Grade 6 / Home Lesson

Grade 6 / Home Lesson CHAPTER 5 CALLED ON A JOURNEY OF FAITH Objectives Examine the idea that life is a journey of faith. Realize that the journey of faith demands sacrifice and change. Identify the story of Abraham and Sarah as a model for life s journey. Explain why a Catholic s life is a journey of faith. Step 1: We Are Invited (Life Experience), pages 36 37 With your child think about any experiences your family has had with moving either your own move or the move of family or friends. Discuss how you felt in those circumstances and how you dealt with those feelings. Perhaps refer to the Activity and make the suggested lists. Then remind your child that God is building the kingdom, transforming the world. Pray together the prayer. Refer to the chapter title (Called on a Journey of Faith), and read the story on pages 36 37. Where are Marta and her parents moving? (the Valley of the Sun) How does the text describe this place? (warm with many flowers) What might Marta be feeling? (sad, hopeful) Discuss how she could deal with these feelings and what she could do to make herself feel more at home in the Valley of the Sun. Read No Turning Back on page 37. D raw attention to the picture of the ro a d. W hy is the road a good image for life s journey? (It has many twists and turns and you cannot always see what lies ahead.) Point out that because it is a two - way ro a d, people will be coming from the other dire c t i o n. M e n t i o n that this could tell us something about our own trave l s b e f o re making an important decision we can talk to others who have alre a dy traveled that road and get their adv i c e. Discuss the caption on page 37. Read the Scripture Signpost, and answer the question there. (Answer should include: Ultimately only through God can we have faith; it is God s gift.) Where in the Mass do we publicly say this is our faith; this is what God has revealed and what we believe? (We profess our faith in the Creed; refer to page 224 The Order of the Mass.) 12 / Grade 6 Home Lessons Harcourt Religion Publishers

Step 2: We Explore (Doctrine), pages 38 41 Read aloud the Scripture Story: Obeying God s Call, page 38. Why did Abram and Sarai begin this journey? (Possible answers: They heard God s voice; they had strong faith; they were able to trust God.) Emphasize that nothing is impossible for those who have faith. The story of Abram is found in the second part of the Book of Genesis. In chapters 12 50 Genesis relates the story of the people of Israel beginning with Abram and ending with the deaths of Jacob and Joseph. Look at the picture of Abram, Sarai and Lot setting out on their journey. What difficulties do you think these three people had to face on their journey? (Possible answers: bad weather, hunger, feeling tired, getting lost, discouraged.) Why do you think they kept going despite these problems? (They knew God was with them; they had faith.) Read the caption and help your child articulate the lesson he or she has learned. Look for an understanding of the importance of making key life choices based on faith and trust in God. Read Catholics Believe and point out that, as we make our journey of faith, we do not always know what direction to take or what obstacles we ll face, but we do know the destination.the only other thing we can be certain of is that God is with us every step of the way. Read A Surprising Journey on page 39. Tell your son or daughter that people change their names to show that they have changed, experienced an inner transformation a change of heart. Discuss the meaning of the term sacrifice. (Refer to the Language of Faith section in the back of the textbook.) Discuss: What was the biggest surprise of Abraham and Sarah s long journey of faith? (God s calling Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac) Explore the point of the story: Abraham proves his faith in God; God demands obedience and faith, not human sacrifice. For Christians Abraham s sacrificing of Isaac is a foreshadowing of God s sacrificing his Son, Jesus. In the Genesis story Isaac carries the wood to the spot where the fire of sacrifice will be lit, just as Jesus carries a wooden cross to his place of execution. Read Our Moral Guide and answer the question found there. (Possible answers: pray, ask family or friends for support, consider and appreciate our blessings.) Give your child time to complete the Activity. Discuss with your child the meaning of the word consequence (outcome, effect, and aftermath have similar meanings).then read The Road of Life, pages 40 41, and point out that the death toward which human history (humanity) was heading can be understood as eternal separation from God. Explain that Isaac would give birth to a new nation called Israel, chosen by God, from which a savior would come. Further clarify the meaning of the term Israel by referring to the Language of Faith at the back of the textbook. Harcourt Religion Publishers Grade 6 Home Lessons / 13

Discuss the failings of Isaac s two sons. What is it about the story of Isaac s descendants that gives us hope? (Despite their failings God continues to be with them.) What are some examples in the text of God drawing good out of human failings? (Joseph s brothers sold him into slavery, but he became a leader and saved his family from famine by bringing them to Egypt. Their descendants, whom God delivered from slavery, became the nation of Israel.) Remind your child that Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph traveled the same journey of faith although each had his own individual journey. What does this tell us about our own journey of faith? (We are traveling toward the same destination, but we choose different paths. Each of us contributes to the faith tradition, which all of us will pass on.) Look at the picture on page 40, and discuss the caption question. Read the caption for the picture on page 41. What happens at Baptism? (We become adopted children of God; we become members of the Church; we become Christians.) Read Saints Walk with Us: Saint Ignatius of Loyola on page 41. Explain that the group founded by Ignatius is often referred to as the Jesuits. If you like, choose a family motto, and post it on the refrigerator or in another prominent place. Step 3: We Reflect (Integration of Faith into Everyday Life), page 42 Review the material taught in this lesson by discussing Recall, Think and Share, Continue the Journey. Have your child complete the activity. Read and discuss We Live Our Faith: At Home and In the Parish. Create the timeline described there, and discuss it with your child. Refer to the Language of Faith section in the back of the textbook for clarification and review of all highlighted words. Complete pages 9 10 in your Faith Journal. Step 4: We Celebrate (Prayer and Conclusion), page 43 Move on to page 43, and discuss: What is the connection between the picture of a busy highway and the picture of travelers hundreds of years ago? (Like people of long ago we, too, are on a journey toward God and are called to live in faith. We have received our faith because our ancestors in faith passed it on to us.) Read the text on the page, A Prayer for the Road. Close the lesson with prayer. Take a moment to settle down, prepare for prayer, light a candle and then pray together the Prayer of Ignatius. 14 / Grade 6 Home Lessons Harcourt Religion Publishers

Grade 6 / Home Lesson CHAPTER 6 GOD WANTS TO SAVE US Objectives Discover the role of ritual. Explain how rituals enrich faith. Identify God s saving action in the story of the Exodus. Examine how the Eucharist is God s saving action. Step 1: We Are Invited (Life Experience), pages 44 45 Have your child list some of the special times he or she celebrates with others (birthdays, holidays, graduations, weddings, and so on) Remember God s presence in your lives and especially at these times of celebration. Then pray together the opening Prayer on page 44. Read the text on pages 44 45. Tell your child that special celebrations remind us that God wants to interact with others and to share his love. Make sure your child understands the meaning of the word ritual. Explain that the ritual shown on the top of page 45 is the blessing of throats on the Feast of Saint Blaise. Blaise was a fourth-century bishop imprisoned during a persecution of Christians. While in prison he saved the life of a boy who was choking on a fish bone. The boy s mother rewarded Blaise with food and candles. Before or after the liturgy on February 3, the priest uses two crossed candles to bless the throats of people while praying for their good health. Discuss how rituals help us. (They enable us to celebrate, prepare for change, and remember. They also connect us to the past and point to the future.) Then discuss the caption question. (with each other, with the entire assembly) Harcourt Religion Publishers Grade 6 Home Lessons / 15

Draw attention to the last paragraph on page 45 and the words, All of our sacraments... are celebrated with rituals. Discuss the various rituals that are a part of the Church s celebration of Baptism blessing of water, pouring of water while invoking the Trinity, anointing with chrism, wearing special clothing (white garment). Take time to consider other sacraments, and name the rituals associated with each. Step 2: We Explore (Doctrine), pages 46 49 Read What God Has Done and Catholics Believe on page 46, and look up the word Exodus in the Language of Faith section in the back of the textbook. Be sure your child understands that the Israelites were Jacob s descendants who traveled to Egypt to escape starvation. The Exodus is the central event of the Old Testament, proving in a powerful way that God keeps his promises. Both Jews and Christians regard the Exodus as evidence of God s ongoing role in our lives and God s desire to rescue us from the power of sin. The Book of Exodus tells the story of the birth and adoption of Moses, the growth in number of the Israelites, the pharaoh s mistreatment of them, the call of Moses, the plagues, the escape of the Israelites, their experiences in the desert, and the covenant at Sinai, including the Ten Commandments. This book teaches us about the covenant between God and the Israelites. Read the Scripture Story: Let My People Go! As you read, refer to the appropriate part of the mural across the bottom of the pages. Ask: Why did the Egyptians kill only newborn boys? (so the boys could not grow into manhood and one day rise up against the Egyptians) Discuss the central role that Moses played in salvation history. Tell your child that the name M o s e s means d rawn out according to Scripture phara o h s daughter o rd e red the basket that contained Moses be drawn out of the rive r. T h e n ask: T h rough Moses whom did God bring out of Egypt? (the people of Isra e l ) Read the last paragraph on page 47, and look up the word Passover in the Language of Faith section of the textbook. What two events are remembered in the celebration of Passover? (the angel of death passing over the homes of the Israelites, and the Israelites passing over from slavery to freedom) Read the Scripture Signpost and answer the question found there. (to demonstrate their faith in God, which was part of them, and to remind themselves of God s goodness) Discuss the Activity. Together read We Too Are Saved on page 48. Discuss: Why was the Passover the perfect time for Jesus to offer his Body and Blood to the disciples? (He would soon die on the cross and be raised from the dead a passover from death to new life.) Look at the picture at the bottom of the page. Discuss what this picture shows. (the Last Supper) Read the caption. Ask: What do you think Jesus meant when he said Do this in my memory? (Possible responses: We should continue the ritual of sharing bread and wine to recall his sacrifice. We should give ourselves in love as Jesus did.) 16 / Grade 6 Home Lessons Harcourt Religion Publishers

Read Saints Walk with Us: Saint Edith Stein. Note that Edith lived from 1891 to 1942. She was named a saint in 1997. Read the introductory paragraph on page 49. Point out that in Hebrew the word Seder means order. Explain that the Passover Seder has a very specific order, such as the blessing of the wine, the telling of the Exodus story, and the recital of the ten plagues. Read the chart on Memorial Meals, and compare the three meals. What do the Seder and the Eucharist both celebrate? (the saving actions of God) What do the three meals have in common? (People gather at a meal to recall an important event; they share food that symbolizes the event; they pray prayers of thanks.) Step 3: We Reflect (Integration of Faith into Everyday Life), page 50 Review the material taught in this lesson by discussing Recall, Think and Share, and Continue the Journey. Have your child complete the activity. Read and discuss We Live Our Faith: At Home and In the Parish. Try to follow through on the suggestions found there. Refer to the Language of Faith section in the back of the textbook for clarification and review of all highlighted words. Complete pages 11 12 in your Faith Journal. Step 4: We Celebrate (Prayer and Conclusion), page 51 Read In Memory of Jesus, page 51. Explain that each memorial acclamation helps us remember Jesus life, ministry, death, and resurrection, through which we were saved from the power of sin and everlasting death. Also tell your child that the word doxology comes from the Greek and means words of praise. Close the lesson with the Prayer. Take a few moments to sit quietly, perhaps light a candle. Take turns with your child praying aloud the four acclamations. Close with the Glory to the Father. Harcourt Religion Publishers Grade 6 Home Lessons / 17

Grade 6 / Home Lesson CHAPTER 7 OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD Objectives Appreciate the roles of fidelity and forgiveness in friendship. Identify with the Israelites experiences in the desert. Explain the Ten Commandments and the commandments of Jesus. Affirm our trust in God. Step 1: We Are Invited (Life Experience), pages 52 53 Invite your child to think about his or her best friend and the qualities he or she possesses, such as honesty, reliability, caring, cheerfulness, and a forgiving nature. Pray together the opening Prayer on page 52. Note the chapter title (Our Relationship with God), and read together the text on page 52. Clarify the meaning of the term fidelity by referring to the Language of Faith at the back of the textbook. Then draw attention to the photo at the bottom of the page. Ask: From this picture what can you tell about the boys friendship? (When one friend talks, the other listens and shows respect.) Read the Activity, and create a family recipe for friendship. Read Love and Promises on page 53. Ask: Why was Jesus willing to sacrifice his life for others? (because he loves us) Discuss the caption question or this question: What everyday actions of parents and children are signs of love? (Possible answers: spending time together, showing respect for one another, being sensitive, being honest, making sacrifices.) Read Our Moral Guide. Invite your child to respond to the question. (Possible answers: disappointed, betrayed, hurt, angry; people who keep their promises make good friends and are trustworthy.) 18 / Grade 6 Home Lessons Harcourt Religion Publishers

Step 2: We Explore (Doctrine), pages 54 57 Read God Always Cares for Us on page 54. Ask: What did God do to show his love for the Israelites and reassure them of his fidelity? (God performed miracles to keep them alive the manna, the birds, the water from the rock.) Draw attention to the illustration of Moses on Mt. Sinai. Ask: How do you think Moses might have felt as he spoke to God? (honored, proud, grateful, humble) Read Catholics Believe. Explain that the Ten Commandments were a sign of the covenant between God and his chosen people. Jesus taught and lived the commandments and their deeper meaning and extended the covenant to all people. Read the Scripture Story: Rules from God and the caption on page 55. Ask: Why do you think God gave the Israelites the Ten Commandments? (The Israelites needed to live by them in order to restore their relationship with God and one another.) How do the Ten Commandments help each of us on our journey of faith? (Following these rules helps improve and preserve our relationship with God and others.) Read the Scripture Signpost. Invite your child to respond to the question. (God alone is God and therefore worthy of receiving the complete and undivided love and worship of the people he has chosen.) Read Our Promised Land on page 56. Clarify the meaning of the term Decalogue by referring to the Language of Faith at the back of the textbook. Ask: How can the Ten Commandments help keep us from sin? (By following these laws, we grow in our relationship with God.) How is the Decalogue a gift? (It allows us to open our hearts and minds to God and share more fully in God s life.) Read the Landmark on page 56. Invite your child to describe the kingdom God promises us. Continue reading the text at the top of page 57 and the chart Jesus and the Commandments. Ask: How would you summarize the commandment Jesus gave us? (We should love others the way Jesus loves us.) Help your child relate the Ten Commandments to his or her daily life. Challenge your child to suggest several situations that he or she may face in ordinary life. Offer this example: A friend says, Use this answer sheet. We ll get perfect scores. Step 3: We Reflect (Integration of Faith into Everyday Life), page 58 Review the material taught in this lesson by completing sections Recall, Think and Share, and Continue the Journey. Read and discuss We Live Our Faith: At Home and In the Parish. Try to follow through on the suggestions found there. Harcourt Religion Publishers Grade 6 Home Lessons / 19

Refer to the Language of Faith section in the back of the textbook for clarification and review of all highlighted words. Complete Unit 2 Review on pages 60 61. Complete pages 13 14 of your Faith Journal. Step 4: We Celebrate (Prayer and Conclusion), page 59 Read Trust in God on page 59. Point out that throughout history holy men and women have sometimes found it difficult to trust in God. How can trust in God lead to peace? Why do we pray to God? (Discuss these questions with your child, sharing examples from your own experiences of prayer and trust.) Explain to your child that Saint Teresa of Ávila did not have an easy relationship with God; often she did not feel close to God, but she still trusted God. Teresa founded several houses of a religious order called the Discalced Carmelites whose members lead lives of prayer, silence, and fasting. Teresa s writings on the spiritual life are so noteworthy that she was given the title Doctor of the Church (great teacher of the faith). Use Saint Teresa s Prayer to close the lesson. 20 / Grade 6 Home Lessons Harcourt Religion Publishers

Grade 6 / Home Lesson CHAPTER 8 WE CELEBRATE ALL SAINTS: A CONSECRATED PEOPLE Objectives Identify models of faith. Discover qualities of faithfulness in oneself. Explain the term saints. Affirm that all Christians are called to be saints. Demonstrate how to be a role model of faith. Step 1: We Are Invited (Life Experience), page 62 Pray together the opening Prayer on page 62. Read the text on the page. Explain that some of the qualities describe internal attitudes and others describe external actions. Help your child categorize the two kinds of qualities. Then discuss the caption questions. Step 2: We Explore (Doctrine), page 63 Read The Saint in Each of Us and Catholics Believe on page 63. Clarify the meaning of the highlighted terms by referring to the Language of Faith at the back of the textbook. Read the Landmark. Point out that the list of saints we know through the Church s canon, or catalog, of saints is very small compared to all those consecrated (holy) people who have served God and others well. Some saints are living today, while others are with God. We are all called to live lives that are holy and consecrated. We are all called to be saints. Dispel any ideas that to be holy means to give up all fun and spend most of our lives in church. To be holy means to be the best persons we can be, as God intended, and to live the life we ve been given in such a way that others will see God in us. Harcourt Religion Publishers Grade 6 Home Lessons / 21

Help your child realize that the Church canonizes, or formally recognizes, particular holy people to serve as role models for us. Sometimes a particular saint s gifts and talents may match our own, and through his or her life we can better understand how we, too, can use our gifts and talents to grow closer to God and to God s people. Step 3: We Reflect (Integration of Faith into Everyday Life), page 64 Review the material taught in this lesson by completing sections Recall, Think and Share, and Continue the Journey. Read and discuss We Live Our Faith: At Home and In the Parish. Try to follow through on the suggestions found there. Refer to the Language of Faith section in the back of the textbook for clarification and review of all highlighted words. Complete pages 15 16 of your Faith Journal. Step 4: We Celebrate (Prayer and Conclusion), page 65 Read The Servant of the Lord on page 65. Explain that each of us is a servant of the Lord and Jesus was the perfect servant. What are we supposed to do as servants of the Lord? (serve others, reach out to those in need) Point out that one of the pope s titles is Servant of the Servants of God. Discuss why this is an appropriate title for the pope. Look at the picture of the girl and the younger boy. How is the girl a model of faith in what she is doing? (By helping the little boy she is serving both the boy and God. We, too should help others.) In the Book of the prophet Isaiah, there are four poems that describe the ideal or perfect servant of the Lord. We often hear these poems during the Season of Lent. Close the session with the Prayer; pray together the servant song from the Book of Isaiah. 22 / Grade 6 Home Lessons Harcourt Religion Publishers