Unit 3 presents ways Christians are called to be Christlike and how to grow to be like Christ through the Eucharist, which provides nourishment, and through Christ’s healing, which gives strength. Chapter 9|Chapter 10|Chapter 11|Chapter 12
		Living in Christ’s Service Refer to FAMILY TIME, pages 93–94 (Parish Edition), 115-116 (School Edition), in your young teen’s book to help your child prepare for Chapter 9. Learning Goals Participation in this chapter will help young people • understand that their vocation is a call to service. • become more familiar with Christ’s call to discipleship and what that means. • understand that by practicing the theological virtues in daily life they will grow in the moral virtues. Virtuous Service Jesus demonstrated that no one person is more important than another. We are all children of God, and we are all in need of God’s grace and mercy. We help and serve others not out of a sense of being more capable but out of com-passion and solidarity—a sense that we all need one another. Jesus’ parable about the poor widow (Mark 12:41-44) and the life of Saint Francis of Assisi demonstrate two important facts about Christian service: every person has something important to contribute to help others, and we imitate Christ when we serve others with humility and love. Family Activity Discuss the Christian service of Father Solanus Casey mentioned in Chapter 9 of your teen’s book. Note that he was the doorkeeper in his parish. In 1929, during the time of the Great Depression, many people came asking for food. Father Casey responded to their needs by setting up a soup kitchen. Find out about soup kitchens in your area. Decide how your family could become involved – by taking food to the pantry, or giving some time to work there, or getting your own parish involved. Back to top
		Jesus, Our Eucharist Refer to FAMILY TIME, pages 101–102 (Parish Edition), 127-128 (School Edition), in your young teen’s book for a choice of things to do at home. Learning Goals Participation in this chapter will help young people • deepen their theological understanding of the Liturgy of the Eucharist. • understand, in a more meaningful way, the Lord’s sacrifice and the saving grace that comes from the Eucharist. • gain a greater practical understanding of the liturgy and diverse liturgical traditions. Unity that Surpasses Cultural Differences Loving service to others is an important dimension of Christian discipleship. Our ability to serve is strengthened when we have a personal connection to Christ and the Christian community. We grow in unity with Christ and other church members by participating in the Eucharist. As Jesus fed a multitude with a few loaves of bread and some fish, so the Eucharist nourishes us as God’s People. In the liturgy, we join with people of diverse cultures in professing our one belief in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Family Activity Lamps in Catholic churches symbolize honor. A sanctuary lamp is a special light that hangs near the tabernacle, containing the Blessed Sacrament, to honor the real presence of Christ. It shines throughout the day and night, reminding us that Christ, the Light of the World, is present. Describe the tabernacle and its placement in your parish church. If possible, visit your church together as a family to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. Back to top
		Lving in Christ’s Love Refer to FAMILY TIME, pages 109–110 (Parish Edition), 139-140 (School Edition), in your young teen’s book for a choice of things to do at home. Learning Goals Participation in this chapter will help young people • understand that God provided the Ten Commandments to help people grow in perfect imitation of God’s own love. • recognize that the pope and the bishops are the authority of the Church. • seek to live according to the Ten Commandments and follow the teachings of the Church. The Nature of Christian Morality Nourished and enriched by the Eucharist, we find strength to live moral lives as Christian disciples. Jesus’ teachings about discipleship show us that Christian morality is about more than human reasoning and obedience to the commandments. What determines the morality of true disciples is an ability to imitate the love of Jesus Christ. We strive to be good out of love for God and neighbor, the love Jesus had for everyone. Chapter 11 further defines love by explaining that Christ is the model of chastity. He calls all his disciples to chaste love, according to their individual state of life. Through the example of Jesus, we see that real love involves self-discipline and sacrifice—an ability to put the welfare of others before our own. Family Activity Discuss the term peer pressure. Explain that peer pressure is positive when friends support you in living your Christian values. This is why it is important to choose friends wisely. Pose the following questions: How have your friends had a positive influence on you? What groups do you belong to that focus on positive and worthwhile activities? This could be a good time to ask if any family members are currently struggling with issues of peer pressure. Back to top
		A Prayer for Christ’s Healing Refer to FAMILY TIME, pages 117–118 (Parish Edition), 151-152 (School Edition), in your young teen’s book for a choice of things to do at home. Learning Goals Participation in this chapter will help young people • understand the place and power of prayer within the Church. • become familiar with the healing miracles of Jesus. • experience Jesus’ healing presence. Christ’s Healing Presence The story of the raising of Lazarus reminds us of Jesus’ power to heal and comfort and, ultimately, to save us from death. Jesus performed many healing miracles. His healing power is present in today’s world. For people of faith, no situation is too difficult for Christ to turn around. Because of Christ, we can always have hope—not just during life but beyond it. Through the many miracles of Jesus, we learn that physical and spiritual healing are connected. Many medical doctors today recognize the power of prayer in the healing process. Countless cases demonstrate that healing and recovery can occur when faith and prayer are present. Faith in God can result in miracles. Chapter 12 explains that through prayer, Christ’s healing presence works to transform us. It renews our vision, opens us to listen to God, frees us from fear and the power of evil, and releases us from depression and death. Nothing is impossible for God. Family Activity In the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick we pray for Jesus’ healing touch. Mention names of family members and friends who are currently ill. Pray for them together: "Lord we pray for those who are sick and in need of your healing touch. Comfort them during their time of suffer-ing. Bless them with understanding, acceptance, and your peace. Amen." Give them a call, or send them a note.