be my disciples se g3

3

20703

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

and you will know the truth,

and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

SCHOOL 3

SCH

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

Included in this sample:

Introduction of Be My Disciples Catholic School Programl Cover, Title Page, Acknowledgments, and Table of Contents l Welcome Lesson with an Enthronement Prayer for the Bible

Unit 1 including l Unit Openerl Chapters 1-4l Catholic Social Teaching lessonl Unit Review

The We Celebrate the Church Year section follows the 24 core chapters in the student book. This section contains sixteen liturgical lessons. One lesson, Exaltation of the Holy Cross, is provided in this sample.

GRADE THREE SCHOOL EDITION

Peter M. EspositoPresident

Jo Rotunno, MAPublisher

Anne P. BattesAssociate Publisher

Program AdvisorsMichael P. Horan, PhDElizabeth Nagel, SSD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Toll Free 877-275-4725 Fax 800-688-8356

Visit us at www.RCLBenziger.comand www.BeMyDisciples.com

20763 ISBN 978-0-7829-1636-2 (Student Edition)20773 ISBN 978-0-7829-1642-3 (Teacher Edition)

1st printingManufactured for RCL Benziger in Cincinnati, OH, USA. March, 2013

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

Unit 1We Believe, Part One . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Chapter 1 God Speaks to Us . . . . . . . . . .11Faith ConCepts: faith, revelation, the

mystery of the Holy Trinity, lovesCripture: Mark 9:2–7; 10:21; Acts 2:42,

45–47; 2 Timothy 3:15–17Faith-Filled people: The Evangelistsprayer: Glory to God

Chapter 2 God the Creator . . . . . . . . . . .23Faith ConCepts: Creation, the soul,

Divine Providence, generositysCripture: Genesis 1:1–27, 31, 26–30;

Psalm 19:2; 104:1, 24, 25 ; Matthew 6:25–26, 30–32

Faith-Filled people: Saint Andrew the Apostle

prayer: God, You Are Great!

Chapter 3 Mary Trusted God . . . . . . . . . .35Faith ConCepts: Mary the Mother of God,

the Annunciation, the Incarnation, honor

sCripture: Proverbs 3:5–6; Luke 1:28, 31, 35, 38, 39–40; 46, 49, 56

Faith-Filled people: Saint Elizabethprayer: Salve Maria!

Chapter 4 Jesus, the Son of God . . . . . . .47Faith ConCepts: Jesus is the Messiah,

Savior, ministry of Jesus, Kingdom of God, justice

sCripture: Matthew 25:34–36; Luke 2:30–38, 46–47, 51–52; Acts 2:1–4, 14, 22–24, 36

Faith-Filled people: Saint Josephprayer: Lord, Have Mercy

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

Unit 2We Believe, Part Two . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Chapter 5 Jesus Is Risen! . . . . . . . . . . . 65Faith ConCepts: the Paschal Mystery,

the Resurrection, Stations of the Cross, the Sacrifice of the Cross, hope

sCripture: Lamentations 3:21–24; Psalm 33:22; Matthew 27:59–60; 28:1, 5–7; Luke 23:26, 33–34, 44, 46; 24:50–51

Faith-Filled people: Saint Joseph of Arimathea

prayer: Prayer of Adoration

Chapter 6 The Gift of the Holy Spirit. . . .77Faith ConCepts: the Advocate, Pentecost,

Fruits of the Holy Spirit, joysCripture: John 13:38; 14:15–17, 25, 27;

16:5–7; Acts 1:12–14; 2:1–4, 14; Romans 8:26

Faith-Filled people: Saint Mary Magdaleneprayer: Feel the Spirit!

Chapter 7 The Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89Faith ConCepts: the Catholic Church, the

People of God, the work of the Church, the Apostles, the Pope, faithfulness

sCripture: Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 1:16–17, 21–22, 24, 42–47; 1 Corinthians 6:19 ; 1 Peter 2:9–10

Faith-Filled people: The Ordainedprayer: Padre Nuestro

Chapter 8 The Communion of Saints . . .101Faith ConCepts: saints, the Communion of

Saints, the Body of Christ, humilitysCripture: Mark 12:30–31; 1 Corinthians

12:12, 27; 1 Thessalonians 4:14Faith-Filled people: Patron Saintsprayer: A Litany to the Saints

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

Contents

3

Unit 3We Worship, Part One . . . . . . . . . . .117

Chapter 9 A People of Prayer . . . . . . . .119Faith ConCepts: petition, intercession,

blessing, thanksgiving, adoration, and praise, patience

sCripture: Matthew 18:20; Luke 23:34, 46; John 17:11–17, 19; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Faith-Filled people: Saint Stephenprayer: Thanks Be to God

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

worship, Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Ordinary Time, Easter Triduum, diligence

sCripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1–4Faith-Filled people: The Electprayer: Thank You, God

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

Initiation, Baptism, Confirmation, fortitude

sCripture: Matthew 25:35–37, 40; 28:19–20; John 13:34 ; Acts 8:14–17

Faith-Filled people: The Apostlesprayer: We Promise

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

Healing, Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, sin, kindness

sCripture: Luke 7:2–10, 15:16–24; John 20:23Faith-Filled people: Saint Peter the Apostleprayer: An Act of Contrition


Unit 4We Worship, Part Two . . . . . . . . . . .171

Chapter 13 The Word of God . . . . . . . . .173Faith ConCepts: parables, the Mass, the

Liturgy of the Word, understandingsCripture: 1 Samuel 8:12; Mark 4:2–9Faith-Filled people: Saint Jeromeprayer: God’s Active Word

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

and Blood of Christ, Holy Communion, goodness

sCripture: Matthew 26:26–28; Mark 6:35–42; Acts 3:6

Faith-Filled people: Saint Jeanne Juganprayer: Giving Thanks

Chapter 15 The Sacrament of Matrimony . . . . . . . . . . .197

Faith ConCepts: Sacraments at the Service of Communion, Matrimony, miracle, the domestic Church, chastity

sCripture: Ruth 1:16; John 2:3–11Faith-Filled people: Saint Elizabeth Ann

Setonprayer: Bless Your Servants

Chapter 16 Called to Serve . . . . . . . . . .208Faith ConCepts: Sacrament of Holy

Orders, consecrated life, bishop, priests, deacons, consecrated life, wisdom

sCripture: Isaiah 6:8; John 13:4–5, 15, 20:21; Acts 6:1–6;

Faith-Filled people: Saint Teresa of Jesusprayer: A Vocation Prayer


Unit 5We Live, Part One . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .225

Chapter 17 Happiness with God . . . . . . .227Faith ConCepts: grace, sanctifying grace,

eternal life, Heaven, hell, prudencesCripture: Luke 14:16, 18–21, 23; John

14:2–3; 1 Corinthians 2:9; 1 Peter 1:16Faith-Filled people: Saint Thomas the

Apostleprayer: Act of Hope

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

Commandments, Ten Commandments, gentleness

sCripture: Exodus 20:2–3, 7–8; Matthew 5:17; John 14:21; 15:12; 1 John 4:7–10

Faith-Filled people: Saint John the Apostleprayer: Prayer of Adoration4

Chapter 19 Love One Another . . . . . . . .251Faith ConCepts: Fourth, Fifth, Sixth,

Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Commandments, self-control

sCripture: Exodus 2:46, 51–52; 20:12–17; Psalm 133:1

Faith-Filled people: Saint Francis Cabriniprayer: We Pray for Others

Chapter 20 The Great Commandment . . . . . . . . . .263

Faith ConCepts: the Covenant, the Great Commandment, the Holy Spirit Our Helper, piety

sCripture: Matthew 5:44; 22:35–40; Luke 6:35; John 15:12–13; 1 John 4:21

Faith-Filled people: Dorothy Dayprayer: Act of Love (Psalm 146)


Unit 6We Live, Part Two . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .279

Chapter 21 Witnesses of Faith . . . . . . . .281Faith ConCepts: Paul the Apostle, women

disciples, missionaries, four marks of the Church, reverence

sCripture: Luke 8:1–3; 24:1–3, 9; John 9:25; Acts 9:3–6, 17–18

Faith-Filled people: Saint John Neumannprayer: We Believe in Jesus

Chapter 22 The Creeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . .293Faith ConCepts: the Creeds, the Apostles’

Creed, the Nicene Creed, knowledgesCripture: John 14:16–26; Romans 8:26;

1 Corinthians 12:3; 15:3; Hebrews 12:2Faith-Filled people: Saint Bernadetteprayer: You Are God

Chapter 23 Living Our Faith . . . . . . . . . .305Faith ConCepts: the Beatitudes, solidarity,

patiencesCripture: Matthew 5:3–12; 1 Corinthians

10:13Faith-Filled people: Saint Pauline of the

Agonizing Heart of Jesus

prayer: Building God’s Kingdom! (Prayer of Petition)

Chapter 24 Praying Like Jesus Did . . . . .317Faith ConCepts: Jesus’ trust and

obedience to his Father, the Lord’s Prayer, obedience

sCripture: Matthew 6:9; Luke 23:34, 46; 1 Thessalonians 1:2

Faith-Filled people: Saint Teresa of the Andes

prayer: Hallowed Be Thy Name (Spanish)


We Celebrate the Church Year . . 333Exaltation of the Holy Cross . . . . . . 335All Saints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337Advent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339Immaculate Conception . . . . . . . . . 341Our Lady of Guadalupe . . . . . . . . . . 343Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345Mary, the Holy Mother of God . . . . . 347Epiphany of the Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . 349Ash Wednesday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351Lent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353Palm Sunday. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355Triduum/Holy Thursday . . . . . . . . . 357Triduum/Good Friday . . . . . . . . . . . 359Triduum/Easter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361The Ascension of the Lord . . . . . . . . 363Pentecost Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365

Catholic Prayers and Practices. . . . . . 367We Celebrate the Mass . . . . . . . . . . . . 375Key Teachings of the Catholic Church. 383Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398Credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400

5

A Snapshot of Me

My name is

My favorite story is

The thing I like best about my Church is

A game I like to play with my friends is

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

Welcome to

Unit 1: We Believe, Part OneWrite three words that describe what God made (see page 26).

Examples:

Welcome to

6

Unit 2: We Believe, Part TwoComplete the sentence to tell what the Paschal Mystery is (see page 68).

The Paschal Mystery is the ,

, and of Jesus Christ.

Unit 3: We Worship, Part OneWhat are the three Sacraments of Christian Initiation? (See page 147.)

Unit 4: We Worship, Part TwoThrough which two Sacraments do many men and women serve the whole Church? (See page 202.)

Unit 5: We Live, Part OneWhich Commandments teach us to respect others and ourselves? (See page 255.)

Unit 6: We Live, Part TwoFind the name of a woman who regained her faith in God and become a Saint. (see page 282).

7

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

We will do as you ask.

During the meal, Jesus got up from the table. He poured water into a bowl and began to wash his disciples’ feet. He dried their feet with a towel. When Jesus finished, he said, “I have given you an example. Do what I have done.” Based on John 13:4–5, 15

The Gospel of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

Come forward and reverence the Bible by bowing before it.

Leader

All

Leader

All

Do What I Have Done

8

UNIT 1We Believe Part One

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

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

Jesus said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Where is your faith?”

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

The disciples were amazed. They asked each other: “Who can make the winds and sea obey?” Based on Matthew 8:23–27

Calming the Sea

9

10

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

The Kingdom of God

Messiah

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

Incarnation Annunciation

Holy Trinity Messiah

Divine Providence Creator

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

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

�When�someone�speaks�to�you,�why�is�it�important�to�listen�carefully?�

Listen�to�these�words�from�Mark’s�Gospel:

One day, Jesus took James, Peter, and John up on a high mountain. While they were there, Jesus’ clothes turned bright white. A cloud covered the place, and a voice from a cloud said, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Based on Mark 9:2–7

Who�was�speaking�to�the�disciples�from�the�cloud?�

SpeaksGod

Usto

CHAPTER

1EXPLORE the story of Saint Francis of Assisi.

DISCOVER the different ways that God reveals himself to us.

DECIDE how you will come to know God better.

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

11

The Church Follows

JesusDisciple Power

Love

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

Saint Francis of AssisiSaint�Francis�lived�in�Assisi,�Italy.�His�

family�was�very�wealthy.�His�father�sold�fabric�that�people�used�to�make�clothes,�curtains,�and�other�things.�But�having�money�did�not�make�Francis�happy.�

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

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

“Go sell what you have, and give it to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” Based on Mark 10:21

What�did�God�say�to�Francis�in�the�Bible?�

12

Come Follow Me

A Disciple of JesusFrancis�believed�that�the�Bible�was�God’s�

Word�to�him.�He�believed�that�when�he�read�the�Bible,�God�was�speaking�to�him.�

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

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

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

How�did�Francis�listen�to�the�words�of�Jesus?�

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

13

Faith FocusWhat has God told us about himself?

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

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

God Speaks to UsGod�has�shown�his�love�for�us�by�telling�us�

about�himself.�We�really�could�never�come�to�know�who�God�is�on�our�own.�Most�of�what�we�know�about�him,�God�himself�has�revealed,�or�made�known�to�us.�

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

The Holy TrinityGod�has�told�us�that�he�is�the��

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

�What�is�one�thing�you�would�like�to�know�about�God?

14

A Mystery of FaithJesus,�the�Son�of�God,�revealed,�or�made�

this�known�to�us.�We�call�this�the�mystery�of�the�Holy�Trinity.�It�is�a�great�mystery�of�faith.�We�could�never�know�this�about�God�unless�he�told�us.�

�How�would�you�tell�someone�about�the�meaning�of�the�Holy�Trinity?

The Church uses symbols to help us understand the mystery of the Holy Trinity. Look at these symbols. What do you think they tell us about God?

________________________________________________

________________________________________________

Complete this prayer to the Holy Trinity.

Dear God, the Holy Trinity, I praise you for

.

God the Father, I ask you to

.

God the Son, I thank you for

.

God the Holy Spirit, help me to

.

Amen.

Creeds of the Church

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

Catholics Believe

Activity

15

The Written Word of GodThe�Bible�is�the�written�Word�of�God.�God�

the�Holy�Spirit�inspired�God’s�people�to�write�the�Bible.�They�wrote�what�God�wanted�his�people�to�know.

God�wants�us�to�know�and�to�love�him.��We�cannot�love�God�unless�we�know�him��first.�God�revealed�himself�by�his�own�Word,�the�Bible.

The�Bible�is�also�called�Sacred�Scripture.�Sacred�Scripture�means�“holy�writings.”��In�the�Bible�we�read,

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

Based on 2 TiMoThy 3:15–17

�How�does�the�Bible�help�you�to�know�and�love�God?

Faith FocusWhat does the Bible teach us about God?

16

The Old TestamentThe�Bible�has�two�main�parts.�They�are�the�

Old�Testament�and�the�New�Testament.�The�Old�Testament�tells�us�that�God�created�the�world.�He�loves�everything�and�everyone�he�created.�The�Old�Testament�also�tells�us�about�the�very�special�promises�God�and�his�people�in�the�Old�Testament�made�with�each�other.�We�learn�about�the�promises�made�to�Noah,�Abraham,�Moses�and�the�Israelites,�and�to�the�prophets.

God�promised�to�always�love�his�people�and�to�take�care�of�them.�God’s�people�promised�that�God�would�be�the�center�of�their�lives.�We�call�the�promises�that�God�and�his�people�made�to�each�other�the�Covenant.

�What�does�the�Old�Testament�teach�us?

Draw or write about your favorite person in the Bible. What have you learned about God from this person? Write your ideas, and then share your thoughts.

The Evangelists

The four Gospels represent the testimonies of Saint Matthew, Saint Mark, Saint Luke, and Saint John about Jesus Christ. They are called the four Evangelists. The word evangelist means “announcer of good news.” Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John announce the Gospel, or the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Faith-Filled People

Activity

17

Jesus Tells Us About GodThe�New�Testament�tells�us�about�Jesus�

and�his�teachings.�Jesus�told�us�the�most�about�God.�Everything�that�Jesus�said�and�did�showed�people�how�much�God�loves�them.

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

The Early ChurchThe�New�Testament�tells�us�that�many�

people�listened�to�Jesus�and�saw�what�he�did.�They�came�to�believe�in�Jesus.�Those�who�follwed�Jesus�and�came�to�believe�in�him�are�called�his�disciples.�They�were�the�first�members�of�the�Church.�Some�of�Jesus’�closest�disciples,�called�the�Apostles,�were�the�first�leaders�of�the�Church.

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

They listened to the teachings of the Apostles. They cared for one another. They prayed together. They broke bread together and praised God. Based on acTs of The aposTles 2:42, 45–47

Today�the�Church�still�tells�us�about�Jesus.�

What�do�the�Gospels�teach�us?

Faith FocusWhat does the New Testament tell us about Jesus?

18

Activity

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

Living as a Disciple of Jesus

I FollowJesus

Think about some of the good ways that disciples of Jesus show their love for others at home, at school or with friends. Draw three scenes from your story in the spaces below.

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

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

.

My Faith Choice

19

TO HELP YOU REMEMBER

1. God gives us the gift of faith to help us know and believe in him.

2. God speaks to us through the Bible.

3. God speaks to us through the Church.

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

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

Persons of the Holy Trinity

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

20

Glory to GodThe word glory means “great honor and praise.” In prayer we give great honor and praise to God.

Pray this prayer to the Holy Trinity aloud with your class in Spanish or in English. Pray it at home with your family and alone in silence.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son Gloria al Padre y al Hijo

and to the Holy Spirit, y al Espíritu Santo.

as it was in the beginning Como era en el principio

is now, and ever shall be ahora y siempre, y por los

world without end. Amen. siglos de los siglos. Amén.

21

Sharing God’s WordRead together in the Bible Acts of the Apostles 2:42–47 about the first members of the Church. Or read the adaptation of the story on page 18. Emphasize that the first Christians cared about one another and prayed together.

We Live as Disciples The Christian home and family is a school of discipleship. Choose one of the following activities to do as a family or create a similar activity of your own.

→ Create a badge or button that reads, “I am a disciple of Jesus.” Each time a family member acts in a special way as disciple of Jesus, give him or her the badge to wear for a day.

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

→ God has revealed, or made himself known, to us.

→ God is a mystery. We could not know who God is unless he revealed himself to us.

→ Jesus revealed that there is One God in Three Divine Persons—God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We call this mystery of God the Holy Trinity. This is the central belief of Christians.

→ God gives us the gift of love. This gift gives us the power to love God above everyone and everything else and to love other people because of our love for God.

For more about related teachings of the Church, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 232–260, and the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, pages 49–63.

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

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

With My Family

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

BeMyDisciples.com22

�What�do�you�think�of�when�you�look�at�a�bequtiful�sunset?

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

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

Based on Psalm 19:2

�What�is�the�writer�of�these�words�telling�you?

God the Creator

CHAPTER

2EXPLORE the gifts of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd.

DISCOVER what it means that God is the Creator.

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


23

Generosity

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

Disciple Power

The Church Follows

Jesus

Let Your Light Shine!The�Sisters�of�the�Good�Shepherd�live�all�

over�the�world.�Their�founder,�Saint�Mary�Euphrasia�Pelletier,�always�said,�“Let�your�light�shine!”�The�Sisters�use�their�gifts�to�make�things�that�teach�about�God’s�love.��This�is�how�they�let�their�light�shine.�

The�Sisters�of�the�Good�Shepherd�use�the�gifts�of�creation�to�honor�God.�They�make�altar�bread�from�wheat�for�us�to�use�at�Mass.�They�weave�cloth�from�plants�to�make�some�of�the�vestments,�or�clothes,�that�the�priests�wear�at�Mass.�

The�Church�also�uses�oil�and�candles�in�many�celebrations.�Oil�is�made�from�olives.�Candles�are�often�made�from�beeswax.�

The�next�time�you�see�things�in�church�made�from�creation,�think�

about�God�who�gave�us�those�gifts.�Think�about�the�people�who�

were�generous�with�their�gifts.�They�help�us�to�come�closer�to�God�when�we�celebrate�the�Sacraments.

�How�do�the�Sisters�of�the�Good�Shepherd�use�the�gifts�of�creation�to��honor�God?�

24

The Gifts of CreationWhen�you�use�God’s�gifts,�you�let�your�light�

shine.�You�honor�God�by�using�the�gifts�God�gave�you.�You�honor�God�by�using�the�gifts�of�creation�to�do�good.�Look�at�this�prayer�from�the�Mass.

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

Prayers at the PreParation of the Gifts, roman missal,

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

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

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God’s CreationGod�alone�is�the�Creator.�He�created�

everything�and�everyone�out�of�love�and�without�any�help.�

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

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

Based on Genesis 1:1–27, 31

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

�How�can�our�five�senses�help�us�to�know�and�love�God?�

Faith FocusWhat does creation tell us about God?

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

26

Knowing More about GodAll�creation�helps�us�know�that�God�is�

wonderful�and�good.�These�are�some�ways�that�might�help�us�learn�more�about�God.�

•� �Five�blue�eggs�in�a�robin’s�nest�helps�us�to�know�that�God�gives�life.

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

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

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

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

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

�What�does�creation�tell�you�about�God?

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

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

Prayers of Blessing

The Church prays prayers of blessing. Prayers of blessing honor God.as the source of all our blessings.

Catholics Believe

Activity

27

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

He�created�people�with�a�body�and�a�soul.�The�soul�is�that�part�of�us�that�lives�forever.�It�gives�us�the�power�to�know,�love,�and�serve�God.

God�created�each�person�to�be�the�same�and�different.�There�are�differences�in�our�looks�and�talents.�Yet�we�are�the�same�in�one�very�important�way.�Each�of�us�is�created�in�the�image�of�God.�Every�person�is�a�child�of�God.�

Because�we�are�created�in�God’s�image�we�can�make�loving�choices.�We�can�care�for�other�people.�We�can�choose�to�love�God�in�return.�

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

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

Faith FocusHow does God care for us?

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

28

Activity

God Cares for His CreationGod�the�Creator�is�always�with�us.�He�

takes�care�of�his�creation.�We�call�God’s�caring�love�for�his�creation�Divine Providence.�

Jesus�told�us�that�God�cares�for�us.��He�said:

“Look at the birds in the sky. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Look at the fields with beautiful wild flowers. Your Father in heaven knows everything you need.” Based on matthew 6:25-26, 30–32

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

��What�are�some�ways�God�cares��for�us?

Andrew the Apostle

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

Faith-Filled People

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

1

2

3

29

We Care for God’s CreationGod�gives�all�people�an�important�

responsibility.�He�calls�us�to�care�for�his�world.�In�the�Bible�God�tells�us:

God created people in his image. He made them man and woman. God blessed them. God gave them the world to care for.

Based on Genesis 1:26–30

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

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

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

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

Faith FocusHow do we care for God’s creation?

30

My Faith Choice

Activity

God’s gift How I can care for it

I FollowJesusGod�created�you�and�all�people�out�of�

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

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

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

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

.

31

Chapter Review

RecallUse the words below to complete the faith sentences.

Blessing soul Providence Creator Generosity

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

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

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

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

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


1. God created everyone and everything out of love and without any help.

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

3. God always cares for us and for all of his creation.

ReflectThink of five things you do that gives honor to God or his creation. Write one thing on each finger of the hand.

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

Share

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

Close your eyes and think of all the beautiful things in creation. (Pause.) Now let us bless God together for the gift of creation.

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

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

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

The Earth is full of your creatures.

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

Based on Psalm 104:1, 24, 25

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

→ God alone is the Creator. He created everyone and everything out of love and without any help. All that God creates is good.

→ God creates every person in his image. God creates every person with a body and a soul.

→ God creates everyone to be a unique individual and blesses them with special gifts that they are to use to care for God’s creation.

→ God’s caring love is known as Divine Providence.

→ Generosity is a quality of a disciple of Jesus.

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

Sharing God’s WordRead together the biblical accounts of creation in Genesis, chapters 1 and 2. Or read the adaptation on page 26. Discuss and emphasize that the diversity within creation helps us come to know that God is wonderful and good. Talk about what is unique about each family member.

We Live as Disciples The Christian home and family is a school of discipleship. Choose one of the following activities or design an activity of your own to do together as a family.

→ Enjoy a diversity adventure! Learn about the diversity that make up your parish or community. Explore different nationalities.

→ Take notice of all the times your child is generous. Praise him or her. Don’t forget to acknowledge small acts of generosity.

Our Spiritual JourneyPraying the psalms has always been part of the Church’s tradition. Pray the psalms in the daily prayer of your family. Memorize a psalm verse each week and pray it daily. See page 33 for an example.

With My Family


BeMyDisciples.com34

Mary Trusted God

Haveyoueverplacedyourtrustinsomeone?

ThewriterofthesewordsbelowhelpedpeopleclearlyseewhatGodwantedthemtodo.Listentowhathehadtosay:

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

Based on ProverBs 3:5–6

Howwouldrememberingthesewordshelpyouwhenyouareafraid?

CHAPTER

3EXPLORE how Catholics honor Mary.

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

DECIDE how you will honor Mary.


35

Honor

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

Disciple Power

The Church Follows

Jesus

We Honor MaryMarytrustedinGodwithallherheart.She

listenedandknewwhatGodwantedhertodo.

ThebishopsoftheCatholicChurchintheUnitedStateschosetohonorMaryinaspecialway.TheychoseMarytobethepatronsaintoftheUnitedStates.APatronSaintisaSaintwhosegoodexamplewecanfollow.

AsthepatronSaintoftheUnitedStates,sheiscalledMary,theImmaculateConception.ThebishopsbuiltabasilicanamedtheImmaculateConceptiontohonorMary.Itisoneofthelargestchurchesinthewholeworld.Abasilicaisaspecialtypeofchurch.

WealsohonorMarywhenwepraytoher.WehonorMarywhenweplacestatuesandimagesofherinourhomes.ThesearewaysthathelpustorememberMary’strustandfaithinGod.Mary

helpsusseeandknowmoreclearlyhowtoliveasdisciplesofJesus.

HowdoyouandyourfamilyhonorMary?

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

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Praying the RosaryOnespecialwaythat

CatholicshonorMaryistopraytheRosary.ItisreallymanyshortprayersthatformtheRosary.Weuserosarybeadstokeepourplaceaswesaytheprayers.TheprayersoftheRosaryaretheHailMary,OurFather,theGloryBe,Apostles’Creed,andHail,HolyQueen.WepraytheSignoftheCrossatthebeginningandattheendoftheRosary.

WhataresomewaysyoucanhonorMary?

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

Activity

G3_SSE_Ch03_37 PENCIL

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The Faith of MaryThebestnewsthatwewilleverhearisthat

GodtheFathersenthisSon,Jesus,intoourworld.TheangelGabrielannouncedthisgoodnewstotheBlessedVirginMary.Gabrielsaid,

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

Based on Luke 1:28, 31, 35

TheChurchcallstheannouncementofJesus’birthtoMarytheAnnunciation.MarytrustedthatGod.ShehadgreatfaithinGod’sloveforher.Sheresponded,

“May these things happen as you say.” Based on Luke 1:38

Whenhaveyoushowntrustwhenyouhavebeenaskedtodosomething?

Faith FocusHow did Mary show her faith in God?

Faith VocabularyAnnunciation The Annunciation is the announcement the angel Gabriel made to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The angel told Mary that God had chosen her to be the Mother of Jesus, the Son of God.

38

Mary is Our ModelMaryisamodeloffaith.Maryshowsushow

toactwithfaith.ShetrustedGodandsaid“yes”tohim.

Maryisamodelofprayerwhoshowsushowtopray.ShepraisedandthankedGod.

Maryisalsothemodeldisciple.SheshowsushowtotrustinGod’slove.

TheangelGabrieltoldMarythathercousinElizabethwasgoingtohaveababy.ElizabethwasmucholderthanMary.MaryknewthatElizabethwouldneedhelp.MarythoughtabouttheneedsofElizabeth.ReadtofindoutwhatMarydidtohelphercousin.

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

Based on Luke 1:39–40, 56

WhydidMarygotovisithercousinElizabeth?

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

.

Saint Elizabeth

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

Faith-Filled People

Activity

39

Mary Praises GodMary’svisittoElizabethisknownasthe

Visitation.Thewordvisitationisanotherwordfora“visit.”TheBibletellsusthatElizabethgreetedMarywhenshesawher.Elizabethsaid:

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

Based on Luke 1:45–46, 49

MarypraisedGod.Mary’sprayerofpraiseiscalledtheMagnificat.MarybelievedthatallherblessingscamefromGod.

Maryisourmodeloffaith.ShehelpsusseeclearlythatallourblessingscomefromGod,too.SheshowsushowtopraiseGod.

HowcanMarybeamodeloffaithforyou?

Faith FocusHow is Mary a disciple?

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

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

40

Feast Days of Mary

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

Catholics Believe

Jesus Is BornGodtheFatherchoseMarytobethe

MotherofhisSon,JesustheSavior.TheHolySpirithelpedMarybelieveinGod.TheHolySpirithelpedMarytrusthisplanforherandforherson.

JesusistheSonofGodandtheSonofMary.TheSonofGodbecomingamanandstillbeingGodiscalledtheIncarnation.

TheChurchcallsthestoryofthebirthofJesustheNativity.WecanreadaboutJesus’birthinChapters1and2oftheGospelsofSaintMatthewandSaintLukeintheNewTestament.

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

Activity

41

Sharing the Good NewsWereadaboutJesus’birthintheGospels

ofSaintMatthewandSaintLukewhichisintheNewTestament.ItwasonlyafterJesusdiedontheCrossthattheGospelswerewrittenbyfouroftheApostles,calledtheEvangelists.TheApostlestoldaboutJesus’birth,life,Death,andResurrection.

InJesus’time,mostpeoplecouldnotread.Theypasseddownthestoriesbywordofmouth.Grandparentstoldtheirgrandchildren.Andtheytoldtheirgrandchildren.

WhenJesuswasborn,theshepherdswerethere.Theshepherdshelpedtotelleveryoneabouttheangelsandthebabylyinginthemanger.TheHolySpirithelpedtheevangelistswriteabouttheNativityofJesus.

HowdoyousharetheGoodNewsaboutMaryandtheNativitywithothers?

Faith FocusWhere can we learn about the birth of Jesus?

42

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

I FollowJesusA Disciple’s Passport

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

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

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

.

Activity

My Faith Choice

43

Chapter ReviewRecallUnscramble the bolded letters to find the words that complete the sentences. Write the words on the lines.

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

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

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

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

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

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


1. God the Father chose Mary to be the mother of his Son, Jesus.

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

3. Mary shows us what it means to say Yes to God.

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

Share

44

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

Salve Maria!

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

Dios te salve María! Bendita tú eres.

Mary, you are the Mother of Jesus. María, tú eres la Madre de Jesús. (ma ree ya), (too) (air–es) (lah) (ma dreh) (deh) (hey zoos)

María, tú eres la Madre de Jesús.


María, tú eres la Madre de Jesús.


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4545

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

→ God chose Mary to have an honored part in his plan to fulfill his promise to send the world the Savior.

→ Mary believed and trusted God.

→ Mary is the Mother of Jesus, the Savior of the world.

→ Jesus is the Son of God and the son of Mary. Mary is the Mother of God.

→ The Incarnation means that the Son of God who became man without giving up being God. He is true God and true man.

→ The Church honors Mary. When we honor Mary, we honor God.

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

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

We Live as Disciples The Christian home and family is a school of discipleship. Choose one of the following activities to do as a family or design a similar activity of your own.

→ Talk about your family’s devotion to Mary. Discuss ideas together before making your choice.

→ Name ways the members of your family honor one another. How might you be more consistent in the way you honor one another? When you show honor and respect for one another you honor God.

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

With My Family


BeMyDisciples.com46

�Who�takes�care�of�you�when�you�are�sick?�What�do�they�do?

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

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

Matthew 25:34–36

�How�do�you�help�others?

Jesus, the Son of God

CHAPTER

4EXPLORE how Martin de Porres treated people with mercy and justice.

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

DECIDE to treat people justly as Jesus commanded.


47

The Church Follows

JesusDisciple Power

Justice

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

Good News in Action Martin�de�Porres�grew�up�in�poverty�in�Lima,�

Peru.�Peru�is�a�country�in�South�America.�When�he�was�a�young�man,�Martin�joined�a�group�of�religious�men�called�Dominicans.�The�Dominicans�follow�the�good�example�of�Saint�Dominic.�

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

When�patients�asked�for�glass�of�water,�Brother�Martin�would�gladly�get�it�for�them.�He�asked�people�to�give�him�money�to�feed�people�who�were�hungry.�

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

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

�How�did�Martin�practice�the�virtue�of�justice?

48

Martin of CharityMartin�de�Porres�was�canonized�in�

1962�by�Pope�John�XXIII.�That�means�he�became�an�official�Saint�of�the�Church.�Martin�was�also�named�the�Patron�Saint�of�justice�because�of�how�he�worked�with�different�cultures�of�people.�Martin�helped�the�sick,�the�poor,�the�farm�workers,�and�people�of�different�cultures.�Martin�earned�the�name�he�was�called�by�the�people�of�Lima.�They�called�him,�Martin�of�Charity.

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

�How�can�you�show�charity�to�others?�

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

R

T

N

I

A

M

49

Jesus Is the SaviorThe�angel�Gabriel�told�Mary�to�name�her�

Son,�Jesus.�The�name�Jesus�means�“God�saves.”�Jesus�is�the�Messiah,�the�Savior�whom�God�promised�to�send�his�people.�God’s�people�were�waiting�a�long�time�for�the�Savior�who�was�coming�to�save�them.

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

�How�would�you�describe�the�Good�News��of�Jesus?

Faith FocusWhat is the Good News of Jesus Christ?

Faith VocabularyMessiah The word messiah means “anointed one.” Jesus is the Messiah. He is the Anointed One of God, the Savior God promised to send.

50

Role-play the Presentation of the Lord with your classmates. Answer these questions to prepare for your role.

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

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

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

Simeon and AnnaWhen�Mary�and�Joseph�arrived�at�the�

Temple,�they�met�Simeon�and�Anna.�They�had�been�waiting�all�their�lives�for�the�Messiah�whom�God�promised�to�send.

Here�is�how�the�Gospel�describes�what�happened:

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

Based on Luke 2:28–30, 37–38

�What�can�you�do�to�share�the�Good�News�of�Jesus?�

Saint Joseph

Joseph is Mary’s husband. The Bible tells us that Joseph was a carpenter. He is the Patron Saint of workers. The feast day of Joseph, Husband of Mary, is on March 19. The feast day of Saint Joseph the Worker is on May 1.

Faith-Filled People

Activity

51

Finding Jesus in the TempleWhen�Jesus�was�twelve�years�old,�he�went�

with�Joseph�and�Mary�to�celebrate�Passover�in�Jerusalem.�Passover�celebrates�God’s�mercy�and�love�for�his�people.�It�especially�celebrates�God�freeing�his�people�from�slavery�in�Egypt.

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

Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the Temple. He was sitting there with the teachers. He was listening to them and asking them questions. Then he left the Temple with Mary and Joseph. They joined their friends and relatives and returned home to Nazareth. Jesus was obedient to Mary and Joseph. Jesus grew in wisdom, age, and grace. Based on Luke 2:46–47, 51–52

�What�question�do�you�want�to�ask�your�parish�priest�or�teacher�about�Jesus?

Faith FocusWhat is the Kingdom of God?

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

52

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

Catholics Believe

The Kingdom of God

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

The Kingdom of GodJesus�grew�up�in�a�little�town�in�Palestine.�

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

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

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

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

Activity

53

Faith FocusWhat does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus?

Disciples Spread the Good NewsMany�people�listened�to�Jesus�and�some�

of�the�people�became�his�disciples.�A�disciple�learns�from�someone�and�follows�that�person’s�teachings.�The�disciples�of�Jesus�had�great�respect�for�him.�They�showed�this�respect�by�calling�him�Rabbi,�or�Teacher.�

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

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

One day when all of the disciples were in one place together, they were all filled with the holy Spirit. The disciples began to speak in different languages. Peter was with them. Suddenly, he was not afraid. He stood before a huge crowd of people and said loudly, “Jesus from Nazareth is the Messiah. He is the one everyone has been looking for. He is risen. We have seen, and we believe.” Based on acts 2:1–4, 14, 22–24, 36

�What�are�two�words�that�you�think�describe�a�good�disciple?Peter Preaches at Pentecost,

T. W. Wilson, c. 1910.

54

My Faith Choice

I FollowJesusEvery�time�you�do�what�Jesus�taught�

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

Building God’s Kingdom Look at these newspaper headlines. Circle the events that are helping to build the Kingdom of God. Then write a headline telling how you are helping to build the Kingdom of God.

1 Many Go Hungry in Big Cities

2 Local Schools Collect Coats for Kids

3 Crime Wave Breaks Out

4 Pet Adoptions on the Rise

5 Kids Organize Recycling Drive

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

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

.

Activity

55

Chapter Review

RecallMatch the people and places in the left column with the meanings in the right column.

People and Places

___ 1. Anna and Simeon

___ 2. disciples

___ 3. Temple

___ 4. justice

___ 5. Jerusalem

Meanings

a. People who are followers of Jesus

b. The holy city of the Jewish people

c. Treating everyone fairly with care and respect

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

e. The most important place of Jewish worship

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


1. Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the Savior God promised to send.

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

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

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

Share

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

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

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

Kyrie eléison. Lord, have mercy.

Lord, Jesus, you announced the Good News of the coming of your Kingdom. Christe eleison. Christ, have mercy.

Christe eléison. Christ, have mercy.

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

Kyrie eléison. Lord, have mercy. Amen. Based on the RoMan MissaL

Leader

All

Leader

All

Leader

All

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→ Establish a “Circle of Care” in your family. Come together at a regular time and sit in a circle around a table or on the floor. Each person names a way he or she is acting with fairness and showing respect. No one in the cirle can accuse another, but each can praise another’s success.

→ Make a forgiveness poster to remind family members of the importance of forgiveness. Remember that the work of Jesus the Messiah is a work of forgiveness. Grow as a forgiving family. Include the prayer “Lord, have mercy” as part of your daily prayer.

Our Spiritual JourneyConversion to Christ is a life-long process. Acts of penance are part of the spiritual discipline of deepening our relationship with Jesus Christ and with one another. Small acts of penance no one notices or sees are the hallmark of true penance. See Matthew 6:16–18.

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

We Live as Disciples The Christian home and family is a school of discipleship. Choose one of the following activities to do as a family or design a similar activity of your own.

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

→ God the Father sent his Son, Jesus Chirst, as the Messiah.

→ Jesus is the Anointed One, or the Messiah, and the Christ. He is the Savior of the world.

→ Simeon and Anna recognized the infant Jesus to be the Messiah when Mary and Joseph presented him in the Temple in Jerusalem.

→ Jesus grew up in Nazareth. He left his home when he was about thirty years old and he traveled about announcing the coming of the Kingdom of God.

→ Practicing the virtue of justice helps prepare the way for the coming of God’s Kingdom.

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

With My Family


BeMyDisciples.com58

Catholic Social Teaching

WE CARE FOR GOD’S CREATION

Taking care of God’s creation is a responsibility we all share. God has trusted us with the care of the Earth and all its animals.

The Desert TortoiseThe Mojave Desert in California is the

home of the Desert Tortoise. Since 1989, the Desert Tortoise has been a threatened species in danger of extinction. Over the past thirty years humans have moved into the desert. Automobiles, off-road vehicles, and military training exercises have killed many of the tortoises. Industries such as mining and grazing have affected the tortoise population. Young tortoises are also killed by the increase number of ravens, which are the tortoise’s natural predator.

The people at Joshua Tree Tortoise Rescue work hard to make sure people will be able to enjoy the Desert Tortoises for years to come. They educate adults and children about the tortoises. The plight of the Desert Tortoise is an example of how human actions can hurt animal populations and affect the fragile natural environment.

59

Making Connections

Faith Action

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

.

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

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

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

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

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A. Choose the Best WordFill in the blanks, using the best choice from the word bank.

faith Divine Providence Incarnation Holy Trinity Kingdom of God

1. The gift of helps us believe in God.

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

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

.

4. The Son of God becoming man and still being

God is called the .

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

B. Show What You KnowMatch the words or phrases in Column A with the words or phrases in Column B.

Column A

1. the Messiah

2. creation

3. creeds

Unit 1 Review Name

Column B

a. summaries of the beliefs of the Church

b. the Savior God promised to send

c. all that God made out of love and without any help

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C. Connect with ScriptureWhat was your favorite story about Jesus in this unit? Draw something that happened in the story. Next to your drawing, write the name of the story and tell one thing that happened in it. Share with your class.

D. Be a Disciple1. What Saint or holy person did you enjoy hearing about

in this unit? Write the name here. Write something about the person that you admire. Tell your class what this person did to follow Jesus.

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

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Exaltation of the Holy Cross

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

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

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

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

Faith FocusHow is the Cross a sign of victory?

The Word of the LordChoose one of the Scripture readings to share. Then talk about the reading with them.

First Reading Numbers 21:4b–9

Second Reading Philippians 2:6–11

Gospel John 3:13–17

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

335

My Faith Choice

A Sign of LoveThe Exaltation of the Holy Cross

is a celebration of God’s saving love.

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

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

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

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