Unit 4 focuses on the Renaissance and the Reformation. It describes causes of the Reformation and the different Protestant traditions that resulted from it. Chapter 13|Chapter 14|Chapter 15|Chapter 16
		Reforming the Church Refer to pages 123–124 in your young teen’s book to help in preparing for Chapter 13. Learning Goals Participation in this chapter will help the young people • learn the major points of division that separated the reformers and the Roman Catholic Tradition and led to the Protestant Reformation. • understand that although the Catholic Church possesses the full means of salvation, other Christian churches also share elements of grace and truth. • realize that church teaching helps put members in communion with Jesus Christ. The Call for Reform Young people, who tend to see life in terms of "black and white," may be unable to understand that the Church is a pilgrim Church, human and striving toward holiness. Chapter 13 deals with the humanness of the Church by focusing on sixteenth-century issues that led to reforms in the Church. In the sixteenth century, the Protestant Reformation, led by Martin Luther and others, challenged the Church. Although it helped the Church address its problems, the Reformation divided the Church. The Church, throughout this period and during other times of trouble, found that remaining focused on the presence of the Holy Spirit and the teachings of Jesus Christ was a source of strength and motivation in trying to better live the Gospel message. Likewise, as individuals, we cannot expect to change external sources of injustice and misunderstanding unless we are grounded in the values of the Gospel. True reform begins within our hearts as we seek God's truth. Family Activity Have each family member reflect on a personal experience that caused him or her to question someone in authority. (For children, it might even have been their parents.) Then each write a short prayer to the Holy Spirit asking for the gift of understanding for one’s self and for the authority figure(s). Members may or may not feel open to sharing their letters. Back to top
		Forgiveness and Reconciliation Refer to pages 131–132 in your young teen’s book for a choice of things to do at home. Learning Goals Participation in this chapter will help the young people • learn about the development of the sacrament of Reconciliation. • understand the nature of the problems with the priesthood and the Church’s leadership that brought about the Protestant Reformation. • realize that as the Church was beset by formidable challenges in Europe, religious orders began their missionary activity and were the central reason why the Church expanded in the New World. Reconciliation Today While the Reformation divided Christians, it also made the leaders of the Catholic Church aware of areas needing improvement. In the Counter-Reformation, many reforms were undertaken. One example is in the way the Church celebrates reception of the sacrament of Penance, which has become more frequent and private. The emphasis in the sacrament of Reconciliation today is God's mercy and forgiveness. God loves us unconditionally. Reconciliation celebrates the fact that God always welcomes us back. God always gives us another chance. Chapter 14 also continues the discussion of themes from the previous chapter. It is not easy to live up to our Christian faith and values, yet we believe that God is always with us, strengthening us with grace. Reconciliation heals us and reunites us with other members of the Body of Christ. Family Activity Share that December 2 is the anniver-sary of the martyrdom of four women missioners in El Salvador. The Church remembers their deeds and selflessness in the face of hostility. Read the following words of Jean Donovan, who was one of the four. "Several times I have decided to leave . . . I almost could except for the children, the poor, bruised victims of adult lunacy. Who would care for them?" Discuss how commitment to one’s faith could lead to death. Print out and complete the crossword, "Holy Women – Martyrs" to further your discussion. Back to top
		Morality and Salvation Refer to pages 139–140 in your young teen’s book for a choice of things to do at home. Learning Goals Participation in this chapter will help the young people • understand the gift of free will. • know that one’s conscience helps in judging right from wrong. • realize that without God first freely giving the gift of grace, salvation would not be possible. Moral Choice Many people question why God, who is all-powerful, would create us entirely free, outside God’s power. The answer lies in the nature of love, because God is love. Real love never forces itself on another. Thus, we are free to accept God’s love and grace, or we can reject it. We accept or reject God's love with the choices we make throughout our lives. In essence, we choose to either accept or reject God's gift of salvation. Such is God's gift of human free will. Chapter 15 explains that every moral choice has consequences. Good choices are loving; bad choices are selfish. How we choose eventually becomes habitual. When we make a moral decision, it becomes easier to continue making moral decisions. Choosing sin leads to the habit of choosing selfishness and sin. It becomes easier to make sinful decisions. Family Activity Have family members suggest situations that require teens in our society to make moral decisions. Consider questions such as: What situations often involve peer pressure? When is it easiest to take a moral stand? When is it hardest to do so? Back to top
		Seeking a Common Prayer Refer to pages 147–148 in your young teen’s book for a choice of things to do at home. Learning Goals Participation in this chapter will help the young people • learn about the history of the Church in America. • understand the role of the Holy Spirit in the Church. • pray for Christian unity. Christian Unity When the first colonists came to the New World, they were fleeing religious persecution in Europe. Ironically, they did not always extend the same freedom to people of other beliefs. Catholics were not always welcome in the United States. Protestants suspected them of political subversion—being loyal to the pope rather than to the president and the U.S. Constitution. Prejudice against Catholics in America continued into the twentieth century, and it was not until 1960 that Americans elected the first Catholic president. As the young people will learn in Chapter 16, the Holy Spirit works in all Christian faith traditions to bring members to the truth of the Gospel. The same Spirit calls us to work for the unity of all Christians. One way to work toward unity is by sharing in ecumenical worship and service through social justice programs. We can seek God’s help for understanding and appreciating each other’s traditions. Family Activity Play a selection of liturgical music that fosters an ecumenical theme, such as "We are Many Parts," by Marty Haugen; "Song of the Body of Christ/ Canción del Cuerpo de Cristo," by David Haas; or "One Bread, One Body," by John Foley,SJ; all from Blest Are We CD Level 4. Share reactions to the lyrics and discuss how the melody enhances the theme. Brainstorm ways the Church accommodates all who seek unity. Back to top