Faith First Videos
Suggested Uses with RCL's Reconciliation Program

On the "Overview" page of the lesson plan, there is often a suggestion to use a segment from one of the Faith First videos. Here are some ideas to help you integrate the use of these video segments into your presentation of RCL's Reconciliation program.

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For Use with Chapter 1, "We Belong"

Faith First Video, Grade 2, Segment 6, The Visual Bibleô, "The Lost Sheep"--Suggestion for Use

This video segment can be used to enrich the presentation of the Bible story "God Loves Us," which is found on pages 6 and 7 of the child's book.

Running time
Approximately 2 1/2 minutes.

Background
This video segment is an on-location reenactment of Luke 15:1-7. In the opening scene Father Timothy talks about Jesus' love for us. Jesus always looks for us and makes us feel that we belong to his special family.

The image of a shepherd is used by Jesus and by the writers of the Bible to help us know and trust that we belong to God. In the New Testament, Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd. The closeness between a shepherd and his sheep symbolizes the closeness between Jesus and his followers.

Possible Discussion Questions

• What are some groups you belong to?
• What is it about these groups that makes you feel that you really belong and are special to the other members of the group?
• What does this Bible story tell you about Jesus' love for you and for all his followers?
• What does it mean to you that God will always care for you?

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Faith First Video, Grade 3, Segment 2, The Visual Bible™, "The Baptism of Jesus"--Suggestion for Use

This video segment can be used to enrich the presentation of pages 8 and 9, "Jesus, the Good Shepherd," in the child's book. The integration of this video segment into your presentation of the lesson will enrich the children's understanding of what it means to belong to Christ through Baptism.

Running Time
Approximately 6 minutes.

Background
This video segment is an on-location reenactment of Matthew 3:13-17. Father Timothy opens this segment with obvious props that help the children connect to their life experiences of water in order to facilitate the children's discovery of the symbolic meaning of water.

The video then continues with the reenactment of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist who announces, "I have baptized with water, he will baptize with the Holy Spirit." Familiarity with this event in the life of Jesus at the Jordan River will help the children discover that it is the Holy Spirit who enlivens them to be followers of Jesus.

Possible Discussion Questions

• What happened to Jesus at the Jordan River?
• Why is water used in Baptism? What does water tell us about Baptism?
• What does Baptism tell us about God's love for us?
• How can we show God's love for people?

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For Use with Chapter 2, "We Follow Jesus"

Faith First Video, Grade 2, Segment 3, "The Story of St. Clare"
Suggestion for Use

This video segment can be used to extend the presentation of the Bible story "The Great Commandment," which is found on page 14; or to introduce the activity on page 18, "What Difference Does This Make in My Life?" The integration of this video segment into your presentation of the lesson will help the children discover the difference living Jesus' command to love will make in their own lives and in the lives of other people.

Running Time
Approximately 10 minutes.

Background
Brittany has saved the last of the money she needs to buy a new blue coat. Laura likes the same coat. Along comes Sister Mary Margaret to speak to the class about her missionary work in Kenya. She and the children view slides that illustrate how missionaries help the sick and poor in Kenya.

Since the work is so enormous, Laura asks Sister Margaret if she ever gives up. This sets the scene for Sister Margaret to tell a story about St. Clare (1193-1253). After hearing Francis of Assisi speak about poverty, Clare renounced her family wealth and lived very simply. She founded a community of religious women dedicated to living the Gospel.

Possible Discussion Questions

• How did St. Clare live the Great Commandment? How did she live a holy life?
• What difference did living the Great Commandment make in St. Clare's life and in the life of other people?
• How can you live the Great Commandment this week?

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Faith First Video, Grade 2, Segment 4, "Bible Songs"
Suggestion for Use

This video segment contains two songs that can be used in the presentation of this lesson, "This Is My Commandment" and "Lord, I Want to be a Christian." The integration of this video segment into your presentation of the lesson will help the children discover the joy of living as followers of Jesus.

Running Time
Approximately 9 minutes.

Background
Celebrating our life in Christ is vital to our growth as followers of Christ. Celebrating their life in Christ through music comes naturally to children. In this video children sing five songs in different settings; lyrics are shown on screen. Song titles are:

• "This Is the Day" (2 minutes)
• "Give Me Joy in My Heart" (1 1/2 minutes)
• "This Is My Commandment" (1 1/2 minutes)
• "Lord, I Want to Be a Christian" (2 minutes)
• "God Is So Good" (1 1/2 minutes)

Music appeals to children on many levels. It involves the whole person--body, mind, and heart. It can be expressed in many forms--words, sounds, body language, dance, and art. The lyrics we sing can help children understand and remember key religious concepts. Music can also set the mood for prayer, play, quiet reflection, and celebration.

Possible Discussion Questions

• How does music help you open your heart to God?
• What does the song "This Is My Commandment" help you to do?
• What is one thing you will do this week to live Jesus' commandment of love?
• What does the song "Lord, I Want to Be a Christian" help you to do?
• What is one thing you will do this week to live as a Christian, as a follower of Jesus?

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Faith First Video, Grade 4, Segment 4: "Moral Dilemma/The Ten Commandments"--Suggestion for Use

This video segment is more appropriate for the older students. It can be used to enrich and extend your presentation of page 18, "What Difference Does This Make in My Life?" The integration of this video segment into your presentation will help make the connection between the Ten Commandments and the Great Commandment. This video segment is divided into eleven vignettes. You can view and discuss all or some of the vignettes with the students.

Running Time
Approximately 25 minutes.

Background
This video segment contains eleven vignettes that take place in Mr. Watters' Bookstore. High-school students Eric, Jason, and Michelle are part-time workers there. Each episode captures the day-by-day events and choices that come into their lives. The vignettes are based on realistic situations that will spark a fresh and practical look at how the Ten Commandments help us live the right way.

Vignette One: "The Ten Commandments in Daily Life"
(Approximately 1 1/2 minutes)

Possible Discussion Questions:

• Why did the Israelites need the Ten Commandments?
• Why do we need the Ten Commandments?
• How do rules and laws help you know the right thing to do?

Vignette Two: "The First Commandment: I am the Lord your God: you shall not have strange gods before me."
(Approximately 3 minutes)

Possible Discussion Questions

• On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 = not important, 10 = very important) rank the following:
  
  • being popular
    
  • having friends
    
  • having nice clothes
    
  • achieving good grades
    
  • achieving success and recognition for your talents
• Which of the above pursuits can become so important in life that they become false gods? Explain.
• In the video, Eric says, "Baseball is all I need." Will Eric be fully happy if he is successful at baseball?
• Have someone read Matthew 6:33, "Seek first God's kingdom and all the things you need will be given to you." Ask: What do these words of Jesus mean to you? How do these words of Jesus relate to the First Commandment?
  
• How does the First Commandment help us live the Great Commandment?

Vignette Three: "The Second Commandment: You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain."
(Approximately 1 1/2 minutes)

Possible Discussion Questions:

• What are some examples of how the power of words can help people? How can it hurt people?
  
• Point out that the people of Israel showed great respect for God's name--in fact, so great that they considered God's name (Yahweh) too sacred to pronounce. Ask: How do you show respect for God's name?
  
• How does the Second Commandment help us live the Great Commandment?

Vignette Four: "The Third Commandment: Remember to keep holy the Lord's Day."
(Approximately 1 1/2 minutes)

Possible Discussion Questions:

• Why is Sunday special for Christians?
  
• How do you make Sunday special?
  
• Why is participating in Mass on Sunday an especially important way to make Sunday special?
  
• How can people who have busy schedules on Sunday balance their obligations and still honor the Third Commandment?
  
• How does the Third Commandment help us live the Great Commandment?

Vignette Five: "The Fourth Commandment: Honor your father and your mother."
(Approximately 2 1/2 minutes)

Possible Discussion Questions:

• Why is it important to respect our parents?
  
• What does the Fourth Commandment tell us about respecting grandparents, aunts and uncles, teachers, and people who have authority for our well-being?
  
• How does the Fourth Commandment help us live the Great Commandment?

Vignette Six: "The Fifth Commandment: "You shall not kill." (Approximately 1 1/2 minutes)

Possible Discussion Questions:

• What does the Fifth Commandment tell us about how much God loves every person?
  
• Point out that Pope John Paul II once said, "To choose life means rejecting every form of violence." Ask: What do these words mean about the holiness and value of human life?
  
• How does the Fifth Commandment help us live the Great Commandment?

Vignette Seven: "The Sixth Commandment: You shall not commit adultery." (Approximately 3 minutes)

Possible Discussion Questions:

• What does it mean for a husband and wife to be faithful to one another forever?
  
• How do boys and girls your age show respect for one another?
  
• Set the scene: Have someone read 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Ask: What are the impact and influence of TV, music, and films on how we look at male/female relationships?
  
• How does the Sixth Commandment help us live the Great Commandment?

Vignette Eight: "The Seventh Commandment: You shall not steal." (Approximately 4 minutes)

Possible Discussion Questions:

• What are Michelle's responsibilities regarding all store merchandise? What advice did Eric and Jason give to Michelle? What advice would you give to Michelle?
  
• What makes stealing serious?
  
• Who are the victims of theft in the case of shoplifting? When school property is stolen? When personal property is stolen?
  
• How does the Seventh Commandment help us live the Great Commandment?

Vignette Nine: "The Eighth Commandment: You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."
(Approximately 2 1/2 minutes)

Possible Discussion Questions:

• What could Michelle and her friend do to give the new band director a fair start in his new position?
  
• Why did Michelle decide to quit the school band? What advice would you offer her so she would be able to make the best possible decision?
  
• Has anyone ever told a lie about you or spread untrue rumors about you? If so, how did you deal with the situation?
  
• How does the Ninth Commandment help us live the Great Commandment?

Vignette Ten: "The Tenth Commandment: You shall not covet your neighbor's goods."
(Approximately 2 1/2 minutes)

Possible Discussion Questions:

• What is the difference between admiring something, like Mr. Watters' motorcycle, and coveting it?
  
• How do you respond to being told:
  
  • We can't afford that.
    
  • We are not able to get that right now, maybe later.
    
  • We want you to wait until you are older.
• What is the difference between needing something and simply wanting something? What are the dangers of wanting too many things that we don't really need?
  
• How does the Tenth Commandment help us live the Great Commandment?

Vignette Eleven: The Ten Commandments.
(Approximately 1 1/2 minutes)

Possible Discussion Questions:

• What do the Ten Commandments have to do with how you live?
  
• What do the Ten Commandments teach us about living the Great Commandment?

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For Use with Chapter 3, "We Listen to the Holy Spirit"

Faith First Video, Grade 3, Segment Four: Moral Dilemma/Lying
Suggestion for Use

This video segment can be used to extend the materials found on pages 24 and 25, "We Make Good Decisions"; and on page 26, "What Difference Does This Make in My Life?" The integration of this video segment into your presentations will nurture in the young people the development of the virtue of honesty, which is at the foundation of making good decisions and of truthfully and trustingly confessing our sins.

Running Time
Approximately 7 1/2 minutes.

Background
A dilemma is a situation that involves a choice between two equally unsatisfactory alternatives. Nothing seems to be going right for Eric and his two sisters, Jackie and Jennifer. On top of everything, Eric discovers that his TV controller has been broken. He is quite certain that either Jackie or Jennifer has broken it, but he has no clear and direct evidence. Eric demands to know who broke the controller. Eric offers the challenge: the person telling the truth will go to the concert with him. If Jackie and Jennifer do not tell the truth, they will both miss the concert.

Possible Discussion Questions
Set the scene: Remind the children that a dilemma is a situation that involves a choice between two equally unsatisfactory alternatives. Then ask and discuss these or similar questions:

• What should Jackie do? If Jackie tells the truth, Jennifer will not go to the concert. If Jackie lies, neither she nor Jennifer will go to the concert.
  
• What should Jennifer do?
  
• How would you solve the dilemma?
  
• How does knowing and facing the truth honestly help you make good decisions?
  
• Why is honesty, telling the truth, important in confessing one's sins?