Confirmation – PSR

 

Weekly Notes for those in Wednesday night Confirmation class Parish School of Religion (PSR)

Madison McCalister

Phone: (740) 424-4183
Email: onfireforever@icloud.com

Session 14 (April 14)

Welcome to this fourteenth session on Confirmation, the sacrament which calls us to be guardians of the Church and witnesses to the faith.

This lesson should take 30 minutes.

I. You only need:

• Bible

• Link

II. Homework:

• Email me their answers to the video questions.

III. Due Date: FRIDAY, April 16 — Note: this lesson is the final preparation lesson for most students. Please complete this lesson before your child’s confirmation.

Let’s get started.

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The Sacrament of Confirmation: Our Calling – Part II 

 

I. Opening prayer

If you have a sacred space—or just a crucifix—go ahead and go there for prayer.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

[STUDENT] Have your child read Acts 1:8 in the Bible:

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samar′ia and to the end of the earth.”

[PARENT] In these or similar words, say:

[BOTH] Say either a personal prayer of thanksgiving or a petition.

[BOTH] Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

 

II. Review

Please review with your child (there is no video component for this week).

———————

If you want to review with your child, please ask the following questions:

[Q] What is the great story (the timeline) called?

[A] Salvation History.

[Q] What is this story about?

[A] The Father’s perfect love for us.

[Q] What does God want with us?

[A] To have friendship with us.

[Q] What does it mean for the Holy Spirit to be the Giver of Life?

[A] It means He gives us God’s Life.

[Q] What are the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit?

[A] Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, Fear of the Lord

[Q] Where are the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit found in Scripture?

[A] Isaiah 11:2

[Q] Who wrote the Bible?

[A] Holy Spirit & the human author (the Holy Spirit inspires the human author)

[Q] Why do we have the Bible?

[A] Because God wants to communicate with us, to speak to us.

Review the diagram from last class.

– View as a PowerPoint slide here

– View as a PDF here

 

III. Lesson

In class, we did an interactive walk-through the liturgy. While we had fun, the recording did not work out. Please watch this video (6 minutes) by Sophia Press as a supplement.

Please keep these questions in mind as you watch:

1. 1. 1. What is one new thing you learned in the video? (Please answer in at least 1-2 sentences).
      2. What part of the video surprised you/struck you as interesting? (Please answer in at least 1-2 sentences).

 

Email me their answers to the video questions.

 

V. Conclusion

Please close in the prayer to the Holy Spirit:

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.

Oh God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit
did instruct the hearts of your faithful.
Grant that by that same Holy Spirit
We may be truly wise
and ever rejoice in His consolations,
through the same Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

 

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Session 13 (April 7)

Welcome to this thirteenth session on Confirmation, the sacrament which calls us to be guardians of the Church and witnesses to the faith.

This lesson should take 45 – 60 minutes.

I. You only need:

• Bible

• Video

• Supplementary: Rite of Confirmation Worksheet

II. Homework:

• Email me a picture of their answers to the Confirmation Worksheet.

III. Due Date: Sunday, April 11

Let’s get started.

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The Sacrament of Confirmation: Our Calling

 

I. Opening prayer

If you have a sacred space—or just a crucifix—go ahead and go there for prayer.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

[STUDENT] Have your child read Acts 1:8 in the Bible:

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samar′ia and to the end of the earth.”

[PARENT] In these or similar words, say:

[BOTH] Say either a personal prayer of thanksgiving or a petition.

[BOTH] Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

 

II. Review

You can either review with your child personally, or watch the review on the video.

If you watch the review in the video (5 minutes), it will continue straight into the lesson.

———————

If you want to review with your child, please ask the following questions:

[Q] What is the great story (the timeline) called?

[A] Salvation History.

[Q] What is this story about?

[A] The Father’s perfect love for us.

[Q] What does God want with us?

[A] To have friendship with us.

[Q] What does it mean for the Holy Spirit to be the Giver of Life?

[A] It means He gives us God’s Life.

[Q] What are the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit?

[A] Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, Fear of the Lord

[Q] Where are the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit found in Scripture?

[A] Isaiah 11:2

[Q] Who wrote the Bible?

[A] Holy Spirit & the human author (the Holy Spirit inspires the human author)

[Q] Why do we have the Bible?

[A] Because God wants to communicate with us, to speak to us.

Review the diagram from last class.

– View as a PowerPoint slide here

– View as a PDF here

 

III. Lesson

Please watch the video (10 minutes).

 

IV. Small Group 

Go through this worksheet (The Rite of Confirmation Exercise) and answer the questions on page 2.

 

V. Conclusion

Please finish the video (15 minutes).

 

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Session 12 (March 17)

Welcome to this twelfth session on the Church, where we are sons, heirs to the Kingdom of God.

This lesson should take around 45 minutes.

I. You only need:

• Bible

• Video

• Supplementary: Diagram

– View as a PowerPoint slide here

– View as a PDF here

II. Homework:

• From the lesson: Email me a picture of the diagram we will draw in class.

• Out of class work: Practice drawing/explaining the diagram.

III. Due Date: In-class work – Tuesday, March 23

Let’s get started.

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The Church: We are Sons in the Kingdom of God

 

I. Opening prayer

If you have a sacred space—or just a crucifix—go ahead and go there for prayer.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

[STUDENT] Have your child read Romans 8:14 & 17 in the Bible:

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. … and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”

[PARENT] In these or similar words, say:

[BOTH] Say either a personal prayer of thanksgiving or a petition.

[BOTH] Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

 

II. Review

You can either review with your child personally, or watch the review on the video.

If you watch the review in the video (7 minutes), it will continue straight into the lesson.

———————

If you want to review with your child, please ask the following questions:

[Q] What is the great story (the timeline) called?

[A] Salvation History.

[Q] What is this story about?

[A] The Father’s perfect love for us.

[Q] How many Gods do we have?

[A] One.

[Q] How many Persons are in God? And what are Their Names?

[A] Three Persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)

[Q] What does God want with us?

[A] To have friendship with us.

[Q] How many genders did God create?

[A] Two. He made man male and female.

[Q] Humans are made in the _____ and _____ of God.

[A] Image & likeness

[Q] What word is used to describe the God becoming Man?

[A] Incarnation. Jesus is 100% God and 100% man.

[Q] In the Creed, we say that the Holy Spirit is the _____ and _____ __ _____

[A] Lord & Giver of Life.

[Q] What does it mean for the Holy Spirit to be Lord?

[A] It means He is God.

[Q] What does it mean for the Holy Spirit to be the Giver of Life?

[A] It means He gives us God’s Life.

[Q] What are some symbols for the Holy Spirit?

[A] Water, fire, wind, cloud, light, dove (there are others)

[Q] What are the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit?

[A] Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, Fear of the Lord

[Q] Where are the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit found in Scripture?

[A] Isaiah 11:2

[Q] Who wrote the Bible?

[A] Holy Spirit & the human author (the Holy Spirit inspires the human author)

[Q] What are the two major sections of the Bible?

[A] Old Testament & New Testament

[Q] What is the Old Testament about?

[A] The life of the Jews & preparation for Jesus

[Q] What are the first four books of the New Testament called?

[A] The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)

[Q] What are the Gospels about?

[A] The life of Jesus.

[Q] What is the rest of the New Testament about?

[A] The life of the Early Church.

[Q] Why do we have the Bible?

[A] Because God wants to communicate with us, to speak to us.

 

III. Lesson

Make sure you have a paper and two different colored pens for the diagram we are about to draw.

Please watch the video (20 minutes).

 

IV. Small Group 

A. Take some time (5-10 minutes) and have your child practice explaining the diagram from the video. It might be helpful (but not necessary) to draw it while you explain.

This diagram is meant to be a simple, helpful way to remember the most essential elements of the Christian faith. Imagine someone has asked you, “You’re a Christian. What do you believe?” This diagram is a simple answer to that question.

Since we are preparing for Confirmation, it is important to be able to give a simple summary of our Faith. Please work on memorizing this diagram during the week.

If you would like to see my diagram with a simple explanation of each step:

– View as a PowerPoint slide here

– View as a PDF here

 

V. Conclusion

Please finish the video (2 minutes).

 

---

Session 11 (March 3)

Welcome to this eleventh session! This lesson is a review session to go over what we’ve learned so far. 

This lesson should take around 20 to 30 minutes.

I. You only need:

• Review game

II. Homework: Email me their final score from the review game

III. Due Date: Sunday, March 7th

Let’s get started.

---

Review Session #2

 

I. Opening prayer

If you have a sacred space—or just a crucifix—go ahead and go there for prayer.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

[PARENT] In these or similar words, say:

In Jesus’ name I pray,  Amen.

[BOTH] Say either a personal prayer of thanksgiving or a petition.

[BOTH] Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

 

II. Review

Play the review game.

Please have your child send me their final score and email them to me.

*Note: It is totally okay if your child doesn’t know some (or many) of the answers. This game was created for an in-class setting for two teams, so I understand that it might not work as well with just one student.

 

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Session 10 (February 24)

Welcome to this tenth session on the Gifts Holy Spirit, which is the life of God lived out in us.

This lesson should take around 45 minutes.

I. You only need:

• Bible

• Video

• PDFs (see section IV)

II. Homework:

• Out of class work: Continue working on your Saint Report – 2021.

REMINDER: These are due next Wednesday.

• From the lesson: Email me a picture of their answers from the small group session.

III. Due Dates:

In-class work: Sunday, February 28

Saint Report: March 3rd

*See the saint report for more details.

Let’s get started.

---

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are the Life of God lived out in You

 

I. Opening prayer

If you have a sacred space—or just a crucifix—go ahead and go there for prayer.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

[STUDENT] Have your child read Isaiah 11:2 in the Bible:

“And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,
the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of counsel and might,
the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.”

[PARENT] In these or similar words, say:

In Jesus’ name I pray,  Amen.

[BOTH] Say either a personal prayer of thanksgiving or a petition.

[BOTH] Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

 

II. Review

You can either review with your child personally, or watch the review on the video.

If you watch the review in the video (9 minutes), it will continue straight into the lesson.

———————

If you want to review with your child, please ask the following questions:

[Q] What is the great story (that we learned about previously) called?

[A] Salvation History.

[Q] What is this story about?

[A] The Father’s perfect love for us.

[Q] How many Gods do we have?

[A] One.

[Q] How many Persons are in God? And what are Their Names?

[A] Three Persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)

[Q] What does God want with us?

[A] To have friendship with us.

[Q] How many genders did God create?

[A] Two. He made man male and female.

[Q] Humans are made in the _____ and _____ of God.

[A] Image & likeness

[Q] What word is used to describe the God becoming Man?

[A] Incarnation. Jesus is 100% God and 100% man.

[Q] In the Creed, we say that the Holy Spirit is the _____ and _____ __ _____

[A] Lord & Giver of Life.

[Q] What does it mean for the Holy Spirit to be Lord?

[A] It means He is God.

[Q] What does it mean for the Holy Spirit to be the Giver of Life?

[A] It means He gives us God’s Life.

[Q] What are some symbols for the Holy Spirit?

[A] Water, fire, wind, cloud, light, dove (there are others)

[Q] Who wrote the Bible?

[A] Holy Spirit & the human author (the Holy Spirit inspires the human author)

[Q] What are the two major sections of the Bible?

[A] Old Testament & New Testament

[Q] What is the Old Testament about?

[A] The life of the Jews & preparation for Jesus

[Q] What are the first four books of the New Testament called?

[A] The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)

[Q] What are the Gospels about?

[A] The life of Jesus.

[Q] What is the rest of the New Testament about?

[A] The life of the Early Church.

 

III. Lesson

Please watch the video (3 minutes).

 

IV. Small Group — Diving into the Gifts of the Holy Spirit 

A. Please take some time to memorize the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

I have made up a silly mnemonic device to help remember the first letter of each Gift:

Would           —        Wisdom

Unicorns       —        Understanding

Cry                —        Counsel

For                —        Fortitude

Knowing        —        Knowledge

Purple           —        Piety

Frogs            —        Fear of the Lord

 

B. Choose one of the following Gifts and (1) find and read the Scripture; (2) read the definition; (3) fill out the worksheet. Please email me their answers. 

Note: the link will lead you to a separate page. If you look in the upper left-hand corner, you will find the worksheet. If you click on the image, it will enlarge the page.

• Wisdom

• Understanding

• Counsel

• Fortitude

• Knowledge

• Piety

• Fear of the Lord

 

V. Overview of the 7 Gifts

Please finish the video (12 minutes).

 

VI. Closing Prayer

If you have a sacred space—or just a crucifix—go ahead and go there for prayer.

[BOTH]

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.

Lord,
by the light of the Holy Spirit
you have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit
help us to relish what is right
and always rejoice in your consolation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

 

VII. Saint Report

Please continue working on your Saint Report – 2021. If you have any questions on the Saint Report, don’t hesitate to reach out! This is due next Wednesday.

 

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Session 9 (February 10)

Welcome to this ninth session on the Holy Spirit, the life of God within us.

This lesson should take around 45 minutes.

I. You only need:

• Bible

• Video

II. Homework:

• Out of class work: Continue working on your Saint Report – 2021.

• From the lesson: Email me a picture of their diagrams/notes (have them draw with me during the video) from the lesson.

*Note: We ran out of time in class to do small groups, so we’ll resume this lesson in a following class.

III. Due Dates:

In-class work: Wednesday, February 17

Saint Report: March 3rd

*See the saint report for more details.

Let’s get started.

---

The Holy Spirit: The Life of God within You

 

I. Opening prayer

If you have a sacred space—or just a crucifix—go ahead and go there for prayer.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

[STUDENT] Have your child read Matthew 28:18-20 in the Bible:

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirt, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the close of the age.”

[PARENT] In these or similar words, say:

In Jesus’ name I pray,  Amen.

[BOTH] Say either a personal prayer of thanksgiving or a petition.

[BOTH] Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

 

II. Review

You can either review with your child personally, or watch the review on the video.

If you watch the review in the video (4 minutes), it will continue straight into the lesson.

———————

If you want to review with your child, please ask the following questions:

[Q] What is the great story (that we learned about previously) called?

[A] Salvation History.

[Q] What is this story about?

[A] The Father’s perfect love for us.

[Q] Why did God send His Son (Jesus)?

[A] To save us from sin and death so we can have a relationship with Him.

[Q] What is God?

[A] Divine.

[Q] Who is God?

[A] Three Persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)

[Q] What does God want with us?

[A] To have friendship with us.

[Q] Did God make humans on accident?

[A] No, we are created intentionally, for a purpose.

[Q] How many genders did God create?

[A] Two. He made man male and female.

[Q] What does it mean to be made in God’s image (what can we do that the animals cannot)?

[A] This means we can know and love.

[Q] What does it mean to be made after God’s likeness (what kind of relationship does God want to have with us)?

[A] To be able to be in close and personal relationship with God.

 

III. Lesson

 

Please watch the video (33 minutes).

 

IV. Closing Prayer

If you have a sacred space—or just a crucifix—go ahead and go there for prayer.

[BOTH]

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.

Lord,
by the light of the Holy Spirit
you have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit
help us to relish what is right
and always rejoice in your consolation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

 

V. Saint Report

Please continue working on your Saint Report – 2021. If you have any questions on the Saint Report, don’t hesitate to reach out!

 

---

Session 8 (January 20)

Welcome to this eighth session on Jesus Christ, our savior—how He came to save the world and invites us into His mission.

This lesson should take around 45 minutes.

I. You only need:

• Bible

• Video

II. Homework:

• Out of class work: Continue working on your Saint Report – 2021.

• From the lesson: Email me

1) What comes to mind when they think of Jesus.

2) The Scripture Passage Reflection worksheet.

III. Due Dates:

In-class work: Sunday, January 24

Saint Name: February 10th

Saint Report: March 3rd

*See the saint report for more details.

Let’s get started.

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Jesus Christ: The Savior of the World Invites YOU to Join His Mission

 

I. Opening prayer

If you have a sacred space—or just a crucifix—go ahead and go there for prayer.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

[STUDENT] Have your child read Matthew 28:18-20 in the Bible:

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirt, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the close of the age.”

[PARENT] In these or similar words, say:

In Jesus’ name I pray,  Amen.

[BOTH] Say either a personal prayer of thanksgiving or a petition.

[BOTH] Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

 

II. Review

You can either review with your child personally, or watch the review on the video.

If you watch the review in the video (3 minutes), it will continue straight into the lesson.

———————

If you want to review with your child, please ask the following questions:

[Q] What is the great story (that we learned about previously) called?

[A] Salvation History.

[Q] What is this story about?

[A] The Father’s perfect love for us.

[Q] Why did God send His Son (Jesus)?

[A] To save us from sin and death so we can have a relationship with Him.

[Q] What is God?

[A] Divine.

[Q] Who is God?

[A] Three Persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)

[Q] What does God want with us?

[A] To have friendship with us.

[Q] Did God make humans on accident?

[A] No, we are created intentionally, for a purpose.

[Q] How many genders did God create?

[A] Two. He made man male and female.

[Q] What does it mean to be made in God’s image (what can we do that the animals cannot)?

[A] This means we can know and love.

[Q] What does it mean to be made after God’s likeness (what kind of relationship does God want to have with us)?

[A] To be able to be in close and personal relationship with God.

 

III. Lesson

 

A. Please watch the video (9 minutes).

Note: The beginning of this lesson is about the Bible. Please let your child find the Scripture passages. You may direct them to the passage, but it is important that they learn to navigate Scripture.

B. Write down a few words that come to mind when you think of Jesus (1-2 minutes).

It doesn’t have to be long! Include them in your email to me.

C. Please continue the video (25 minutes).

 

IV. Small Group Discussion

(10-15 minutes)

Choose ONE of the following Scripture passages: 

Scripture passage 1: Section 1

Scripture passage 2: Section 2

Scripture passage 3: Section 3

And answer the following questions: Scripture Passage Reflection Worksheet

I have included an example Worksheet at the end. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Include the answers to your worksheet in your email to me.

 

V. Closing

Please finish watching the video (9 minutes).

 

VI. Saint Report

Please continue working on your Saint Report – 2021. If you have any questions on the Saint Report, don’t hesitate to reach out!

 

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Session 7 (January 13)

Welcome to this seventh session! This lesson is just a brief review to get the semester started. 

This lesson should take around 20 to 30 minutes.

I. You only need:

• Review game

II. Homework:

• Out of class work: Saint Report – 2021 (instructions also provided in email)

• In-class work: Email me their final score from the review game

III. Due Date: Sunday, January 17th

Saint Name: February 10th

Saint Report: March 3rd

*See the saint report for more details.

Let’s get started.

---

Review Session #1

 

I. Opening prayer

If you have a sacred space—or just a crucifix—go ahead and go there for prayer.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

[PARENT] In these or similar words, say:

In Jesus’ name I pray,  Amen.

[BOTH] Say either a personal prayer of thanksgiving or a petition.

[BOTH] Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

 

II. Review

Play the review game.

Please have your child send me their final score and email them to me.

*Note: It is totally okay if your child doesn’t know some (or many) of the answers. This game was created for an in-class setting for two teams, so I understand that it might not work as well with just one student.

 

III. Saint Report

Click into this Saint Report – 2021 (also attached to email) and read page 1 with your child.

If you have any questions on the Saint Report, don’t hesitate to reach out!

 

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Session 6 (November 18)

Welcome to this sixth session on the Human Person—on you, who are created very good. 

This lesson should take around 35 to 45 minutes.

I. You only need:

• Bible
• Video

II. Homework:

• This week, there is no out-of-class homework.
• Please email me a picture of their diagrams/notes (have them draw with me during the video), their small group answers,* and their short list of good things.

*Note: This isn’t a test; there is no grade for these answers. I just want to hear what they got out of the lesson.

III. Due Date: Monday, November 22

Note: We do not have class next week (Nov. 23) due to Thanksgiving break.

Let’s get started.

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The Human Person: You are Very Good

 

I. Opening prayer

If you have a sacred space—or just a crucifix—go ahead and go there for prayer.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

[STUDENT] Have your child read Genesis 1:27 & 31 in the Bible:

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them … And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.”

[PARENT] In these or similar words, say:

Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing this class together and thank You for the gift of life. Help us to better understand who we are as human persons, and help us to never take our lives for granted.

In Jesus’ name I pray,  Amen.

[BOTH] Say either a personal prayer of thanksgiving or a petition.

[BOTH] Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

 

II. Review

You can either review with your child personally, or watch the review on the video.

If you watch the review in the video (4 minutes), it will continue straight into the lesson.

———————

If you want to review with your child, please ask the following questions:

[Q] What is the great story (that we learned about previously) called?

[A] Salvation History.

[Q] What is this story about?

[A] The Father’s perfect love for us.

[Q] Why did God send His Son (Jesus)?

[A] To save us from sin and death so we can have a relationship with Him.

[Q] What is God?

[A] Divine.

[Q] Who is God?

[A] Three Persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)

[Q] What kind of relationship do the three Persons of the Trinity have?

[A] Perfect friendship.

[Q] What does God want with us?

[A] To have friendship with us.

 

III. Lesson

Please have your child write and draw along with me and email them to me.

Note: You will want to have the Bible open for this whole lesson.

Please watch the video (25 minutes).

 

IV. Small Group Discussion

(5-10 minutes) Please write out a few of your child’s answers to these questions, and email them to me.
Note: This isn’t a test; there is no grade for these answers. I want this to be a short time to reflect and rejoice in our goodness: God has made us good, with good talents and good desires. We stand out from the rest of creation.

• What are some of the things you enjoy doing?

• What do you want to do when you grow up?

Please have your child write a short list of things they like about themselves, things that make them good (e.g. a talent, a trait, a hobby, an interest, etc.). Please email their answers to me. I will put their papers with the other kid’s papers (see the closing video).

 

V. Closing

Please finish watching the video (6 minutes).

 

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Session 5 (November 11)

Welcome to this fifth session on the Trinity—our God, who wants a real friendship with us. 

This lesson should take around 45 minutes to an hour.

I. You only need:

• Bible
• Video

II. Homework:

• This week, there is no out-of-class homework.
• Please email me a picture of their diagrams/notes (have them draw with me during the video) and their small group answers*.

*Note: This isn’t a test; there is no grade for these answers. I just want to hear what they got out of the lesson.

III. Due Date: Sunday, November 16

I am sorry that this one is coming out a day late! I’ve pushed the due date accordingly. If you have questions, I’m more than happy to help.

Let’s get started.

---

The Trinity: You’ve Never Had a Friend Like God

 

I. Opening prayer

If you have a sacred space—or just a crucifix—go ahead and go there for prayer.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

[STUDENT] Have your child read John 15:15 in the Bible:

“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.”

[PARENT] In these or similar words, say:

Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing this class together and for sending Your Son Jesus to be our savior, so that we might know You and love You. Thank you for sending your Spirit to bring us to You. Help us to never take our friendship with You for granted.

In Jesus’ name I pray,  Amen.

[BOTH] Say either a personal prayer of thanksgiving or a petition.

[BOTH] Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

 

II. Review

You can either review with your child personally, or watch the review on the video.

If you watch the review in the video (2 minutes), it will continue straight into the lesson.

———————

If you want to review with your child, please ask the following questions:

[Q] What is the great story (that we learned about previously) called?

[A] Salvation History.

[Q] What is this story about?

[A] The Father’s perfect love for us.

[Q] Why did God send His Son (Jesus)?

[A] To save us from sin and death so we can have a relationship with Him.

 

III. Lesson

Please have your child draw the pictures in the video and email them to me.

Please watch the video (36 minutes).

 

IV. Small Group Discussion

(5-10 minutes) Please write out some brief ideas that came out of your small group discussion, and email them to me.

Note: This isn’t a test; there is no grade for these answers. I just want them to have an opportunity to really think of God as a Person (Persons!) and what it means to relate to Him on a personal level.

• There are three Persons in God; this means that God is personal. How can we relate to God personally?

o How can we personally relate to God as Father?

Some key ideas: God is our Father, our Creator. All good things come from Him. We can ask Him for anything (Matthew 7:7-11).

o How can we personally relate to God as Son?

Some key ideas: The Son is our Savior. We can be happy and joyfully free from sin and death because of Jesus. We can respond to Jesus’ salvation with thanksgiving. We can also go to Jesus with any human problem or experience—because Jesus is human, He truly understands where we’re coming from.

o How can we personally relate to God as Holy Spirit?

Some key ideas: The Holy Spirit is the giver of life. He is the energy, the driving force, the power of God. Through the Spirit, anything is possible. We can call on the Spirit in times of difficulty (both physical and spiritual); He will guide us when we do not know what to do.

V. Closing

Please finish watching the video (5 minutes).

 

---

Session 3 (October 21)

Welcome to this third session on Salvation History—the story of the Father’s perfect love for you.

This lesson should take around one hour.

I. You only need:

• Bible
• Video
• Handout (to draw along with the video—they don’t have to use the PDF, but it might be helpful.)

II. Homework:

• This week, there is no out-of-class homework.
• Please email me:

o A picture of the diagram (draw with me during the video).
o Their one-sentence summary of the Scripture verse from small group*.

*Note: This isn’t a test; there is no grade for these answers. I just want to hear what they got out of the lesson.

III. Due Date: Tuesday, October 27

I am so sorry that this one is coming out late. I had several technical issues with the video this week. If you have questions, I’m more than happy to help!

Let’s get started.

---

The Catholic Roots of Halloween

 

Session 4 (October 29)

Welcome to this fourth session on the Catholic roots of Halloween. 

This lesson should take 30-45 minutes.

I. You only need:

• Bible
• Handout (either print or view PDF online) – Discovering the Truth about Halloween

II. Homework:

• This week, there is no out-of-class homework.
• Please email me a list of 5 new things they learned from this week’s lesson*.

*Note: This isn’t a test; there is no grade for these answers. I just want to hear what they got out of the lesson.

III. Due Date: Sunday, November 1

Let’s get started.

---

The Catholic Roots of Halloween

 

I. Opening prayer

If you have a sacred space—or just a crucifix—go ahead and go there for prayer.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

[STUDENT] Have your child read 2 Maccabees 12:43-45 in the Bible:

“[Judas] also took up a collection, man by man, to the amount of two thousand drachmas of silver, and set it to Jerusalem to provide for a sin offering. In doing this he acted very well and honorably, taking account of the account of the resurrection. For if he were not expecting that those who had fallen would rise again, it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the dead. But if he was looking to the splendid reward that is laid up for those who fall asleep in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought. Therefore, he made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin.”

[PARENT] In these or similar words, say:

Heavenly Father, thank You for this lesson and thank You for Your saints. We pray for their intercession, that they would bring us closer to You. We pray also for the souls in Purgatory, that they would soon be welcomed into your Heavenly Kingdom.

In Jesus’ name I pray,  Amen.

[BOTH] Say either a personal prayer of thanksgiving or a petition.

[BOTH] Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

 

II. Lesson

This week, there is no video. Instead, go through the booklet provided.

 

III. Small Group Discussion

• Discuss:

o What was new that you learned from this lesson?

o What struck you as interesting?

Please write out five things from the booklet that was either new or interesting, and email email them to me.

Note: This isn’t a test; there is no grade for these answers. I just want to hear what they got out of the lesson.

 

IV. Closing

If you have a sacred space—or just a crucifix—go ahead and go there for prayer.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

[PARENT] In these or similar words, say:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of this class and for your saints. Help us to follow their example, so we might come to know and love You better. And may the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, reset in peace. Amen.

[BOTH] Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

 

---

Session 3 (October 21)

Welcome to this third session on Salvation History—the story of the Father’s perfect love for you.

This lesson should take around one hour.

I. You only need:

• Bible
• Video
• Handout (to draw along with the video—they don’t have to use the PDF, but it might be helpful.)

II. Homework:

• This week, there is no out-of-class homework.
• Please email me:

o A picture of the diagram (draw with me during the video).
o Their one-sentence summary of the Scripture verse from small group*.

*Note: This isn’t a test; there is no grade for these answers. I just want to hear what they got out of the lesson.

III. Due Date: Tuesday, October 27

I am so sorry that this one is coming out late. I had several technical issues with the video this week. If you have questions, I’m more than happy to help!

Let’s get started.

---

The Father’s Perfect Love for You: Salvation History Part III

 

I. Opening prayer

If you have a sacred space—or just a crucifix—go ahead and go there for prayer.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

[STUDENT] Have your child read John 3:16-17 in the Bible:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”

[PARENT] In these or similar words, say:

Heavenly Father, thank You for this lesson and thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to be our savior. Help us to know and believe that You love us more than anything and that You desire us to have a personal relationship with You.

In Jesus’ name I pray,  Amen.
(CCC 435, 2664)

[BOTH] Say either a personal prayer of thanksgiving or a petition.

[BOTH] Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

 

II. Review

You can either review with your child personally, or watch the review on the video.

If you watch the review in the video (16 minutes), it will continue straight into the lesson.

———————

If you want to review with your child, please ask the following questions:

[Q] Who were the first characters we discussed, and how do they point to the coming of Jesus?

[A] Adam and Eve. 1) The sin they committed brought about the need for a savior. 2) The wood of the tree points to the wood of the Cross.

[Q] Who was the second character we discussed, and how does he point to the coming of Jesus?

[A] Noah and the flood. 1) The waters of the flood washed away the sin of the earth; this points to the waters of Baptism wash away our sins. 2) The wood of the boat—which saved Noah and his family—points to the wood of the Cross—which saves us.

[Q] Who were the third characters we discussed, and how do they point to the coming of Jesus?

[A] Abraham and Isaac. 1) The ram points to Jesus, who dies in our stead. 2) The fact that Isaac did not have to die points to the fact that we do not have to die.

[Q] Who was the fourth character we discussed, what was the event, and how do they point to the coming of Jesus?

[A] Moses and the Passover.

The lamb was: 1) Spotless, male lamb. 2) Lamb was killed, blood put on the door posts. 3) Lamb was consumed. 4) These actions saved Jews from death (the angel “passed over” their houses).

[A] Jesus: 1) Is the perfect Son of God, the Lamb of God. 2) Died on the cross, blood shed on the wood of the cross. 3) We consume Him in the Eucharist. 4) He saves us from death; Jesus is our Passover (Paschal) lamb.

[Q] Who was the fifth character we discussed, and how does he point to the coming of Jesus?

[A] King David. David was a king, seated on a throne, which points to Jesus the Eternal King, who is seated eternally at the right hand of the Father.

[Q] Who were the sixth characters we discussed, and how do they point to the coming of Jesus?

[A] Isaiah and Jeremiah. 1) Isaiah says that the Messiah will be a suffering servant, who will be slaughtered like a lamb for our sins. 2) Jeremiah says that the Messiah will establish a New Covenant.

 

III. Lesson

Please have your child draw the pictures in the video and email them to me.

Please watch the video (25 minutes).

 

IV. Small Group Discussion

(5-10 minutes) Please write out the sentence summary and email it back to me.

Note: This isn’t a test; there is no grade for these answers. I just want to hear what they got out of the lesson.

• Choose one of the following Scriptures.

Genesis 5:2; 1:31
Numbers 25:10, 12-13
Romans 5:8, 12-11
John 3:16

• Have your child read the Scripture allowed.
• Discuss how that Scripture relates to one of the aspects of Salvation History.
• Have your child write a one-sentence summary which explains that verse and how it relates to Salvation History.

 

V. Closing

Please finish watching the video (5 minutes).

 

---

Session 2 (October 14)

Welcome to this second session on Salvation History—the story of the Father’s perfect love for you.

This lesson should take around 45 minutes to an hour.

I. You only need:

• Bible
• Video

II. Homework:

• This week, there is no out-of-class homework.
• Please email me:

o A picture of the diagram (draw with me during the video).
o Their answers from the small group discussion*.

*Note: This isn’t a test; there is no grade for these answers. I just want to hear what they got out of the lesson.

III. Due Date: Sunday, October 18

If you have questions on how to do this, I’m more than happy to help!

Let’s get started.

---

The Father’s Perfect Love for You: Salvation History Part II

 

I. Opening prayer

If you have a sacred space—or just a crucifix—go ahead and go there for prayer.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

[STUDENT] Have your child read John 3:16-17 in the Bible:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”

[PARENT] In these or similar words, say:

Heavenly Father, thank You for this lesson and thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to be our savior. Help us to know and believe that You love us more than anything and that You desire us to have a personal relationship with You.

In Jesus’ name I pray,  Amen.
(CCC 435, 2664)

[BOTH] Say either a personal prayer of thanksgiving or a petition.

[BOTH] Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

 

II. Review

You can either review with your child personally, or watch the review on the video.

If you watch the review in the video (7 minutes), it will continue straight into the lesson.

———————

If you want to review with your child, please ask the following questions:

[Q] Who were the first characters we discussed, and how do they point to the coming of Jesus?

[A] Adam and Eve. 1) The sin they committed brought about the need for a savior. 2) The wood of the tree points to the wood of the Cross.

[Q] Who was the second character we discussed, and how does he point to the coming of Jesus?

[A] Noah and the flood. 1) The waters of the flood washed away the sin of the earth; this points to the waters of Baptism wash away our sins. 2) The wood of the boat—which saved Noah and his family—points to the wood of the Cross—which saves us.

[Q] Who were the third characters we discussed, and how do they point to the coming of Jesus?

[A] Abraham and Isaac. 1) The ram points to Jesus, who dies in our stead. 2) The fact that Isaac did not have to die points to the fact that we do not have to die.

 

III. Lesson

Please have your child draw the pictures in the video and email them to me.

Please watch the video (26 minutes).

 

IV. Small Group Discussion

(5-10 minutes) Please write out these answers and email them back to me.

Note: This isn’t a test; there is no grade for these answers. I just want to hear what they got out of the lesson.

• Give one example of how each of the Old Testament stories pointed to Jesus.

o Passover and Moses

o David

o The Prophets (Isaiah and Jeremiah)

 • Why do you think God wants a relationship with us?

 

V. Closing

 

Please finish watching the video (7 minutes).

---

Session 1 (October 7)

Welcome to this first session on Salvation History—the story of the Father’s perfect love for you. 

This lesson should take around 45 minutes to an hour.

I. You only need: 

• Bible
• Video

II. Homework:

• This week, there is no out-of-class homework.
• Please email me:

o A picture of the diagram (draw with me during the video).
o Their answers from the small group discussion*.

*Note: This isn’t a test; there is no grade for these answers. I just want to hear what they got out of the lesson.

III. Due Date: Tuesday, October 13

Ordinarily, the due date for all assignments will be the following Sunday. But, since I am getting this one out late, please send me a picture of their diagram and their answers in an email by this Tuesday (October 13). If you have questions on how to do this, I’m more than happy to help!

Let’s get started.

---

The Father’s Perfect Love for You: Salvation History Part I

 

I. Opening prayer

If you have a sacred space—or just a crucifix—go ahead and go there for prayer.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

[STUDENT] Have your child read John 3:16-17 in the Bible:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”

[PARENT] In these or similar words, say:

Heavenly Father, thank You for this lesson and thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to be our savior. Help us to know and believe that You love us more than anything and that You desire us to have a personal relationship with You.

In Jesus’ name I pray,  Amen.
(CCC 435, 2664)

[BOTH] Say either a personal prayer of thanksgiving or a petition.

[BOTH] Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and will be forever. Amen.

[BOTH] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

 

II. Lesson

Please have your child draw the pictures in the video and email them to me.

Please watch the video (26 minutes).

 

III. Small Group Discussion

(5-10 minutes) Please write out these answers and email them back to me.

Note: This isn’t a test; there is no grade for these answers. I just want to hear what they got out of the lesson.

• Give one example of how each of the Old Testament stories pointed to Jesus.

o Adam and Eve

o Noah and the flood

o Abraham and Isaac

 • What do you think it means to have a relationship with God?

 

III. Closing

 

Please finish watching the video (8 minutes).