The Church Then and Now GRADE 8 Christ Our Life® SAMPLE
Imprimatur In accordance with c. 827, permission to publish is granted on October 17, 2022, 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. In Conformity The Subcommittee on the Catechism, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has found this catechetical series, copyright 2024, to be in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. www.christourlife.com 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 LSC 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 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. The English translation of The Order of Penance © 2019 International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation (ICEL); excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010 ICEL. All rights reserved. The prayers Sign of the Cross/Signum Crucis, Glory Be to the Father/Gloria Patri, Lord’s Prayer/Pater Noster, Hail Mary/Ave Maria, Act of Hope, Act of Faith, Act of Love, Hail Holy Queen (Salve Regina), Angelus, Regina Caeli, and Memorare come from the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. English translation copyright © 2006, Libreria Editrice Vaticana. All rights reserved. Exclusive licensee in the United States is the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The prayers Grace Before Meals, Grace After Meals, Jesus Prayer, Morning Offering, Peace Prayer, Prayer to St. Michael, and Prayer to One’s Guardian Angel come from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults. Copyright © 2006, U.S. Conference Catholic Bishops. All rights reserved. The Prayer for Generosity comes from Hearts on Fire: Praying with the Jesuits by Michael Harter, S.J. Copyright © 2005, Loyola Press. The prayer Take, Lord, and Receive (Suscipe) is Copyright © 2004 Institute for Jesuit Sources. Cover and interior design: Loyola Press Cover illustration: Chiara Fedele Art acknowledgments continue on page 345. 978-0-8294-5285-3 Copyright © 2024 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. 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. Manufactured in the United States of America Dedicated to Saint Julie Billiart, foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame, in gratitude for her inspiration and example S SAMPLE
Contents ESPECIALLY FOR FAMILIES Each unit begins with a Letter Home that sets the stage for the unit ahead. Each chapter concludes with two Families in Mission pages to help families know and live their Catholic faith. Continued on next page. UNIT 1 The Mystery of the Church 1 A Letter Home...................... 2 1 A Community of Disciples.. . . . . . . 3 2 Tracing Our Roots............. 13 3 A Closer Look................. 21 4 A People of Prayer. ........... 29 5 A People of Service. .......... 39 Unit 1 Review................. 45 UNIT 2 The Marks of the Church 51 A Letter Home..................... 52 6 One in the Spirit............... 53 7 Made Holy in the Spirit. . . . . . . . 61 8 A Church That Is Catholic.. . . . . 71 9 An Apostolic Church........... 79 Unit 2 Review................. 85 UNIT 3 The History of the Church: Part I 91 A Letter Home..................... 92 10 The First Years................ 93 11 The Church Grows............ 101 12 A House Built on Rock.. . . . . . . 109 13 A Light in Darkness: Part I. . . . 119 14 A Light in Darkness: Part II.. . . 127 Unit 3 Review................ 133 UNIT 4 The History of the Church: Part II 139 A Letter Home.................... 140 15 The Church Faces Challenges................... 141 16 Reforming the Church.. . . . . . . . 149 17 In a Changing World.......... 157 18 Signs of the Times............ 165 19 The Church in North America.. 173 Unit 4 Review................ 181 DIGITAL RESOURCES The QR codes throughout this book can be used to access interactive games, videos, music, and other digital resources. iii SAMPLE E
UNIT 5 The Witness of the Church 187 A Letter Home.................... 188 20 The Way of Holiness.......... 189 21 The Way of Faith............. 199 22 The Way of Worship.......... 207 23 The Way of the Family. . . . . . . . 215 24 The Way of Human Dignity.. . . 225 25 The Way of Justice and Truth. . 235 Unit 5 Review................ 243 Special Seasons and Lessons 249 The Year in Our Church............ 250 1 Feast of All Saints............ 251 2 Advent....................... 253 3 Epiphany..................... 255 4 Lent......................... 257 5 Holy Week................... 259 6 Easter....................... 261 7 Pentecost.................... 263 8 Reconciliation................ 265 9 Celebrating Eucharist.. . . . . . . . 275 What Catholics Should Know 279 Prayer and How We Pray.......... 281 Prayers We Pray as Catholics.. . . . 283 The Rosary. ..................... 286 Mysteries of the Rosary. ......... 288 Stations of the Cross............. 289 Celebrating and Living Our Catholic Faith................ 291 Making Good Choices............. 299 The Bible........................ 301 Showing Our Love for the World.. . 303 Glossary. ....................... 305 Index............................ 321 Lesson Pullouts................. 327 iv S SAMPLE
UNIT 1 “[Y]ou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18 The Mystery of the Church 1 SAMPLE E
A Letter Home Our Universal Church The word catholic means “universal.” Being a universal Church means that • the message of Jesus is true in every time and in every place. • we are a worldwide Church united by the Holy Spirit for a worldwide mission. • we are a multicultural Church that follows Jesus’ example of welcoming people of every race and culture. The universal nature of the Church prepares us to be Jesus’ disciples across the world. Faith Connections Explore some of the following activities to learn more about the universal Church with your family. Discover universal lessons from the saints: A good book on the lives of the saints can show how people have lived out their faith in various cultures and times. As a family, read about the saints and share stories about your favorite saints. You will find information about the lives of saints at www.loyolapress.com/saints. Make a universal Gospel connection: Take time to read and discuss the Sunday Gospel with your family. Have family members share any words or images from the Gospel reading that stand out or have particular meaning for them. Consider what message the reading might hold for any worldwide issues or current concerns. You can find the Sunday Gospel at www.bible.usccb.org. Address a universal concern: As a family, study a global issue that concerns you and make a decision about how to respond. For example, if you are interested in protecting the environment, you might join your family in neighborhood recycling efforts. If you are concerned about world hunger, you might contribute to an international relief organization. Pray for the universal work of the Church: Choose an article from the diocesan or local newspaper that highlights the universal work of the Church (for example, missionary efforts in a developing country or a special event such as World Youth Day). Share the story with your family at dinner. After the meal, pray for the success of this ministry or event. In this unit, young people will learn about the universal nature of the Church by exploring ways they are called to bring the Gospel message of love to our neighbors, both near and far. They will complete Your Turn activities and undertake an interactive chapter review in the Review section of each chapter. At the end of each chapter of this unit, young people will bring home Families in Mission pages so that your family can further explore the the chapter content, grow in faith, and be inspired to go forth as a family of missionary disciples. The last chapter of each unit includes a unit review. Young people will find a QR code there to scan to play the Stump the Shepherd unit review game. LOOKING AHEAD Scan the QR code with a web-enabled device to view a video on the life and charism of Saint John Vianney together as a family. You will learn more about this 19th-century saint in the Families in Mission pages for Chapter 4. 2 Unit 1 Christ Our Life® S SAMPLE
CHAPTER 1 What’s Your Understanding of the Church? Check the photo that best matches your present understanding of the Church, or describe a photo that would fit your understanding. a place where parishioners pray saints and holy people members of the parish those who are baptized the pope, bishops, and priests ministries that help those who are poor and in need other: The Church and You What memories and experiences come to mind when you think of the Church? What people? What feelings? Church experiences have probably been a part of your life since you were born. You are now at the age when you begin to see familiar things in a different light. You form attitudes, make decisions, and take on new responsibilities that will affect your life and the lives of many other people. This book will encourage you to think about and deepen your relationship with Jesus and his Church. The first step in studying the Church is to grasp what the Church is. This is not so easy because the Church is a mystery. A mystery of faith is something that can be known but never fully understood because it relates to God. The central mystery of our faith is the mystery of the Holy Trinity. We can only know about the Trinity because God has revealed himself as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. However, even when God reveals himself through his great works, he remains a mystery beyond words. Words to Know mystery A religious truth that we can know only through God’s Revelation and that we cannot fully understand Trinity The mystery of one God existing in Three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit A Community of Disciples A Community of Disciples Chapter 1 3 SAMPLE E
The People of God Even theologians, those who study the nature of God and all things related to him, do not have a complete understanding of the Church. Some things cannot be neatly captured in words. The mystery we call the Church is perhaps most simply defined as “the People of God.” The word Church means “convocation,” and it refers to those called and gathered together to form the People of God. The Church is the baptized people from all times and all countries who, like you, believe in and follow Jesus. Nourished by his Body, we become the Body of Christ on earth. Because of creation and our own human reason, we know that God exists. God has revealed himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit through his great deeds and words. Believing is a free human act—a gift made possible by the Holy Spirit. Believing is also an act of the Church, whose faith comes before ours, supporting and nourishing it. The Church is the means and goal of God’s plan for us. We are made by God to live with God. Therefore, we are religious by nature and by God’s call. Jesus made possible our response to God’s call. When sin separated us from God, God the Son, without losing his divinity, became fully human and redeemed us. Jesus freely gave his own life to atone for all our sins. By his Death and Resurrection, we again have the hope for eternal life for which God created us. Jesus—the visible image of the invisible God—is the founder and head of the Church. Through the Church, we come to know God’s plan of salvation. Jesus promised his followers, “I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) Jesus gathers his disciples—all those who believe in and follow him—into a community, the Church. The Church, then, is a community of disciples and a Communion of Saints. Community comes from the Latin word for oneness. Church members are one in their faith in Jesus. As a member of the Church through Baptism, your belief in Jesus and your love for him unite you with all the other members of his Church. Through you, Jesus continues to proclaim the Good News and reach out to others with love. He works through you to bring justice to the world and peace to all people. The Church Is Alive Like Jesus, the Church is both human and divine. She is a human society in which God is present and acting. This is another mystery of our faith. In and through the Holy Spirit and the Church, Jesus has been present to his people since he returned to his Father over two thousand years ago. Jesus is alive and acting in the world today through the Church—through you! Because of this, you love the Church and desire to grow in your understanding of her. You are faithful to her because she was given to us by Jesus. 4 Unit 1 The Mystery of the Church S SAMPLE
Images of the Church Scripture uses images that help us understand the mystery of the Church. It compares the Church to things we know. As you read about the following images, discuss what you have learned. Saint Paul called the Church the Body of Christ. He referred to Christ as the head and to us as members of that Mystical (spiritual) Body. Read 1 Corinthians 12:12–31. As the Body of Christ, the Church receives her life from Jesus. The Church exists in and for Christ, and he lives with and in the Church. The Church is also called the Temple of the Holy Spirit because God the Holy Spirit dwells with the Church and is the soul of the Mystical Body of Christ. He is the source of her life, unity, and gifts and charisms. Jesus is the Cornerstone, and we are the living stones that build her. Another scriptural image of the Church is the bride of Christ. Christ loved her so much that he died for her and made her holy. He constantly cares for her and gives her gifts. He joins her to himself in a covenant of love. Someday she will be united with Christ in glory. How Jesus Saw It Jesus spoke of the Church as a sign of his kingdom on earth. He used images in parables to tell us about her. Read each of the following noted Scripture passages. Use the activities to consider ways you will become a more active member of the Church. The Sheepfold Jesus tells us in John 10:1–16 that he is the Good Shepherd and that his kingdom is like a sheepfold, or a shelter for the protection of sheep. The Good Shepherd’s love is so great that he lays down his life for his sheep. Jesus also calls himself the gate for the sheep because only through him can we enter the kingdom. All those who have faith in Jesus belong to the sheepfold. Listening to the Good Shepherd What does Jesus say will happen when all people listen to his voice? (John 10:16) Check one way you will respond because you follow the Good Shepherd, or include an idea of your own. I will be loving and generous like him. pray for the growth of the Church. share my faith with others. show Jesus that I rely on him by regularly celebrating Reconciliation and the Eucharist. reach out to those who feel excluded. Words to Know Church The people of God throughout the whole world, or diocese (the local Church), or the assembly of those called together to worship God Communion of Saints The unity of all, dead or living, who have been saved through the Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus Christ Mystical Body of Christ The members of the Church formed into a spiritual body and bound together by the life communicated by Jesus Christ through the sacraments A Community of Disciples Chapter 1 5 SAMPLE E
Rise to the Occasion Check one way you will be leaven and use your words or actions to make the world a better place, or include an idea of your own. I will bring a spirit of forgiveness and unselfishness to all my dealings with others. I will do what I can to bring love and peace to my family. I will perform random acts of kindness and generosity. Dear Friend, Yours in Christ, The Vine and the Branches In John 15:1–8, we read that Jesus is the vine. Members of the Church are the branches. In order for a branch to grow and bear fruit, it cannot be separated from the vine. The vine gives the branches life. Through Jesus, you and other church members live and grow. When you are united to Jesus and share his life, you are a healthy branch and bear much fruit. In other words, you recognize God’s goodness in your life, and you share it with others. Explain Jesus’ Parables Imagine you are part of a parish ministry group that is helping people understand Jesus’ parables. Write a brief letter based on John 15:1–8 to people who are not familiar with the stories of the New Testament. Explain what it means to bear fruit and mention some of the fruits we bear when we are close to Jesus. Also note what the passage tells us about how we can glorify God. The Leaven The power of Jesus changes the world like yeast changes dough and makes it rise. In Luke 13:20–21, Jesus uses an example most would have recognized from their own homes to teach about the kingdom. In Jesus’ time, people baked their own bread. If yeast, a kind of leaven, is added to dough, the yeast reproduces and grows. Soon the yeast spreads throughout the entire mixture, causing the dough to bubble and rise. The yeast changes everything. Instead of a flat bread, the dough bakes into an airy leavened loaf. You are the leaven of Jesus when you become like him and proclaim the kingdom with your life. Your words and actions work to change the world into a different and better place. 6 S SAMPLE
Mary, Mother of the Church At the Annunciation, Mary became the mother of the Son of God. From the beginning, she collaborated with Jesus’ work of salvation. At the foot of the Cross, Mary became mother of Jesus’ Mystical Body, the Church. While Jesus hung on the Cross, he saw Mary and his faithful disciple John standing there. He said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” (John 19:26) Then he said to John, “Behold, your mother.” (John 19:27) John represented all beloved disciples of Jesus. By referring to Mary as John’s mother, Jesus was saying she was the mother of all who believe. Mary believed and responded to God all her life. She was close to Jesus and always open to what God wanted. Because of this, she is an example for all of us. Mary, the first disciple of Jesus, showed us what it is like to be a perfect follower of him. The qualities of Mary should be found in the Church: humility, obedience, love, and compassion. During the Second Vatican Council, Mary was given the new title Mother of the Church. If we follow the example of Mary, our Mother, and turn to her for help, we will be strong members of the Church. Full of Grace Look up the following Scripture passages. For each passage write one or more words that describe a characteristic or quality of Mary portrayed in the passage. Luke 1:38 Luke 8:19–21 John 2:1–12 John 19:25–27 A Moment with Jesus Each of these images—sheepfold, vine and branches, leaven—gives you a glimpse into who and what the Church is. Take a moment now to reflect on one of these images. Silently read the Scripture passage that describes this image. Pause for a few moments and ask Jesus to help you deepen your relationship with him and with his Church. Thank Jesus for making you a member of his Church. A Community of Disciples Chapter 1 7 SAMPLE E
Saint Joseph The patron saint of the Church is Saint Joseph, Jesus’ foster father. Why is he a good choice for patron saint? The Ever-Present Spirit The early Church was very aware of the presence and action of the Holy Spirit. Read chapters 1, 2, and 4 of the Acts of the Apostles. Then create a slogan and design about the Holy Spirit to go on the T-shirt pattern below. Your T-shirt should focus on the Spirit’s presence among us. For example, you might have flames around the words “The Spirit: This fire is always burning.” Word to Know sanctify To make holy The Sanctifier As Jesus is the Word of God, the Holy Spirit is the breath of God, the life-giver. The Holy Spirit is one with the Father and the Son who together brought about creation. This Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus. Whenever the Father sends his Son, he sends his Spirit. They have a joint mission to save us and bring about a new creation. At the end of his life, Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit from the Father. The Spirit did come and remains present and active in the Church, much as he was present and active in the life of Jesus. With and through the Holy Spirit, Mary conceived and gave birth to Jesus, the Son of God. The Church came into being through the power of this same Spirit. The Holy Spirit formed the disciples of Jesus into a community of love, worship, and service. The Spirit was with Jesus throughout his life on earth, and the Spirit is with us, shaping and guiding the Church. He guides not only the community as a whole but also individual Christians, who are filled with the Holy Spirit at Baptism. The Holy Spirit builds, animates, and sanctifies the Church. For this reason, the Holy Spirit is called the Sanctifier. Sanctify means “to make holy,” to be set aside for God’s purposes and to become like God. Through grace, which is a sharing in God’s own life, the Spirit dwells in you and forms you to be like Jesus. You are given the strength to act as Jesus would act and to love as he loves. You become a sign of Jesus’ presence in the world by following God’s will in all things and upholding the life and dignity of all people. 8 Unit 1 The Mystery of the Church S SAMPLE
REVIEW CHAPTER 1 A Community of Disciples Your Turn 1. Write and illustrate a modern-day parable of the Kingdom of God based on one of the following Scripture passages. You might write the parables as skits and present them. Matthew 13:3–9 Matthew 13:47–50 Matthew 13:44 Matthew 25:1–13 Matthew 13:45–46 Luke 19:11–27 2. Show you are a member of the Church by • participating in the Presentation of the Gifts at Sunday Mass. • encouraging prayer in your family, especially before meals. • welcoming a new classmate. • giving part of your allowance to those who are poor and in need. 3. Pray to the Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier, for your bishop, parish priests, and all who minister in your parish that they may be spiritual leaders whose words and actions lead others to holiness. 4. Tell someone what you learned about the Church. Invite a friend who is not Catholic or who does not practice the faith to go to church with you. 5. Research the history of your parish. Find out when it was founded and how it has grown and changed over the years. Words to Know mystery pp. 3, 314 Trinity pp. 3, 319 Church pp. 4, 307 Communion of Saints pp. 4, 307 Mystical Body of Christ pp. 5, 314 sanctify pp. 8, 317 We Remember What is the Church? The Church is the People of God, the community of the baptized who believe in Jesus. She is the Body of Christ alive and acting in the world today. What are some images of the Church? Images of the Church include the Body of Christ, the Temple of the Holy Spirit, the bride of Christ, the sheepfold, the vine and branches, and leaven. Why is Mary the Mother of the Church? Mary is the Mother of the Church because she is the mother of Jesus. He gave her to us as our Mother while he was dying on the Cross. What does the Holy Spirit do for the Church? The Holy Spirit builds, animates, and sanctifies the Church and helps her members become holy. We Respond In your reflection notebook, write your feelings about being a Catholic Christian. What does it mean to you to go to Mass, to participate in religion classes, or to belong to a parish community? In what ways would you like to see yourself grow as a member of the Church? 9 Chapter Review Chapter 1 SAMPLE E
CHAPTER REVIEW 1 The Church in a Word Fill in the blanks. Use the clues to help you. If you fill in the blanks correctly, the boxed letters will spell mystery. 1. The Church is called this because the Holy Spirit dwells in her. 2. The Church is called this because Jesus is present in her. 3. Jesus’ kingdom is like one of these. 4. Christ died for her. 5. Jesus’ power spreads like this. 6. Image showing how we are united with Jesus. 7. She is the Mother of the Church. Glimpses of the Mystery For each question, underline the truth about the Church. 1. What do we call the baptized from all times and countries who believe in God and follow Jesus? community People of God Apostles 2. Jesus loves all people so much that he did what for them? preached prayed died 3. How far does the Church spread? throughout your (arch)diocese throughout the world throughout North America, South America, and Europe 4. Members of the Church have life as long as they are united to whom? Jesus Saint Peter Mary 5. The Church is called the Temple of what or whom? the Eucharist mystery the Holy Spirit 6. Jesus spoke of the Church as a sign of what? the end times his kingdom on earth the coming of the Good Shepherd Nothing but the Truth Check (✓) the statements that are true. Change the false statements to make them true. 1. We will someday fully understand the Church. 2. Jesus is the founder of the Church. 3. The Church is both human and divine. 4. We are like living stones in the Church. 5. Jesus called the Holy Spirit the Good Shepherd. 6. Through grace the Holy Spirit makes us like Jesus. 7. To sanctify means to join the Church. 10 Chapter 1 Chapter Review S SAMPLE
Families IN MISSION Do these pages at home as a family. CHAPTER Continued on next page. 1 Know and Proclaim Read and discuss the introduction and the chart below. As Catholics, we gather to hear the Word of God and celebrate the sacraments. The Holy Spirit sets our hearts on fire and sends us forth as disciples to live our faith. “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15 We are the community of disciples. We learn about our faith so that we can proclaim it to others. We Know Our Faith We Proclaim Our Faith The Church is the People of God. Jesus gathers all those who believe in him into a community, the Church. Catholics show they are members of the Church by performing works of mercy, such as feeding those who are hungry or consoling those who mourn. Mary was the first disciple, and she shows us what it is like to be a perfect follower of Jesus. Catholics honor Mary by observing holy days like the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and by praying prayers like the Hail Mary. The Holy Spirit makes the Church holy. The Spirit’s presence builds and animates the Church. Catholics pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance when confused or troubled, using such prayers as Come, Holy Spirit or the Litany of the Holy Spirit. Test Your Catholic Knowledge Fill in the circle that best answers the question. Then discuss the correct answer. What event do Catholics celebrate with the Feast of the Annunciation? ❍ the Last Supper ❍ the wedding feast at Cana ❍ the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem ❍ the message that Mary will be the mother of Jesus Scan the QR code for the answer to the question and to access other Christ Our Life resources for families. 11 Christ Our Life® Grade 8 SAMPLE E
Families IN MISSION A Catholic to Know Invite one family member to read aloud about Saint Hedwig. Then discuss how her example can guide our lives. In the 1200s, Saint Hedwig, the daughter of a count, was considered a living saint. She married King Henry I of Silesia, and as queen, she was admired for her kindness and love for those who were poor. Among her many works of mercy, Saint Hedwig founded a hospital for people with leprosy, and she invited the religious to build monasteries in her kingdom. She welcomed travelers and those who were homeless and sick into her castle. Saint Hedwig also sought out those who needed her help, visiting them in their cottages. The example of Saint Hedwig’s love and service inspired Catholics to serve one another with love throughout the centuries. Witness and Share These sentences describe what Catholics believe. Invite one family member to read aloud the My Way to Faith statements. Ask yourself, “How do I live my Catholic beliefs?” My Way to Faith • I know that the Holy Spirit is present and active in the Church today. • I see myself as a member of the worldwide community of the Church. • I look to Mary as an example of how to follow Jesus. • I live as a sign of Jesus’ presence in the world. • I participate in parish activities that serve the needs of others. Share Your Faith Consider ways in which you can be more active in your parish community through participating at Mass, serving others, or joining a group. Write your ideas on the lines and invite a family member or friend to join you in at least one action during the coming week. Saint Hedwig 12 Grade 8 Christ Our Life® S SAMPLE
CHAPTER 2 Your Spiritual Roots Did you know that you have a spiritual history too? You inherited this history at your Baptism, when you became a child of God and a member of the Church. Salvation history is God’s action in human history, ultimately reconciling and uniting us to himself through his Son, Jesus. It is the story of God’s redeeming love and our response to that love throughout history. Your spiritual history is part of salvation history. Researching Your Family Have you ever discussed the history of your family with your relatives? Try to answer these questions. 1. What are the family names of your parents or guardians? 2. What are some occupations or professions of family members now and in the past? 3. Which family member from the past is most interesting to you? Why? 4. What are some achievements made by family members? 5. Who would you say is an outstanding member of your family? Why? Tracing Our Roots Your Family Tree Tracing your ancestors can be a fascinating endeavor. This kind of research is called genealogy. The people who make up your family each have a unique story. Learning about their lives, occupations, interests, and achievements can help you better understand the family members you know as well as those you have never met. You may also learn something about yourself along the way. Word to Know salvation history The story of God’s loving relationship with his people, which tells how God carries out his plan to save all people 13 Tracing Our Roots Chapter 2 SAMPLE E
A Genealogy of Faith Check your knowledge of your “spiritual roots” by filling in the blanks. Use the words on the Family Tree of Faith if you need help. From the beginning of time, God was good and loving. God the (1) , together with his Son and the Holy Spirit, (2) the whole universe and human beings. When Adam and Eve broke their friendship with God by sin, he offered them hope by promising to send a (3) who would save them from (4) and death. God revealed who he was to our father in faith (5) . God made a special promise called a (6) with him and called a special people to be his own. He showed deep care by revealing to them the divine name (7) . When God’s people were in Egypt, he led them out of (8) to the (9) through Moses. On Mount Sinai, God gave them the (10) . God made a covenant with them. When the Israelites arrived in the Promised Land, their leaders, the judges, led them in warfare. Finally, under King (11) , they found short-lived unity and peace. God made a personal covenant with David, promising that the Messiah would be from his family. Whenever the Chosen People became discouraged and strayed from God’s will, God would send (12) to lead them back. Soon God’s representatives realized that God’s kindgom would come through one person. That was (13) , God’s Son, true God and true man, born of Mary. He showed God’s love and care in his life, and in his Death and (14) , he sacrificed himself to save us from sin and restore our friendship with God. Before Jesus died, he promised to send the (15) to help us. Jesus commissioned his Apostles and other followers to carry on his teachings through the guidance of the Spirit in the (16) . The Holy Spirit comes on Pentecost to guide the leaders of the Church and helps its members proclaim the kingdom. The Holy Spirit is active in your life. By participating in the sacraments of the Church, especially the (17) , you receive the grace to become more like Jesus and live by his teachings. You will be writing your spiritual history for the rest of your life. Promised Land Ten Commandments covenant Holy Spirit Abraham Messiah slavery Eucharist prophets Church Resurrection Father created Jesus sin David Yahweh 14 Unit 1 The Mystery of the Church S SAMPLE
God’s Written Word The story of salvation history is found in the Bible. Sacred Scripture is the written record of God’s love and care for us. It is the Word of God written by humans who were inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit. The books of the Bible are organized into two parts. The first part is the Old Testament, the 46 books that tell of God’s covenant with the people of Israel before the coming of Jesus. The books tell of God’s plan for the salvation of all people. Christians venerate the Old Testament as the true Word of God. The second part of the Bible is the New Testament, the 27 books that tell of the teaching, ministry, and saving events of the life of Jesus and the beginning of his Church. As with the books of the Old Testament, God speaks to us in the books of the New Testament: the Gospels, the Letters, the Acts of the Apostles, and the Book of Revelation. The Holy Spirit inspired the human authors of the Bible, guiding them to communicate the truths God wants us to know for our salvation. So God is the author of Scripture because he inspired its human authors. In the first few centuries after Jesus’ Death and Resurrection, the Holy Spirit guided Church leaders in determining which writings were inspired and should therefore be included in the Bible. With the Spirit’s ongoing guidance, the Church’s bishops and priests interpret God’s Word and help us understand its meaning for our lives. Through the Bible, we meet God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. To read Scripture is to hold a conversation with God. A Living Faith Sacred Tradition is the lived faith of the Church. It is the Word of God passed down verbally from generation to generation, from the time of the Apostles, in the Church’s teachings, Creed, and liturgy. In this way, the Church continues and passes on all she believes. This Tradition is usually written with a capital T to distinguish it from ordinary tradition. Divine Revelation—all that God makes known to save us— comes to us through Scripture and Tradition. While Scripture and Tradition are two distinct expressions of God’s Word, they combine to form a single Deposit of Faith—the body of revealed truth entrusted to us for safe keeping. They help us to know God’s Revelation in Jesus Christ. God’s Plan of Loving Goodness Throughout salvation history, God has continually revealed deep love and mercy for us. When humans were in the state of sin, God moved us to a state of grace so that we could be holy and righteous like him. Through the Paschal Mystery (the suffering, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus), God freed us from sin and death. Jesus reconciled us to himself and repaired our relationship with God the Father, making it possible for us to share in his eternal life and to glorify God the Father. We call this saving action of God justification. Justification is granted to us through Baptism, when the Holy Spirit conforms us to the righteousness of God. The Spirit unites us by faith and Baptism to Jesus’ Death and Resurrection, making us sharers in his life. We can’t earn justification. It is God’s greatest work of mercy that forgives sin, makes us holy, and renews our souls. Words to Know Paschal Mystery The central teaching of Christian faith: that salvation is accomplished by Jesus Christ through his Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension justification The action of the Holy Spirit that cleanses us from sin in Baptism and that continually gives us the grace to walk in right relationship with God Tradition The beliefs and practices of the Church that are passed down from one generation to the next under the guidance of the Holy Spirit Divine Revelation God the Father’s communication of himself to us through the words and deeds he has used throughout history Tracing Our Roots Chapter 2 15 SAMPLE E
the Communion of Saints. We are all related in a special way in Christ. We can have a powerful influence on one another. Christians who are not Catholic share our faith in many ways. Protestants believe in Jesus and his teachings. They believe that the Bible is God’s holy Word. They celebrate Baptism in the name of the Trinity. Jewish people, too, are related to the Church in a special way because of their covenant with the one, true God. They are God’s Chosen People and Jesus’ ancestors. Also, those who practice Islam (Muslims) consider Abraham an ancestor of their own faith. Elements of holiness and truth exist outside of the Catholic Church. Those who do not know the Church but are led by grace to seek God and his will, those who die for the faith, and catechumens can be saved without being baptized. On the Move We are a pilgrim people, because, like pilgrims, we are on a journey. The Holy Spirit is leading us to eternal life with the Father. Our life on earth is just part of our journey of faith—a faith that comes to us from the Church and a faith that is necessary for our salvation. As a pilgrim, you need the support of others along the way. You see people of faith around you who help you understand what it means to belong to the Church today. By their words and example, they help you recognize Christ’s presence in the world and in others. With the help of the Holy Spirit, you are able to spread the Good News of salvation and stand in solidarity with people in need, especially those who are poor, homeless, sick, or hungry. Words to Know catechumen A person being formed in the Christian life through instruction and by the example of the parish community Purgatory A state of final cleansing after death of all our human imperfections to prepare one to enter into the joy of God’s presence in heaven Islam (Muslims) The third great religion, along with Judaism and Christianity, professing belief in one God Your Spiritual Family Who belongs to your family of faith? The Catholics in your own parish are the members of the Church who are closest to you. However, your faith family also includes more than one billion baptized Catholics in the world. In addition, all those who are preparing to be baptized, known as catechumens, are members of your family of faith. You also have countless ancestors no longer living on this earth who are bound to you through the Church. You will be learning about some extraordinary ancestors, the saints, as you study the history of the Church. Saints are men and women who responded to God’s call, died in his grace united with him, and now share eternal life with him in heaven. They are able to intercede for you in prayer, which means they can pray to God on your behalf. People who have died and are in Purgatory also belong to the Church. Purgatory is the temporary state of purification when every trace of a soul’s sin is cleared away so the person can be wholly united with God and enter into his joy in heaven. Through Mass and your own prayers, sacrifices, and acts of charity, you can help these people become prepared for heaven. As for children who die without Baptism, we trust God’s mercy and pray for them. Jesus’ words “Let the children come to me” (Luke 18:16) give us hope that there is a way of salvation for them as well. Together all the members of the Church—those on earth, in heaven, and in Purgatory—are called A Moment with Jesus The four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are the heart of all the Scriptures. They occupy a very important place in the New Testament and in the Church. They are so important because Jesus is their center. Take a moment to be open to God’s presence. Open your Bible to one of the four Gospels. Locate a story in which Jesus is talking. Quietly read the story and imagine Jesus speaking these words to you. Take a few moments to thank Jesus for speaking to you in the Gospels. 16 Unit 1 The Mystery of the Church S SAMPLE
REVIEW CHAPTER 2 Tracing Our Roots 2. Draw a mural of salvation history with your classmates or with members of your family. 3. Prayerfully read Matthew 13:31–32. Think of a practical way you could reach out to someone and spread the news of God’s kingdom. 4. Find out the names of family members and relatives who have died and offer prayers for them, especially when you are at Mass. Pray that these family members and relatives will intercede for you. 5. List ways in which we are all saints. 6. Talk with your family about the presence of a Bible in your home. If your family already has a Bible, ask about any historical significance it may have. (For example, it may have belonged to your great-grandparents.) If you do not yet have a family Bible, talk with your parents or guardians about acquiring one and placing it prominently in your home. We Remember What is salvation history? Salvation history is God’s loving action in human history, ultimately reconciling and uniting us to himself through his Son, Jesus. What is Divine Revelation? Divine Revelation is all that God makes known to save us. It is found in Scripture and in Tradition. What is the Communion of Saints? The Communion of Saints is all the members of the Church on earth, in heaven, and in Purgatory. We Respond Imagine that your favorite saint came to visit you to give you advice on how to follow Christ as a member of the Church. What would he or she tell you so that you too could come to follow God more closely? Write your conversation in your reflection notebook. Your Turn 1. Choose a patron saint for your class or your family. Research the lives of various saints and then narrow your options to a few candidates. Decide on one and give reasons why this saint would be appropriate as your chosen patron. Words to Know salvation history pp. 13, 317 Paschal Mystery pp. 15, 315 justification pp. 15, 312 Tradition pp. 15, 319 Divine Revelation pp. 15, 309 catechumen pp. 16, 307 Purgatory pp. 16, 316 Islam (Muslims) pp. 16, 312 17 Chapter Review Chapter 2 SAMPLE E
CHAPTER REVIEW X2 Know Your Faith History Write + if each statement is true and – if it is false. Change the false statements to make them true. 1. Jesus is the founder of the Church. 2. God is the author of Sacred Scripture. 3. The Bible is organized into three main parts. 4. The Holy Spirit guided and inspired the human writers of the Word of God. 5. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and the Acts of the Apostles are the four Gospels. 6. The souls in Purgatory are not part of the Communion of Saints. 7. Catechumens are those preparing to be baptized members of the Catholic Church. 8. All that God makes known to save us comes to us through Scripture and Tradition. Putting History in Order Number these events in salvation history in the order in which they occurred. Exodus from Egypt led by Moses J esus’ Death Coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost The call of Abraham Creation of the universe and humans The Son of God becoming man; Jesus is born of Mary to save all people Giving of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai Jesus’ Resurrection Y our Baptism Reign of King David in the Promised Land Sentence Sense Use these terms in sentences to show that you know their meaning. salvation history Paschal Mystery Communion of Saints Tradition 18 Chapter 2 Chapter Review S SAMPLE
Families IN MISSION CHAPTER Continued on next page. Do these pages at home as a family. 2 Know and Proclaim Read and discuss the introduction and the chart below. As Catholics, we believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to guide what we say and do, just as the Spirit guided the Apostles at Pentecost. The Holy Spirit speaks through Sacred Scripture and Tradition. And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. Acts of the Apostles 2:4 The Church, which began with God’s Chosen People, includes all the living and dead who have responded to God’s love. We Know Our Faith We Proclaim Our Faith The Bible tells the story of God’s love for his people and their response throughout history. Catholics recognize God’s love for all people, and they respect people of all religions. Divine Revelation is all that God makes known through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition to save us. Catholics profess their faith by praying the Apostles’ Creed, a prayer considered to be a faithful summary of the Apostles’ faith. Our spiritual family includes the saints— men and women who responded to God’s call while they lived on earth. Catholics commemorate the lives of the saints by celebrating their memorials and remembering the departed in prayers at Mass. Test Your Catholic Knowledge Fill in the circle that best completes the sentence. Then discuss the correct answer. The Communion of Saints includes ❍ people who do not believe in God but live according to their conscience. ❍ all members of the Church on earth, in heaven, and in Purgatory. ❍ the Jewish people, who are God’s Chosen People. ❍ people of other religions, such as Islam. Scan the QR code for the answer to the question and to access other Christ Our Life resources for families. 19 Christ Our Life® Grade 8 SAMPLE E
Families IN MISSION A Catholic to Know Invite one family member to read aloud about Saint Teresa of Ávila. Then discuss how her example can guide our lives. Teresa of Ávila was an energetic and willful child. She entered a convent at the age of 20, but her experience of conversion did not occur until many years later. An image of the crucified Christ made her aware that she was not living in true relationship with God. Her resolve to devote herself to intense prayer, strict poverty, and tireless labor for God’s people brought about a life-changing realization of the depths of God’s love. Teresa’s conversion led her to become a religious reformer, an author, the founder of many convents, and a master of Christian prayer. In 1622, the Church canonized her. She and Saint Catherine of Siena were the first women to be declared Doctors of the Church. Witness and Share These sentences describe what Catholics believe. Invite one family member to read aloud the My Way to Faith statements. Ask yourself, “How do I live my Catholic beliefs?” My Way to Faith • I spend time thinking about how God acts in my life. • I use Scripture to pray. • I respect people of other faiths and traditions. • I think it is important to listen to our priest, our bishop, and the pope. • I look to the saints as models for how to be holy. Share Your Faith Identify a quality of a saint that inspires you to take action in the form of prayer, service, study, or reaching out to others. How can you imitate this saint’s example? Write your ideas on the lines. Invite a family member or friend to talk about a saint who inspires him or her. Saint Teresa of Ávila 20 Grade 8 Christ Our Life® S SAMPLE
CHAPTER 3 A Closer Look Ways You Are Growing You have grown in many ways over the years: physically, mentally, and spiritually. As you get older, the number of people you know and interact with also increases. When you were very young, you likely knew only your family members and a few neighbors. Then you made more friends when you went to school. Now you look forward to high school, where your circle of friendships and acquaintances will continue to grow. How the Church Got Started The Church started out small. From among his disciples, Jesus chose 12 men as his Apostles. The Twelve traveled with him as he taught about God the Father’s love, healed and cured, and called people to live for God’s kingdom. When Jesus was arrested and crucified by the Roman officials, that could have been the end. Instead Jesus’ Apostles and close disciples became more inspired and determined to spread his message. Why? Because something tremendous convinced them that Jesus was the Messiah. That “something” was the Resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. When the Apostles encountered the risen Christ, their lives were changed forever. Jesus’ Resurrection was the ultimate proof of his divinity. The Church was born when Jesus, her founder, died on the Cross and then rose from the dead on the third day. Before ascending into heaven, Jesus promised he would send the Holy Spirit to his Apostles, giving them the strength to witness their faith in Jesus to others. Words of Advice At Pentecost, Peter told the people what they must do to be saved. “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins; and you will receive the gift of the holy Spirit.” (Acts of the Apostles 2:38) Summarize in your own words what Peter was preaching. Word to Know Pentecost The 50th day after Jesus was raised from the dead A Spirit-Filled Church The Acts of the Apostles recounts the coming of the Holy Spirit. As Jesus had directed, the Apostles gathered in a room in Jerusalem to await the Holy Spirit. Together with Mary they prayed and waited for nine days. Then, on the Jewish Feast of Pentecost, the Spirit came to them in the form of wind and tongues of fire. The Apostles burst out of the room and began to preach. People had come from all parts of the world for the feast. Although these people spoke different languages, they could all understand the Apostles’ amazing words. About 3,000 people were baptized that day. A Closer Look Chapter 3 21 SAMPLE E
The Church Is Made Known The Church was made known to the world on Pentecost. The Holy Spirit united the first Christians in Jerusalem and formed them into a community of faith. They were one in their belief in Jesus and his teachings, in the Eucharist, in prayer, and in their love for one another. The Holy Spirit poured out on them grace to witness, heal, and work wonders in Jesus’ name. Guided by the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit gave the Apostles and the early Church a deeper understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus. The Spirit remains with the Church, giving us new insights into truth. We are still growing. We are still getting to know ourselves as a Church. Models of the Church A theologian is someone who studies the truths of our faith and tries to understand and explain them better. Through this study we have come to understand the Church by looking at it in six different ways. These six images, or models, will help you go deeper into the mystery of the Church. They are • institution • herald • mystical communion • servant • sacrament • commmunity of disciples Each of these models represents a different aspect or role of the Church. The models are explained in the following sections. Each section begins with Scripture from the Acts of the Apostles, a book about the early Christian community. These passages show the model present in the infant Church. Institution Then they prayed, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.” Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the eleven apostles. Acts of the Apostles 1:24–26 The Church is organized in a hierarchy under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. All the baptized share in the priesthood of Christ. This is called the common priesthood of the faithful. Some men are ordained to the ministerial priesthood to serve and lead in the name and person of Christ. Bishops and priests share in this ministry by teaching, calling us to holiness through the sacraments, and governing. The bishops are the successors of the Apostles. The pope, who is the Bishop of Rome, leads in union with the other bishops. Past and Present If you had lived in Jerusalem at the time of Pentecost, why might you have wanted to join the Christian community? What would you tell someone is a reason for belonging to the Church today? 22 Unit 1 The Mystery of the Church S SAMPLE
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