Blest Are We
Blest Are We


Teachers   Unit Activities & Answer Key   With Your Group   Unit Resources  


Grade Level 4 Grade Level 4

Unit 4 The Church  

Unit Focus
In Unit 4 children will learn that the Mass is a time to remember Jesus how died and was raised from the dead. They will be reassured that Jesus is with them in a special way when they celebrate the Eucharist. They will identify ways to pray and show love for others.
Unit 4 Song
Use the unit song before or after the opening prayer, during a prayer celebration, at the end of a session, or during special celebrations.

Chapter 13
Sacraments in the Church      What Catholics Believe
The Church celebrates the sacraments so that we can fully experience Christ's presence.
Faith in Action • Parish Ministry • Liturgy Committee

Chapter 14
The Sacrament of Reconciliation      How Catholics Worship
Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, our relationship with God and the Church is healed.
Faith in Action • Parish Ministry • Anointing of the Sick and Ministry

Chapter 15
The Commandments and Forgiveness (Forgiveness and Reconciliation)      How Catholics Live
Our conscience is guided by what the Church teaches about God's laws.
Faith in Action • Parish Ministry • Pastoral Council

Chapter 16
The Commandments and Praying for Forgiveness (Forgive Us Our Trespasses)      How Catholics Pray
The seventh through tenth commandments require us to give proper respect and care for the rights of others.
Faith in Action • Parish Ministry • Lectors

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.




Unit Extension

Catholic Social Teaching – Call to Family, Community, and Participation

The Acts of the Apostles captures the working of the Holy Spirit within the first group of Christians. Beginning with the Pentecost experience, Acts 2, through triumph and failure, acceptance and rejection, imprisonment, and even martyrdom, the first Christians staked their lives on their faith in Jesus' words. Acts doesn't deny that bad things took place during the early days of the Church, but it always takes care to show how, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, these difficulties were overcome.

The Holy Spirit continues to be present in the Church today. First in Baptism and then strengthened in Confirmation we gain guidance and courage from the Holy Spirit to give witness within our parish community and "to the ends of the earth" as well. Church membership brings responsibility, while strength for the journey comes in the form of the gifts of the Holy Spirit to each of us. These gifts assist us in making good moral decisions for the common good of all.


Personal Reflection

What do I see that is good in my parish community?
What can I do to improve my parish community?

Action Opportunity

Contact a nearby nursing home or assisted living residence and ask for ideas about things their residents might appreciate. They may even supply names of residents who do not receive visitors or mail that might enjoy hearing from someone. You could also inquire at your parish office about homebound parishioners who would appreciate contact.

Based on the ideas received, you could follow up with children making greeting cards, bookmarks, placements, or other items suggested. A "field trip" may also be a possibility.


Quick Take

As a group, compose a short prayer or greeting that could be shared with family or parish community members who are ill. Children could then each personalize and create a card for one person.



Links

Home Faith Connection
"Practical Parenting Ideas" in handing on the Faith

Prayers for All Occasions

Books

A Prayerbook for Catechists
Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725).

ORDER NUMBER: 0-89622-979-3

Many Faces in God's House – A Catholic Vision for the Third Millennium

#5-421

Available through the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, 800-235-8722, www.usccb.org

Videos

The Gospel Alive Videos for Children: The Forgiving Father (15 min.)
This familiar Scripture story helps the children learn about God's great compassion and forgiveness.

Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725).

ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36764-2 VHS
1-4182-5347-2 DVD

The Legend of the Three Trees (30 min.)
Folk tale of three trees each with hopes, dreams, and inspiration.


Available through Oblate Media & Communication

You Are Special (DVD 26 min.)
The challenge to earn a gold sticker from the whimsical Wemmicks.


Available through Oblate Media & Communication

Music

"Hands of Healing"
Blest Are We Music CD 4


Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725).

ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36380-9

"Be Merciful, O Lord"
Blest Are We Music CD 2


Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725).

ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36653-0

Blest Are We Song Book
Words and melodies for songs on the BLEST ARE WE music CDS, Levels 1–8


ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36617-4

Blest Are We Accompaniment Book
Accompaniment music for songs on the BLEST ARE WE music CDs, Levels 1–8


ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36618-2