CHAPTER 1: GOD SENDS US HIS OWN SON 

End of Chapter Test: due for completion by our next meeeting on 9/19/2022
Please complete the chapter test in the textbook. Keep this test to be turned in at our next meeting.

Lesson and Overview
Chapter 1 Lesson and Overview Downloadable Resource
In this chapter the children will learn about Jesus’ life and the ways he taught us to live as his followers.

In this chapter the children will learn:

• God the Son became one of us
• Jesus grew up in Nazareth
• Jesus begins his work
• Jesus shows us how to live as his followers

Family Activity:  Blessed Trinity
Activity Sheet Download
Distribute the activity sheets and discuss the symbol of the Blessed Trinity used on the window.

• Artists use a triangle with three equal sides to symbolize the Blessed Trinity. There is one triangle with three equal sides.
• Artists use three joined circles. A circle having no beginning and no end symbolizes the Blessed Trinity's love having no beginning or end. The joined circles symbolize the three Persons of the Blessed Trinity joined in love.
• Saint Patrick used the shamrock to teach people about the Blessed Trinity because the shamrock is one plant with three leaves.

Suggest that the children tape the stained-glass window to a window at home. Each time you look at the window, remember the Blessed Trinity's love for you.

Prayer Discovery: Daily Prayer
God, our Father, we thank you for this day. Thank you for sending us your Son, Jesus, to save us and show us how to live.
Amen.

CHAPTER 2: JESUS TEACHES US ABOUT GOD'S LOVE

End of Chapter Test: due for completion by our next meeeting on 9/19/2022
Please complete the chapter test in the textbook. Keep this test to be turned in at our next meeting.

Lesson and Overview
Chapter 2 Lesson and Overview Downloadable Resource
In this chapter the children will be introduced to Jesus’ teaching about God’s love and the Kingdom of God.

In this chapter the children will learn:

• Jesus tells us how much God loves us
• Jesus teaches about the Kingdom of God
• Jesus teaches about the gift of faith
• Jesus dies and rises to save us

Family Activity:  Kingdom Cards
We build the Kingdom of God when we share God’s love with others. Create and decorate kingdom cards (think coupon book). Give a card to a family member. Plan a time to do the activities together. Give out as many cards as you can.

Kingdom Cards:

• Play a game with me
• Read a book with me
• Read a Bible story with me
• Take a walk with me
• Go on a picnic with me

Family Activity 2:  Stewardship
Helping others is not always easy. Children may feel unsure at times as they attempt to offer their help to those in need. Explain to them that they need to learn the skills to help others. One of the ways to learn how to care for the sick, get food to the hungry, or comfort people is watching other people doing these good deeds. Suggest to them that they take notice of adult parishioners who help those in need, such as eucharistic ministers or volunteers who organize the parish's food drive at Thanksgiving.

CHAPTER 3: CHRIST WILL COME AGAIN 

End of Chapter Test: due for completion by our next meeeting on 10/24/2022
Please complete the chapter test in the textbook. Keep this test to be turned in at our next meeting.

Lesson and Overview
Chapter 3 Lesson and Overview Downloadable Resource
In this chapter the children will learn about the Last Judgment and that Jesus taught us to love others.

In the celebration of the Eucharist, we remember and celebrate the entire life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus. Explain to the children that, after all Jesus has done for us, we now look forward to something just as wonderful-Christ's return in glory. The Last Judgment should not be seen as an isolated event but as the completion of God's entire plan to save all people. In God's eyes, we are all his sons and daughters

In this chapter the children will learn:

• Jesus has power over life and death
• Jesus will come again
• When Jesus Christ comes again, he will judge all people
• Jesus teaches us to love others

Family Activity:   Writing Home
Activity Sheet Download
Imagine you are traveling with Jesus.  Write a letter home to tell what Jesus did for Lazarus in Bethany.  Suggest to the children that they refer to the Scripture account in the text. When the children have finished writing, ask them to color the scroll, making it light brown in color. Then have the children cut out the scrolls. Display the scrolls in your prayer space.

CHAPTER 4: THE CHURCH BEGINS

End of Chapter Test: due for completion by our next meeeting on 10/24/2022
Please complete the chapter test in the textbook. Keep this test to be turned in at our next meeting.

Lesson and Overview
Chapter 4 Lesson and Overview Downloadable Resource
In this chapter the children will learn about the Holy Spirit coming at Pentecost and about the growth of the early Church. How does the Church of today compare to the early Church? Help the children discover the following similarities: the early Church and the Church of today gather to share the Eucharist; the Church continues to bring the good news to others; the Scriptures remain an important source of God's word; the Church continues to do the work of Jesus by caring for those in need; the Church continues to be served and guided by its leaders.

In this chapter the children will learn:

• Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit
• The Holy Spirit comes to the discipleS
• The Church begins on Pentecost
• The early Church grows

Family Activity:
Activity Sheet Download
Help the children learn about the roles that Jesus' disciples had when the Church began. Fill in each speech balloon with the correct name. When you have finished the activity sheet act out each person's introduction, adding additional pertinent information.

Answer:
I am Paul. I saw a bright light and I heard Jesus speaking to me. 
I am Stephen. The enemies of the Church had me put to death. 
I am Mary. I waited for the Holy Spirit with my son's apostles. 
I am Peter. I spoke to the crowd of people on Pentecost.

CHAPTER 5: WE LEARN ABOUT THE EARLY CHURCH

End of Chapter Test: due for completion by our next meeeting on 10/24/2022
Please complete the chapter test in the textbook. Keep this test to be turned in at our next meeting.

Lesson and Overview
Chapter 5 Lesson and Overview Downloadable Resource
In this chapter they will learn about the Apostles who led the Church and about those who remained true followers of Jesus despite the risk of losing their lives.

In this chapter the children will learn:

• The Apostles led the Church
• The disciples of Jesus share the Good News
• The followers of Jesus stood up for their faith
• Many of our ancestors in faith are examples of holiness

Family Activity: Report the Good News
Activity Sheet download
Have your child imagine they are a reporter for GNN (Good News Network), interviewing someone who shares the good news about Jesus. Help your child write the script for your report on the activity page. Have fun taking turns being the reporter and the person interviewed. Then pray together: "Jesus, help us to share your good news."

Family Activity: Report the Good News
Just as the early Church could not have been so successful without the apostles and disciples, so, too, today's Church relies upon the hard work and dedication of volunteers, parishioners, and Church leaders. Consider having your children make a list of all the people in the parish who contribute to the life of the parish. Decide on a way to thank them for their service,

CHAPTER 8: THE CHURCH HAS FOUR MARKS

End of Chapter Test: due for completion by our next meeeting on 11/28/2022
Please complete the chapter test in the textbook. Keep this test to be turned in at our next meeting.

Lesson and Overview
Chapter 8 Lesson and Overview Downloadable Resource
In this chapter the children will learn about the four marks of the Church, which are its special characteristics.

In this chapter the children will learn:

• Jesus chose the Apostles to lead the Church
• The pope and bishops are the successors  of the Apostles
• The Church is one and holy
• The Church is catholic and apostolic

Family Activity: Marks of the Family
The Church has four marks, or characteristics. Talk with your family about what makes your family special.

Family Activity: A Prayer for the Church
Father,
we pray for the Church,
and for us, its members.
Make us one.
Make us holy.
Make us catholic.
Make us apostolic.
We ask this in the name of
your Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen.

CHAPTER 9: THE CHURCH TEACHES US 

End of Chapter Test: due for completion by our next meeeting on 11/28/2022
Please complete the chapter test in the textbook. Keep this test to be turned in at our next meeting.

Lesson and Overview
Chapter 9 Lesson and Overview Downloadable Resource
In this chapter, the children will learn more about the Church and the ways in which the Church teaches us.

In this chapter the children will learn:

• The Church is the Body of Christ and the People of God
• We profess our faith through the Apostles’ Creed
• The Holy Spirit guides the Church
• The Church continues to teach the true message of Jesus

Family Activity:  Stewardship
As the children learn about their responsibilities as the people of God, help them to think of ways that they can care for one another and the earth. If possible, alert children to community activities for which they might volunteer. There may even be an opportunity to volunteer as a class for a project in the community, such as raising money for a parish project or giving their time to an environmental project.

CHAPTER 10: THE CHURCH PRAYS 

End of Chapter Test: due for completion by our next meeeting on 11/28/2022
Please complete the chapter test in the textbook. Keep this test to be turned in at our next meeting.

Lesson and Overview
Chapter 10 Lesson and Overview Downloadable Resource
In this chapter they will learn about the ways Catholics listen and talk to God in prayer.

In this chapter the children will learn:

• Jesus teaches his followers how to pray.
• We can pray with others or by ourselves.
• There are different kinds of prayer.
• The Church prays at all times.

Family Activity:  A Prayer Treat
Downloadable Activity Sheet
Read "A Prayer Treat." Then work together to write your own prayers. Share your prayers with the your family, holding their arms as shown.

After prayer, share a pretzel treat. You may wish to share commercially prepared pretzels, or have the children make their own. There are many recipes on the Internet.

CHAPTER 11:  THE PARISH IS OUR HOME

End of Chapter Test: due for completion by our next meeeting on 12/19/2022
Please complete the chapter test in the textbook. Keep this test to be turned in at our next meeting.

Lesson and Overview
Chapter 11 Lesson and Overview Downloadable Resource
In this chapter they will gain a deeper understanding of the parish as a Catholic community and the various ways people serve in their parish.

In this chapter the children will learn:

• We belong to a parish.
• Many people serve our parish.
• Our parish worships together. 
• Our parish cares for others. 

Family Activity:  A Parish Logo
Downloadable Activity Sheet
Think about team or community logos you have seen. Talk about the different types of lopgs  logos for sports, groups, and businesses. Have the children design a logo for our parish.

CHAPTER 12: GOD CALLS US TO HOLINESS

End of Chapter Test: due for completion by our next meeeting on 12/19/2022
Please complete the chapter test in the textbook. Keep this test to be turned in at our next meeting.

Lesson and Overview
Chapter 12 Lesson and Overview Downloadable Resource
In this chapter the children will learn that God calls each of us to holiness.

In this chapter the children will learn:

• God calls each of us.
• God calls everyone to be holy.
• God calls some men to be priests or deacons.
• God calls some people to religious life.

Family Activity:  The Call to Holiness
Downloadable Activity Sheet
Choose one of the vocations written above in dark black type. Then write a paragraph about yourself in the future as a deacon, priest, brother, sister, or layperson. Draw a picture of yourself as you live this vocation. Then color the frame.