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.

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.

Audio Link #2: Al Kresta - 3/22/2012 - Part 2

* 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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