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Christ Our Life

Family Catechesis

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Leader Guide

Christ Our Life Family Catechesis Leader Guide is an expression of the work of Loyola Press, a ministry of the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits.

Cover illustration: jorisvo/Shutterstock.com Cover and interior design: Loyola Press Acknowledgments continue on page 209.

Copyright ÂŠ 2018 Loyola Press, Chicago, Illinois. 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 prior permission of the publisher.

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CONTENTS

Program Overview

OV-4

Welcome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OV-4 Typical Program Model.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OV-5 What You Need.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OV-6 Slide Show Themes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OV-8 Family Catechesis Meeting Structure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OV-10

Inside the Program

OV-11

How to Use This Leader Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OV-11 Additional Online Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OV-15

The Effective Catechist

OV-16

A Catechetical Leader’s Role. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OV-16 Prepare a Welcoming Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OV-17 Technical Considerations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OV-18 The At-Home Edition and Interactive Session Reviews. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OV-18 Tips for Successful Sessions.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OV-19 Widen Your Welcome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OV-20 Long-Range Planning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OV-21 The First Meeting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OV-24

Informative Slide Show Presentations

i-1

Introduction to Christ Our Life Family Catechesis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1 Online Resources for Christ Our Life Family Catechesis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-9

Part/Seasonal Slide Show Presentations

Part 1: The Creed. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Part 2: The Sacraments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Part 3: Moral Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Part 4: Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177 Part 5: New Evangelization.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 The Year in Our Church: Advent and Christmas.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 The Year in Our Church: Lent, Holy Week, and Easter.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

Acknowledgments.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209

www.christourlife.com/family

OV-3

Christ Our Life Family Catechesis Leader Guide

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Family-centered catechetical programs are opportunities for parents to catechize their children directly, for spouses to catechize each other and for children to catechize one another and their parents. National Directory for Catechesis, p. 259

Christ Our Life Family Catechesis Developed by Joe Paprocki The Christ Our Life Family Catechesis program was developed by best-selling author, catechetical leader, and religious educator Joe Paprocki, D.Min. He is the author of more than two dozen best-selling books on faith formation and catechist training.

Welcome! Thank you for choosing the Christ Our Life Family Catechesis program. As a catechetical leader, you are aware that catechesis is a lifelong journey for the whole parish. This practical, flexible, simple, and ready -to-implement program provides you with the tools and support you need to put a comprehensive family catechesis program into effect.

Christ Our Life Family Catechesis The Christ Our Life Family Catechesis program is a complete faith formation curriculum that gives busy families the flexibility they need and the deeper relationship with God they desire.

A Flexible Approach

Guided by a parish catechetical leader, parents and their children regularly come together with other families to take part in group meetings that serve as springboards to each unit’s content. Through these meetings, parents become more confident, comfortable, and able to share the truth and beauty of the Catholic faith with their children. In their homes, families explore the unit theme at their own pace supported by the engaging print and digital materials the Christ Our Life Family Catechesis program offers.

At Home

Strengthening the Parish Community and the Domestic Church

In the Parish

www.christourlife.com/family

OV-4

Christ Our Life Family Catechesis Leader Guide

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Typical Program Model

IN THE PARISH:

AT HOME:

Families gather all together with the leader and experience a slide show presentation on the part theme. Parents stay with the leader for the continuation of the presentation and for catechetical preparation. While this takes place, children go with catechists to complete the first lesson.

Parents catechize their children at home using parent-friendly materials. They return for another group meeting in approximately one month to prepare for the next part.

See page OV-10 for a detailed explanation.

At-Home Catechesis that Includes Professional Guidance!

www.christourlife.com/family

OV-5

Christ Our Life Family Catechesis Leader Guide

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

What You Need The Christ Our Life Family Catechesis materials are conveniently accessed through the Internet after digital purchase—no bulky binders, no misplaced DVDs, and no worry!

For Leaders and Directors High-quality, complete slide show presentations give a positive visual impact to your group meetings and ensure successful presentations to diverse groups. Each slide show presentation includes embedded media clips and presentation notes so you can capture and maintain participants’ attention and engagement.

Filling the Empty Space Within

Family Catechesis Slide Show Presentations: Used to open each meeting; viewed by families and parents only Digitally delivered

Prayer and Spirituality

Welcome!

Family Catechesis Leader Guide: Presentation guide for slide shows with helpful tips and full scripting Digitally delivered

Family Catechesis Director Guide: Program set-up and management Digitally delivered

www.christourlife.com/family

OV-6

Christ Our Life Family Catechesis Leader Guide

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

For Parents and Children USCCB-Approved Content for Solid Learning Christ Our Life Christ Our Life Christ Our Life NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION NEW EVANGELIZATION EDITION

God Is Our God GodIsIsOur Our Good Father Good Father Good Father ✦

✦

Grade AT-HOME AT-HOME 1Grade EDITION Grade AT-HOME 1 EDITION EDITION UNIT 1 1 UNIT 1 UNIT 1

Before beginning Unit 1, read A Letter Home, found on page 2 of your child’s book. Then begin next paragraph with your ✦ Before beginning Unitthe 1, read A Letter Home, foundchild. on page 2 of your book. Thenbook begin next paragraph with your Say:child’s The title of our is the God Is Good. Have yourfound childchild. repeat title. ✦ Before beginning Unit 1, read A Letter Home, on pagethe 2 of your Then look through together. Say: In Unit 1with we will learn about child’s book. Then begin next paragraph your child. ✦ Say: The title ofthe ourbook book isthe God Is Good. Have your child repeat the title. what Godlook is like and howbook we can talk and listen to God. Then through In Unit we will learn about ✦ Say: The title ofthe our booktogether. is God IsSay: Good. Have1 your child repeat the title. what God is like and how we can talk and to God. Then look through the book together. Say:listen In Unit 1 we will learn about what God is like and how we can talk and listen to God.

CHAPTER 1 Jesus Is Our Friend CHAPTER 1 Jesus Is Our Friend CHAPTER Centering PAGE 1 1 Jesus Is Our Friend ✦ Centering Read aloud thePAGE title1and the Bible verse on page 1. Then point out the picture. How can friends? do ✦ Centering ReadAsk: aloud the title1you andtell the that Biblethese versechildren on page are 1. Then pointHow out the PAGE

youpicture. know that someone is your friend?these (Friends like toare befriends? with us; How they do How ✦ ReadAsk: aloud the can title you and tell the that Bible versechildren on page 1. Then point out the show their lovethat by doing kindisthings for us.) (Friends like to be with us; they you know your friend? picture. Ask:someone How can you tell that these children are friends? How do show their lovethat by someone doing kind for us.)(Friends like to be with us; they you know is things your friend?

Sharing show PAGE 3their love by doing kind things for us.) ✦ Sharing Use the family to read the story of Jesus and the little children PAGEBible 3 (Mark 10:13–16). Give thestory Jesusof punchout button from the back ✦ Sharing Use the family Bible to child read the Jesus and the little children PAGE 3 your ✦

✦

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✦

of the book as a reminder of Jesus’ (Mark 10:13–16). Give your childlove. thestory Jesusofpunchout from the back ✦ Use the family Bible to read the Jesus andbutton the little children the book as a reminder of Jesus’ Say:ofJesus is a friend toGive children. Ask:love. How do we know that Jesus (Mark 10:13–16). your child the Jesus punchout button from the back wanted the be friends? (He wanted them to be with him; thechildren book as atoreminder of Jesus’ love. ✦ Say:ofJesus is a friend tohis children. Ask: How do we know that Jesus he hugged and the Does Jesus want tothem be your friend? wanted the blessed children tochildren.) be friends? (HeHow wanted to be with him; ✦ Say: Jesus is a friend to his children. Ask: do we know that Jesus healoud hugged and blessed children.) Does Jesus want to be your Read page 3 and havethe your answer the wanted question. wanted the children to be child his friends? (He them to befriend? with him; healoud hugged and3 blessed the children.) Does Jesus want to is besmiling your friend? ✦ Read page and the have your child answer theSay: question. Ask your child to describe stained-glass window. Jesus kindly on the children and blessing them. The children are Jesus hugging ✦ Read aloud page 3 and have your child answer theSay: question. ✦ Ask your child to describe the stained-glass window. is smiling Jesus, which shows that they love him. them. The children are hugging kindly thechild children and blessing ✦ Ask on your to describe the stained-glass window. Say: Jesus is smiling Jesus, which that they him. them. The children are hugging kindly onshows the children andlove blessing

Sharing Jesus, PAGE 4which shows that they love him. ✦ Sharing Read aloudPAGE page4 4 and have your child point out the words Jesus and Christ. Say: Christ is4 4a and title have that was Jesus his Resurrection. ✦ Sharing Read aloud page yourgiven child to point outafter the words Jesus and PAGE ✦

It means “anointed with Christ. Say: Christ is4aoil.” titlehave that your was given to Jesus his Resurrection. ✦ Read aloud page and child point outafter the words Jesus and It aloud means “anointed Read the directions havethat your child complete the activity. Ask: Christ. Say: Christwith isand a oil.” title was given to Jesus after his Resurrection. What did Jesusthe say to let us know he isyour our child friend? (“Let the It means “anointed with oil.” ✦ Read aloud directions and have complete thechildren activity. Ask: come to me.”) What didaloud Jesusthe saydirections to let us know he isyour our child friend? (“Let the ✦ Read and have complete thechildren activity. Ask: come to me.”) What did Jesus say to let us know he is our friend? (“Let the children page 1 of 24 Grade 1 • Unit 1 come to me.”)

www.christourlife.com

Grade 1 • Unit 1

page 1 of 24 page 1 of 24

Student Books: Grades 1–8, Printed

At-Home Editions: Used at home for the vast majority of the year, these step-by-step instructions help parents lead their children through the Student Books. Grades 1–8, downloadable printable PDFs accessible at www.christourlife.com/family

Digital Reviews: • I nteractive Lesson Reviews assessment tool with results-sharing option that allows parents to generate progress reports • S tump the Shepherd Part Review Game Accessible at www.christourlife.com/family

For Catechists

Parish Catechist’s Guides: Grades 1–8, Printed

Posters: Grades 1–8, Printed

Used While Parents Prepare with Leader

Christ Our Life Website: www.christourlife.com

Music CDs

www.christourlife.com/family

OV-7

Christ Our Life Family Catechesis Leader Guide

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Slide Show Themes The Christ Our Life Family Catechesis program is designed to be taught in a four-year cycle based on a spiral curriculum. Enduring topics are the touchstone of the program and are explored in new and exciting ways each year. The themes for each year align with the Christ Our Life themes. There is a slide show for every theme for a total of 28 unique presentations.

Four-Year Cycle

PART TOPIC

YEAR 1

Part 1: The Creed

In Search of the Truth: God Reveals Himself to Us

Part 2: The Sacraments

YEAR 2

YEAR 3

YEAR 4

Finding Your Source of Energy: The Relational God— Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Who Can I Trust? Jesus: Divine and Human

No One Is an Island: Church: One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic

What Sustains Me? The Mass and Eucharist

Leading a Heroic Life: Sacraments of Initiation

Finding Healing When Life Hurts: Sacraments of Healing

How to Give Your Life to Others: Sacraments at the Service of Communion

Part 3: Moral Life

Stop Trying to Fix Yourself: Grace and Sin

How Do I Know Right from Wrong? Conscience and Commandments

Developing Good Habits: Virtues and Beatitudes

Hope for a Damaged World: Charity and Justice

Part 4: Prayer

Filling the Empty Space Within: Prayer and Spirituality

Getting Rid of Stinking Thinking: Praying with the Words of Jesus

Who’s Got Your Back? Praying with Mary and the Saints

A Power Greater Than Yourself: Praying for Miracles

Part 5: New Evangelization

Discovering What You Want Out of Life: God’s Invitation and Our Response

A Purpose-Driven Life: The Mission of the Church

Does My Faith Make a Difference? Catholic Identity

Where Is God When It Hurts? The Paschal Mystery and Life’s Brokenness

The Year in Our Church: Advent and Christmas

Who Can You Count On? God’s Promise: The Covenant

There’s Got to Be Another Way: The Coming of the Kingdom

The World the Way It Should Be: Prophets/Social Justice

Where Can I Find God?: The Incarnation

The Year in Our Church: Lent, Holy Week, and Easter

Getting Your Priorities Straight: Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving

The Key to Happiness: Selfless Love, The Passion of Jesus

How Do I Change Bad Habits? Conversion and Repentance

Finding Hope in the Middle of Despair: The Triduum

This chart outlines the part themes for each year in the Christ Our Life Family Catechesis four-year cycle. In addition, two informative slide shows are provided to get the program started.

www.christourlife.com/family

OV-8

Christ Our Life Family Catechesis Leader Guide

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

More about the Slide Show Presentations High-quality, complete slide show presentations across four years of instruction give a positive visual impact to your group meetings and ensure successful presentations to diverse groups. Each slide show presentation includes embedded media clips and presentation notes so you can capture and maintain participants’ attention and engagement.

Five Part-Theme Slide Show Presentations per Year (20 Presentations across 4 Years) Each presentation engages parents and their children through group prayer, a sharing activity, Scripture readings, and media links.

PART

1 The Creed

YEAR 1

1T he Creed

Prayer and Spirituality

2T he Sacraments

Filling the Empty Space Within

3M oral Life 4P rayer 5 New Evangelization The Year in Our Church

Two Seasonal Slide Show Presentations per Year (8 Presentations across 4 Years) Your program can stay in tune with seasons of the liturgical year with these slide show presentations.

YEAR 1

Advent and Christmas

The Year in Our Church

Lent, Holy Week, and Easter

Christ Our Life Family Catechesis

YEAR 1

Introduction

Christ Our Life Family Catechesis

YEAR 1

Online Resources

www.christourlife.com/family

Two Informative Slide Show Presentations Two informative slide show presentations will help get your program up and running in no time! 1 I ntroduction Use this slide show presentation to orient yourself and parents to this easy-to-use, adaptable program. 2O nline Resources Use this slide show presentation to explain to families how to access and use the web resources.

OV-9

Christ Our Life Family Catechesis Leader Guide

2 L ent, Holy Week, and Easter

YEAR 1

1A dvent and Christmas

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Family Catechesis Meeting Structure Parents and their children begin the meeting together in community with other families. After a 15-minute Welcome section, children meet with their grade-level catechists and are guided through the first lesson (Chapter A) of the part. Parents continue learning the part theme to prepare to guide their children through the remaining lessons (Chapters B–E) at home.

PARENTS + CHILDREN

The chapters are presented in alignment with the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the New Evangelization. Visit www.christourlife.com/family for a chart showing the grouping of chapters by grade and suggested order of presentation. Welcome 15 minutes

• Group prayer • Scripture • Group prayer • Brief sharing activity to preview the part theme

Children leave for their respective grade-level meeting spaces. Connect 30 minutes

• Parent-focused exploration of the • Small-group sharing activities and discussion

• Scripture • Media clip Close 15 minutes

• Wrap-up • Closing prayer • Information about the next meeting After the Meeting Parents complete their meeting 15 minutes before the end of the grade-level meeting. This allows time for questions, conversations between parents, and time for parents to pick up their children from their respective grade-level classes.

PARENTS ONLY

part theme

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OV-10

Christ Our Life Family Catechesis Leader Guide

INSIDE THE PROGRAM

How to Use This Leader Guide This resource provides step-by-step instruction for conducting the program’s slide show presentations. Each part begins with a catechist preparation page that sets the stage.

Catechist Preparation Page

PART 1

Consistent format

The Creed

Concise summary of the part's central faith concept

Reflecting on the Faith Experience

Take a few moments to reflect prayerfully before preparing the meeting.

YEAR 1

Invitation for the leader to pray, read Scripture, and reflect

Psalm 119:89–90,160 Your word, Lord, stands forever; it is firm as the heavens. Through all generations your truth endures; fixed to stand firm like the earth. Your every word is enduring; all your righteous judgments are forever.

Bible passages included in the slide show presentation

Scripture in This Part 2 Timothy 3:14–17

Catholic Social Teaching in Part 1 Solidarity: Because God is our Father, we are all brothers and sisters with the responsibility to care for one another. Solidarity is the attitude that leads Christians to share spiritual and material goods. Solidarity unites rich and poor, weak and strong, and helps to make a society that recognizes that we all depend upon one another.

Question: How familiar am I with the books of the Bible?

Learning Outcomes • Discuss the Bible and what God reveals about himself to us within the Bible.

• Pray the Bible. • Discuss the terms New Testament,

Catholic social teaching theme emphasized in the part

Catechism of the Catholic Church The themes in this part correspond to the following paragraphs of the Catechism: 69, 96, 136, 138.

Old Testament, prophets, and revelation.

Materials • Bible • Reflective music, such as Grade 5, CD 2,

Practical and achievable objectives

Handy navigation cue on each page

PART

1 The Creed

Track 16

• Grade 6 poster: God’s Saving Plan of Love • Grade 8 poster: Journey of the Church

Through Time

Christ Our Life Family Catechesis Leader Guide

Paragraphs of the Catechism of the Catholic Church covered

Complete list of resources needed for the presentation

www.christourlife.com/family

OV-11

Christ Our Life Family Catechesis Leader Guide

INSIDE THE PROGRAM

Time Estimate of how much time it will take to cover a given section of the meeting Prayer Simple instructions for how to pray with the group Scripture Options for reading and understanding God’s Word

Conduct Slide Show Presentation The slides and accompanying scripting are designed to engage both children and their parents. Reduced images of each slide help synchronize the visual and spoken elements of the presentation. Special features appear in sidebars.

Welcome (15 minutes) Signals the beginning of the Welcome section

FYI Additional information and context

Welcome! In Search of the Truth

Icons Call Out Special Features

God Reveals Himself to Us

Media Hints for accessing and playing media clips

Sharing Suggestions for sparking meaningful discussion Time The Welcome section will be about 15 minutes.

Welcome families, and introduce yourself and the grade-level catechists. Invite the participants to introduce themselves to those around them. Before beginning the meeting, address any scheduling or parish-specific information. Say: Welcome! Today we will focus on Part 1: The Creed. During this meeting, we will learn that God is inviting us into relationship with him by revealing himself to us through the story of salvation history told in Scripture.

CST Catholic social teaching option pertaining to slide content

We will all stay together for the first part of today’s meeting; then the children will go with their catechists to complete the first chapter of Part 1. The remaining chapters in this part will be completed at home as a family. We’ll gather again next month for another group meeting.

Tip Ways to enhance the meeting

Clear instructional support Distinct, audiencespecific scripting

Christ Our Life Family Catechesis Leader Guide

www.christourlife.com/family

Visual element and essential text

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OV-12

Christ Our Life Family Catechesis Leader Guide

INSIDE THE PROGRAM

Connect (30 minutes)

A variety of parent-focused activities engage participants in the content and in fellowship with one another. Parents’ understanding of essential faith concepts is bolstered, and they come away from the meeting more confident about passing on the treasure of the Catholic faith when teaching at home and in everyday life.

Knowing the Bible Two challenges we might encounter

Signals the beginning of the Connect section

1. Locating passages, characters, and stories

2. Understanding what we read

Say: One of the primary sources of God’s Revelation is, of course, the Bible. For many of us, however, reading and understanding the Bible can be intimidating. Even when reading the Bible in our own language, we sometimes conclude, “It’s like Greek to me.”

Time The Connect section will be about 30 minutes.

1. Locating passages, characters, and stories 2. Understanding what they read

Catholics and the Bible

Sharing As volunteers share, ask if the character is from the Old Testament or New Testament.

Allow several minutes for the groups to brainstorm. Then invite them to share their lists.

I know that you have some knowledge of the Bible. So, before we continue, we’re going to break into groups and list as many names of famous Bible characters as possible.

When Catholics first encounter Scripture, they often encounter two problems:

Christ Our Life Family Catechesis Leader Guide

Say: Let’s take a moment now to hear a few thoughts about how Catholics love the Bible. This video is from Bishop Christopher Coyne. Click anywhere on the slide to play the video (2:00):

URL for embedded media link

Scripting for a parent-only audience

www.loyolapress.com/colfamcat-23

Media As an option, type the URL into your browser to play the video. Tip

Afterward, invite volunteers to share their own experiences with the Bible—how familiar they are with the Bible and what role the Bible played in their childhoods. Reassure participants that they should not be embarrassed if they have little familiarity with the Bible.

Consider sharing information about where participants can purchase a Catholic Bible.

Related information

Say: Wherever you are in your faith journey, you can turn to the Bible to learn more about God’s love and how he wants to reveal that love to you.

Christ Our Life Family Catechesis Leader Guide

www.christourlife.com/family

OV-13

Christ Our Life Family Catechesis Leader Guide

INSIDE THE PROGRAM

Signals the beginning of the Close section

Lectio Divina

The meeting concludes with a wrapup, closing prayer, and opportunity for you to provide participants with information about the next meeting, parish events, or other housekeeping issues.

Close (15 minutes)

Concise summary of the part theme

Say: As we bring this meeting to a close, let’s pray with Scripture using an ancient technique called lectio divina, which means “sacred reading.” Let’s begin by watching the following video that explains lectio divina.

Media

Click anywhere on slide to play the video (4:09):

As an option, type the URL into your browser to play the video.

www.loyolapress.com/colfamcat-24

After the video, lead participants through an experience of lectio divina using a passage of the Gospel for the upcoming Sunday and the steps outlined in the video.

www.christourlife.com/family

At-Home Edition

Christ Our Life Family Catechesis Leader Guide

Christ Our Life

AT-HOME EDITION

Christ Our Life

Chapter 1 AT-HOME EDITION

and Go Forth Christ OurGather Life

PAGES 9–10 GradeChapter 1 INSPIRE Sharing✦ EDITION PAGE NEW EVANGELIZATION Read5 aloud the text and the Scripture in the sidebar on page 9. Say: God

After the monthly group meeting, parents are better prepared to guide their children through the chapters in the Student Book. The Christ Our Life At-Home Edition provides gradespecific, step-by-step instructions to support them. The At-Home Edition PDFs can be viewed online or printed.

AT-HOME EDITION

Read aloud the sentences at thethe topGospels of page and 5. Say: are Jesus’ friend, speaks to us through in If thewe sacraments. First, we receive we wantGod’s to be message. like him and Have youritchild theUNIT 1 Thenlove we others. go out and share withcomplete the world. activity. Encourage him or her to also draw something loving that they are goingPROCLAIM to do with the people they drew. ✦ Read Know and Proclaim text and the know chart. that Say: these You share ✦ Ask: Who arealoud some the people who love you? How do you Jesusyou? withSay: others whenever dosomeone, something people love When we trulyyou love ourloving. love makes us ✦

God Is Our Good Father

willing to do aloud thingsthe forquestion that person, even things that are Catholic hard. Knowledge. ✦ Read and answers in Test Your Have childtoanswer the question and say: God is always ✦ Say: Jesus wasyour willing do something for us that was very hard. inviting us to know him better. ✦ Display a crucifix. Say: This is a crucifix. It is a cross with the image of Before beginning Unitaloud 1, read A Letter Home, found on page 2 of Whom your do you look up to ✦ Read A Catholic to Know on page 10. Ask: Jesus on it. Jesus died on the Cross for us because he loves us so much. child’s book. Then begin next Why? paragraph withsaints your child. a role the model? The are role models who show [Pause.] as Whenever we look at aSay: cross or a crucifix, we can remember that us how to do our in following Jesus. ✦ Say: TheJesus title of our book is God Is Good. Have your childus repeat died for us, best rose from the dead, and is with now.the title. Then look through theout book Say: In Unit we will learn ✦ Point thetogether. Gospel of Mark in the1 Bible. Say: Theabout Holy inspired ✦ Help your child remove the cross punchout from the back of the Spirit book. Say: what God is likeSaint and how we talk and listen to God. Mark to can love and tell the story of is hisstill life.with us. Put This cross will remind youJesus that Jesus died, rose and it in a✦special place the where you will it often and remember that Jesus Read aloud Witness and see Share introductory text. Then read aloud each loves you andstatement is your friend. faith in My Way to Faith, pausing to allow time for your child to CHAPTER 1 reflect on each one. ✦

Jesus Is Our Friend

Sharing✦ PAGES Read 6–7 aloud the directions in Share Your Faith and have your child ✦ Read aloud the text page 6. Then read aloud the sentences at the top of theonactivity. Centering PAGE 1complete

page 7. Say: When we make the Sign of the Cross, we are drawing a cross ✦ Read aloud the title and the Bible verse on page 1. Then point out the TRANSFORM on ourselves. Have your child raise his or her right hand and refer to the picture. Ask: How can you tell that these children are friends? How do ✦ Discuss pictures to makeyour the five gestures. Repeat the gestures, adding the words. child’s drawing in Share Your Faith. Ask: you know that someone is your friend? (Friends like to be with us; theyHow would you feelwe if your goodSign actions spread allon around the world? Why? ✦ Say: When make ofus.) the Cross ourselves, we bless show their love by doing kindthe things for ✦ Say: ourselves byJesus asking God friend. to blessHave us. Ask: bless yourself? is your yourWhen childcan addyou Jesus to his or her drawing. (the 3first thing in the morning and the last thing at night; at meal Sharing PAGE prayers; anytime) ✦ Use the family Bible to read the story of Jesus and the little children ✦ Lead your child inchild prayer using Moment with Jesus onthe page 6. Conclude (Mark 10:13–16). Give your the JesusApunchout button from back the as prayer by making the Sign of the book a reminder of Jesus’ love.of the Cross.

Say: Jesus is a friend to children. Ask: How do we know that Jesus Acting PAGE 8 to be his friends? (He wanted them to be with him; wanted the children ✦ Help childthe complete theDoes Chapter 1 Review he hugged andyour blessed children.) Jesus want toon bepage your8.friend?

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✦ Say:page Look at the We your Respond always has a prayer. Pray this Read aloud 3 and have childsection. answer It the question. one after me: “I love you, Jesus.” Have your child repeat the prayer. Ask your child to describe the stained-glass window. Say: Jesus is smiling Encourage yourand child to sharethem. the Building Familyare Faith section with other kindly✦ on the children blessing The children hugging members of that yourthey family, orhim. together read aloud the section to review. Jesus, which shows love

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Sharing ©

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Time The Close section will be about 15 minutes.

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PAGE 4

Read aloud page 4 and have your child point out the words Jesus and Christ. Say: Christ is a title that was given to Jesus after his Resurrection. It means “anointed with oil.” www.christourlife.com Grade 1 • Unit 1

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Read aloud the directions and have your child complete the activity. Ask: What did Jesus say to let us know he is our friend? (“Let the children Grade 1 • Unit 1 come to me.”)

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www.christourlife.com/family

OV-14

Christ Our Life Family Catechesis Leader Guide

INSIDE THE PROGRAM

Additional Online Support Loyola Press provides a wealth of online resources to support and enhance the Christ Our Life Family Catechesis program.

Christourlife.com • Activity Finder • Reproducible blackline masters • Seasonal resources • Study guides • Family resources in English and Spanish LoyolaPress.com • 3-Minute Retreats online: Available in English and Spanish for your computer, smartphone, or tablet

• Sunday Connection: Useful background and activities to explain the upcoming Sunday’s Scripture readings

• Family, Faith, and Fun: Fun activities to help parents see family life as an opportunity to recognize the grace of God

• Saint Resources: Activities, biographies, reflections, and stories • Our Catholic Faith Resources: Articles, activities, and facts about Catholic life IgnatianSpirituality.com • What Is Ignatian Spirituality? Relevant articles and

information about Saint Ignatius of Loyola and his teachings

• Ignatian Prayer: A variety of prayers developed or inspired by Saint Ignatius

• Making Good Decisions: Information on discernment, spiritual direction, and life vocations

• Ignatian Voices: Articles and biographies about those inspired by Ignatian spirituality

• Ignatian Community: Connections to Jesuit and Ignatian organizations and communities

Note: Be sure children are closely supervised by adults when on the internet.

www.christourlife.com/family

OV-15

Christ Our Life Family Catechesis Leader Guide

THE EFFECTIVE LEADER

A Catechetical Leader’s Role As a catechetical leader, you are responding to the call to share the gift of faith with others, even as you deepen your own faith. Know that this Leader Guide, together with the slide show presentations, media clips, and online resources, was designed to accompany you every step of the way with abundant resources, practical tips, and ample support.

Fundamental Characteristics of Your Role As we yearn for the knowledge and skills that help us gently nurture others to experience their faith, we ground our efforts in these fundamentals:

• a well-developed understanding of Catholic Tradition, culture, doctrine, and Scripture

• honest and respectful relationships with children, their families, and catechists

• effective organizational and communications skills

• valuing child safety as evidenced by meeting

all diocesan and parish requirements, including training, such as Virtus®, and seeing that the catechists with whom you work do likewise

Qualities of an Effective Catechetical Leader As a catechetical leader, you share your personal faith and humanity. The ability to share authentically requires certain qualities that include

• a desire to grow in your faith and relationship with God. • an awareness of God’s grace and the desire to respond to that grace. • a commitment to the Church’s liturgical and sacramental life and moral teachings.

• a strength of character built on patience, responsibility, confidence, and creativity.

• an understanding of the needs and concerns of the catechists, families, and children whom you serve.

• a generosity of spirit, respect for diversity, and a habit of hospitality

and inclusion.

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OV-16

Christ Our Life Family Catechesis Leader Guide

THE EFFECTIVE LEADER

Prepare a Welcoming Environment

Prayer Center

When Jesus planned a special meal with his Apostles during Passover, he sent Peter and John ahead of him, saying, “Go and make preparations for us.” (Luke 22:8) In the same way, preparing the physical space for faith formation is important. Although you may not be able to choose your meeting space, you can take steps to make it welcoming. No matter your environment, give families a sense of belonging where they can be comfortable learning and sharing. The best way to support and encourage any group is to have a welcoming spirit. Greet parents and children at the door as they arrive.

• Arrive 20–30 minutes early to prepare the space and to center

yourself. If you are rushed and frantic, the participants will feel the same; likewise, if you are calm and relaxed, they will feel the same.

• Arrange the chairs so that each has an unobstructed line of sight to the screen on which the slide show presentation will be projected.

• Place handouts, name tags, or other materials on a table near the

entry. Using preprinted name tags will make it easy for you to see at a glance who is not present. Consider affixing the name tags to meeting materials so they can be retrieved by the participants later.

Arrange a focal point with symbols that express the presence of the Word of God and communicate a sense of the sacred. Set up a prayer center with these supplies:

• small table, prominently placed

• cloth table cover, changed to reflect each liturgical season

• Bible • small plant or flowers • one or more of the following: bowl of holy water, crucifix, religious image, or statue

• battery-operated candle

• If possible, make all aspects of your environment consistent from

month to month. Parents and children will find comfort in returning to a familiar space.

• Consider providing light snacks and drinks, such as coffee and water,

but be aware of any food allergies.

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OV-17

Christ Our Life Family Catechesis Leader Guide