In Unit 1 the participants will learn about God's goodness. Out of this goodness, God created the earth and all creatures. Children will learn that we honor God by following God's commandments and praying the Lord's Prayer, a prayer that Jesus taught us.

		Use the unit song before or after opening prayer, during a prayer celebration, at the end of a session, or during special celebrations.
		God's Goodness      What Catholics Believe God reveals himself as one God in Three Persons Faith in Action • Parish Ministry • Good Stewards
		Praise and Thanksgiving      How Catholics Worship It is right to give thanks and praise to the Lord our God, especially for the gift of God's Son, Jesus. Faith in Action • Parish Ministry • Altar Servers
		The Commandments and God's Covenant (God's Covenant)      How Catholics Live The Ten Commandments guide us in serving the one true God. Faith in Action • Parish Ministry • Catechists
		The Commandments and the Lord's Prayer (Our Father in Heaven)      How Catholics Pray We follow the message of selflessness by praying the Lord's Prayer. Faith in Action • Parish Ministry • Music

Entries relate to BLEST ARE WE FAITH & Word Edition © 2008 and BENDECIDOS © 2008. Titles that refer only to BLEST ARE WE © 2002 and ©2004 are indicated in parentheses.

Prior to presenting each chapter, distribute the TAKE HOME FAMILY TIME pages from the children's books, or print out these pages for parents from TAKE HOME FAMILY TIME.

•		What is your attitude toward reusing, reducing, and recycling?
•		Do you recognize these actions as responsible stewardship?

Assign each child to make an "inventory" of all the things he or she has at home that are not necessities. Clarify that food, clothing, and shelter are necessities of life for everyone. Have them list all the games, toys, electronic equipment, and gadgets they have. Instruct them to be thorough in their search throughout the apartment or house, and garage.

Have the children bring their lists to the next session. Ask if they are surprised at how much "stuff" they actually possess. Then have them individually go through their lists to find things to trade or share with others. Perhaps some items will need repair or cleaning first. Together, decide on a way to share these items with others, perhaps at a day care, shelter, or nearby parish or school. Discuss how such sharing is an example of stewardship of God's creation.

Talk about ways that reusing items helps protect the earth. Then, see who can come up with the most ways to reuse a plastic bag (e.g., holding small toy pieces, cleaning up table scraps, lining wastebaskets, cleaning up behind pets), a brown paper bag (wrapping paper, mailing packages, covering books), cans (cleaning and using to hold pencils or small items), magazines (making collages or greeting cards, using pages as pictures to frame, sharing with others).