SCHOOL EDITION Teacher’s Guide ® Christ Our Life The Church Then and Now GRADE 8 SAMPLE
www.christourlife.com 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 VTL 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 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. 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. Cover and interior design: Loyola Press Cover illustration: Chiara Fedele 978-0-8294-5293-8 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 i Chiara Fedele. iv(t) Vivian Imbruglia/Iconographer; (b)kookookoo/ iStock/Getty Images. vi Anni Betts. vii ajt/iStock/Getty Images. 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 T527. 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. SAMPLE
v Contents The Mystery of the Church T1 Chapter 1 A Community of Disciples . . . . T2 Day One Discovering Church Together T4 Day Two Jesus Alive in the World T6 Day Three A Pilgrim People T11 Day Four Mary and the Holy Spirit T13 Day Five Extending the Chapter T16 UNIT 1 Chapter 2 Tracing Our Roots . . . . . . . . . . . . T18 Day One Our Hebrew Ancestors T20 Day Two The Bible: Our Sacred Writings T23 Day Three Who Belongs? T24 Day Four Duties of a Christian T26 Day Five Extending the Chapter T28 Chapter 3 A Closer Look . . . . . . . T30 Day One Beginnings T32 Day Two Oneness in Community T35 Day Three The Models of the Church T36 Day Four The Models Today T39 Day Five Extending the Chapter T41 Chapter 4 A People of Prayer . . . . . . T42 Day One What Is Prayer? T44 Day Two The Prayer of the Church T47 Day Three Planning a Scripture Prayer Service T50 Day Four Planning to Pray T52 Day Five Extending the Chapter T55 Chapter 5 A People of Service . . . . . . T56 Day One Empowered to Serve T58 Day Two Serving the Kingdom T61 Day Three Stewardship T64 Day Four Serving in Our Parish Community T65 Day Five Extending the Chapter T68 The Marks of the Church T69 Chapter 6 One in the Spirit . . . . . . . T70 Day One The Meaning of Unity T72 Day Two Unity in the Church T76 Day Three Toward Unity Among Churches T78 Day Four Being a Peacemaker T80 Day Five Extending the Chapter T83 UNIT 2 Program Overview . . . . . . . OV-1 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 an Eighth Grader OV-45 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. SAMPLE
vi Chapter 11 The Church Grows . . . . . T144 Day One A Change of Heart T146 Day Two A Church on the Move T148 Day Three Witnesses to Jesus T150 Day Four A Sacrament of Conversion T152 Day Five Extending the Chapter T154 Chapter 12 A House Built on Rock . . . . T156 Day One Martyrs Give Witness T158 Day Two Witness and Defense T161 Day Three Outstanding Early Christians T164 Day Four A Written Tradition T166 Day Five Extending the Chapter T168 Chapter 13 A Light in Darkness: Part I . . T170 Day One Hope for a Dark World T172 Day Two Virtue—A Strategy for Reform T175 Day Three Great Women of Medieval Times T177 Day Four Windows of Faith T179 Day Five Extending the Chapter T181 Chapter 14 A Light in Darkness: Part II . . T182 Day One A Struggle for Power T184 Day Two Best of Times, Worst of Times T187 Day Three Living Signs T189 Day Four Letting Our Light Shine T192 Day Five Extending the Chapter T195 Chapter 7 Made Holy in the Spirit . . . . T84 Day One The Church Is Holy T86 Day Two Gifted in the Spirit T89 Day Three Holiness: A Way of Life T94 Day Four Your Life of Holiness T96 Day Five Extending the Chapter T98 Chapter 8 A Church That Is Catholic . . . T100 Day One For All People and All Times T102 Day Two The Mission of the Church T105 Day Three Be a Missionary T108 Day Four Sent to Evangelize—A Celebration T111 Day Five Extending the Chapter T112 Chapter 9 An Apostolic Church . . . . . T114 Day One Founded on the Apostles T116 Day Two Church Leaders Follow Christ T119 Day Three Popes of Recent History T121 Day Four Serving the Needs of the World T123 Day Five Extending the Chapter T126 The History of the Church: Part I T129 Chapter 10 The First Years . . . . . . . T130 Day One The First Christians T132 Day Two Facing Adversity T136 Day Three Growing the Early Church T138 Day Four Spreading the Good News of Jesus T140 Day Five Extending the Chapter T142 UNIT 3 SAMPLE
vii The Witness of the Church T263 Chapter 20 The Way of Holiness . . . . . T264 Day One Loved and Loving T266 Day Two The Two Ways T270 Day Three Virtue in Scripture T274 Day Four Making Progress in Love T275 Day Five Extending the Chapter T277 Chapter 21 The Way of Faith . . . . . . T278 Day One Loving God T280 Day Two Praying to God T283 Day Three Honoring God’s Name T285 Day Four Serving for Love of God T287 Day Five Extending the Chapter T290 Chapter 22 The Way of Worship . . . . . T292 Day One The Day of Worship T294 Day Two The Church Year T297 Days Three and Four A Liturgy Workshop T299 Day Five Extending the Chapter T302 Chapter 23 The Way of the Family . . . . T304 Day One Called to Obey T306 Day Two Loving by Giving Honor T309 Day Three Love for Human Life T311 Day Four Caring for One Another T314 Day Five Extending the Chapter T317 Chapter 24 The Way of Human Dignity . . T318 Day One A Whole Person T320 Day Two A Gift for Life and Love T323 Day Three Helps to Wholeness T327 Day Four Peer Power T331 Day Five Extending the Chapter T335 Chapter 25 The Way of Justice and Truth . .T336 Day One A Heart for Justice and Mercy T338 Day Two A Truthful Heart T342 Day Three Celebrating T347 Day Four End-of-the-Year Test T350 Day Five Extending the Chapter T351 UNIT 5 The History of the Church: Part II T197 Chapter 15 The Church Faces Challenges . T198 Day One A Need for Healing T200 Day Two Challenged to Change T204 Day Three Protestant Brothers and Sisters T207 Day Four The Holy Spirit Guides Us T209 Day Five Extending the Chapter T211 Chapter 16 Reforming the Church . . . . T212 Day One Renewal T214 Day Two Spirit-Filled Leaders T217 Day Three The Daily Examen T219 Day Four A Look Back T221 Day Five Extending the Chapter T223 Chapter 17 In a Changing World . . . . . T224 Day One God Is Near to Us T226 Day Two Changing Times T229 Day Three Science and Religion T232 Day Four Gifted for Service T234 Day Five Extending the Chapter T237 Chapter 18 Signs of the Times . . . . . T238 Day One Servant of the Truth T240 Day Two Catholic Social Teaching T242 Day Three Second Vatican Council T244 Day Four Local Church History T247 Day Five Extending the Chapter T249 Chapter 19 The Church in North America . T250 Day One Beginnings in America T252 Day Two Freedom to Grow T255 Day Three A Puzzle of Church Facts T258 Day Four Filled with the Spirit T260 Day Five Extending the Chapter T262 UNIT 4 SAMPLE
viii Saints and Feast Days T461 Selected Feasts T461 September T463 October T465 November T467 December T471 January T475 February T478 March T480 April T482 May T487 June T489 July T492 August T495 Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . T501 Index..............T517 Scripture Index . . . . . . . . . . T523 Special Seasons and Lessons T353 The Year in Our Church T355 1 Feast of All Saints T356 2 Advent T361 3 Epiphany T370 4 Lent T376 5 Holy Week T385 6 Easter T393 7 Pentecost T400 8 Reconciliation T405 9 Celebrating Eucharist T424 What Catholics Should Know T433 Contents T433 Prayer and How We Pray T435 Prayers We Pray as Catholics T437 The Rosary T440 Mysteries of the Rosary T442 Stations of the Cross T443 Celebrating and Living Our Catholic Faith T445 Making Good Choices T453 The Bible T455 Showing Our Love for the World T457 Student Book Cover Prayers T459 SAMPLE
UNIT 1 The Mystery of the Church Goals • Young people will explain what it means to be part of the universal Church, members of the Mystical Body of Christ. • They will identify types of prayer and explain the purpose of prayer in their lives. 1 A Community of Disciples Young people explore the Church as a mystery. They reflect on the biblical images of the Church and determine whether the spiritual truths that the images represent are evident in their own lives. They recognize Mary as the Mother of the Church and the Holy Spirit as the Sanctifier. They review keeping a reflection notebook. 2 Tracing Our Roots Young people gain an overview of salvation history. They come to understand Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition as expressions of God’s Divine Revelation in Jesus Christ. They study the people who belong to the Church and the duties of the members. 3 A Closer Look Young people learn about the origins of the Church and its early stages. They become acquainted with the six models of the Church proposed by theologian Avery Dulles. 4 A People of Prayer Young people reflect on the importance of prayer, what it is, its purposes, and various types of prayer. They review how Jesus prayed and what he taught about prayer. They explore various times and places for prayer. They are introduced to the Liturgy of the Hours, the prayer of the People of God. 5 A People of Service Young people learn that every Christian is called to share in the mission of Christ and his Church. They also study the Beatitudes and corporal works of mercy and consider ways to apply them to their lives. See page T68 for STREAM activity. Unit 1 Review Young people review the concepts presented in Unit 1, which focus on the universal Church and our unity as baptized members of the Mystical Body of Christ. They participate in review activities and a prayer celebration. These activities motivate them to incorporate in their daily lives the unit concepts, practices of prayer, and good works. 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. T1 SAMPLE
CHAPTER 1 A Community of Disciples Listening Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. John 15:4–5 Reflecting At the opening of the second session of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Paul VI called the Church a reality imbued with the presence of God. The Church is a mystery because Christ is present in the Church and the Holy Spirit is guiding it. The Church is also a mystery because it is a sign of God’s kingdom. It was Jesus’ mission to reveal the mystery of God and our relationship to God. Through images, Jesus shared aspects of the mystery of the Church. He used the symbol of leaven to indicate that the kingdom would extend throughout the world. To show that we are bonded to him and find life through him, Jesus likened our relationship with him to branches grafted to a vine. United, we bear fruit in the form of love for others, which shows itself in service. The image of the vine and branches describes how closely we are linked to Christ. We are like two friends present to each other, listening, understanding, and relating Faith Focus The Church is the community of disciples, the Body of Christ, loved and redeemed by Christ. Reflecting on the Faith Experience Take a few moments to reflect prayerfully before preparing the lesson. Responding Holy Spirit, lead these young people and me to an ever deeper relationship with Jesus and his Church. Scripture for Further Reflection Luke 8:9–10 When Jesus explains why he speaks in parables, he uses the word in conjunction with the Kingdom of God. Ephesians 3 Throughout this short chapter, Paul speaks of the mystery of Christ and his Church as it has been revealed by the Holy Spirit. He urges his listeners to aspire to the perfect love of Christ, that is, holiness. intimately. Transformed by his love, we can strengthen, heal, love, and serve others. In comparing the Church to a sheepfold, Jesus emphasized his care for us. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, loves us so much that he laid down his life so that we might have eternal life. Each of us is a small but vital part of the holy and splendid mystery of the Church. We are the leaven in Christ’s parable; we are the living branches grafted onto Christ and rooted in him; we are the sheep of his pasture; we are the Church, and Mary is our mother. Our spiritual heritage is both comforting and challenging. By looking at the past, we see the Father’s love for humanity. We recognize the Holy Spirit alive and working in the lives of the Apostles and saints and from this, gain confidence to respond to Christ’s call to witness to him and his Church. Today we take our turn being servants, pilgrims, and bearers of the Good News. We do so with faith that the future of the Church will fulfill Christ’s promise: “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit.” (John 15:5) Which image of the Church appeals to me most? Why do I feel drawn to this image? T2 Unit 1 The Mystery of the Church SAMPLE
Day One Discovering Church Together Day Two Jesus Alive in the World Day Three A Pilgrim People Day Four Mary and the Holy Spirit 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. THE CHURCH THE BODY OF CHRIST Preparing for the Faith Experience Catholic Social Teaching Family and Community Rights and Responsibilities Life and Dignity Church Documents Catechism of the Catholic Church. The themes in this chapter correspond to the following paragraphs: 781–798, 829, 963–975. Directory for Catechesis #22. Our faith in Jesus leads us to make a commitment to think like him, to judge like him, and to live like him. In doing so, we unite ourselves to the Church instituted by Jesus on the foundation of the Apostles. Dogmatic Constitution on the Church #5 (Second Vatican Council). The Church is a mystery that is brought to light in the way Jesus founded it. Dogmatic Constitution on the Church #8 (Second Vatican Council). The Church is a community of faith, hope, and love, but it is also a visible organization through which Christ communicates truth and grace to everyone. Dogmatic Constitution on the Church #62–63 (Second Vatican Council). Because Mary is the Mother of Christ the Redeemer, she is the Mother of the Church too. Dogmatic Constitution on the Church #65 (Second Vatican Council). In Mary, the Church has reached its spotless perfection. She shines forth to all of us in the Church as the model of virtues, prompting us to come to her Son and to the love of the Father. Media in This Chapter Determine in advance if you will have young people experience the media during class or at home. 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. Bulletin Board A suggestion for a bulletin-board design for this chapter is pictured. Put a mirror in the Chi-Rho so young people realize that they are the Church. Scripture in This Chapter Matthew 28:20 Christ is with us always. 1 Corinthians 12:12–31 The Body of Christ John 10:1–16 The Sheepfold John 15:1–8 The Vine and the Branches Luke 13:20–21 The Leaven John 19:26 Woman, behold, your son. John 19:27 Behold, your mother. Luke 1:38 Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Luke 8:19–21 Jesus and His Family John 2:1–12 The Wedding at Cana Mark 16:15 Proclaim the Gospel to every creature. A Community of Disciples Chapter 1 T3 Inclusion Scan the QR code for Inclusion articles or access them from the LP Digital Library. SAMPLE
2. Explain how young people will keep reflection notebooks and share the following tips. • Make regular entries. Write honestly and openly about thoughts and feelings. This notebook is for your relationship with Jesus. • Pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance and inspiration. • Listen to how Jesus is speaking through the people, events, and thoughts in the entries. • Keep the notebook private. If an electronic journal is used, do not share passwords, even with friends. • Reread the notebook every now and then to see how God is speaking to you and working in your life. Day One Discovering Church Together Student pages 1–2 LEARNING OUTCOMES Young people will be able to • identify the topic of the lesson (Church) and become familiar with their books. • explain what they hope to learn about the Church. • show what they already know by taking a pre-test. Materials • Device with internet access, optional • Reproducible 1a • Reproducible 1b • Reproducible 1c • 5 or 6 jigsaw puzzles (about 8 pieces each) made from construction paper or greeting cards • 5 or 6 envelopes for the puzzles, with 1 piece missing from each puzzle • Items for the book presentation ceremony: Reproducible 1c, music, battery-powered candles, Bible, table for books, reflection notebooks • Reproducible 1d, Pre-test Before You Begin 1. Determine whether the media will be experienced during class or at home. 2. Download from the LP Digital Library Reproducible 1a, Family Letter—The Church Then and Now; Reproducible 1b, Family Letter on Unit 1—The Mystery of the Church; Reproducible 1c, Our Church, the Church of Jesus; and Reproducible 1d, Pre-test. 3. Consider sending home Reproducible 1a, Family Letter— The Church Then and Now and Reproducible 1b, Family Letter on Unit 1—The Mystery of the Church. 4. Throughout the year, young people will be asked to write prayerful reflections in a reflection notebook. The parish might buy a reflection notebook for each young person, or you may have them bring their own spiral notebook, three-ring binder, or book with blank pages. You may also choose to have young people keep an electronic journal. 5. Note that telling young people that their reflection notebooks will not be read will make them feel freer to write honestly. However, with regard to electronic journals, remind young people that things stored online are never truly private and they should take care to not share passwords, even with friends. Make them aware that they must respect one another with regard to reflection notebooks. Speak from your experience about the value of keeping a reflection notebook. 6. Collect the pre-tests after young people complete them. Review the tests to assess young people’s prior knowledge. Use the results to plan your lessons for the year. Save the tests. At the end of the year, give the test again (post-test) and show young people how much they have learned. Centering 1. Introduce yourself. Share some personal facts, such as why you chose to become involved in catechesis, parish activities, or other faith-related activities. 2. Use a jigsaw puzzle to encourage young people to share their faith this year. • Divide the class into groups. Give each group an envelope containing a puzzle with one piece missing. Do not tell young people about the missing piece. Tell the groups to put the puzzles together and to raise their hands when they are finished. Then discuss the activity. • Why was it impossible to put the puzzle together? (One piece was missing.) What does that tell you about each piece in a puzzle? (Each piece is important.) • Just as each puzzle piece is important, so every person in the room has valuable ideas and is important to our religion class. • This year as we study the Church, we will need everyone’s contributions. We will need to be open to one another’s experiences of faith and the Church. The insights and gifts from God each of you brings will be valuable to us all. Sharing 1. Present the Student Books and reflection notebooks, using the ceremony on Reproducible 1c, Our Church, the Church of Jesus. Give young people time to page through their books after they have written their names in them. Name REPRODUCIBLE Christ Our Life® All Rights Reserved Christ Our Life® Reproducibles w3161 www.christourlife.com 1c GRADE 8 Chapter 1 Song Leader 1: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. When Saint Francis of Assisi was young, he heard Jesus say to him one day, “Francis, you must rebuild my Church.” Francis thought Jesus meant to reconstruct the old, brokendown church of San Damiano. So Francis began to repair the church with mud, wood, and stone. But Jesus was really speaking about his universal Church. He wanted Francis to bring new life, new vision, and new loyalty to his Church. Leader 2: Today Jesus calls to each of us, “Come, rebuild my Church.” He wants us to commit our lives to building up the universal Church. He wants us to bring new life, new vision, new loyalty to the Church. But our question is “How can we build up the Church?” Let us listen to the Word of God, which will guide us. Reader: A reading from the letter of Paul to the Romans. (Romans 12:13–18,21) Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. Bless those who persecute [you], bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, on your part, live at peace with all. . . . Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good. (time for quiet reflection) Leader 1: Let us pray. Side 1: Lord, we will build up your Church by being people of prayer. Side 2: Lord, we will build up your Church by seeking unity with words and actions of healing and forgiveness. Side 1: Lord, we will build up your Church by committing ourselves to peace, by loving those who are poor, and by taking on a missionary spirit. Side 2: Lord, we will build up your Church by acting with courage, speaking the truth with patience, and accepting our share of responsibility. All: Lord, we commit ourselves to the Church because we love your Church and promise to be faithful to you. Leader 1: Christ has called us to build up his Church. We will need to use all our energies and talent to do it. Our love and loyalty to him must be fresh, powerful, and contagious. e Church needs us. Leader 2: Today we will receive our religion book, The Church Then and Now, and a notebook for our re ections. May we learn much this year to bring us closer to Jesus. (The young people come forward to receive their books and reflection notebooks. Music may be played.) All: O God, who were pleased to call your Church the Bride, grant that the people that serves your name may revere you, love you and follow you, and may be led by you to attain your promises in heaven. Amen. (Common of the Dedication of a Church) Our Church, the Church of Jesus T4 Unit 1 The Mystery of the Church SAMPLE
CHECKPOINT Were the learning outcomes achieved? What conclusions can be drawn from the results of the pre-test? 3. Have young people open their books to page 1. Have a volunteer read aloud the title of Unit 1 The Mystery of the Church. • Direct young people to the images on page 1. • What do you think this unit will be about based on the title and these images? (teachings of the Church that are a mystery, the Holy Trinity, the role of the Apostles) 4. Explain that in this unit, young people will explore the mystery of the Church and what it means to be part of this mystery. 5. Point out the Scripture verse at the bottom of page 1. Tell young people this verse comes from the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament. Invite a volunteer to read aloud the Scripture passage. 6. Direct young people to the QR code at the bottom of page 1. Explain that you will be inviting them to access media behind the code, whether it be in class via computer or tablet or at home via smartphone, computer, or tablet. Acting 1. Administer Reproducible 1d, Pre-test. • Explain to young people that this pre-test will help them better understand what they already know about the Church. • Mention that it will help them see their progress at the end of the year. 2. Lead young people in prayer. Invite young people to silently ask God to guide them this year as they grow in faith. Name Score REPRODUCIBLE Christ Our Life® All Rights Reserved Christ Our Life® Reproducibles w3161 www.christourlife.com GRADE 8 Chapter 1 1d Page 3 of 3 c 39. e council that called the Church the People of God and declared that all people are called to holiness was the a) Council of Trent. b) First Vatican Council. c) Second Vatican Council. p. 168 b 40. e rst American bishop of the United States was a) Isaac Jogues. b) John Carroll. c) John Neumann. p. 175 c 41. e Capital Sins are a) harmless. b) sins committed only in the mind. c) sins that bring about other sins. p. 191 b 42. A sacrilege is a) a holy action. b) violation of and irreverence toward a person, a place, or an object dedicated to God. c) a holy object. p. 200 c 43. Words that insult the goodness of God or show o ense for the name of God, Jesus Christ, Mary and the saints are a) sacri ce. b) perjury. c) blasphemy. p. 202 c 44. As a member of the Church, you are required to particpate in the Eucharist a) only on Sundays. b) only on holy days of obligation. c) on Sundays and holy days of obligation. p. 207 b 45. e Fourth Commandment calls us to a) follow unjust laws. b) respect those in authority whose e orts are intended to improve the conditions of human life. c) ignore civil laws. p. 217 a 46. e Fi h Commandment forbids a) anything that harms life. b) injustice. c) lying. p. 218 a 47. e Sacrament of Holy Matrimony a) a Sacrament at the Service of Communion. b) a Sacrament of Initiation. c) a Sacrament of Healing. p. 226 b 48. Society should promote virtue and justice by measuring its judgments and decisions against a) a vision of human authority. b) the inspired truth revealed in God, the Creator and Redeemer. c) our own personal beliefs about right and wrong. p. 235 b 49. We should not a) tell the truth when it will get someone in trouble with an authority. b) talk about the faults and misdeeds of others. c) keep silent if we know something that could lead to harm. p. 240 c 50. A free promise made to God to perform a good act not required for salvation is a) a sacri ce. b) blasphemy. c) a vow. p. 202 Pre-test/Post-test—The Church Then and Now (cont.) Name Score REPRODUCIBLE Christ Our Life® All Rights Reserved Christ Our Life® Reproducibles w3161 www.christourlife.com Page 1 of 3 1d GRADE 8 Chapter 1 Pre-test/Post-test—The Church Then and Now Write the letter on the line of the choice that best completes each sentence. a 1. e Church a) is the Body of Christ alive and acting in the world. b) is only the pope, bishops, and priests. c) is the building where parishioners pray. pp. 4, 9 c 2. e founder of the Church is a) Saint Peter. b) Saint Paul. c) Jesus Christ. p. 4 a 3. In Scripture, the Church is called a) the Body of Christ. b) an institution. c) a river. p. 5 b 4. An image of Christ’s perfect disciple is a) the bride of Christ. b) Mary. c) the vine and the branches. p. 7 c 5. e Sancti er of the Church is a) Mary. b) the pope. c) the Holy Spirit. p. 8 a 6. During the Second Vatican Council, Mary received the new title a) Mother of the Church. b) Immaculate Conception. c) Mother of God. p. 7 c 7. e Communion of Saints is a) all people in heaven. b) all members of the Church on earth. c) members of the Church in heaven, on earth, and in Purgatory. pp. 4, 16 a 8. e Church was united by the Holy Spirit and became known to the world as a community of faith a) on Pentecost. b) on Calvary. c) at the Council of Jerusalem. p. 22 a 9. From the very beginning, the Church a) celebrated the Eucharist together. b) was centered in Rome. c) understood all the teachings of Christ perfectly. pp. 22, 31 b 10. e o cial rules that guide all aspects of church life are found in a) the Acts of the Apostles. b) the Code of Canon Law. c) the Didache. p. 23 a 11. e reading of Scripture during Mass is an example of the Church as a) herald. b) servant. c) sacrament. p. 23 c 12. e heart of the Church’s life and the greatest liturgical prayer of praise and thanksgiving is a) the Hail Mary. b) the Lord’s Prayer. c) the Mass. p. 31 a 13. e prayer of Christians that extends the worship of the Eucharist throughout the day is a) the Liturgy of the Hours. b) communal prayer. c) centering prayer. p. 31 b 14. Because the Church is open to all people, she has the characteristic of being a) one. b) catholic. c) apostolic. p. 72 c 15. A characteristic that is not a Mark of the Church is a) one. b) holy. c) Roman. pp. 49–82 a 16. We receive the Gi s of the Holy Spirit at a) Baptism. b) Con rmation. c) birth. p. 63 b 17. We profess our faith in God and in the Church when we pray the a) Hail Mary. b) Nicene Creed. c) Act of Contrition. p. 54 c 18. e e ort to unite all Christians is called a) collegiality. b) justi cation. c) ecumenism. p. 56 b 19. Catholics participate in the Church’s holiness through a) Baptism and the Eucharist only. b) the seven sacraments. c) judging other faiths. p. 62 Name Score REPRODUCIBLE Christ Our Life® All Rights Reserved Christ Our Life® Reproducibles w3161 www.christourlife.com Page 1 of 3 1d GRADE 8 Chapter 1 Pre-test/Post-test—The Church Then and Now Write the letter on the line of the choice that best completes each sentence. a 1. e Church a) is the Body of Christ alive and acting in the world. b) is only the pope, bishops, and priests. c) is the building where parishioners pray. pp. 4, 9 c 2. e founder of the Church is a) Saint Peter. b) Saint Paul. c) Jesus Christ. p. 4 a 3. In Scripture, the Church is called a) the Body of Christ. b) an institution. c) a river. p. 5 b 4. An image of Christ’s perfect disciple is a) the bride of Christ. b) Mary. c) the vine and the branches. p. 7 c 5. e Sancti er of the Church is a) Mary. b) the pope. c) the Holy Spirit. p. 8 a 6. During the Second Vatican Council, Mary received the new title a) Mother of the Church. b) Immaculate Conception. c) Mother of God. p. 7 c 7. e Communion of Saints is a) all people in heaven. b) all members of the Church on earth. c) members of the Church in heaven, on earth, and in Purgatory. pp. 4, 16 a 8. e Church was united by the Holy Spirit and became known to the world as a community of faith a) on Pentecost. b) on Calvary. c) at the Council of Jerusalem. p. 22 a 9. From the very beginning, the Church a) celebrated the Eucharist together. b) was centered in Rome. c) understood all the teachings of Christ perfectly. pp. 22, 31 b 10. e o cial rules that guide all aspects of church life are found in a) the Acts of the Apostles. b) the Code of Canon Law. c) the Didache. p. 23 a 11. e reading of Scripture during Mass is an example of the Church as a) herald. b) servant. c) sacrament. p. 23 c 12. e heart of the Church’s life and the greatest liturgical prayer of praise and thanksgiving is a) the Hail Mary. b) the Lord’s Prayer. c) the Mass. p. 31 a 13. e prayer of Christians that extends the worship of the Eucharist throughout the day is a) the Liturgy of the Hours. b) communal prayer. c) centering prayer. p. 31 b 14. Because the Church is open to all people, she has the characteristic of being a) one. b) catholic. c) apostolic. p. 72 c 15. A characteristic that is not a Mark of the Church is a) one. b) holy. c) Roman. pp. 49–82 a 16. We receive the Gi s of the Holy Spirit at a) Baptism. b) Con rmation. c) birth. p. 63 b 17. We profess our faith in God and in the Church when we pray the a) Hail Mary. b) Nicene Creed. c) Act of Contrition. p. 54 c 18. e e ort to unite all Christians is called a) collegiality. b) justi cation. c) ecumenism. p. 56 b 19. Catholics participate in the Church’s holiness through a) Baptism and the Eucharist only. b) the seven sacraments. c) judging other faiths. p. 62 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 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® 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 A Community of Disciples Chapter 1 T5 Day One SAMPLE
Day Two Jesus Alive in the World Student Book pages 3–6, 301 LEARNING OUTCOMES Young people will be able to • express their understanding of the Church. • explain that the Church is a mystery. • identify scriptural images of the Church. • define mystery, Trinity, Church, Communion of Saints, and Mystical Body of Christ. Words To Know mystery Trinity Church Communion of Saints Mystical Body of Christ See the Glossary for definitions. Materials • Device with internet access, optional • Extension cord • Bibles • Flash cards: Body of Christ, Temple of the Holy Spirit, bride of Christ, sheepfold, vine and branches, leaven • Reproducible 1e • Song about the Church Before You Begin 1. Determine whether the media will be experienced during class or at home. 2. Download from the LP Digital Library Reproducible 1e, Four Witness Stories. 3. The People of God, the Chosen People, were a national group, a community called by the Lord. Today the Church is the new People of God, called by the Father, justified by the Son, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. With a variety of races, cultures, and languages, we are united in the Church. We are a worshiping community that believes the same Word, participates in the same sacraments, and serves the same Lord. 4. Recognize that explaining the biblical images of the Church can be a challenge. This lesson aims to heighten young people’s awareness of Christ’s presence in the Church and in themselves, thereby deepening their identity with the Church. Centering 1. Discuss mystery. • Ask young people to brainstorm a list of movies, TV shows, and novels that fit the category of mystery. • Write their ideas on the board and ask volunteers to describe what they like best about mysteries. • The mysteries that we encounter in movies, TV shows, and novels are presented to be solved. We enjoy the challenge of trying to solve the mystery before the solution is revealed. 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 T6 Unit 1 The Mystery of the Church SAMPLE
3. Have young people read independently The People of God on page 4. • Check young people’s understanding of this section. • Who belongs to the Church? (baptized people from all times and all countries who believe in and follow Jesus; disciples of Jesus belong to the Church) • How is Jesus related to the Church? (Jesus, without losing his divinity, became human and redeemed us, making it possible for us to be God’s people; he is the founder and head of the Church.) Family and Community Sharing 1. Invite young people to independently read and think about the three questions that begin The Church and You on page 3. • After a minute, ask volunteers to share their memories. • Call on a volunteer to read the next two paragraphs. 2. Have young people work the activity What’s Your Understanding of the Church? on page 3. Invite volunteers to share their responses. Explain that they will learn more about the Church this year. • In the Bible, we encounter a very different understanding of mystery. According to biblical tradition, a mystery is not something to be solved, but something to be experienced or entered into. • A mystery is something that we know but cannot fully understand. In other words, a mystery can be described as something that has been revealed yet remains hidden. • How would you define a mystery of faith? (something that God reveals to us that we can know and enter into but cannot fully understand) The Holy Trinity is the central mystery of our faith. What we know of the Holy Trinity comes from God’s Revelation of himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Still, we cannot fully understand a mystery of faith because it relates to God, who is much greater than any thought we can think. Words to Know Invite a volunteer to read aloud the definitions of mystery and Trinity from the Words to Know feature. Young people can further explore the meaning of the words in the Glossary. 2. Introduce the Church as a mystery. With the books you received yesterday and with the help of the Holy Spirit, today you will begin your journey of entering more deeply into another great mystery of our faith: the Church. 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 A Community of Disciples Chapter 1 T7 Day Two SAMPLE
Words to Know Invite a volunteer to read aloud the definitions of Church and Communion of Saints from the Words to Know feature. Young people can further explore the meaning of the words in the Glossary. 4. Have a volunteer read aloud The Church Is Alive on page 4. • Show an extension cord. • What does this do? (It brings electrical power across a distance.) • Can anyone explain how an extension cord might be a symbol for the Church? (The Church extends the power and presence of Jesus through time and space. Jesus is alive today through the Church, through us.) • How is the Church both divine and human? (She is a human society in which God is present.) As a human society, the Church is not perfect. Instead we strive for holiness, trying to be our best selves each day of our lives. Pope Francis tells us, “Holiness is the most attractive face of the Church.” • Jesus lived at a certain time in a certain place. To extend his life and mission to people everywhere down through the centuries, he established the Church. • Through the Church—all those who believe in and follow him— Jesus continues to love, teach, and heal. He is able to touch our lives with his saving power. Rights and Responsibilities 5. If feasible, have young people scan the QR code on page 4 using a handheld, web-enabled device to experience the media. 6. Explain that one way we can understand the Church is to compare it to different symbols, or images. • The more images of the Church we know, the better we can understand her. • Let’s look at six images that the Bible gives to help us grasp the meaning of Church. 7. Show the flash cards that you have prepared and read them aloud. • Point out that the last three (sheepfold, vine and branches, leaven) are images for the Church that Jesus gave us in the Gospels. • Direct young people to spend a few minutes in small groups, predicting what they think each image might tell about the Church. 8. When they are finished, have volunteers read aloud Images of the Church on page 5. • Discuss with young people how to locate passages in the Bible. You may wish to have them read silently or in pairs The Bible on page 301 for a review. • Direct young people to open their Bibles to 1 Corinthians 12:12–31 and have volunteers read aloud. • When they are finished, use the following questions to discuss each image. 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) There will be one flock, one shepherd. 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 T8 Unit 1 The Mystery of the Church Day Two SAMPLE
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