As pre-adolescents, sixth graders are inbetween being children and teenagers. They need both the acceptance of their peers and the approval and direction of caring adults. Their faith in God is more likely directed by reason rather than emotion--yet ,Scripture, liturgy, prayer, Bible stories, role-playing, music, and poetry are essential ways to tap the depths of this relationship. Through interactions with peers and adults, they are open to "making a difference" by responsible choices for goodness and justice.

When we are traveling to an unfamiliar place, we usually use maps or a guidebook of the area. These provide us important information to help us find our way and wisely plan our time. 

God, through the Church, has provided us with many resources to help us on our life journey to holiness. Included in these resources are the Sacred Scriptures, the sacraments, and the Church’s social teachings.

• The Bible is an important source for Christian living and worship. The Scriptures offer us an invaluable roadmap, and the Church encourages us to read them often in order to stay on course to God.
• The Church continues Jesus’ ministry through the Seven Sacraments. Jesus gave us the Seven Sacraments to guide and  strengthen us throughout our life. The sacraments “touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life: they give birth and increase, healing and mission to the Christian’s life of faith” (CCC 1210).
• The Church continues Jesus’ ministry through its work for social justice. The Church’s social teachings, based firmly in the Gospel, help us navigate through some of the most pressing problems of our day. The Church teaches us about the dignity of every individual, the role of Christians in the workplace, and our challenge to work for peace and justice. 

Scripture Cookie Baking Printable Activity
(Additional materials needed: flour, baking powder, butter, sugar-sweet cane, eggs, vanilla extract-"flavor", salt, and Bibles.)  Follow the recipe  by finding the "ingredients" in the Scripture passage.

Answer Key:
Genesis 18:6—flour
Leviticus 6:10—leaven or baking powder 
Psalms 55:22—butter 
Jeremiah 6:20—sweet cane or sugar 
Luke 11:12—egg 
Wisdom 16:21—flavor or vanilla extract 
2 Kings 2:20—salt

**Alternative Activity: Discuss how we can all make use of the resources God gave us. What resource do you turn to when you are in need of guidance?

The Mass is the most important sacramental celebration of the Church, and it always follows a set order. As Catholics, we are familiar with the order. When the priest says, “The Lord be with you,” without any thought or hesitation the congregation responds, “And with your Spirit.” The priest says, “Let us pray,” and the congregation stands up. But how often do we stop and think of reasons why respond the way we do? How often do we really engage in each part of the Mass? 

Discussion Topic:
Watch: Understanding the Mass by: Breaking In The Habit, or review the order of the Mass below. We have included a link to talk about each part of the Mass and discuss your favorite. Is it a prayer you feel most connected to, or a song that brings you joy? 
 
Introductory Rites—preparing to celebrate the Eucharist
Entrance Chant
We gather as a community and praise God in song.

Greeting
We pray the Sign of the Cross. The priest welcomes us.

Penitential Rite
We remember our sins and ask God for mercy.

Gloria
We praise God in song.

Collect
We ask God to hear our prayers.

Liturgy of the Word—hearing God’s plan of salvation

First Reading
We listen to God’s Word, usually from the Old Testament.

Responsorial Psalm
We respond to God’s Word in song.

Second Reading
We listen to God’s Word from the New Testament.

Gospel Acclamation
We sing “Alleluia!” to praise God for the Good News. During Lent, we use a different acclamation.

Gospel Reading 
We stand and listen to the Gospel of the Lord.

Homily 
The priest or the deacon explains God’s Word.

Profession of Faith 
We proclaim our faith through the Creed.

Prayer of the Faithful
We pray for our needs and the needs of others.

Liturgy of the Eucharist—celebrating Christ’s presence in the Eucharist

Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts
We bring gifts of bread and wine to the altar.

Prayer over the Offerings
The priest prays that God will accept our sacrifice.

Eucharistic Prayer
This prayer of thanksgiving is the center and high point of the entire celebration.

• Preface—We give thanks and praise to God.
• Holy, Holy, Holy—We sing an acclamation of praise.
• Consecration—The bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
• The Mystery of Faith—We proclaim the mystery of our faith.
• Amen—We affirm the words and actions of the Eucharistic Prayer.

Communion Rite—receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ

• Lord’s Prayer—We pray the Our Father.
• Sign of Peace—We offer one another Christ’s peace.
• Lamb of God—We pray for forgiveness, mercy, and peace.
• Communion—We receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
• Prayer After Communion—We pray that the Eucharist will strengthen us to live as Jesus did.

Concluding Rites—going forth to glorify the Lord by our lives

Final Blessing
We receive God’s blessing.

Dismissal 
We go in peace, glorifying the Lord by our lives.