the saints. Then encourage the students to follow the example of these saints by looking for ways to help those who are less fortunate.
Chapter 24 - Connection to Vocations
Talk to the students about religious orders and communities that people can join to serve God in a special way. Tell the students about contemplative orders. Explain that these cloistered women and men have chosen to serve God by devoting their lives to prayer. Share stories with students about contemplative saints such as Thýrýse of the Child Jesus, Benedict of Nursia, and Brigid of Kildare.
Chapter 25 - Connection to Stewardship
In this chapter the students are asked to think about what it means to be part of a parish community. Discuss the ways that pastors, sisters, priests and deacons, altar servers, music directors, choir members and musicians, directors of religious education, parish council members, catechists, special ministers of the Eucharist, readers, ushers, visitors to the sick, and sacristans all serve the parish. Talk, too, about parish committees devoted to such ministries as food pantries, social action, and the right to life, that also exemplify stewardship.
Chapter 26 - Connection to Family
Remind the students that their families have been called to discipleship. As the students learn more about the cardinal and theological virtues, take the opportunity to point out some ways to practice these virtues at home. Explain that the practice of these virtues can help a family grow in strength and unity.
Connection to Mission
Jesus calls us to be witnesses to our faith. Ask the students to share their faith with others. Encourage them to invite friends to attend Mass with them. Help them to understand that we are called to live in a way that shows others we are followers of Christ. We should joyfully proclaim our faith to others.
Grade:
1
2
3
4
5
6
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