12/18/2013 - The Church, Part 2

Topic:
The Church, Part 2

Primary Goal:
For the students to understand how God speaks to us through the Church.

Secondary Goals:
  1. Introduce Other Topics
  2. Talking with God and His Saints
What is the Purpose of Life
What you must do to be Saved
Are You Guaranteed Heaven

Lesson Plan:

Introduce Topic:

Bible reading:  2 Timothy 1: 6 - 14

Catechism: Paragraph 84

Opening Song: I Am by Mark Schultz

Opening Prayer:


Discussions:

Booklet: Pillar of Fire; Pillar of Truth by Catholic Answers
How God Speaks to Us (Page 9 - 13)
Talking with God and His Saints (Page 20 - 21)
What is the Purpose of Life (Page 21 - 26)
The Wave of the Future (Page 26 - 29)
Your Tasks as a Catholic (Page 29 - 30) 
Develop an Action Plan:
  1. How can we put our faith in Christ and the Catholic Church He started to make this Christmas a better Christmas for yourself?
  2. How can we put our faith in Christ and the Catholic Church He started to make this Christmas a better Christmas for other people?

Open Q&A

Summary
Summarize what was discussed in this class

Closing Song: This is Christmas by Kutless

Closing Prayer


BLOG Bonus Links

Fingerprints of God by Steven Curtis Chapman


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12/11/2013 - The Church, An Introduction

Topic:
The Church, An Introduction

Primary Goal:
For the students to understand the basic history and structure of the Church.

Secondary Goals:
  1. Learn the Four Marks of the Church.
  2. The Church is One
The Church is Holy
The Church is Catholic
The Church is Apostolic

Lesson Plan:

Introduce Topic:

Bible reading: Matthew 16:15 - 19

Catechism: Paragraph 811

Opening Song: Love Take Me Over by Steven Curtis Chapman

Opening Prayer:


Small Group Activity: Origami Elephant from a Dollar Bill

Discussions:

Booklet: Pillar of Fire; Pillar of Truth by Catholic Answers
An Unbroken History (Page 1 - 3)
Four Marks of the True Church (Page 3 - 7)
The Structure of the Church (Page 7 - 9) 
 
Develop an Action Plan:
  1. How can a stronger faith in the Church help us to develope a stronger faith in God the Father, God the Son, & God the Holy Spirit?

Open Q&A

Summary
Summarize what was discussed in this class

Closing Song: This Baby by Steven Curtis Chapman

Closing Prayer


BLOG Bonus Links

Al Kresta in the Afternoon
By What Authority?: An Evangelical Discovers Catholic Tradition
Description: In a newly updated, expanded version of his popular testimony, By What Authority?: An Evangelical Discovers Catholic Tradition, Mark Shea presents a lively and entertaining look at his conversion to Catholicism from Evangelicalism and his discovery of Christian tradition. As an Evangelical, Shea accepted the principle of "sola scriptura" (Scripture alone) as the basis of faith. Now as a Catholic convert, he skillfully explains how and why Sacred Tradition occupies a central role in Divine Revelation. He joins us today to tell that story.
Segment Guest: Mark Shea - Author, Speaker, Blogger, Apologist
 

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11//6/2013: Open Q & A

Topic:
Open Q & A

Primary Goal:
Answer questions from the students.

Lesson Plan:

Introduce Topic:

Bible reading: Hebrews 10:23

Catechism: Paragraph 1817

Opening Song: Middle Of Your Heart (Lyric Video) by for King & Country

Opening Prayer:



Open Q & A Discussion:


Opening Song: Hello, My Name Is (Lyrics) by Mattew West

Closing Prayer


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10/23/2013: Jesus Asks: Who do you say that I am?

Topic:
The Divinity of Jesus

Primary Goal:
For the students to confidently know Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Messiah and the revelation of God become man.

Secondary Goals:
  1. Understand the four tasks of the Messiah and how Jesus fulfills them, according to the Old and New Testaments.
  2. Gathering the Tribes of Israel
Cleansing the Temple of God
Dealing with the Enemies of Israel
Reigning as Lord of the Nations
 
Lesson Plan:

Introduce Topic:

Bible reading: Matthew 16:13 - 17

Catechism: Paragraph 464

Opening Prayer:

Discussions:
Watch and discuss Episode 1 - "Amazed and Afraid: The Revelation of God Become Man" from the Catholicism Series.
Develop an Action Plan:
  1. How can we demonstrate in our private actions, our belief that Jesus is Lord?
  2. How can we demonstrate in our public actions, our belief that Jesus is Lord?

Open Q&A

Summary
Summarize what was discussed in this class

Closing Song: Strangely Dim by Francesca Battistelli

Closing Prayer


BLOG Bonus Links

Jesus: Sent by God? Yes
The link above is to a post on the "RechargeYourLight" Blog Spot authored by Gary Lauderbaugh. The links in this post are to audio recordings from a Series called "Life is Worth Living" by of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.  The series was popular in the 50's but the leasons taught in these records are timeless.



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10-16-2013: The Existence of Jesus

Topic:
Our Faith in the Existence of Jesus

Primary Goal:
For the students to grow in their confidence in the existence of Jesus, the second person of the Trinity, that came down to Earth.

Secondary Goals:
  1. Understand why critical thinking is an imporatant skill.
  2. Understand that Atheists believes that God does not exist.

Lesson Plan:

Introduce Topic:

Bible reading: Matthew 1:18 - 23

Catechism: Paragraph 422 - 424

Opening Song:  Hallelujah He Is Born by Sawyer Brown

Opening Prayer:

Discussions:

Note: This topic can get a little deep at times. Don't give up...hang in there.  All of the topics listed in the index below are very good but there is not enough time to discuss them all. We will be working through this recording slowly and discussing the topics listed below with an asterisks to gain a high-level awareness of the topics.  Please listen to the other topics on your own and bring any questions you have to class.

Audio Link #1: Al Kresta - 3/22/2012 - Part 1 
* 2:00 to 8:00 - Introduction
* 11:00 to 15:50 - Introduction (Continued)
15:50 to 18:45 - Factors from a Modern World
25:00 to  27:00 - The difference between Credibility and Plausibility.
27:00 to 35:30 - A mother discusses how the Zeitgeist movie had a negative impact on her son.
* 42:40 to 47:20 - A High School teacher discusses his experiences.
* 47:30 to 52:40 - A Priest discusses his experience at a Major Theological school, the affects of original sin, and an Atheist's response to the proofs of God.

* 10:50 to 13:16 - 8th Grade Religious Ed Teacher - Not Thinking Critically
* 26:55 to 29:11 - Atheist caller - Discusses the unbelievability of the Zeitgeist movie
41:00 to 45:33 - Mother of daughter who discusses her daughter's belief that Jesus and Mary are just stories. 
45:33 to 52:00 - A Scientist who converted to the Catholic Church talks about the confusion some people have with what is a story and what is historical in the bible.  She believes this leads to some not believing Jesus was a real person. 

Group Discussion:

Discuss and come up with answers to the following questions:
  1. How does your belief in Jesus affect the decisions you make?
  2. Critical thinking is a way of deciding whether a claim is true, partially true, or false. Critical thinking was brought up multiple times in the audio recordings we just listened to. Why is critical thinking important when interacting with your friends?  Why is critical thinking important when we are seeking to grow in our faith by better understanding the truth Jesus whats us to know?

Discuss Group work:

Develop an Action Plan:
  1. Critical thinking is important in all areas of our life: school, work, play, and our christian faith.  How can we become better critical thinkers?
  2. Trusted sources is one way to acquire knowledge that will improve your critical thinking skills. What are some trusted sources you can use for knowledge related to your Catholic Christian faith?
  3. In light of what we just discussed, if a friend sent you a link to a YouTube video and the video is related to a religious topic, where could you go to check whether the video is speaking the truth as taught by our Catholic Faith?

Open Q&A

Summary
Summarize what was discussed in this class

Closing Song: Baby Boy by for King & Country

Closing Prayer


BLOG Bonus Links

Baby Boy by for King & Country (Live Video Recording)



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10-9-2013: Planning for Fall Service Projects

Topic:
Planning for Fall Service Projects

Primary Goal:
For the students to plan the details related to the class fall service projects..

Lesson Plan:

Introduce Topic:

Bible Reading: Luke 21:1 - 4

Catechism: Paragraph 1932

Opening Song:  Do Something by Matthew West

Opening Prayer:
God, there have been times in the past when we said to You, "Why don't you do something?". We then closed our ears to your response of: "That is why I created you!". It is easier for us to say someone else will do it. In our previous classes we have talked about how we are Your hands and feet. God, help us to learn to look to ourselves for the solutions to the problems we see because it is NOT ENOUGH TO DO NOTHING. If it is not us then who will do it. Help us to see that it is TIME FOR US TO DO SOMETHING.
Amen

Discussions:
In our opening song we are called to "Do Something".  However, sometimes we don't because we feel like "We are too shy.", "We are too weak.", "We don't speak very well.", "We don't fit in.", or "We are not good enough.".  God made us all for a higher purpose and it is up to each of us, with the help of the Holy Spirit, family, and friends to find that higher purpose.  The song in this weeks "BLOG Bonus Links" reminds us that no matter how different we feel we are or what limitations we feel we have, God has "Wonderfully Made" us for a higher purpose to serve others.
As you work through planning for your service projects remember that everyone on the team is unique and brings something special to the group. So, be open to all suggestions from all members of the team and do not dismiss them just because it is different than your idea. Try to find a way to incorporate as many of the suggestions as you can.
What are the goals for the service projects?
Stay focused on the project goals.  
Group Discussion:
Make plans for the Fall Service projects.
Make sure everyone on the team has something to do that contributes to the success of the project. 

Discuss Group work:



Open Q&A:

Summary:
Summarize what was discussed in this class

Closing Song: My Own Little World by Matthew West

Closing Prayer:


BLOG Bonus Links

Wonderfully Made by Matthew West





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10-2-2013: The Existence of God

Topic:
Our Faith in the Existence of God

Primary Goal:
For the students to grow in their confidence in the existence of the creator God.

Secondary Goals:
  1. To be aware of some of the short comings of arguments used to try and explain the existence of the universe without God's creating power.
  2. Be aware of how to explain the age of the universe according to science vs the age according to the genealogy of the bible in Genesis.
  3. Begin to help build confidence in the students that they can listen to someone talk about an advanced topic such as this and walk away with some new knowledge and understanding.  Even if it is only a few simple pieces of new knowledge and understanding it is a step toward an adult understanding.

Lesson Plan:

Introduce Topic:

Bible reading: Genesis 1:1

Catechism: Paragraph 31

Opening Prayer:

Opening Song:  Your My God by Jaci Velasquez

Discussions:

Audio Link: Catholic Answers Live - The Existence of God
 


Note: This topic can get a little deep at times. Don't give up...hang in there.  We will be working through this recording slowly and discussing the topics listed below in the index for this recording to gain a high-level awareness of the topics.
Index for Recording 
01:15 to 9:04 - The partial truths that many use to try to disprove the existence of God.
09:05 to 12:59 - Something cannot come from Nothing. (First Cause)
13:00 to 14:20 - The extreme odds that the universe could get to where it is today if it were left to random chance.
17:00 to 26:00 - Expanding universes (which we are in) must have a beginning. 
29:10 to 31:40 - Who made God? Father Spitzer does a GREAT job of answering this question for a young boy who called into the show. We can all learn from this answer.
33:45 to 39:15 - More examples of the extreme odds against our universe being what it is if left to chance.
45:20 to 49:45 - The age of the universe according to science vs the age according to the genealogy of the bible.

Group Discussion:

Discuss and come up with answers to the following questions:
  1. In our discussion we heard about several advanced topics that can help us to know with more certainty that God exists. There are many things in our lives everyday that can also contribute to our certainty.  Make a list of five things in your lives that help you be more certain that God exists.
  2. Come up with two responses you could give a friend who does not believe in God?

Discuss Group work:

Develop an Action Plan:
  1. In our Catechism reading we heard that one who seeks God discovers certain ways of coming to know Him.  What are ways we can "seek God" so we can come to know God with more certainty?

Open Q&A

Summary
Summarize what was discussed in this class

Closing Song: You Are God Alone by Phillips, Craig & Dean

Closing Prayer


BLOG Bonus Links

Video: "Turn Around" by Matt Maher

Peter Kreeft - Catholic Convert and Professor of Philosophy at Boston College
The link above is to a post on the "RechargeYourLight" Blog Spot authored by Gary Lauderbaugh.  Peter Kreeft's material can get a little deep at times but don't let that stop you from checking out this post.  There are several very good and informative links on this post and a couple of them deal directly with the existence of God.
 Kresta in the Afternoon - 5/18/2012 - 1st Hour - "Hawking, Chopra and God"
                   (From 32:00 to 44:00 in the above recording.)
With the incredible popularity of recent books championing agnosticism or atheism, many people might never know that such books almost completely ignore the considerable evidence for theism uncovered in both physics and philosophy over the past four decades. Al talks with Fr. Robert Spitzer about Stephen Hawking, Deepak Chopra and God.


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9-25-2013: Jesus Calls Us to Act Justly

Topic:
Jesus Calls Us to Act Justly

Primary Goal:
To recognize that being Catholic requires us to think communally and globally.

Secondary Goals:
  1. Create a list of possible service projects that the students can select from to plan and act on during the year.
  2. Gather class discussion topics the students would like to learn more about during the year.
  3. Gather list of potential special speakers they would like to hear from during the year

Lesson Plan:

Introduce Topic:

Bible reading: Luke 16:19 - 31

Catechism: Paragraph 2443 - 2444

Opening Prayer:

Opening Song:  "Show Jesus" by Jamie Grace

Discussions:

Review and discuss the "Visions" booklet for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
In this weeks Bible reading Jesus tells us a story that is not hard to understand.  A rich man has meals that are feasts with lots of leftovers.  A beggar sits at the rich man's gate.  But the rich man never notices him.  The rich man never does the simple act of sharing his leftovers. 
Jesus challenges us who eat at his table at each Eucharist to share ourselves and our riches.  The gospel story doesn't ask us to take on the whole world but rather to notice people in need who are near us...like the beggar at the rich man's gate. 
 
Group Discussion:

Discuss and come up with answers to the following questions:
  1. What needs do you notice among people around you?
  2. Make a list of at least three possible ideas for service projects the class could plan and act on during the year.

Discuss Group work:

Develop an Action Plan:
  1. Select and agree as a class on two ideas for service projects?

Open Q&A
If time permits we can discuss questions or topics you would like to discuss in class.

Summary
Summarize what was discussed in this class

Closing Song: "If We are the Body" by Casting Crowns

Closing Prayer


BLOG Bonus Links

Catholic Relief Services Website

"Show Jesus" live loop/acousticish video by Jamie Grace

Jamie Grace - The Significance of Music in the Movement of Christianity

"Beautiful Day" (Lyric Video) by Jamie Grace


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9-18-2013: Growing in Faith

Topic:
Are you the same person today you were when you were 5?

Primary Goal:
To see that just like you must grow physically to become an adult you need to grow in your Christian faith and knowledge to become the complete person God wants you to be.

Secondary Goals:
  1. Get the kids to speak up: answering questions and discussing issues
  2. Set the tone for the year. Make the kids feel comfortable.

Lesson Plan:

Introduce Topic:

Bible reading: 2 Peter 1:1 - 11

Catechism: Paragraph 1814 - 1816

Opening Prayer:

Opening Song: VeggieTales Link - Gated Community

Discussions:
  • How did you like the opening song?
  • What did you like least about the opening song?
  • How did the opening song make you feel?
  • Play a modern Christian song with the same message as the VeggieTales song but targeted to an older audience. - Casting Crowns - If We are the Body
  • Did you like this song?
  • How did it make you feel?
  • What is the difference between these two songs?
  • You are not the same person you were when you were 5. You expect to be treated and talked to differently than you were when you were 5. At the same time...parents, teachers, and other friends and family members expect more from you as you get older. God also expects more from you as you get older.
Group Work:

Discuss and come up with answers to the following questions:
  1. Three things your parents expect from you now that they did not expect when you were 5.
  2. Three things your teachers expect from you now that your kindergarten teacher did not expect.
  3. Three things the Church expects from you now that it did not expect when you were 5.
  4. Three things God expects from you now that he did not expect when you were 5.

Discuss Group Work:

Develop an Action Plan:
  1. How do we ensure we continue to grow in our faith and understanding of God?
  2. How do we ensure we are where God expects us to be in our level of faith and understanding?
  3. How can we use goals with a plan to keep us on track in our life and our faith?

Open Q&A:

Summary:
Share Year of Faith - Life Teen Video
Summarize what was discussed in this class

Special Activities for the Upcoming Year:
  • Name the BLOG Site
  • Special Guest Speakers - How they have grown in their faith & understanding of God and how they put their faith into action.
  • Service Projects

Closing Song: "The Proof of Your Love" by for KING & COUNTRY

Closing Prayer:


BLOG Bonus Links

"The Proof of Your Love" - An inside look at the song and the video.

"Busted Heart (Hold On To Me)" by for KING & COUNTRY


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The MPHM Middle School CCD Team