In Unit 2, children will learn about two of the Sacraments of Initiation-- Baptism and Confirmation. They will also learn about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), God's grace and conversion, and the Apostles' Creed, which contains the central truths of the Catholic faith.

		Use the unit song before or after opening prayer, during a prayer celebration, at the end of a session, or during special celebrations.
		We Are Baptized into the Body of Christ (Signs of Christian Faith)      What Catholics Believe Through Baptism, we are freed from original sin. Faith in Action • Parish Ministry • Godparents
		Baptism and Confirmation      How Catholics Worship Baptism and Confirmation welcome us into the Church. Faith in Action • Parish Ministry • RCIA Catechists
		Grace: A Gift of Strength and Support      How Catholics Live Through the sacraments, we receive God's grace. Faith in Action • Parish Ministry • Confirmation Sponsors
		We Profess Our Faith      How Catholics Pray The Apostles' Creed contains the central truths of the Catholic faith. Faith in Action • Parish Ministry • Defending the Faith

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.

•		Do I follow the Church's teachings regarding the life issues?
•		What are some ways that I can help to promote a culture of life?

Invite a member of your parish's "Respect Life Committee" to a session. In advance, work with the children to create questions to ask this person, such as: How is our parish involved in respect life issues? What is our parish doing to help end abortion? What are some ways fifth graders can help promote a culture of life?

Be sure to send a thank-you note to your guest. Also, encourage the children to share with their families what they learned in this session.

Display newspaper and magazine pictures showing people of different cultural backgrounds. Have each young person select a picture to study. Have them write down answers to questions about likenesses and differences between him or her self and the person selected: How are we alike? In what ways am I different? What emotion is that person expressing? Have I felt that emotion? What emotions do all people have in common?