Liturgy & Morality

Chapter 1
In this chapter, the children learn about sacred art. This is an appropriate time to discover all the sacred art in your parish with the children.

Click here to download "Discovering Sacred Art"

Chapter 2
In this chapter, the children learn about the altar, the ambo and the baptistry. This is an appropriate time to visit your parish church and look at your own altar, ambo, and baptistry.

Click here to download "Reflecting on the Altar, Ambo, and Baptistry"

Chapter 3
In this chapter, the children review all seven sacraments. Use the activity below to discuss with the children their personal experiences of the sacraments.

Click here to download "Sharing Personal Experiences of the Sacraments"

Chapter 4
In this chapter, the children learn about the images of darkness and light that John used in his writing. Use the activity below to help the children identify what makes them feel as if they are living in darkness and light.

Click here to download "Recognizing Darkness and Light"

Chapter 5
In this chapter, the children learn about Baptism and Confirmation. Page 121 of the Catechist/Teacher Guide offers you some helpful tips on doing role-plays. Follow the activity below to role-play Baptism and Confirmation with the children.

Click here to download "Role-Playing the Sacraments"

Chapter 6
In this chapter, the children read a few stories from the Bible about bread. They also learn about the significance of bread. Follow the directions below to have the children write a diamonte poem about bread.

Click here to download "Writing a Diamonte Poem"

Chapter 7
In this chapter, the children have learned about the Eucharist and our unity as Catholics in the Eucharist. This is an appropriate time to introduce the children to people in your parish that bring the Eucharist to the sick or homebound.

Click here to download "Inviting A Guest"

Chapter 8
In this chapter, the children learn about the Sacraments of Healing. Follow the directions below to have the children role-play the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Click here to download "Reconciliation Role-plays"

Chapter 9
Ask a couple you know to visit with your group. You may also ask a parish staff person to give you the name of a couple who would be willing to visit with your group.

Click here to download "Invite Guests"

Chapter 10
In this chapter, the children learn about the connection between happiness and holiness. Living holy lives leads us to happiness. Follow the directions below to help the children better understand this connection.

Click here to download "Happiness Is"

Chapter 11
In this chapter, the children read about the Rich Young Man in the Gospel of Mark. As they reflect on this reading they learn about the cost and rewards of living as disciples. This is an excellent time to encourage the children to find out more about saints and heroes/heroines of the church that lived lives of poverty in order to reap the rewards of discipleship.

Click here to download "Researching Saints and Heroes/Heroines of the Church"

Chapter 12
In this chapter, you are encouraged to share Psalm 139 with the children. You might like to use this version of the psalm as written for their grade level.

Click here to download "Psalm 139"

Chapter 13
In this chapter, the children learn about the importance of love. Follow the directions below to help the children remember two of the scripture citations they read in this chapter.

Click here to download "Making Bookmarks"

Chapter 14
In this chapter, the children learn about theological and moral virtues. This is an appropriate time to help the children become more familiar with the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. Follow the directions below.

Click here to download "Playing Works of Mercy Charades"

Chapter 15
In this chapter, the children learn about God's gift of grace. This is an appropriate time to review the most familiar song we all know about grace, "Amazing Grace."

First of all, invite the children's recollections of times when they sang or heard this song. Can they remember the emotions of the event?

Then, sing the song together. The tune will be familiar. The traditional words of John Newton are provided below. (If you don't think your group will do well singing, read the poetic words and discuss what they mean.)

Click here to download "Amazing Grace"

Chapter 16
In this chapter, the children learn about the first three commandments. On page 200 of your guide, the children learn the Third Commandment—Remember to keep holy the Lord's day.

Click here to download "The Third Commandment"

Chapter 17
In this chapter, the children learn about the numerous disciples or followers of Jesus. Many of these followers were women. Follow the directions below to have the children prepare skits about these important women in scripture.

Click here to download "Preparing Skits"

Chapter 18
In this chapter, the children learn about the Fourth and Fifth Commandments. They learn that in order to live the commandments, we need to be peacemakers. Follow the directions below to help the children role-play how they can be peacemakers.

Click here to download "Being Peacemakers"

Chapter 19
In this chapter, the children learn about the Sixth, Seventh, and Ninth Commandments. Follow the directions below to have the children prepare skits showing how they can live the Sixth, Seventh, and Ninth Commandments.

Click here to download "Preparing Skits"

Chapter 20
In this chapter, the children learn about the Eighth and Tenth Commandments. Follow the directions below to have the children prepare skits about following the Eighth Commandment.

Click here to download "Preparing Skits"

Chapter 21
In this chapter, the children learn about the early Church. On pages 264-265, they read about religious orders. Follow the directions below to help the children learn more about religious orders.

Click here to download "Researching Religious Orders"

Chapter 22
In this chapter, the children learn bout the National Council of Catholic Bishops/United States Catholic Conference (NCCB/USCC). Follow the directions below to have the children write to their local bishop.

Click here to download "Writing to the Bishop"

Chapter 23
In this chapter, the children were introduced to a number of saints who had key roles in the history of the Church. Follow the directions below to help the children learn amore about these saints.

Click here to download "Researching Saints"

Chapter 24
On page 426 of your guide the children read about the Second Vatican Council. This was such a significant event in the history of the Church that you may want to spend more time looking into Vatican II with the children. Since there are so many people around who have lived before, during and after Vatican II, consider setting up a panel so that the children can hear the stories of these people. Follow the directions below.

Click here to download "Setting Up a Vatican II Panel"