OBJECTIVES FOR CATECHISTS GRADE FOUR THEME: God’s people are invited to a new life of Grace. Each person is called to respond to God by obeying His Commandments and living His Beatitudes. MESSAGE: To learn about grace, God’s life, in our souls by describing grace as a sharing in a special friendship with God NCD #57, 98 CCC #1997 TTOC p. 323 GDC #86 by explaining grace as a gift from God NCD #57 CCC #2003 TTOC p. 323 GDC #92, 102, 137-138, 146 by reviewing that Jesus becomes present in the Eucharistic Liturgy (Mass) NCD #60 CCC #1088, 1373-1377 TTOC pp. 381-384 GDC #115 by deepening our appreciation of the power of the Spirit NCD #1 CCC #737-739, 747 TTOC pp. 144-145 GDC #42-45 95
Transcript
OBJECTIVES FOR CATECHISTSGRADE FOUR
THEME:
God’s people are invited to a new life of Grace. Each person is called to respond to God by obeying His Commandments and living His Beatitudes.
MESSAGE:
To learn about grace, God’s life, in our souls
by describing grace as a sharing in a special friendship with God
NCD #108-109 CCC #677-678TTOC pp. 460-462 GDC #102
by introducing the precepts of the Church as seven Church laws that guide our practice of holy days and fast days, receiving sacraments, studying Church teaching, and helping in missionary work
NCD #105 Appendix B CCC #2041-2043TTOC pp. 195-196
by further developing an understanding of sin, sorrow, repentance and forgiveness
NCD #124 CCC #1426-1428, 1430-1432TTOC pp. 424-427 GDC #30, 204
by realizing that the Ten Commandments guide our actions in daily life
NCD #105 Appendix A CCC #2069, 2072TTOC pp. 247-248 GDC #85, 117
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by understanding that the corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead
NCD #66, 105b, 156 CCC #2447TTOC p. 434 GDC #47
by knowing that the spiritual works of mercy are instructing, advising, consoling, comforting, forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently
NCD #66 CCC #2447TTOC p. 434 GDC #47, 103
by reviewing that Jesus’ new law of love tells us we must love God above all things and love others of diverse races, ages, cultures, and abilities
by understanding that God’s response to sin was to promise salvation and offer a covenant
NCD #130 CCC #55-56, 70TTOC p. 443 GDC #85
by knowing the meaning of God’s covenant with Noah, with Abraham and with Moses
NCD #43 CCC #56-64TTOC p. 71 GDC #85
by comprehending that on Mt. Sinai God gave His law to Moses and the people of Israel so that they might serve him as the one true God
NCD #100 CCC #62TTOC pp. 210-211 GDC #115
by recognizing the Ten Commandments as part of the covenant relationship
NCD #52 CCC #2056-2066TTOC pp. 247 GDC #85, 115
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THE TEN COMMANDMENTSTHE TEN COMMANDMENTS
First Commandment
To deepen the understanding of the Ten Commandments
by teaching the children to look upon sacred images with reverence, not for themselves, but for the persons they represent. We respect and revere saints; we worship only God
NCD #146 CCC #2131-2132, 2141TTOC p. 266 GDC #130
Second Commandment
by explaining that blasphemy is using the name of God, of Jesus Christ, of the Virgin Mary, and of the saints in an offensive way
NCD #105a CCC #2162TTOC pp. 265, 267
by describing that swearing and the use of bad language is a violation of the second commandment
NCD #100a CCC #2164TTOC p. 267 GDC #130
Third Commandment
by teaching that Catholics must attend Mass on Saturday evening or Sundays and holy days of obligation and make the day holy and prayerful
NCD #58 CCC #2185, 2192-2193TTOC p. 267
by telling the children that we as Catholics should refrain from all unnecessary work on Sundays, and spend time with our families and reach out to the needy
NCD #58 CCC #2205, 2234, 2248TTOC pp. 297-300
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Fourth Commandment
by presenting the family as an image of the Trinity
by describing that the fourth commandment calls us to show love, respect and obedience to our parents at all times especially in their old age
NCD #226-227, 255 CCC #2231, 2248TTOC pp. 297-300
Fifth Commandment
by imparting that the fifth commandment calls us to respect life from conception to natural death
by teaching that the fifth commandment opposes murder — the deliberate killing of an innocent person
NCD #167 CCC #2216, 2268-2269, 2320TTOC pp. 273-274
by explaining that the fifth commandment teaches that “deliberate HATRED is contrary to charity”
NCD #105b, 165 CCC #2303TTOC pp. 269-270
by explaining that the fifth commandment opposes all threats to life: abortion, suicide, euthanasia, etc.
Sixth Commandment
by discussing that men and women are equal in dignity, yet they have complementary differences
NCD #156, 173-174 CCC #2333-2334, 2393TTOC pp. 442-443
by teaching that the sixth commandment opposes adultery, the breaking of the promise by a husband or wife to love only the other faithfully and fully
NCD #99 CCC #2380TTOC pp. 282-285
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by teaching that the sixth commandment prohibits us from engaging in any behavior or activity against chastity. It calls us to be pure in thoughts, in speech, and in deed
NCD #1006 CCC #2349, 2364TTOC pp. 286, 288
Seventh Commandment
by presenting that we must be respectful of what belongs to others. Stealing or cheating violates God’s law
NCD #100, 105 GDC #85TTOC p. 248
Eighth Commandment
by teaching that lying for any reason is always wrong
NCD #100 CCC #2482TTOC pp. 247-248 GDC #130
by explaining that false witness and perjury are grave offenses against truth
NCD #47 CCC #2476TTOC pp. 290-292 GDC #117
by helping the children to understand that division, people not getting along, is against the will of Christ
by explaining that misrepresenting people by telling stories against them is wrong
NCD #154 CCC #2477, 2484TTOC p. 248 GDC #130
Ninth Commandment
by teaching that the desiring of your neighbor’s wife or husband is always a sin
NCD #105 CCC #431TTOC pp. 247-248 GDC #173
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by presenting that the kingdom of God is the presence of God’s love, peace, and justice
NCD #67, 100 CCC #541-550, 2046TTOC pp. 160-162, 471-472
Tenth Commandment
by explaining that desiring of your neighbor’s goods in a wrongful way violates God’s law
NCD #105 CCC #2062TTOC p. 330 GDC #115
by describing the Ten Commandments as part of the covenant or promise between God and His People in the Old Testament
NCD #52 CCC #2056-2063TTOC p. 247
by telling the students that the Ten Commandments guide our actions in daily life and lead us to a life of happiness
NCD #105 Appendix A CCC #2069, 2072, Part III, Section 2, Chap. 1-2TTOC pp. 247-248
by identifying that Jesus’ new law of love tells us we must love God above all things and love others of diverse races, ages, cultures, and abilities
NCD #154 CCC #1931-1938, 2052, 2055TTOC pp. 248-249, 273-274, 305-307
by characterizing that the Gospel fulfills the Old Law by orienting its promises to the Kingdom of heaven
TTOC pp. 443-444 CCC #1967, 1982, 1984
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THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS OF THE CHURCHTHE SEVEN SACRAMENTS OF THE CHURCH
The Sacrament of Baptism
To cause the sacraments to become more meaningful
by teaching that these three sacraments together make up Christian initiation: Baptism, which is the beginning of a new life; Confirmation, which strengthens that life; and the Eucharist, which nourishes the disciple with Christ’s Body and Blood for transformation in Christ
NCD #116 CCC #1275, 1283TTOC pp. 401-413 GDC #90-91, 176
by understanding Baptism as a joining to the community of Christ’s Church
NCD #116 CCC #1275, 1283TTOC pp. 401-413 GDC #90-91, 176
by explaining that the baptized are incorporated into the Church and share in the priesthood of Christ
NCD #93 CCC #1267-1269, 1279TTOC pp. 409-410 GDC #27
by defining the fruits of Baptism as forgiveness of original and personal sin and birth into new life
by describing that the Eucharist is “thanksgiving and praise to the Father, the sacrificial memorial of Christ and His Body, the presence of Christ by the power of his word and of his Spirit.”
NCD #120-121 CCC #1358, 1370TTOC pp. 360-361, 368 GDC #85-87
by teaching that the Eucharist is offered also for the faithful departed who have died and are not yet purified, so that they may enter heaven
NCD #120 CCC #144, 1371TTOC p. 375
by calling the Eucharist the Lord’s Supper, the Holy Sacrifice, Holy Communion and Holy Mass
NCD #120 CCC #1328-1332TTOC pp. 373, 376 GDC #115
by teaching the Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life
by presenting that both sin and forgiveness have a social as well as a personal dimension
NCD #124-126 CCC #1440, 1462, 1469TTOC pp. 421-434 GDC #195
by explaining the essential elements of the sacrament are the contrition for confession of sin, satisfaction made by the penitent, and the absolution of the priest
NCD #124 CCC #1448, 1480, 1491TTOC pp. 425-428 GDC #102
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by teaching that sin wounds God’s honor, the human dignity of the sinner, and the good of the Church; no evil is graver than sin
NCD #125 CCC #1487-1488TTOC p. 262 GDC #37
by recognizing that Penance offers a reunion among God, the Church and us
by recalling that during his earthly life, Christ touched and healed. He continues to do so in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
NCD #127-128 CCC #1504, 1511TTOC pp. 434-441 GDC #116
by believing that the Anointing of the Sick is an extension of the healing of Christ to the seriously ill or elderly
NCD #128 CCC #1499, 1514TTOC pp. 436-437 GDC #87
by indicating that Christ’s sufferings on the cross give a new meaning to human suffering
NCD #128 CCC #1505, 1521TTOC p. 141 GDC #87
by recognizing that this sacrament provides a relief and strengthening for the soul of the sick person
NCD #128 CCC #1503, 1508, 1520-1521TTOC p. 439
by introducing that sometimes a restoration of bodily health takes place
NCD #127 CCC #1512, 1515, 1520TTOC p. 439
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The Sacrament of Holy Orders
by teaching that priests preach the Gospel, celebrate the Eucharist and serve their parish as leaders
NCD #132-133 CCC #1566-1567, 1595TTOC pp. 385-400 GDC #224-231
by understanding the ordained ministry as one which teaches, sanctifies and governs the People of God
NCD #132 CCC #1552-1553TTOC pp. 397-399 GDC #224
by realizing that priesthood is a primary means of the sacramental presence of Christ
NCD #132 CCC #1548, 1551TTOC p. 389 GDC #224
by understanding the celebration of the three orders of bishop, priest, and deacon
NCD #132 CCC #1554-1555, 1571TTOC p. 392 GDC #224
by learning that “among other tasks, it is the task of the deacon to assist the bishop and priests in the celebration of the divine mysteries, above all the Eucharist, in the distribution of Holy Communion, in assisting at the blessing of marriage, in the proclamation of the Gospel and preaching, in presiding over funerals, and in dedicating themselves to the various ministries of charity.”
NCD #93 CCC #1570, 1596TTOC pp. 390-391 GDC #225
The Sacrament of Matrimony
by presenting the family as the “domestic church”
NCD #130-131 CCC #1655-1657, 1666TTOC pp. 442-453 GDC #176
by recalling that marriage is an empowerment for the couple to be love-giving and life-giving
NCD #131 CCC #1641-1642TTOC pp. 445, 448 GDC #232
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by identifying marriage as a reflection of the covenant of indissoluble love between Christ and the Church
by portraying the love of husband and wife as the image of the love of Christ for His Church
NCD #130 CCC #1616-1617, 1659, 1661TTOC p. 413 GDC #232
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VOCABULARY
absolution examination of conscience parableAscension faith PenanceAssumption free-will precepts of the ChurchBaptism grace prophetsbeatitudes holy day of obligation ReconciliationChristian hope redemptioncommandments Immaculate Conception rosaryCommunion of Saints in vain servicecommunity Incarnation sorrowConfirmation justice spiritual works of mercyconscience kingdom of God temptationcontrition law of love Ten Commandmentscorporal works of mercy liturgy universal Churchcovenant mortal sin venial sincovet obedience violencedisciple occasion of sin virtueEucharist (Mass) original sin
CONCEPTS TO BE LEARNED
Beatitudes Seven SacramentsDays of Penance Stations of the CrossEucharistic Fast Ten CommandmentsGeneral Laws of Fast and Abstinence Theological VirtuesGreat Commandments Twelve ApostlesHoly Days of Obligation in the United States Works of MercyLaws of the Church SpiritualMarks of the Church CorporalRosary
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MORALITY:
To teach that God calls each of us to personal conversion through a process of sorrow, forgiveness, and reconciliation
by learning that sin and evil exist in our world today as a result of original sin and its consequences
by realizing that mortal sin is a total break in our relationship with God and the Church
NCD #98 CCC #61, 1855-1859TTOC pp. 262-264 GDC #37, 232
by understanding that venial sin is a less serious offense which weakens our relationship with self, God, and others
NCD #98 CCC #1855, 1862-1863TTOC pp. 265-266 GDC #37, 232
by reviewing that there is a difference between situations of accident or carelessness and deliberate moral choices, direct or indirect
NCD #98 CCC #387, 1860TTOC p. 262 GDC #232
by studying that the Sacrament of Penance is an important sacramental way to express sorrow and to experience God’s forgiveness; we need to go to Confession regularly
To teach that God calls each of us to personal conversion
by emphasizing that God wants us to care for our bodies and to respect the bodies of others
NCD #105b, c CCC #2258, 2288-2291, 2300, 2519, 2521-2522TTOC pp. 272-274 GDC #145-147
by remembering that division, people not getting along, is against the will of Christ
by understanding that our talents were given by God to be shared
NCD #209 CCC #1696-1698TTOC pp. 185-186 GDC #51
COMMUNITY:
To identify the difference between needs and wants
by recognizing the human need for forgiveness
by realizing that the Commandments and Beatitudes are the major moral norms for the Christian community
by learning that wants are not essential to life
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To develop an understanding of relationships with God and others
by learning that communal celebration of Jesus’ life, death, and Resurrection is paralleled by our own
by identifying good aspects of relationships versus harmful pressures
by recognizing equality and complementarity between male and female/girl and boy
To teach that study of the Church teachings and development of relationships are life-long processes
by encouraging a continuation of the development of a loving relationship with God
by discussing the importance of Christian family values
by identifying the parish community as a source of strength for the living of Catholic values
by teaching the sources of relevant Catholic information — selected documents from Vatican II
by encouraging an accepting attitude in regard to future changes
WORSHIP:
To emphasize that the New Testament is the story of Jesus
by explaining the Beatitudes
by studying the parables
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SCRIPTURE STORIES TO KNOW/HEAR
Genesis 2:4-3:24....................................................................The FallMatthew 5:1-12......................................................................The BeatitudesMatthew 25.............................................................................The Works of Mercy and Last JudgmentLuke 10:25-25.........................................................................Jesus’ Great CommandmentLuke 12:27-34.........................................................................Lilies of the FieldLuke 15:11-32.........................................................................Prodigal Son and Loving FatherJohn 4:21-24...........................................................................WorshipJohn 7:1-10; 11-17.................................................................Jesus Living the Life of LoveJohn 13:34-35.........................................................................Love One AnotherJohn 14:1-6.............................................................................The Way, Truth, LifeJohn 15:21..............................................................................Reaction of the WorldJohn 20:19-23.........................................................................The Gift of Penance
To participate in private and communal prayer
by recognizing sorrow as a form of prayer
by praying for personal strength
by participating during Eucharistic Liturgy (Mass) in prayer and song
by praying the rosary and other formal prayers (refer to Appendix)
PRAYERS TO BE LEARNED AND MEMORIZED
Act of Contrition Our FatherApostle’s Creed Prayer After MealsGlory Be Prayer Before MealsHail Mary RosaryMorning Offering Sign of The Cross
To deepen the understanding of sacraments
by reviewing the ritual for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist
by defining Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist and Penance
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To recognize liturgical devotions, times and saints
by describing the Eucharistic Liturgy (Mass) as a sacrifice, meal and the greatest prayer of praise
by experiencing the Liturgical seasons and Easter Triduum
by celebrating the lives of heroes/heroines — past and present saints
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DESIRED CATECHETICAL EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTSGRADE FOUR
AWARENESS OF GOD
I. MESSAGE DOCTRINAL
The Student:
1. describes grace as a share in God’s life, a special friendship with God
2. explains grace as a gift from God enabling persons to live in Christian harmony
3. identifies the Church as a forgiving community
4. explains that Jesus becomes really present in the Eucharistic Liturgy (Mass)
5. shows Mary as a woman of great faith, the model disciple
6. describes the Church as a community of caring, loving, faithful people responding to God’s invitation to be God’s People
7. describes the Kingdom of God as the presence of God’s love, peace and justice in the world
8. describes mortal sin as destroying a person’s relationship with God and venial sin as a weakening of one’s relationship with God
9. recites the Ten Commandments and gives some examples of how Christians can act in accord with them (refer to Appendix II)
10. explains that Jesus gave us two Great Commandments:
Love the Lord your God with your whole heart, your whole soul and with all your mind
You shall love your neighbor as yourself – Mt. 23:37-40
11. identifies the Beatitudes as teachings of Jesus that show us how we can be truly happy and share happiness with others – Mt. 5:3-10
12. deepens appreciation of the power of the Spirit – the seven gifts enable one to live as Jesus did
13. names the precepts of the Church (refer to Appendix II)
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14. lists the Holy Days of Obligation
15. develops awareness of death, judgment, eternal life – heaven, hell, purgatory
MESSAGE HISTORICAL
The Student:
1. recalls that God has been and is active in our world
2. gives examples of how the commandments relate to his/her life and experience (Ex. 19:1-17)
3. describes a diocese as the local Church headed by a bishop
4. explains roles of persons in the Church (pope, bishops, priests, religious, laity)
I. MORALITY PERSONAL
The Student:
1. recognizes that love is key to a covenant relationship with God
2. reflects on the need to pray before making decisions (Mark 14:32-41)
3. realizes that God calls people to act responsibly
4. recognizes his/her sexuality as gift and the need to be chaste
5. defines conscience as the judgment of reason which indicates whether an act should be avoided because it is evil, or done because it is good
6. explains how rules/laws help people live in harmony
7. recognizes peace as the result of legislating and keeping just laws
8. explains obedience to rules/laws as giving a sense of Christian identity and belonging to the Church
9. explains the differences between sin, mistakes and accidents
10. realizes that our feelings and emotions are gifts of God, but they are not always indicators of right and wrong
11. recognizes that the conscience is our secret core, where God speaks in our depths
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12. understands that when our conscience accuses us, it means that God may be calling us to conversion
13. defines sin as freely choosing not to love God, others, or self
14. describes the difference between mortal, and venial sin
15. gives examples of how reconciliation happens
MORALITY Social
The Student:
1. cites examples showing the special place of the poor and needy in the teachings of Jesus
2. identifies special needs of particular groups of people (elderly, persons with disabilities, the poor)
3. cites concrete examples needed to be peacemakers
4. recognizes ways to settle conflicts through non-violent means
5. recognizes the danger of an over-emphasis on material goods
6. realizes that service to others identifies him/her as a person of God
7. recognizes equality and complementarity between male and female
8. analyzes how sexual stereotyping can affect one’s own identity and one’s relationship with others
9. considers the causes and effects of separation and divorce on families
10. knows that the Ten Commandments and Beatitudes are moral norms for the Catholic community
11. analyzes consequences of not being faithful in relationship with others
12. recognizes how racial stereotyping can be harmful and demeaning affecting one’s relationship with others
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MORALITY SERVICE/WITNESS
The Student:
1. recognizes that the study, knowledge and practice of his/her faith is integral to being a Catholic
2. sees individual talents as gifts used in service of others
3. participates in class service projects, e.g. collecting food for the poor, writing letters to the elderly, raising money for missions
4. respects the human dignity and rights of all with differences, e.g. multi-cultural, physical, intellectual, emotional
5. identifies saints as our models of Christian witness
6. cites examples of activities which really are the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy
7. expresses care and concern through almsgiving and serving others in Advent and Lent
8. reaches out and loves those who are hurting
AWARENESS OF OTHERS
III. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTAL
The Student:
1. recognizes a real human need to love and be loved, to forgive and to be forgiven
2. becomes aware of the emotional, spiritual, physical and psychological development of self and others
3. experiences community through mutual sharing of faith, worship and service
4. responds to the Christian call to evangelize
5. identifies which societal values are either in conflict with or do not reflect Catholic values — abortion, racism, greed, materialism, capital punishment
6. recognizes the communal celebration of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection as a celebration of our life, expected death and resurrection
7. knows that the Ten Commandments and Beatitudes are moral norms for the Catholic community
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8. distinguishes between good aspects of one’s relationships to peer groups and potentially harmful pressures
9. cites examples of how families, friends and married persons express love
10. analyzes consequences of not being faithful in relationship with others
11. recognizes equality and complementarity between male and female
12. appreciate the Church as a universal community which includes persons of ALL ages, races, cultures, and abilities
13. analyzes how sexual stereotyping can affect one’s own identity and relationship with others
14. considers the causes and effects of separation and divorce on families
AWARENESS OF SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
I. WORSHIP SPIRITUAL
The Student:
1. recognizes the New Testament as faith documents of the early Church
2. learns and explains the Beatitudes which teach Christians how to live (Matthew 5:1-12)
3. knows the parables which proclaim the reign of God
4. focuses on Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises
WORSHIP PRAYER
The Student:
1. participates in prayers and hymns of the Sunday Eucharistic Liturgy (Mass)
2. describes true sorrow and expresses sorrow for sin through the Sacrament of Penance
3. experiences brief silent and spontaneous prayer
4. includes prayers of adoration, petition, intercession, contrition, thanksgiving,, and praise
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5. prays for strength to be faithful to God’s Commandments and Beatitudes all the days of our lives
6. prays with hymns
7. prays the rosary and becomes familiar with the mysteries
8. participates in prayer services
9. practices the examination of conscience
10. prays for direction in choice of vocation
11. recites formal prayers (refer to Appendix I)
WORSHIP SACRAMENTS
The Student:
1. experiences a renewed and deepened understanding of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist and Penance
2. experiences the Rite of Reconciliation and a communal celebration
3. identifies the Sacrament of Penance as one of the ways we receive God’s forgiveness when we have wounded our relationship with Him
4. recognizes the Sacrament of Penance as a call to be peacemakers
5. defines Eucharist as thanksgiving
6. experiences seeing Jesus in others
WORSHIP LITURGICAL
The Student:
1. describes the Mass as a memorial sacrifice, a meal and a prayer of thanksgiving
2. experiences the liturgical seasons of the year, e.g. Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Easter Triduum, Easter, Pentecost as well as Ordinary Time
3. recognizes the Easter Triduum as the central celebration of the Church Year
4. celebrates lives of saints as good Christian models for his/her life
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5. experiences devotions such as the Way of the Cross, prayer to patrons and/or saints – St. Joseph, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Francis Cabrini, St. John Neumann, C.Ss.R., Blessed Theresa Gerhardinger, S.S.N.D., Blessed Katherine Drexel, S.B.S., and Blessed Francis Seelos, C.Ss.R. — our Pittsburgh Saints
6. experiences the enthronement of the Bible in the classroom
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