EXPLORING THE PROFESSION OF FAITH

October leader s overview EXPLORING THE PROFESSION OF FAITH Adult Meeting Questions to Explore this Month: What does it mean to believe? What is the nature of God? Materials: PowerPoint Catechetical Video Discussion Questions Fridge Sheet Car Conversations Hang Tag Community Meeting Nature Walk Information Handout Community Meeting Indoor Activities and Nature Walk Goals for the Community Meeting: Families continue to introduce themselves to each other. Praise God and enjoy the beauty of His creation. Key terms and concepts in your families lessons this month LESSON 1 I Believe CCC 26-49, 142-197 Faith The Apostles Creed LESSON 2 In God, the Father Almighty CCC 31-53, 232-267, 297-354 Divine Revelation The Nature of God Trinity Creator Creation 15 EXPLORING THE PROFESSION OF FAITH, OCTOBER 15

Leader s To-Do List for october Find a suitable nature-walk location for the Community Meeting. Ideally, look for one with a meeting space and church nearby. ASSIGNED TO: Car Conversations Gather craft materials for indoor activities (listed on page 30). ASSIGNED TO: Purchase s mores ingredients and other snacks. ASSIGNED TO:

adult meeting outline MONTH OF OCTOBER Meeting Summary October s adult meeting focuses on what it means to believe in God, and we begin to explore who He is. Handouts Discussion Questions (1/6 th as many copies as you have adults attending) Fridge Sheet (one per family) Car Conversations Hang Tag (one per family) Community Meeting Nature Walk Information (one per family) I. Your Witness 3-5 MINUTES Begin with a prayer, and then by sharing a brief story from your own life about a time when it was difficult for you to believe in God and the truths of our Faith. (Make sure to choose a story in which you ultimately came to believe!) Include in your story: what the problem was who helped you through it (if this can be a parent, all the better!) how you prayed to God to increase your faith the resolution to this part of your faith journey. II. Questions To Set the Stage 5 MINUTES Transition by writing the following questions on the board (or use the accompanying PowerPoint), and ask for volunteers to answer them in turn. Lead the discussion toward the conclusion below. 1. Who are we most likely to believe? How about when we are children? 2. What are some qualities or behaviors others display that make you more likely to believe them? 3. How do we find someone who is able to do something for us that we cannot do for ourselves? CONCLUSION We are most likely to believe those who love us and care for us unselfishly. Some parents may believe that their children are more EXPLORING THE PROFESSION OF FAITH, OCTOBER 17

Adult Meeting likely to believe outside authority figures than they would be to believe their parents. Reassure parents that this is not the case. Parents are their children s first and most natural teachers. We can also ask God to help us, and our children, believe in Him. III. PowerPoint Presentation and Sacred Art Present the Year One October PowerPoint to the whole group. Next, show the sacred art for this month: The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo. Parents have color copies on page 189 of their guides. Spend a few moments viewing the image in silence, and then discuss the conversation questions in the PowerPoint. Do not worry if the conversation goes in unexpected directions! IV. Catechetical Video Show the catechetical video to the whole group. 20 MINUTES 25 MINUTES V. Small Group Discussion 20 MINUTES Put parents in groups of six, and give each group one set of discussion questions. (As much as possible, make sure they are evenly distributed.) Note: These questions are based on the parent readings for this month. Have them discuss the questions in their small groups. Handouts of the questions for each group are at the end of the meeting outline. They may use their parent readings as references if they would like. Ask each group to assign someone to write down their responses on the handout. VI. Large Group Sharing 20 MINUTES With at least 20 minutes left, invite groups to share their questions and answers with the large group. Aim to spend about five minutes on each set of questions. If your pastor can be present for this part, invite him to guide the discussion. If not, below are correct answers to the discussion questions. Note: While leading the discussion, it is important to recognize the different places people are on their faith journeys. Be encouraging of questions, yet clear when someone s understanding is wrong. 18 SOPHIA INSTITUTE

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Group 1: What Is Faith? 1. As Catholics, we believe faith is God s gift to us, as well as our free response to God s gift. How can faith be both God s gift and our response to it? God takes the initiative, but we must choose to respond to Him. 2. God created us with free will the ability to choose between right and wrong. How does free will connect to the meaning of faith? While some Protestant sects teach that grace is irresistible, Catholics believe that people can choose to have faith in God or to reject Him. We can only make that choice if we have free will, which we do. 3. The world sometimes treats people of faith as blind followers. Why is that an unfair statement? Why is faith NOT a blind leap? Because it is founded on the Word of God, who never lies. 4. Why is placing our faith in God different than placing our faith in any human being? Humans can fail, even when they mean well, or try hard not to. God never fails. Adult Meeting Group 2: Who Is God? 1. What are the attributes of God? Holy, almighty, all-knowing, eternal and unchanging, omnipresent. 2. Which of his attributes is most awesome to you? Accept reasoned answers. 3. A Mystery is a truth entirely above our reason, but not contrary to it. We believe it because God has revealed it. Which attribute of God do you believe is most mysterious? Accept reasoned answers. 4. How do the attributes of God help us know our faith is certain? Since God is holy, He knows everything and He never changes, we can know we can trust His promises to us. Group 3: The Trinity 1. The Trinity is the central mystery of our Faith. This mystery reveals to us the truth that there are three persons in one God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (CCC 261) How would you put the mystery of the Trinity in your own words? EXPLORING THE PROFESSION OF FAITH, OCTOBER 19

Adult Meeting Accept reasoned answers that include reference to one God in three Divine Persons. 2. How does making the Sign of the Cross connect to the Trinity? We name the three Divine Persons of the Trinity. 3. Another way of saying that God is Trinity is that He is a communion of persons. How does this help us know that God is love? God Himself is three Persons who love each other. The Trinity is an eternal exchange of life-giving love. God is a family! 4. How can your family be like the Trinity? Answers should be based on reflecting unselfish, life-giving love to each other, being open to the gift of new life. Group 4: God the Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth 1. What did God create the world out of? Can anyone else create things this way? Nothing. No. 2. Humans are created in the image and likeness of God. This does not mean that we look like God. What does it mean? It means that, like God, we have intellect, free will, and the capacity to love. 3. God called man very good. The rest of creation was called good. What was the only thing that was not good? For man to be alone. 4. What are some things you can discern about who God is by observing His creation? Accept reasoned answers that reflect the marvelous nature of Creation, and our own longing for truth, beauty, and goodness. VII. Reminders and Announcements Announce the location, date, and time of the upcoming Community Meeting. 20 SOPHIA INSTITUTE

Give each family a copy of the Community Meeting Nature Walk Information Handout, with your location, meeting points, times, and so forth filled in. Give out the Fridge Page for this month. Remind parents that as always they do not need to do all the activities offered this month, but to please do the Storybook Activities and Family Creed Activity because you will be asking them to bring them to the Community Meeting to share. VIII. Closing Prayer and Encouragement Write on the board the quotation: Teaching is not a body of abstract truths. It is the communication of the living mystery of God. Pope St. John Paul II Ask parents to reflect on this quotation for a few moments, and then close in prayer such as: Adult Meeting In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. Dear Lord, thank you for the chance to spend time together learning about who You are and what it means to have faith in Your promises. Please help and encourage all the parents in this room, and the ones who could not be here tonight, to help their children come to know You, have faith in You, and love You. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. EXPLORING THE PROFESSION OF FAITH, OCTOBER 21

GROUP 1 What is faith? discussion questions Use the essays in your parents guide to help answer these questions. 1. As Catholics, we believe faith is God s gift to us, as well as our free response to God s gift. How can faith be both God s gift and our response to it? 2. God created us with free will the ability to choose between right and wrong. How does free will connect to the meaning of faith? 3. The world sometimes treats people of faith as blind followers. Why is that an unfair statement? Why is faith NOT a blind leap? 4. Why is placing our faith in God different than placing our faith in any human being? 22 SOPHIA INSTITUTE

GROUP 2 Who is God? discussion questions Use the essays in your parents guide to help answer these questions. 1. What are the attributes of God? 2. Which of His attributes is most awesome to you? 3. A mystery is a truth entirely above our reason, but not contrary to it. We believe it because God has revealed it. Which attribute of God do you believe is most mysterious? 4. How do the attributes of God help us know our faith is certain? EXPLORING THE PROFESSION OF FAITH, OCTOBER 23

GROUP 3 The Trinity discussion questions Use the essays in your parents guide to help answer these questions. 1. The Trinity is the central mystery of our faith. This mystery reveals to us the truth that there are three persons in one God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (CCC 261) How would you put the mystery of the Trinity in your own words? 2. How does making the Sign of the Cross connect to the Trinity? 3. Another way of saying that God is Trinity is that He is a communion of persons. How does this help us know that God is love? 4. How can your family be like the Trinity? 24 SOPHIA INSTITUTE

GROUP 4 God the father, creator of heaven and earth discussion questions Use the essays in your parents guide to help answer these questions. 1. What did God create the world out of? Can anyone else create things this way? 2. Wanting to share His being, wisdom, grace, goodness, and truth, God created humanity? How does this show us that God is love? 3. Humans are created in the image and likeness of God. This does not mean that we look like God. What does it mean? 4. What are some things you can discern about who God is by observing His creation? EXPLORING THE PROFESSION OF FAITH, OCTOBER 25

Celebrate! St. Francis of Assisi October 4 Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures St. Francis of Assisi Things to do this month: 1 Bring your pets to your parish s blessing of the animals on VERSE OF THE MONTH Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.. 2 Go on a nature walk and experience the beauty of God s creation. REMEMBER! Always begin and end your prayers with the Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. The Apostles Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of Heaven and earth... MEMORIZE! OCTOBER FRIDGE PAGE SOPHIA INSTITUTE

Car Conversations Car God is bigger than our Conversations worries! Share a time that your faith in Him helped you get through a hard time. What is your favorite part of God s creation? Take turns sharing what brings you joy about it, and how it shows us how marvelous God is. SOPHIA INSTITUTE

COMMUNITY MEETING Nature Walk Information At this month s Community Meeting we will enjoy a nature walk, have fun, and praise God for His marvelous creation! There will be a list of things to see as you take your walk, and afterwards we will spend some time sharing the most interesting finds along the way! We will end with a prayer and s mores over a campfire. N a t u r ewa l kl o c a t i o n : Wew i l lm e e ta t a t : a. m. /p. m. (SPECIFIC MEETING POINT) We will conclude at : a.m./p.m. Arrival and Parking Instructions: You may want to bring: Folding chairs and/or a blanket A sturdy stroller Water Pray for great weather and a fun Layered/weather-appropriate clothing day exploring God s creation and enjoying each other s company! 28 SOPHIA INSTITUTE

community meeting preparation MONTH OF OCTOBER Meeting Summary October s community meeting begins with indoor activities. The second half is a nature walk at a location of your choice. The meeting concludes with a marshmallow roast over a campfire. Sample Timeline 11:00 a.m. Holy Mass, followed by lunch on your own 1:00 p.m. Indoor Activities 1:45 2:30 p.m. Nature walk Meeting Preparation Read over the activities and select the ones that make the most sense for your families. You do not have to do all of them. Gather needed materials (listed on the next page). Find a suitable nature-walk location. Ideally, look for one with a meeting space and church nearby. If one cannot be found, you can begin the community meeting after Sunday Mass in your parish hall and then caravan to the nature-walk site. Reserve picnic tables or a campfire area, if possible. Print out maps of the area. Purchase marshmallows, and if you d like s mores, graham crackers and chocolate bars. Recruit a few fathers to be in charge of the campfire. If the indoor meeting and nature walk will be in different locations, print out driving directions to the nature walk. 2:30 p.m. Large Group Sharing 2:40 p.m. Move to campfire area for closing prayer, marshmallow roast and fellowship 3:30 p.m. Clean up EXPLORING THE PROFESSION OF FAITH, OCTOBER 29

Community Meeting Community Indoor Activity Materials Each family will be given all of the following: Posterboard Scissors Scotch tape Pencils Elmer s glue Brown paper bags six cotton balls Dried macaroni Assorted buttons Empty toilet paper rolls (or cut pieces of paper towel rolls) Elastics Several pieces of assorted colored felt Several pipe cleaners Several popsicle sticks God Created What? Game Sheet (one per family) Driving directions to walk location Nature Walk Materials God s Marvelous Creation Handout (one per family) Maps S mores ingredients and other snacks 30 SOPHIA INSTITUTE

community meeting outline MONTH OF OCTOBER I. Opening Prayer Begin by praying Psalm 104 together. II. Review and Connection to Lessons Note: Whenever possible, make an effort to call on all the children, rather than letting a few families dominate. You can say, Let s give someone else a chance if a few children are more motivated than others. If you are not able to call on everyone, make a mental note to pay special attention to the ones who did not answer a question during other parts of the meeting. A. With the families in one big group, ask the children the following questions, along with any others you may wish to add: What does it mean to believe? What does the word creed mean? Can anyone recite for me the Scripture you memorized this month? What can you tell me about the Apostles Creed? We can learn about God through His creation. Can you tell me anything about St. Francis and how he felt about God s creation? B. Review with all of the families the truth that they reflected on in their lessons that only God can create from nothing. Whenever men and women make something they are using the raw materials that God created. We give glory to the Creator when we use His creation wisely. III. Activities A. Family Creed (15-20 minutes) Have families meet in groups of three, introduce themselves and share the family creed they wrote. GOAL The goal is to give families a chance to visit and get to know each other. EXPLORING THE PROFESSION OF FAITH, OCTOBER 31

Community Meeting B. Creation Project (10-15 minutes) Give each family a piece of poster board, scissors, scotch tape, a pencil, and glue, and a bag of treasures (the items on the materials list). Tell families they are to create something using the treasures given to them. Their creation must be adhered to the poster board and given a title. GOAL This project is intended for the families to be creative and have fun together, while reinforcing the teaching on creation that was presented in Lesson 2 only God can create something out of nothing. C. God Created What? Game (10 minutes) 1. Give a game sheet to one adult member of each family. 2. Let everyone know that they will have one minute to list all of the things they can think of that God created. Do a ready, set, go and then announce pencils down when 60 seconds are up. 3. Go around and ask families how many items they listed. When the family with the longest list is identified, ask them to read their list aloud. 4. The whole group should verify that these must not be things that man has made (e.g., a house; a dam; a medicine, etc.). GOAL The purpose of this exercise is to reinforce the truth that only God can create from nothing. Anything that man makes is using God s creation. D. Thanksgiving Prayer (3-5 minutes) Have every family think of one thing that God has created that they are especially thankful for. Then have all the families pray the following refrain out loud: Lord, we praise and thank you for... (each family takes a turn filling in the ending with the one thing that they are especially thankful for, and then the refrain is repeated until all families have participated.) 32 SOPHIA INSTITUTE

IV. Nature Walk 45 MINUTES Transition now to the nature walk, along the lines of: Now we will enjoy a nature walk, have fun and praise God for His marvelous creation! Note: If you are caravanning to the walk site, make sure to remind people of the exact meeting point and time, leaving enough time for people to visit the restrooms and stop for a quick snack. Hand out copies of driving directions if people need them. At the nature-walk meeting point, give the group basic information about your location: pass out maps, explain where they can walk, and how long it will take for certain walks, e.g., around the lake or up a hill and back. Remind everyone to leave the walk location in the same condition that it was found. IMPORTANT Announce a time and place for everyone to regroup. V. Group Sharing, Announcements, and Fellowship 30 MINUTES After the walk, ask families to share the most interesting item that they found. Before moving to the campfire area, make any needed announcements, including the date of the next Adult Meeting. Move to the campfire area for closing prayer, marshmallow roast and fellowship. As a group, clean up the site before departing. Community Meeting EXPLORING THE PROFESSION OF FAITH, OCTOBER 33

God Created What? Directions: Write as many things you can think of that God created on the lines below. 1. 14. 2. 15. 3. 16. 4. 17. 5. 18. 6. 19. 7. 20. 8. 21. 9. 22. 10. 23. 11. 24. 12. 25. 13. 26. 34 SOPHIA INSTITUTE

God s Marvelous Creation As you take your nature walk, find something that God created, starting with each of the letters below. Fill in the line with the name of the thing. Try to find unusual things to accomplish this activity! NOT E: At the bottom there is a bonus line in case you find something special that does not start with one of the letters below. Have fun and praise God for His marvelous creation! C R E A T I O N Bonus EXPLORING THE PROFESSION OF FAITH, OCTOBER 35

Leader Notes