stjudes.net · web viewfamily faith formation newsletter. june . 16, 2021. special edition

Family Faith Formation NewsletterJune 16, 2021Special Edition

From the Director

This Sunday, June 20th, we begin our Summer Home Study Classes. For the next five weeks in this special edition of the weekly newsletter there will be five chapters from each grade 3, 4, 5-6 for those students who were not able to complete all the chapters in their books during the school year. Grade 7 is the exception where it took two weeks to cover one chapter. Grade 7 will cover 5 chapters every two weeks.

Here is our schedule for the next five weeks:

June 16th: Chapters 1-5 in grades 3, 4, 5-6, and Chapters 1, 2, & 3 for gr. 7.

June 23rd: Chapters 6-10 in grades 3, 4, 5-6, and Chapters 5 & 6 for gr. 7.

(Chapter 4 is skipped.)

June 30th: Chapters 11-15 in grades 3, 4, 5-6, and Chapters 7, 8, & 9 for gr. 7July 7th: Chapters 16-20 in grades 3, 4, 5-6 and Chapters10 & 11 for gr. 7

July 14th: Chapters 21-25 in grades 3, 4, 5-6 and chapters 12, 13, 14 for gr. 7

Parents will be able to decide if they want to do five chapters each week, or as few as 2 chapters each week. Two chapters a week will take the student until September 12th when we plan to resume classes for the new school year. Most of you should have the Parent Guide in the three-ring binder, along with a chapter quiz or test for each of the chapters. Grade 7 has a worksheet to complete

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each week rather than a quiz to take. If a parent is missing any of the books, quizzes, or answer keys to the quizzes or worksheets, please contact Mary Ellen to arrange a pick up of those items from the Parish Office, open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For those parents who choose not to participate in the Summer Home Study Classes, don’t forget the lessons plans based on the Sunday Gospel which will continue throughout the summer in our regular edition of the weekly newsletter. For you who have no children or the recently eighth graders who celebrated Confirmation and for the high school age students, we encourage you to read the weekly commentary from Loyola Press and the Getting Ready for the Sunday Mass as a way to prepare for our Sunday Celebration.

Table of Contents:Information on the Summer Home Study Classes

page 1The Table of Contents continued page 2Grade 3 Home Lesson Plans: Chapters 1-5

pages 2-7Grade 4 Home Lesson Plans: Chapters 1-5

pages 8-13Grades 5-6 Home Lesson Plans Chapters 1-5

pages 14-22Grade 7 Home Lesson Plans: Chapters 1,2 and 3

pages 23-43

Note: We ask parents to have their children complete the quiz or unit test after each chapter in grades 3-6; complete the worksheet for each chapter for grade 7. Theses completed quizzes or worksheets can be dropped off at the Parish Office, dropped in the collection basket, or mailed to us at St. Jude’s Faith Formation 1120 Four Mile Road NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525. We will be able to file your child’s

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completed work in their individual file folders. Thanks, [email protected]

Summer Class: 2021Grade 3 Chapter 1 God Calls Us

Faith Focus: We are called to believe in God and to do what God asks.

Chapter SummaryGod calls each of us to take part in the plan of salvation. God promises to help and bless us if we trustingly respond. In this chapter the children learn that Abraham and Ruth are models of fidelity to God’s call. They learn that faith means a willingness to do what God asks, knowing that God always brings us to a fuller, richer life.

1. Open up the Parent Guide found after the green tab in the three-ring binder. Lesson plan for Chapter 1 begins on pages 1 and 2Note: the Gather and Go Forth at the end of each chapter in the student book, will be omitted in all chapters. 2. After completing the lesson plan for chapter 1, pages 1-8, turn to page 8 to review what your child has learned in Chapter 1.

Review Page 81. Print the two special names in the puzzle on page 8.Answer Key: Catholic, Christian2. Have your child commit to memory the answers to the Remember Questions:

1. What does God call us to be?God calls us to believe in him and to do what he

asks.2. What is faith? Faith is a gift from God that helps us to believe in

him. I know that God is with me. In God I trust.

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mailto:[email protected]

3. Use the We Respond as a prayer to end this lesson.4. Choose an activity to do from Building Family Faith.5. Complete the quiz for Chapter 1 found after the yellow tab in your three-ring binder. The Answer Key is found after the purple tab. Please have your child complete the chapter quiz after each chapter. We will keep a record of the returns in your child’s file folder.

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Summer Class: 2021

Grade 3 Chapter 2 God Gives us GiftsFaith Focus: We each have unique gifts to praise God and

serve others.

Chapter SummaryEach person fulfills God’s plan in a different way. God gives us the gifts and talents we need to do this. In this chapter the children learn that God expects us to be responsible for our talents. We should develop them to the best of our ability and use them to improves ourselves, to help others, and to praise and glorify God. They meet David who used his gifts this way.

1. Open up the Parent Guide found after the green tab in the three-ring binder. Lesson plan for Chapter 2 begins on page 4.Note: the Gather and Go Forth at the end of each chapter in the student book, will be omitted in all chapters. 2. After completing the lesson plan for chapter 2 turn to page 16 to review what your child has learned in Chapter 2.

Review Page 161. Have your child place the missing words in the puzzle. The sentence and the Word Bank will help you. Answer key: David, talent, loves, gifts, God.

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2. Have your child commit to memory the answer to the We Remember question

Why has God Given you talents?(God has given me talents to praise him and to help

others.)

3. Learn the Word to KnowWhat is a psalm? (Glossary, page274)(A psalm is a prayer in the form of a poem. Psalms

were written to be sung in public worship in the Old Testament times. David wrote many of the psalms.)

4. Use the We Respond as a prayer to end this lesson. 5. Choose an activity to do from Building Family Faith.

6. Complete the quiz for Chapter 2 found after the yellow tab in your three-ring binder. The Answer Key is found after the purple tab in your three- ring binder. Please have your child complete the chapter quiz after each chapter. We will keep a record of the returns in your child’s file folder.


Summer Class 2021Grade 3 Chapter 3 We Are God’s Holy People

Faith Focus: God calls us to be holy – to know, love and serve him.

Chapter SummaryGod calls us to be a holy people and gives us his Son to be our Way, Our Truth and our Life. In this chapter the children learn that Jesus became man to show us how to live a holy life and to teach us the way to the Father. Through his Church and the saints, God continues to guide us. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we are strengthened and brought closer to God as God’s holy people.

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1. Open up the Parent Guide found after the green tab in the three-ring binder. Lesson plan for Chapter 3 begins on page 7Note: the Gather and Go Forth at the end of each chapter in the student book will be omitted in all chapters. 2. After completing the lesson plan for chapter 3, turn to page 24 to review what your child has learned in Chapter 3.

Review page 241. Use the Good Questions on page 24 to help your child follow Jesus. After each question pause so your child will have time to think about the question. Remind your child to ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in all your thoughts, words, and actions.

2. Have your child commit to memory the answers to the We Remember questions.

1. What is the way to eternal happiness(The Way to eternal happiness is to know, love and

serve God.)2. Who shows us how to be holy?(Jesus choses us how to be holy.)He helps us through

the Holy Spirit and in his Church..)

3. Use the We Respond as a prayer to end this lesson.

4. Choose an activity to do from Building Family Faith.

5. Complete the quiz for Chapter 3 quiz found after the yellow tab in your three-ring binder. The Answer Key is found after the purple tab in your three- ring binder. Please have your child complete the chapter quiz after each chapter. We will keep a record of the returns in your child’s file folder.


Summer Class 2021

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Grade 3 Chapter 4 God Called MaryFaith Focus: Mary said yes to God

Chapter SummaryAt the Annunciation Mary was asked to be the mother of Jesus, God’s Son. By saying Yes, she became the Mother of God, our spiritual Mother, and the Mother of the Church. In this chapter the children learn from Mary’s example to answer the call of God willingly and promptly. They also become familiar with the Joyful Mysteries as they are taught how to pray the rosary.

1. Open up the Parent Guide found after the green tab in the three-ring binder. Lesson plan for Chapter 4 begins on page 10Note: the Gather and Go Forth at the end of each chapter in the student book will be omitted in all chapters. 2. After completing the lesson plan for chapter 4 turn to page 32 to review what your child has learned in Chapter 4.

Review page 32.

1. Do the crossword puzzle. (Answers are: Down, Mary, decade; Across, Mystery, Rosary)

2. Read the WE REMEMBER Question Have your child commit the answer to memory.

1. Why do Catholics pray the Rosary?(Catholics pray the Rosary to honor Mary and to know

and to love her Son Jesus better.)

3. Learn the Words to Know: What is the Annunciation? (Glossary, pate 271)(The Annunciation is the announcement to Mary by the

angel Gabriel that God had chosen her to be the mother of Jesus.)

What is the Rosary? (Glossary, page 275)

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(The Rosary is a prayer in honor of the blessed Virgin Mary. When we pray the Rosary , we meditate on the mysteries of Jesus Christ’s life while praying the Hail Mary on five sets of ten beads and the Lord’s Prayer on

the beads in between.

What is a sacramental? Glossary, page 275)(A sacramental is an object, a prayer or a blessing,

given by the Church to help us grow in out spiritual life.)


5. Pick an activity to do from Building Family Faith.

6. Complete the quiz for Chapter 4 found after the yellow tab in your three-ring binder. The Answer Key is found after the purple tab in your three-ring binder. Please have your child complete the chapter quiz after each chapter. We will keep a record of the returns in your child’s file folder.

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Summer ClassGrade 3 Chapter 5 Jesus Calls Us to Follow

Faith Focus: Jesus called apostles, disciples, and us to carry on his work.

Chapter SummaryTrue disciples of Jesus listen to his Word and walk in his way. In this Chapter the children hear how Jesus called the apostles, the disciples, and Paul. They learn that Jesus calls them, too, to follow his way of love and to share in his mission of leading all people to God. Note: This Chapter is a Review chapter of chapters 1-4, Unit 1.

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1. Open up the Parent Guide found after the green tab in the three-ring binder. Lesson plan for Chapter 5 begins on page 13. Note: the Gather and Go Forth at the end of each chapter in the student book will be omitted in all chapters. 2. After completing the lesson plan for chapter 5 turn to pages 28-40 to review what your child has learned in Unit 1 chapters 1-5.

Review pages 38 -40 Lead the children through a review of the chapter using the activities on these pages.

1. Read the questions under the We Remember heading. Help your child to commit to memory the answers to these questions.

1. What is an apostle? (An apostle is one of the people specially chosen by

Jesus to spread his message.)

2. What is a disciple? (A disciple is a follower of Jesus.)

3. What does Jesus call Christians to help him do? (Jesus calls Christians to spread the good news of

God’s love.)

2. Learn the Word to Know:

What is a Synagogue? (Glossary, page 275)(A synagogue is the Jewish place of assembly for

prayer, instruction, and study of the Law. Jesus attended the synagogue to pray and to teach.)

3. Use the We Respond prayer to end your lesson.4. Do the Go Fishing activity.

5. Turn to page 39 and complete a Secret Message from God.(You are Mine)

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6. Fill the clouds with the names of people called by God by using the Word Bank.Answer key: Top to bottom 1. Abraham 2. Disciples. 3. David 4. Francis. 5. Paul. 6. Gabriel. 7. Know. 8. Us. 9. Clare. 10. Love. 11. Mary. 12. Ruth. 13 Apostles. 14 Serve. 15 Peter. 16. Care.

7. Turn to page 40. Do the exercise Find the Pairs.Answer Key: 1. F. 2. I 3. G. 4. C. 5. B. 67. A 7. D. 8. E. 9. B

8. Omit the Prayer Service on pages 41-42.

9. Read over the Family Feature to your child on pages 44a- 44d (Time permitting)

10. Complete the Unit 1Test found after the yellow tab in your three-ring binder. The Answer Key is found after the purple tab. Please have your child complete the Unit 1 Test. We will keep a record of the returns in your child’s file folder.


Summer Class 2021Grade 4 Chapter 1 We Come to Know God

Faith Focus: God reveals himself in many ways but especially through his Son, Jesus

Chapter Summary To help us believe in Jesus and thus attain eternal life, God reveals himself to us in natural and supernatural ways. In this chapter the children learn that God is revealed in creation, his words and deeds, and – most perfectly – his Son. Not only does God speak through Jesus, but Jesus is God speaking and acting. The children learn that the apostles came to know Jesus and, through him, the Father.

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They are introduced to the gift of faith and Jesus’ ways of strengthening that faith. They are led to appreciate the greatness and goodness of God in creation and to respond to God’s call to faith with a sincere desire to learn more about God.

1. Open up the Parent Guide found after the green tab in the three-ring binder. Lesson plan for Chapter 1 begins on page 1.Note: the Gather and Go Forth at the end of each chapter in the student book will be omitted in all chapters. 2. After completing the lesson plan for chapter 1, turn to page 8 to review what your child has learned in Chapter 1.

Review Page 8

1. Go over page 8 and have the children complete A Faith Puzzle on the top of page 8. Answer key: 1. Life.2. Share. 3. Believe. 4. Trust. 5. Truth.

2. Ask the We Remember questions.

1. How does God reveal himself?(God reveals himself through creation, Scripture, and

perfectly through Jesus.)

2. How can we help God’s gift of faith to grow?(We can help our faith grow buy praying, celebrating

the sacraments, listening to God’s Word, studying the Church’s teachings, and doing what God tells us.)

3. Use the We Respond, the Act of Faith, to end this lesson.


5. Complete the quiz for Chapter 1 found after the yellow tab in your three-ring binder. The Answer Key is found after the purple tab.

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Summer Class 2021Grade 4 Chapter 2 God Speaks to Us in ScriptureFaith Focus: God reveals his love in the Old and New

Testaments

Chapter SummaryThe Bible, or Sacred Scripture, is the written Word of God. In this chapter the children learn more about Scripture and discover that God’s love is the Bible’s most important message. They are encouraged to grow in love and respect for the Bible as well as for the Word of God when it is proclaimed or read.

1. Open up the Parent Guide found after the green tab in the three-ring binder. Lesson plan for Chapter 2 begins on page 4.Note: the Gather and Go Forth at the end of each chapter in the student book will be omitted in all chapters.

2. After completing the lesson plan for chapter 2, pages 11-16 turn to page 16 to review what your child has learned in Chapter 2.

Review Page 16

1. Circle the correct word to complete each sentence under Knowing the Bible. Answer Key: 1. Sacred Scripture. 2. Old Testament. 3. New Testament. 4. Gospels.

2. Have the children commit to memory the We Remember questions:

1. What is the Bible? (The Bible is the written Word of God. It is Sacred

Scripture.)

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2. What is the message of Scripture? (The message of Scripture is that God loves us.)

3. Go over the Words to Know

What is the meaning of the word: Hebrews?(Hebrews was the name of God’s chosen people who

were led out of Egypt and given God’s laws of love, make them his own people.)

What do we mean when we say inspired?(Inspired is the word that the Church used to say that

God worked within the minds of the scripture writers. That is why we believe Scripture is the Word of God.

What is a Prophet:? (Prophet is the name of some people who were sent by

God to teach his people.)

What is an Evangelist?(Evangelists is another name given to the Gospel

writers.)



6. Complete the quiz for Chapter 2 found after the yellow tab in your three-ring binder. The Answer Key is found after the purple tab in your three-ring binder. Please have your child complete the Chapter 2 Quiz. We will keep a record of the returns in your child’s file folder.


Summer Class 2021 Grade 4 Chapter 3 God Speaks to Us through the

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Church Faith Focus: The Pope and the Bishops guide the Church in following Christ.

Chapter Summary

God continues to speak to us through all people, who from the community of the Church. In this chapter the children learn more about the makeup of this community, particularly the position of its leaders. They discover that the authority Jesus gave to the apostles is passed on to successive leaders of the Church. The children are encouraged to show their appreciation and love for the Church’s leaders by praying for them. They are also taught to use their own talents in helping spread the Good News through prayer, work, and Christian witness.

1. Open up the Parent Guide found after the green tab in the three-ring binder. Lesson plan for Chapter 3 begins on page 7 Note: the Gather and Go Forth at the end of each chapter in the student book will be omitted in all chapters. 2. After completing the lesson plan for chapter 3, turn to page 24 to review what your child has learned in Chapter 3.

Review page 24

1.Have your child work the exercise Check It Out on page 24. Answer Key: (1. Messiah, 2. Rock, 3. lead, 4. Jesus, 5. Holy Spirit, 6. Good News or Gospel.)

2. Have your child commit to memory the answer to the We Remember question.

1. Why do we believe what the Church teaches? (Jesus gave the leaders of the Church the authority to

teach in is name. The Holy Spirit guides the leader and all the people of the Church.)

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5. Complete the quiz for Chapter 3 quiz found after the yellow tab in your three-ring binder. The Answer Key is found after the purple tab in your three- ring binder. Please have your child complete the Chapter 2 Quiz. We will keep a record of the returns in your child’s file folder.


Summer Class 2021 Grade 4 Chapter 4 God Offers Us Eternal Life

Faith Focus: Knowing and Loving God leads to eternal life.

Chapter SummaryGod calls us to believe and trust in him in order to enjoy eternal life with him in heaven. In this chapter the children are led to reflect on the great treasure that awaits them if they respond to God’s call. They review the key concepts of this unit and celebrate their faith.

1. Open up the Parent Guide found after the green tab in the three-ring binder. Lesson plan for Chapter 4 begins on page 10Note: the Gather and Go Forth at the end of each chapter in the student book will be omitted in all chapters. 2. After completing the lesson plan for chapter 4, turn to page 28 to review what your child has learned in Unit 1 and Chapter 4.

Reviewing Unit 1

1. Have your child work Missing-Letter Game on page 28. (Clues appear in the pictures.) Double check your answers. When they have finished, go over the exercise.

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2. Ask your child to work on Ideas to Remember. Answer Key: 1. C 2. D. 3. B. 4. A. 5. G. 6. F. 7. E. 8. J. 9. I 10. H.

3. Work on Names to Remember on page 29 with your child. Answer Key: 1. G. 2. D. 3. A. 4. C. 5. B. 6. E.

4. Have your child complete My Gift to God gift tags on page 29.

5. Omit the We Celebrate our Faith prayer service on pages 30 and 31.

6. Read Looking Back at Unit 1 on page 32. Have your child check each sentience that describes your child.

7. Omit Unit 1 Review on page 32.

8. Complete the Unit 1Test found after the yellow tab in your three-ring binder. The Answer Key is found after the purple tab. Please have your child complete the Unit 1 Test. We will keep a record of the returns in your child’s file folder.


Summer ClassGrade 4 Chapter 5 We Are Called to Follow Jesus

Faith Focus: Jesus shows us how to love God and others.

Chapter SummaryJesus teaches us how to live. He shows love and concern for others by healing them, forgiving them, and teaching them. He prays to his Father and teaches us the Lord’s Prayer. In this chapter the children are encouraged to follow the path of Jesus and to make prayer and good works part of their daily lives.

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1. Open up the Parent Guide found after the green tab in the three-ring binder. Lesson plan for Chapter 5 begins on page 13. Note: the Gather and Go Forth at the end of each chapter in the student book will be omitted in all chapters. 2. After completing the lesson plan for chapter 5, go to page 42 for review of chapter 5.

Review Page 42

1. Omit Add a Happy Ending on page 42.

2. Read the question under the We Remember heading. Help your child to commit to memory the answer to this question.

1. What does Jesus say about forgiving others? (Jesus says, “If you forgive others… your heavenly

Father will forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14)) 3. Use the We Respond prayer to end your lesson.

4. Pick one activity from Building Family Faith to do this week.

5. Complete the Quiz for Chapter 5 found after the yellow tab in your three-ring binder. The Answer Key is found after the purple tab. Please have your child complete the Chapter 5 Quiz. We will keep a record of the returns in your child’s file folder.


Summer Class 2021Grades 5-6 Home Lesson Plan

Chapter 1 The Bible Reveals God’s Saving Love

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Chapter Summary The students are reminded that the Bible is one of the chief means of discovering God’s love for them and of learning how they can deepen their relationship with God. They learn that through Scripture, God reveals himself and the divine plan for our happiness. They see that the Old Testament helps us to understand Jesus.

Faith Focus: We come to know God and Jesus through Scripture.

1. Open up the Parent Guide found after the green tab in the three-ring binder. Lesson plan for Chapter 1 begins on page 1 Note: the Gather and Go Forth at the end of each chapter in the student book will be omitted in all chapters. 2. After completing the lesson plan for chapter 1 go to pages 6, 7 and 8 for review of Chapter 1.

Page 6 Jesus Fulfills Old Testament Promises. Match each Old Testament reference with its New Testament fulfillment. Print the correct letter on the line Answer Key: 1. C. 2. D. 3. B. 4. A.

Review Page 7

1.Ask the We Remember questions.

1. How does God reveal himself to us?(God reveals himself to us through creation, through

Scripture, and through Jesus.)

2. What are some good reasons for reading the Old Testament?

(The history of the Jewish people is our history too.)(Jesus read, studies, and prayed the Hebrew

Scriptures.)(The Old Testament is God’s Word.)(The Old Testament helps us to understand Jesus.)

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(God speak to us personally in the Bible.)(Reading the Old Testament helps us to understand our

Jewish brothers and sisters.)

3. What does it mean to refer to Sacred Scripture as a single deposit of God’s Word?

(God’s Word is entrusted to the Church for safekeeping.)

2. Use the We Respond prayer to end your lesson.

3. Learn the Word to Know

What is the Old Testament? (See Glossary, page 286)

(The Old Testament contains the first 46 books of the Bible, which tell of God’s covenant with the people of Israel and the plan for the salvation of all people.)


Review Page 8

1. Unscramble the words below to complete each sentence.Answer key: 1. Hebrews. 2. Old Testament. 3. Creation. 4. Love. 5. Responded. 6. Save. 7. Himself. 8. Prayed. 9. Jesus. 10. Events.

2. Complete this ad for the Bible: Take and Read.Answer Key: 1. Old Testament. 2. Love. 3. Save. 4. Kingdom. 5. Scripture or Bible. 6. Jesus.


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Chapter 2 Scripture is God’s Saving Word

Chapter Summary The students learn that God reveals himself and calls us to an intimate relationship through Sacred Scripture as well as through Sacred Tradition. . They come to understand that God desires to speak to them through Scripture. They are introduced to the Bible as a collection of various kinds of inspired writings and learn the major categories of books in the Old Testament. They review how to locate passages.

Faith Focus: God the author of the Bible speaks to us through it.

1. Open up the Parent Guide found after the green tab in the three-ring binder. Lesson plan for Chapter 2 begins on page 5. Note: the Gather and Go Forth at the end of each chapter in the student book will be omitted in all chapters. 2. After completing the lesson plan for chapter 2 turn to pages 17 & 18 to review what was covered in this chapter.

Review Page 17


1. What are the four parts of the old Testament?(The Law (Pentateuch), the historical books, Wisdom

literature, and the prophetic books.)

2. What is revelation?

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(Revelation is all that God has taught us about himself and his will for his people.)

3. What is inspiration?(Inspiration is God’s action is guiding the human

authors of the Bible. God guided their thoughts and desires to pass on truths that he wanted to teach, but

let the authors to express the truths in their own ways.)

2. Use the We Respond prayer to end your lesson. Write two things God has done for you and after each one write. “God’s love endures forever.”

3. Learn the Words to Know

What do we mean by the word “Law” in the Old Testament? (Glossary, page 284)

(The word “Law” in the Old Testament is the first five books of the Old Testament. The Hebrew word for Law is Torah. The ancient law is summarized in the Ten Commandments.)

What is Revelation? (see number 2 above)

What is interpretation? (See page 13)(Interpretation is the key to understanding what God

says to us in the Bible.)

What is Torah? (It is the Hebrew word for Law.)

What is the Pentateuch? (Glossary, page 287)(The Pentateuch refers to the first five books of the

Bible.)

What is Tradition? (Glossary, page 289)(Tradition are the beliefs and practices of the Church

that are passed down from one generation to the

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next under the guidance of the Holy Spirit…Tradition and Scripture together make up the single deposit of the Word of God…)

What is the Old Testament? (See Glossary, page 286)

(The Old Testament contains the first 46 books of the Bible, which tell of God’s covenant with the people of Israel and the plan for the salvation of all people.)


Review Page 18

1. Match each term with its definition. Not all of the terms will be used.Answer Key: 1. D. 2. K. 3. B. 4. A. 5. F. 6. G. 7. C. 8. J. 9. H. 10. L.

2. Find the following Old Testament passages in your Bible. Write each passage in the space provided.Exodus 3:10; 1 Samuel 17:32; Psalm 100:1; Jeremiah 1:6.

3. Name the type of biblical books described. (See page 15)Answer Key: 1. Prophetic 2. Law. 3. Wisdom Literature. 4. Historical.




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Chapter 3 Everything God Created Is Good

Chapter Summary The students learn not only of the original creation of all things but of God’s continual act of creation, which includes creating new being and keeping all things in existence. They are made aware of God’s special creation of people and are led to realize that people are more important than things. Responding to their call as stewards of the earth, they consider ways of protecting and caring for human life and for all the gifts of the earth.

Faith Focus: God created the world and all creatures and made us the stewards of this world.

1. Open up the Parent Guide found after the green tab in the three-ring binder. Lesson plan for Chapter 3 begins on page 9. Note: the Gather and Go Forth at the end of each chapter in the student book will be omitted in all chapters. 2. After completing the lesson plan for chapter 3 turn to pages 25 &-26 to review what was covered in this chapter.

Review Page 25


1. What do the stories of creation in the Book of Genesis teach us?

(These stories teach us the religious truth about the creation of the world.)

2. What did God create?(God created us and gave us the gifts of body and soul.

God created the earth and all its gifts to help us and give us joy.)

3. How are human beings different from other creatures?

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(We have a soul that enables us to think, judge, choose, love and live forever. We have an intellect and free will.)

2. Use the We Respond prayer to end your lesson. Complete the prayer of adoration by filling in the names of creatures that reflect God’s qualities.

3. Learn the Word to Know

What is free will? (Glossary, page 283)(Free will is the ability to choose to do good because

God has made us like him. Our free will is what makes us truly human. Our exercise of free will to do good increases our freedom. Using free will to choose sin makes us slaves to sin.)

What is stewardship? ()(Stewardship is God calling us to be stewards of the

earth. That is caring for human life and protecting it.)


Review Page 26

1. Identify what is described.Answer Key: 1. Genesis. 2. Nothing. 3. Light 4. Soul. 5. People. 6. Intellect, will.

2. Check the sentences that are true descriptions of God’s work of creation.Answer Key: 1. 2. 4, 5, 6, and 8 = checked.

3. Describe the three similarities and three differences from the two creation stories.

Use this list to fill in the similarities and the differences:God is the creatorThis story tells us about the Garden of Eden

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Man and woman share equal dignityWater is presentIn this story human beings are created first.In this story God creates by speaking




Chapter 4 God Offers Love and Mercy

Chapter Summary Through a study of the first stories In Genesis, the students ponder the entrance of sin in the world and its effect on our relationship with God and others. They see how God revealed the depth of divine love and mercy in promising a redeemer, and they discover in this promise the basis for Christian hope. They are given opportunities to grow in the Christlike response of peace and forgiveness.

Faith Focus: From the time of the first human beings, sin entered the world and spread., destroying relationships.

1. Open up the Parent Guide found after the green tab in the three-ring binder. Lesson plan for Chapter 4 begins on page 13Note: the Gather and Go Forth at the end of each chapter in the student book will be omitted in all chapters. 2. After completing the lesson plan for chapter 4, turn to pages 35 &-36 to review what was covered in this chapter.

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Review Page 35


1. What is sin?(Sin is a person’s free choice to turn away from God. It

is the source of evil.)

2. What are the effects of sin?(Sin weakens or destroys a person’s relationship with

God and others.)

3. In the Book of Genesis, how did God respond to people when they sinned?

(When people sinned, God responded with love and mercy.)

2. Use the We Respond prayer to end your lesson.

3. Learn the Words to Know.

What is conscience? (Glossary, page 281)(Conscience is the inner voice that helps each of

us to judge the morality of our own actions. It guides us to follow God’s law by doing good and avoiding evil.)

What is sin?(Sin is a person’s free choice to turn away from

God. It is the source of evil.)


Review Page 36

1.Match the people with the descriptions that best fits them.Answer Key: 1. D. 2. A. 3. H. 4. G. 5. F. 6. B. 7. E.

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2. Choose the word from the box to answer each clue. Then use the circled letters to work out the sentence at the bottom.Answer Key: 1. Sin. 2. Conflict. 3. Separation. 4. Brothers. 5. Rainbow. 6. God. 7. Tower. 8. Mercy. 9. Happy, Holy, God, Neighbor, Weakened.

3. Omit the Activity Practice This.




Unit 1 Review

Chapter Summary The students review the terms, people, and events as well as the concept of salvation history presented in Unit 1. In the context of a celebration, the Scripture prayer booklet, “God’s World is Alive” is provided for them from the back of the student’s book. It may be used in class or assigned as a home project to lead the students to scripture prayer.

Faith Focus: God enters into history and carries out the divine plan to save all people.

1. Open up the Parent Guide found after the green tab in the three-ring binder. Lesson plan for Unit 1 Review (Chapter 5) begins on page 17. 2. After completing the lesson plan turn to page 39 to review what was covered in Unit 1.

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Review Page 39Read each person’s statement. Circle the letter that describes the character whose name appears on the frame. Then write on the lines the names of the character described in the two other columns.

Answer key: a) Cain; b) Adam; c) Serpenta) Abel; b) Jesus; c) Caina) Towel of Babel; b Noah; c) Eve

Review Page 401. Complete the crossword puzzle. You can find the correct spelling of the answers in Unit 1 or in the Glossary. Answers: Down 2. God; 3. Sin; 4. Historical; 5. Genesis; 7. Hebrews; 9. Noah. Across: 1. Prophetic; 6.Pentateuch; 8. New; 10. Wisdom; 11. Jesus; 12. Old; 13. Savior

2. Match each Word to Know with its definition.Answer Key: 1. B. 2. G. 3. F. 4. A. 5. H. 6. D. 7. E. 8. C.

Review Page 411. Unscramble the letters of these Old Testament books. Answer Key: 1. Psalms. 2. Isaiah. 3. Genesis. 4. Judges. 5. Ezekiel. 6. Proverbs. 7. Ruth. 8. Exodus.

2. Use your Bible table of contents to find which books from scroll Scramble about match the description below. Write their names. Answer Key: 1. Genesis. 2. Proverbs. 3. Exodus. 4. Isaiah. 5. Two of the following choices: (See page 15.)

3. Omit the Celebrating God’s Word pages 42 and 43 and Review Page 44.

4. Complete the Unit 1 Test for (Chapter5)found after the yellow tab in your three-ring binder. The Answer Key is found after the purple tab. Please have your child complete

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the Unit 1 Test.. We will keep a record of the returns in your child’s file folder.

wwwwwwwswwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwswswwwwwwwwwwGrGrade 7 New Testament: Chapter 1 Unlike Any Other

Open up the Parent Guide found after the green tab in the three-ring binder. Go to Chapter 1. Your Guide will also serve as the answer key for the worksheets your teen will be asked to complete while reading the chapter with you or by him or herself.

Parent Background Put out into deep water Luke 5:4

The invitation of Jesus is an invitation to all of us. We are about to launch out into the deeper water of the New Testament. Be aware that, as we take the plunge, we are helping each other to deepen our understanding of and relationship with Jesus, the Word of God.

In Chapter 1, Part 1, we will take a brief look at the “outside” sources of testimony about Jesus. We will learn that these non-biblical sources and non- Christian written sources verify the fact that Jesus of Nazareth did exist and that he made an impact on history.

Most people need and want a secure and personal relationship with Jesus. As one person expressed prayerfully, “Lord, be there for me. And I’ll try to be there for you.” We will deepen our relationship with Jesus and strengthen our faith in him by seeking his message of God’s love in the pages of the New Testament.

Like other teachers of his time, Jesus taught by the spoken word. His disciples remembered his words and discussed them. But after Jesus’ resurrection and his original followers’ deaths, the early Christians felt a great need to

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hand on the truth about Jesus and his teaching to future generations. Saint Paul began writing letters to various Christian communities, and the Gospels began to appear about fifteen years after Paul began his letter writing. Eventually the Church recognized and determined that Paul’s letters and the four gospel accounts would be part of what we now call the New Testament. The “new” testament about Jesus was understood as a completion and fulfillment of the writings of the Old Testament.

In the second part of Chapter 1 we will come to understand that the Old and the New Testaments come from God and from the lived experiences of God’s people. We will come to realize that the Bible is book “unlike any other” because each book is inspired by God and written to hand on a message about faith in God.

New Testament: Chapter 1 Unlike Any Other Part 1Home Lesson Plan Worksheet Questions

Have your child answer the questions below which goes with pages 8-11 while reading part 1 of Chapter 1. Use a separate sheet of paper indicating the Chapter 1 and page numbers 8-11.

Lesson Plan, Pages 8-9Objective: To discover the value of deepening our relationship with Jesus.

Read Paragraphs 1 and 2 on page 9. Ask question 1. In what way is Jesus inviting you to put out into deep water, to learn more about Jesus, and come closer to him?

Have your child continue reading column 1, paragraphs 3 & 4 which runs over into column 2 on page 9. Then ask questions 2 & 3. 2. How can a person experience Jesus and learn about him today?

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3. How can we respond to Jesus’ invitation to come closer to him?

Omit the rest of column 2 on page 9. Instead Read this summary:Jesus is inviting you to be his friend. Friends spend time together and friendship takes time to develop. When you first met some-one you exchanged where you lived, your name, and what you liked. It was later that you deepened your relationship with that person that you shared your thoughts, fears, dreams, and hopes. That is what we are going to do this year by studying the New Testament. We will be getting to know Jesus better and deepen our relationship with Jesus. This is life-long process.

(Conclude this section by reading the prayer below) Let us pray: “Lord Jesus, it is you who call us into deeper water. Give us the courage, the desire, and the ability to plunge into the sea of faith. Be the force that upholds, protects, and guides us.”

Lesson Plan, Pages 10-11Objective: To explore “outside” sources of evidence about Jesus

Read page 10, column 1, paragraphs 1 & 2. Then ask Question 4.

4. What can we learn about Jesus of Nazareth as a historical figure from non-biblical and non-Christian sources?

Read paragraphs 3 & 4 on page 10. Then ask question 5.

5.What did Pliny the Younger write about the Christians to the Emperor Trajan?

Read paragraph 5 which runs over into column 2 on page 10 Then ask Question 6.

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6.What did Tacitus, an ancient Roman writer and historian, have to say about the early Christians?

Read both paragraphs in column 1 on page 11 Then ask question 7.

7. What did the Jewish historian named Josephus have to say about Jesus and the early Christians?

Read paragraphs 1 and 2 in the second column on page 11. Then ask questions 8 and 9.

8. What is clear from the witness of Pliny, Tacitus, Josephus, and other ancient writers about Jesus? 9. What one conclusion does the New Testament rest upon?

Read this summary.We learn about famous people by reading about them, or seeing them on film, or listening to what others know about them. Jesus wasn’t just a person someone made up. The characters in the latest Star Wars movie are not historical persons; they are fictional characters. Jesus existed and Jesus made an impact on history.

Read these concluding remarks.If we were to turn to “outside” sources for what we know about Jesus, we wouldn’t know very much. We learn about Jesus not from historians, but from people who believed that Jesus was the promised Savior and the Son of God. These people wrote down what happened to Jesus and what Jesus taught. To learn more about Jesus, we need to read the Church’s book, in particular, the New Testament.

New Testament: Chapter 1 Unlike Any Other Part 2Home Lesson Plan Worksheet Questions

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Have your child answer the questions below while reading part 2 of Chapter 1. Use a separate sheet of paper indicating the Chapter 1 and the page numbers 12-15.

Lesson Plan, pages 12 and 13Objective: To examine how the New Testament came out of the lived experiences of the Church and was written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Read the first two paragraphs on page 12. Then ask question 10.

10. Where do we find the roots of our faith in Jesus?

Read the third paragraph on page 12 up to ‘by word of mouth.” Then ask question 11.

11 How did the Church at first preserve the experiences of Jesus?

Read the rest of paragraph 3 on page 12. Then answer the questions listed below:

Why did the earliest members of the Church see no need to write anything down about Jesus even after the resurrection? Write your answer on your worksheet.

Read the fourth paragraph on page 12. Then copy the first sentence of paragraph 4 on your worksheet.

Read the fifth paragraph in column one up to the “to Mary, his mother” in Column 2. Then copy the first sentence of paragraph 5 on your worksheet.

Read the four lines in Column 2. Copy these lines on your worksheet.

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Read this summary 1) The earliest members of the Church saw no need to write anything down about Jesus because the Lord Jesus himself left no written document of his life or teaching.2) Moreover, like other teachers of his time, Jesus taught by the spoken word.3) Even after the resurrection there was still no need to write down anything because the apostles and other eyewitnesses to Jesus were still alive.4) Formal written records were not kept from the start because the community expected Jesus to return to them very soon.

Do not read the rest of Page 12 and 13. Instead read the following summary

The early Church community begin to write things down about Jesus because 1) people begin to realize that the second coming of Jesus was not going to happen immediately, that is would take place sometime in the future.

2) some of the first apostles began to die and many feared that soon none of the original followers of Jesus would be left to verify the truth about Jesus and his teaching. Someone needed to write down what Jesus taught and what he did.

The first writings of the New Testament happened about twenty years after the death and resurrection of Jesus. That would be around 50 A.D. The earliest writings we have are the Letters of St. Paul. The first of the four gospels was written about fifteen years after Paul began writing his letters. That was around 70 AD or about 40 years after Jesus’ resurrection.

Just like we learn in different ways what has happened in our families by reading about them, we learn in different ways what has happened in our Church family by reading

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the stories about Jesus and the early Church in the New Testament.

Lesson Plan, pages 14 and 15Objective: To discover why we say that the Bible is a book “unlike any other

Read this introduction:By 400 AD the church leaders decided which books were to become what we call today the New Testament. There were other “gospels” and other letters they decided did not give an authentic portrait of Jesus and the early Church. So, it was the Church leaders who decided which books were the holy books. The Church’s Tradition and Creeds came first; then came the Bible. The books chosen to be in the New Testament were chosen because they did not contradict the Church’s understanding of Jesus and his teachings.

Read the first 2 paragraphs on page 14 Then ask question 13

13. What is the meaning of the word, Bible?

Read the third paragraph in column one on page 14. Then ask Question 14. 14. How many books are there in the Bible? in Old Testament? In the New Testament?

Read the two paragraphs in the column 2 on page 14. Then ask the following questions:

15. What is another word we can use for “testament?”16. What is the word “covenant” mean?17. Who was the one who fulfilled the old covenant?

Read this paragraph.We can see now that the Bible is not like any other book ever written because each book was written to hand on a message about faith in God and is concerned with God’s covenant with us. There is not another book that has such a

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holy purpose. Therefore, we can strengthen our faith in Jesus by seeking the message of God’s love in the pages of the New Testament.

To review Chapter 1, go to page 17 and use these questions. Write the answers on your worksheet.

1. Omit this question.

2. Why is the Bible a book unlike any other book? (page 14)

3. How many books are there in the Old Testament. Name the four divisions. (Pages 14 and 15).

4. How many books are there in the New Testament. Name the three divisions. (Pages 14 and 15)

5. Name and explain one reason why Sacred Scripture is so important for the life of the Church? (Pages 14 and 15)

New Testament: Chapter 2 The Divine Word


Parent Background

In the first part of Chapter 2 we learn that the Bible is in a class of one. No other book has been authored by God acting in and by means of inspired human authors. The authors of the Bible were human authors; they choose the words, the stories, the characters themselves. At the same time, God is the author of Scripture since everything in the Bible was written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we need to emphasize the Church’s teaching about divine inspiration:

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God is the author of Sacred Scripture because he inspired its human

authors; he acts in them and by means of them. He thus gives us

assurance that their writings teach without error his saving truth.

(CCC, 136)

The second part of Chapter 2 will clarify three important concepts in the historical process of the formation of the biblical writings we call the Scriptures: revelation passed through Tradition, recorded in writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, thus becoming Scripture, the written word of God.

The inspiration of the Holy Spirit guided the human authors in discerning “what God wanted put into sacred writings.” The Holy Spirit guided the human authors in both the content of their writing and in choosing the truth God wanted taught. The Holy Spirit used their human gifts of language and expression to transmit the truth God intended for all people.

Does that mean that the Bible teaches every kind of truth in the world? No. In earlier ages, the truths of faith were not distinguished from the truths of history or science. Gradually we came to realize that Scripture was written to teach the truths of faith, not the truths of science or history.

We will consider Scripture a source of guidance, strength, comfort, and correction so that we may be “equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3: 1-7). For it is in Scripture that “the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet his children and talk with them” (CCC 104).

New Testament: Chapter 2 The Divine Word Part 1 Home Lesson Plan Worksheet

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Have your child answer the questions below while reading part 1of Chapter 2. Use a separate sheet of paper indicating the Chapter 2 and the page numbers 20-23.

Lesson Plan, Pages 20 and 21Objective: To discover the meaning of divine inspiration

Read: Recall when you played a game of Scrabble. You were given seven letters and were asked to make a word from those seven letters. Why do you think no player ended up with the same word? (Each group was given a different set of letters.) Who determined what the word was going to be? (Each player determined what the word was going to be from the set of letters he or she were given.) Who gave the player the set of letters? (The player choose its own set of letters from the game pieces.) So, who wrote the word? Was it the one who gave the player the letters or was it the player who took the letters and made the word from it? (Actually, both the player who choose the word from the letters and the letters that the player received.)

Continue reading: In the same way who wrote the Bible? Was it God or was it the human authors? It was both. Just like the player received some letters from the pile of letter squares, God gave the human authors of the Bible a message to write. These human authors took what God gave to their group or community, and they put that message into words. Skip the first column on page 20 and begin reading in the second column with the second paragraph “The Bible, too…” and reading the first four lines on page 21, column 1 up to “human surroundings.”

Omit the rest of the paragraph. After reading that section, ask Question 1.

1. What are some of the ways we can detect different authors in Scripture?

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Read paragraphs 2 & 3 on page 21.Then ask Question 2.

2. Why do we believe as Catholics that the Bible has many authors?

Read paragraph 4. Then ask Question 3.

3. How can we say that God himself is the author of the Bible?

Read slowly the first paragraph in column 2 on page 21.(Omit paragraph two on page 21) Read paragraph 3 on page 21. Then ask these questions 4 and 5.

4. Why is the Bible not like any other book?5. What does the Catholic Church teach us about the Bible?

Read this summaryThis is what the Catholic Church teaches us: “God is the author of Sacred Scripture because he inspired its human authors; he acts in them and by means of them. He thus give assurance that their writings teach without error his saving truth” (CCC 136).

Read 2 Timothy 3: 14-17 “But you remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it, and that from infancy you have known the sacred scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”

Then ask: What is the human author saying about Scripture being more than a produce of human authorship? (Scripture is inspired by God)

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Omit pages 22 and 23.

New Testament: Chapter 2 The Divine WordHome Lesson Plan worksheet

Lesson Plan, pages 24 and 25Objective: To explore the Church’s teaching about divine revelation.

ReadSometimes we want to communicate a message without using words. How would you communicate a message of happiness, of sadness, of being tired, or you want to leave? When we used gestures to communicate these ideas we say we “pantomime” a message.

Continue reading:Isn’t it amazing how we communicate with each other? Some ideas are so important we write them down and even memorize them. When God wanted to communicate God’s will to humanity, it should not surprise us that God used gestures and words to communicate God’s plan for us. These words came to be known as Scripture.

Read page 24 Column 1, paragraph 1. Then ask questions 10 and 11.

10. When the early Church used the word Scripture what was the Church referring to?11. Did the early Church believe in biblical inspiration common in Judaism?

Skip the rest of the paragraphs in column one!)

Read the first paragraph in column 2. Then answer questions 12, 13, & 14.

12. How did God reveal God’s self to us through time?

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13. What do we call God’s revelation when it is passed on by word of mouth?14. What do we call God’s revelation when it is recorded in writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit?

Omit reading the final paragraph on page 24 and the first paragraph on page 25.

Resume reading on page 25 “Understanding Inspiration.” Read the first paragraph. Then ask Question 15.

15.What do we mean when we say that inspiration is a mystery of faith?

Omit paragraph two on page 25.

Read Go to Column 2 beginning with “How exactly did the Holy Spirit…” Then ask Question 16.

16.How exactly did the Holy Spirit inspire the human authors?

Omit the final paragraph on page 25.

Then read: We communicate to others by the words we use. God, too communicates to us with words. These words are sacred or holy because they communicate to us the message of God in human expression. If we are to know what is God’s will in our lives, we need to read God’s message to us in the Bible, especially in the New Testament.

Conclude by reading the passage from Peter 1: 20-21 at the top of page 25.

New Testament: Chapter 2 The Divine Word Part 2Home Lesson Plan Worksheet

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Ask these questions: What are some of the things we use every day that were not available when your parents or grandparents were your age? (Some of the things mentioned might be TV, the internet, airplanes for travelling, and even the telephone.) Back when the early Church wrote the books of the New Testament, times were even more simple. How did people get from one place to other? (walked or rode horses) How did people learn about the past? (they were told stories about the past; there were not any books or classrooms like we have today.)

Continue reading:Before modern times, questions of faith, history, and science were all mixed together without any distinction. They looked to the Bible to answer just about every kind of question, even those dealing with science. The Bible is a book of faith. The Bible is not a history book or a book of science. Therefore, people in the past thought that because the Bible was from God, everything in the Bible was true even the history and science parts of the Bible.

3. ReadCopernicus made the discovery that the earth was not the center of the universe in 1514. Galileo was born in 1564 and was condemned by the Church because he held the same scientific theory. At that time church leaders did not make the distinction between scientific and religious truth in the Bible. Whatever what was said in the Bible was considered to be true. Here is what might have happened back in the 1500’s when Copernicus met Bishop Stanislaus.

Read the role play between Copernicus and Bishop Stanislaus.

Bishop Stanislaus: Welcome, my good friend, Copernicus. How is my favorite astronomer doing?

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Copernicus: My good bishop, you did not call me into your palace so we could enjoy one of our favorite Polish meals together.Bishop Stanislaus : No, it is like this. Pope Leo X will not be happy if you go around and question what is written in the Bible is not true.Copernicus : I am not questioning the Bible. I am simply saying that after reading both Greek and Arab astronomy and carefully recording the position of the stars, I have discovered that the earth seems to be orbiting around the sun once a year.Bishop Stanislaus : That can’t be. Ever since people first tracked the stars and the moon, they believed the earth was the center of the universe. Church teachings have always said the earth is the center of the universe.Copernicus: When will people see that the truths of faith and the truths of science are not the same. My scientific writings are what they are: a man searching to discover the secrets of the universe. The Bible deals with God’s dealing with man. The Bible is not a science book.Bishop Stanislaus: I beg you for the good of your soul and the good of the Church do not publish your writings.Copernicus: But what I have written is true my good friend.Bishop Stanislaus: If it be true, then the truth will prevail. In God’s time the truth will be known.

After concluding this dialogue, read:

As you can see back in the 1500’s the Church leaders did not distinguish the truths of science and history from the truth of our faith. Today we realize that the Bible is a book of faith, not of book of science or history.

(Omit the first three paragraphs on page 26.)

Read the last paragraph on page 26 in column 2 Then ask Question 17.

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17.What does the Church teach about the truth of Scripture?

(Omit the first paragraph on page 27.)

Read paragraph 2 on page 27. Then ask question 18.

18. How did the Church decide which books would become the books of the New Testament?

Read the third paragraph on page 27. Then ask Question 19.

19. When were the official lists of the New Testament books developed?

Read the fourth paragraph on page 27. Then ask question 20.

20. What special name do we give to the official list of seventy-three books of the Bible.

Read the first paragraph in Column 2 on page 27. Then ask Question 21.

21. Why can we call the Bible the Church’s book?

Read: What did we learn about the Bible as a book of science. (The Bible is not a book of science even though many people before modern times did not make the distinction between scientific truth and truths of faith.)

Who decided what books of the Bible were inspired? (It was the Church that decided which books of the Bible reflected the standards of their faith and practice.)

Conclude with this prayer: Let us pray..Give me a word, O Word of the Father touch my heart: open my lips and fill them with your praise.

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REVIEW: Write your answers on your worksheet.

Turn to Page 29 to review Chapter 2

Ask question 1: Explain how the Bible has both one author and many authors? (see page 21)

DO NOT ASK QUESTION 2. WE OMITTED PAGE 22.

Ask Question 3. What do we mean when we say that the Bible is the Church’s book? (page 27)

Ask Question 4. Does the fact that the Bible is an inspired book mean that is cannot contain any errors? Explain. (page 26)

Ask Question 5. How did the individual books become part of the canon (official list) of Scripture? (page 27)

New Testament: Chapter 3 More Than History


Parent Background

It is important for us to understand that when we are talking about the Bible, we are talking about “more than history.” Of course, there are many historical facts in the Bible, but not everything in the Bible is history. In part one of chapter three, we will learn that, although historical information is sometimes part of the biblical writing , its real focus in on religious truth.

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The inspired writers of the Bible had wonderful memories, told exciting stories and depended primarily on oral tradition for the passing on of information in the community of faith. This becomes clear when we will look at the three stage formation process of the gospels in the New Testament: the life and teaching of Jesus, the oral tradition, and the written gospels. The gospels are our chief source for the life and teaching of Jesus, our Savior.

Awareness of literary forms is important in understanding literature. This awareness is important when we read the Bible, for the Bible is literature, too. Knowing the difference between prose and poetry will help us unlock the meaning of the Bible. In so doing, it will release the power of the divine and human word for modern people.

In part 2 of Chapter 3 the prominent literary forms of the New Testament will be introduced. Foremost among these is the gospel, a literary from used by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, to announce the good news of salvation and to proclaim in faith what Jesus, the Son of God, did for the world.

As we explore other literary forms (epistles, parables, hymns genealogies, midrash, and apocalyptic writing), we will come to see that religious truth is larger than any single literary form can contain

New Testament: Chapter 3 More Than History Home Lesson Plan Worksheet

Have your child answer the questions below while reading part 1 of Chapter 3 Use a separate sheet of paper indicating the Chapter 3 and the page numbers 32-35

Lesson Plan Pages 32 and 33Objective: To clarify the difference between the historical facts and religious truth in the Bible.

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Read: A historic fact is that the Titanic, the British luxury passenger liner, sank on April 14-15, 1912. This event has been written about in song, in non-fictional accounts, and most recently in fictional screen and stage plays. How many of you saw the recent movie about the Titanic? Did the two main characters in the film actually exist? (No, the author of the story made up what took place between them.) Did the Titanic actually sink? (Yes, that is a historical fact verified by those who survived and the actual wreckage of the ship.) What do you think the author was trying to say about life? What was his message for you and me?

Then say: The authors who wrote the Bible told stories, too. Some of these stories were about events which actually took place like the sinking of the Titanic.

Omit page 32. Omit the first three paragraphs on page 33

Begin reading on page 33 Column 1, third paragraph with “So the Bible has some history…” including the five lines in column 2. Then ask Question 1.

1. What does it mean to say that the Bible is an inspired book about religious truth?

Continue reading page 33 in Column 2 the paragraph beginning “ What then, was the primary concern of the Biblical writers? Then ask Question 2.

2. What was the primary concern of the Biblical writers?

Omit the rest of page 33.

Read this summary: When we go to Scripture to discover more about Jesus we are not looking at Scripture as we would look at a modern history book. We are looking for religious truth, the deeper meaning that God intends to

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reveal to us. We are looking for an encounter with Jesus Christ.

Conclude with John 1:5 Let us pray…“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.”

New Testament: Chapter 3 More Than History Part 1, Section 2

Lesson Plan, Pages 34 and 35Objective: To discover the biblical authors depended primarily on oral tradition for the passing on of information in the faith community.

Read this story about a boy named Waldo and how many fish he caught. Read it carefully since you will be asked the questions about the story afterwards.

Waldo was excited because he was going fishing for the first time with his new fishing pole which he received on his twelfth birthday. On his way he met Frank. “Can you help me paint the fence? “Not today, I want to go fishing with my new fishing pole.” said Waldo.

“Please, help me,” pleaded Frank. “Then we both can go fishing together.” “All right, I’ll help you paint the fence,” said Waldo. It wasn’t long before Waldo and Frank were marching along the path to the fishing pond.

From the distance they heard a yell. It was Charlie. “Can you help me weed the garden? With three of us it will not take us long and I can go fishing with you!” “Not today, I want to go fishing with my new fishing pole.” said Waldo. “Please, help me,” pleaded Charlie. “Alright we’ll both help you weed the garden.” said Waldo and Frank. It wasn’t long before Waldo, Frank, and Charlie were marching along the path to the fishing pond.

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From the distance they heard a yell. It was Maria. “Can you help me clean up the front yard? With four of us it will not take us long and I can go fishing with you!” “Not today, I want to go fishing with my new fishing pole.” said Waldo. “Please help me,” pleaded Maria.“Alright, we’ll help you clean up the front yard,” they all agreed. It wasn’t long before Waldo, Frank, Charlie, and Maria were marching along the path to the fishing pond.

Waldo was the happiest boy in the world. His fishing pole had caught some friends; friends were more important than any fish. Helping others out more important than fishing.

What do you recall from the story? How many friends did Waldo meet on his way to the fishing pond? Do you remember their names? What did each one asked Waldo to do? What did Waldo catch with his new fishing pole? What was more important to Waldo than catching a lot of fish?

This is an example of how the New Testament writers received their information about Jesus. This is an example of “oral tradition.” Did you notice there were many phrases that were repeated more than once? This repetition help people in Jesus’ day to remember and memorize these stories.

Let’s learn more about how the bible writers depended upon oral tradition for the passing on of information in their faith community by reading pages 34 and 35.

Read the first paragraph on page 34. Then ask Question 3.

3. Why was what happened in history important to the biblical writers who were seeking religious truth?

Omit reading paragraph 2 in column 1 and the first two paragraphs in column 2.

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Continue reading the third paragraph beginning with “Modern people approach…” Then ask question 4.

4. In what way do modern people approach the truth of history differently from ancient people?

Read the last two paragraphs on page 34. Then ask Question 5.

5. What were the ancient writers dependent on for their information unlike modern writers

Omit the first paragraph on page 35

Begin reading with the second paragraph to the end of the page. Then ask question 6.

6. Name the three stages which created the formation of the gospels in the New Testament.

Read: Did you notice that some of the details in our story about Waldo you were unable to remember? This is what happens when stories are passed on my word of mouth, or oral tradition. Let’s go to the gospels for an example of how sometimes the details get lost in the telling of the story. Read Mark 14: 66-72. Then ask: How many times did Peter deny Jesus?(three times) How many times did the cock crow? (twice)

Next read Matthew 26: 69-75.Then ask: How many times did Peter deny Jesus? (three times) How many times did the cock crow? (only once)

We will find many details in the gospel story vary. However, the message (religious truth) of the passage is clear: Peter denied Jesus three times and he wept about his denial.

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Read: We are talking about “more than history” in the Bible because there are many historical facts in the Bible, but not everything in the Bible is history. Even though historical information is sometimes part of the biblical writing, what is the real focus we are looking for when we read the Bible is religious truth.)

Concluding prayer: Read Luke 18: 9-14, the words of the tax collector

New Testament: Chapter 3 More Than History, Chapter 3, Part 2

Have your child answer the questions below while reading part 2 of Chapter 3 Use a separate sheet of paper indicating the Chapter 3 and the page numbers 36-39

Lesson Plan, pages 36 and 37Objective: To explore the basic literary forms of the Bible

Read Most of us have learned how to read many years ago. All of us have experienced prose and poetry. The book we are now using is written in prose. What are some of your favorite books? Do you have a favorite poem?

Continue reading: No matter what we write it will take either the literary form of prose or poetry. Likewise in the Bible we will find either prose or poetry. Go to the book of Psalms for an example of poetry in the Bible. We find in the book of Psalms the lyrics or words to the ancient songs the Hebrew people used to worship God.

Read the first paragraph and the first seven lines of second paragraph up to “literary forms are prose or poetry” on page 36. Then ask questions 7,8, & 9.

7. What question do all writers, whether ancient or modern, have to answer?8. What is a literary form?

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9. What are the two most basic literary forms?

Omit the rest of column 1 and the first two paragraphs in column 2 and begin with the third paragraph in column 2.

Read the rest of page 36 Then ask Question 10.

10. Why is it important for us to be aware of the literary forms in understanding literature and the Bible?

Go to page 37. Read the copy in column one up to the quote from St. Paul. Then ask questions 11, 12, and 13.

11. What is the gospel an announcement of?12. How many gospels are in the New Testament?13. What are the inspired words of the gospel meant to do?

Omit the quote from St. Paul.

Begin reading with the second paragraph in column 2 on page 37. Then ask Question 14.

14. Is the primary purpose of the gospels to present a biography of Jesus?

Then read: To communicate the message, the inspired authors of the Bible used different literary forms. Each form reveals the truth in its own way, moving the reader ever closer to the Son of God who is the greatest revelation of the Father. Just like there are different literary forms when we create writings today, the Bible contains its own literary forms. This realization helps us to unlock the meaning of the Bible for modern people.

Conclude by reading Philippians 1:27 at the bottom of the left column on page 37. (This is what we skipped over earlier.)

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Lesson Plan, pages 38 and 39Objective: To explore other literary forms of the New Testament

Read When we communicate with others, we used words. All of us learned that certain sounds and letters give us the means to communicate. When we go to a foreign country and we can’t understand the language, we are unable to communicate.)

Continue reading: No matter what means of communication we use words in some way. When Jesus communicated to others, Jesus used words.

Read the paragraph about an Epistle on page 38. Then ask Question 15.

15. What is an epistle? Then look up Philippians 1:27-30 as an example of an epistle written by St. Paul

Read the paragraph about parable. Then ask Question 16.

16. What is a parable? Then read the Sower and the Seed, Matthew 13: 1-9 as an example of a parable.

Read the paragraph about a hymn on page 36. Then ask Question 17.

17. What is a hymn? Then read Philippians 2: 5-11 as an example of the literary form of a hymn.

Read the paragraph about genealogy. Then ask Question 18.

18. What is a Genealogy? Then read Matthew 1: 1-7 as an example of the literary form, genealogy.

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Go to page 39 and read the paragraph about “Midrash.” Then ask Question 19.

19. What is a Midrash? Then read Matthew 2: 16-23 as an example of midrash.

Read the paragraph about Apocalyptic writing. Then ask Question 20.

20. What is Apocalyptic Writing? Then read Matthew 24: 29-31 as an example of Apocalyptic Writing.

Omit reading the rest of page 39.

Read: The Bible is like a library of seventy-three books not merely one book (See the Scripture Insight) It should not surprise us that the truth of divine mysteries would need more than one literary form to express this kind of truth.

Conclude with this prayer: Philippians 2:5-11.

REVIEW

Turn to page 40 to review Chapter 3

Ask Question 1. Explain the following statement: The Bible is an inspired book about religious truth. (See page 33.)

Ask Question 2. What do we mean by literary form? (page 36)

Ask Question 3. Explain some of the differences between ancient and modern writing. Page 34)

Ask Question 4. What are the three stages of the formation of the gospels? (page 35)

Omit Question 5. (We omitted that section of the chapter on page 39.

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Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here is what Wilfrid Harrington, O.P. has to say about this passage from Mark in his commentary on for the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time Mark 4:35-41

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The parable section of Mark 4:1-34 is followed by group of miracle stories which real the power of Jesus. The three narratives are vivid, the stories being related with a wealth of detail. Following on the day of parables, the group of miracles continues the preparation of the disciples for their missionary apostolate (Mark 6: 7-13). Jesus shows them that the mission is rooted in his power over the elements, over devils, and over death, and that, at least by an initial and symbolic action, the mission spreads into pagan territory beyond the frontiers of Israel.

Mark 4: 35-41 is also found in Luke 8:22-25 and Matthew 8:23-27.

The opening temporal statement (vv.35-36) is editorial the narrative (vv. 37-41) is a miracle story arranged in three scenes. The first contrast the plight of the storm-tossed boat with the tranquil sleep of Jesus (vv. 37-38a) The second contrasts the abject terror of these professional fishermen with the sovereign calm of the Master who commands the winds and waves with authority (V.38b-39). In the third place, we are shown the reaction of the disciples to Jesus: they are awe-struck by this display of cosmic power (v.41) The apostrophe of Jesus in v. 40, underling the lack of confidence on the part of the disciples, bring out the catechetical interest of the narrative….

Mark’s narrative is a miracle story with a catechetical point. We may distinguish between the two interests which indicate stages in the evolution of the narrative. We have noted that, in biblical thought, God alone can control the waters of the sea and the storm. Furthermore, these elements can be the image, and the home of evil powers, here Jesus “exercises,” these infernal forces. Again, in view of the Old Testament background, it could be expected that the story would have closed with praise of God “who had given such power to men;” instead, the limelight is on Jesus. The disciples have seen a work that only God can accomplish. in the light of their monotheistic faith, they

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must ask, in awe and perplexity, who this man is who can do a work of God….

During the storm the disciples had failed in that confidence in God of which the tranquil sleep of the Master was a visible sign. However, Jesus accuses them especially of lack of confidence in his person (cf. John 14;1). By his tranquil sleep, his reproach, and his stilling of the storm, Jesus exhorts his disciples to have trust in him at all times and in all circumstances. WHAT ABOUT US?

(Copied from Mark By Wilrid Harringtom, O.P. (no longer in print) pages 63 and 64.)

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Getting Ready forTwelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

June 20, 2021Celebration of Mass: Living the Word

Read

Focus:

Pray with the Word (Pray with this prayer before and after attending Mass.)

Prayer for this Week:

Gospel Prepare for Word (Before attending Mass, reflect on these questions to help prepare yourself to hear the readings.)

W What do today’s readings teach you about the Christian life? WW

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Reflect on the Word (After attending Mass, read this reflection.)

Act on the Word

The Living Word -2020-21 Copyright 2020 Archdiocese of Chicago. LITURGY TRAINING PUBLICATIONS All rights reserved. Written by Genevieve Mougry.

Sunday Connection from Loyola PressGod speaks to us in many ways, including through the Sunday Scripture readings. The Sunday Connection provides useful background and activities to better understand the upcoming Scripture readings, helping you to connect the

Bishop Barron Sunday Homily

Our Gospel for today features one of Jesus’ most beloved parables: that of the mustard seed. How does God tend to work? What does the building up of the Kingdom typically look like? From the very small to the very great—and usually by a slow, gradual process. God, it seems, tends to operate under the radar, on the edges of things, quietly, clandestinely. What small seed of faith is God asking you to plant this week? Plant it and leave the rest to the mercy and goodness of God.

https://www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/the-mustard-seed-principle/5808/

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Making the Connection (Grades 1, 2, and 3)

Begin with Song:

Children in this age group are working to master new skills. Use their experience of learning to demonstrate the growth of the Kingdom of God.

Preparation for Sunday Scripture ReadingsAsk your children to name some things they can do now that they couldn’t do a year ago. (For example, choose what to wear for the day, make their own lunch, ride a bike, or calculate addition and subtraction problems.)Explain that as we grow, we change. We grow taller. We are able to do more things on our own, and we learn more in school. But there still may be things that older friends or brothers and sisters can do that we can’t yet. We may have to wait until we are older or taller or stronger. Waiting is hard; it requires patience.Say: In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus uses parables when talking to the people. Parables are stories about things on earth that tell us something about the things of Heaven. Parables help us understand what Jesus wants us to know. The parables we will hear now are about something very tiny—seeds.Read aloud this Sunday’s Gospel: Mark 4:26–34. Then watch this video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hg7uK1wR0M Explain: Most seeds are small, but the mustard seed is super small; it’s about the size of a teeny dot on a sheet of paper. What Jesus is saying is that although seeds are small, they can grow into something big and important. In the first parable, the seeds planted grew into a healthy crop of grain,

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hg7uK1wR0M


but it took many days and nights. In the second parable, the mustard seed grew into a tree. But this, too, took time. When things take a long time to happen, we have to be patient. We have to have faith. God wants us to know that if we live as Jesus asks us to, we can look forward to happiness with God in the Kingdom of Heaven.Conclude by praying the Lord’s Prayer with the children, paying special to “thy kingdom come.”Conclude by listening to Seek ye First the Kingdom of God https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4dbiwYNwr0

wwwwwwwwwwwwMaking the Connection (Grades 4, 5, and 6) Begin with Song:

Children of this age look to adults as role models. Encourage them to see Jesus as their role model so as they mature, they will accept the responsibility for the continued growth of the Kingdom of God.Preparation for Sunday Scripture ReadingsAsk your children to raise their hand if they have ever played “Follow the Leader.” Tell the children to think about the places they go and the things they do throughout the day. Then ask whom they follow in their daily lives (parents, teachers, coaches, and so on).Ask: Who is our leader in faith? Help them arrive at the answer: Jesus. Say: Jesus was sent by God the Father to establish God’s kingdom here on earth. Jesus began by teaching and preaching and preparing a small group of twelve disciples to help spread the Good News of the coming of the Kingdom of God.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4dbiwYNwr0

Ask one of your children to read aloud Mark 6:24–29, the first part of this Sunday’s Gospel reading.Say: In the parable we just heard, Jesus begins by telling the people, “This is how it is with the kingdom of God.” In the last part of this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus asks to what we can compare the Kingdom of God.Ask for someone else to read Mark 6:30–34.Then watch the video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hg7uK1wR0M Say: Both of these parables focus on seeds. Seeds are small; the mustard seed is especially tiny. Yet from these seeds a great crop of grain and a tree large enough to house birds in its branches can grow. Think about how long it takes for a crop to be ready for harvesting or for a tree to mature.Ask: What do these two parables tell us about the Kingdom of God? (Someone needs to sow the seeds; it has small beginnings; it takes time to come to fruition; it welcomes all people just as the birds found a home in the tree.) Say: As members of the Church, Jesus counts on us to continue his work. We must sow the seeds by spreading his word and making him known. The Kingdom of God welcomes all people and will come to fruition at the end of time. That is why we pray in the Lord’s Prayer, “thy kingdom come, . . . on earth as it is in heaven.”Conclude by praying the Lord’s Prayer aloud together.Conclude by listening to Seek ye First the Kingdom of God https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4dbiwYNwr0

wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwMaking the Connection (Grades 7 and 8)Begin with song:

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Children of this age, living in a time of immediacy and instant gratification, use all the technology available to them. Use contrast to explain that the Kingdom of God, like a seed, takes root and matures slowly over time.Preparation for Sunday Scripture ReadingsSay: We live in an age of immediacy. We are used to having at our fingertips contact with our friends, entertainment, and information. How many of you text your friends as soon as you leave a movie theater to tell them whether or not you liked the movie? We aren’t used to waiting. We think of waiting as wasting time and look for ways to save time. What is one time-saving device you would absolutely not want to give up, something that you couldn’t live without? Why? (Answers will vary.)Say: This Sunday’s Gospel Reading also deals with time, specifically in Jesus’ description of the growth of the Kingdom of God.Have one of your children read aloud Mark 4:26–29 and then someone else another read aloud Mark 4:30–32.Ask: Why does Jesus use the seed in these parables to explain the Kingdom of God? (Seeds must be sown. It takes time for the seed to germinate and grow to fruition. Growth occurs bit by bit. ) What do we learn about the kingdom from the mustard-seed parable? (The smallest of seeds can grow into the largest plants. It takes time to mature and “put forth branches.”)Explain: Jesus came to establish the Kingdom of God on earth. He chose and taught twelve of his disciples to help him. This kingdom is present in the Church today, but it is still in process. Because we are the Church, we bear the responsibility of continuing the work of Jesus and his disciples. We do this by living Christlike lives, by reaching out to others, by inviting others into the kingdom. Just as small seeds grow over time, so our small acts of kindness

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today have the possibility of making a big difference in the future. God’s kingdom is not yet fully established. It is growing and will come to fullness at the end of time. How rewarding to know that we are helping make it happen.End the session by praying together the Lord’s Prayer, emphasizing the phrase “thy kingdom come.”Conclude by listening to Seek ye First the Kingdom of God https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4dbiwYNwr0

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stjudes.net · web viewfamily faith formation newsletter. june . 16, 2021. special edition

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