Christ Our Life Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life SCHOOL EDITION Teacher’s Guide ® GRADE 7 SAMPLE
www.christourlife.com ii 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 VTL 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 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 the doctrinal content of this manual, copyright 2024, to be in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Acknowledgments Scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition, copyright © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal. Copyright © 2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation (ICEL). All rights reserved. Order of Penance Copyright © 2023 International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. Allrights reserved. Excerpt from the English translation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church for the United States of America copyright © 1994 United States Catholic Conference, Inc.—Libreria Editrice Vaticana. 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 Contrition, 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. 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. 978-0-8294-5292-1 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. Manufactured in China Art Credits Cover art: ChiaraFedele i Chiara Fedele. iv(t) Vivian Imbruglia/Iconographer; (b) kookookoo/ iStock/Getty Images. vi ajt/iStock/Getty Images. vii Anni Betts. viii(br) Svetlana Vorotniak/Shutterstock.com; (b) kirstypargeter/ iStock/Getty Images. OV-3(t) Davyd Volkov/iStock/Getty Images; (b) FatCamera/iStock/Getty Images; SDI Productions/ E+/Getty Images. OV-8 monkeybusinessimages/iStock/Getty Images. OV-10(t) AzLa/Shutterstock.com; (b) jhuting/iStock/ Getty Images. OV-12 JGI/Jamie Grill/Tetra images/Getty Images. OV-14 Capelle.r/Moment/Getty Images. OV-15(t) Johner Images/ Johner RF/Getty Images; (b) Warling Studios. OV-16 Nongkran_ch/ iStock/Getty Images. OV-18 Klaus Vedfelt/Digital Vision/Getty Images. OV-21 colematt/iStock/Getty Images. OV-23 Cultura Creative RF/Alamy Stock Photo. OV-30 Anna Khomenko/iStock/ Getty Images. OV-33 and2DesignInc/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images. OV-36 (left to right, top to bottom) Loyola Press; bubaone/ DigitalVision/Getty Images; Loyola Press; Shams Suleymanova/ iStock/Getty Images; bortonia/DigitalVision/Getty Images; appleuzr/DigitalVision/Getty Images; bortonia/DigitalVision/ Getty Images; TotemArt/Shutterstock.com; Nadiinko/iStock/Getty Images. OV-37 elenabsl/Shutterstock.com. OV-39 Warling Studios. OV-40 adriaticfoto/Shutterstock.com. OV-41 FatCamera/E+/Getty Images. OV-42 Warling Studios. OV-43(t) Phil Martin Photography; (b) Loyola Press. OV-44 Ariel Skelley/DigitalVision/Getty Images. OV-45 amtitus/DigitalVision/Getty Images. Continued on page T457. SAMPLE
v Contents Digital Resources Easily access the robust digital resources included with Christ Our Life by visiting digitallibrary.loyolapress.com. Contact your administrator for your login credentials. Jesus Christ the Way T1 Chapter 1 Jesus, the Son of God. . . . . . T2 Day One Introductions T4 Day Two Discovering Yourself T6 Day Three Getting to Know Jesus T8 Day Four What Jesus Means to You T12 Day Five Extending the Chapter T14 Chapter 2 Jesus, the Son of Man. . . . . .T16 Day One Jesus, Fully Human T18 Day Two Being Friends T20 Day Three Invited by Jesus T22 Day Four Friendship with Jesus T24 Day Five Extending the Chapter T27 UNIT 1 Chapter 3 Jesus, the Messiah. . . . . . .T28 Day One Passing On the Good News T30 Day Two A Gospel Lab T33 Day Tree Discovering Jesus T35 Day Four Open to God’s Word T38 Day Five Extending the Chapter T39 Chapter 4 Jesus, the Nazarene. . . . . . T40 Day One The Land of Jeuss T42 Day Two Religion and Life in Jesus’ Day T44 Day Tree Understanding Jesus Today T47 Day Four The History of Jesus’ People T48 Day Five Extending the Chapter T51 Chapter 5 Jesus and the Holy Family. . . . T52 Day One The Infancy Narratives T54 Day Two Tuned In to God’s Messages T56 Day Three Delving into the Symbols T59 Day Four Infancy Narratives in Art T61 Day Five Extending the Chapter T63 Chapter 6 Jesus the Christ . . . . . . . T64 Day One Baptized for Mission T66 Day Two The Messiah’s Temptations T69 Day Three Making Moral Choices T72 Day Four Chapter Review T73 Day Five Extending the Chapter T75 Chapter 7 Jesus and the First Disciples. . . T76 Day One Walking with Jesus T78 Day Two Those Who Followed Jesus T80 Day Three The Perfect Disciple T83 Day Four Witnessing to Jesus T85 Day Five Extending the Chapter T87 Chapter 8 Baptism and Confirmation. . . . T88 Day One Signs of Salvation T90 Day Two OCIA: A Communal Process T92 Day Three Sacraments of Initiation T95 Day Four A Christian Initiation Booklet T98 Day Five Extending the Chapter T101 Welcome.......... OV-1 Program Overview . . . . . . . OV-2 Spiral Curriculum OV-23 Scope and Sequence OV-24 Media at a Glance OV-30 The Catechist’s Handbook . . . OV-31 The Vocation of a Catechist OV-31 The Role of the Catechist OV-32 Knowledge and Skills of a Catechist OV-34 Inclusion: Diverse Learners OV-39 Multicultural Awareness OV-44 Profile of a Seventh Grader OV-45 SAMPLE
vi Chapter 14 The Beatitudes: Jesus the Light of the World. . .T162 Day One Keys to Happiness T164 Day Two The Mind and Heart of Christ T167 Day Three The Beatitudes Every Day T169 Day Four People of the Kingdom T170 Day Five Extending the Chapter T172 Chapter 15 Kingdom of Justice and Truth: Jesus, King of the Universe. . . T174 Day One A Fair Deal T176 Day Two The Power of Words T179 Day Three Learning to be Truthful T180 Day Four Witnesses to Righteousness T181 Day Five Extending the Chapter T183 Chapter 16 Kingdom of Love: Jesus the Sacred Heart. . . . .T184 Day One Relationships of Love T186 Day Two God’s Plan of Chastity T189 Day Three Chastity, Modesty, and Self-Control T191 Day Four Love Perfectly T193 Day Five Extending the Chapter T195 Chapter 17 Unit 2 Review. . . . . . . . T196 Day One Witness to the Truth T198 Day Two Review T199 Day Three Celebrating the Truth T201 Day Four Unit 2 Test T202 Day Five Extending the Chapter T203 Chapter 9 Unit 1 Review. . . . . . . . T102 Day One Witness to the Way T104 Day Two Unit 1 Test T106 Day Three Celebrating Jesus Christ the Way T107 Day Four Knowing Jesus T109 Day Five Extending the Chapter T110 Jesus Christ the Truth T111 Chapter 10 Parables: Stories Jesus Told. . .T112 Day One The Light of Truth T114 Day Two Truth Packed in Parables T118 Day Three Living by the Truth T119 Day Four Writing Your Own Stories T121 Day Five Extending the Chapter T123 Chapter 11 Miracles and Signs: Jesus the Miracle Worker. . . . T124 Day One What Is a Miracle? T126 Day Two Jesus’ Power over Nature and Evil T128 Day Three The Power of Compassion T131 Day Four Miracle Plays T133 Day Five Extending the Chapter T135 Chapter 12 Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick: Jesus the Healer. . .T136 Day One Reconciliation Heals the Spirit T138 Day Two Sin and Forgiveness T141 Day Three Healing of Body and Spirit T144 Day Four A Reconciliation Celebration T147 Day Five Extending the Chapter T149 Chapter 13 The Gospel of Life: Jesus the Teacher. . . . . . .T150 Day One The Law of Love T152 Day Two Threats to Human Life and Dignity T155 Day Three Works of Mercy T158 Day Four Celebration of Life T159 Day Five Extending the Chapter T161 UNIT 2 SAMPLE
vii Chapter 22 The Victory of Jesus. . . . . .T262 Day One Jesus Lives! T264 Day Two I Am Still with You T267 Day Three Witnesses to the World T269 Day Four Option for the Poor T271 Day Five Extending the Chapter T274 Chapter 23 Alive in the Spirit. . . . . . .T276 Day One A Spirit-Filled Community T278 Day Two A Community of Love T281 Day Three A Journey Pageant T283 Day Four The Power of the Holy Spirit T284 Day Five Extending the Chapter T286 Chapter 24 Matrimony and Holy Orders. . . T288 Day One The Call to Married Life T290 Day Two The Call to Ordained Ministry T294 Day Three The Call to Religious Life T296 Day Four A Vocation Day T298 Day Five Extending the Chapter T300 Chapter 25 Unit 3 Review. . . . . . . . T302 Day One Review T304 Day Two Unit 3 Test T307 Day Three Celebrating Our Journey in Life T307 Day Four End-of-the-Year Test T309 Day Five Extending the Chapter T310 Jesus Christ the Life T205 Chapter 18 Living Faith in Jesus. . . . . T206 Day One People of Faith T208 Day Two The Life of Grace T211 Day Three Growing in Love T214 Day Four Love in Action T216 Day Five Extending the Chapter T218 Chapter 19 Opposition to Jesus. . . . . . T220 Day One The Transfiguration T222 Day Two The Opposition Grows T225 Day Three Our Journey Through Life T228 Day Four From Death to Life T230 Day Five Extending the Chapter T233 Chapter 20 The Eucharist. . . . . . . . T234 Day One Stay with Us T236 Day Two Nourished to Serve T239 Day Three Eucharistic Devotions T242 Day Four Proclaiming the Eucharist T243 Day Five Extending the Chapter T245 Chapter 21 Jesus’ Final Hours. . . . . . .T246 Day One No Greater Love T248 Day Two Journey to the Cross T252 Day Three The Last Things T254 Day Four Choosing the Way of Christ T257 Day Five Extending the Chapter T261 UNIT 3 SAMPLE
viii Saints and Feast Days T389 Selected Feasts T389 Introduction T391 September T392 October T395 November T400 December T404 January T407 February T411 March T414 April T417 May T419 June T421 July T424 August T427 Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . T431 Index..............T447 Scripture Index . . . . . . . . . . T453 Special Seasons and Lessons T311 The Year in Our Church T313 1 Feast of All Saints T314 2 Advent T319 Day One: The Coming of Jesus T320 Day Two: Mary, Our Model for Advent T323 3 Christmas T324 4 Lent T330 Day One: The Season of Lent T331 Day Two: Celebrating Reconciliation T335 5 Holy Week T338 Day One: Palm, or Passion, Sunday T339 Day Two: The Easter Triduum T341 6 Easter T344 7 Pentecost T349 8 Giving Thanks T354 9 Making Sunday Special T358 What Catholics Should Know T361 Contents T361 Prayer and How We Pray T363 Prayers We Pray as Catholics T365 The Rosary T368 Mysteries of the Rosary T370 Stations of the Cross T371 Celebrating and Living Our Catholic Faith T373 Sacraments Chart T376 Living Our Faith T378 Making Good Choices T381 The Bible T383 Showing Our Love for the World T385 Student Book Cover Prayers T387 SAMPLE
Media in This Unit When preparing to teach the unit, determine how you will use the media. Media that enhances each chapter can be accessed by scanning the QR codes found on the student pages. All media resources are available to you through the LP Digital Library (digitallibrary.loyolapress.com). Contact your administrator for your login credentials. UNIT 1 Jesus Christ the Way GOALS • Young people will demonstrate a deeper understanding of who Jesus is. • Young people will express their desire to follow Jesus. 1 Jesus, the Son of God Young people explore their own identity. They are reminded of God’s unconditional love for them that calls them to be the best they can be. They consider the impact of Jesus on the world, reviewing the doctrine that Jesus is true God and true man. 2 Jesus, the Son of Man Young people study the basis for our faith in Jesus. They see that Jesus is completely human. They ponder the meaning of true friendship and then are led to realize that Jesus invites us to friendship with him. They are introduced to the reflection notebook as a means of growing in friendship with Christ. 3 Jesus, the Messiah Young people learn how the Gospels came to be written. They study the characteristics of each Gospel and become familiar with the books of Christian Scripture. They recognize the Bible’s importance in coming to know Jesus better. They assemble a Scripture Booklet to use for Scripturebased prayer. 4 Jesus, the Nazarene Young people study the culture in which Jesus lived. They learn about the land, the political and religious situations, customs, and family life. 5 Jesus and the Holy Family Young people read the Infancy Narratives as proclamations that Jesus is the Son of God who saved us. They review Catholic doctrines about Mary, the Mother of God. They are encouraged to listen to the Word of God and act on it as she did. 6 The Mission of Jesus: Jesus the Christ Young people see Jesus as a prophet, priest, and king who accepted his mission to proclaim and make present the Kingdom of God. They learn how to resist temptation and sin. 7 Jesus and the First Disciples Young people reflect on the impact Jesus had on the first disciples. They meet each of the Twelve Apostles and find out why Mary is the first and best disciple. Young people will reflect on their own call to discipleship. 8 Baptism and Confirmation Young people study the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) and learn that we accept his call to discipleship in the Sacraments of Initiation. They learn of their own call to service. See page T101 for STREAM activity. 9 Unit 1 Review Young people review the main concepts of Unit 1. They participate in a celebration that leads them to reflect on what Jesus means to them and to renew their love of him. T1 SAMPLE
CHAPTER 1 Faith Focus Jesus Christ, our Savior, is the Son of God, the Second Person of the Trinity. He is true God and true man. Reflecting on the Faith Experience Take a few moments to reflect prayerfully before preparing the lesson. Responding Holy Spirit, enlighten me so that I can help young people see Jesus more clearly. Scripture for Further Reflection John 3:16 God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, Jesus. Acts 2:32–36 God has raised Jesus and has made him Lord and Messiah. Romans 8:28–30 We were chosen by God to be images of his Son and to partake in his glory. The love the Father has for us prompted him to send his Son to become one of us so we could join with them. In loving obedience, the Son became incarnate in Jesus, a man who taught us the meaning of love and saved us from sin and death. Jesus revealed God to us, and he revealed ourselves and our high calling. By his life, suffering, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension, Jesus became our Savior and Lord. Now in his humanity, he is with the Father, while we are able to share in divinity through grace and the power of the Holy Spirit. Once we know who he is, he becomes the alpha and omega, our beginning and end. We walk in his footsteps, doing good. We commit ourselves to living out his life, message, and mission. We live as an Easter people, in a community of faith and love looking forward to resurrection. However, we live Christianity never in certainty, only in hope. Jesus challenges us to decide who he is. This is the most important decision we ever make. Accepting Jesus as God and Savior is a risk that involves our whole life. What role does Jesus play in my life? Listening And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 Reflecting Christians believe that Jesus is the Way to the Father, to eternal happiness. We believe that he is the Second Person of the Trinity, the beloved Son who exists in a community of love with the Father and the Holy Spirit. The Church tries to explain the mystery of the Trinity. It teaches that from all eternity, the Father reflects on his perfections. His infinite thoughts are the Word, a Person. This Person, the Son of the Father, is in his likeness. These two perfect Persons respond to each other with a love so powerful that their love becomes the Third Person, the Holy Spirit. The Three Persons of the Trinity are eternal and equal. They were all present at creation, and as the One God, they achieve our salvation in history. Jesus, the Son of God T2 Unit 1 Jesus Christ the Way SAMPLE
Jesus Christ Son of God Savior greek in Minion Pro Bold Bulletin Board A suggestion for a bulletin-board design for this chapter is pictured. Preparing for the Faith Experience Church Documents Catechism of the Catholic Church. The themes in this chapter correspond to the following paragraphs: 337–339, 464–469. Directory for Catechesis #244. Through the mediation of the Church, we can discover the personal love of God the Father and the companionship of Jesus Christ. The Redeemer of Man #8 (John Paul II). Jesus is the image of the invisible God. He and the Father are one. Catechesis in Our Time #5 (John Paul II). The goal of catechesis is to develop communion and intimacy with Jesus. Media in This Chapter Determine in advance if you will have young people experience the media during class or at home. This media can be accessed by scanning the QR code with a web-enabled smartphone or tablet. Families in Mission Send home the Families in Mission pages after teaching the chapter so that families can further explore the teaching, grow in faith, and be inspired to go forth as missionary disciples. Enriching the Faith Experience Use the activities at the end of the chapter to enrich a lesson or to replace an activity with one that better meets the needs of your class. Scripture in the Chapter Luke 6:40 Disciples are called to be like Jesus. Colossians 1:15 Image of the Invisible God Mark 16:15 Proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Catholic Social Teaching Care for God’s Creation Day One Introductions Day Two Discovering Yourself Day Three Getting to Know Jesus Day Four What Jesus Means to You Day Five Extending the Chapter The following pages present a plan for teaching this chapter in five days. Adapt the lessons and pacing to suit your program. Jesus, the Son of God Chapter 1 T3 Inclusion Scan the QR code for Inclusion articles or access them from the LP Digital Library. SAMPLE
Day One Introductions Student pages 1–2 LEARNING OUTCOMES Young people will be able to • identify the Bible, the Student Book, and the class as means to know Jesus. • set goals for the religion class. • identify what they already know about Jesus. Materials • Device with internet access, optional • Student Book • Bibles, bookmarked to Isaiah 9:5 • Reproducibles 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d • Ceremony items: flameless candles, Bible, table, recorded music • Bright-colored paper Before You Begin 1. Download from the LP Digital Library Reproducible 1a, Family Letter; Reproducible 1b, Family Letter—Unit 1; Reproducible 1c, Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life; and Reproducible 1d, Pre-Test/ Post-Test. 2. This introductory lesson sets the tone for the year. It centers on the subject matter of Jesus and motivates young people to learn. 3. After correcting the pre-tests (Reproducible 1d), evaluate young people’s strengths and weaknesses to plan your lessons for the year. Do not return the tests to young people, but be sure to save them. At the end of the year, give the test again as a post-test and let young people see how much they have learned. 4. Send home Reproducible 1a, Family Letter and Reproducible 1b, Family Letter—Unit 1. Reproducible 1a contains a letter to parents concerning the course, Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Reproducible 1b concerns the study of Unit 1, Jesus Christ the Way. 5. For Centering #1, you may want to include an icebreaker to introduce yourself to the class and to introduce young people to one another. Centering 1. Introduce yourself to the class. Tell them why you are glad to be teaching them. 2. Have young people open their books to page 1 and read aloud the title of Unit 1, Jesus Christ the Way. Mention that this year’s topic, Jesus, is the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, the Son of God. 3. Share some names for Jesus. • The name Jesus means “God saves.” Jesus is also called Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” What do these names tell us about God? (God is close to us; God loves us.) • Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. We are called to follow him, trust him, and live in him. • Faith in Christ gives meaning to our lives. Jesus shows us that to be fully human is to share in God’s divine life. 4. Invite a volunteer to read Isaiah 9:5 from a Bible. • The prophet Isaiah used these titles to describe the Messiah. In what ways do these titles describe Jesus? (Possible answers: Jesus is the Son of God who brings peace on Earth.) • Share with young people which title means the most to you and why. Invite young people to do the same. 5. Challenge young people to list names for Jesus. • Have young people form pairs, and give each pair a sheet of paper. • You have two minutes to list names or titles for Jesus. When time is up, have each pair read their list aloud. • You already know a lot about Jesus. This year you will extend your knowledge. Sharing 1. Present young people with their books and Bibles or New Testaments. • Distribute Reproducible 1c: Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Invite one or two volunteers to be the Reader. You can take the role of the Leader. • Lead young people in prayer. 2. Have young people find the Scripture passage at the bottom of page 1. • Invite a volunteer to read aloud the Scripture passage. • In this unit, you will learn more about how Jesus is the perfect revelation of God the Father. Name REPRODUCIBLE Christ Our Life® All Rights Reserved Christ Our Life® Reproducibles w3160 www.christourlife.com GRADE 7 Chapter 1 1c Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life Leader: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Father, we thank you for the privilege of sharing this time with you and with one another. Prepare our minds and hearts to accept your Word with joy. This we ask through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. All: Amen. Reader: A reading from the second letter of Paul to Timothy (2 Timothy 3:15–17) From infancy you have known [the] sacred scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (Time for quiet reflection) Leader: Christ is present in his Word of Scripture, and he is present among those called together in his name. Today you receive a copy of the Bible [or a New Testament], the record of the Good News that has changed lives, brought joy and peace, strength and courage, and most of all, love. Today you receive your copy of the religion book for this year about Jesus, our way, our truth, and our life. May all you learn and experience bring you closer to Jesus. (The students come forward to receive their books. Music may be played.) Reader: A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 14:6–7) Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Leader: To the following petitions, please respond “Father, hear us.” That we may learn of you through your Holy Word . . . That we may learn of you through Jesus Christ, your Son . . . That we may learn of you through your Holy Spirit . . . That we may learn of you through the Gospels . . . That we may learn of you through one another . . . That we may meet you in your Word and in the Eucharist . . . That we may meet you in others and every day of our lives . . . Let us pray together the Lord’s Prayer. All: Our Father . . . Leader: Thank you, Lord, for coming to us today in the gift of your Holy Word. (Song) All: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. T4 Unit 1 Jesus Christ the Way SAMPLE
3. Direct young people to the QR code at the bottom of page 1. Explain that you will be inviting them to access the media behind the code, whether it be in class via computer or tablet or at home via smartphone, computer, or tablet. 4. Administer Reproducible 1d, Pre-test/Post-test. Explain that this pre-test will help you know what to stress in teaching about Jesus and, at the end of the year, help them see the progress they have made. 5. Ask young people to set goals for their religion class this year. • Have them work in small groups to create two or three goals. Have each group share their goals aloud. • Write the goals on the board and have each young person copy them and refer to them frequently. Acting Have young people write a prayer. • Choose a color and decide what part of your life that color represents. • After you have chosen a color, write a prayer in which you ask Jesus to help you live fully that part of your life. • Prayers can be written on brightcolored paper and then posted to form a rainbow. For example: Jesus, blue is for my friends. They make me feel strong and happy like a blue sky. May you always be my source of strength and happiness. Amen. Name 1a REPRODUCIBLE Christ Our Life® All Rights Reserved Christ Our Life® Reproducibles w3160 www.christourlife.com GRADE 7 Chapter 1 Family Letter—Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life As your son or daughter begins this year's program of the Christ Our Life series, we would like to acquaint you with its goals, content, and methodology. You are a vital part of this program. As you continue to respond to the call of parenting a young adolescent in Catholic Christian living, may you grow in faith and in love for your child and your God. Goals of This Year's Program The title of this year’s program is Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Through their books, young people will reflect on the person of Jesus and on their baptismal call to walk with him along the WAY to the Father. They will listen to the TRUTH of his teaching, and they will meditate on the gift of new LIFE that is theirs through the sacraments because of his dying and rising. They will be challenged to respond to Jesus by walking his WAY and encouraging others to follow him, by living according to the TRUTH he taught, and by sharing his LIFE and love with all whom they meet. They will prayerfully ponder Jesus’ words and deeds in order to know better what God is like. They will also look at their own lives and prayerfully ask what they should say or do as followers of Jesus. Making It a Family Program The Christ Our Life series recognizes that your faith makes a profound impact on your children, no matter what their age. Therefore, several features are provided that give you an opportunity to share the faith experience being lived within your family. The special features for family participation are the Family Letter you will receive as your son or daughter begins each unit of study, a Letter Home at the beginning of each unit in the student book, the sections in the book entitled Your Turn and Families in Mission, and a suggested Parent-Youth Meeting. Family Letters Family Letters accompany unit in the book Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Ideally, you will receive each letter as your son or daughter begins a new unit. This will allow you to ponder the theme of the unit and to look at the example of Jesus as recorded in the Gospels. The Family Letters also will suggest that you look to the example of Jesus for help in raising your adolescent. Jesus was the Master, leading people to develop a maturity of faith. You can learn from him how to aid your adolescent in his or her quest for the knowledge and freedom needed to be a faithful disciple. Suggestions are made for supporting his or her efforts to learn what it means to follow Jesus. Your Turn In addition to using the Family Letters, you can help your young adolescent by becoming involved in the activities listed in each lesson under the section titled Your Turn. These activities help young people carry the message of Jesus from the classroom to all facets of life. They involve prayer, family life, peer relationships, and projects that include young people in parish or civic activities. Many of the projects would be enriched by the assistance of a parent or another adult. Families in Mission The last two pages of each chapter allow young people to share what they learned with their families. These pages include basic facts about Catholic beliefs and practices that they learned about in the chapter, a brief story about a saint, and activities designed to nourish a lived faith. CHECKPOINT Were the learning outcomes achieved? What word describes young people’s attitudes toward religion class? A Letter Home At the beginning of the unit, have young people tear out page 2 and bring it home or send the entire Student Book home. Ask young people to read this letter with their parents and use the QR code found on the page to experience and discuss the media before your next class meeting. A Letter Home Dear Parents and Family, Jesus is fully God and fully man. Like all people, Jesus experienced emotions. He grieved and wept over the death of his friend Lazarus. He got angry and lost his temper with the money changers in the Temple. Though subject to human trials and temptations, he did not sin. Jesus showed how to remain close to the Father no matter what happened to him. Here are some ways we can imitate Christ: Jesus had priorities. Jesus did his Father’s will in all things. He taught about the Kingdom of God and turning away from sin and toward the Father. He fulfilled the words of the ancient prophets: God cares about the poor. He taught us to seek first the Kingdom of God, especially in service to those in most need. Jesus listened. Time and again, groups of people challenged Jesus. He listened calmly and completely before replying, even to those no one else would bother listening to—children, sinners, and enemies. We are called to do the same. Jesus prayed. Jesus prayed alone and with others, but he prayed often. The prayer he taught us, the Lord’s Prayer, is a wonderful prayer to guide us through our day. But Jesus also taught us to pray from the depths of our heart—as he did during his time of Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus sought time alone. Jesus often retreated from the crowds and his disciples to be alone. Purpose and patience come from being able to center ourselves, whether it means taking 10 minutes to meditate at the end of our workday or taking a deep breath when our impulse is to rant at someone. In this unit, young people learn about who Jesus is and why he is the way to the Father. They will also learn what it means for them to follow him. Young people will learn the essential chapter content, complete a Your Turn activity, and undertake an interactive chapter review. At the end of each chapter of this unit, young people will bring home the Families in Mission pages so that you can further explore the chapter content, grow in your faith, and be inspired to go forth as a family of missionary disciples. The last chapter of each unit is a unit review. There you will find a QR code 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 Mary Magdalene together as a family. You will learn more about this firstcentury saint in the Families in Mission pages for Chapter 4. 2 Unit 1 Christ Our Life® UNIT 1 Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, then you will also know my Father.” John 14:6–7 Jesus Christ the Way 1 Jesus, the Son of God Chapter 1 T5 Day One SAMPLE
Day Two Discovering Yourself Student page 3 LEARNING OUTCOMES Young people will be able to • explain that they are made in God’s image. • discuss how they can share God’s truth, beauty, and goodness. • name specific abilities they have as human beings. Materials • Bible, bookmarked to Psalm 148:7–12 • Gift-wrapped box, one per young person • Slip of paper with the word “You” written on it, one per young person • Note cards • Bookmark or paper star for each young person, with his or her name on it Before You Begin 1. Place the note card in a giftwrapped box. 2. Young people need the assurance that it is all right to be who they are and that they are loved. 3. It is essential for young people to realize that as they grow and mature, they will take more responsibility for their faith. The lessons they will learn this year will help them develop a mature relationship with Christ. 4. Faith and science are not in conflict. God is absolute truth, and God has revealed himself through the natural world. The things of the world and the matters of faith derive from the same God. Thus, in our investigation of nature, we learn about God. By studying creation, we come to know the Creator. 5. For Acting #2, information about about Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Kateri Tekakwitha can be found at www.loyolapress.com. Centering 1. Distribute the gift boxes to each young person. • Why do people give gifts? (People give gifts to celebrate a holiday or to show love.) Why did I give you this gift? (You are showing kindness; you want to surprise us.) • Have young people open their gifts. What do you think this gift means? (I am a gift.) Who has given the world the gift of yourself? (God has given us as a gift to the world.) • Sacred Scripture tells us that you are God’s gift to the world. In Psalm 138:13–14, we pray to God: You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb. I praise you, because I am wonderfully made. 2. Introduce today’s lesson. • Jesus enriches all aspects of your life. Before you find out more about who he is, you will learn more about who you are. CHAPTER 1 Who Are You? Everything in the universe was created by God. People, plants, animals, rocks, the stars in the cosmos, and subatomic particles all have a common Creator. God created everything out of his goodness, and everything reflects God’s goodness in its own unique way, and that includes you! You are one of God’s special gifts to the world. You are unique! You impact the world as no one else ever will. You are a mystery created to communicate God’s love to the world. You have gifts to discover and develop: skills, talents, and qualities. The words you say and the things you do affect those around you. You count! Who you think you are has a lot to do with who you are now and who you will become. That is why it is important to have a true picture of yourself. There is no better time than the present for discovering the mystery and the miracle of you. What makes you human is your soul. You are made in God’s image. He created humans to share in his truth, goodness, and beauty so someday we might share in God’s glory forever. With your intellect, you can make decisions and judgments. With your free will, you can love and sacrifice; each day you can choose God or selfishness. Because you have this freedom, you are responsible for your actions. The whole of the material world has been created for your good. What God has given you is a gift that is to be cared for and used wisely. Jesus, the Son of God The Goodness of Creation Write how each of the following aspects of creation reflects God’s goodness and beauty: 1. Water Possible answers: Water is pure. 2. Fire Fire gives us light. 3. Earth The earth provides us with food. 4. Animals Animals give us something to care for. 5. Human Beings Human beings show love. 3 Jesus, the Son of God Chapter 1 T6 Unit 1 Jesus Christ the Way SAMPLE
3. Discuss the role of faith and reason. • Read the following quote from Saint John Paul II: Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth—in a word, to know himself—so that, by knowing and loving God, men and women may also come to the fullness of truth about themselves. Saint John Paul II • To what does John Paul II compare faith and reason? (They are like two wings of a bird.) • Where do faith and reason lead? (knowledge of God and ourselves) • Why can’t faith and reason be in conflict? (Faith and reason both lead us to knowledge.) 4. Lead young people in a prayer of thanks. • We are going to pray a litany. When your name is mentioned, place your bookmark (or star) near the Bible as a sign of your gratitude to God. • Conclude by praying aloud this prayer naming young people: Father, we thank you for loving us so much. You have given us life and more gifts than we realize. Lead us to you and to a true appreciation of our gifts and the gifts of others. Please respond, “We thank you, Father.” For the gift of [Name] we say: We thank you, Father. CHECKPOINT Were the learning outcomes achieved? Sharing 1. Have young people read silently the first paragraph of Who Are You? on page 3. • Why do all created things reflect God’s goodness? (God created everything and God is good.) • How can science help us know God better? (We can learn about God by studying what God created.) 2. Have young people complete the activity The Goodness of Creation on page 3. • What similarities do you see among the creatures God has created? (Possible answer: We all reflect God’s goodness and beauty.) • Where do you see the goodness and beauty of God in the natural world? (Possible answers: In a sunrise; in a blue sky.) • Invite a volunteer to read aloud Psalm 148 from a Bible. • This psalm calls all creation to praise God! By caring for the environment we ensure that creation continues to praise God. • Discuss with young people ways they can show care and concern for the environment. God’s Creation 3. Have young people read the remaining paragraphs on page 3. • What makes us human? (We are created in the image and likeness of God. We have been given a soul.) • What can we do with our intellect and free will? (We can choose, think, judge, and love.) • Why did God create human beings? (God created us to share in his truth, goodness, and beauty.) • The gifts of intellect and free will help us discover who we are and what God’s will is. • All of us are different. Look around. Our differences are to be respected and cherished. 4. Invite volunteers to give one insight they gained during the lesson. Acting 1. Lead young people in this activity to affirm and respect their gifts and differences. • Give each a bookmark or a paper star with his or her name. • Have the class pass these around so that each young person can write a good trait of the person named on the paper. • Have young people return the bookmarks or stars to their owners. 2. Invite young people to learn about Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. • Distribute information about Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. Alternatively, you may have young people search for information about these saints using the internet. • The saints show us how to live like Jesus. Saint Francis and Saint Kateri teach us that caring for the environment is a holy task. • Encourage young people to come up with one or two things they learned from these saints and share with the group. Jesus, the Son of God Chapter 1 T7 Day Two SAMPLE
Day Three Getting to Know Jesus Student pages 4–5 LEARNING OUTCOMES Young people will be able to • identify Jesus as Son of God, true God and true Man, and Savior. • explain some of the implications of the Incarnation. • define eternal life and Incarnation. Words to Know eternal life Incarnation See the Glossary for definitions. Materials • Device with internet access, optional • Bibles or New Testaments • Plant • Three signs: God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit Before You Begin 1. Determine if the multimedia will be experienced during class or at home. 2. The doctrines presented in this lesson are the foundation of Christian faith. To clear up any confusion and to instruct those for whom the material is new, teach this lesson thoroughly. 3. You might display pictures of artists’ conceptions of Jesus and then discuss aspects of Jesus captured by each picture. Centering 1. Lead young people in a discussion of mystery. • Ask young people to share a synopsis of their favorite mystery story. You may want to share one of your own too. • The word mystery refers to a kind of story. Why do you think people like mysteries? (Mysteries are good stories that involve trying to solve a puzzle. There is a lot of tension.) • The word mystery also refers to our faith, but it has a different meaning. • Mysteries of faith refer to the ways God reveals himself to us. 2. Introduce today’s lesson. • Our faith holds many mysteries that God has revealed to us. We will reflect on three central mysteries that the Church has named: the Trinity, the Incarnation, and the Paschal Mystery. • Today you will learn about Jesus, the most unique person in the world. Sharing 1. Invite a volunteer to read aloud the first paragraph of Who You Are Called to Be on page 4. • Over which aspects of your life do you have no control? (heredity, family, weather) • How can what we have inherited work for us? (good health) against us? (poor health) • In what ways are parts of our life out of our control? (where we live, our families) • In what ways can we control our personal environment? (We can choose our friends, entertainment, reading material.) • What else can we control? (our reactions, attitudes, habits) • What are some reasons for a change in attitude? (We may be influenced by others, our health, our dispositions, and the weather.) 2. Invite another volunteer to read aloud the second paragraph of Who You Are Called to Be on page 4. • Direct young people to underline the six basic areas of growth from the second paragraph. Discuss how young people can be growing in each. • Mentally—reaching out for knowledge, reading, observing, asking questions, making mistakes, learning • Physically—growing, taking care of your health, exercising, sleeping, balancing your life • Spiritually—seeking God’s will for you, serving others, growing closer to Christ • Emotionally—understanding your feelings, finding healthy ways to express yourself, looking for positive ways to solve problems • Socially—learning to live with others, growing in concern for people, respecting differences • Culturally—appreciating beauty, keeping a sense of wonder, growing in interests 3. Show young people a plant. • Why must a plant be turned often? (so that each side gets light) • What happens if a part of the plant does not get enough light? (It will wither.) • Our lives can be compared to a plant. The challenge in life is to keep all sides growing so that growth and beauty emerge. • Growth may not always be even, but we are called to keep trying. • God loves you, flaws and all. Write these sentences on the board: What you are is your gift from God. What you become is your gift to God. T8 Unit 1 Jesus Christ the Way SAMPLE
4. Have young people read We Are Jesus’ Disciples on page 4. • What is a disciple? (A disciple is someone who follows Jesus.) • Why do we follow Jesus? (Jesus reveals the Kingdom of God to us. He saves us and gives us eternal life.) • Why do we study the lives of the saints? (They show us how we can be like Jesus. They give us examples of how to be disciples.) We must always remember that the saints are not just people to imitate. The saints continue to pray for us and lead us toward Jesus. • Some people like Saint Lucy give up their lives for their beliefs. They are called martyrs. Why do we honor martyrs? (They refuse to give up their faith in Jesus.) • Because we have faith in Jesus, we know that he will save us from death by bringing us into eternal life. The martyrs’ faith assured them that they would share in Jesus’ eternal life. God’s Word 5. Invite a volunteer to read aloud Luke 6:40 from the God’s Word feature on page 4. • What is the goal of discipleship? (The goal of discipleship is to be like Jesus.) • How are you being trained in discipleship? (I am learning about discipleship in religion class, by going to Mass, by serving others, by praying regularly, by obeying my parents.) 6. Invite volunteers to read aloud each section of Who Is Jesus? on page 5. • What does the word Christ mean? (It means “Annointed One.”) • What is the main Christian dogma? (There are Three Persons in one God: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.) • Why did God send us his only Son? (God sent his only Son to give us eternal life.) • Why did God the Son share in our humanity? (God the Son shared in our humanity so that we can share in his divinity.) • To what does the Paschal Mystery refer to? (Jesus’ saving action through his suffering, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension.) • When do we proclaim and celebrate this mystery of our faith? (We proclaim and celebrate the Paschal Mystery at every Eucharist.) Words to Know Invite a volunteer to read aloud the definition of eternal life and Incarnation from the Words to Know feature on page 5. Young people can further explore the meaning of these words in the Glossary. 7. If feasible, have young people scan the QR code on page 5 using a handheld, web-enabled device to experience the media. Who You Are Called to Be God has made you a member of a particular family. From your parents, you received certain traits. This is called heredity. You did not choose your inherited traits, such as curly hair or your height. You also live in a particular area. It is your environment. You cannot control many things in your physical environment. However, you can control your personal environment—the friends you choose, the movies you see, the books you read, and the TV programs you watch. More importantly, you can control your reactions and attitudes. You can decide to develop good habits or bad habits. You are growing in many ways—mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, socially, and culturally. You are responsible for what you do with your life. But Jesus is always with you, supporting you, calling you to be his disciple, and leading you to the Father. The key to knowing yourself and becoming the person God created you to be is to know Jesus. The Son of God came so that you and all people could live the life of happiness with God for which you were made. Jesus shows us that to be fully human is to share in God’s very own life. We Are Jesus’ Disciples Jesus calls us to follow him. Beginning with the first disciples until today, Jesus has revealed the Kingdom of God and teaches us to follow his Father’s will. People have devoted their lives to Jesus because he is the Son of God. Thérèse Martin lived in France in the 1800s. At age 15 she entered a Carmelite convent to lead a life of prayer and sacrifice. Some people believe so strongly in Jesus that they die for him. Thirteen-year-old Lucy lived in the fourth century, during a period when the Roman Empire persecuted Christians for their faith. The Romans killed her when she refused to give up her faith. Maria Goretti was only 12 years old when she attracted the attention of a young man. The young man stabbed her 14 times, yet Maria forgave him before she died. These people gave up their lives because Jesus told them that to be his disciple, they must follow him, wherever it leads. God’s Word No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher. Luke 6:40 4 Unit 1 Jesus Christ the Way Jesus, the Son of God Chapter 1 T9 Day Three SAMPLE
8. Call attention to the bulletin board or write the word ichthys on the board. • What is the connection between a fish and Jesus? (In Greek, each letter of the word fish begins a word in the phrase “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.”) • To identify another Christian in the early days of Christianity, a believer might draw half a fish in the dirt with a toe. If the person recognized the sign, he or she would complete it. 9. Discuss with young people basic concepts about Jesus. • Divide the class into groups of three or four. Have each group come up with two or three statements based on what they have read. Examples might include the following: • Jesus is the Son of God and our Savior. • Jesus is the Messiah foretold by the prophets for whom the Israelites waited. • Our belief in the Holy Trinity is what makes the Christian faith unique. • Jesus is fully human and fully divine. • The Three Persons of the Trinity are equal. • God reveals himself in Creation and Scripture. • God reveals his plan of salvation through the Paschal Mystery. 10. Connect the mystery of our faith with the celebration of the Eucharist. • Write on the board the mysteries of faith: 1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again. 2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again. 3. Save us, Savior of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free. • When do we proclaim the mystery of our faith? (at the eucharistic celebration of Mass) • Have young people pick one of the three mysteries and share which truth about Jesus it proclaims. 11. Ask three volunteers to illustrate the Trinity. • Give the volunteers the signs to wear. Have them form a triangle by facing one another with arms outstretched. • The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are a community of love. Each Person is distinct, yet together they are one God. All are equal in power, and all have no beginning and no end. • Direct the “Father” to send the “Son” with words such as “Son, go to the people I love and become one of them. Save them from sin and death.” Who Is Jesus? A fish symbol offers a clue to the answer to this question. During the persecutions of the first Christians, they used the sign of a fish as a secret means of identification. In Greek, each letter of the word fish (ichthys) begins a word in the phrase “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.” The Christ Jesus is the Christ, which means the Anointed One and the Messiah, the great leader sent by God. He is the one the prophets foretold and the Jewish people awaited. Jesus, however, was much more than the Israelites expected. Son of God With the help of the Holy Spirit, the followers of Jesus came to realize that Jesus was the Son of God. Jesus had often referred to God as “my Father.” He even called God Abba, a Hebrew word for “Dad.” As Son of God, Jesus was God too. Like the Jewish and Muslim people, Christians believe in the one true God. What makes us different is our belief in the Trinity. This main Catholic dogma (belief) states there are Three Persons in one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These divine Persons are equal and work together. They have always existed together in a community of love, and they always will. At a point in time, God the Father sent his only Son to give us eternal life. His Son, the Second Person of the Trinity, obeyed the Father and became man, Jesus. Jesus then has both a divine nature and a human nature. He is completely God and completely human. Jesus is not only Emmanuel, which means “God with us,” but he is also our brother. The mystery of the Son of God taking on human nature and becoming man to save us is called the Incarnation (in + carn = in the flesh). God shared in our humanity so that we could share in divinity. Since Jesus is God, when we get to know Jesus, we know what God is like. God had revealed himself to us before. Creation gives clues about his power and goodness. The Old Testament also tells of God’s love through God’s words and actions in history. With the Incarnation, God has revealed himself completely to us in the person of Jesus Christ, who is fully Divine and fully human. Jesus said, “The Father and I are one.” (John 10:30) We call Jesus the Word from the Father. Despite God’s Revelation, God remains a mystery beyond words. Savior Jesus is also the Savior. Even his name, Jesus, means “God saves.” By his life, especially through the Paschal (Easter) Mystery, Jesus rescued the human race. The Paschal Mystery is the work of salvation accomplished by Jesus Christ through his suffering, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension. By taking our sins upon himself, and dying and rising, Jesus ended the power of sin and death over us. He made it possible for us to have eternal life. At every Eucharist, we, the community of believers, proclaim and celebrate this great mystery of our faith. Words to Know eternal life Living joyfully in grace and friendship with God in this world and in heaven after we die Incarnation The Son of God, Jesus, being born as a full human being in order to save us 5 Jesus, the Son of God Chapter 1 T10 Unit 1 Jesus Christ the Way Day Three SAMPLE
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