Chapter 1
HISTORY

Overview: This chapter shares the beauty of the history of the Catholic Church. It reinforces important concepts like Jesus Christ founded the Catholic Church, a letter was written describing the Mass in the 2nd century and that the Catholic Church assembled the New Testament. Readers will learn how Catholics came to America, where they settled and the contributions they made. The story of immigration will help readers identify the many faces of our church. Catholic names and groups will be identified and the neat timeline will help you visualize Catholic history and spark an interest in learning more.

American Catholic Historical Dates Puzzle • Classroom Timeline • Creating a Catholic Newspaper • Biographical Skits and Plays • Historical Drawing • Individual Word Search Puzzle • Researching Biographies of Famous American Catholics

Chapter 2
SAINTS AND SAINTLY PEOPLE

Overview: This fun chapter tells us how a person becomes a saint and has wonderful little stories of the American Saints just right to fill five minutes of time at the end of a religion education class. Trivia buffs will find great information about our American Saints. Readers will learn that we should all strive to be saints.

Classroom Saint Puzzle • Dress Up as Your Favorite Saint • Images of Mother Mary • Reading Comprehension Activity • Saints Puzzle

Chapter 3
GROWING UP CATHOLIC

Overview: Growing up in the Catholic faith is a journey whereby a child becomes more faith-filled by receiving sacraments. These lessons bring each child to a better understanding of their faith and the sacraments as a visiible sign of God's grace in their lives. The following activities were designed to enrich the student's understanding of these sacraments and the importance they play on their faith journey.

Dressing for the Occasion • Personal Timeline • Learning Through Interviewing • Poetic Thoughts on Sacraments • Sacrament Greeting Cards • Skimming for Sacrament Signs

Chapter 4
PRAISE AND CELEBRATION: A LOOK AT THE MASS AND CATHOLIC WORSHIP

Overview: This is a fun way to learn about the Mass and Catholic Worship. Readers will be able to explore the parts of the Mass and develop a greater understanding of their part in the Mass. One will find easy to read answers to questions about the liturgical calendar, devotions and Catholic customs. Whether learning about First Fridays, Eucharistic Adoration, Benediction, novenas, types of prayers or Sacramentals, all will see the wonderful faith of the young writers.

Liturgical Year Calendar • Four Types of Prayer

Chapter 5
GOD'S POWERFUL ACTS OF LOVE: MIRACLES

Overview: Explore this chapter with the words of the young writers and discover the beauty of miracles and the power of prayer. From learning about Eucharistic miracles, official miracles of saints or just wonderful testimonies of people who have been blessed with a miracle, the reader will experience the beauty of faith. These amazing short stories also provide a great way to begin or end a religion lesson.

Celebrating Life's Miracles • Exploring Saints Official Miracles

Chapter 6
GOD IS CALLING

Overview: After reading this section on great vocation stories, young readers will delight at finding out what different priests, deacons, sisters, brothers or monks were like when they were young. The powerful personal testimonies will make vocations of all kinds very interesting. The little guide to discover your own vocation at the end of the chapter will challenge the readers to explore different options.

Similar Characteristics • Vocation Trading Cards • Mottos

Chapter 7
FAITH IN ACTION

Overview: This delightful chapter shares the experiences of many wonderful Catholics as they put their faith in action. Not only will the reader find out unique ways to serve but also they will be aware of the service of others. The intriguing survey at the end of the chapter will help readers take the first step in putting their own faith in action.

Bulletin Board • Get Up and Do It! • Interviewing Heroes • Exploring the Web • Scavenger Hunt

Chapter 8
HANDS-ON FUN

Overview: If you like to bake or make things, "Hands on Fun" will show you many ways, you can learn about your Catholic faith by doing arts and crafts and cooking. This chapter will help you learn about your faith while keeping your hands busy and having fun. You can even eat some of the results.

Good Deed Beads • Advent Wreaths • Candy Cane Cookies • Stained Glass Cookies • Holy Water Bottles • Making A Rosary • Shamrock Cookies • Pretzels • Sweet Crosses  • A Ribbon Cross • Lenten Hot Cross Buns • Resurrection Buns

Chapter 9
VISION

Overview: We hope you absorb the love expressed by the children. Their simple way of sharing knowledge about our faith will leave the reader much richer. As you read "Our Vision for a Better Tomorrow," you will see the strength and wisdom of the young writers.

GENERAL LESSON PLANS

My Heritage Book • Preparing An Index

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