Blest Are We
Blest Are We


Teachers  Unit Activities & Answer Key

Grade Level 4-6 Grade Level 4-6

Is that a fact?: A ciborium is a covered metal cup that is used to hold hosts for distribution at Mass. It is similar in design to the chalice used to hold wine. Earlier, the term was used to describe a stone, wooden, or metal canopy over the altar.


How Catholics Worship

Behind the Scenes
Extend the activities for each concept presented in Blest Are We with the following Ideas.
Sacraments of Initiation
Ideas
• Perhaps a member of your group has a family member who participated in the RCIA process. If so, ask if that person would be willing to come share the experience of receiving the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil with your group.

• Point out that the sacraments are received during the Mass liturgy. If some children have participated in an Easter vigil, encourage them to share their experience.


Sacraments of Healing
Ideas
• Put words important to the sacrament of Reconciliation on the chalkboard: reconciliation, penance, forgive, regret, sorry, confess, absolution, make up. Have participants share their understanding of the terms. Clarify any misunderstandings.

• Have participants explain why they think Reconciliation is a sacrament of "healing." What is healed? Why is this sacrament a good way to be healed of the loss between God and the individual and between the individual and community?

• People do not always receive physical healing after reception of the Anointing of the Sick. Point out that the person is given strength to accept the suffering or perhaps approaching death. Help participants understand that the sacrament brings a sense of calm and comfort to those who receive it.

• Participants may be open to sharing experiences of family members who have received the Anointing of the Sick. If any participants have personally experienced the graces of the sacrament ask if they are willing to share how it benefited them.


Mass
Ideas
• Discuss the two major parts of the Mass: Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist. Ask participants when each part begins [following the Introductory Rite, and with the presentation of gifts].

• The major prayers recited aloud by the congregation during Mass are the Gloria, Creed, and Lord’s Prayer. Have participants determine during which part of the Mass each is recited.

• Note that it is the Nicene Creed and not the Apostles Creed that is generally included in the liturgy. Have participants look up the Nicene Creed, in the front or back of their textbooks, and discuss the important beliefs stated in it.




Related topics in Blest Are We
School Edition: Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3
Initiation Sacraments Pages 72, 74-75, 127, 130-131, 171, 239-240, 244-248, 360-361 Pages 21-23, 57, 59, 63, 65, 67, 71-72, 74-75, 77, 70, 80, 83, 113, 115, 127-129, 130-132, 188, 308-309, 361 Pages 19, 31, 35, 65, 75, 130-133, 177, 187, 242, 246, 248, 358, 361-362, 365
Healing Sacraments Pages 171-172, 183, 158, 191, 361, 363, 367 Pages 21-22, 169, 171, 186-187, 191-192, 362, 368 Pages 145, 199, 201, 231, 245-246, 362, 366
Mass Pages 18-20, 31, 63, 72, 96, 99, 204, 211, 244-245, 361-366 Pages viii, xi-xii, 18, 28, 117, 131, 213, 356, 361, 364-366 Pages 18-19, 33, 75, 134, 148, 157, 224, 306, 361, 364-365
Parish Edition: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Initiation Sacraments Pages 24-25,28, 64-65, 96, 104-105, 137, 183-186, 236-248 Pages 25-27, 51, 56-57, 64-65, 67-69, 103-105, 237 Pages 33, 35, 65, 103-105, 137, 184-186, 237, 241
Healing Sacraments Pages 144-145, 177, 238-239 Pages 25-26, 131, 136-137, 144-148, 152-153, 160-161, 238 Pages 113, 153, 177, 185-186, 238, 242
Mass Pages 24-25, 33, 57, 81-82, 184-186, 216, 240-242
 Pages 4, 24, 95, 1-4-105, 240-242 Pages 24-25, 65, 121, 164, 222, 224, 240-241