God Nourishes His People

This Is Our Faith

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Part 1: Responding to God’s Call to Relationship

Chapter 1: The Presence of God in Our Lives

When we really sit and think about the universe, we are overcome by a sense of awe at how complex it is.

Did you know?

Science tells us that the universe is 13.7 billion years old! It is estimated there are 400 billion stars in our galaxy. However, that’s just one

galaxy! There are billions and billions of galaxies! Your body is made up of approximately 37.2 trillion cells. That number looks like

this: 37,200,000,000,000. Your body now is made up of completely different cells than it was 7 years ago.

In the 19th century, a man called William Paley said that if we were to find a watch on the ground, we would assume that it was designed because watches are so complex, with all the intricate, tiny parts to them, and because they are purposeful, telling the time. He argued that we wouldn’t think a watch could come about by accident. Paley then compared this to the world. In our world, there

are so many complex, intricate and purposeful things, which, if we apply the same logic, he argued could not have come about just by chance. Think of the complexity of the human eye – it is so much more intricate than a watch and serves the purpose of helping us to see. He argued that it is reasonable to assume that an intelligent being has created them. That being is God.

Catholics believe that God created us. He designed us and put us here in this complex and incredible universe! He gave us the conditions we need to survive. As well as that, he gave us consciousness. We don’t just walk around like robots. We have our own minds and free will to make our own decisions. We are aware of the world we live in. We can appreciate the beauty within it.

Not only that, but God made each of us individually out of love. God has a plan for each one of us.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart” Jeremiah 1.5

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Figure 1 the Human Eye

This quote from the Bible suggests that even before we were born, God had a purpose for our lives. He has a path he wants us to take, but because he loves us, he won’t force us. He has given us free will to accept or reject his plan for us.

What ’s more,… the creator of the whole entire universe wants a relationship with you – yes YOU! We don’t believe in a God who created us and then wants nothing to do with us. God is present and he wants a relationship with us.

God reveals to us the beauty, wonder and mystery in the world to show us that he is there and he wants a relationship with us. When we see these things, we should take a moment to make ourselves aware of the presence of God in our lives, and to respond to his invitation to friendship.

Chris Stefanik describes faith as a love story:

"When you remove the love story, what are you left with? Rules that we have to follow. Rituals that we're not sure why we keep them alive but they take a lot of time. Doctrines that have nothing to do with your life. That's how the world has come to see Catholicism. … The world has forgotten the love story, and so often we've forgotten the love story."

The love story of faith is the love between God, our creator and us. He loves you, and he would just LOVE you to respond to that love.

ActivitiesA. Answer the following questions in full sentences in your jotter.

1. Describe a time when you experienced a sense of wonder or awe at something in the world. Focus on describing your thoughts and feelings.

2. Evaluate. Do you agree with William Paley’s argument that the world appears designed because of the complexity and purposefulness of it? Give a reason for your answer.

3. Describe at least two things that Christians believe about God from the information above.

B. Group Task

This task is to get us thinking about how amazing the human body is. Your task is to work in groups and come up with at least 4 purposes/uses/benefits of each of the following:

Skin Hands Noses Feet

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Chapter 2: Prayer Nourishes Our Relationship with God

Some people talk about God being the most important person in their lives. They

show this by wanting to know him more, wanting a better understanding

of what he is like and wanting to do what pleases him. God

wants us to know about him, but most of all he wants us to

get to know him. When we pray, we are spending time

with him, listening and talking. Friend to friend. Heart to

heart.

The amazing thing is that he knows you and everyone

around you. He knows everything we do. There is nothing that we can hide from him. Yet,

there is not a moment when he does not love us.

A child does not find it difficult to talk to her father, nor does she feel embarrassed to bring

her simplest needs to his attention. We can learn a lot from children about trust. This is

why God calls us to be like children in our relationship with him. He reminds us of his

fatherly care through Jesus’ words:

“Or what man of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if

he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how

to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in

heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:9-11).

Prayer is one of the main ways by which we allow God to be a father to us. Through prayer,

we build the most important relationship of our lives - the relationship between God who

made us, and ourselves.

This relationship gives us access to all the good things that God

wants to give us and reminds us each day that we are his precious

children. This gives us confidence and hope for the things we face in our lives. When we

draw near to God in prayer, he draws near to us. When we feel prompted to prayer that is

the Holy Spirit encouraging us to turn our hearts toward God.

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Being a Christian is not so much being a

member of a religion as a relationship, a

relationship with God through Jesus

Christ. Prayer is a way of expressing and

deepening that relationship. As talking

and communicating are an important part

of human relationships, so are talking and

communicating an essential part of our

relationship with God. This is what

prayer is. It is a two-way communication;

we not only talk but we also listen.

Jesus did it. He was a man of prayer. He

was always aware of his Father’s

presence. He took time off to be alone with his Father. He did this the night before he died

when he went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He taught people the most important

prayer in Christianity, The Lord’s Prayer.

Prayer is a powerful way of changing things. In the letter of James we read, “the prayer of a

good person has a powerful effect” (James 5:16). For example, many Christians believe that

praying can sometimes heal a person. Praying for people can help them in their Christian

work, for example, the Pope, or our world leaders, or anyone who has responsibility for

Christian work. Praying can also help us face our own problems and pains and give us an

inner peace and strength.

Some people prefer to be alone when they pray. This is called personal prayer. Some

people prefer to pray together with others as a group. This is called communal prayer.

Prayer is extremely important in the Church’s liturgy. There are many different ways

Catholics can pray, such as through Masses, Rosaries and Novenas where we pray to the

Saints to intercede for us. These are just a few examples of the ways in which Catholics pray

which you will learn more about in the future.

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Activities

A. Answer the following questions in full sentences in your jotter.

1. Describe how people might show that God is important in their lives.

2. Explain the difference between knowing about God, and knowing God.

3. Describe the relationship God wants to have with each one of us.

4. Explain how a relationship with God can affect the way you live your life.

5. Explain which type of prayer you prefer: personal prayer or communal prayer.

Give at least one reason for your answer.

6. Explain why prayer is an important part of our relationship with God.

B. Write your own personal prayer to Jesus, telling him that you are open to a

relationship with Him in your life.

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Chapter 3: The Sacraments Nourish our Relationship with God

The Catholic Church has seven Sacraments: Baptism, The Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage and Holy Orders.

Sacraments are a way in which we can participate in the mystery of Christ. The Sacraments are there to nourish us throughout our journey through life, to help us to deepen our relationship with Jesus.

Sacraments are actions of the Holy Spirit at work in his body, the church. They are the ‘masterworks of God’

covenant. (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

The life of Jesus comes to us in the form of seven sacraments:

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Baptism

We become members of the Church and try to be like Jesus. We enter into the life of Jesus and receive his spirit.

The Eucharist

Catholics believe we receive Jesus truly present in the form of bread and wine. His presence in

us helps us to grow in our love of God and gives us the strength to help other people.

Holy Orders

This is the Sacrament where people are instituted into

the religious life. For example, as Priests, Nuns or

Deacons.

Reconciliation

This Sacrament offers inner healing. It renews us and frees us from the stain of

sin.

Confirmation

This gives us the gifts of the Holy Spirit and we affirm the promises made at our Baptism.

We are given gifts, which are not just for ourselves, but also for us to use to help others. We are called by God to live more like Jesus and to share in the work of Jesus in our world.

Marriage

Through this Sacrament, Jesus gives the married couple the help to

love one another with Gods love.

Anointing of the Sick gives strength, peace and

courage to help the person overcome the

difficulties that go with serious illness.

Purpose of sacraments

Catholics believe that during the sacraments, something special is going on. We receive God’s grace. Grace is a gift from God, which helps us to be more like him: more loving to God and one another.

St. Augustine called the sacraments “visible signs of invisible grace’. This means that through the visible acts of say, eating the Host at communion or being anointed with the waters at Baptism, that there is really being invisible grace given to us during these times. A sacrament is a sign of a spiritual event taking place. They are a sign that Jesus is present helping us to nourish our relationships with Him and with others.

Another benefit of the Sacraments is that they develop fellowship between Catholics. For example, when you are baptised, you enter into the Community of Faith. You become part of something bigger. Catholics are obliged to go to Mass on Sundays. This encourages us to come together regularly to worship God and received Jesus in the sacrament of the Eucharist. It ensures we have regular opportunities to be spiritually nourished by God.

Activities

A. Answer the following questions:

1. Describe what is meant by ‘the Sacraments’.2. Explain, what does it mean to say ‘sacraments are actions of the Holy Spirit at

work’?3. Explain in your own words what is meant by ‘grace’.4. Explain, what it means to say that the Sacraments are visible signs of invisible

grace.5. Describe how the sacraments are encounters with Jesus.6. Describe how the sacraments help to nourish our relationship with God.7. Describe how the sacraments help to nourish our relationships with others.8. Evaluate which of the Sacraments you think is the most important. Explain why.

B. In groups, discuss and create a mind map in groups of the benefits of the Sacraments for Catholics.

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Chapter 4: Baptism Nourishes Our Relationship with God

Baptism is the first Sacrament Christians will go through. When the priest baptises us, he acts ‘in persona Christi’ – this means that he acts in the person of Christ. Although we see the priest saying the words of Baptism and pouring the water, Catholics believe that it is Jesus who baptises us.

What happens to you when you are baptised?

When you are baptised, you become part of the Christian community of faith, this means that you become an adoptive son or daughter of God. Once we are baptised, we become spiritually ‘marked’ as part of the Church. Another term for the Church is the ‘body of Christ’. This means that Christ is the head, and we are his body, we should be trying our best to act in life as representatives of Christ on earth.

Baptism and Original Sin

Catholics believe that all of us are born with a stain of original sin, which we’ve inherited from the very first man, and woman who disobeyed God. However, at Baptism, we believe that the stain of original sin is washed away. When we are baptised, any sins we have committed up until then, and the original sin we inherit are forgiven. We become reborn in the Holy Spirit.

What needs to happen to make a Baptism ‘count’?

Usually a priest, a Bishop or a deacon will perform a Baptism, however, anyone can baptise someone in the case of an emergency.

For a Baptism to happen, the person either needs to have water poured on their head or to be immersed in water, while the priest (or whoever is doing the baptising) says ‘I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”.

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Where is Baptism in the Bible?

Before Jesus starts his ministry (where he goes about teaching people about God, performing miracles etc.) he goes to his cousin John and asks to be baptised.

Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptised by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said,

“so why are you coming to me?”

But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him.

After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove

and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”

Matthew 3:13-17

After Jesus’ resurrection, he tells us:

“Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved.”

Activities

A. Answer the following questions in full sentences in your jotter.1. Explain what is means to say that the priest acts ‘in persona Christi’ when he

baptises someone.2. Explain what is means to say we are spiritually ‘marked’ at our baptism.3. Describe what is meant by original sin.4. Explain what happens to our sins at baptism.5. Explain, who can baptise us.6. What two things are needed for the rite of baptism?7. In the Bible, Jesus says: “anyone who believes and 9is baptised will be saved”.

Explain what do you think this means?8. Some people are baptised as babies and other people are baptised as adults.

When do you think is the best time for someone to be baptised? Give at least one reason for your answer.

B. Your teacher will give you a couple of toys. Use the toys to create a video explaining:

I. What is baptism?II. Why it is important?

III. In what way is Baptism an encounter with Jesus?

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Chapter 5: The Eucharist Nourishes Our Relationship with God

For Catholics, the source and summit of our faith is the Eucharist. It is the most important celebration in the Church and the centre of Christian life. This is why Catholics are expected to go to Mass every Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation.

Mass is such a big deal because, when the priest says the Eucharistic prayer, Catholics believe that the bread and wine transform and Christ is truly present – body, blood, soul and divinity. This means that Jesus is there, in front of our eyes. When we eat the Eucharist, we are in communion with Christ.

The belief that the bread and wine actually become the body and blood of Christ is called transubstantiation. Through the Eucharist, Jesus gives his flesh and blood to eat and drink. This gives us the grace to transform us, to help us to become more like Christ. When we celebrate Mass, we remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, where he died for our sins.

During the Mass Catholics come together to share in their faith with this sacred and holy meal. This is a sign of unity in the Church. By coming together at least every Sunday, this enables us to grow in love for our neighbour. Mass helps us to nourish and sustain us through our journey of faith, allowing us to deepen our relationship with Jesus.

Activities

A. Explain in 50 words, why the Mass is significant for Catholics.

B. In groups, create a poster on the Eucharist. This should:i. Explain what it means that the Eucharist is a Sacrifice.

ii. Explain what it means that the Eucharist is a Sacred Meal.iii. Describe how the Eucharist provides an important encounter with

Jesus.iv. Explain why the Eucharist is important for human salvation.v. Explain where beliefs about the Eucharist come from by using

sources from the Bible:

Jesus saying ‘I am the Bread of Life’ (John 6:25-58) The Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-30)

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Chapter 6: God nourishes us through the Sacrament of Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is where we confess our sins to a priest, say sorry, and are forgiven. Just like with the other Sacraments, the priest acts ‘in persona Christi’ so when we confess our sins to the priest and he says the words of absolution, Catholics believe it is really Jesus absolving our sins through Him. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a Sacrament of healing; where it heals our souls from any sin, we have committed and are sorry for. It is where we restore our friendship with Jesus, which is damaged by sin.

Jesus’ Teaching on Reconciliation

A huge part of Jesus’ ministry was to forgive sins and this continues through the Church. Jesus told his apostles “whose sins you forgive they are forgiven”. Sin is when we choose to go our own way rather than God’s way. It is any thought, word or action against God’s laws. When we choose to sin we destroy our relationship with God, with his Church and with each other. When we go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we repair those broken relationships and get the opportunity to start again - as if being washed clean, turning over a new leaf, a completely new start. God loves us so much that when we sin he calls us to himself to say sorry. When we say sorry and truly mean it, he takes away our sins and allows us to begin again.

Jesus wants us to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Catholics believe that Jesus died on the cross for our salvation, to pay the price for our sins so that we can be forgiven. This allows us an opportunity to wipe the slate clean and build back our relationship with God if we repent, by regretting what we have done wrong, and saying sorry. The special prayer we say during the Sacrament of Reconciliation is called an ‘act of contrition’. In this prayer, we say sorry to God and ask him for his grace to help us not to sin again. Here is a version of it:

“O my God, because you are so good, I am very sorry that I have sinned against you and with your help I will not sin again.”

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Activity AMatch the key terms with their definitions in your jotter.

Sin Saving us from sin by paying the price for our sins, so that we can be forgiven.

Reconciliation When you stop being angry with/blaming someone who has done wrong.

Forgiveness Any thought, word or deed against God’s laws.

Salvation Restoring friendship.

Activity BAnswer the following questions in full sentences in your jotter.

1. Explain how the sacrament of reconciliation can help us to restore our relationship with God and others.

2. Explain why you think the Sacrament of Reconciliation is called a Sacrament of healing.

3. Catholics believe that no matter how bad a sin is, if you ask God for forgiveness and are truly sorry, you can be forgiven. What does this teach us about God?

Activity C

In pairs, dramatise OR write a script for a conversation between 2 people your age. One is scared to go to Confession. The other is trying to encourage them to go.Include at least 3 benefits of the Sacrament of Reconciliation in your drama.

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Chapter 7: Confirmation Nourishes Our Relationship with God

Confirmation is, along with Baptism and the Eucharist, one of the sacraments of initiation. These are Sacraments of initiation as they deepen our membership in Church – the body of Christ. Confirmation deepens the grace of Baptism, unites the person more fully to Christ and his Church, and gives the special strength and gifts of the Holy Spirit. When you are confirmed, you become more aware of your identity as a child of God.

Confirmation, through grace, gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend our faith in Christ.

What is involved in the rite of Confirmation?

The rite of Confirmation has the following structure:

Those about to receive Confirmation renew their baptismal promises.

The bishop prays over them for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

The bishop anoints the forehead of each with holy oil (chrism), while praying the words, “Be

sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

This reminds us of Jesus’ words when he said: ‘You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses’ Acts 1.8

Usually you will choose a confirmation Saint – someone who has inspired you to lead a good life.

Just like in Baptism, and all of the other Sacraments, when we are confirmed the Bishop acts ‘in persona Christi’. Therefore, when we are confirmed, we believe that Jesus is the one who does it.

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The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

In this sacrament, the Holy Spirit gives us seven gifts that enable us to see and act well spiritually. These gifts empower us to tell others about Christ and to defend the Catholic faith.

1. Wisdom - helps us to understand God.

2. Understanding - helps us to see truth.

3. Counsel - helps us to know the right thing to do in different situations.

4. Fortitude - To have the courage to do the right thing even when it is hard.

5. Piety – to help us to be devoted to God and more holy.

6. Knowledge - to know the link between God and all things.

7. Awe – to be aware of how amazing God is and to want to do his will.

Confirmation is important because it equips us for living the Christian life in the world, helping us and others to get to heaven.

Who can be confirmed?

To be confirmed, you must first be baptised. Although you can be baptised as a baby, when your Godparents can make promises to God on your behalf, at confirmation, you need to be old enough to be aware of what you are doing. That is why Catholics won’t usually get confirmed until they are around 11 years old. This is because at Confirmation, you should be able and willing to profess your Catholic faith, saying what you believe.

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“When we welcome the Holy Spirit into our hearts and allow him to act, Christ makes himself present in us and takes shape in our lives; through us, it will be he — Christ himself — who prays, forgives, gives hope and consolation, serves the brethren, draws close to the needy and to the least, creates community and sows peace.” Pope Francis

When you are confirmed, you are supposed to be in a state of grace, which means you would probably be Baptised and even have the Sacrament of Reconciliation before this. At confirmation, you take on the role yourself as a disciple of Christ.

Where in the Bible does confirmation come from?

The Biblical basis for the Sacrament of Confirmation comes at the feast of Pentecost. After Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples and Mary were all sat together in a room. The Holy Spirit appeared to them as tongues of fire and gave them the ability to preach about Jesus in other languages.

“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a

violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire,

appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as

the Spirit gave them ability.” Acts 2:1-4

Therefore, when we are confirmed we receive the Holy Spirit, just as the apostles did at Pentecost. These gifts help to bring us closer to Christ.

Activities

A. In pairs, create a quiz with both questions and answers (at least 10) on the information above. You and your partner will then test another pair using your quizzes.

B. Explain which of the gifts of the Holy Spirit above you would most like to develop in yourself. Give a reason for your answer.

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Part 2: Lent and Easter

Chapter 8: Lent and the Liturgical Year

Lent is an important time in the Church’s liturgical year for Catholics as it is a time when we prepare to celebrate Easter, which is THE most important date in the Church’s liturgical year. The liturgical year is another way of saying the Church’s calendar.

The liturgical calendar is designed so that, through its cycle, all of the events associated with Christ’s life, death, resurrection and future coming are celebrated.

What is Lent?

Lent is a time when Christians remember the 40 days and nights Jesus spent alone in the desert without food being tempted by the Devil. Jesus used this time to prepare for his work by fasting and praying.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for six weeks. During this time, the priest wears purple vestments, which symbolise two different things:

1. Purple symbolises mourning – showing that we our for Christ’s death on the cross.2. It also symbolises royalty – showing that because he rose from the dead, we

acknowledge Jesus as our King and Saviour.

Lent is a moveable feast, which means the date changes from year to year. Lent ends at Easter when Christians remember the execution of Jesus and then celebrate his rising from death.

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What do Christians do during Lent?

Lent is the time when we prepare ourselves spiritually to celebrate Easter – that’s why the Church asks us to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Lent.

We are also expected to pray more during Lent, to fast (to give up something) and to give to charity.

Prayer during Lent

More time given to prayer during Lent should draw us closer to Jesus. This might mean setting aside some time for prayer every day. It might mean going to mass more or even arriving for mass a little earlier, to spend some time in prayer.

Fasting during Lent

The early Church fasted intensely for two days before the celebration of the Easter Vigil. This fast was later extended and became a 40-day period of fasting leading up to Easter.

Fasting is more than a means of developing self-control. It is often an aid to prayer, as the pangs of hunger remind us of our hunger for God. Fasting should be linked to our concern for those who are forced to fast by their poverty, those who suffer from the injustices of our economic and political structures, those who are in need for any reason. Fasting can help us realize the suffering that so many people in our world experience every day, and it should lead us to greater efforts to alleviate that suffering. Abstaining from meat traditionally also linked us to the poor, who could rarely afford meat for their meals.

Almsgiving during Lent

Almsgiving (giving money to charity) is a sign of our care for those in need and an expression of our gratitude for all God has given to us.

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Easter in the Liturgical Year

Easter is such an important celebration in the liturgical year that it is even more important than Christmas for Catholics! On Easter Sunday, the priest wears white – to represent the glory of the risen Lord.

The reason Easter is so important is that it celebrates Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus resurrection shows us that:

He could conquer death – so death is not the end. We have the hope of eternal life with Christ.

Jesus was the Son of God – as he was able to rise from the dead. He died and rose for our salvation – so the price has been paid for our sins.

Easter is a time of joy and hope – of light conquering darkness.

Activities

A Copy and compete the paragraph below.

Lent and Easter are significant times in the ………………….. calendar. Lent is a time when we remember Jesus’ fast in the desert for 40 days and 40 ……….. where he was tempted by Satan. It is also a time when we prepare for the celebration of Easter, where Jesus rose from the dead on the 3rd day after being ……………... During Lent we …….., give alms and pray to prepare ourselves for the Church’s most important feast. The priest wears ……….. vestments throughout Lent to symbolise …………….. for Christ’s death on the cross and his royalty – as the King of ……………. On Easter Sunday he will wear white to symbolise the glory of the …………… Lord.

Word bank: Kings liturgical fast nights

mourning crucified purple

B Explain using your own words as far as possible why Easter is such an important feast for Christians. Aim for at least 30 words.

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Chapter 9: Holy Week

Holy week is the week leading up to Easter Sunday. It recalls events associated with Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Catholics have a variety of rituals and symbols to mark this special time of year.

Activity A: Speed Dating

Each of you will be given one of the topics below to read up on (either below or you can research this further) for ten minutes. In this time, you should come up with some brief notes and prepare to be able to speak for 1 minute on your topic.

A. Palm SundayB. Maundy ThursdayC. Good FridayD. Holy Saturday (also see chapter 3)E. Easter Sunday

Then, you will be given 2 minutes with different partners. Each of you will speak to each other for one minute about your topics, teaching each other about them. When the times goes off, you move on to another partner.

Palm Sunday

This occurs on the Sunday before Easter. At Palm Sunday, we recall the time Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey where he was greeted by many people waving palms at his feet, to show they recognised him as King.

“The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted,

“Praise God!

Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

Hail to the King of Israel!”

Jesus found a young donkey and rode on it, fulfilling the prophecy that said:

“Don’t be afraid, people of Jerusalem.

Look, your King is coming,

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riding on a donkey’s colt.”

His disciples didn’t understand at the time that this was a fulfilment of prophecy. But after Jesus entered into his glory, they remembered what had happened and realized that these things had been written about him.”

John 12

To mark this event, Catholics are given out palms blessed with Holy Water during Mass.

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday is also known as Holy Thursday. It is the Thursday, which comes right before Easter Sunday where we remember Jesus’ last supper, where he broke bread and said:

“This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Luke 22.19

Which is where we believe Jesus instituted the sacrament of the Eucharist.

Jesus then went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray.

“Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee. Grief and anguish came over him, and he said to them, “The sorrow in my heart is so great that it almost crushes me. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

He went a little farther on, threw himself face downward on the ground, and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, take this cup of suffering from me! Yet not what I want, but what you want.”

Then he returned to the three disciples and found them asleep; and he said to Peter, “How is it that you three were not able to keep watch with me for even one hour? Keep watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Once more Jesus went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cup of suffering cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.” He returned once more and found the disciples asleep; they could not keep their eyes open.

Again Jesus left them, went away, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then he returned to the disciples and said, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look! The hour has

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come for the Son of Man to be handed over to the power of sinners. Get up, let us go. Look, here is the man who is betraying me!” Matthew 26

Jesus was betrayed by his disciple Judas Iscariot, who showed the authorities who Jesus was for the price of 30 pieces of silver. He was then arrested and taken to trial.

Good Friday

Good Friday is when we remember Jesus’ death on the cross. Catholics believe Jesus died to pay the price for our sins, so that we could have eternal life with God when we die. To mark this event, Catholics fast on Good Friday, meaning that they eat one main meal and two smaller meals with no snacking on that day.

On Good Friday, Catholics go to Church for a service but there is no Mass on Good Friday. The service on Good Friday usually has the following:

The priest wears red or black The priest processes in in complete silence (no singing) and the priest will lie flat on

the floor as a mark of respect to Christ. This is called prostration. It symbolises him bowing completely to Jesus.

Several readings are read (usually 7) including the story of the passion of Christ (the events leading up to and surrounding his death).

Special prayer intentions are said and in between each one, the congregation kneels.

Adoration of the cross – where the congregation will one by one usually kiss the foot of the cross.

Although there is not a Mass, the Eucharist is distributed (it has been consecrated – turned into the body and blood of Christ) the previous day at Mass).

The priest departs in silence.

“They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.

It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. The written notice of the charge against him read: the king of the Jews.

They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. [a] Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!” In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! Let this Messiah, this king of

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Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

When some of those standing near heard this, they said, “Listen, he’s calling Elijah.”

Someone ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to take him down,” he said.

With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.” Mark 15

Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday is always the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. This day commemorates the day that Jesus Christ's body laid in the tomb. On the evening of Holy Saturday, the Easter Vigil is held. This is where adults who convert to Catholicism enter the Church and are usually baptised, confirmed and receive their first Holy Communion all on the same night. Lots of special symbols and rituals happen at the Easter Vigil, which we will explore further in the next chapter.

Easter Sunday

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“Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been taken away from the entrance. She went running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!”

Then Peter and the other disciple went to the tomb. The two of them were running, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and saw the linen cloths, but he did not go in. Behind him came Simon Peter, and he went straight into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there and the cloth which had been around Jesus' head. It was not lying with the linen cloths but was rolled up by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in; he saw and believed. Then the disciples went back home.”

On Easter Sunday, the disciples visited Jesus’ tomb but found the stone covering the cave had been moved and Jesus’ body was gone. They reported seeing Jesus alive at the garden that morning, and then again at their house later that day. Christians believe that God raised Jesus to life again – a sign that Jesus was truly the Son of God and more powerful than death.” John 20

On Easter Sunday, we celebrate Jesus rising from the dead. Catholics usually go to Mass on Easter Sunday, roll chocolate eggs (to symbolise the stone that was rolled away) and have a meal with their families. The resurrection of Jesus is so significant to Catholics because:

• By Jesus, dying on the cross and rising again, Catholics believe that he paid the price for our sins, so we can be saved from the consequences of sin (suffering, alienation and death). Catholics believe that if we are truly sorry and turn to Jesus, we can be saved. The belief that Jesus saves us from the consequences of sin is called salvation.

• This was a fulfilment of Jesus promise that he would be killed and rise again three days later:

“From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Matthew 16

• It shows us that Jesus was the Son of God – with the power to conquer death. It gives us hope that one day he will raise us too, to eternal life. This can give us comfort, knowing that death is not the end. Catholics believe that if we follow Jesus, we can have eternal life with him.

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• The cross shows that God has entered all the darkness in the world. He has gone through suffering and death, and come out the other side. This means that darkness can be transformed into light, and that in the end, good is stronger than evil.

Activity B

Match the terms below with their descriptions.

Easter Sunday Is the day when Christians mark Jesus’ death by having a service at Church in which they venerate the cross.

Palm Sunday Is the day the Easter Vigil is held, when people converting to Catholicism, officially enter the Church.

Maundy Thursday Is a Christian festival, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is always celebrated on a Sunday.

Good Friday Is the day before Good Friday and commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles.

Holy Saturday Falls on the Sunday before Easter. People are given palms to remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a donkey when people waved palms at him.

Activity C

1. Describe what Holy Week means.2. Describe what event in Jesus’ life Palm Sunday recalls.3. Describe what Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane.4. Explain what Christians do at Church to mark Good Friday”.5. “For Christ died for sins once and for all, a good man on behalf of sinners, in order

to lead you to God.” Analyse what you think this quote means.6. Summarise the events of the Resurrection in John 20 in no more than 20 words.7. “The Resurrection is the most important Christian feast”. Evaluate this statement.

Chapter 10: The Easter Vigil

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In the last chapter, we learned that the Easter Vigil takes place on Holy Saturday, the evening before Easter Sunday. This is the Mass were often new Catholics officially enter the Church and receive some of the Sacraments for the first time. However, there are many other special aspects to the Easter Vigil Mass, which you will learn about, in the next task.

Activity A

In groups of 4, one person should read the information below veeerrrrry slowly to their group. The rest of the group have to draw, using pictures, symbols, numbers but no words, each of the different things that happen at the Easter Vigil. For example, bullet point 2 talks about a fire burning outside the church and the Paschal candle being lit… so your group might draw something like this to represent it:

The Easter Vigil takes place after sunset on Holy Saturday, to highlight the Church’s waiting, for the Resurrection of Jesus. The darkness of the night and of the church reminds us of the darkness of the tomb from which Jesus rose.

The Mass begins with a fire burning outside the doors of the church. The service begins with the blessing of the Paschal Fire and the lighting of the Paschal Candle from the fire.

The priest leads the procession into the church with the Paschal Candle, which symbolises the light of Christ rising from the tomb. The smaller candles held by the people are lit from the Paschal Candle and shared around the church from person to person, showing how we spread the Light of Christs in the world through our service and kindness to others.

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An ancient hymn is sung called the Exsultet. This hymn consists of praise for God’s saving work in human history, culminating in the Resurrection of Christ.

The readings in the Mass all tell the stories of the history of God’s saving work among his people.

The waters of baptism are blessed and sprinkled on the congregation.

Activity B: Answer the following question fully in your jotter.

Discuss the significance of at least two rituals/symbols used in liturgy. (4 marks)

Chapter 11: End of Unit Assessment

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To show your understanding, and how your views have been affected by working through this unit, you will now spend some time writing an essay.

Essay question: Explain the ways in which God nourishes His people.

Step 1 - Plan

a) Draw a mind map, choosing only three of the ways God nourishes His people. Write as many ideas down as possible. Discuss these ideas with your peers.

b) Decide on your paragraph plan:

i. Introduction

ii. Way 1: ___________________________________

iii. Way 2: ___________________________________

iv. Way 3: ___________________________________

v. Conclusion

Step 2 – Write

Remember to include the following in your introduction, your three ‘ways’ paragraphs, and your conclusion.

Introduction - Engage the reader with a fact or idea from this unit; introduce the topic you will be exploring; and describe the three ways you will explain in your essay. Aim for around 50 words.

Ways – Main Body Paragraphs – Start with a topic sentence explaining the way you are going to explain. Give examples of how this way is used in our daily lives. Explain why this way is important. Give your own view about this way and justify why you have picked it. Maybe include your own personal experience. Remember to use your notes to help you. Aim for around 100 words.

Conclusion – Start with ‘To conclude,’; describe the three ways you chose again; and share what you have learned about yourself completing this unit, with your reader. Aim for around 50 words.

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Success Criteria

A. I can create an essay showing what I have learnt, using the notes in my jotter to write detailed paragraphs.

B. I can reflect on what I have learnt, explaining my own views in a mature and detailed manner.

C. I can write several paragraphs, including an introduction and conclusion, to ensure my essay has a clear structure and line of thought.

D. I can write with secure technical accuracy, ensuring my spelling is as accurate as possible, using formal vocabulary, and correct sentencing.

Step 3 – Review

Look at the success criteria again. Have you clearly met each criteria? Ask a peer or teacher for help here if you are unsure.

Get a peer to proofread your work and suggest improvements. Use the success criteria as a guide.

Is your work neat and legible?

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