School Catechi s t Guide Ce l eb r a t i ng Chu r ch Fl ipped Classroom Leader Guide GRADE 8
Finding God: Flipped Classroom Grade 8 Leader Guide is an expression of the work of Loyola Press, a ministry of the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits. Loyola Press has made every effort to locate the copyright holders for the cited works used in this publication and to make full acknowledgment for their use. In the case of any omissions, the publisher will be pleased to make suitable acknowledgments in future editions. Acknowledgments Scripture excerpts are from the New American Bible, Revised Edition, © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. All rights reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Prayer for Generosity © 2004, Institute for Jesuit Sources. All right reserved. Acknowledgments continue on page 192. Cover and interior design: Loyola Press Cover illustration: Loyola Press 978-0-8294-5040-8 Copyright © 2022 Loyola Press All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher. Manufactured in China www.findinggod.com 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 RRD 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Imprimatur In accordance with c. 827, permission to publish is granted on February 1, 2021, by Most Reverend Robert G. Casey, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Permission to publish is an official declaration of ecclesiastical authority that the material is free from doctrinal and moral error. No legal responsibility is assumed by the grant of this permission. SAMPLE
C O N T E N T S Program Overview OV-3 Unit 1 The Early Church 1 SESSION 1 | Jesus’ Message 3 SESSION 2 | The Church Grows 9 SESSION 3 | Witnesses to the Faith 15 SESSION 4 | The Catechumenate in the Early Church 21 SESSION 5 | Celebrating Ordinary Time 27 Unit 2 We Belong 33 SESSION 6 | We Believe 35 SESSION 7 | Praise God in Worship 41 SESSION 8 | Monasteries and Community 47 SESSION 9 | Sent on a Mission 53 SESSION 10 | Celebrating Advent and Christmas 59 OV-1 SAMPLE
Unit 3 We Worship 65 SESSION 11 | The Church and Society 67 SESSION 12 | The Great Cathedrals and Worship 73 SESSION 13 | Nourished by the Eucharist 79 SESSION 14 | Serving Physical and Spiritual Needs 85 SESSION 15 | Celebrating Lent 91 Unit 4 We Are Called 97 SESSION 16 | The Protestant Reformation 99 SESSION 17 | Renewal in the Church 105 SESSION 18 | The Church Reaches Out 111 SESSION 19 | Faith and Reason 117 SESSION 20 | Celebrating Holy Week and Easter 123 Unit 5 We Are Sent 129 SESSION 21 | Truth Revealed by God 131 SESSION 22 | Acting on Behalf of Justice 137 SESSION 23 | Called by God 143 SESSION 24 | People for Others 149 SESSION 25 | Celebrating Pentecost 155 Missionary Discipleship Challenge 161 Index 188 Acknowledgments 192 www.findinggod.com OV-2 SAMPLE
FINDING GOD® GRADES 7–8 FLIPPED CLASSROOM offers a new model for catechesis where young people strengthen their knowledge of Catholic doctrine, Tradition, and identity at their own pace before exploring these concepts further in youth group or class meetings. During this time together, young people work on hands-on projects and discuss essential questions, pray together for themselves and others, and are called to actively and courageously witness to the teachings of Christ in the world. Enjoy the options and flexibility that the Finding God® Grades 7–8 Flipped Classroom provides, knowing that you will be successful in helping young people experience the full and authentic teachings of the Church. Young people will enter more deeply into a meaningful, lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ, characterized by a desire to share his message of salvation and love as missionary disciples. W E L C OM E OV-3 Welcome The experience of the group is fertile soil for welcoming and sharing the message of salvation. Alongside the proclamation of the Gospel in community form, the communication of the faith also requires person-toperson contact. Directory for Catechesis, no. 219 SAMPLE
All the things you love about Finding God Grades 7–8 are still here—with new components to help you share the faith in a fresh, new way. Print and digital content and faith experiences that meaningfully engage young people are paired with easy-to-use resources for catechists and teachers. The result is a comprehensive yet approachable program that reflects how young people learn and internalize the truth and beauty of our Catholic faith. A Fresh and Modern Approach to Catechesis! Flipped Classroom Leader Guide Supports the easy implementation of a flipped classroom model of catechesis. Available in a spiral-bound print format. Young People’s Book Grade 7 Finding God: Following Jesus follows Jesus’ life, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension. Grade 8 Finding God: Celebrating Church reveals the life of the Church from the early Church to the present. Available in print and digital formats. Multimedia for the Young People’s Book Video, audio, interactives, and print resources for each unit, which complement and enrich the Young People’s Book and create the conditions that help young people encounter Christ, can be accessed by scanning the QR code on the bookmarks. Available for download. A B C B MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA With My Family The Year in Our Church Prayers and Practices 5 4 3 2 1 Unit Unit Unit Unit Unit GRADE 8 GRADE 8 GRADE 8 GRADE 8 GRADE 8 GRADE 8 GRADE 8 With My Family At-Home Editions Study Guides Fishers of Faith E-Newsletters Kerygmatic Mysteries of Faith Going to Mass Faith and Science Solidarity Year in Our Church (pages 221–250) Advent Christmas and Catholic Identity The Lenten Disciplines The Lord’s Last Supper Easter Vigil The Day of Pentecost All Saints and Souls Day Prayers and Practices (pages 251–300) Act of Contrition The Lord’s Prayer Prayer for Vocations The Apostles’ Creed Matching Interactive Tap and Play Interactive Drag and Drop Interactive We Are Sent (pages 177–178) Saint Pope John XXIII Guided Examen Session 21 (pages 180–190) Discussion: Science Guided Reflection Session 22 (pages 191–197) Sacrifice The Pope Video: Integrity of Justice Session 23 (pages 198–203) Discussion: Fratelli Tutti Survey Session 24 (pages 204–212) Q&A: Callings Scenario Session 25 (pages 213–) The Pope Video: Youth Fruits of the Holy Spirit We Are Called (pages 133–134) Saint Angela Merici Guided Examen Session 16 (pages 139–145) Scenario The Pope Video: Interreligious Dialogue Session 17 (pages 146–151) Q&A: Respecting Authority CRS: Refugees Session 18 (pages 152–160) Saint Ignatius Daily Examen Session 19 (pages 161–169) Discussion: Conscience Guided Reflection Session 20 (pages 170–176) CRS: Lent Despair with Julianne Stanz and Vinita Wright We Worship (pages 89–90) Saint Thomas Aquinas Guided Examen Session 11 (pages 00–102) Discussion: Disagreements in the Church The Pope Video: Youth Session 12 (pages 103–106) Be Church with Jessica Hernandez and John Huynh Interactive Story Session 13 (pages 107–119) Charisma with Amy Welborn and Bob Burnham Guided Reflection Session 14 (pages 120–122) Q&A: Crises & Disasters The Pope Video: For Deacons Session 15 (pages 123–132) CRS: Archbishop Coakley Reconciliation: Power of Forgiveness We Belong (pages 45–46) Saint Scholastica and Saint Benedict Guided Examen Session 6 (pages 51–59) Scenario Keeping Prayer Meaningful Q&A with John Gonzalez Session 7 (pages 60–65) The Pope Video: Promotion of World Peace Gregorian Chant Session 8 (pages 66–71) Rules as Guideposts Guided Meditation Session 9 (pages 72–78) Fourteen Inspirational Women Saints Scripture Story Session 10 (pages 79–88) Scripture Story Guided Reflection The Early Church (pages 1–2) Saint Peter Guided Examen Session 1 (pages 4–8) Spreading the Word Q&A with Julianne Stanz Matthew 6:9–13 Session 2 (pages 14–20) Saint Paul Scenario Session 3 (pages 21–27) Guided Meditation Saint Justin Session 4 (pages 28–37) Discussion: Part of the Catholic Church Renewal of Baptismal Vows Session 5 (pages 38–44) Q&A: Idolatry Guided Reflection Interactive Session Review Interactive Session Review Interactive Session Review Interactive Session Review Interactive Session Review MULTIMEDIA CARPOOL CATECHESIS MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA With My Family The Year in Our Church Prayers and Practices 5 4 3 2 1 Unit Unit Unit Unit Unit GRADE 8 GRADE 8 GRADE 8 GRADE 8 GRADE 8 GRADE 8 GRADE 8 With My Family At-Home Editions Study Guides Fishers of Faith E-Newsletters Kerygmatic Mysteries of Faith Going to Mass Faith and Science Solidarity Year in Our Church (pages 221–250) Advent Christmas and Catholic Identity The Lenten Disciplines The Lord’s Last Supper Easter Vigil The Day of Pentecost All Saints and Souls Day Prayers and Practices (pages 251–300) Act of Contrition The Lord’s Prayer Prayer for Vocations The Apostles’ Creed Matching Interactive Tap and Play Interactive Drag and Drop Interactive We Are Sent (pages 177–178) Saint Pope John XXIII Guided Examen Session 21 (pages 180–190) Discussion: Science Guided Reflection Session 22 (pages 191–197) Sacrifice The Pope Video: Integrity of Justice Session 23 (pages 198–203) Discussion: Fratelli Tutti Survey Session 24 (pages 204–212) Q&A: Callings Scenario Session 25 (pages 213–) The Pope Video: Youth Fruits of the Holy Spirit We Are Called (pages 133–134) Saint Angela Merici Guided Examen Session 16 (pages 139–145) Scenario The Pope Video: Interreligious Dialogue Session 17 (pages 146–151) Q&A: Respecting Authority CRS: Refugees Session 18 (pages 152–160) Saint Ignatius Daily Examen Session 19 (pages 161–169) Discussion: Conscience Guided Reflection Session 20 (pages 170–176) CRS: Lent Despair with Julianne Stanz and Vinita Wright We Worship (pages 89–90) Saint Thomas Aquinas Guided Examen Session 11 (pages 00–102) Discussion: Disagreements in the Church The Pope Video: Youth Session 12 (pages 103–106) Be Church with Jessica Hernandez and John Huynh Interactive Story Session 13 (pages 107–119) Charisma with Amy Welborn and Bob Burnham Guided Reflection Session 14 (pages 120–122) Q&A: Crises & Disasters The Pope Video: For Deacons Session 15 (pages 123–132) CRS: Archbishop Coakley Reconciliation: Power of Forgiveness We Belong (pages 45–46) Saint Scholastica and Saint Benedict Guided Examen Session 6 (pages 51–59) Scenario Keeping Prayer Meaningful Q&A with John Gonzalez Session 7 (pages 60–65) The Pope Video: Promotion of World Peace Gregorian Chant Session 8 (pages 66–71) Rules as Guideposts Guided Meditation Session 9 (pages 72–78) Fourteen Inspirational Women Saints Scripture Story Session 10 (pages 79–88) Scripture Story Guided Reflection The Early Church (pages 1–2) Saint Peter Guided Examen Session 1 (pages 4–8) Spreading the Word Q&A with Julianne Stanz Matthew 6:9–13 Session 2 (pages 14–20) Saint Paul Scenario Session 3 (pages 21–27) Guided Meditation Saint Justin Session 4 (pages 28–37) Discussion: Part of the Catholic Church Renewal of Baptismal Vows Session 5 (pages 38–44) Q&A: Idolatry Guided Reflection Interactive Session Review Interactive Session Review Interactive Session Review Interactive Session Review Interactive Session Review MULTIMEDIA CARPOOL CATECHESIS MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA With My Family The Year in Our Church Prayers and Practices 5 4 3 2 1 Unit Unit Unit Unit Unit GRADE 8 GRADE 8 GRADE 8 GRADE 8 GRADE 8 GRADE 8 GRADE 8 With My Family At-Home Editions Study Guides Fishers of Faith E-Newsletters Kerygmatic Mysteries of Faith Going to Mass Faith and Science Solidarity Year in Our Church (pages 221–250) Advent Christmas and Catholic Identity The Lenten Discipli es The Lord’s Last Supper Easter Vigil The Day of Pentecost All Saints and Souls Day Prayers and Practices (pages 251–300) Act of Contrition The Lord’s Prayer Prayer for Vocations The Apostles’ Creed Matching Interactive Tap and Play Interactive Drag and Drop Interactive We Are Sent (pages 177–178) Saint Pope John XXIII Guided Examen Session 21 (pages 180–190) Discussion: Science Guided Reflection Session 22 (pages 191–197) Sacrifice The Pope Video: Integrity of Justice Session 23 (pages 198–203) Discussion: Fratelli Tutti Survey Session 24 (pages 204–212) Q&A: Callings Scenario Session 25 (pages 213–) The Pope Video: Youth Fruits of the Holy Spirit We Are Called (pages 133–134) Saint Angela Merici Guided Examen Session 16 (pages 139–145) Scenario The Pope Video: Interreligious Dialogue Session 17 (pages 146–151) Q&A: Respecting Authority CRS: Refugees Session 18 (pages 152–160) Saint Ignatius Daily Examen Session 19 (pages 161– 69) Discussion: Conscience Guided Reflection Session 20 (pages 170–176) CRS: Lent Despair with Julianne t and Vinita Wright We Worship (pages 89–90) Saint Thomas Aquinas Guided Examen Session 11 (pages 00–102) Discussion: Disagreements in the Church The Pope Video: Youth Session 12 (pages 103–106) Be Church with Jessica Hernandez and John Huynh Interactive Story Session 13 (pages 107–119) Charisma with Amy Welborn and Bob Burnham Guided Reflection Session 14(pages 120–122) Q&A: Cris s & Disasters The Pope Video: For Deacons Session 15 (pages 123–132) CRS: Archbishop Coakley Reconciliation: Power of Forgiveness We Belong (pages 45–46) Saint Scholastica and Saint Benedict Guided Examen Session 6 (pages 51–59) Scenario Keeping Prayer Meaningful Q&A with John Gonzalez Session 7 (pages 60–65) The Pope Video: Promotion of World Peace Gregorian Chant Session 8 (pages 66–71) Rules as Guideposts Guided Meditation Session 9 (pages 72–78) Fourteen Inspirational Women Saints Scripture Story Session 10 (pages 79–88) Scripture Story Guided Reflection The Early Church (pages 1–2) Saint Peter Guided Examen Session 1 (pages 4–8) Spreading the Word Q&A with Julianne Stanz Matthew 6:9–13 Session 2 (pages 14–20) Saint Paul Scenar o Session 3 (pages 21–27) Guided Meditation Saint J tin Session 4 (pages 28–37) Discussion: Part of the Catholic Church Renewal of Baptismal Vows Session 5 (pages 38–44) Q&A: Idolatry Guided Reflection Interactive Session Review Interactive Session Review Interactive Session Review Interactive Session Revie Interactive Session Review MULTIMEDIA CARPOOL CATECHESIS MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA With My Family The Year in Our Church Prayers and Practices 5 4 3 2 1 Unit Unit Unit Unit Unit GRADE 8 GRADE 8 GRADE 8 GRADE 8 GRADE 8 GRADE 8 GRADE 8 With My Family At-Home Editions Study Guides Fishers of Faith E-Newsletters Kerygmatic Mysteries of Faith Going to Mass Faith and Science Solidarity Year in Our Church (pages 221–250) Advent Christmas and Catholic Identity The Lenten Disciplines The Lord’s Last Supper Easter Vigil The Day of Pentecost All Saints and Souls Day Prayers and Practices (pages 251–300) Act of Contrition The Lord’s Prayer Prayer for Vocations The Apostles’ Creed Matching Interactive Tap and Play Interactive Drag and Drop Interactive We Are Sent (pages 177–178) Saint Pope John XXIII Guided Examen Session 21 (pages 180–190) Discussion: Science Guided Reflection Session 22 (pages 191–197) Sacrifice The Pope Video: Integrity of Justice Session 23 (pages 198–203) Discussion: Fratelli Tutti Survey Session 24 (pages 204–212) Q&A: Callings Scenario Session 25 (pages 213–) The Pope Video: Youth Fruits of the Holy Spirit We Are Called (pages 133–134) Saint Angela Merici Guided Examen Session 16 (pages 139–145) Scenario The Pope Video: Interreligious Dialogue Session 17 (pages 146–151) Q&A: Respecting Authority CRS: Refugees Session 18 (pages 152–160) Saint Ignatius Daily Examen Session 19 (pages 161–169) Discussion: Conscience Guided Reflection Session 20 (pages 170–176) CRS: Lent Despair with Julianne Stanz and Vinita Wright We Worship (pages 89–90) Saint Thomas Aquinas Guided Examen Session 11 (pages 00–102) Discussion: Disagreements in the Church The Pope Video: Youth Session 12 (pages 103–106) Be Church with Jessica Hernandez and John Huynh Interactive Story Session 13 (p ges 107–119) Charisma with Amy Welborn and Bob Burnham Guided Reflection Session 14 (pages 120–122) Q&A: Crises & Disasters The Pope Video: For Deacons Session 15 (pages 123–132) CRS: Archbishop Coakley Reconciliation: Power of Forgiveness We Belong (pages 45–46) Saint Scholastica and Saint Benedict Guided Examen Session 6 (pages 51–59) Scenario Keeping Prayer Meaningful Q&A with John Gonzalez Session 7 (pages 60–65) The Pope Video: Promotion of World Peace Gregorian Chant Session 8 (pages 66–71) Rules as Guideposts Guided Meditation Session 9 (pages 72–78) Fourteen Inspirational Women Saints Scripture Story Session 10 (pages 79–88) Scripture Story Guided Reflection The Early Church (pages 1–2) Saint Peter Guided Examen Session 1 (pages 4–8) Spreading the Word Q&A with Julianne Stanz Matthew 6:9–13 Session 2 (pages 14–20) Saint Paul Scenario Session 3 (pages 21–27) Guided Meditation Saint Justin Session 4 (pages 28–37) Discussion: Part of the Catholic Church Renewal of Baptismal Vows Session 5 (pages 38–44) Q&A: Idolatry Guided Reflection Interactive Session Review Interactive Session Review Interactive Session Review Interactive Session Review Interactive Session Review MULTIMEDIA CARPOOL CATEC MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA With My Family The Year in Our Church Prayers and Practices 5 4 3 2 1 Unit Unit Unit Unit Unit GRADE 8 GRADE 8 GRADE 8 GRADE 8 GRADE 8 GRADE 8 GRADE 8 With My Family At-Home Editions Study Guides Fishers of Faith E-Newsletters Kerygmatic Mysteries of Faith Going to Mass Faith and Science Solidarity Year in Our Church (pages 221–250) Advent Christmas and Catholic Identity The Lenten Disciplines The Lord’s Last Supper Easter Vigil The Day of Penteco t All Saints and Souls Day Prayers and Practices (pages 251–300) Act of Contrition The Lord’s Prayer Prayer for Vocations The Apostles’ Creed Matching Interactive Tap and Play Interactive Drag and Drop Interactive We Are Sent (pages 177–178) Saint Pope John XXIII Guided Examen Session 21 (pages 180–190) Discussion: Science Guided Reflection Session 22 (pages 191–197) Sacrifice The Pope Video: Integrity of Justice Session 23 (pages 198–203) Discussion: Fratelli Tutti Survey Session 24 (pages 204–212) Q&A: Callings Scenario Session 25 (pages 213–) The Pope Video: Youth Fruits of the Holy Spirit We Are Called (pages 133–134) Saint Angela Merici Guided Examen Session 16 (pages 139–145) Scenario The Pope Video: Interreligious Dialogue Session 17 (pages 146–151) Q&A: Respecting Authority CRS: Refugees Session 18 (pages 152–160) Saint Ignatius Daily Examen Session 19 (pages 161–169) Discussion: Conscience Guided Reflection Session 20 (pages 170–176) CRS: Lent Despair with Julianne Stanz and Vinita Wright We Worship (pages 89–90) Saint Thomas Aquinas Guided Examen Session 11 (pages 00–102) Discussion: Disagreements in the Church The Pop Video: Youth Session 12 (pages 103–106) Be Church with Jessica Hernandez and John Huynh Interactive Story Session 13 (pages 107–119) Charisma with Amy Welborn and Bob Burnham Gui ed Reflection S ssio 14 (pages 120–122) Q&A: Crises & Disasters The Pope Video: For Deacons Session 15 (pages 123–132) CRS: Archbishop Coakley Re onciliation: Power of Forgiveness We Belong(pages 45–46) Saint Scholastica and Saint Benedict Guided Examen Session 6 (pages 51–59) Scenario Keeping Prayer Meaningful Q&A with John Gonzalez Session 7 (pages 60–65) The Pope Video: Promotion of World Peace Gregorian Chant Session 8 (pages 66–71) Rules as Gui eposts Guided Meditation Session 9 (pages 72–78) Fourteen Inspirational Women aints Scripture Story Session 10 (pages 79–88) Scripture St ry Guided Reflection The Early Church (pages 1–2) Saint Peter Guided Examen Session 1 (p ges 4–8) Spreading the Word Q&A with Julianne Stanz Matthew 6:9–13 Session 2 (pages 14–20) Saint Paul Scenario Session 3 (pages 21–27) Guided Meditation Saint Justin Session 4 (pages 28–37) Discussion: Part of the Catholic Church Renewal of Baptismal Vows Session 5 (pages 38–44) Q&A: Idolatry Guided Reflection Interactive Session Review Interactive Session Review Interactive Session Review Interactive Session Review Interactive Session Review MULTIMEDIA CARPOOL CATECHESIS A C www.findinggod.com OV-4 SAMPLE
Di rec tor Guide GRADES 7-8 YEAR 1 YEAR 1 UNIT 1 God, Our Creator and Father © All rights reserved. YEAR 1 5106_FG_FamCat_Slides_U1.indd ~ pg 1 ~ LoyolaPress. 6/26/20 11:02 AM Final Review 6/26/20 Editorial Approval _______ page 1 of 3 www.findinggod.com At Home Edition © All rights reserved. W0111 Unit 1 God, Our Creator and Father Begin Say: The title of this book is Finding God. Ask: Who is God? (our Father and Creator) Where do we find him? Discuss with your child where you each find God in your everyday life. Tell your child that you find God in him or her and in your love for him or her. Read aloud the unit title. Say: Let’s begin this book together by talking about God as our Father and Creator. God created everything that is. His creation shows his love for us. Introduce the Saint Have your child turn to page 1. Read aloud the saint’s name and the sentence below it. Turn to page 2. Discuss the picture of Saint Francis of Assisi. Ask: What else do you see in the picture? (animals) What kind of clothing is Saint Francis wearing? (a brown robe) Is his clothing fancy? (No.) Do you think Saint Francis was a rich man? (No.) Read aloud the page. Ask: How would you feel if you saw a person talking to a wild animal such as a wolf? (Possible answers: scared, nervous, curious) How did the wolf react to Saint Francis? (It was calm and gentle.) Say: Saint Francis loved everything God created. He loved the animals as if they were his brothers and sisters. He treated them kindly. We are going to learn how God makes everything and how prayer helps us show our love for all creation. With your child add Francis’ feast day, October 4, to your calendar. Plan an event together to celebrate the love that Saint Francis had for animals. GRADE 1 January / February 2020 • Volume 17 | Issue 1 Our Response to God’s Gifts Left Foot, Right Foot Left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot, my father and I swayed back and forth to the music at the reception for my marriage to my husband, Michael. My eyes could see the depth of his blue eyes and how they sparkled in the joy only a parent might feel. On the edges of my sight, I saw my brothers spotting and reinforcing his body, which was by this time badly beaten and worn by cancer. He smiled. He told jokes to bring forth some last moments of laughter on my face. He cherished. I savored. Standing face-to-face, I felt the love of my father. Dad encouraged and fought for not only the present but also for a family and a community that lived longer than his physical life. A family grounded in prayer that smiles into the future, watching the new generations grow and be nurtured, gives bloom to hope. My dad always went out of his way not only to see how his neighbors, especially those different than us, lived, but also to immerse our family in a pleasant discomfort that brought a new way of seeing and even delight. We shared stories as a sign of reverence and respect. In true Louisiana fashion, sometimes my dad would even pick up his guitar to sing a song. My husband and I encourage our daughters to be open to listening to stories and all the difference in our rich culture. “Courageous, Considerate, and Compassionate”—these words written on his gravestone embody not only his passion to live for service to God, his family, and his community, but also to the world of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Right foot, left foot, right foot, left foot, we can all walk into a world big enough and full of joy even in the midst of suffering, disease, and death because we believe in Christ who lives. † Stephanie Clouatre Davis, mother to Emma and Abby and wife to Michael, lives in Covington, Louisiana. WHAT’S INSIDE PAGE 2: The Mystery of the Incarnation God calls you to holiness through his Son. PAGE 3: A Matter of Survival Faith nurtures your relationship with God. PAGE 4: Does meekness mean I let myself be bullied? Meekness is not weakness. 3-Minute Retreat Discernment Discernment is a gift from the Holy Spirit that allows us to follow God and turn from whatever leads us away from God. Discernment is more than simple common sense and requires more than intelligence and reason. Discernment, Pope Francis says, is a “spiritual endowment” that must be cultivated through prayer. Sit in a relaxed, prayerful position. Saint Ignatius of Loyola tells us that our one sole purpose is to love, serve, and praise God. Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you can do this. Ask for the grace to do what is shown to you. How might you live to serve God and others? Close by praying Amen. . For a daily online 3-Minute Retreat, go to www.3MinuteRetreat.com. A Jesuit Ministry www.loyolapress.com E-newsletter January / February 2020 Volume 17 Issue 1 | Page 1 © All rights reserved. [T]he written word alone struggles to speak to the young, who are used to a language consisting of a combination of written word, sound and images. Directory for Catechesis, no. 214 Finding God Family Catechesis The Finding God Family Catechesis program combines parish-based group meetings and grade-specific instruction by trained catechists with at-home sessions guided by parents who grow in their own faith while they guide their children in core faith formation. Available as an additional purchase. At-Home Edition Each Finding God session is adapted so that families have the support they need to teach the essential faith content and guide their children through the curriculum at home. E-Newsletters Provided seven times a year, these e-newsletters give parents inspiring suggestions for raising faith-filled young people. Articles on topics such as what it means to be Catholic, together with media reviews and other special features, make the newsletters relevant and inviting. Available in English and Spanish. Seasons of Family and Faith Magazines Engaging and insightful articles and advice help parents and young people connect with one another and live their faith. Available as an additional purchase. Parent Support and At-Home Engagement Finding God Theme Songs One song for each grade appeals to young people’s tastes and can open and close each session to help build enthusiasm and a sense of community within the group. Finding God Web App All the video, audio, interactive, and print resources that can be accessed by scanning QR codes in the media manual and media bookmarks are as close as your smartphone at app.findinggod.com. Director Quick-Start Guide It’s easy to get started with clear, concise plans for step-bystep program implementation and suggestions for using the program’s enhanced media in the classroom and beyond. Available in a digital format. LP Digital Library Directors, catechists, teachers, and families can seamlessly access enhanced media and other digital program resources through the LP Digital Library. D E F G G F D E Additional resources assist parents in their role as their child’s most influential catechists. GRADE 7/8 SUBMIT ACCESS CODE Program Overview OV-5 SAMPLE
Flipped Classroom Approach “Finding God® Flipped Classroom reimagines a missionary model of faith formation. This approach builds community from the inside-out where discussion of essential questions is encouraged, spiritual practices are supported, and a joyful encounter with Jesus Christ is facilitated and nurtured.” —Julianne Stanz The Flipped Classroom: Kergymatic Catechesis for Conversion (page 4) Young people undertake a selfpaced exploration of the robust text that presents the Catechism of the Catholic Church in its completeness, which is brought to life with dynamic multimedia. An interactive session review allows young people to gauge their understanding, receive immediate feedback, and send the results of which to their catechist. Young People’s Book At Home www.findinggod.com OV-6 SAMPLE
As a group, young people internalize the truth and beauty of the Catholic faith through peer-to-peer discussion, hands-on activities, Scripture, prayer, and community building. Inspired by a sense of community and guided by the Missionary Discipleship Challenge, young people go out into the world as joyful witnesses to the teachings of Christ. Reproducible Missionary Discipleship Challenge Flipped Classroom Leader Guide ○Scan the QR code to show the Holy Trinity media to a friend or family member. Discuss the symbolism of each part of the plant. ○Make a work of art—such as a song, a painting, or a poem— about one thing you love about the natural world around you. In the artwork, express praise to God for creating that thing. ○God the Father is our loving Creator, and he continues to act in the world and in our hearts. Make a list of ways you see God’s presence in yourself and the world around you. Post the list in a place where you will see it in the morning, and thank God for one thing on the list each morning. ○Read aloud John 14:23. Plan to do something in the next week to keep God’s Word and show love to Jesus. ○Show your Little Greenhouse project to a friend or family member. Talk with that person about how God reveals his love even in small things such as the plant in your greenhouse. s e s s i o n 1 Missionary Discipleship c h a l l e n g e Choose three of the following Action Items to complete before our next meeting. Act ion Items © All rights reserved. FINDING GOD REPRODUCIBLE BLACKLINE MASTER beastfromeast/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images Young Person’s Signature Parent/Guardian’s Signature www.findinggod.com Grade 7 • Unit 1 • Session 1 In Class or Youth Group Out in the World Program Overview OV-7 SAMPLE
Inclusion Tip SCRIPTURE in This Unit PRAYER in This Unit Provide support for young people with disabilities by pairing them with a buddy who can assist him or her with directions and responses. Some may benefit from varying the buddy each time, and others may be more successful keeping the same buddy for each session. If possible, meet with pairs in advance to preview the activity and help them feel comfortable with each other. John 14:23 Matthew 3:13–17 Luke 1:46–55 Luke 3:10–11 In this unit, young people pray the Sign of the Cross, a portion of the Apostles’ Creed, the Hail Mary, and a prayer for God to foster justice and mercy on earth. They are led in guided ref lections and offer prayers of thanksgiving for the gift of Baptism. Each session includes an opportunity for group prayer and intercessions. In this unit, young people learn about the mystery of the Trinity and about Jesus Christ’s unique role as the Son of God, the Savior who fulfills God’s promise of salvation and calls us to discipleship. overv iew unit www.findinggod.com 2 1 Inside the Flipped Classroom Leader Guide Unit Opener 1 Scan this QR code to access an optional session focused on Saint Augustine. This media can also be found on the LP Digital Library. SESSION 1 | Three Persons in One God 3 SESSION 2 | Jesus Is the Answer to a Promise 9 SESSION 3 | Jesus Reveals God to Us 15 SESSION 4 | Jesus Calls Us to Say Yes 21 SESSION 5 | Celebrating Ordinary Time 27 One T ru e Fa i t h Unit 1 Use with Young People’s Book Unit 1 (pages 1–44). Optional session that focuses on the unit saint(s) Clear direction for alignment with the Young People’s Book Prayers and prayer forms prayed during the group sessions Scripture encountered in the group sessions in the unit Practical suggestions for fully welcoming all young people as part of the community of learners www.findinggod.com OV-8 SAMPLE
Session Preparation Pages Use details from the text to answer each question. 1 Who delivered a message to Mary, telling her that she would have a Son named Jesus? (PAGE 28) the angel Gabriel 2 Mary is our model in faith. As the first of Jesus’ disciples, what was she the first to do? (PAGE 28) She was the f irst to say yes to God. 3 What does the word Jesus mean? (PAGE 28) Jesus means “God saves.” 4 What does the Immaculate Conception mean? (PAGE 29) It means that Mary was conceived without sin and remained sinless throughout her life. 5 How does actual grace help us? (PAGE 30) Actual grace helps us make choices to live as God wants us to live. 6 How is sanctifying, or habitual grace, first given to us? (PAGE 31) Sanctifying, or habitual grace, is imparted to us f irst through the Sacrament of Baptism. Say What? Know the definitions of these terms. actual grace Annunciation grace habitual grace Immaculate Conception intercession sanctifying grace Now What? Compose a brief prayer. In your prayer dedicate yourself to God, telling God that you say yes to what he wants you to do. Think of one or two talents or gifts God has given you that you can use in God’s service. Then pray the completed pray in the silence of your heart. What’s What? Uni t 1 • One True Fai th 34 Respond i_3671_SE_G7_U1.indd ~ pg 34 ~ LoyolaPress. 10/19/12 2:38 PM PDF Signoff: Production _______ Design _______ Editorial _______ most hymns and prayers to Mary contain two elements. The first element is praising God for the great things he did for her and through her for all human beings. The second element is entrusting our needs to her. Because Mary knows our needs, we rely on her intercession. These elements are found in the Hail Mary. The angel Gabriel greets her with the words “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you,” and we pray “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28) Mary is wholly given to God, who has come to dwell in her. God promises she will not be alone. When Mary visits Elizabeth, she greets Mary with the words “Most blessed are you among women.” (Luke 1:42) Because of her faith, Mary becomes the mother of all believers. All the nations of the earth receive the blessing of God through Mary. Then we pray “Holy Mary, Mother of God.” We entrust all our cares and petitions to her. Like Mary, whose response to God was “May it be done to me according to your word,” we abandon ourselves to the will of God. (Luke 1:38) We ask her to “Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.” We acknowledge our weakness and ask for her support. We look for her to welcome us into God’s presence. What do you think of when you think of Mary’s Annunciation? This meditation may help you better understand the place of honor she holds for followers of her Son, Jesus. Annunciation meditation Imagine yourself in Mary’s place. What would you think if an angel appeared to you? Would you be surprised? Would you be nervous or even laugh? Would you be so filled with awe at seeing an angel standing before you that you’d be afraid? What would you want to ask the angel? Now imagine that the angel Gabriel speaks to you. Hear the angel say “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” Reflect on this message. How does it feel to be favored by God? Imagine pondering the message the angel tells you. Think of the many feelings and questions you would have. Now hear yourself saying yes. Feel a sense of calm wash over you. As you pray the Hail Mary, meditate about each line’s meaning to your life. Pray the Hail Mary. Take note. What is God asking you to do at this time in your life? Be still and see if anything surfaces in your heart. Hear yourself respond with the same words that Mary spoke: “May it be done to me according to your word.” Now become aware of your acceptance of God’s call. Remember that Mary is our mother and that she is always ready to help us grow as disciples of her Son. Prayer Favored by God Uni t 1 • One True Fai th 32 i_3671_SE_G7_U1.indd ~ pg 32 ~ LoyolaPress. 10/19/12 2:38 PM PDF Signoff: Production _______ Design _______ Editorial _______ WHeRe Do I Fit In myself friends family school community church YES CLAIRe GILLeN is a history major at the University of Notre Dame. YES to God Saying yes to God is an act of faith. Copy and complete this idea web on another sheet of paper. Make the surrounding ovals large enough to write your ideas. Then write ways to say yes in each one. Waiting Life is a roller-coaster ride of changes and challenges. When you find yourself in a difficult situation and you are not quite sure what to do, how do you respond? Do you worry? Get angry? Avoid the problem altogether? God invites you to respond to challenges with faith, courage, strength, and generosity. I was just a day away from finishing my first semester in college. Soon I would be traveling home to spend Christmas with my family. So why was I miserable? Maybe it was because I still had to take an exam in my least favorite subject, and I panicked every time I thought about it. To be honest, I thought about this class as little as possible. I knew that I hadn’t studied with the same diligence that I had applied to the classes that I liked. Weary, I reported to my part-time job in the library. I usually found the task of shelving books tedious, but on this day I discovered that the time passed more quickly, and I was enjoying the work. I began to think about reasons why. Shelving books was a job I had to do, but this time I threw myself into it and focused carefully—something I didn’t do all the time. It occurred to me that my failure to throw myself wholeheartedly into the work right in front of me was part of a broader pattern. For example, in eighth grade, if I encountered a challenging class, I would reassure myself that high school was the real time to buckle down. In high school, I daydreamed about buckling down in college. I wasn’t dealing with the present so much as I was imagining an easier future. If I kept waiting for tomorrows instead of meeting my todays with faith, I would never become the kind of person God wanted me to be. If I didn’t respond positively to the challenges right in front of me, I was not living fully as God intended. It was a moment of grace. God used my simple work at the library to remind me that some of life’s larger battles can be conquered by facing the work right in front of me. During this moment of grace, I realized the exhilarating truth—the present moment is the only moment that I have to say yes to God and to ask for his help so that I may follow him better. by Claire Gillen Session 4 > Jesus Calls Us to Say Yes 33 Reflect i_3671_SE_G7_U1.indd ~ pg 33 ~ LoyolaPress. 10/19/12 2:38 PM PDF Signoff: Production _______ Design _______ Editorial _______ mARY believed; she had faith. Complete faith requires a response, a yes, when God reveals himself and gives himself to us. When we pray the Hail Mary, the first thing we say about the Mother of God is that she is “full of grace.” By grace we don’t mean that Mary has poise or is graceful in movement. We mean that she lives wholly and fully in the grace of God. We recognize the Lord God as a source of human help in the many professions of faith found in the Book of Psalms. For example, Psalm 28:7 recognizes God’s grace as a source of protection and help: The LORD is my strength and my shield, in whom my heart trusts. I am helped, so my heart rejoices; with my song I praise him. Psalm 121:1–2 acknowledges the Lord as guardian: I raise my eyes toward the mountains. From whence shall come my help? My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth. Actual Grace When we need help, strength, and support to accomplish a task or endure a difficult time, God is there to bestow on us his grace—that is, a share in his divine power and life. Grace that helps us make choices to live as God wants us to live is called actual grace. We don’t need to be going through hardship to ask for and receive God’s grace. We may, for example, begin our day by asking God for his grace to help us do his work throughout the day. We may ask for God’s grace to help us concentrate in class or to lend depth of feeling to our praying. Grace is a deep and intimate connection between God and us. Grace is the gift of God’s own self to humans. It makes us capable of living in God’s love and acting in that love in our daily lives. Grace “Grace is the gift of God’s own self to humans.” Uni t 1 • One True Fai th 30 i_3671_SE_G7_U1.indd ~ pg 30 ~ LoyolaPress. 10/19/12 2:38 PM PDF Signoff: Production _______ Design _______ Editorial _______ DeFINe grace, actual grace, sanctifying grace, habitual grace RemembeR God’s grace is a gift, freely given and not earned. With God’s grace we live in his love and make decisions about our actions that will lead us to do what is good. Past Meets Present PAST: Saint Ignatius of Loyola was born in Spain in 1491. A n obleman who became a soldier, his life changed when he was injured in battle a nd began to read the Bible and about the lives of saints. He became a pr iest and founded a religious orde r called the Society of Jesus (the J esuits). One of his greatest contr ibutions to Catholicism is a book h e wrote called the Spiritual Exercises , which includes a special prayer . Through the prayer a person dedi cates all of himself or herself to God. The prayer asks to use all of one’s ta lents to do what God wills. It asks that Go d give his love and grace because that i s all a person wants in life. God’s love a nd grace are enough. PRESENT: Matt Maher is one of the most critically acclaimed Cath olic musicians today. He has received se veral awards, and young people espec ially find that his vibrant music speaks to t he heart. One of his most popular songs, “Your Grace Is Enough,” is included o n Empty and Beautiful. Saint Ignatius knew that God’s grace is enough, and Ma tt Maher’s song with the same phrase giv es us the chance to pray it and sing it at th e same time. Sanctifying, or Habitual, Grace The word sanctify, meaning “to make sacred,” has a similar root word in Latin as the word saint and refers to holiness as a state of being in the human soul. Sanctifying grace is imparted to us first through the Sacrament of Baptism and produces in us a permanent condition in which we are pleasing to God as God’s children. Through the state of sanctifying grace, we participate in God’s divine spirituality. The Catholic Church teaches that without this grace, we cannot achieve this participation in God’s spirituality. Our sanctified soul predisposes us to live in goodness in God’s eyes and to follow God’s Law. This predisposition becomes a condition of our character, or in Latin, habitus. Sanctifying grace, then, as it refers to our God-given inclination and capacity for good, is sometimes called habitual grace. God’s gift of grace to us, his children, is unique and special. It cannot be bought, bargained for, traded for, or even earned by a particular number of good deeds. God alone bestows the gift of grace freely and unconditionally, because God gives this gift out of abundant love for us. Grace is without limit and without quantity. Imagine a candle receiving a flame from another lit candle. The first flame is not diminished, and yet now there is twice the light and twice the warmth. Although grace is not ours to give, we may certainly wish God’s grace on other people. Saint Paul wishes God’s grace and peace to the Philippians, the Ephesians, and the Galatians: “grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 1:2) Session 4 > Jesus Calls Us to Say Yes 31 explore i_3671_SE_G7_U1.indd ~ pg 31 ~ LoyolaPress. 10/19/12 2:38 PM PDF Signoff: Production _______ Design _______ Editorial _______ The Annunciation: Will You Say Yes? “nothing will be impossible for God.” (Luke 1:37) With God—through God and with God’s help—nothing is impossible. Nothing is closed to possibility. Mary’s Act of Faith Mary accepts the announcement that Gabriel describes. She chooses it. She embraces it. The future will hold bright moments (Jesus’ healing ministry) and sorrowful moments (Jesus’ Crucifixion), but such is Mary’s faith. She says yes to God. “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) In saying yes to God, Mary shows complete faith and trust in him. In saying yes to becoming the mother of Jesus, she becomes Jesus’ first disciple. Gabriel tells Mary that her cousin Elizabeth has also conceived a child. This child, Jesus’ cousin, is John the Baptist. Because Elizabeth is pregnant in her old age, she reminds us of Sarah, the wife of Abraham, who conceived her only son, Isaac, in her old age. (Genesis 17:19) IN the Gospel of Luke (1:26–38), the young Mary is given a glimpse into the future, one in which she gives birth to the Savior. This announcement is delivered by the angel Gabriel, who is acting as a messenger of God. Gabriel’s announcement, called the Annunciation, reveals to Mary that her Son will be named Jesus. The word Jesus means “God saves.” Gabriel tells Mary that she will conceive a child through the Holy Spirit. This fulfills a prophecy in the Book of Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14), which says that the Messiah will be born of a virgin and be a descendant of King David’s. Mary asks Gabriel how this is possible. Although she and Joseph were betrothed, she was living with her family and apart from Joseph. Gabriel assures Mary that Our Catholic Character During the time that Jesus lived, women were not treated with equality. Jesus set a new example. Unlike many people of that time, Jesus treated women with openness, respect, acceptance, and tenderness. Likewise, our Catholic character is to treat all people with justice and equality. In his 1995 apostolic letter Letter to Women, Pope John Paul II acknowledged that the Church, along with the rest of society, had not always followed Jesus’ lead in his treatment of women. He thanked all women for their contributions in every area—social, economic, cultural, artistic, and political. The pope continued to say that it is a matter of justice, but also of necessity, that social systems be redesigned in a way that favors the processes of humanization that mark the “civilization of love.” The Annunciation, Francesco Furini. Uni t 1 • One True Fai th 28 i_3671_SE_G7_U1.indd ~ pg 28 ~ LoyolaPress. 10/19/12 2:37 PM PDF Signoff: Production _______ Design _______ Editorial _______ Celebrating Mary Throughout Scripture many people say yes to God, but Mary’s yes gives profound insight into how we as Catholics see and celebrate Mary. The Catholic teaching of the Immaculate Conception proclaims Mary free from sin at the moment her parents conceived her and teaches that she remained free from personal sin all her life. In this light, Mary’s yes to God truly does fulfill who she is, from the moment she is given life. Gabriel’s announcement and Mary’s acceptance change the course of her life. Her yes to Gabriel is sometimes called her fiat, a Latin word that means “let it be done.” Mary’s willingness to respond to God’s call is why we as Catholics hold her in high regard and with such devotion. Her yes to becoming the mother of Jesus makes her a model of discipleship. When we respond to God with our own fiat, we embrace a direction that centers around Jesus. The Gospel account of the Annunciation ends with the words “Then the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:38) We might imagine Mary as being quite alone to contemplate this startling announcement, this Annunciation. But in making her choice, Mary is not alone. She has Jesus, and he will be with her during her journey of faith. DeFINe Annunciation Immaculate Conception RemembeR The angel Gabriel told Mary that she would become the mother of Jesus, the Son of God, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Mary was the first person to say yes to Jesus. Explain the Annunciation Write a scene for a movie or play that uses the words from Luke’s account of the Annunciation. Continue on another sheet of paper if needed. SACRED ART At age 15 French painter Maurice Denis was sure about what he wanted to do. He felt a calling and said yes to it. He wrote in his journal, “I have to be a Christian painter and celebrate all the miracles of Christianity; I feel that it has to be so.” In this painting, the figures are in a modern setting rather than a historically accurate one. The artist wanted to use color and symbols to communicate emotion or intimacy. The Virgin Mary was one of his favorite subjects. The Annunciation, Maurice Denis, 1913. Session 4 > Jesus Calls Us to Say Yes 29 explore i_3671_SE_G7_U1.indd ~ pg 29 ~ LoyolaPress. 10/19/12 2:37 PM PDF Signoff: Production _______ Design _______ Editorial _______ Recall a time in your life when you did something good all on your own, without being asked. What made you want to do it? Was it something you planned to do, or did a little prompting in your heart make you think it was the right thing to do? Jesus Calls Us to Say Yes Session 4 Lord, grant that in all things, great and small, today and all the days of my life, I may do whatever you require of me. Amen. Saint Teresa of Ávila PRAYeR 27 i_3671_SE_G7_U1.indd ~ pg 27 ~ LoyolaPress. 10/19/12 2:37 PM PDF Signoff: Production _______ Design _______ Editorial _______ YOUNG PEOPLE READ THE MATERIAL FOR SESSION 4 and undertake an assessment in the form of the Interactive Session Review before coming to class. Remind young people that if they do not complete and send their Interactive Session Review, they will be asked to complete it in class rather than exploring the content with the rest of the group. Young people read pages 27–34 before class or youth group meeting. Scan this QR code to access a digital f lip book version of Session 4 in the Young People’s Book. It can also be found on the LP Digital Library. SESSION 4 Interactive Session Review www.findinggod.com 22 at home Session Theme: Mary was the first person to say yes to Jesus and experience God’s grace. S T E P S engage PAGE 23 explore PAGE 24 reflect PAGE 25 respond PAGE 26 What You Need > Bibles bookmarked to Luke 1:46–55 > Projector or large monitor > Digital device with QR code reader > Essential Questions table tents—one for each table or small group (see page 24 for questions) > Construction paper, art supplies, scissors, mixed-media art supplies (aluminum foil, magazines, patterned fabric, construction paper, etc.) > Sample of completed Our Lady Icon > Battery-operated candle (optional) > One copy of the Missionary Discipleship Challenge for each young person (page 166) > A remote learning plan for each session can be found on the LP Digital Library. Words to Know actual grace Annunciation grace habitual grace Immaculate Conception intercession sanctifying grace J e sus C a l l s U s to S ay Y e s session 4 UNIT 1 • Session 4 21 Same session titles and session themes as Young People’s Book Clearly defined session pacing A remote learning plan for each session Key terms from the Young People’s Book Digital pages from the Young People’s Book accessed by scanning the QR code Young people undertake an Interactive Session Review and send the results before the group session. Program Overview OV-9 SAMPLE
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