You may wish to begin to teach the Family Life/Fully Alive program -Theme One-Created and Loved by God- this month.

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1 Grade Seven: SEPTEMBER UNITS AND THEMES Week 1-2 UNIT 1 - I... We - Theme 1-1 Who am I? T.M. p. 34, S.B. p. 6 Week 3 Theme 1-2 Am I normal? - T.M. p. 60; S.B. p. 13 Week 4 Theme 1-3 Do I belong? - T.B. p. 70; S.B. p. 18 From Sunday, September 2 nd to Sunday November 25th (Feast of Christ the King) we are still celebrating Ordinary time. Your prayer table should have a green table cloth. It is recommended that students be involved in planning and participating in celebrations, as well as a variety of other prayer forms which they can relate to program themes and liturgical seasons. Several ideas are found in the appendices at the back of the Teacher Manual. Consider choosing with students a place in the classroom to serve as a Religious Education focal point where the Bible and Candle will have a place of honour at all times rather than be taken out and used only during prayer times. An ongoing Religious Education bulletin board, developed by students could reflect themes of the program and/or the Liturgical Year. Combined grade outlines are available. OR Contact your Religious Education/Family Life Resource Teacher. For important information on the overall content and approach of your program, see the introduction at the beginning of your Teacher Manual, especially the Scope and Sequence Chart. You may wish to begin to teach the Family Life/Fully Alive program -Theme One-Created and Loved by God- this month. The suggested scheduling for Family Life is one lesson per week for thirty minutes throughout the year. The amount of time that you spend on Family Life is 1/5 of the entire alloted Religion time. Please copy and distribute the Theme One home communication letter. Fully Alive: Fully Alive is a Catholic Family Life program that will be taught in conjunction with our Religion Program this year. It is important that the student s family be a part of this learning experience. provides additional resources for intermediate students

2 OCTOBER UNITS AND THEMES Week 1 UNIT 2: We Believe in God - Theme 2-1 Whom do we trust? - T. M. p. 98; S.B. p. 37 Week 2-3 Theme 2-2 Am I all on my own? - T.M. p. 98; S.B. p. 37 Passover celebration p. 102 Week 4 UNIT 3: We Believe In God the Father Almighty - Theme 3-1 Who loves me? T.M. p. 110; S.B. p. 46 Rosary Day-October 5 th Thanksgiving -October 8th World Mission Sunday October 21st: Every Christian shares in the mission of the Church. Organizations such as Holy Childhood Association, Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, and Catholic Missions in Canada, provide opportunities for students to learn and participate at their own level in this process All Hallow s Eve: The word Hallow is another word for a saint, a holy person. So the night before All Saints Day is called All Hallow s Eve or Hallowe en. Many rules change for this night. Instead of ordinary clothes, we wear costumes. We might dress as favourite saints according to an old Christian custom. We can play funny tricks and ask neighbours for treats or donations for the needy. Most of all, we change the rules of fear. We laugh at things that scare us spooks and skeletons and things that go Boo! Jesus has shown us that fearful things cannot destroy us. They cannot separate us from the strength of Jesus and the joy of his resurrection. (from Children s Daily Prayer, Liturgy Training Publications). Mary: see Catechetical Tips section in December At some time this month, begin teaching Theme Two - Living in Relationship. Remember to copy and distribute the home communication letter before you begin this theme.

3 NOVEMBER Week 1 Week 2 UNITS AND THEMES Theme 3-1 (cont'd) Theme 3-2 It's a free country. Why shouldn't I do whatever I want? T.M. p. 122; S.B., p. 50 Week 3 Theme 3-3 Who's in control? - T.M. p. 132; S.B., p. 58 Week 4 Begin: UNIT 7: We believe in Jesus... who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, Theme 7-1 Why is everybody always picking on me? T.M. p. 238; S.B. p. 122 All Saints/All Souls: The saints are those whose lives praise God. The Church puts aside 2 feast days, November 1 and 2, to celebrate the communion of saints, the union of those living today with those who have gone before us in faith. Remembrance Day is a time not only to remember those who have died in war, but also to pray for peace, and to reflect on what we are doing to bring God s peace into the world. The Feast of Christ the King November 25 th, 2012 marks the end of the liturgical year. The Sunday following begins the new church year. This new year the gospels for the Sundays in Ordinary Time are from the gospel of Luke, Cycle C Get ready for Advent begins on Sunday December 2nd. This is the time to change the table cover in the prayer centre from the green of Ordinary Time to the purple of Advent. At some time this month, begin teaching Theme Two - Living in Relationship. Remember to copy and distribute the home communication letter before you begin this theme. additional resources

4 DECEMBER UNITS AND THEMES PLEASE NOTE FOR ADVENT ACTIVITIES: Appendix 4: Advent Supplement T.M. p Week 1 Continue with: UNIT 7: We believe in Jesus... who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary- Theme 7-1 Why is everybody always picking on me? T.M. p. 238; S.B. p. 122 Week 2-3 Theme 7-2 Who understands me? - T.M. p. 248; S.B. p. 129 Week 4 CHRISTMAS BREAK December 2 nd, marks the beginning of the Advent/Christmas/Epiphany cycle, a period of preparation, celebration and continuation that lasts about 7 weeks. PREPARATION: In Advent we prepare to recall Christ s first coming and look forward to his second coming. Advent is a season of joyful expectation (not a mini-lent). This is the time to change the table cover in the prayer centre from the green of Ordinary Time to the purple of Advent. Because each program provides a different focus for Advent, incorporating various activities, it is important to continue to follow the program rather than replace it with other Advent activities. Advent is particularly suited to a focus on Mary. We reflect on her as our model of relationship with Jesus. She is both disciple and mother. CELEBRATION (Christmas cycle): During the Christmas season we celebrate the birthday of Jesus, not merely his birth as a baby in Bethlehem, but as our brother and risen Lord. LONG RANGE PLANNING: Please note: after teaching Fully Alive Theme Three Created Sexual: Male and Female- sometime in February/March, you will be required to teach three lessons from the resource "A Catholic Approach to HIV/AIDS Education".

5 JANUARY Week 1 UNITS AND THEMES UNIT 5: We Believe in Jesus Christ, His Only Son - Theme 5-1 What's in a name? T.M. p. 178; S.B. p. 86 Week 2 3 Theme 5-2 How does Jesus challenge me? - T.M. p. 186; S.B. p. 94 Week 4 Theme 5-3 What makes Jesus believable? - T.M. p. 200; S.B. p. 99 CELEBRATION CONTINUES (Advent/Christmas/Epiphany cycle): We celebrate God s love of us through Jesus. We continue to reveal God s love to others through our lives as followers of Jesus. Because of the continuation aspect of the Christmas season, the table cover in the prayer centre should change from the purple of Advent to the white of Christmas until January 13th. The Advent/Christmas/Epiphany cycle ends with the Feast of the Lord s Baptism and Ordinary Time begins on January 14. This is the time to change the table cover in the prayer centre from the white of Christmas to the green of Ordinary Time which lasts until Ash Wednesday. January 20 th 26 th, 2013 is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Resources (poster and suggested activities) are available from Before beginning to teach Fully Alive Theme Three - Created Sexual: Male and Female remember to copy and distribute the home communication letter. Make sure you read the introductory comments to each of the lessons carefully. You will find advice and cautions regarding the teaching of this material. Remember to teach the three lessons from "A Catholic Approach to HIV/AIDS Education" immediately after you have taught Theme Three of Fully Alive. It is not recommended that you use any additional resources - videos, books, guest speakers etc. during Theme Three lessons taught this term. Some approved resources are available from your Religious Ed./Family Life Resource teacher. It is understood that it will be the classroom teacher who teaches Theme Three to her/his students. additional resources for teachers *REPORT CARD NOTICE: Remember to include two Religion and one Family Life comment on the report card. Comments can be found at:

6 FEBRUARY UNITS AND THEMES Week 1 UNIT 6: We Believe In...Jesus Theme 6-1 Am I free to be me? T.M. p. 208; S.B. p. 104 Week 2 Theme 6-2 What do I need to be happy? - T.M. p. 218; S.B. p. 108 ASH WEDNESDAY FEB 13 TH : FOR LENTEN ACTIVITIES For teacher background and ideas it is recommended that Gr. 7 teachers ask their Gr. 8 colleagues to share the Lent/Easter Pentecost Appendix at the back of the Gr. 8 Teacher Manual - Appendix 6 p.309 (Gr.8) T.M Week 3-4 UNIT 8: He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended to the dead. - Theme 8-1 What risks are worth taking? T.M. p. 258; S.B. p. 144 Valentine s Day has its origins in the expression of Christian love and concern. Lent Begins on Ash Wednesday February 13 th. It marks the beginning of the Lent/Easter/Pentecost cycle, which includes periods of preparation, celebration and continuation lasting 13 weeks. PLEASE NOTE FOR LENTEN ACTIVITIES For teacher background and ideas it is recommended that Gr. 7 teachers ask their Gr. 8 colleagues to share the Lent/Easter Pentecost Appendix at the back of the Gr. 8 Teacher Manual. - See Grade 8 - Appendix 6 p.309 (Gr.8) T.M PREPARATION: The 40 days of Lent have two purposes: to recall and renew our baptismal promises and to emphasize a spirit of conversion. Lent is a time of prayer, good works and other forms of penance. This is the time to change the table cover in the prayer centre from the green of Ordinary Time to the purple of Lent. To reflect the tone of the season, "Alleluia" is not sung. Penance and Reconciliation: Consider a celebration in the latter half of Lent to mark a return to God and one another in love. Schedule the three lessons from "A Catholic Approach to HIV/AIDS Education" during this month after completing Theme Three of Fully Alive Created Sexual: Male and Female. Please read each lesson's introductory comments carefully as they contain pertinent advice and cautions about this material. Teach only the material that is intended for your particular grade. It is not recommended that you use any additional resources - videos, books, guest speakers etc. during the lessons pertaining to HIV/AIDS. It is understood that it will be the classroom teacher who teaches the HIV/AIDS curriculum. additional resources for teachers

7 MARCH UNITS AND THEMES Week 1-2 Theme 8-2 What's the point of sacrifice? - T.M. p. 266; S.B. p. 154 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 MARCH BREAK HOLY WEEK - See Grade 8 - Appendix 6 - p. 312 (Gr. 8. T.M.) for Holy Week ideas Theme 8-2 (cont'd) EASTER - See Grade 8 - Appendix 6 - p. 312 (Gr. 8. T.M.) Theme 8-3 Who's in? Who's out? - T.M. p. 276; S.B. p. 162 Lent continues. Penance and Reconciliation: Consider a celebration in the latter half of Lent to mark a return to God and one another in love FOR LENTEN ACTIVITIES For teacher background and ideas it is recommended that Gr. 7 teachers ask their Gr. 8 colleagues to share the Lent/Easter Pentecost Appendix at the back of the Gr. 8 Teacher Manual - See Grade 8 - Appendix 6 p.309 (Gr.8) T.M. World Day of Prayer, March 4th, celebrated in 165 countries, is an invitation to pause and pray together in the spirit of ecumenism. Resource booklets are distributed to the schools. Extra copies are available (free) from Women s Interchurch Council of Canada, Suite 602, 60 St. Clair Ave. W., Toronto, M4T 1N5, Tel NB: Make sure that you honour and celebrate Holy Week and Easter. Change the table cover in the prayer centre from Lenten purple to the white of the Easter season. The organization of themes is re-arranged slightly in order that Theme 9-1 coincides with Easter. Go back to Theme 4-2 following Easter week. CELEBRATION (Easter Cycle): In the Easter Triduum (from the evening celebration of the Mass of the Lord s Supper on Holy Thursday to the Sunday celebration of Easter) the Church enters into the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. Passover: Easter, the Christian feast of liberation, grew out of the Jewish feast of Passover, the commemoration of God s liberation and protection of the Jewish people in the Exodus from Egypt. During the Easter Season the Paschal Candle is a reminder of the presence of the risen Christ among the people of God. Before you begin Theme Four - Growing in Commitment, please copy and distribute home communication letters.

8 APRIL UNIT AND THEME REFERENCES Week 1 Continue: Theme 8-3 Who's in? Who's out? - T.M. p. 276; S.B. p. 162 Week 2 Week 3 UNIT 4: We Believe in God...The Creator of Heaven and Earth Theme 4-1 Is what I do good enough? - T.M. p. 142; S.B. p. 64 UNIT 9: On the third day he rose. He ascended into Heaven Theme 9-1 Is there hope? - T.M. p. 284; S.B. p. 168 Week 4 Theme 4-2 That's not my job! Is it? - T.M. p. 156; S.B. p. 68 EASTER: Easter lasts fifty days until Pentecost Sunday May 19 th Blessed Pope John Paul II Day: April 8 During the Easter Season the Paschal Candle is a reminder of the presence of the risen Christ among the people of God. Theme Four continue during this month. Theme Five - "Living in the World" may be taught in May/June.

9 MAY UNIT AND THEME REFERENCES Week 1 Theme 4-3 Why do I need you? - T.M. p. 168; S.B. p. 77 Week 2-3 Week 4 UNIT 6: We believe in... Jesus - Theme 6-3 Is my way the best way? T.M. p. 224; S.B. p. 116 UNIT 10: He is seated at the Right Hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead - Theme 10-1 Who's a winner? T.M. p. 294; S.B. p. 178 CELEBRATION CONTINUES (Easter Cycle): The 7 weeks between Easter and Pentecost are celebrated as one great feast day the passion, death, resurrection, ascension, and sending of the Spirit are seen as one act in God s plan for our salvation. We sing Alleluia during these days of rejoicing. - Remember to honour the Easter season until Pentecost on May 19th. Pentecost: The Easter season ends with the feast of Pentecost. The month of May and Mary: Mary is a sign of what we hope one day to be. May devotions should highlight the role of Mary in the context of the Easter season. May is a good time to reflect on Mary s presence at each event in the Easter cycle. Ordinary Time resumes on the day after Pentecost, May 15th, and continues until the following Advent. We are called to continue our efforts to love and serve God in our daily living. This is the time to change the table cover in the prayer centre from the white of Easter to the green of Ordinary Time. Catholic Education Week May 5 th 10 th, 2013 Corpus Christi: The Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, the Sunday after Trinity Sunday celebrates Jesus total gift of himself in the Eucharist. Theme Five - Living in the World - may be taught in May/June. Copy and distribute Theme Five home communication letters before you begin. Respect for Life Week May The Religious Education/Family Life Department usually sends out some materials about this week. Please also watch the weekly Bulletin for further details.

10 JUNE UNITS AND THEME REFERENCES Week 1-2 Theme 10-2 What's fair? - T. M. p. 300; S.B. p. 186 Week 3-4 Theme 10-3 Does anyone really notice what I do? - T.M. p. 308; S.B. p. 192 Celebration T.M. p. 312 Ordinary Time: We are called to continue our efforts to love and serve God in our daily living.. *REPORT CARD NOTICE: Remember to include two Religion and one Family Life comment on the report card. Comments can be found at: