Lesson Plan Model

Lesson Plans
to accompany
Guidelines for Catechesis
Grade 1 through Grade 3
September 2020
To the Catechist:
The Guidelines for Catechesis for pre-kindergarten through grade 6 were revised in 2016.
These Guidelines reflect a thematic presentation of the Catholic faith, with each grade level
having a particular focus.
The Guidelines are not a substitute for a textbook; they are to be used in conjunction with a
catechetical textbook found to be in conformity with the Protocol established by the United
States Bishops. The Catechetical Office recognizes that, while the Guidelines and textbooks are
certainly valuable tools for catechists, additional resources might be needed. Additionally,
ensuring that each Guideline concept found in each grade level be presented correctly and in
its entirety was found to be a challenge for some catechists. In answer to this need, Lesson
Plans to accompany the Guidelines for Catechesis were developed.
For each delineated band in each grade level, at least one Lesson Plan has been developed.
What sets these Lesson Plans apart is that they have been carefully developed for use by both
catechists and parents. Some things to note are:
• Each lesson begins and ends with a prayer experience;
• The use of Sacred Scripture is found throughout;
• Questions to facilitate discussion and reflection help to move the session along;
• Suggested activities are included;
• A page of Lesson Planning Resources is being developed and will be available on the
Catechetical Office website in the near future.
Whether a catechist or parent is using these Lesson Plans, here are some other ideas and things
to consider when planning a session:
Prayer Environment and Prayer Experience:
1. Set up a Prayer Table at the beginning of each class with a Bible, a religious statue or
picture, a Rosary, a cloth reflecting the liturgical color of the season, a battery operated
candle, and a small notebook for prayer intentions.
2. Always make note of children who are not properly forming the Sign of the Cross and
guide them. Also be aware of children who do not know the words of the basic prayers
and correct them.
3. Remind children that they should be prayerful and respectful when in the prayer space
and that prayer time is God’s special time.
4. Review and pray the Sign of the Cross, Hail Mary, and Lord’s Prayer with the children
whenever possible.
To the Catechist Page 1

Teaching Methods and Teaching Materials:
1. Play music each week as the children enter the room (e.g. a CD from Vacation Bible
School, or instrumental/meditative music, possibly from YouTube) to create a prayerful
atmosphere.
2. Read and reflect on the Sacred Scripture of the lesson yourself before presenting it to
and discussing it with the children. Try to anticipate what questions the children might
ask.
3. While suitable videos may be found on YouTube for use in a session, be sure to view the
video ahead of time. Also be aware that advertisements may be inserted in YouTube
videos and plan accordingly.
4. A limited number of crafts and activities are described and included in these plans. You
are encouraged to use other resources as well as your imagination.
5. A page of resources is in development and will be available in the future.
To the Catechist Page 2

The Apostles’ Creed is to be taught over the first three grades
as follows:
The Apostles’ Creed
GRADE ONE I believe in God, the Father almighty,

Creator of heaven and earth,
GRADE TWO and in Jesus Christ,

his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died
and was buried;
he descended into hell;
on the third day he rose again from the dead;
he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right
hand
of God the Father almighty;
from there he will come to judge the living and
the dead.
GRADE THREE I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting. Amen
GRADE ONE
THEME:
God is our Father who loves us,

Jesus is the Son of God who tells us about our Father.
The Holy Spirit helps us to be holy.
OBJECTIVE:
To develop an awareness of God the Creator, who gives us life
and grace and promises us eternal life through Jesus.
Grade 1 Page 1
God is the Creator who made all things: Angels, human persons, the whole world.
290, 326-27, 315, 338
God is all loving. 218-21
God is all holy. 208-209, 2809, 2812
God can do everything. 268-71, 303
God is everywhere. 300-01, 2794
God knows everything. 216, 283
God has always been and always will be. 34, 213
Grade 1, page 2, band 1
Lesson objective:
The children will learn what it means when we say that God is, “God the Father almighty.”
Vocabulary:
Creator 290; Sacred Scripture 104; Bible 81,120; Guardian Angel 336; Apostles’ Creed
Scripture References:
Creation – Genesis 1:1-27
Guardian Angels – Matthew 18: 4-5, 10
Attributes of God –
Lev 11:45; Ps 139: 1-18; Ps 102:26-27; Wisdom 11:23; 1 John 4:7-8; Rev 1:8
Prayer: First section of the Apostles’ Creed; Guardian Angel prayer.
Teaching methods:
Read from the Bible; utilize pictures from sources such as a children’s Bible or religion
textbook; memorization; use of litany.
Teaching materials:
Bible; Pictures of beauty in nature; Pictures of children of different cultures; Picture of an angel
or several angels; Poster with the words of the first section of the Apostles Creed.
1. Gather the children around the prayer table.

a. Pray with the children the first words of the Apostles’ Creed: “I believe in God, the
Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.”
b. Tell the children that the Apostles’ Creed is a prayer we sometimes pray at Mass.
2. Tell the children how special they are because they are created by God in love. God tells us
this in a special book called the Bible.
a. Read Genesis 1: 1-27
b. God has created all people in his image. He wants us to treat each other with respect
because each person has dignity and value. Show pictures of children from different
cultures.
c. Ask the children to name people they see in their everyday lives outside of their
homes (some examples: neighbor, children at school). How does God want them to
treat these people? Talk about the people in their families and how God expects them
to be treated.
Grade 1 Page 2
3. God is the Creator who made all things, including the whole world around us. Show pictures
of the beauty of nature as examples of creation. Through prayer and worship, we respond
with love and gratitude to God.
4. God made the angels. Tell the children we each have a guardian angel
a. Angels are spirits.
b. Artists draw or paint what they think angels might look like if we could see them.
c. Show a picture of an angel.
d. Tell the children there is a prayer we can say to our Guardian Angel. Begin to teach
the children this prayer:
Angel of God, My guardian dear,
To whom God’s love, commits me here,
Ever this day, be at my side,
To light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen!
e. Remind the children that God has given each person a Guardian Angel to watch over
them. Read Matthew 18:4-5,10
5. Attributes of God.
a. Tell the children some of the things we know about God:
i. God is all loving.
ii. God is all holy.
iii. God can do everything.
iv. God is everywhere.
v. God knows everything.
vi. God has always been and will always be.
6. Closing Prayer:
a. Pray a litany of thanksgiving for God who is with us always (using the attributes of
God listed above):
Catechist: God is all loving.
Children: Thank you, God!
Catechist: God is all holy.
Catechist: God can do everything.
Catechist: God is everywhere.
Catechist: God knows everything.
Catechist: God has always been and will always be.
Catechist & Children: Amen!
Grade 1 Page 3
We are children of God.
God is our Father who made us, loves us, cares for us,
and who wants us to be happy with him, on this earth and in heaven.
1, 305, 1024, 1718, 1721, 2782
Through the Sacraments Jesus shares God’s love and life with us. 1131
Through Baptism we become members of the Church, God’s family,
and receive grace, a sharing in God’s life.
751, 1266-67, 1271, 1279, 199
We are Catholic Christians. 837
Lesson Objective: The children will understand God is our Father who loves us and shares this
love with us through the sacraments. They will learn that through Baptism we become members
of God’s family.
Vocabulary:
Baptism {1213}; God’s family; Genuflection 1378; Blessed Sacrament; Tabernacle 1183;
Sanctuary Lamp; Holy Water; Holy Water Font 1185.
Trust in Providence – Matthew 6:25-34
The Grace of Baptism: A New Birth – 1 Peter 1:3-5
Prayer:
Review the first section of The Apostles’ Creed
Introduce the Sign of the Cross
Teaching Methods:
Visit the church (if possible) to show children the baptismal font, the tabernacle, and the holy
water fonts; Demonstration; Memorization.
Teaching Materials:
Bible; Picture of a Baptism; Chart with words of the first section of the Apostles’ Creed
1. Review the first section of the Apostles’ Creed. Use the chart to point out the words as you
read them. Repeat several times.
2. Remind the children that out of love God created each one of them.
3. Each on of us is special in God’s eyes.
4. Review with the children the creation story in the Book of Genesis. Show them it is the first
book of the Bible.
5. Tell the children we are all children of God. God is our Father who made us, loves us, cares
for us, and who wants us to be happy with him, on this earth, and in heaven.
Grade 1 Page 4
6. Introduce the new prayer of the Sign of the Cross. Model this prayer for the children,
keeping in mind that you are facing them. Show them how you are actually drawing a cross,
as you bless yourself. Tell them that they will be making the sign of the cross at the start of
each class. Tell the children we make the Sign of the Cross before and after each prayer.
Frequent repetition is important.
7. Tell the children that Jesus shares God’s love and life with us through the Sacraments. There
are seven sacraments; today we will learn about Baptism, the first sacrament that we receive.
8. Baptism is the Sacrament through which we become members of the Church, God’s family,
and receive grace, a sharing in God’s life.
9. Read 1 Peter 1:3-5 (The Grace of Baptism, A New Birth).
a. Tell the children that their families brought them to a church to be baptized. Show a
picture of a Baptism. Encourage the children to ask their families about their
Baptisms and look at family pictures.
10. If possible, bring the children to the church and point out the holy water fonts. Review the
Sign of the Cross with them. Tell the children that as they bless themselves, the holy water is
a reminder of their Baptism.
11. Bring the children into the church and show them the baptismal font. Briefly explain what
happens during the sacrament of Baptism (they receive God’s grace and become members of
the Church as Catholic Christians).
12. Show the children the altar area (sanctuary).
a. Show the children where the Blessed Sacrament is kept.
b. Point out the Tabernacle. Explain that we call Jesus, in the Tabernacle, the Blessed
Sacrament.
c. Show the children how to genuflect before the Blessed Sacrament.
13. We are Catholic Christians. We are followers of Christ who believe in God’s grace of
salvation.
a. Since we are called to be in God’s family, we should strive to live as saints. Saints
are people who live God’s way. We are to be truthful. We do not lie, destroy
property, or steal.
b. As God’s children, we respect each other and we are to treat all with dignity.
14. Closing prayer:
a. Begin and end the prayer with the Sign of the Cross.
b. Lead the children in a prayer of thanksgiving:
 We thank God for the sacrament of Baptism.
 We thank God for inviting us to become his children.
 We thank God for the grace we receive at Baptism.
 We thank God for our families who bring us to church.
 We thank God for bringing us together to learn more about him.
Grade 1 Page 5
Jesus, the Son of God, became human like us and loves us.
422-23, 444-45, 478
Lesson Objective: The children will learn that Jesus is God’s son who became a human like us.
The children will learn that Advent, the beginning of the liturgical year, is a time of preparation
for the birth of Jesus at Christmas.
Vocabulary: Advent (524, 1095), Liturgical Year (1168-71), Christmas (525)
Scripture References: The Birth of Jesus Luke 2:7-14
Prayer: Sign of the Cross; first section of the Apostles’ Creed
Teaching Methods: Reading from the Bible; Storytelling; Art activity
Teaching Materials: Liturgical year calendar in circle format; Bible; Pictures of nativities;
Picture of Mary and Joseph with Baby Jesus; Coloring sheet of the nativity; Crayons.
1. Opening Prayer: Sign of the Cross, first section of the Apostles’ Creed
2. Explain that Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year. Use the chart to show the cycle of
the liturgical seasons.
3. Point out that Advent is a four-week period in preparation of the celebration of the birth of
Jesus on Christmas day. 524-525, 1095, 1163, 1168, 1171
4. Discuss that purple is the liturgical color for Advent. Explain that the colors of the priest’s
vestments and the altar cloth change according to the liturgical seasons. Ask the children to
look for that color in the church when they attend Mass on Sunday.
5. Read the Scripture, Luke 2:7-14 of the birth of Jesus.
a. Re-tell the Christmas story in your own words. Stress that it was God’s plan for his
son to come into the world as a baby.
b. Show pictures of different nativity scenes.
c. Ask children if they have one in their home?
d. Discuss what your parish does for a nativity, both inside and outside.
e. Show pictures of Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus
f. Give the children a coloring sheet of a nativity scene (see the Lesson Planning
Resource Page). Provide crayons. Children may take home coloring sheet, to be
completed at home, if needed. Encourage children to talk with their family about
what they learned.
6. Close the session with a prayer for the season of Advent:
• Thank you God for your Son, Jesus, who shows us how to live.
• Thank you for giving us this time to prepare for Christmas, Jesus’ birthday.
• Help us to remember the gift of Jesus as we bake, decorate, set up our Christmas tree,
and put up our nativity scenes.
• Help us to prepare for Jesus by helping others, being nice to others, and making
loving choices during this advent season.
Grade 1 Page 6
Mary is the Mother of Jesus. 495
Lesson Objective: Children will learn that God chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus. They will
learn we honor Mary and ask her to pray for us.
Vocabulary: Annunciation; Angel; Rosary; Devotion.
Scripture References: The Annunciation – Luke 1:26-45
Prayer: Hail Mary
Teaching Methods: Relate the Scripture of the Annunciation; Discussion; Demonstration;
Memorization; Listen to a song honoring Mary.
Teaching Materials: Bible; Picture of the Annunciation; Rosary; Poster of Hail Mary prayer
1. Read Luke 1:26-45 and spend time preparing your presentation of this Scripture in words that
a first grader child would understand.
a. Using a picture of the Annunciation, point to Mary, point to the light from heaven,
and point to the angel Gabriel as you tell the story.
b. When Mary said “Yes”, the angel left.
2. We look to Mary as a very special woman and our Mother. 963, 967-69, 2679
a. God the Father chose Mary above all other women to be the mother of Jesus.
b. Her statue or image can be found in every Catholic Church.
c. She spent her life taking care of Jesus in the same way those who love us care for us
every day.
3. After the angel left Mary she went to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth got so excited
when Mary entered her home that the baby in her jumped for joy. The words that Elizabeth
said to Mary were, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is fruit of your womb.”
a. Introduce the prayer of the Hail Mary, using the poster. 435, 2676-77
b. Point to the first sentence and explain that it describes Mary as being chosen by God
himself to carry Jesus in her womb.
c. Jesus is God the Son. The sentence that begins, “Holy Mary Mother of God,” tells us
that Mary raised and loved Jesus for his whole life here on earth.
d. Next we ask Mary for help by saying “Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our
death. Amen.” This is when we ask Mary, our heavenly mother, to pray for us. We
do this because we know how much God loves her and will listen to her prayers for
us.
4. Encourage devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, and our heavenly mother.
a. Prayer, music, statues, and praying the rosary are ways we express our devotion to
Mary. 971, 1172, 2682
b. Show the children the rosary. Explain that we use the rosary to pray and meditate
with Mary about the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus.
c. May and October are special months to honor Mary
Grade 1 Page 7
d. Use personal witness of yourself, or someone you know, to give an example of
devotion to the Blessed Mother. An example might be saying a daily rosary or
bringing flowers to a shrine to the Blessed Mother.
5. Closing Prayer: Begin and end prayer with the Sign of the Cross.
a. Listen to the beginning of the song “Hail Mary: Gentle Woman” (Carey Landry)
b. Pray the Hail Mary.
Grade 1 Page 8
Jesus shows us how to live
459, 520-21
Lesson Objective: The children will learn that God the Father sent his Son Jesus to earth to be a
model for how to live.
Vocabulary:
Obedience (reference to Jesus’ obedience to his parents), praying for others, virtue 1833
The Obedience of Jesus – Luke 2: 41-52
Jesus’ love for us – Mark 10:13-16; Luke 4:40; Matthew 14:13-21
Prayer: Apostles Creed (first statement), Sign of the Cross, Hail Mary, Spontaneous Prayer
2590, 2659-60.
Teaching methods: Read from the Bible; Memorization; Imagination /Meditation; Visuals;
Model spontaneous prayer.
Teaching materials:
Bible, pictures of Jesus as a child, DVD of the feeding of the five thousand (Matthew 14:13-21)
Note for the catechist: Before the session begins, explain to the children that there are prayers
we memorize so we can say them together (Sign of the Cross, Hail Mary, Our Father, etc.). God
also wants to hear prayers in our own words that come from our hearts. This is spontaneous
prayer. The opening prayer with the children is an example of this kind of prayer.
1. Opening Prayer: Begin with the Sign of the Cross followed by a spontaneous prayer led by
the catechist. Ask the children what they would like to pray for (examples: people, special
intentions). Conclude the prayer with “Amen.”
2. Tell the children that Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth to show us how to live. He
showed his love to everyone he met.
a. Jesus went to towns and places to preach and heal. Luke 4:40
b. As people heard about Jesus many of them came to see Him.
3. Jesus loves all people, especially children. We know this because it is written in the Bible.
Read Mark 10:13-16 to the children.
a. Explain that Jesus calls you to him, and he welcomes you.
b. Imagine you are a child Jesus takes in his arms.
c. Ask them if they feel special that Jesus is holding them.
d. Ask the children what might they say to Jesus?
Grade 1 Page 9
4. Teach this song to the children:
Jesus loves the little children,
All God’s children in the world.
Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight,
Jesus loves the little children of the world.
5. We are to be like Jesus and care for others who are in need. (Matthew 14:13-21)
a. Show a DVD or video of Jesus feeding the five thousand.
b. Have a discussion about the video.
6. What can we and our families do to help feed the poor?
a. If your church has a food pantry, tell the children that people in the parish bring in
food to stock the food pantry. Encourage the children to talk to their families about
this.
b. Tell children about poor boxes. Tell them people put offerings of money into them as
a way to help those in need. If possible, take a walk through your church to point out
the poor boxes.
7. Virtue is the ability to do what is good. Some examples of virtue are kindness, gentleness,
and patience. We grow in virtue by loving God, praying, and treating others with kindness,
gentleness, and patience.
8. As a child, Jesus modeled virtue by showing love and obedience to his parents. Like Jesus,
we are to show and obedience to our parents and those who take care of us.
a. Read Luke 2:41-52 (The Boy Jesus in the Temple) or tell the story in your words.
Stress the ending that Jesus lived as a child just like you.
9. Closing Prayer: Apostles’ Creed (first sentence) and the Hail Mary.
Grade 1 Page 10
Jesus listened to and talked with his Father. 2599
Jesus teaches us how to listen to and talk with God our Father
2601, 2607
Prayer is listening to and talking with God. 2653, 2659-60
Lesson Objective: The children will learn that we pray for different reasons and in different
ways.
Vocabulary: Prayer, Amen 1061-62.
Scripture:
Prayer of Jesus: The Our Father – Matthew 6:9-13
God’s Care for Us – Psalm 46:11
Prayer: Review Sign of the Cross; Daily prayer 2685; Grace at Meals 2698, 2834; Introduce the
Our Father 2759, 2765-66.
Teaching Methods: Read from Bible; Memorization; Game.
Teaching Materials: Bible; Poster, textbook, and/or prayer card with the Our Father; Copies of
Our Father for the children (may be found in textbook).
1. Opening Prayer: Begin by reviewing Sign of the Cross. Explain that every prayer can begin
and end with this prayer. Model a spontaneous prayer of thanksgiving for your time together
to learn about Jesus.
2. Ask the children what they can tell you about prayer. Accept all responses. Gently prompt
responses about what has been introduced so far. Compliment them collectively for answers.
3. When Jesus’ friends and disciples saw him praying to God the Father, they asked him to
teach them how to pray. Read Matthew 6:9-13. Explain that is when Jesus taught the Our
Father. It can also be called the Lord’s Prayer.
4. We say the Our Father together at every Mass.
5. Show the children a copy of the Our Father (poster, textbook, prayer card, etc.) Read the
words slowly, pointing to them. Repeat a few times.
6. Encourage children to pray the Our Father with their families at home.
7. Activity: Ask the children to stand up every time they agree with something you say about
prayer. Ask them to sit down between statements. Here is a list of suggestions:
• we pray in church
• we pray at home
• we can pray standing
• we can pray sitting
• we can pray kneeling
• we can pray with our family
• we can pray by ourselves
Grade 1 Page 11
• end with a silly statement, maybe, “we can pray while doing a hand stand,” to get
them to laugh before they settle down. Some may stand, which is fine.
Tell the children they know more about prayer than they realize!
8. Tell the children that when we have a meal, there is a special prayer we say; it is called
“Grace before Meals.”
Bless us O Lord, and these thy gifts,
which we are about to receive,
from Thy bounty,
through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
9. Explain to the children that prayer is talking to God, and prayer is also listening to God.
10. Tell the children it is important to start our day with prayer. Some people bless themselves
with the Sign of the Cross when they wake up.
11. Before going to sleep we should thank God for all He has given us during the day. We thank
God for the good things he helped us to do and ask God to forgive us for the things we did
that may have hurt others or made them feel sad.
12. As we pray to God, we can talk to him about things like:
• Expressing our love … adoration.
• Asking for forgiveness … contrition.
• Asking for help in our needs … petition.
• To pray for the needs of others … intercession.
• To thank God … thanksgiving.
• To give praise to God.
13. End the session by reminding the children that God likes to hear our prayers, and there are
many ways to pray.
14. Closing prayer: The Our Father
Grade 1 Page 12
At Mass, we listen to God’s Word and pray together as God’s family.
104
Jesus suffered and died for us and rose from the dead.
571,609, 638, 1067
He brings us God’s forgiveness. 615, 623
Lesson Objective: The children will learn that we go to Mass to worship God. The children will
learn that Lent is a time of preparation for Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus
from the dead.
Vocabulary:
Mass 1332, 1407; Parish 2179; Lent 540, 1095; Liturgical year 1168-71; Church 752;
Easter 1169; Altar 1182, 1383; Holy Water Font 1185.
Communal Life – Acts 2:42
The Risen Jesus seen by the Apostles – John 21:1-14
Prayer:
Review the Sign of the Cross (if possible, at the Holy Water font)
Review the Our Father
Teaching Methods:
Memorization; Visit to church (or use actual photographs of the parish church; Art project.
Teaching Materials:
Bible, Poster of the Our Father prayer; Pictures of the parish church; Chart/calendar of the
liturgical year; picture of the Risen Christ; Drawing paper; Crayons.
1. Opening Prayer: Begin and end with the Sign of the Cross.
a. Open with spontaneous prayer (as used in previous lessons) giving thanks for the gift
of our Church family.
b. The Our Father (Use the poster or textbook from previous lesson) pointing to the
words as you read them and have the children repeat each phrase.
2. Begin the session by asking the children, “Do you know that we have a celebration we can
come to every Sunday?” Expect answers of “going to church” or “going to Mass.”
a. This celebration of Mass is a time when we listen to God’s Word, pray together as
God’s family, and worship God. We celebrate as a Catholic community the real
presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
b. Affirm responses from children and tell the children that all Catholics must attend
Mass every Sunday and Holy Day.
c. Show a picture of your Church where your parish community comes together to
worship God. Ask the children if they know the name of your Church. Have them
repeat it several times. We use the word “parish” to describe the community that
comes together to celebrate Mass, pray together and do good works. (Acts 2:42)
Grade 1 Page 13
3. Plan a visit to the church. (If the church is not close to the building where the session is held,
you may choose to take pictures of the Church. Suggest the children make a visit to the
church with their parent/guardian with a list of what they should point out to their child.
a. Before the visit takes place, explain that holy water fonts are at the entrance to the
church. Tell the children that they make the sign of the cross after they dip their
fingers in the holy water as a reminder of their Baptism. They should do this each
time they enter the church.
b. The children should be instructed to sit in the first or second row.
c. Point out that they are looking at the altar.
d. Ask them to look around the church and name things that they see.
e. Help the children with names of objects in the church with which they may not be
familiar. Explain the purpose and significance of each. (This information may also
be found on the Lesson Planning Resource page.)
 Tabernacle  Altar and Altar cloth
 Sanctuary lamp  Ambo (lectern)
 Lectionary & Sacramentary (if present)  Chalice and paten (if present)
 Credence table  Presider’s chair
 Pews  Crucifix
 Candles: Paschal, Altar, and Votive  Baptismal font
f. Other items to point out and explain to the children (if possible) include:
• Overall church environment that reflects the liturgical season which would
include colors seen.
• Vestments worn by the priest, deacon, and altar servers
• Holy oils
• Statues of the Blessed Mother, St. Joseph, and other holy men and women.
4. After visiting the church or after showing the children pictures of the parish church, give out
paper and crayons and have the children draw a picture of the church and altar.
5. Re-introduce the calendar which depicts the liturgical year. Point out Advent which is
preparation for Christmas, and that the color is purple.
a. Point to the season of Lent on the liturgical calendar and explain that purple is also
used during this season as we prepare for Easter.
b. Explain about the season of Lent:
i. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for six weeks.
ii. The sixth week of Lent is Holy Week.
iii. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday and ends with the celebrations of Holy
Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday which mark the time of Jesus’
suffering and death.
iv. Remind them that Jesus died for all our sins.
6. Explain that we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead on Easter Sunday.
a. The great feast of Easter is a time to rejoice. We rejoice because Jesus is alive and
with us for all time!
b. After Jesus rose from the dead, he appeared to his apostles. He appeared to some of
them one day on the seashore. Tell the story of the Gospel reading from John 21:1-14.
Grade 1 Page 14
7. Jesus wants us to be peacemakers in our world. This means that if we want peace in our
families, and in our lives, there are times that we need to say we are sorry. Sometimes we are
the ones who need to forgive, and to make up with others. Use the following examples to
illustrate this:
• Example: You are drawing a picture, and your little brother spills his milk on
your paper. He says “sorry, sorry”. You have the choice to be mad at him or to
say, “I forgive you, it is ok.” Ask them, “What would a peacemaker do?”
• Example: You are playing with your sister’s soccer ball. You kick it and it hits
the side of the house and gets a tear in it. You have to tell your sister and tell her
you’re sorry. You are afraid your sister will be mad, but she says, “It’s ok, it was
an accident.” She is being a peacemaker.
• Use other examples to reinforce the concept of peacemakers.
8. Closing prayer: Begin and end with the Sign of the Cross.
a. Lead the children in praying the Our Father.
b. Have the children share a “sign of peace” with one another (as we do at Mass on
Sunday).
Grade 1 Page 15
The Holy Spirit is sent by Jesus to make us holy. 729-30
The Holy Spirit helps us to pray. 741, 2652
Lesson Objective: The children will learn the Holy Spirit is sent by Jesus to make us holy and
the Holy Spirit helps us to pray.
Vocabulary: Holy Spirit; Holy.
Scripture Reference:
The Holy Spirit – Galatians 4:6
Prayer:
Sign of the Cross; Hail Mary; Glory Be to the Father (Doxology) 232, 2157, 2639,
Spontaneous Prayer 2590, 2659-60
Teaching Methods: Memorization; Reading the Bible; Demonstration.
Teaching Materials: Bible; Poster of Glory Be to the Father (Doxology)
1. Opening prayer: Review Sign of the Cross and Hail Mary.

2. Read Galatians 4:6 to the group. Tell the children that out of love, God sends his holy spirit
into our hearts to help us to live as children of God the way Jesus did.
3. The Holy Spirit is also with each one of us.
a. To be holy is to think and behave as Jesus did.
b. Jesus sends us the Holy Spirit to make us holy.
c. There are times when we don’t know what to do so we pray to the Holy Spirit who
gives us the help to make good decisions.
d. We makes the Sign of the Cross as an act of faith that God the Father and God the
Son and God the Holy Spirit are with us and we ask them to bless us.
4. Using the poster with words (or textbook), introduce the Glory Be (Doxology)
5. Closing prayer: Spontaneous prayer (explained below)
Remind the children that they can pray using their own words. In the past we have prayed for
people by name. There are many other things we can pray for.
a. Lead spontaneous prayer with the children:
i. Encourage the children to pray.
ii. Begin the prayer with your own words.
iii. Nod or gesture with your hands when it is a child’s turn.
iv. Say the Glory Be together.
v. End with “Amen.”
6. Encourage the children to pray this way with their families.
Grade 1 Page 16
Sacred Scripture is the Word of God
103-4, 135
Lesson Objective: The children will learn that the Bible is Sacred Scripture, the Word of God.
Vocabulary: Sacred Scripture 104, 138, Reverence
Scripture reference: The Word of God – Psalm 119:105
Prayer: Sign of the Cross; first statement of the Apostles’ Creed; Hail Mary; Our Father;
Glory Be (Doxology); spontaneous prayer
Teaching methods: Reading the Bible; Modeling respect for the Bible
Teaching Materials: Bibles (two or more which are different).
______________________________________________________________________________
1. Opening prayer:
a. Pray together all the prayers the children have learned.
b. Lead the children in spontaneous prayer and invite the children to offer their own
intercessions.
2. Hold up the Bible you have been using (have several Bibles available, if possible.)
a. Ask the children, “Why is the Bible important?” Guide them to understand that the
Bible is sacred because it contains the Word of God.
b. Read Psalm 119:105 and explain what the words mean to you.
c. Call their attention to the special place reserved for the Bible.
d. Encourage the children to ask their families if they have a Bible at home. Remind
them there should be a special place for the Bible. This is one way we show respect
and reverence for the Sacred Scripture.
3. Open the Bible and show the children how much of the Bible contains the Old Testament and
explain that the Old Testament is about God’s relationship with His people before Jesus was
born. Tell the children some stories from the Old Testament; examples are listed below. If
possible, after you tell the story, read the Scripture passage from the Bible to the children.
a. Creation and Adam and Eve (Genesis 1-2)
b. Noah and the Ark (Genesis 6:8-22; 7:1-24; 8:1-19)
c. Moses and the Burning Bush (Exodus 3:1-20)
d. David killing Goliath (1 Samuel 17:1-58)
4. Open the Bible and show the children the New Testament. Explain that the New Testament
begins with the birth of Jesus. Tell the children some stories from the New Testament;
examples are listed below. If possible, after you tell the story, read the Scripture passage
from the Bible to the children.
a. The Birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-20)
b. Jesus Turning Water into Wine at the Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-12)
c. The healing of Peter’s Mother-in-Law (Matthew 8:14-15; Mark 1:29-31; Luke 4:38-
39)
d. The Raising of Lazarus from the Dead (John 11:1-44)
Grade 1 Page 17
5. Tell the children that in the New Testament we also hear stories about the Holy Spirit. Tell
the children stories from the New Testament relating to the Holy Spirit; examples are listed
below. If possible, after you tell the story, read the Scripture passage from the Bible to the
children.
a. Baptism of Jesus
i. Matthew 3:1-17; Mark 1:1-11; Luke 3:21-24
b. Before his Ascension, Jesus’ Promise to Send the Holy Spirit
i. Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:6-12; Mark 16:19-20; John 20:17
c. The Coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
i. Acts 2:1-4
6. Closing Prayer: (begin and end with the Sign of the Cross)
Dear children, let us come together and thank God for the gift of his Word in Scripture:
For your holy word … Thank you, God!
For teaching us about you, in your word … Thank you, God!
For sending your word as a light to our path … Thank you, God!
For helping us every day to live according to your word … Thank you, God!
For all of your generous gifts … Thank you, God!
Grade 1 Page 18
The First Statement of the Apostles’ Creed:
“I believe in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.” 198
WORDS TO BE TAUGHT
Advent 524, 1095 Easter 1169 Sacrament 1131

Amen 1061-62 Guardian Angel 336 Sacrament of Baptism 1213
Catholic 830, 837 Lent 1095, 540 Sacred Scripture 104,138
Christmas 525 Liturgical Year 1168-71 Saint 828, 1717
Church 752 Mass 1332, 1407 Virtue 1833
Creator 290 Parish 2179
LITURGICAL SYMBOLS AND GESTURES TO BE TAUGHT
Altar 1182, 1383 Kneeling Sign of the Cross 2157

Baptismal Font 1185 Lectern (Ambo) 1184 Tabernacle 1183
Genuflection 1378 Sanctuary
Holy Water Font 1185 Sanctuary Lamp (changed from
Tabernacle Lamp)
Give Sacred Scripture a special place in the classroom. 103, 133

Have the children bless themselves with holy water as a reminder of their baptism. 1668
Encourage a reverent and prayerful attitude in the place of worship. 1186, 1199
Have the children genuflect before the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle.1378
Foster the children’s participation in the prayer and worship of the parish community. 2179,
2226
PRAYERS TO BE TAUGHT PRAYERS TO BE ENCOURAGED
Sign of the Cross 1235, 2157 Morning and evening prayer 2659, 2685, 2698
Our Father 2759 Grace at Meals 2698, 2834
Hail Mary 2676-77 Spontaneous Prayer 2590, 2659-60
The Glory Be (Doxology)
*DOXOLOGY
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the
Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and
ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Grade 1 Page 19
GRADE TWO
THEME:
Jesus nourishes us,
and strengthens God’s life, grace, within us.
OBJECTIVE:
To present Jesus as the model for Christian living,
and to introduce the sacraments
of Baptism, Penance and Eucharist.
Grade 2 Page 1
God the Father gives us the gift of Jesus. 422, 443-45
Lesson Objective: The children will learn that God loves us so much that he gave us the gift of
his only Son, Jesus.
Vocabulary: Grace 1997; Awe
Scripture References: Jesus, gift of God – John 3:16
Prayer Experience: Sign of the Cross; Hail Mary; Our Father (Lord’s Prayer)
Teaching Methods: Listening to music; Explanation; Discussion; Activities.
Teaching Materials: CD player; CD; Cardstock; Crayons or Markers; Drawing paper;
Chalkboard/white board; Bible; Textbook.
1. Opening prayer: Lead the children in praying together: Sign of the Cross, Hail Mary, Our
Father.
2. Using the cardstock, have the children make name “tents”; these will remain on the desks
until you know all of the children by name. On these tents, have the children tell a little bit
about themselves (name in the middle; one corner = #siblings; another corner = favorite
color; third corner = favorite subject in school; fourth corner = favorite fun activity).
3. Talk with the children about their first grade religion class:
a. What did they learn?
b. What did they like?
c. What are they hoping to learn about this year?
4. God has given us many wonderful gifts. Three great gifts God has given us are:
a. Life
b. Grace
c. Jesus
5. God has given us the gift of life.
a. We are in awe of God’s wonderful gifts of human life and of grace, a sharing in
God’s own life.
b. When we are baptized, we receive God’s grace, the gift of his own life within us, and
we become God’s own children.
6. Jesus, God the son, is God’s gift to us. Read from the Bible, John 3:16. Discuss:
a. Talk about the people at home who love you.
b. How do they show you they love you?
c. How did God show you he loves you? He gave us Jesus, his only Son.
7. Closing Prayer:
a. Ask the children to remember that God is within each of them. Tell them to thank
God for giving them his only Son, Jesus, to always be with them.
b. Conclude with the Sign of the Cross and the Lord’s Prayer
Grade 2 Page 2
Jesus, the Son of God, who existed from all eternity,
“was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and
born of the Virgin Mary” (Incarnation).
359, 441-42, 454, 456, 461-63, 470-76, 479, 483
Lesson Objective: To help the children begin to understand the Mystery of the Incarnation.
Vocabulary: Charity 1813, 1822; Heaven 1023; Hell 1035; Incarnation 461
Jesus as Divine and Human (Incarnation) – Mark 1:11
Prayer Experience:
Sign of the Cross; Our Father (Lord’s Prayer); first sentence of the Apostles’ Creed (“I believe in
God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth.”) Teach and pray the second part of the
Apostles’ Creed (see Grade 1, page 6).
Teaching Methods:
Prayer; Scripture; Drawing; YouTube (or other video); Craft; Explanation; Discussion
Teaching Materials:
Music; Crayons; Drawing paper; Chalkboard/white board; Bible; YouTube clip (or other
appropriate video); Worksheet (if applicable); Material for craft; Poster board with words of the
Apostles’ Creed .
1. Opening Prayer:
a. Gather children around the prayer table and ask if there is anything or anyone special
they would like to include in this week’s prayer.
b. Pray: Sign of the Cross, Hail Mary, Our Father, Glory Be to the Father.
2. Jesus is both divine and human. When God sent his only son, Jesus, to become human, he
was like us in all things but sin. This is the Mystery of the Incarnation.
a. Jesus is God (Second Person of the Blessed Trinity).
b. Jesus also became a man who breathed like us, had a family like us, went to church
(Temple) like us, learned like us, and worked like us.
3. Because Jesus is God, he always existed and will always exist. By the power of the Holy
Spirit, Jesus became man by being born of Mary. Jesus is both God and man, divine and
human.
4. Read Mark 1:11 to the children. Jesus was obedient to God, the Father, and was an example
of how we, too, can please God, the Father.
Grade 2 Page 3
5. As followers of Jesus, we are called to care for others as Jesus cares for us. Ask for
examples (list on the board).
a. Since every person is created in God’s image, we should treat every person as if he or
she were Jesus. That means the unborn, the sick, the elderly, the disadvantaged,
people with disabilities, and even people we don’t like!
b. As the children what they can do to help others who are sick or in need.
6. Teach the second part of the Apostles’ Creed, from “and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our
Lord,” through “from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.” (see Grade 1,
page 6 for the complete passage.)
a. Tell the children Jesus died and rose to save us from being separated from God
forever (hell), and to enable us to live with God forever (heaven).
7. Closing Prayer:
a. Invite the children to look into their hearts and thank Jesus for becoming human like
us and for helping us to find the path to heaven.
b. Sign of the Cross, Apostles’ Creed (up to “from there he will come to judge the living
and the dead.”)
Grade 2 Page 4
Mary is the mother of Jesus and our mother.
485, 501, 509, 723, 724, 726, 963, 968-70
Mary was always filled with a special grace from God. 721-22
Even before she was born, Mary was free from all sin. 508
Lesson Objective: The children will learn about Mary as the mother of Jesus and our Mother.
Vocabulary: Fiat 973, 2617; Grace 1997
Annunciation – Luke 1:26-38
The Magnificat – Luke 1:46-55
Prayer Experience:
Sign of the Cross; Hail Mary; Apostles’ Creed (up to “from there he will come to judge the
living and the dead.”)
Teaching Methods:
Prayer; Use of Sacred Scripture; Drawing; Activities; Explanation; Discussion.
Teaching Materials:
Prayer table; music; crayons; drawing paper; chalkboard/white board; Bible; worksheet; poster
board or chart paper (white the Apostles’ Creed).
1. Opening Prayer:
a. Gather the children around the prayer table and ask if there is anything or anyone
special they would like to include in this week’s prayer.
b. Pray: Sign of the Cross; Hail Mary.
2. Ask the children to tell you about the people at home who love you and take care of you.
What are some of the things they do for you? List these things on the board.
3. Jesus had people at home who loved him too. Jesus’ mother’s name is Mary.
a. Mary was a young Jewish girl when the angel Gabriel appeared and asked her to be
the mother of Jesus.
b. Mary had a very strong faith in God and so she was happy to do as he asked. She
said “yes.”
c. If possible, choose one or more of the Scripture passages about Mary (found at the
end of this lesson) to share with the children.
4. Read and discuss the Gospel story of the Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38)
5. When Mary gave her “yes” (fiat) at the Annunciation, she became a partner with Jesus and
helped him with his work on earth.
a. Mary was fully obedient to God and placed all of her faith and trust in him. “Nothing
is impossible with God.”
Grade 2 Page 5
6. Mary is the perfect model of faith and of holiness. She is the model for all Christians
because she was always close to God and she did as God asked. Mary also serves as the
model for all mothers.
7. The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) is Mary’s prayer of praise to the Lord.
a. Share this prayer with the children by reading from scripture or use a prayer card,
poster board, or the prayer typed on a sheet of paper.
8. Before he died, Jesus gave us Mary to be the mother of all.
9. Check the Lesson Plan Resource Page for an appropriate activity to do with the children.
10. Mary was always filled with a special grace from God. She never sinned. Even before she
was born, Mary was free from all sin. We celebrate this on her special Feast Day, the
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.
11. Review the Hail Mary by completing a fill-in-the-blank worksheet with a word bank at the
bottom (may be found on the Lesson Planning Resource page).
12. Closing Prayer:
• Sign of the Cross, Apostles’ Creed (first and second sections, up to and including,
“from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.”)
Story of the Life of Mary, the Mother of Jesus

• Mary was a young girl when the Angel Gabriel came to tell her she was chosen by God and
invited to be the mother of His Son. Have the children say the first part of the Hail Mary &
tell them these are the words of the angel’s announcement to Mary. We call this “the
Annunciation.” (Luke 1:28-38)
• Mary was engaged to a man named Joseph. An angel told Joseph in a dream that Mary was
going to have a baby, and that baby would be God’s Only Son. (Matthew 1:18-25)
• Jesus was born in Bethlehem – ask the children to contribute to this story. (Luke 2:1-20;
Matthew 2:1-12)
• The Holy Family lived for 30 years in Nazareth, the very small town on a mountain top,
where Mary and Joseph also grew up. (Luke 2:51-52 & Luke 4:16)
• When Jesus was an adult, He left home to tell everyone in Palestine about His Father and His
Father’s Kingdom. Jesus said the Kingdom of God is already here among us and He invited
everyone to live with Him in the Kingdom. Mary listened to the words of her Son and
became the best example of what it means to live in the Kingdom.
• When Jesus was killed on the Cross, Mary was right there with her Son at the foot of the
Cross. This was a very brave thing to do. When Jesus was dying on the Cross, He told us
that Mary is our Mother too. (John 19:25-27)
• After Jesus’ death, His mother Mary went to stay with his little group of disciples who were
lonely and afraid without Him. She helped and comforted them. (Acts 1: 14)
Grade 2 Page 6
• Three Days later when Jesus rose from the dead and began appearing to his disciples, Mary
was with them, sharing their joy that Jesus was truly alive!!! She assured the disciples that
Jesus would always be with them.
• At Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came down upon them all and made them brave in Jesus’
name and able to proclaim to people everywhere the good news of Jesus’ Resurrection, Mary
was with them. She helped the disciples to understand what God was doing for His people.
• Until her death, Mary was with the first disciples of Jesus. They were the first Church
community and Mary was their spiritual Mother just as she continues to be the Mother of the
Church today.
• At the end of Mary’s earthly life, Jesus took his beloved mother’s body, as well as her soul,
immediately up to heaven to be with him. This is what is meant by “the Assumption of the
Blessed Virgin Mary”
• Mary was the only human being except for Jesus, who never sinned and who was never
selfish. She was born without original sin. We call this the “Immaculate Conception.”
491-492
Additional Gospel stories with Mary: Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-23); Visitation (Luke
1:39-56); Jesus’ Presentation in Temple (Luke 2:21-38); Jesus goes to the Temple at age 12
(Luke 2:41-50); Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-12).
Grade 2 Page 7
Joseph is the foster father of Jesus.
437, 496-97, 532
Lesson Objective: The children will recognize St. Joseph as the foster father of Jesus.
Vocabulary:
Scripture References: Joseph – Matthew 2:13-14
Prayer Experience:
Sign of the Cross; Hail Mary; compose a prayer to St. Joseph; Advent.
Teaching Methods:
Prayer; Use of Sacred Scripture; YouTube (or other appropriate video); Make an Advent wreath
(if seasonally appropriate); Activities; Explanation; Discussion.
Teaching Materials:
Music; video; crayons; paper; Bible; worksheet (optional); chart paper (optional for class prayer
to St. Joseph); materials for Advent craft.
1. Opening Prayer:
b. Pray: Sign of the Cross, Hail Mary.
3. What do we know about Joseph?
a. We do know that he was born in Bethlehem and engaged to be married to Mary when
the angel Gabriel came to her and said she was to be the mother of Jesus.
b. An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him to trust Mary, have faith in God,
and take Mary to be his wife.
c. Joseph said “yes” to God, just as Mary did.
4. Joseph was a carpenter, a poor man, kind, obedient, and open to the will of God.
a. Joseph is the foster father of Jesus. God gave Joseph to Jesus and Mary to care for
them (Matthew 2:13-14)
b. Along with Mary, he raised Jesus and taught him many things. Joseph taught Jesus
carpentry skills and he brought him to the Temple to learn and to pray.
c. It is believed that Joseph died when Jesus was a teenager and that Jesus and Mary
were at his side.
d. His Feast Day is on March 19th.
e. Saint Joseph is the Patron Saint of Workers. That Feast Day is celebrated on May 1st.
5. Like Mary, Joseph is our model because he trusted God and was obedient to him.
a. Joseph was kind and treated people fairly.
b. He is the protector of the Church.
c. We honor Joseph for the important role he played in the life of Jesus, our Savior.
Grade 2 Page 8
6. Compose a prayer (either an individual prayer or a class prayer on chart paper) to Saint
Joseph. Thank him for saying “yes” and ask him to help us to obey God as he did and to
obey our parents as Jesus obeyed him and Mary. Ask for his continued protection.
7. If time permits, check the Lesson Planning Resource Page for an activity/worksheet to
complete.
8. Introduce Advent (at an appropriate time).
a. Advent is the season when we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior and
King.
b. Advent is a solemn, holy time, during which we prepare ourselves for Christmas
through prayer and good works.
9. Suggestion: Make an Advent wreath. Samples can be found on the internet (Pinterest;
Oriental Trading.) Encourage the children to bring their wreath home and pray with their
family each day during Advent.
10. (As catechist, you should bring an Advent wreath with you to class each week during Advent.
Every class should involve “lighting” (you can not use real candles…be creative!) the
candles on the wreath and praying. (1st, 2nd, 4th weeks – purple candles; 3rd week – pink
candle). There are many sources for explaining the Advent wreath and for Blessings and
prayers to use with the wreath each week.)
Grade 2 Page 9
Jesus came to save all.
430, 517, 543,457, 589, 606-07
Jesus is God; his name means “God saves.”
430
Lesson Objective: The children will understand Jesus is a gift from God, who came to save us
all from sin. The children will recognize the importance of sharing our gifts with others, as the
Magi did with Jesus.
Vocabulary: Holy Day 2177
Birth of Jesus (Nativity) – Luke 2:1-20
Visit of the Wise Men (Epiphany) – Matthew 2:1-12
Prayer Experience:
Sign of the Cross; Hail Mary; Prayers with the Advent Wreath; Apostles’ Creed;
Introduce nativity/manger scene (crèche).
Teaching Methods:
Prayer; Use of Sacred Scripture; Craft; Activities; Drama (optional); Explanation; Discussion.
Teaching Materials:
Prayer table; Music; Advent wreath; Crayons, Paper, Bible, Worksheet (optional); Chart paper,
Materials for craft, Materials for play (optional), White/chalk board.
1. Opening Prayer:
they’d like to include in this week’s prayer.
b. Pray with the Advent wreath: Sign of the Cross, Hail Mary, advent prayers
2. Review the season of Advent with the children.
a. Remind them that it is a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. It
is important that our hearts and minds are ready.
b. Ask the children how they and their family get ready for Christmas at home?
c. Ask the children how are they getting their hearts and minds ready?
3. Christmas (December 25th) is the day we celebrate Jesus’ coming to save us from our sins.
a. Jesus is God. The name Jesus means “God saves”. This is the name the angel told
Joseph he should give his son.
4. Read the story of the Nativity, Luke 2:1-20.
a. Show the children a picture of a crèche (or bring one into your classroom).
b. St. Francis of Assisi first used the crèche to teach about the Nativity.
5. If possible, make an ornament or craft. Find ideas on the Lesson Planning Resource Page.
Grade 2 Page 10
6. If possible and time allows, plan and present a simple Nativity play. Depending upon how
detailed, you may have to begin preparation at the beginning of Advent so you can be
prepared to present it the week before Christmas (or the week you return from Christmas
break). This preparation should not take up the whole session time.
7. Ask the children to tell you about some of their favorite gifts. List them on the board
(include some of your own).
a. How did it make them feel when they received them?
8. Ask the children to tell you about some of the best gifts they have given to others.
a. What was their reaction? How did it make the students feel?
9. Introduce the story of St. Nicholas to the children.
a. St. Nicholas’ feast day is December 6. Share the various traditions related to St.
Nicholas from different countries and cultures.
10. During the Christmas season we celebrate the greatest gift of all … Jesus!
a. Jesus is God’s very special gift to us and so we celebrate.
b. Ask the children how they celebrate Christmas…what makes it special?
c. Remind the children that Christmas is a Holy Day of Obligation and we go to Mass
on that day as we should go on Sunday.
11. Tell the story of the Epiphany in your own words and then read Matthew 2:1-12.
a. The Wise Men (or Magi) were traveling to Bethlehem from the East. They were
following a bright star in the sky. We think they were astronomers. That bright star
led them to Jesus.
b. The Wise Men brought Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Their gifts show
that the Magi knew that Jesus was a King and they wanted to pay him homage.
12. Ask the children … if you were going to give a gift to Jesus, what would it be?
a. Our gifts can be actions or words that show our love for Jesus and others.
b. If time allows, the children could write down their gift and place it in a manger that
you have created beforehand.
13. January 6th is the traditional Feast of the Epiphany. In the United States, the Feast of the
Epiphany is celebrated on the Sunday after January 1st.
a. In some countries, this Feast (also called the Feast of the Three Kings) is an even
bigger celebration than Christmas.
b. Ask the children if they celebrate Epiphany in their homes and, if so, how.
c. If possible, have the children do an activity or worksheet related to the Epiphany.
Ideas may be found on the Lesson Planning Resource Page.
14. Closing Prayer:
a. Encourage the children to offer prayers of thanksgiving for the gift of Jesus at
Christmas.
Grade 2 Page 11
Jesus was always obedient to God his Father, and he expects the same of us.
When we are disobedient to God’s law, we sin.
532, 612, 1693, 1850, 2600, 2603, 2606
Jesus is our model of love and goodness.
520-21, 459, 1694, 1698, 1709, 1953
Lesson Objective: The children will learn about Jesus and the Holy Family as models of love
and goodness.
Vocabulary: Prayer 2590
Hidden life with Mary and Joseph – Luke 2:39-40
Examples of his love and goodness – Mark 6:53-56; Luke 7:11-15; John 21:4-12
Prayer Experience:
Sign of the Cross; Apostles’ Creed; Our Father; spontaneous prayer
Teaching Methods:
Prayer; Use of Sacred Scripture; Explanation; Discussion; Worksheet (optional).
Teaching Materials:
Prayer table; Music; Crayons; Paper; Bible; Worksheet (optional); Chart paper; White/chalk
board.
1. Opening Prayer:
b. Pray: Sign of the Cross, Apostles’ Creed
2. Ask the children to share some of the things they do together as a family.
3. We call Jesus’ family the Holy Family.
a. We celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family on the Sunday between Christmas Day and
New Year’s Day.
b. Jesus did things with his family too – with Mary, his mother, and Joseph, his foster
father.
c. Ask the children what they think Jesus did with his family. What do they think are
some of the things he learned from them?
d. There are several stories in the Bible that tell about some of those things …the
Presentation, Finding of Jesus in the Temple….
e. Most of all, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family because the Holy Family is the
model for all families and they show us how we should love and act toward one
another. (ref. Luke 2:39-40)
Grade 2 Page 12
4. Jesus, Mary and Joseph were Jewish and they spent a lot of their family time together in the
Temple. We know they studied their faith and prayed together. It’s important that we study
our faith and pray together with our families, just as the Holy Family did.
5. Jesus taught us how to pray when he prayed to his Father in heaven, “Our Father…”
a. Go over this prayer with the children and talk about what each line means.
b. You may want to have it written out on a board or chart paper for visual learners.
6. Jesus was always obedient to Mary and Joseph and he was always obedient to God, his
heavenly Father.
a. God is our heavenly Father too and so we are expected to be obedient to him as well.
b. When we choose to disobey God’s law, we sin.
7. Jesus is our model of love, holiness and goodness.
a. Jesus teaches us how to love, how to live, how to act and how to pray.
b. In the Bible, Jesus says, “Love one another as I have loved you….”
c. One way to imitate Jesus’ love and goodness is to treat others fairly, justly and with
respect.
d. Ask the children for examples and ask, “How can we be like Jesus?
(ref. Mark 6:53-56; Luke 7:11-15; John 21:4-12)
8. “To promote peace in society, in the Church, and in our families, God has willed that, after
him, we should honor our parents and those to whom he has given authority for our good.
This will promote peace in society, in the Church, and in our families.” (Guidelines)
9. Jesus has such great love for each of us. That great love is celebrated on the Feast of the
Sacred Heart of Jesus, usually in June, on the 19th day after Pentecost. (see the Lesson
Planning Resource page for more resources.)
10. Ask the children to draw a picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Ask them to share their
pictures. If needed, check out the Lesson Planning Resource Page for a worksheet that can
be colored.
11. Closing Prayer (spontaneous prayer):
There are many other ways to pray:
a. Ask the children to name some of the prayers they know (list on board).
b. You can also make up your own prayers by using your own words.
c. In your prayers, you can praise God, thank him, tell him you’re sorry, or ask him for
something important that you need.
12. Write a prayer. Include praise, thanksgiving, sorrow, and petition.
Grade 2 Page 13
Jesus died for us on the cross (Crucifixion).
On Easter Sunday he rose from the dead (Resurrection).
616-17, 638, 656
Jesus returned to his Father in heaven (Ascension)
and sent the Holy Spirit to be with us always (Pentecost).
659, 731
Lesson Objective: The children will understand the significance of Holy Week and the
celebrations of the Easter season.
Vocabulary: Ascension 665; Crucifixion 623; Holy Week 1169; Pentecost 731; Resurrection
651-655.
Scripture References: Death and Resurrection – (choose appropriate passages from the Gospels)
Mark 14-15 and Mark 16:1-20
Matthew 26-27 and Mark 28:1-20
Luke 22-23 and Luke 24:1-53
John 12-19 and John 20:1-31, 21:1-25
Prayer Experience:
Sign of the Cross; Apostles’ Creed; Hail Mary; Our Father.
Teaching Methods:
Prayer; Use of Sacred Scripture; Memorization; Explanation; Discussion; Video; Craft
(optional); Worksheet (optional).
Teaching Materials:
Music; Crayons; Paper; Bible; Material for a craft (optional); Equipment for viewing video;
Worksheet (optional); Chart paper; White/chalk board.
1. Opening Prayer:
b. Pray: Sign of the Cross, Apostles’ Creed (pay particular attention to the section that
is taught in this year; see Guidelines Grade 1 – Page 6)
2. While praying the Apostle’s Creed as a group, notice which children may not know this
prayer as well as the others. Make note of who still needs work on memorizing the prayer.
Provide affirmation to the children who can say the prayer from memory and encourage
others to continue to learn.
3. Point out the crucifix in the classroom/learning space. If there is no crucifix, plan to bring
one to the session to show the children. Ask the children what they can tell you about that
image. If the crucifix is not easily seen, bring in a picture of a crucifix or Jesus on the cross.
Your textbook may also have images to use.
Grade 2 Page 14
4. The week before Easter is called Holy Week. It is the holiest week of the year because we
celebrate many important events in the life of Jesus.
a. Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday when the people gathered to greet Jesus as he
came into Jerusalem waving palms to praise him.
b. Holy Thursday is the very special night when Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist at
the Last Supper, just before he was betrayed.
c. The day on which Jesus was crucified is called Good Friday. (Children often ask why
it is called “Good” Friday if that is when Jesus died. A suggested response could be
that it’s “good” because it means that God’s plan was being revealed. We know Jesus
is going to rise again and open the gates of heaven for us.)
d. Holy Saturday can be a sad day because we remember that Jesus died and we are
waiting for him to rise again.
e. Easter Sunday is a day of great Joy! It’s the most important day of the year (even
more than Christmas). It’s the day that Jesus rose from the dead.
f. Every Sunday, when we go to mass, we celebrate a “little Easter” because Jesus is
there, alive, with us in the form of his Body and his Blood.
5. Jesus loved us to the end. He gave his life in love for us.
a. Jesus died and rose again to save us from being separated from God (hell), and to
enable us to live with God forever in heaven.
6. Show a video or read a passage from one of the Gospels. Discuss.
7. At this point you may want to have the children do a craft. Check out the Lesson Planning
Resource Page for ideas.
8. After Jesus rose from the dead, he spent time with his disciples, often sharing a meal with
them and teaching them about his Kingdom.
a. After he was with them for 40 days, he returned to his Father in Heaven (We
celebrate this on Ascension Thursday).
a. Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:6-12; Mark 16:19-20; John 20:17
b. The Feast of the Ascension is a Holy Day of Obligation (we have to go to mass as on
Sunday).
c. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit (the third person of the Blessed Trinity) to be with us
always. We celebrate the Feast of Pentecost 50 days after Easter.
a. Acts 2:1-4
9. Closing Prayer:
a. Prayer to the Holy Spirit (simple, see grade 3 and type out); Sign of the Cross, Hail Mary,
Our Father
Grade 2 Page 15
Jesus is present:
 within each of us by the life of grace,
 in the community of the Church, the Body of Christ, of which Christ is the head,
 when we gather in his name to pray together,
 in his Word (Sacred Scripture),
 in all the sacraments and in a special and unique way
in the sacrament of the Eucharist.
65, 102-03, 787-89, 1088, 1092, 1104, 1348, 1373-74, 2011
Lesson Objective: The children will learn how Jesus is present in our lives and in the Church.
Vocabulary: Sacrament of the Eucharist 1211, 1322-23; Blessed Sacrament 1330; Grace 1997;
Sacred Scripture 104, 138.
The Presence of Jesus – Matthew 18:20; John 6:35; John 14:23; Romans 12:4-5; 1 Peter 1:23-25
Prayer Experience:
Sign of the Cross; Hail Mary; Our Father (include special intentions); Doxology.
Teaching Methods:
Prayer; Use of Sacred Scripture; Drama; Artwork; Explanation; Discussion.
Teaching Materials:
Music; Crayons; Paper; Bible; White/chalk board; Poster board (optional).
1. Opening Prayer:
b. Pray: Sign of the Cross, Our Father (include special intentions)
2. Ask the children to draw a picture of a scene where Jesus is present. Discuss where they find
Jesus. List on black/white board.
3. When we are baptized, we receive God’s grace.
a. Through this life of grace, Jesus is present within us and in the community of the
Church.
b. Jesus tells us (Mt. 18:20), “For where two or three are gathered together in my name,
there am I in the midst of them.”
4. The Church is the Body of Christ.
a. Christ is the head of the Body.
b. Read Romans 12:4-5. “For as in one body we have many parts, and all the parts do
not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ and
individually parts of one another.”
Grade 2 Page 16
5. Jesus is with us when we gather to pray together. Ask the children when we do that
(examples: at Mass, in class, at home).
6. Jesus is with us in the Sacred Scriptures.
a. The Bible (Sacred Scripture) is the Word of God.
b. When we listen to Scripture at Mass, we are listening to God.
7. Jesus is present in all the sacraments and, in a special and unique way, in the Sacrament of
the Eucharist.
a. “Christ is always present in his Church, especially in her liturgical celebrations.”
(CCC 1088)
b. He is present in the Mass (Sacrament of the Eucharist), he is present through the
priests, he is present through the Scriptures, he is present in God’s people (the
Church) when we sing and pray. Recall Matthew 18:20 (see 3b).
8. Jesus tells us, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we
will come to him and make our dwelling with him.” (John 14:23)
9. Go back to the activity at the beginning of class, “Where can you find Jesus?” Add new
responses to the board.
10. Closing Prayer:
• Sign of the Cross, Hail Mary, Doxology
NOTE: Ask the children to bring in pictures from their Baptism for the following lesson. You
may want to bring in yours, too.
Grade 2 Page 17
There are seven sacraments.
The sacraments are signs – words and actions – we perceive through our senses.
They show us Jesus’ love for us. They give us his grace.
1084, 1148, 1152
Baptism is the sacrament by which we are freed from sin,
share in God’s life, grace, and become members of God’s family, the Church.
1213, 1262, 1265-67, 1997, 1999
Grade 2, page 4, band 2 (first two parts)
Lesson Objective: To help the children understand what sacraments are and to recognize the
significance of Baptism as the first sacrament.
Vocabulary: Sacrament of Baptism 1213, 1234-45, 1255w; Sanctify
God’s saving presence in Jesus – Hebrews 7:25
Baptism – Matthew 28:19-20
Prayer Experience:
Sign of the Cross; Hail Mary; Our Father; Glory Be; Apostles’ Creed (parts 1 & 2); Rite of
Baptism; Blessing with holy water in church (explain); Practice genuflection
Teaching Methods: Prayer; Use of Sacred Scripture; Discussion; Class collage; Visit to church.
Teaching Materials:
Music; Bible; Pictures of signs; Baptism pictures; Poster board (for collage); Paschal candle;
Holy Water; Baptismal font; Holy Water to take home (optional).
1. Opening prayer:
b. Pray: Sign of the Cross, Hail Mary, Our Father, Glory Be
2. Sacraments are signs; composed of words and actions.
a. Ask the children to give you examples of signs (eg. STOP sign; No lifeguard on duty;
OPEN; Dog Park, etc.) Show them pictures of signs you’ve brought to class. What
do these signs mean and why are they important? (Possible answer: They keep us
safe.)
b. Sacraments are signs. There are 7 sacraments.
c. Jesus instituted the sacraments - they show us Jesus’ love for us.
d. Jesus acts through the sacraments. They give us Jesus’ life (grace).
e. The sacraments strengthen and nourish our faith and keep us close to God.
f. The sacraments sanctify, build up the Body of Christ, and through them we worship
God.
g. The sacraments also teach us about our relationship with God and others.
Grade 2 Page 18
3. We need help to live the Christian life. The sacraments give us the grace we need to help us
live like Jesus.
a. Ask the children for examples of how they can live like Jesus.
4. Hebrews 7:25
“Therefore, he is always able to save those who approach God through him…”
a. Because God’s saving presence is in Jesus, God’s saving presence is in us, too,
through the sacraments.
5. The first Sacrament we receive is Baptism.
a. Baptism frees us from all sin.
b. Through the sacrament of Baptism, we share in God’s life (grace).
c. Through the sacrament of Baptism, we become members of God’s family, the
Church.
d. Baptism places a permanent (indelible) spiritual sign on our soul; Baptism can be
received only once.
e. Share stories about the children’s Baptism pictures (and yours, if possible). Who are
their godparents? Make a class collage with their pictures. You might want to title
the collage, “The Family of God” or another appropriate title.
6. Read and discuss Matthew 28:19-20. Jesus told his Apostles: “Go, therefore, and make
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with
you always, until the end of the age.”
7. If possible, bring the children into church. Ask one of the priests to teach this part of the
lesson and model an actual Baptism.
a. Have them bless themselves with Holy Water when entering church. Explain that we
do this when coming into church as a reminder of our Baptism (“In the name of the
Father….”)
b. Have the children sit as a group near the Baptismal font. Be sure they genuflect
properly on their right knee toward the tabernacle before they enter their pew.
c. Explain the Rite of Baptism. (1234-45, 1255) If possible, ask to borrow the “Rite of
Baptism” from your parish priest and talk about each step of the Rite. (Be sure you
read and are prepared beforehand.)
d. Be sure to cover the signs of this sacrament that include: Sign of the Cross, the
reading of the Word, baptismal water, holy oils, use of the Trinitarian formula (“…I
baptize you in the name of the Father…”), white garment, candle.
e. Bring the children up around the baptismal font. Show them the Paschal (Easter)
Candle. This candle is lit for the first time at the Easter Vigil. It represents Jesus, the
light of the world. When we are baptized, our godparents light our candle from the
Paschal Candle to show that we now carry the light of Christ.
8. If possible and optional: Give each child a small container of Holy Water to remind them of
their Baptism. Show them where they can refill their container in church.
9. Closing Prayer: Sign of the Cross, Apostles’ Creed, Have the children pray a prayer of
thanksgiving for their Baptism.
Grade 2 Page 19
Penance and Reconciliation is the sacrament by which
we receive and celebrate God’s forgiveness.
In this sacrament we express sorrow for our sins and
are reconciled with the Church.
1422, 1440, 1442, 1446, 1451, 1462, 1468-69, 1486, 1490
Eucharist is the sacrament by which
we receive the gift of Jesus’ Body and Blood
which he shares with us at Mass
as he shared them with the apostles at the Last Supper.
1322-23, 1333, 1337, 1340, 1382
Grade 2, page 4, band 2 (third and fourth parts)
Lesson Objective: The children will learn about the Sacraments of Penance (Reconciliation) and
Eucharist; they will begin to learn the Act of Contrition.
Vocabulary: Sacrament of Penance 1480; Contrition 1451; Blessed Sacrament 1330; Sacrament
of the Eucharist 1211, 1322-23
Penance – Luke 15:4-7; John 20:22-23
Eucharist – Mark 14:22-24; John 6:51
Prayer Experience:
Sign of the Cross; Hail Mary; Our Father; Glory Be to the Father
Introduce the Act of Contrition (taken from the Rite of Penance; also see Grade 2, Page 6)
Encourage prayer before the Blessed Sacrament 1380
Review the practice of genuflection as an expression of reverence for the Real Presence 1330,
1374, 1378-80
Teaching Methods:
Prayer; Use of Scripture; Drama; Memorization (Act of the Contrition); Visit to church.
Teaching Materials: Bible; Chart paper/poster board; Act of Contrition prayer cards.
1. Opening Prayer:
b. Pray: Sign of the Cross, Hail Mary, Our Father, Glory Be
2. Penance and Reconciliation is the Sacrament by which we receive and celebrate God’s
forgiveness.
a. Ask the children if they have ever broken any of their parent’s rules.
i. What do they have to do to make things right again?
ii. How does it feel when they are forgiven?
Grade 2 Page 20
b. When we break God’s rules, we sin. We have to say we are sorry to God and to
anyone we have hurt.
c. When we sin, the whole Church suffers (just like our whole family suffers when we
break one of our parent’s rules). We have to make things right with God and with the
whole Church.
d. Only God can forgive sins.
e. The priest represents God and the Church. (ref. John 20:22-23)
3. Read Luke 15:4-7 and have the children act out the Parable of the Lost Sheep.
a. Ask the children who the shepherd in this story represents (Jesus).
b. Ask the children who the lost sheep represents (us when we sin).
4. The purpose of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is to reconcile us with God and
the Church and to receive the grace to avoid sin.
5. The Last Supper was celebrated the night before Jesus died. It was the first Mass.
a. To receive God’s mercy, we must admit our faults and ask forgiveness.
b. We express sorrow for all our sins, both mortal and venial.
c. We perform acts of penance to express our desire and intention not to sin again.
d. Contrition is feeling sorrow for our sins, with the intention not to sin again.
6. Teach the Act of Contrition.
a. Have the Act of Contrition written on chart paper or poster board.
b. Go through the prayer line by line, emphasizing the meaning of each part.
c. Say the prayer together several times and tell the children that this is a prayer they
need to know by heart.
d. Explain that this is a great prayer with which to end each day.
e. Suggest that before we go to sleep, we should think of the good things we have done,
the things we have done that were wrong, and the things we could have done better.
f. Pray the Act of Contrition as a group.
7. Eucharist is the Sacrament in which we receive the gift of the Body and Blood of Jesus.
Jesus shares this gift with us at Mass, just as he shared this gift with his apostles at the Last
Supper.
a. Read the story of the Last Supper (Mark 14:22-24).
b. On Holy Thursday, the Church celebrates Jesus’ gift of himself in the Eucharist.
c. When Jesus told his Apostles, “This is my Body” and “This is my Blood”, he also
meant these words for us.
d. When we receive the consecrated bread and wine (Eucharist) at Mass, we are truly
receiving Jesus’ own Body and Blood. 1382
e. Jesus instituted the Eucharist so he would always be with us.
f. Jesus commanded the apostles to celebrate the Eucharist until his return (at the end of
time).
g. Every time we celebrate the Eucharist, we are remembering and celebrating Jesus’
death and Resurrection.
Grade 2 Page 21
8. Ask the children to name some of their favorite foods. Ask them why eating is so important?
a. Just as we need to eat food to live, Jesus gives us the gift of himself as spiritual food
(living bread) so we can live forever. (ref. John 6:51)
b. Jesus wants us to receive his Body and Blood every time we go to mass, as long as
we have not committed any serious sin.
c. The Sacrament of the Eucharist is about belonging and being faithful to Jesus and to
the Church.
d. When we gather with other members of God’s family at Mass and receive Holy
Communion, we are united with Christ and one another and strengthened to live a
Christ-like life.
9. Explain the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in Church.
a. Jesus continues to be present in the consecrated host in the tabernacle.
b. The tabernacle is located in a special place in the church.
c. A candle is located next to the tabernacle to remind us that Jesus is present.
d. We genuflect before the Blessed Sacrament as an expression of reverence for the Real
Presence of Jesus.
e. Practice genuflection.
10. Closing Prayer: If possible, bring the children to church. Remind them to have a reverent
and prayerful attitude in all places of prayer and worship.
a. Remind the children that when entering a church we bless ourselves with Holy Water
to remind us of our Baptism.
b. Tell the children that the word “Eucharist” means “thanksgiving.”
c. Lead the children in offering a prayer of thanksgiving to Jesus in the Blessed
Sacrament:
Jesus, you are with us, especially in the sacrament of the Eucharist.
You love me as I am and help me grow.
Come and be with me in all my joys and sorrows.
Help me share your peace and love with everyone I meet.
I ask in your name. Amen!
Grade 2 Page 22
The Sacrament of Penance is a celebration which makes clear:
 that God has given us free will to choose between what is good and what is evil
1732, 1734, 1776-77, 1784, 1802
 that God gives us the Spirit to empower us
to make loving choices of what is good
1433, 1811, 1830
 that God continues to love us even when we sin
1424, 1428, 1465
Grade 2, page 5, band 1 (first three parts)
Lesson Objective: The children will understand that we have free will and are guided to make
good choices by our consciences and the Holy Spirit.
Vocabulary: Conscience 1713
The Gift of Free Will – Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 15:14-15
The Gift of the Holy Spirit – John 14:15-17a
Prayer Experience:
Sign of the Cross, Spontaneous Prayer 2590, 2659-60
Review and pray the Act of Contrition
Teaching Methods:
Prayer; Use of Scripture; Spontaneous prayer (review); Practice the Act of Contrition;
Explanation; Discussion; Video; Activity.
Teaching Materials:
Prayer table; Bible; Chart paper or poster board (with the words of the Act of
Contrition); Video equipment; DVD (or YouTube); Material for activity.
1. Opening Prayer:
b. Pray: Sign of the Cross, Spontaneous Prayer – have the children compose a prayer
from their hearts. It may begin, “Dear Jesus …” and end, “Amen”.
c. Review and pray the Act of Contrition.
2. God has given us free will to choose between what is good and what is evil.
a. Because we have free will, we are responsible for the choices we make.
b. “If you choose, you can follow the commandments; loyalty is doing the will of God.”
(Sirach 15:15)
c. God wants us to follow his laws (commandments) but, because we have free will, he
does not force us. We make that choice.
d. Every action we take is a choice. It can be a good choice or a bad choice.
e. We are responsible for all our actions.
Grade 2 Page 23
f. We can also be responsible for the wrong actions of others if we go along with them
(for example, a friend steals candy while we watch or hold the bag).
g. Our choices affect our lives, our relationship with God and our relationship with
others.
h. Ask the children for examples of how our decisions (both good and bad) affect our
lives, our relationship with God and with others.
3. Free will gives us the freedom to grow in perfection according to God’s commandments.
a. Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”(John 14:15)
b. Our conscience helps us to make good choices, to do good, and avoid evil.
c. When we listen to our conscience, we can sense God encouraging us.
d. When we fail to listen to our conscience, we make poor choices and we sin.
4. Show a video chosen from the Lesson Planning Resource page. (For example, “Davey and
Goliath: Halloween Who-Dun-It” [29min. 15 sec.]; also available on YouTube.)
5. God gives us the Holy Spirit to help us make loving choices.
a. Making loving choices is not always easy. The Holy Spirit will help us.
b. Jesus tells us to “Love one another as I have loved you.” We have to imitate Jesus’
love for us by loving ourselves and loving others.
c. Ask the students how we can imitate Jesus’ love? How should we treat others? (with
kindness, gentleness, caring, and never with violence)
6. God continues to love us even when we sin.
a. When we do things that are wrong, on purpose, we sin (clarify the difference between
“mistake,” “accident,” and “sin”).
b. There is nothing we can do that is so wrong that God will not forgive us if we ask.
c. We admit we have done wrong when we confess our sins to a priest.
d. We know that God will forgive us because God’s love is merciful. God speaks and
ministers through the priest. “The priest is the sign and instrument of God’s merciful
love for the sinner.” 1465
e. When we are forgiven, we are reconciled with God, with the Church, and with each
other.
7. Closing Prayer:
a. Ask the children to think about something wrong they may have done on purpose
(sin) and ask (in their heart) for God’s forgiveness.
b. Pray the Act of Contrition.
Grade 2 Page 24
The Sacrament of Penance is a celebration which makes clear
that God calls us always to be sorry for our sins and to accept his forgiveness.
1425, 1847-48
Grade 2, page 5, band 1 (last part)
Lesson Objective: The children will learn the Rite of Penance.

Vocabulary: Repentance 1492; Rite of Penance 1480
Luke 7:36-50; Luke 15:11-24; 1 John 4:10 – The Gift of God’s Forgiveness
Prayer Experience:
Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Glory Be, Act of Contrition
Examination of Conscience
Rite of Penance
Teaching Methods:
Prayer; Use of Scripture; Review the Act of Contrition; Drama; Visit to the church; Explanation;
Discussion.
Teaching Materials:
Bible; Chart paper or poster board (with the words of the Act of Contrition); Book or worksheet
outlining the Sacrament of Penance.
1. Opening Prayer:
b. Pray: Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Glory Be
c. Review the Act of Contrition.
2. Ask the children to think about something they’ve done wrong on purpose that they need to
ask God to forgive.
3. We also sin when we fail to do things we should have done.
4. God created us with free will. We can make right or wrong choices.
5. True freedom means we choose to live God’s way.
a. When we sin, we make a deliberate choice to act against how God wants us to live.
b. When we pray the Our Father, we say, “Forgive us our trespasses (sins) as we forgive
those who trespass against us….” Ask the children what they think this means.
c. God will always forgive us when we are truly sorry for our sins.
6. Read Luke 15:11-24 and have children act out the Parable of the Prodigal Son (also called
the Parable of the Forgiving Father).
a. Ask the children who the father in the story represents (God the Father).
b. Ask the children who the prodigal son in the story represents (us).
c. Ask the children how the actions of the prodigal son might have affected his brother.
The aim is to help the children understand the effect our sins have on others.
Grade 2 Page 25
7. Teach the Rite of Penance.
a. Individual Rite – We go into the confessional individually and confess our sins to the
priest.
b. Communal Rite – we celebrate a prayer service with others gathered in the
community. During the service, we go into the confessional individually to confess
our sins to the priest.
8. Discuss with the children an examination of conscience. (Ask your DRE is he/she has an age
appropriate examination of conscience to share with the children.)
a. Before we go to confession, it is important to make a good examination of
conscience.
b. What have I done wrong that I need to tell Jesus?
c. This should involve questions concerning the Ten Commandments:
i. Have I loved God above all things?
ii. Do I respect the name of Jesus?
iii. Do I go to mass every Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation?
iv. Do I honor my father and mother?
v. Do I lie/cheat/steal….?
vi. Do I respect others?
9. Ask the children if they know what “repentance” means. Explain and discuss.
10. The Rite of Penance (individual rite):
a. Explain the difference between “face to face” and “behind the screen”.
b. The priest gives a greeting and a blessing. He may do a reading from Scripture.
c. Make the sign of the Cross and say “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.”
d. Tell Father how long it’s been since your last confession (or if it’s your first
confession, tell him that.)
e. Confess your sins to the priest (who acts in the place of Jesus.)
f. The priest gives us a penance (something we do or say to express our intention not to
sin again.
g. Pray an Act of Contrition.
h. The priest gives absolution and blessing. We bless ourselves as the priest blesses us.
11. The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation helps us to admit our faults, repent, take
responsibility for our actions, and make restitution.
12. Bring the children to church.
a. Show them the confessional and the Reconciliation Room.
b. Practice the format of the Rite.
13. Speak with your D/CRE to determine the practice for celebrating the Sacrament of Penance
in your parish. Prepare the children for their first celebration of the sacrament, if that is part
of your responsibility.
14. Closing Prayer: Sign of the Cross, Act of Contrition.
Grade 2 Page 26
The reception of Communion nourishes and strengthens our relationship with
Christ begun in Baptism and continued throughout our lives.
1244, 1391-92
At the Mass we gather together as God’s family for:
1140-41, 1348, 1369-70
 the Liturgy of the Word, when we listen to God’s message to us
so as to put it into practice in our lives,
1349
 the Liturgy of the Eucharist, when we offer with the priest
the gifts of bread and wine.
Through the invocation of the Holy Spirit, the wheat bread and
grape wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Jesus (transubstantiation).
In the Eucharist Jesus gives himself as the bread of life and the cup of salvation.
1346-47, 1350-55, 1376
Lesson Objective: The children will better understand the Mass and appreciate the Eucharist as
the Body and Blood of Jesus.
Vocabulary: Liturgy of the Word 1349; Liturgy of the Eucharist 1350-55; Transubstantiation
1373-77, 1413; Consecration.
Scripture Reference: The Last Supper – 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Prayer Experience:
Sign of the Cross; Hail Mary; Our Father; Glory Be to the Father; Intercessions; Review
important times to pray; Mass responses.
Teaching Methods:
Prayer; Use of Scripture; Explanation; Discussion; “Set the table”, Practice Mass responses.
Teaching Materials:
Bible; Book or worksheet outlining the parts of the Mass; Missalettes; “Altar”, (?optional - altar
cloth, paten, chalice, ciborium, etc.,) black or white board.
1. Opening Prayer:
b. Review with the children important times to pray (when we get up, before bedtime, grace
before meals, when we want to praise God, thank him, ask his forgiveness or ask a favor.)
Record their responses on the board.
c. Pray: Sign of the Cross, Hail Mary, Our Father, Glory Be (or ask the children which
prayer/s they would like to pray.)
Grade 2 Page 27
2. Ask the children to tell you about a special holiday or family event (e.g., Thanksgiving,
Christmas, or birthday). What makes it special?
a. Relatives and friends who gather;
b. Special foods;
c. Special dishes/table settings;
d. Gifts;
e. Conversation.
3. At Mass, we gather as God’s family. Draw comparisons:
a. Community gathers;
b. Special food is the Body and Blood of Christ;
c. Special dishes/table settings – show children the paten, ciborium, chalice, etc.; If
possible, “set the table”. (Alternatively, use pictures or photos of these objects)
d. Presentation of gifts (bread and wine);
e. Participation in the songs and responses.
4. Discuss the two main parts of the Mass:
a. The Liturgy of the Word – we listen to God as he speaks to us through the readings
from Sacred Scripture. The priest explains God’s Word and helps us to understand
how to live the message in our daily lives.
b. The Liturgy of the Eucharist – we join with the priest as he offers the gifts of bread
and wine. Through the words of consecration said by the priest, Jesus becomes
present, body, blood, soul, and divinity, in the bread and the wine (transubstantiation).
i. The gifts of bread and wine are presented to the priest;
ii. The priests CONSECRATES (blesses) the bread and wine and it becomes
Jesus;
iii. In the Eucharist Jesus gives himself as the bread of life and the cup of
salvation;
iv. We receive Jesus in Holy Communion;
v. We say prayers of thanksgiving (“Eucharist” means “Thanksgiving”).
5. Just as our bodies need food to live, our souls also need nourishment. Jesus is our spiritual
food – we need our spiritual food to live too.
a. Receiving communion nourishes us and strengthens our relationship with Jesus
that began when we were baptized and will continue all our lives.
b. The Eucharist makes us one with Christ and helps us stay in the state of grace.
6. In the Mass, we:
a. Praise and thank God – Ask the children for examples of things for which they should
praise and thank God. Write their answers on the board.
b. Remember what God has done for us in Christ – God sent his Son to die on the cross
to save us.
c. Ask for help for ourselves and others – Intercessions and private prayer.
Grade 2 Page 28
7. Read and discuss 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.
a. Jesus’ last supper was also the first Eucharist.
b. When Jesus said ‘this is my Body’ and ‘this is my Blood’, he was telling everyone
that the bread and wine really, truly become his body and his blood.
8. The Celebration of the Holy Eucharist is the central act of worship in our Catholic faith. It is
the most important thing we do.
a. Through the Eucharist, we are faithful to God and to the Church.
9. Sunday is the Lord’s Day.
a. On Sunday, we celebrate the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus.
b. Every Sunday is a “little Easter”.
c. One of the laws of the Church is to worship God on Sundays and holy days of
obligation through the Eucharistic celebration.
10. If possible, show missalettes to the children. Explain how to use them and how to find the
Mass responses so they can participate in liturgical celebrations. (The Lesson Planning
Resource page has links to online missals and mass responses.)
11. The celebration of First Holy Communion (First Eucharist) is an important and exciting
celebration for the family and for the Church. It should be celebrated within the parish
setting with family participation whenever possible.
12. NOTE: Your D/CRE, with the pastor, will to determine the practice for celebration of the
Sacrament of First Holy Communion (Eucharist) in your parish.
13. Closing Prayer:
Help the children to write and pray intercessions.
Start with “For” or “That” and end with everyone responding, “Lord, hear our prayer.”
The catechist should offer the introduction and conclusion to the intercessions.
(example: For our family, that we grow closer to Jesus every day.)
Grade 2 Page 29
PROFESSION OF FAITH
Continue to teach the Apostles’ Creed up to “…and the dead.

(Grade 1 – Page 6 in the Guidelines)
WORDS TO BE TAUGHT
Ascension 665 Heaven 1023 Repentance 1492
Blessed Sacrament 1330 Hell 1035 Resurrection 651-55
Crucifixion 623 Holy Day 2177 Rite of Penance 1480
Charity 1813, 1822 Holy Week 1169 Sacrament of the Eucharist
1211, 1322-23
Conscience 1713 Liturgy of the Word 1349 Sacrament of Penance 1420-22
Contrition 1451 Liturgy of the Eucharist Sacramental 1667-69
1350-55
Fiat 973, 2617 Pentecost 731
Grace 1997 Prayer 2590
Reconciliation Room 1185 Give Sacred Scripture a special place in the classroom. 103,
132
Confessional 1185 Encourage a reverent and prayerful attitude in the place of
worship. 1186, 1199
Foster the children’s participation in the prayer and worship of
the parish community. 2179, 2226
PRAYERS TO BE TAUGHT
Act of Contrition recommended for use throughout the Archdiocese*
Simple responses at Mass.
*ACT OF CONTRITION
PRAYERS TO BE ENCOURAGED
Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament 1380 My God,
I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
In choosing to do wrong
REVIEW PRAYERS OF THE PREVIOUS GRADES
and failing to do good,
Sign of the Cross 1235, 2157 I have sinned against you
Our Father 2759 whom I should love above all things.
Hail Mary 2676-77 I firmly intend, with your help,
The Glory Be (Doxology, Grade 1 – Page 5) to do penance,
Morning and evening prayer 2659, 2685, 2698 to sin no more,
Grace at meals 2698, 2834 and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Spontaneous prayer 2590, 2659-60 Our Savior Jesus Christ
suffered and died for us.
In His name, my God, have mercy.
(taken from the Rite of Penance)
Grade 2 Page 30
GRADE THREE
THEME:
Jesus continues his life and work
through his Church.
.
OBJECTIVE:
To deepen the child’s understanding of the Church and
to help the child experience the Church
as Christian community.
Grade 3 Page 1
There are three persons in one God:
God the Father, God the Son and God and Holy Spirit.
This is the Holy Trinity.
232, 234, 237, 261, 266
The love the Father, Son and Holy Spirit have one for the other in the Trinity
is the model of the love we are to have for one another.
257, 850, 1878
Lesson Objective: We must always be reverent of God and treat all people with the love and
respect with which God treats us, excluding no one.
Vocabulary: Trinity 234; Consubstantial 464-465
Scripture Reference: John 14:9-10; 26
Prayer: Sign of the Cross; Doxology (Glory Be to the Father)
Teaching methods: Prayer for Peace and Unity in the World Community; Use of Scripture;
Visual examples.
Teaching materials: Water, ice and spray bottle; photos of nature; a wooden cross; copy of
Nicene Creed.
1. Opening Prayer:
a. Make the Sign of the Cross.
b. Read the Gospel John 14:9-10, 26 and explain that Jesus taught the apostles,
revealing the Father and the Holy Spirit.
2. Give meaning to The Sign of the Cross:
a. The gift of faith that we received at baptism enables us to believe: that God has
always existed, God created the world and everything in it and God is present to us
today. God always was, is, and always will be.
b. Ask the children to join their hands with fingertips pointed up to heaven and make the
sign of the cross. Talk to them about their thumbs forming a cross like the one Jesus
died on and remind them that through the cross and resurrection of Jesus, he opened
the gates of heaven and that their fingers are pointing to heaven.
c. Go over the word “Amen” and tell the children when we say it at the end of our
prayers it means, “I believe.”
d. Practice making the Sign of the Cross looking up as you say, “Father,” then look
down as you say, “Jesus,” because He came down to earth, he took on a human body
and showed us how to live. Then turn your head to the left and then to the right
because the “Holy Spirit” is all around, and in us, here on earth. Show them the cross
and how they have drawn a cross with their right hand as they said the prayer. The
Sign of the Cross marks us as belonging to the Trinity.
Grade 3 Page 2
3. Suggestion for explaining the ‘Holy Trinity: (Important note for the catechist: Our minds
cannot begin to comprehend the Trinity and human words cannot begin to adequately
explain the Trinity. This is a teaching technique developed by a master catechist that may
help an eight year old child begin to think about the mystery of three distinct persons in one
God.)
a. Pour water in a clear glass halfway up. Speak of the Father who created everything but has
never been seen by human beings. We only know the water is in the glass by the line
where it begins and ends. We know the Father but have not seen him. Use an ice cube to
signify the Son. People could see him because he had a human body. Put the ice cube into
the glass. Now explain to the children that you have a spray bottle with ordinary water in
it. Ask them to close their eyes and spray the water above the children’s heads. While their
eyes are closed, ask them to breathe it in. Have them open their eyes and discuss how they
could feel the vapor, but not see it. Talk about how it made them feel good and refreshed.
Now spray some of the water into the clear glass. When the ice melts, there is only one
substance, not ice, liquid and vapor. This is an example of God; three divine persons, one
God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
b. At this point, look at a copy of the Nicene Creed (the Creed we say at Mass when not
saying the Apostles’ Creed. Explain that the Creed follows the homily), talk about that
unfamiliar word used in Mass when we say that Jesus is ‘consubstantial’ with the Father,
one in being! Jesus and the Father are both God. Then point again to the water.
c. Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.” (John 14:9-10; 26) So, we use the word
consubstantial which points out that Jesus as one in being with the Father. This is one of
the mysteries of our faith which will be more fully revealed to us when we get to heaven.
d. Yes, God loved us so much that he gave us everything we needed when he created the
world. We must follow his example and love one another because we are all equal in the
eyes of God. Encourage the children to share examples of God’s love for us and how we
can show love for one another.
e. The way the persons of the Trinity love one another is the way God is asking human
beings to love one another.
4. Closing Prayer: Prayer for Peace and Unity in the World Community
Help us, Lord, to do what Jesus did everyday as he walked on the earth. As we work together to
build your kingdom here on earth, help us to spread your love to everyone we meet each day.
Help us to remember to pray for all those people we have helped, that they will do the same for
everyone they meet. Help all people of the world to respect each other and become one in love.
God, help us to use all the gifts you have given us, including technology, to spread your name
and love all over the world.
We pray that when you look upon the earth that you will, someday, see one big loving family,
working together, praying together, and helping each other. Amen!
We conclude our prayer with the Sign of the Cross, remembering that there is one God who is
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Grade 3 Page 3
Jesus is the Son sent by God the Father.
During his life on earth, Jesus gathered a community of followers, called disciples
422-23, 443-45, 542, 787
He taught this community of followers about the Kingdom of God
which begins on earth and reaches its fullness in heaven.
542-46, 567, 672, 787
He shared their joys and sorrows and healed their illnesses
517, 544-45, 549, 787
Lesson Objective: The children will to come to understand that God the Father sent his Son,
Jesus, to earth to show people through his actions and behavior how to live a Christian life and
create on earth God’s kingdom.
Vocabulary: Savior 430, 457; Disciple 787, 1816; Parables 546.
Jesus sent by the Father – John 3:16
Parables of the Kingdom – Matthew 13:44-46
The Wedding at Cana – John 2:1-11
The Widow’s Son – Luke 7:11-17
The Multiplication of the Loaves – Mark 6:34-44
Prayer: Our Father
Teaching methods: Reading/listening to Scripture; dramatizing a Bible parable; relating parables
to life experiences; prayer.
Teaching materials: Bible, visual examples of things in the parables, pictures of people helping
each other in present day life.
1. Opening Prayer: Pray St. Francis’ Prayer for Peace with the children.
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow charity;
Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is error, truth;
Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light; and Where there is sadness, joy.
O, Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled, as to console;
To be understood as to understand; To be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying to ourselves that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
Grade 3 Page 4
2. God the Father sent his son, Jesus.
a. Help the children understand that God the Father sent his son, Jesus to become one
like us in every way but sin. Even though Jesus became a human being he was and is
always God.
b. Refer to the Scripture references at the end of this lesson that tell us more about the
life of Jesus. The Mysteries of Rosary are also an excellent resource. Pay particular
attention to the Joyful mysteries, which are part of the grade 3 syllabus.
3. Jesus gathered a community of followers:
a. The followers of Jesus were called disciples. A disciple is a student.
b. Jesus taught his community of followers about the kingdom of God in many ways,
one way was parables, stories using people’s everyday experiences to reveal the
mysteries of the kingdom of God.
i. Read the parables found in Matthew 13:44-46 to the children.
ii. Help the children figure out what lesson Jesus was teaching in the story.
iii. If possible, have the children act out one or two of the parables.
c. God sent his Son, Jesus, to show us how to love God, others, and ourselves. This is
how we make the Kingdom of God present in the world. Jesus shared the joys and
sorrows of the people and healed their illnesses.
i. As you read to the children the stories of the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11),
the widow’s son (Luke 7:11-17), and the multiplication of the loaves (Mark
6:34-44), ask them to imagine themselves present in each story.
ii. What would you think and how would you feel?
4. Help the children to find ways that they can model Jesus in their everyday lives. Show them
pictures of people helping other people in modern day life. When we model our lives on the
way Jesus lived, we are helping to build the Kingdom of God here on earth. Ask the children,
“What can we do to make the earth more like heaven?”
5. Closing prayer:
a. Let’s take a minute and pray the “Our Father” and listen closely to the words. (Recite
the prayer)
b. We pray, “Thy Kingdom come Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” We are
challenged to make the earth more like heaven.
Grade 3 Page 5
We too are called to follow Jesus, and to be part of his Body, the Church.
521, 562, 787-89, 805-07
Jesus taught that his true followers are those who love everyone
826, 850-51, 1824-26, 2055, 2069, 2196-97
Lesson Objective: To help the children understand that to be a disciple of Jesus means to love
and respect all of creation.
Vocabulary: Trinity 234; Disciple 787, 1816; Parable 546.
Scripture references:
The Two Great Commandments – Luke 10:25-38
The Parable of the Good Samaritan – Luke 10:29-37
Love of Enemies – Matthew 5:43-46
Love as the Sign of the Christian Community – John 15:12
Prayer Experience:
Sign of the Cross; Our Father; Hail Mary; Glory Be to the Father
Review the Apostles’ Creed
*Blessing of Animals: Children have been asked to bring in favorite stuffed animal; St. Francis
“Protect my Pet” medals can be distributed (optional)
Sign of Peace (exchanged with explanation)
Teaching Methods:
Prayer; Use of Scripture; Drama; Explanation; Discussion; Show a video.
Teaching Materials:
Bible; Prayer for blessing of animals; St. Francis medal (optional); Holy water; Apostles’ Creed
(words on poster board); Picture of a baby, people who are handicapped, sick in hospital, or
elderly; YouTube video (consult the Lesson Planning Resource page for suggested videos.)
1. Opening prayer:
a. Invite children to place pictures on the prayer table of family and pets.
b. Review prayerful and respectful attitude in prayer space and when in Church.
c. Pray: Sign of the Cross; Our Father; Hail Mary; Glory Be.
2. Review vocabulary words and words of Apostles’ Creed.
a. From “I believe” to “Judge the living and the dead” (learned in grades 1 and 2).
b. Continue learning rest of The Apostles’ Creed during grade 3.
3. We are followers of Jesus.
a. We are disciples.
b. Jesus is the head of our Church.
c. Being a disciple means we are part of His body on earth – the Church.
d. We carry on the work of Jesus.
e. We are the hands and feet, the eyes and lips of Jesus now on earth.
f. Ask the children: How do we carry on the work of Jesus?
4. Read Luke 10:25-28 (Great Commandment)
Grade 3 Page 6
5. The work of Jesus is to love.
a. Love God. Love others. Love ourselves.
b. In fact, Jesus asks us to love all that God has made, especially people and other living
things.
c. Everything that God has made is sacred or holy.
d. Ask the children: What do we do with holy things? (Respect, care for)
6. Jesus said people will know you are my followers, my disciples, by the way you love, care
for, and respect one another.
7. Read John 15:12 (Love as a sign of Christian community)
8. Ask the children:
a. Who do we love and care for? Babies? Elderly? Anyone else? What about those
who cannot take care of themselves?
b. Show pictures of babies, handicapped, sick in hospital, elderly.
9. Have children act out the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37)
10. Loving means being kind. Loving means respecting another, their reputation, their property,
and their possessions.
a. Is there anyone we do not love or care for? What about those who hurt us? What
about our enemies?
12. Read Matthew 5:43-46 (Love Your Enemies)
13. Jesus tells us to love our enemies and those who hurt us.
a. Jesus shows us how to do this.
b. Jesus prayed from the cross, “Father forgive them.”
c. We ask God to help us to forgive and to pray for those who hurt us.
14. Ask the children: Who else should we love? (ourselves)
a. We should love ourselves because God made us, and God loves us.
a. How do we love ourselves?
b. Stay healthy, go to school, avoid danger, anything else?
16. When God created us, He gave every person gifts and talents.
a. What are some of the gifts and talents God gives us?
b. Music; athletic ability; love of animals; able to write stories; anything else?
18. God wants us to use our gifts and talents
a. It pleases God when we use our gifts and talents.
b. Our gifts and talents make others happy
c. What are some of the ways we can make others happy by our gifts and talents?
(examples: music, singing, writing, painting, interest in science, taking care of little
children, etc.)
Grade 3 Page 7
19. God asks us to love Him, to love and care for others, ourselves and all He has made.
a. God made the earth and all that is in it.
b. *Show a suitable video to the children on how to help the earth. (Always consult with
your director or coordinator when choosing a video to show the children).
20. To care for the earth and all God has made is called stewardship.
a. God has trusted us to care for creation.
21. Closing prayer: *Blessing of Animals
• Children gather in prayer space with their stuffed pets; Candle is lighted (battery
powered).
• Being prayer with the Sign of the Cross.
• Catechist: Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish
in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired Saint Francis to call all
of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this stuffed pet which represents all
the creatures of the earth you have made and all the living pets you have given us.
• By the power of your love, we ask you to enable all living things to live according to
your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you,
Lord our God, in all your creatures!
• All: Amen!
• Catechist: We now offer each other the Sign of Peace which means we will love and care
for each other in Jesus’ name.
• Catechist and children say to one another, “Peace be with you.”
• (optional) Catechist gives each child a “Bless my pet” medal as they leave.
Grade 3 Page 8
Refusing to love God ourselves and our neighbors is sinful.
1849, 1856, 1869, 2094
Jesus is our Savior. He died on the cross for us and rose from the dead.
430, 601, 654
Grade 3, page 3, bands 2 & 3
Lesson Objective: To help the children understand that we sin when we chose not to love and
when we disobey the commandments. The children will learn that Jesus forgives us and Jesus is
our Savior. The children will learn we must say we are sorry, ask to be forgiven, and make up
for the wrong we have done.
Review: Act of Contrition (grade 2 page 6; Apostles Creed up to, “from there He will come to
judge the living and the dead.” (Grade 1, page 6).
Vocabulary: Trinity 234; Disciple 787, 1816; Parable 546; Savior 430, 457; Stewardship 2402.
Scripture references:
Sin – 1 John 4:20-21
Jesus as Savior – 1 Corinthians 15:1-5
Prayer Experience: Sign of the Cross; Act of Contrition.
Teaching Methods:
Prayer; Use of Scripture; Explanation; Poster; Flash cards; Discussion; YouTube video.
Teaching Materials:
Bible; Prayer environment; Apostles’ Creed (words on poster board); flash cards; permanent
marker; poster board with 10 Commandments; equipment to show YouTube video.
1. Opening prayer:
a. Places pictures of Jesus crucified and the resurrected jesus on the prayer table.
b. Review prayerful and respectful attitude in prayer space and when in Church.
c. Pray: Sign of the Cross; Our Father; Hail Mary; Glory Be to the Father.
d. Pray the Apostles’ Creed.
2. Last week we learned that to be followers of Jesus means we love God, love and care for
others and ourselves.
3. When we refuse to love God, ourselves and others, this is called sin.
4. Read 1 John 4:16, 20-21 (Sin)
5. We sin when we choose not to love and not to obey the Commandments. When we choose
to do wrong on purpose.
6. Review the 10 Commandments on poster board.
7. When we sin, Jesus gives us a way to make things right again. We say we are sorry. This is
called “contrition” – to be sorry.
8. We have a special prayer we say to tell God we are sorry. It is called the Act of Contrition.
You learned this prayer last year when you received the Sacrament of Penance (or
Reconciliation).
Grade 3 Page 9
9. Review the Act of Contrition – words on flash cards
a. We ask God to forgive us
b. We promise, with God’s help (grace), not to sin again.
c. We try to make up for the unloving choices we make (an act of penance) – the wrong
things we have done. Ask the children: How can we do this? (examples: kind deeds,
do chores without complaining, share with others, anything else?)
10. Jesus came to us to save us from our sins. Jesus is our Savior.
11. Read 1 Corinthians 15:3-5 (Jesus as Savior).
12. When Jesus died on the Cross, He made it possible for our sins to be forgiven. Jesus saves us
from our sins.
13. Present the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead:
a. Ask the children: What happened three days after Jesus died?
b. By His power as God, Jesus rose from the dead.
c. Jesus died and rose again to show us He has power over death. He has power over
sin. Jesus is alive.
14. Show video (or choose an appropriate video from the Lesson Planning Resource page):
a. The Story of Easter: Beginners Bible (26 minutes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PSgoPdKQFQ&t=1189s
15. During the season of Lent, we prepare to celebrate the feast of the Resurrection. During Lent
we remember in a special way all that Jesus did for us because He loves us.
16. Read John 3:16-17 (For God so Loved the World).
17. Ask the children: What are some of the things we can do during Lent to remember what
Jesus did for us out of love? (possible answers appear below)
a. Receive the sacrament of Reconciliation.
b. Fast, pray, do kind deeds for others, pray the Stations of the Cross.
18. During the season of Lent, the Church dresses in the color purple.
a. Purple is for preparation. Ask the children: What are we preparing for? (Easter)
b. Purple is for penance. Ask the children: What does the word penance mean?
(contrition and trying to do better by prayer and kind deeds)
19. Closing prayer:
a. Pray the Sign of the Cross and the Act of Contrition.
Grade 3 Page 10
At the Ascension, the Risen Jesus Returned to his Father.
659-63
On Pentecost, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit upon his people to continue his work.
731-32, 767, 1076, 1287
Lesson Objective: The children will understand the significance of the solemnity of the
Ascension and the feast of Pentecost.
Vocabulary: Ascension 665; Pentecost 731.
Ascension – Mark 16:19-20
Pentecost – Acts of the Apostles 2:1-13
Prayer: The Apostles’ Creed; Come, Holy Spirit!
Teaching methods: Reading the Bible; discussion; examining a basic concept.
Teaching materials: Textbook; Bible; music.
1. Opening prayer:
a. Review prayerful and respectful attitude in prayer space and when in the church.
b. Pray: Sign of the Cross; Our Father; Hail Mary; Glory Be; prayer to the Holy Spirit
(Come, Holy Spirit!)
2. Explain and remind the children that Easter is not just one day and that Easter is a celebration
that lasts for 50 days.
3. The resurrection of Jesus is celebrated on Easter Sunday.
a. Ask the children to share what they already know about Easter.
b. Explain to the children that Jesus knew the apostles were afraid and he appeared to
them to help them.
4. Explain to the children that after Jesus rose from the dead, he stayed with the apostles for 40
days.
5. The Solemnity of the Ascension is celebrated 40 days after Easter.
a. Tell the children that this day is a holy day of obligation, a day when Catholics are
obligated (required) to attend Mass.
6. Explain to the children that 40 days after Easter, the Risen Jesus returned to his Father in
Heaven.
a. Tell the children that before leaving, Jesus made a promise to his disciples.
b. Tell the children the promise Jesus made was that he would send the Holy Spirit
(Advocate) to guide them.
7. Explain/remind the children the Holy Spirit is one of the three persons of the Trinity.
8. Explain to the children that the Holy Spirit would help Jesus’ disciples to follow him.
Grade 3 Page 11
9. Tell the children that today, the Holy Spirit helps each one of us.
a. Explain the Holy Spirit helps us to follow Jesus in this life.
b. When we follow Jesus in our lives, we can look forward to happiness forever with the
Jesus and the Father in heaven.
10. Tell the children that in the gospel of Mark (see Scripture Reference above), we read of the
Ascension of Jesus and the promise he made to send the Holy Spirit.
a. Read/proclaim this Scripture passage to the children.
11. Tell the children that the Easter season concludes with the celebration of Pentecost.
a. Explain that Pentecost is celebrated 10 days after the Ascension and 50 days after
Easter.
b. Tell the children that on Pentecost, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit upon his people to
continue his work. It is the grace of the Holy Spirit that enables us to follow Jesus.
12. We read about the feast of Pentecost in the Acts of the Apostles (2:1-13).
a. The Holy Spirit is often depicted as tongues of fire.
b. The descent (coming down) of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples marks the birth of
the Church; this is when the Church began.
13. Explain that as members of the Church today, we continue the work Jesus began many years
ago.
a. Ask the children: how do we, as members of the Church, continue the work Jesus
began? (possible answers appear below):
i. First, and foremost, we give glory to God, just as Jesus did.
ii. We pray with our parish family by going to Mass every Sunday and holy day
of obligation.
iii. We pray with our own families.
iv. We pray for all people; we help those who need help; we seek to serve others.
14. Conclude the class by praying for one another (spontaneous prayer).
Grade 3 Page 12
The Church, the people of God, continues Jesus’ mission on earth.
The Catholic Church is a community of people who share the same faith and
sacraments and are united in the Holy Spirit
under the leadership of the Pope and the bishops.
767, 814, 816, 830-31, 838, 849
Lesson Objective: To explain to the children how the Catholic Church began; to teach about
membership in the Catholic Church and who the leaders of the Church are.
Vocabulary: Bishop 1555, 1594; Pope 881-82.
Scripture Reference:
The “Great Commission” – Matthew 28:18-20
Prayer: The General Intercessions (Prayer of the Faithful) at Mass; Come, Holy Spirit!
Teaching methods: Reading the Bible; discussion; examining a basic concept.
Teaching materials: Textbook; Bible; DVD; music.
1. Opening prayer:
b. Pray: Sign of the Cross; Our Father; Hail Mary; Glory Be; prayer to the Holy Spirit
(Come, Holy Spirit!)
2. Begin by proclaiming Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission).
a. Ask the children what it means when we say one is a disciple of Jesus.
3. Explain to the children we are disciples when we continue Jesus’ mission of bringing the
Good News of salvation to the entire world.
a. Ask the children how they would define “Good News.”
b. Explain to the children that the Good News is not just something we say, it can also
be things we do.
i. Ask the children what kinds of things we can do that will bring the Good
News to others. (Examples: feed the hungry, help others.)
ii. We help one another.
iii. We do the things Jesus did.
iv. We also share the Good News with all people of the world.
a) Tell the children that supporting the missions is a way we can help
people in other parts of the world.
b) It’s something even they can do.
4. Tell the children the Church is a community of disciples.
a. Ask the children what might the disciples (members) in community do?
i. Members of the Church share the same faith.
ii. We also celebrate the sacraments together.
iii. Disciples are united in the Holy Spirit and the Church is guided by the Holy
Spirit.
Grade 3 Page 13
5. Explain to the children that the Pope and the bishops are the leaders of the Church. They
teach and lead the people who are members of the Church.
a. Explain to the children how the Pope leads the Church in the world today.
b. Explain to the children what bishops do as leaders in the Church.
6. Explain that the disciples of Jesus also pray for one another.
a. Ask the children: Why is it important that we pray for one another?
7. Teach the children about the General Intercessions that are prayed at every celebration of the
Eucharist.
a. Tell the children that during the General Intercessions we pray for the needs of the
Church, for the faithful, for our families, and for the whole world.
8. Help the children compose General Intercessions according to the following pattern:
a. For the needs of the Church;
b. For public authorities;
c. For the people of the world;
d. For those who are suffering;
e. For the local community.
9. Conclude the class by praying the General Intercessions composed by the children and the
prayer to the Holy Spirit, Come, Holy Spirit! (see below)
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your
love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of
the earth.
O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful,
grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His
consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
Grade 3 Page 14
Through the Sacraments of Christian Initiation,
we receive the fullness of the Spirit and become members of the Church.
1212-13, 1275, 1316, 1322
In the Sacrament of Baptism, God gives us his life. Baptism takes away original
sin and personal sin and strengthens us against the effects of original sin.
We are born into new life by which we become adopted children of the Father,
a member of the Body of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit.
977, 1213, 1215, 1263, 1279, 1987
Lesson Objective: To help the children learn that through the sacrament of Baptism, one of the
sacraments of initiation, we become members of the Church.
Vocabulary: Holy water 694; Baptismal water 694, 1238.
Acts of the Apostles 2:36-47 (Christian Initiation)
Acts of the Apostles 2:38 (Baptism)
Prayer: The Apostles’ Creed
Teaching methods: Reading the Bible; discussion; examining a basic concept; demonstration.
Teaching materials: Textbook; Bible; *DVD; music; Rite of Baptism.
1. Opening prayer:
b. Pray: Sign of the Cross; Our Father; Hail Mary; Glory Be.
2. Review with the children the meaning of “Good News.”
3. Explain that the Good News was shared throughout the world by the apostles and those the
apostles taught. Tell the children that:
a. People wanted to learn more about Jesus.
b. People wanted to do the things Jesus did.
c. Ask the children: What did Jesus do?
i. He helped the poor, he healed the sick, and he fed the hungry.
d. Ask the children: What did Jesus promise his followers?
i. Jesus promised that those who followed his teachings would one day be in
heaven with him and his Father.
4. Read from the Acts of the Apostles 2:36-47 and 2:38.
5. Ask the children: What are some of the things the early followers of Jesus did?
a. Do we still do these things today?
b. Ask the children to give examples.
Grade 3 Page 15
6. Speak with the children about the clubs or organizations of which they might be members
(for example, scouts, sports team, school club, etc.)
a. Tell the children that when we want to become a member of a team or club, we agree
to follow certain rules.
b. Sometimes members wear a special uniform, badge, or insignia. Ask the children
why this might be important.
7. Explain to the children we become members of the Catholic Church through the sacrament of
baptism. We (or our parents or godparents) hear and, as best we can, try to understand what
the Church teaches.
a. We promise to do certain things when we are baptized.
b. We promise to do the things Jesus did.
c. We promise to follow the rules of the Church.
8. When we are baptized we receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
a. Explain to the children this mean we are given the grace to focus on Jesus and what
he asked his followers to do.
b. Explain to the children that baptism takes away original sin. Any sins a person may
have committed before baptism are forgiven and one is given strength to avoid sin.
c. Tell the children that through baptism we are born into new life. In our new life we
become adopted children of God. We also become a member of the Body of Christ,
the Church, and we become temples of the Holy Spirit.
9. Explain to the children the rite of baptism of an infant (refer to the Rite for the Baptism of
One Child).
a. Explain that the white garment signifies that one is a new creation, a son or daughter
of God.
b. Explain that the baptismal candle signifies the light of Christ and the one who is
baptized shares the light of Jesus with the world.
c. The baptismal water cleanses us from our sins.
10. If time allows and if possible:
a. Show the children the baptismal font in the Church.
b. Invite a priest or deacon to the class and ask him to demonstrate the sacrament of
baptism.
11. Tell the children the Apostles’ Creed is a prayer that states what we believe as Catholic
Christians.
a. Explain to the children we are connected with one another and with the Church by the
things we believe.
12. Conclude the session by praying together the Apostles’ Creed to show we are connected with
one another and with the Church.
Grade 3 Page 16
In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the life of faith grows in us and in the Spirit
empowers us to be witnesses to Christ. 1285, 1303
Grade 3, page 5, band 1 (first part)
Lesson Objective: To teach children that Confirmation gives us the grace that helps us grow as
disciples of Jesus and gives us the power to help Jesus strengthen His Church.
Vocabulary: Disciple 787, 1816; Pope 881-882; Bishop 1555, 1594; Priest 1547.
Mark 1:10-12 – Baptism and Temptation of Jesus
Luke 4:17-21 – Jesus is rejected at Nazareth
Acts of the Apostles 2:1-13 – The Coming of the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 3:16 – The Love of Christ
Prayer Experience:
The Apostles’ Creed
Come, Holy Spirit!
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
V. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray.
O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant
that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations.
Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Teaching methods:
Reading the Bible; videos; explanation; discussion; encouraging the children to explain how to
be a disciple of Jesus.
Teaching materials:
Textbook; Bible; videos.
1. Begin with prayer to the Holy Spirit.

2. Explain to the children that Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist are called Sacraments of
Christian initiation (1585). Also explain to the children the significance of each.
o Baptism makes us members of the Church
o Confirmation strengthens our bond with Jesus and the Church
o Eucharist nourishes us as we live our Catholic Christian life.
3. Read Ephesians 3:16 (The Love of Christ) to the children. Explain the effects of
Confirmation:
o Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of Baptismal grace;
o Confirmation unites us more firmly to Christ;
o Confirmation increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;
o Confirmation strengthens our bond with the Church;
o Confirmation gives us special strength to spread and deepen the faith (1303);
o As disciples of Jesus, those who are confirmed are called to continue the work of
Jesus which is to strengthen His Church.
Grade 3 Page 17
4. Ask the children, “How can they continue the work of Jesus?”
o By loving God;
o By striving to become the person God wants them to be.
5. Through the gifts and the fruits of the Holy Spirit (see below) they will make proper
decisions and choices in their lives becoming closer to Jesus and by their own lived example
they will try to encourage others to embrace the Faith.
o Gift of the Holy Spirit (1831):
 Wisdom
 Understanding
 Counsel
 Fortitude
 Knowledge
 Piety
 Fear of the Lord (Wonder and Awe)
o Fruits of the Holy Spirit (1832):
 Charity
 Joy
 Peace
 Patience
 Kindness
 Goodness
 Generosity
 Gentleness
 Faithfulness
 Modesty
 Self-control
 Chastity
6. Conclude the session by reading the story of the Coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-13).
Grade 3 Page 18
In the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, Jesus feeds us with his Body and Blood,
and makes us one with him and with one another. 1331, 1384, 1391-92, 1396
In the Eucharistic Celebration, the Sacrifice of the Mass, Jesus gathers us in
worship and thanksgiving, and through the ministry of the priest offers himself to
the Father for us. 1348, 1365, 1382, 1410
Grade 3, page 5, (2nd part of band 1 and band 2)
Lesson Objective: To help the children come to believe that at Mass Jesus feeds us with His
body and blood as a sign of His love for us and that the Eucharist brings us closer to Jesus and
one another.
Vocabulary: Sacrifice 616, 1357, 1544, 2099; Deacon 1570; Word of God 135; Savior 430, 457;
Offertory; Consecration; Gospel.
The Eucharist – 1 Corinthians 11:23-25
Last Supper – Luke 22:19-20
Christian Life – Acts of the Apostles 2:42
Prayer Experience:
The Apostles’ Creed; Sign of the Cross; Holy, Holy, Holy (Sanctus), The Glory Be (Doxology)
Teaching methods: Bible stories; Music; Explanation; Discussion.
Teaching materials:
Bible; Textbook; DVD; Music.
1. Read Luke 22:19-20. Teach the children that Jesus loves his people so much that through the
Eucharist he remains with us until the end of time.
2. Tell the children that at the Last Supper, the night before He died, Jesus blessed bread and
wine and after offering the bread and wine to his Father, he gave the bread and wine to his
apostles to eat.
a. He told them to do this in memory of Him.
b. He promised whenever the apostles and their successors (only validly ordained
priests) offer bread and wine to the Father, the way Jesus did, he would become truly
present, body and blood, soul and divinity. This is what happens every time Mass is
celebrated.
c. Review the word Transubstantiation.
 Explain to the children that this is the word we use to describe the unique
change of the Eucharistic bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ.
Through the consecration of the bread and the wine there occurs the change of
the entire substance of the bread into the substance of the Body and Christ,
and of the entire substance of the wine into the Blood of Christ. This happens
even though the appearances of bread and wine remain (1376).
d. The Mass is a memorial of Jesus’ Passion, Death and Resurrection (1212).
 The Mass is a sign of Jesus unity and love with each one of us.
 The Mass is a sign of the unity and love we have with one another.
Grade 3 Page 19
3. Explain to the children that we believe that just as our bodies need food and nourishment, so
do our souls. We receive this nourishment every time we receive the Eucharist which is the
Body and Blood of Jesus that He offered up for all of us during His Passion, Death and
Resurrection. In other words, we believe that the Eucharist is Jesus. We believe that during
the Consecration at Mass, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus.
4. Therefore, the Mass is the central act of worship in our Faith. We are obligated to attend
Mass on every Sunday and holy days. The Eucharist is the source and summit of our life as
Catholics (1324) and nothing we do is more important than going to Mass because it is the
celebration of our redemption.
a. The Mass gives us the opportunity to receive the nourishment that we need to be
united to Jesus and His Church. We believe the Eucharist is Jesus. We call this “the
Real Presence.”
b. In this sacrament, through the ministry of the priest, Jesus offers himself to the Father
for us.
5. Explain to the children that in the Mass we are given spiritual nourishment to continue Jesus’
ministry of service. Review the following parts of the Mass:
a. Liturgy of the Word
 Through the Word of God which we hear.
b. Liturgy of the Eucharist (103, 864, 1212, 1336, 1392, 1394, 1397, 2449)
6. Tell the children that the word “Eucharist” means “thanksgiving.” Explain to them other
words that are used to describe the Eucharist are:
a. Lord’s Supper
b. Holy and Divine Liturgy
c. Blessed Sacrament
o Holy Communion – receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus, thus uniting us with
Christ and members of His Body the Church
o The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (the word “Mass” means to go forth)
7. Explain to the children that once we make our first Holy Communion, we should receive as
often as we can since Communion nourishes us and strengthens our relationship with Jesus
and His Church.
8. Conclude the session by reading and reflecting on the Acts of the Apostles 2:42.
Grade 3 Page 20
Through the Sacraments of Healing we are forgiven,
strengthened and comforted as members of the Church: 1421
In the sacrament of Penance, through the absolution of the priest,
Jesus forgives our sinful choices (personal sin)
and renews or restores our relationship with God and with the Church.
980, 1422, 1424, 1442, 1449, 1468-69
In the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick,
through the anointing with oil of the sick by the priest or bishop,
Jesus gives comfort, strength, and peace to the sick, the elderly and the dying.
1511, 1514, 1520
Lesson Objective: To teach children that in the Sacraments of Healing we receive God’s gifts of
forgiveness, healing, strength, and peace.
Vocabulary: Absolution 1449; Reconciliation 1420-22; Contrition 1451.
Matthew15:29-30 – Jesus heals many people
Mark 2:1-12 – Jesus heals the paralyzed man
Luke 15:11-32 – The Prodigal Son
Prayer:
The Act of Contrition.
Teaching methods:
Bible stories; Explanation (of sin); Discussion; Act of Contrition; Dramatization of the story of
the Prodigal Son.
Teaching materials:
Bible; Textbook; DVD, Catechism of the Catholic Church
1. Begin by praying the Act of Contrition.

2. Explain to the children that Penance is one of the two Sacraments of Healing.
3. Review with the group that when we choose to do things on purpose and that we know are
wrong, these are called sins (sinful choices).
4. Remind the children that God loves us and gives us a way to be forgiven; it is called the
Sacrament of Penance. In this sacrament, Jesus has willed that His Church continue by the
power of the Holy Spirit His work of healing and salvation (1420).
5. Explain to the children that we often fail to love God and others as we should. When we
receive the grace of the Sacrament of Penance our relationship with God is restored and
strengthened.
Grade 3 Page 21
6. We receive the sacrament of Penance through the Rite of Reconciliation (1449, 1491). In
order to be reconciled with God and His Church the sinner follows these steps:
a. Make an examination of conscience.
b. Be sorry for one’s sins.
c. Make the decision, with God’s help, not to sin again (this is called a firm purpose of
amendment).
d. Confess the sins to the priest.
e. Express sorrow by praying the Act of Contrition
f. Do the penance the priest gives.
7. Make a habit of receiving the sacrament of penance regularly in order to remain in a loving
relationship with God and the Church. The priest in the parish is always available for the
sacrament of penance. The grace received in this Sacrament helps us to deal with
temptations and to avoid sin.
8. Dramatize the story of the Prodigal Son or another Scripture passage that illustrates Jesus
showing forgiveness.
9. Explain to the children that Anointing of the Sick is one of the two Sacraments of Healing.
10. Tell the children that in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the sick by a bishop or priest,
Jesus gives comfort, peace, and strength to the sick, the elderly and the dying.
a. The Sacrament of the anointing of the sick is not only for those who are in danger of
death but also for those who are frail or elderly (1521).
b. This sacrament can be received more than once. As a person’s illness goes through
stages, they may receive this sacrament to strengthen and comfort them.
11. Tell the children there were many examples of Jesus’ ministry to the sick and disabled.
12. Conclude the session by reading Matthew 15:29-30 to the children and ask them to pray for
sick people they know.
Grade 3 Page 22
Mary has a special place in the Church as Mother of God and
Mother of the Church. 495, 509, 963, 967
Lesson Objectives:
• To help the children understand Mary as the Mother of Jesus, as the Mother of God, as the
Mother of the Church, and as the Mother of all of us.
• To help the children understand the meaning of the Assumption of Mary.
• To help the children understand the sacredness of the human body.
• To help the children understand the Catholic belief in the resurrection of the body.
Vocabulary:
Soul 365-367; Assumption 966, 974; Annunciation 490; Immaculate Conception 491-492.
Scripture Reference: Mary as our Mother – John 19:16-27a
Prayer Experience: Hail Mary.
Teaching methods: Storytelling; teaching; use of Scripture; discussion.
Teaching materials: Bible.
1. Opening prayer:
2. Tell the children the story of the life of Mary, the Mother of Jesus that we know from the
Gospels (at the end of this lesson plan).
3. Present the meaning of the Assumption of Mary and the sacredness of the human body.
a. Talk to the children about what their soul is.
b. Tell them that when a disciple of Jesus dies, their body is buried in the earth and their
soul is prepared to be with Jesus in Heaven. Ask the children if they know anyone
who has died. Invite them to imagine that person with Jesus.
c. Tell the children that what happened to Mary – at the end of her earthly life Jesus
took her into Heaven body and soul.
d. This is called the “Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary” 966, 974.
e. This is different from what happens to everyone else when we die. Only our soul
goes to heaven at first, but when finally, it is time for Jesus to return again and make
the whole earth part of His heavenly kingdom, our body too will be raised up and be
joined again with our soul. Then, we too will have our bodies and souls in heaven
like Jesus and Mary have theirs.
f. How important to God our bodies are! He wants them to live forever with Him in
heaven. And when alive on this earth, they are temples of God’s Presence (grace)
1004.
g. Mary is in heaven with her Son Jesus. She is our heavenly Mother who takes care of
us and to whom we can turn in our every need.
h. In the Mysteries of the Rosary we reflect upon the lives of Jesus and Mary.
4. Concluding prayer: Pray a decade of the Rosary; reflect on the Joyful Mysteries.
Grade 3 Page 23
Story of the Life of Mary, the Mother of Jesus
• Mary was a young girl when the Angel Gabriel came to tell her she was chosen by God and
invited to be the mother of His Son. Have the children say the first part of the Hail Mary &
tell them these are the words of the angel’s announcement to Mary. We call this “the
Annunciation.” (Luke 1:28-38)
• Mary was engaged to a man named Joseph. An angel told Joseph in a dream that Mary was
going to have a baby, and that baby would be God’s Only Son. (Matthew 1:18-25)
• Jesus was born in Bethlehem – ask the children to contribute to this story. (Luke 2:1-20;
Matthew 2:1-12)
• The Holy Family lived for 30 years in Nazareth, the very small town on a mountain top,
where Mary and Joseph also grew up. (Luke 2:51-52 & Luke 4:16)
• When Jesus was an adult, He left home to tell everyone in Palestine about His Father and His
Father’s Kingdom. Jesus said the Kingdom of God is already here among us and He invited
everyone to live with Him in the Kingdom. Mary listened to the words of her Son and
became the best example of what it means to live in the Kingdom.
• When Jesus was killed on the Cross, Mary was right there with her Son at the foot of the
Cross. This was a very brave thing to do. When Jesus was dying on the Cross, He told us
that Mary is our Mother too. (John 19:25-27)
• After Jesus’ death, His mother Mary went to stay with his little group of disciples who were
lonely and afraid without Him. She helped and comforted them. (Acts 1: 14)
• Three Days later when Jesus rose from the dead and began appearing to his disciples, Mary
was with them, sharing their joy that Jesus was truly alive!!! She assured the disciples that
Jesus would always be with them.
• At Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came down upon them all and made them brave in Jesus’
name and able to proclaim to people everywhere the good news of Jesus’ Resurrection, Mary
was with them. She helped the disciples to understand what God was doing for His people.
• Until her death, Mary was with the first disciples of Jesus. They were the first Church
community and Mary was their spiritual Mother just as she continues to be the Mother of the
Church today.
• At the end of Mary’s earthly life, Jesus took his beloved mother’s body, as well as her soul,
immediately up to heaven to be with him. This is what is meant by “the Assumption of the
Blessed Virgin Mary”
• Mary was the only human being except for Jesus, who never sinned and who was never
selfish. She was born without original sin. We call this the “Immaculate Conception.”
491-492
Additional Gospel stories with Mary: Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-23); Visitation (Luke
1:39-56); Jesus’ Presentation in Temple (Luke 2:21-38); Jesus goes to the Temple at age 12
(Luke 2:41-50); Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-12).
Grade 3 Page 24
Complete the teaching of the Apostles’ Creed
Grade 3, page 6, band 1(Prayer and Worship)
Lesson Objective: To complete the teaching of the Apostles’ Creed by presenting its last section
Vocabulary: Communion of Saints 946-948; Resurrection of the Body 997-1000; Trinity 234;
Savior 430, 457.
Scripture References: Mission to the World – Matthew 28:16-20
Prayer Experience: Apostles’ Creed; Reflection on Matthew 28:16-20.
Teaching methods: Teaching; Discussion; Imagination; Group meditation.
Teaching materials: Bible.
1. Opening prayer:
2. Review with children the Holy Spirit is:
a. The third person in the Blessed Trinity.
b. Always with us, dwelling within us.
c. Showing us how to live like Jesus and helping us to do it.
3. Remember with the children their experience of receiving the Sacrament of Penance for the
first time last year.
a. Review with them the section on the Sacrament of Penance from Grade 2 Guidelines.
b. Remind the children that Jesus always forgives our sins. For our part, we must be
sorry (repent) and ask Him to forgive us. This is why we call Jesus our Savior.
c. Sin always harms us in some way and Jesus saves us from sin.
4. Teach the children what it means to say “I believe in life everlasting”; i.e. when we die, our
body dies but our soul lives forever
a. Ask the children if they have ever gone to a funeral. At a funeral, they see the body is
dead, but, as Jesus has taught us, our souls do not die. They join him in heaven.
5. Continue to teach the children the meaning of the resurrection of the body. See the previous
lesson plan on the Assumption of the Blessed Mother.
6. Teach the children what a saint is and what the Communion of Saints is.
a. A “saint” is a person who is “holy” and is dedicated to God by living closely with
Jesus.
b. “Communion of Saints” is a community of people united with each other in heart and
soul around Jesus. Because each one loves and is united with Jesus, they are also
united with each other.
c. When we live our lives with Jesus, doing what He wants of us, then we are in
communion with all the other people – the living and the dead – who are also united
with Jesus. This makes us part of the Communion of Saints.
Grade 3 Page 25
7. Lead the children in a prayerful meditation on the Communion of Saints
a. Read Matthew 28:16-20 to the group.
b. Tell the children to imagine them sitting in that circle around the Risen Jesus, with
other people they know who also believe in Jesus.
c. Tell them to listen to Jesus speaking to them.
d. Read the words of Jesus in this passage, stressing his last word “I am with you always
even to the end of time.” Tell them that by being with us all the time, Jesus is always
taking care of us and saving us from what is harmful.
e. Give the children quiet time to talk to the Risen Jesus.
f. In the closing prayer, tell them this is what it means to be in “the communion of
saints;” we are gathered around the Risen Jesus, with many other people, on earth, in
purgatory 1030, and in Heaven who also love Him.
Grade 3 Page 26
Jesus chose the Apostles to serve his people in a special way.
He named Peter as their leader.
2, 551-553, 858-859
The Pope, the Vicar of Christ, is the successor of Saint Peter.
The bishops, established by the Holy Spirit, are the successors of the apostles and
together form the college of Bishops.
The Pope is the head of the College of Bishops.
861-862, 881, 936, 938
In Jesus’ name, the Pope and the bishops continue
to teach, to sanctify, and to govern. 873
We experience the Church most immediately in our local parish.
7522, 2179, 2226
Grade 3, page 6, bands 2 & 3
Lesson Objective: To help the children understand what the Catholic Church is and that it is
experienced first of all in the parish.
Vocabulary: Catholic Church; Local Parish; Infallibility 889; Pope 881-882; Vicar of Christ
936; Bishop 555,1594; College of Bishops 857; Priest 1547; Pastor; Deacon 1570; Religious
Brother and Religious Sister 925; Lay man and Lay woman 897.
Mission to the World – Matthew 28:16-20 –
The Call of the Twelve Apostles – Luke 6:12-16
Peter, the Rock – Matthew 16:18-20
Acts of the Apostles 4:32-35 – Community Life of First Disciples
Prayer Experience: Reflection on Acts of the Apostles 4:32-35.
Teaching methods: Teaching; Discussion; Question & answer (the content on Church structure
is presented by eliciting what the children already know).
Teaching materials: Bible; Pictures (hardcopy or digital) of Vatican and of St. Patrick’s
Cathedral; Pictures (hardcopy or digital) of the Pope and the Archbishop (Cardinal) of New
York.
1. Opening prayer:
b. Pray: Sign of the Cross; Our Father; Hail Mary; Glory Be to the Father.
2. Read to the children Luke 6:12 – 16 a. Explain that one of the first things Jesus did when He
began His ministry was to choose His Twelve Apostles.
3. Then read Matthew 28:16-20. Explain that the last thing Jesus did on earth before returning
to His Father in heaven was to gather the Apostles and disciples He had called and send them
out (mission them) to teach the whole world what Jesus had taught them and to bring
everyone into His Church – the Catholic Church.
Grade 3 Page 27
a. Tell them “Catholic” means “universal” – for everyone.
b. Tell the children that the Apostles’ Creed, which they have been learning, is the
summary of everything Jesus taught us. When someone asks a Catholic what they
believe, the Catholic can answer in the words of the Apostles’ Creed.
c. Have the children recite the entire Apostles’ Creed.
4. Teach the children the structure of the Universal Church (taken from Grade 3-page 6, middle
band):
a. The Pope, the Vicar of Christ, is the successor of St. Peter.
b. The bishops, established by the Holy Spirit, are the successors of the apostles and
together form the College of Bishops. The Pope is the head of the College of
Bishops.
c. In Jesus’ name, the Pope and Bishops continue to teach, sanctify, and govern.
5. Explain the meaning of each vocabulary word listed above which defines the roles of the
people who make up the Church. Use the references from the Catechism of Catholic Church
to assist in your explanations.
6. Read to the children Matthew 16:18-20 where Jesus names Peter the head of his Church.
a. Explain that the Pope is the Vicar (representative) of Christ, the successor of Peter.
Make sure the children know the name of the current Pope and tell them about him.
Show them pictures (digital or hard copy) of the Pope.
b. Show them pictures (digital or hard copy) of the Vatican and tell them about it.
Explain that it is where the Pope lives and that it is from there he works to help
people all over the world come to know about God’s love for them and all that Jesus
taught us.
7. Explain that in every country of the world, the Church is divided into sections, called
dioceses. Usually these dioceses are made up of a big city and all the small towns around it.
Tell them New York is a big diocese – so big it is called an “Archdiocese.”
a. Show them pictures of St. Patrick’s Cathedral; tell them about it, where it is located
and stress that it is the main church for the New York Archdiocese.
b. Explain that each Diocese has its own Bishop who works closely with the Pope and
each bishop helps the Pope take care of the people in his particular diocese.
c. Make sure children know the name of the current Archbishop (Cardinal) of New
York Archdiocese. Show them pictures (digital or hard copy) and tell them about
him.
8. Teach the children that their local parish is where they usually experience the Catholic
Church. Explain that each local parish represents the whole Church.
a. Tell the children that just as there is a Bishop for each diocese, there is a Pastor for
each parish. Tell them the word “Pastor” means shepherd. The way Jesus, the Good
Shepherd, takes care of all of us, his sheep, so He asks each Pastor take care of all the
people in his parish. Make sure the children know the name of their Pastor.
b. Bring the children to the parish Church and invite the Pastor to meet the children and
to talk with them about being members of the parish community.
c. Read Acts 4:32-35 to children and tell them that this is how the people in the first
Catholic parishes lived. Ask them to imagine what it would be like in their
neighborhood if people lived like this and to give examples.
Grade 3 Page 28
9. Concluding prayer:
a. Lead the children in prayer for people in their parish who need food, jobs, welcome,
or a decent home.
b. Lead the children in prayer that Jesus will make our own hearts more willing to share
what we have with people in need.
Grade 3 Page 29
PROFESSION OF FAITH
The Apostles’ Creed (Grade 1 – Page 6 in the Guidelines)
WORDS TO BE TAUGHT
Annunciation 490 Lay man, lay woman 897 Religious Sister 925
Assumption 974 Parables 546 Savior 430, 457
Bishop 1555, 1594 Pastor 2179 Stewardship 2402
College of Bishops 857 Pope 881-82 Trinity 234
Deacon 1570 Priest 1547 Vicar of Christ 936
Disciple 787, 1816 Religious Brother 925 Word of God 135
Infallibility 889
Presider’s Chair 1184 Give Sacred Scripture a special place in the classroom. 103, 132
Sacred Vessels 1672 Encourage a reverent and prayerful attitude in the place of
Sacristy worship. 1186, 1199
Vestments Foster the children’s participation in the prayer and worship of
the parish community. 2179, 2226
PRAYERS TO BE TAUGHT
The Rosary: Joyful Mysteries 971, 1674
.
REVIEW PRAYERS OF THE PREVIOUS GRADES

Sign of the Cross 1235, 2157
Our Father 2759
Hail Mary 2676-77
The Glory Be (Doxology, Grade 1 – Page 5)
Act of Contrition (Grade 2 - Page 6)
Morning and evening prayer 2659, 2685, 2698
Grace at meals 2698, 2834
Spontaneous prayer 2590, 2659-60
Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament 1380
Grade 3 Page 30

Lesson Plan Model

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Lesson Plan Model

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Lesson Plan Model

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Lesson Plans

To the Catechist Page 1

To the Catechist Page 2

The Apostles’ Creed

GRADE ONE I believe in God, the Father almighty,

GRADE TWO and in Jesus Christ,

GRADE THREE I believe in the Holy Spirit,

God is our Father who loves us,

1. Gather the children around the prayer table.

1. Opening prayer: Review Sign of the Cross and Hail Mary.

Advent 524, 1095 Easter 1169 Sacrament 1131

LITURGICAL SYMBOLS AND GESTURES TO BE TAUGHT

Altar 1182, 1383 Kneeling Sign of the Cross 2157

Give Sacred Scripture a special place in the classroom. 103, 133

PRAYERS TO BE TAUGHT PRAYERS TO BE ENCOURAGED

Story of the Life of Mary, the Mother of Jesus

Lesson Objective: The children will learn the Rite of Penance.

Continue to teach the Apostles’ Creed up to “…and the dead.

LITURGICAL SYMBOLS AND GESTURES TO BE TAUGHT

(taken from the Rite of Penance)

1. Begin with prayer to the Holy Spirit.

1. Begin by praying the Act of Contrition.

The Apostles’ Creed (Grade 1 – Page 6 in the Guidelines)

LITURGICAL SYMBOLS AND GESTURES TO BE TAUGHT

REVIEW PRAYERS OF THE PREVIOUS GRADES

You might also like