10/6/2013 : Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4 / 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14 / Luke 17:5-10 Ordinary Time 27 Liturgical Color: Green Welcome to Your Guide to Catholic Essentials! Catholic Essentials is your curriculum for the year; this Guide walks you through the book and provides additional questions, Opening and s, and other reflections. The Liturgical Calendar references are provided for your convenience. You are encouraged to visit http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/index.cfm anytime to find daily Mass Readings, to connect the weekly lessons to your family s worship, and to incorporate the movements of the liturgical year into your own spiritual lives. While a paper copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) is recommended for reference, you will find the CCC electronically (and searchable) at http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-webelieve/catechism/. The on the USCCB website is also searchable. Of course, a paper (or s, one for each person) is recommended. There are many wonderful opportunities for youth to connect and grow in faith together throughout the year, with social and service events and "LightHouse" on Wednesdays! Schedules, forms, details, and policies and procedures, etc. are found online at www.sjn.org under "Youth." Preparing for each session is essential, for two reasons: o There are sometimes extra Materials involved (besides the book, this Guide, a pen/pencil, and a for each of you). Materials are noted in the right-hand column of each page. Handouts are printed directly after each session. o More importantly, the more prepared you are for each time you meet, the more tuned you are as an instrument of God s wonderful grace. May this material, participation in the sacraments and the life of the Church, and your entire journey through this year of catechesis provide many opportunities for wonderful discussion and rich growth as disciples of Jesus the Christ! October 6 ~ Opening Opening prayer and reflection. Visions & expectations for the year. Program details. Family-Taught & Clusters: Meet with staff for materials and highlights of the year to come! At-Church Groups: Dismissal to small-group rooms to meet catechists and fellow group members, receive books, etc.
10/13/2013 : Preface & Introduction Pages 4-13 2 Kings 5:14-17 / 2 Timothy 2:8-13 / Luke 17:-19 Ordinary Time 28 Liturgical Color: Green At some point during the session, review the Guide to Reading the. You may have seen it before (and may be very familiar with the already), but it can be either a good review or a good primer. The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth Guide to Reading The pens/pencils Begin by lighting your candle and praying together: God, you are with us in every moment. You reveal yourself to us every day. Help us to recognize you in our midst. Help us to grow in our faith. Help us to believe more firmly in you. You are our loving God. Amen. Preface: Pages 4-5 Read these pages. Introduction: Pages 7-13 Read these pages. What thoughts come to mind as you read these pages? Are there certain areas of Catholic teaching you are looking forward to exploring? Take a moment to think about a few questions you have regarding your Catholic faith. Write these on the back of this page. Revisit these as the year goes on, seeing how they are answered, how the questions change, how more questions are added, how your questions lead you to deeper faith, hope, and charity. Each person responds to these questions: How have I grown as a Catholic Christian today? How will I apply what I have learned today? Focusing on your candle and cross, prayerfully re-read the scripture passage on pages 12-13. When finished, conclude with the Glory Be (found on page 324 for your convenience). Then extinguish your candle. Note you will need both a and the Catholic Essentials book next time (and every session).
Chapter 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture Pages 15-18 10/27/2013 : Begin by lighting your candle and praying the Act of Faith on page 328. Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18 / 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 / Luke 18:9-14 Ordinary Time 30 Liturgical Color: Green Catholic Essentials Handout: On the Lookout for What s Real pens/pencils Our Desire For God: Pages 15-17 Read these pages. What stands out to you as you read this? What is new? What reinforces what you already know? How does it affect you personally? Work through the Handout: On the Lookout for What s Real. Move through the Review and the Write or Discuss questions at the top of page 18. Respond to these questions: How have I grown as a Catholic Christian today? How will I apply what I have learned today? Again, pray the Act of Faith on page 328, then extinguish your candle.
2 10/27/2013 : Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18 / 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 / Luke 18:9-14 Ordinary Time 30 Liturgical Color: Green
Chapter 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture Pages 18-26 /3/2013 : Wisdom :22-12:2 / 2 Thessalonians 1:-2:2 / Luke 19:1-10 Ordinary Time 31 Liturgical Color: Green Begin by lighting your candle and praying this portion of Psalm. Pray in this way: make the Sign of the Cross, then alternate verses. When finished, again make the Sign of the Cross. Catholic Essentials Handout: Psalm Search pens/pencils I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:1-3 Who Is God? Pages 18-25 Read these pages. What stands out to you as you read this? What are your thoughts as you read the Attributes? What is new in today s pages? What reinforces what you already know? How does it affect you personally? Work through the Handout: Psalm Search. Move through the Review questions at the top of page 26. Respond to these questions: How have I grown as a Catholic Christian today? How will I apply what I have learned today? Begin with the Sign of the Cross. Pray God, you are. followed by each of the attributes on pages 20-21. When you reach the end, make the sign of the cross and extinguish your candle.
2 /3/2013 : Wisdom :22-12:2 / 2 Thessalonians 1:-2:2 / Luke 19:1-10 Ordinary Time 31 Liturgical Color: Green
Chapter 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture Pages 26-31 /10/2013 : 2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14 / 2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5 / Luke 20:27-38 or 20:27 Ordinary Time 32 Liturgical Color: Green Catholic Essentials pens/pencils Begin by lighting your candle and praying the Lord s Prayer. The Revelation Of God Through History: Pages 26-30 Read these pages. What stands out to you as you read this? What is new? What reinforces what you already know? How does it affect you personally? Move through the Review and the Write or Discuss questions at the bottom of page 30 and the top of page 31. Apologetics: Catholic FAQ s (page 29) Use real-life to resolve the issue in question #1. Use the Catechism to resolve the issue in question #2. Use Scripture to resolve the issue in question #3. Respond to these questions: How have I grown as a Catholic Christian today? How will I apply what I have learned today? Pray the Act of Hope on page 329, then extinguish your candle.
Chapter 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture Pages 31-38 /17/2013 : Malachi 3:19-20a / 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12 / Luke 21:5-19 Ordinary Time 33 Liturgical Color: White Catholic Essentials pens/pencils Begin by lighting your candle and, having prayed the Sign of the Cross, pray aloud Psalm 9:97-2. Jesus and Sacred Scripture: Pages 31-37 Read these pages. What stands out to you as you read this? What is new? What reinforces what you already know? How does it affect you personally? What is your experience of each of the three modes of study on pages 33-34? How have the different senses of Scripture affected your own faith development as you have encountered the stories of the? Move through the Review and the Write or Discuss questions on pages 38. Respond to these questions: How have I grown as a Catholic Christian today? How will I apply what I have learned today? Pray for anything on your heart today, then pray the Glory Be.
/24/2013 : 2 Samuel 5:1-3 / Colossians 1:12-20 / Luke 23:35-43 Christ the King Liturgical Color: White Special today for all youth and parents in the Family Taught Program! We will be in the Social Hall from 1:15-2:30. (More information will be sent home.)
Chapter 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture Pages 38-47 12/8/2013 : Isaiah :1-10 / Romans 15:4-9 / Matthew 3:1-12 Advent 2 Liturgical Color: Violet Catholic Essentials pens/pencils Begin by lighting your candle and proclaiming Matthew 3:1-12 (the Gospel Reading for today s Eucharistic Liturgy). Overview Of The : Pages 38-45 Read these pages. What stands out to you as you read this? What is new? What reinforces what you already know? How does it affect you personally? Are you more familiar with the Old Testament or the New Testament? Why? Are there any books of the with which you are not familiar? Are there any Books or passages that are your favorite(s)? Why? Move through the Review and the Write or Discuss questions on page 45. Ways We Can Know God: Pages 46-47 Read these two pages. Which of these ways speaks to you most? Why? What will you gain from these pages? Respond to these questions: How have I grown as a Catholic Christian today? How will I apply what I have learned today? Pray through Isaiah :1-10, the poetic First Reading for today s Eucharistic Liturgy.
Chapter 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture Pages 48-59 12/15/2013 : Begin by lighting your candle and praying the Divine Praises found on page 322 of Catholic Essentials. Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10 / James 5:7-10 / Matthew :2- Advent 3 Liturgical Color: Violet Catholic Essentials Handout: The Liturgy of the Word pens/pencils Scripture In The Life Of The Church: Pages 48-54 Read these pages. What stands out to you as you read this? What is new? What reinforces what you already know? How does it affect you personally? The bottom of page 51 through the top of page 53 detail a way of studying the. Pages 53-54 detail ways to pray with the. How can you incorporate these into your schedule? What impact will this have on your life? Work through the Handout: The Liturgy of the Word. Move through the Review and the Write or Discuss questions at the bottom of page 54 and the top of page 55. Images Of Christ (pages 56-58) Follow these pages. Getting To Know Jesus (page 59) Follow the top half of this page, up to the Prayer, looking up the scripture passages and letting the questions guide you to a deeper understanding of Jesus. Respond to these questions: How have I grown as a Catholic Christian today? How will I apply what I have learned today? Pray the Prayer at the bottom of page 59, then extinguish your candle. Note the upcoming break the next two weeks are off. Next Sunday, there will be a parish Advent Reconciliation Service at 3:00 in the Worship Space - all families are encouraged to attend as part of preparing to celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. This is a parish liturgy, not part of the Youth Catechesis program. Reconciliation is a sacrament of healing, healing our connection with God and with the community by removing sin from our lives and restoring our relationship, our friendship, our connection with Abba (as expressed by Jesus in the parable of the Prodigal Son and the Forgiving Father).
2 12/15/2013 : Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10 / James 5:7-10 / Matthew :2- Advent 3 Liturgical Color: Violet
1/5/2014 : Isaiah 60:1-6 / Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 / Matthew 2:1-12 Epiphany of the Lord Liturgical Color: White Chapter 2 Who Is Jesus? Pages 61-66 Catholic Essentials Handout: One Solitary Life pens/pencils Begin by lighting your candle and pray the Apostle s Creed; for convenience, it is found on page 317. All Because of Jesus: Pages 61-63 Read these pages. What stands out to you as you read this? What is new? What reinforces what you already know? How does it affect you personally? Move through the Write or Discuss question on page 63. Work through the Handout: One Solitary Life. I Believe In Jesus Christ, His Only Son, Our Lord : Pages 63-66 Read these pages. What stands out to you as you read this? What is new? What reinforces what you already know? How does it affect you personally? Move through the Apologetics: Catholic FAQ s on page 64 when you get to them. Move through the Review and Write or Discuss questions on page 66. Respond to these questions: How have I grown as a Catholic Christian today? How will I apply what I have learned today? Pray the Glory Be, then extinguish your candle.
2 1/5/2014 : Isaiah 60:1-6 / Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 / Matthew 2:1-12 Epiphany of the Lord Liturgical Color: White
Chapter 2 Who Is Jesus? Pages 67-73 1/12/2014 : Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 / Acts 10:34-38 / Matthew 3:13-17 Baptism of the Lord Liturgical Color: White Catholic Essentials pens/pencils Begin by lighting your candle and pray the Act of Faith; for convenience, it is found on page 328. Faith In Jesus Christ: Pages 67-70 Read these pages. What stands out to you as you read this? What is new? What reinforces what you already know? How does it affect you personally? Move through the Review and Write or Discuss questions on page 71. What Is The Kingdom Of God Like? (pages 71-73) Move through these pages; which image of God s Kingdom speaks to you the most? Why is that? How do Jesus words about God s movement in the world affect your own life? Respond to these questions: How have I grown as a Catholic Christian today? How will I apply what I have learned today? Pray the Glory Be, then extinguish your candle.
.E, 2.F, 3,A, 4.D, 5.C, 6.B 1 Chapter 2 Who Is Jesus? Pages 74-88 1/26/2014 : Begin by lighting your candle and praying the Apostle s Creed, found on Page 317 of Catholic Essentials. Isaiah 8:23-9:3 / 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17 / Matthew 4:12-23 or 4:12-17 Ordinary Time 3 Liturgical Color: Green Catholic Essentials Handout: The Kingdom of God pens/pencils Life Of Christ: Pages 74-88 Read these pages. What stands out to you as you read this? What is new? What reinforces what you already know? How does it affect you personally? Work through the Apologetics: Catholic FAQs as they come up. Work through the Handout: The Kingdom of God. The correct responses are found below the materials list. Move through the Review and Write or Discuss questions on page 88. Respond to these questions: How have I grown as a Catholic Christian today? How will I apply what I have learned today? Pray the Memorare, found at the bottom of page 99.
1/26/2014 : Isaiah 8:23-9:3 / 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17 / Matthew 4:12-23 or 4:12-17 Ordinary Time 3 Liturgical Color: Green
2/9/2014 Chapter 2 Who Is Jesus? Pages 89-99 : Begin by lighting your candle and praying the Lord s Prayer. Isaiah 58:7-10 / 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 / Matthew 5:13-16 Ordinary Time 5 Liturgical Color: Green Catholic Essentials Handout: Without the Holy Spirit pencils/pens Jesus Reveals The Holy Trinity: Pages 89-94 Read these pages. What stands out to you as you read this? What is new? What reinforces what you already know? How does it affect you personally? Work through the Apologetics: Catholic FAQs on page 93. Work through the Handout: Without the Holy Spirit. Move through the Review and Write or Discuss questions on page 94. Jesus: Friend And Savior (pages 96-97) Move through these pages; respond to each question as it is presented. How do Jesus words about God s movement in the world affect your own life? Getting To Know Jesus (pages 98-99) Move through these pages. Respond to these questions: How have I grown as a Catholic Christian today? How will I apply what I have learned today? Pray the Divine Praises (found on page 322), then extinguish your candle.
2/9/2014 : Isaiah 58:7-10 / 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 / Matthew 5:13-16 Ordinary Time 5 Liturgical Color: Green
2/27/2014 : Leviticus 19:1-2,17-18 / 1 Corinthians 3:16-23 / Matthew 5:38-48 Ordinary Time 7 Liturgical Color: Green (will be noted separately) Protection of Children and Youth Initiative (PCYI). Curriculum will be provided several weeks beforehand.
3/2/2014 Chapter 3 Paschal Mystery: The Mission of Jesus Christ Pages 101-1 : Isaiah 49:14-15 / 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 / Matthew 6:24-34 Ordinary Time 8 Liturgical Color: Green Catholic Essentials pencils/pens Begin by lighting your candle and praying Matthew 6:24-34 (the Gospel for today s Eucharistic Liturgy). Living Gospel: Pages 101-104 Read these pages. What stands out to you as you read this? What is new? What reinforces what you already know? How does it affect you personally? Move through the Write or Discuss question on page 104. The Fall And The Consequences: Pages 104-109 Read these pages. What stands out to you as you read this? What is new? What reinforces what you already know? How does it affect you personally? Move through the Review and Write or Discuss question on page 109. Holy Places: Remember Holy Times (pages 0-1) Read through these pages. Which holy place would you like to know more about? Why? What would it do for your faith to visit these places? Respond to these questions: How have I grown as a Catholic Christian today? How will I apply what I have learned today? Pray the Lord s Prayer, then extinguish your candle.
3/9/2014 : Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7 / Romans 5:12-19 or 5:12,17-19 / Matthew 4:1- Lent 1 Liturgical Color: Violet Special today for all youth and parents in the Family Taught Program! We will be in the Social Hall from 1:15-2:30. (More information will be sent home.)
3/30/2014 : 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a / Ephesians 5:8-14 / John 9:1-41 or 9:1, 6-9, 13- Lent 4 Liturgical Color: Violet
Chapter 3 Paschal Mystery: The Mission of Jesus Christ Pages 2-120 3/30/2014 : Begin by lighting your candle and praying the Regina Caeli (found on page 327). 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a / Ephesians 5:8-14 / John 9:1-41 or 9:1, 6-9, 13- Lent 4 Liturgical Color: Violet Catholic Essentials Handout: The Law of the Lord pencils/pens Tracing Salvation History: Pages 2-120 Read these pages. What stands out to you as you read this? What is new? What reinforces what you already know? How does it affect you personally? Work through the Handout: The Law of the Lord. Move through the Review and Write or Discuss question on page 120. Respond to these questions: How have I grown as a Catholic Christian today? How will I apply what I have learned today? Pray the Lord s Prayer, then extinguish your candle.
4/6/2014 : Ezekiel 37:12-14 / Romans 8:8- / John :1-45 or :3-7, 17, 20--27,33b-4 Lent 5 Liturgical Color: Violet
D.B.A.C. 1 Chapter 3 Paschal Mystery: The Mission of Jesus Christ Pages 121-130 4/6/2014 : Begin by lighting your candle and, having prayed the Sign of the Cross, pray aloud Psalm 8. Ezekiel 37:12-14 / Romans 8:8- / John :1-45 or :3-7, 17, 20--27,33b-4 Lent 5 Liturgical Color: Violet Catholic Essentials Handout: The Messiah What Did They Expect? pencils/pens Redemption Through The Paschal Mystery: Pages 121-130 Read these pages. What stands out to you as you read this? What is new? What reinforces what you already know? How does it affect you personally? Work through the Handout: The Messiah What Did They Expect? The correct order of the responses is found on this page below the materials list. Move through the Review and Write or Discuss question on page 130. Respond to these questions: How have I grown as a Catholic Christian today? How will I apply what I have learned today? Pray the Act of Love on page 329, then extinguish your candle.
Chapter 3 Paschal Mystery: The Mission of Jesus Christ Pages 131-136 4/27/2014 : Acts 2:14, 22-33 / 1 Peter 1:17-21 / Luke 24:13-35 Easter 2 Liturgical Color: White Catholic Essentials pencils/pens Begin by lighting your candle and praying the Act of Hope (found on page 328). He Is Risen!: Pages 121-130 Read these pages. What stands out to you as you read this? What is new? What reinforces what you already know? How does it affect you personally? Work through the Apologetics: Catholic FAQ s question on page 136. Move through the Review and Write or Discuss question on page 136. Respond to these questions: How have I grown as a Catholic Christian today? How will I apply what I have learned today? Pray the Gloria (reprinted to the right), then extinguish your candle. Gloria Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father. Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
5/4/2014 Chapter 3 Paschal Mystery: The Mission of Jesus Christ Pages 138-141 : Acts 2:14a, 36-41 / 1 Peter 2:20b-25 / John 10:1-10 Easter 3 Liturgical Color: White Catholic Essentials pencils/pens Begin by lighting your candle and praying the Act of Love (found on page 328). Jesus: Friend and Savior (pages 138-139) Read these pages. What stands out to you as you read this? How does it affect you personally? Respond to the question at the bottom of page 139. How is the Paschal Mystery modeled in your own life? Getting to Know Jesus (pages 140-141) Reflect on the words in the picture on page 140. Which of these describe you? Which speak to your image of Jesus? Now read these two pages. What stands out to you as you read this? How does it affect you personally? Move through the journal activity described on page 141, recalling your thoughts about the words on page 140. Respond to these questions: How have I grown as a Catholic Christian today? How will I apply what I have learned today? Read John 10:1-10, the Gospel for today s Eucharistic Liturgy. Reflect on how God has moved in you, how your faith, hope, and love have increased through this past year. Pray the Lord s Prayer, then extinguish your candle. This concludes the th Grade curriculum for this year. May your faith, hope, and love, as well as your understanding of the truths of the Body of Christ, continue to grow!