Level 4:
Catechist: Ms. Lisa McGhie
Please note: Beginning March 22, Sunday, the church will be open from 8am-12noon for private prayer and adoration only. There will be exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. See the LETTER FROM OUR PASTOR IN THE HOME PAGE.
Group Class – Fellowship / Activities / Introduction to Unit Themes. – September 15, 2019
Session 1 Title – God Creates the World – September 22, 2019
Session Theme – God’s love for us is revealed through his creation.
Session outcomes:
• Explain that creation is a gift from God and that we are called to give thanks for this gift.
• Describe how we can care for the gift of creation.
• Define free will, psalm, and soul.
Scripture – Psalm 65:10,14
Sirach 39:33
Engage – Read p.2. Discuss how St. Teresa of Avila helped other people learn to pray. Have children name aspects of God’s creation.
Explore – Children will create objects with “Play Doh”. Discuss Earth Day and caring for creation. Children will write about one way they can care for the Earth; list some of their favorite gifts from God and write why they like those things.
Art Print 1: Tree of Life – Children will write their own psalm of praise to thank God for the gift of creation.
Respond – Page 8 – Read aloud the Faith Summary and review main points. Pray the closing prayer.
Homework – Page 7 – “Thanking God for Creation” – Draw a picture of someone or something from God’s creation that you find amazingly beautiful. Write a short prayer thanking God for this great gift.
Session 2 Title – Our Father in Heaven – September 29, 2019
Session Theme – Jesus teaches us that God is our loving Father.
Session Outcomes:
• Explain that God listens to our prayers.
• Describe how we can serve the Kingdom of God.
• Define Theological Virtues
Scripture – Matthew 7: 9-11
John 14:7
Engage – Discuss likeness and differences among families.
Explore – Ask each child to draw a tree and write the name of a different family member on each branch. Then have children write on the branches one nice thing they can do for each family member.
Discuss and pray together The Lord;s Prayer.
Art Print 2: The Creation: Read Luke 3: 21-22. Write what the passage teaches us about the relationship between God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
Reflect – Discuss the symbols that represent faith, hope, and charity. Why is each symbol a good one? Complete activity on page 13.
Respond – Page 14. Read alod the Faith Summary and review main points. Pray the closing prayer.
Homework – Page 11 – “The Kingdom of God” – Write how you can serve God’s kingdom in your own life.
Session 3 Title – God’s Plan for Salvation – October 6, 2019
Session Theme
God responds to the sin of Adam and Eve with the promise of a Savior.
Session Outcomes
• Retell the story of Adam and Eve.
• Explain what happens when we give in to temptation.
• Identify the Act of Hope as a prayer that expresses hope and trust in God.
• Define Salvation.
Scripture
Genesis 3:1–24 tells the story of humanity’s fall from grace and God’s promise of Salvation.
Engage– Page 15 – Talk about current events. Why might people choose to help/hurt one another?
Explore – Page 16- Discuss the temptation, choice, and consequence of Adam and Eve’s decision
Page 17 – Discuss the making and keeping of promises.
– Discuss the result of Original Sin and God’s gift of Salvation.
Easel Display Art Print 3: Christ the Redeemer.
Follow the art print instruction on page 231.
Reflect –page 18
Display the Finding God poster Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love.
• Define the terms infinite and the merits of Jesus Christ.
• Pray together the Act of Hope.
• Read the paragraph.
• Close by praying the Glory Be to the Father.
Page 19 – Discuss temptation.
Respond –Page 20 – Read and discuss the Faith Summary and review main points. Pray the closing prayer.
Homework – Page 19 – “Using Our Free Will” – Write your ideas about how the children in the scenerios use their free will to make good choices.
Session 4 Title – God Calls Us to Obey – October 13, 2019
Session Theme
• God speaks to us through our conscience.
Session Outcomes
• Identify the Fruits of the Holy Spirit.
• Explain what we can do to form a good conscience.
• Explain why it is important to make a frequent examination of conscience.
• Define prudence.
Scripture
Galatians 5:22–23lists the Fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 6:10reminds us to ask that God’s will be done in our lives.
Engage– Page 21 – What are some rules we are asked to follow? Why is it important for us to follow rules?
Explore – Page 22 – Discuss forming a conscience. Discuss our free will.
• Read about and identify the Fruits of the Holy Spirit and the meaning of each.
• Read aloud the other section and discuss prudence as a gift that helps us make good decisions.
• Read aloud the verse in the feature.
• Discuss where in the Bible the Lord’s Prayer appears.
Page 23 Discuss conscience and why we examine our conscience.
• Read aloud Positive Choices and have children complete the activity.
• Display Art Print 4: Dove of the Spirit.
• Follow the art print instruction on page 232.
Reflect – pages 24-25
• Read the first two paragraphs and reflect upon an examination of conscience.
• Lead children in a discussion about respect.
Respond –Page 26 – Read and discuss the Faith Summary and review main points. Pray the closing prayer.
Homework – Page 25 – “A Helping Hand” – What are some ways you can show respect for your classmates?
Group Class: Child Lures Prevention Class – October 20, 2019
Session 5 Title –Celebrating Ordinary Time – October 27, 2019
Session Theme
Ordinary Time is a time to grow as Jesus’ disciples.
Session Outcomes
• Explain when the Church celebrates Ordinary Time.
• State that we are called to share Christ’s light with others.
• Define discipleship.
Scripture
Ephesians 5:8–10 teaches us that when we live as Jesus’ disciples, we live as children of the light.
Luke 4:17–19 summarizes some of the ministries to which Jesus’ disciples are called.
Engage– Page 27 – Why do people use calendars?
Explore – Page 28 – Name and describe virtues.
• Discuss the importance of practicing virtues.
• Read aloud the page.
• Discuss that virtues are habits.
• Define various virtues listed on the page.
• Read aloud and have children complete Growing Strong.
Reflect –page 29
• Read aloud the section Mass During Ordinary Time.
• Point out the vocabulary word.
• Read aloud the section What We Experience.
• Have children read and complete the activity.
• Read and discuss the feature.
• Display Art Print 5: Those That Don’t See.
• Follow the art print instruction on page 233.
Respond –Page 30 – Read and discuss the Faith Summary and review main points. Pray the closing prayer.
Homework –
(New York City Marathon)
No class – November 17, 2019 – Fire Drill
Group Class – “Advent” – November 3, 2019
November 24, 2019
No class – December 1, 2019 – Thanksgiving Weekend
Session 6 Title – Jesus’ Law of Love – December 8, 2019
Jesus’ law of love allows us to live peacefully with one another.
• Name ways to share Jesus’ love with others.
• Explain how the Holy Spirit helps us live out Jesus’ new commandment.
John 13:34 teaches that Jesus calls us to love one another as he has loved us.
Engage– Page 33 – What is the Golden Rule? When might it be difficult to follow the Golden Rule?
Explore – Pages 34-35 – Define two meanings for the word Torah.
• Review Scripture stories in the Torah.
• Share stories about asking someone for help.
• Read and discuss the first paragraph and the practice of fortitude.
• Have children complete the activity.
• Read aloud the feature.
• Discuss the Prayer of the Faithful.
• Display Art Print 6: Saint Vincent de Paul.
• Follow the art print instruction on page 234.
Reflect –pages 36-37
• Display the Finding God poster Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love.
• Pray together the Act of Love.
• Read aloud the last paragraph.
• Conclude by praying Amen and praying together the Sign of the Cross.
Respond –Page 38 – Read and discuss the Faith Summary and review main points. Pray the closing prayer.
Homework – Page 37 “Acting with Love” – In the chart, write the name of a person in your life for each day of the week. Then write an act of kindness or love you can show to that person.
Session 7 Title – The Beatitudes – December 15, 2019
Session Theme
The Beatitudes show how we can be truly happy and share happiness with others.
Session Outcomes
• Explain that we help build up the Kingdom of God by living out the Beatitudes.
• Identify how we can practice the Beatitudes in our own lives.
• Define Sermon on the Mount.
Scripture
Matthew 5:2–10 teaches us the Beatitudes.
Psalm 73:1 reminds us that God is good to the clean of heart.
Engage– Page 39 – Recipes are sets of directions. Why do people use recipes?
• Explore – Pages 40-41 – Discuss the Kingdom of God.
• Read aloud the first paragraph and discuss the Sermon on the Mount.
• Read aloud the Scripture passage.
• Explain the meaning of each beatitude.
• Read aloud the Beatitudes and ask children to reflect upon each.
• Have children complete the activity on page 41.
• Read aloud and discuss the feature.
• Display Art Print 7: Removing the Thorn.
• Follow the art print instruction on page 235.
Reflect –pages 42-43
• Read aloud the first paragraph, then pray together the Peace Prayer of Saint Francis.
• Have children offer the sign of Peace.
• Display the Finding God poster The Beatitudes.
• Have children summarize the meaning of each beatitude
• Read aloud the paragraph and discuss Francis of Assisi and Saint Jerome.
• Explain the choice to live the Beatitudes.
Respond –Page 44 – Read and discuss the Faith Summary and review main points. Pray the closing prayer.
Homework – Page 43 :Serving the Needs of Others” – Draw a picture of yourself living out the Beatitudes by serving others. Write a caption that explains what you are doing.
No Class – December 22, 2019
No Class – December 29, 2019
Session 15 Title –Celebrating Christmas – December 15, 2019
Session Theme
During Christmas we celebrate Jesus’ birth.
Session Outcomes
• Explain that we celebrate Jesus’ birth during the Christmas season.
• Discuss why we call Jesus the Bread of Life.
• Explain that Christmas hymns and carols are often about the peace that Jesus’ birth brings to the world.
Scripture
John 6:35 reminds us that Jesus is the Bread of Life who provides us with spiritual nourishment.
Engage– Page 87 – When do we display Nativity scenes?
Explore – Page 88 – Discuss what candles or flames symbolize.
• Read aloud and discuss Jesus as the Light of the World and as the Bread of Life.
• Have children complete the activity.
• Read the Scripture passage in the feature and explain the verse.
Reflect –page 89 – Have children name or sing favorite Christmas carols.
Read and discuss the page about the Mass during Christmas.
Use hymnals to find songs that mention the peace that Jesus’ birth brought.
Read aloud the activity before children complete it.
Display Art Print 15: Adoration of the Magi.
Follow the art print instruction on page 243.
Respond –Page 90 – Read and discuss the Faith Summary and review main points. Pray the closing prayer.
Homework – Assessment due January 5, 2020.
Session 8 Title – Jesus Our Redeemer – January 12, 2020
Session Theme
Jesus redeemed us from our sins through his life, Death, and Resurrection.
Session Outcomes
• Explain the importance of Jesus’ life, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension.
• Describe how Jesus shares his life with us through the Holy Spirit.
• Define Ascension, Redeemer, and redemption.
Scripture
Luke 23:39–43 recounts Jesus’ promise of Salvation to a criminal who was crucified with him.
Acts of the Apostles 4:12 underscores our belief that Salvation comes through Jesus.
Acts of the Apostles 1:9–11 is an account of Jesus’ Ascension into Heaven.
Engage– Page 45 – There are many times in our lives when we receive help from others. When we receive help, it is important to show our gratitude. In what ways does God help us?
Explore – Pages 46-47- Discuss the time line of Jesus’ life.
Read and discuss the first section, Jesus, Son of God. Read aloud and discuss the section On the Cross. Read aloud the feature.
Explain the belief in the Paschal Mystery we proclaim in the Mystery of Faith.
Read the first paragraph of Jesus Died for Our Sins and discuss Jesus as Redeemer.
Read and discuss Jesus raised from the tomb. Read aloud the Scripture passage in the feature. Summarize the passage.
Display Art Print 8: The Ascension. Follow the art print instruction on page 236.
Reflect –pages 48-49 – Before praying the Apostles’ Creed, remind children that this prayer affirms all the fundamental beliefs of our Catholic faith. Tell children that it is important to pray these words with meaning, aware that the Holy Spirit is with us to support us in our faith. Read aloud the first paragraph on Praying the Creed. Pray together the Sign of the Cross and the Apostles’ Creed. Conclude by praying together the Sign of the Cross.
• Have groups reflect on a few lines of the Apostles’ Creed.
• Explain that the stained-glass windows remind us of important events in Church history.
Respond –Page 50 – Read and discuss the Faith Summary and review main points. Pray the closing prayer.
Homework – Page 49 “What We Believe”- Take a moment to reflect on the meaning of the Apostles’ Creed. Design a stained-glass window that illustrates one of the statements of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.
http://www.loyolapress.com/assets/fg-2013/blms-assess/FG_G4_SE_U2_SessAssess-sess8.pdf
No class- Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend, January 19, 2020
Session 9 Title – Jesus Sends the Spirit – January 26, 2020
Session Theme
Jesus shares his new life with us through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Session Outcomes
• Explain that Peter was able to carry on Jesus’ work through the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Identify how we can live out the Works of Mercy in our own lives.
• Define Corporal Works of Mercy and Spiritual Works of Mercy.
Scripture
Acts of the Apostles 2:1–4 tells the story of what happened at Pentecost.
Acts of the Apostles 9:32–35 recounts Aeneas’s healing.
Acts of the Apostles 9:36–43 recounts Peter restoring Tabitha to life.
Isaiah 11:2 lists the gifts of the Holy Spirit that are poured out on Jesus’ followers.
Engage– Page 51 –When we help people in need, we build up the Kingdom of God. What might a follower of Jesus do to help people in need?
Explore – Pages 52-53- Discuss the events of Pentecost.
• Read aloud Acts of the Apostles 2:1–4 from the Bible.
• Read and discuss the paragraphs and Scripture passage on the page.
• Discuss the role of the Holy Spirit and sharing the Good News.
• Read aloud and discuss the Scripture story about Peter restoring Tabitha to life. [Acts of the Apostles 9:36–43]
• Discuss ways to show mercy.
• Read aloud the page.
• Discuss the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.
• Define the meaning of each Spiritual Work of Mercy.
• Read aloud and explain the Scripture passage in the feature.
• Display Art Print 9: Meal.
• Follow the art print instruction on page 237.
Reflect –pages 54-55 – Explain that one of the symbols of the Holy Spirit in the Bible is wind or breath. Remind children that the Holy Spirit, who teaches us to pray, is as close to us as our breath and that he guides our thoughts and actions toward all that is right and holy.
• Pray together the Holy Spirit Prayer of Saint Augustine, and the Glory Be to the Father.
• Discuss the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. Read and discuss the section on Sharing Mercy.
Respond –Page 56 – Read and discuss the Faith Summary and review main points. Pray the closing prayer.
Homework –
Session 11 Title – The People of God – February 2, 2020
Session Theme
People are welcomed into the Church through the Sacraments of Initiation.
Session Outcomes
• Explain that Jesus instructed the disciples to teach others to follow God.
• Name and describe the Sacraments of Initiation.
• Identify how Saint Dominic followed Jesus’ example.
• Define universal Church.
ScriptureMatthew 28:19–20tells the story of Jesus’ commissioning of the apostles.
Acts of the Apostles 1:8 reassures us that we have the strength of the Holy Spirit to support us in our work to spread the Good News to others.
Engage– Page 63 – What communities do you belong to? Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we are welcomed into the Church community. What can we do to be active members?
Explore – Pages 64-65- Explain that Jesus’ message is intended for people all over the world.
Read and discuss the continuing mission of Jesus.
• Discuss the Scripture passage.
• Discuss the meaning of a universal Church.
Display and discuss the use of holy water. Read Welcomed into the Church, and discuss the Sacraments of Initiation. Read and explain the passage in the feature.
• Display Art Print 11: Saint Dominic.
• Follow the art print instruction on page 239.
Reflect –pages 66-67 – Pray aloud the reflection, Sent by Jesus, allowing time for reflection. Conclude by praying Amen.
After praying, remind children that Jesus wants us to be his disciples in our families, our schools, and our everyday activities. Encourage children to find time in their day for silence when they can be with God to talk with him and thank him for his love.
Read and discuss the page on A Celebrating Community. Read and discuss the feature and Catholic Baptism.
Respond –Page 68 – Read and discuss the Faith Summary and review main points. Pray the closing prayer.
Homework –
http://www.loyolapress.com/assets/fg-2013/blmsassess/FG_G4_SE_U3_SessAssess-sess11.pdf
Session 12 Title – The Church Teaches Us – February 9, 2020
Session Theme
Jesus calls the Church to continue his mission.
Session Outcomes
• Explain that the pope and the bishops are the successors of Peter and the apostles.
• State that the Precepts of the Church strengthen our relationship with God and with the Church.
• Define cast lots, diocese, and Precepts of the Church.
Scripture
Romans 12:4–5 reminds us that we, as members of the Church, are members of the Body of Christ.
Acts of the Apostles 1:21–26 tells the story of how Matthias was chosen to replace Judas as one of the twelve apostles.
Engage– Page 69 – What behaviors can help people work together well?
Explore – Pages 70-71- Have groups look up Scripture verses to identify the Apostles: Matthew 10:1-4, Mark 3:14-19, and Luke 6:12-16.
Read and discuss page 70.
Relate Peter and Apostles to their successors, the pope and bishops.
Read and explain Romans 12:4–5. Invite groups to list qualities of good leaders.
Read and discuss page 71. Discuss the work of bishops, priests, and deacons.
Discuss the word diocese.
Complete the activity Knowing Our Leaders.
Display Art Print 12: Holy Apostles. Follow the art print instruction on page 240.
Reflect –pages 72-73 – Read aloud the first paragraph An Offering to God.
Explain the meaning of the poetic language children will hear in the prayer.
Together pray the Morning Offering.
Read aloud the last paragraph explaining the Morning Offering Prayer and allow time for reflection. Pray together the Sign of the Cross.
Brainstorm practices that can help to grow a relationship with God.
Display the Finding God poster Precepts and Holy Days.
Read aloud the page and discuss the meaning of each Precept of the Church.
Give children time to complete drawings in the activity. Invite children to share their drawings.
Respond –Page 74 – Read and discuss the Faith Summary and review main points. Pray the closing prayer.
Homework – Complete Session 12
Assessment.
http://www.loyolapress.com/assets/fg-2013/blmsassess/FG_G4_SE_U3_SessAssess-sess12.pdf
No Class – February 16, 2020 – Mid-winter Recess
No Class – February 23, 2020 – Mid-winter Recess
Session 14 Title –Serving God and Others – March 1, 2020
Session Theme
Mary, the Mother of God and the Mother of the Church, is the perfect model of Christian discipleship.
Session Outcomes
- Identify what happened at the Annunciation.
- Explain how Mary became the first disciple.
- State that Mary is both the Mother of God and the Mother of the Church.
- Define solidarity.
Scripture
Luke 1: 26-38 recounts Mary’s agreement to become Jesus’ mother.
Luke 1: 46-55 is the Canticle of Mary, also known as the Magnificat.
Engage– Page 81 – Tell a story about a time you served the Church by sharing your gifts and talents with others.
Explore – Pages 82-83 – Display various pictures of Mary. Ask: “What can we tell about Mary based on these pictures?”
- Read the Scripture story in which God invited Mary to serve him in a special way.
- Read from the Bible the Canticle of Mary. Point out that in this prayer, Mary praises God for choosing her to be Jesus’ mother.
- Read aloud and discuss the section “The First Disciple”.
- Display Art Print 14: The Virgin.
- Follow the art print instruction on page 242.
Reflect –pages 84-85Ask: Pray together the Salve Regina. Imagine that Mary is next to you.
Read and discuss the section “Listening to God”.
Read aloud the activity before children complete it.
Respond –Page 86 – Read and discuss the Faith Summary and review main points. Pray the closing prayer.
Homework – Complete Session 14 Assessment. http://www.loyolapress.com/assets/fg-2013/blms-assess/FG_G4_SE_U4_SessAssess-sess14.pdf
Group Class Confession – March 8, 2020
Session 16 Title – Celebrating Reconciliation – March 15, 2020
Session Theme
Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we renew our relationship with God and with others.
Session Outcomes
- State that we celebrate the joy of God’s forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
- Explain how to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
- Retell the parable of the lost sheep.
- Define repentance.
Scripture
Isaiah 40: 11 reminds us that God cares for us even more than a shepherd cares for his sheep.
Luke 15: 4-7 is the parable of the lost sheep.
Engage– Page 93 – Think of a time when someone hurt your feelings. How did you feel? How did you respond to that person? How did you show forgiveness to that person?
Explore – Pages 94-95 – Discuss why we use the items in a first-aid kit.
- Read aloud and discuss the section “God’s Forgiveness”.
- Read the Scripture passage in the feature and explain the verse.
- Read aloud and discuss the section “The Sacrament of Reconciliation”.
- Display Art Print 16: The Good Shepherd.
- Follow the art print instruction on page 244.
Reflect –pages 96-97 – Ask: “What does the word contrition mean?” Pray together the Act of Contrition.
Read and discuss the section “Return to God”.
Read aloud the activity before children complete it.
Respond –Page 98 – Read and discuss the Faith Summary and review main points. Pray the closing prayer.
Homework – Complete Session 16 Assessment. http://www.loyolapress.com/assets/fg-2013/blms-assess/FG_G4_SE_U4_SessAssess-sess16.pdf
Please Note:Take-home Review due April 5, 2020.