Grade 8 - Religious Education

Believing

Celebrating

Living a Moral Life

Living in Communion

Living in Solidarity

Praying

Demonstrate an understanding of how the Church approaches the interpretation of scripture under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. [CCC nos. 51-141]

Describe the “four senses of scripture” that assist the Church in understanding scripture (i.e. literal, spiritual, allegorical, moral and analogical) and apply each to an examination of a selection of Scripture passages (e.g. Gen. 3 - the promise of redemption; Genesis 12:1-3 - Abraham; Exodus 11:1-9; 12:21-27 – Moses; 2 Samuel 7:4-6, 18 – David; Isaiah 55:3, 10-11 - Prophets; Luke 1:26-38 - Annunciation and Incarnation, etc.). [CCC nos. 51-141]

Explain the theological connection between the books of the Old Testament and the New Testament (Christ fulfills the promise of the Covenant) and distinguish between the three stages of formation of the gospels (the life and teaching of Jesus, the oral tradition and the written gospels). [CCC nos. 120-130]

Describe the Church's understanding of the relationship between reason and faith, human intelligence and wisdom, and the role of the Holy Spirit in understanding and interpreting God's plan of salvation (e.g. creation, the nature of man, etc.). [CCC nos. 51-141; 279-421]

Demonstrate an understanding of the Church's teaching on the role of the Holy Spirit, the mission of the Son, and the continued presence of the Holy Spirit in the Church. [CCC nos. 683-747]

Identify in the Old Testament evidence of the active presence of the Holy Spirit and how the Spirit is portrayed at the moment of creation and in the lives of God's Chosen People (e.g. Gen. 1:2; Numbers 11:25-26; Exod. 31:3; Isaiah 11:1-2, 30:1, 44:4-5, 61:1-2, 63:7-14; 1 Samuel 16:13-14; Micah 3:8; Ps. 33:6, 139:7, 143:10). [CCC nos. 702-710]

Using passages from the New Testament as evidence explain the significance and role of the Holy Spirit in the life of Christ and outline how this inseparable union of Christ and Spirit is found in the life of the Church. [CCC nos. 711-747]

Identify and explain the meaning of the names, titles and symbols of the Holy Spirit to describe the Church's understanding of the Spirit's Mission. [CCC nos. 683-701]

Demonstrate an understanding of the meaning of the four marks of the Church: One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic and how these four marks are lived out in the life of the Church. [CCC nos. 811-945]

Examine selected passages from the New Testament to identify and summarize God's plan for the unity (Eph. 4:4-5; 1 Cor. 10:17; John 10:16), the holiness (Eph. 5:25-27; 1 Tim. 1:15), the universality/catholicity (Col. 1:5-6) and apostolic mark (John 6:70; Heb. 5:4; Titus 1:5-9) of the Church. [CCC nos. 811-945]

Name the four marks of the Church and summarize what they express about the nature of the Church (e.g. One – one profession of faith, common celebrations of worship, apostolic succession through Holy Orders; Holy – Christ as its head, the communion of saints; Catholic – bears the full Truth in Christ, its mission is to the world; Apostolic – built on the foundations of the Apostles, hands on the teachings of the Apostles, guided by the successors of the Apostles, the bishops in union with the Pope). [CCC nos. 811-945]

Connect the four marks of the Church (One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic) to the daily life of their local Church (e.g. World Day of Prayer celebrations, liturgical celebration of the Saints, Christian community service to all, missionary work in countries around the world). [CCC nos. 811-945]

Focus: Confirmation Understand that the Sacraments strengthen, sanctify and sustain our life of witness to Christ in the Church and the world. [CCC nos. 1285-1321]

Connect the actions of the Holy Spirit revealed at Pentecost in the early Church with the effects of the sacrament of Confirmation (the perfection of baptismal grace, the help of the Holy Spirit's gifts and fruits, indelible mark, call to spread and defend the faith, stewardship). [CCC nos.1285; 1295-1296; 1302-1305; 1315-1317]

Identify in the Rite of Confirmation – requirements for the reception, the minister, the signs and rituals (laying on of hands, anointing with chrism) and what they symbolize and impart on the receiver, and explain how this sacrament reveals the Holy Spirit as one who gathers and forms the Church for service in the world. [CCC nos. 1293-1301; 1306-1314]

Identify and examine a selection of scripture passages from the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament to link the Sacrament of Confirmation to its source in Sacred Scripture (Is. 11:2; Acts 8:14-17; Acts 9:5-6; Acts 13:2-3; Luke 4:16-21; John 8:12; Matt. 5:14-16; Cor. 1:21-22; I Sam. 10:10-12; I Sam. 16:13) and outline its historical development within the Tradition of the Church (East and West). [CCC nos. 1285-1286; 1290-1292]

Understand the Eucharist as the Sacrament that completes Initiation and is the source and summit of Christian life. [CCC nos. 1322-1327; 1402-1419]

Analyse the life of the early Church (Acts, Letters of Paul) and its Tradition to see the central role that the Eucharist has played in the life and witness of the Church.

Identify the significance of the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist in addition to the present and future realities that Christians hope to receive through their participation in the Eucharist (e.g. immediate union with Christ, nourishment for our spiritual life, separation from sin, preservation from mortal sin, strength in our unity with the Church and our commitment to the poor, and Christ's promise of the glory to come). [CCC nos. 1391-1405]

Explain the role and importance of the Sacraments of Initiation and connect them to the Church's understanding of the Mass is the source and summit of Christian life. [CCC nos. 1322, 1407]

Understand that the Church in celebrating the Liturgy and the Sacraments participates in the work of the Holy Trinity. [CCC nos. 1077-1209]

Chart how the Church's Liturgical seasons unfold the mysteries of faith professed in the Creed through the celebration of certain Feasts and Solemnities (i.e. Trinity, Incarnation, Resurrection, Exaltation of the Cross, Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, etc.). [CCC nos. 2030; 946-962]

Describe the diversity of liturgical traditions within the Catholic Church (i.e. Rites) and explain through example how the Church maintains its catholicity (unity in diversity) while purifying and integrating into the liturgies the authentic riches of cultures. (The liturgies from both traditions signify and communicate the same mysteries of Christ.) [CCC nos. 1200-1209]

Compare the liturgical calendar of the Roman Catholic Rite to that of the Byzantine Rite to identify similarities and differences that reflect the influence of culture on the liturgies of the Church and the dates devoted to the primary feasts and holy days of the Church.

Demonstrate an understanding of how living the Christian moral life in accordance to the Moral Law (i.e. Natural Moral Law, Ten Commandments, Law of the Gospel) is a witness to the Truth, the Dignity of the Human Person and the building up of the Church and Society. [CCC nos. 1700-1715; 1877-1948; 2012-2051; 2464-2513]

Identify and describe the elements of moral life outlined in the Beatitudes and explain how beatitude living gives witness to a life of morality, Christian holiness and the work of the Holy Spirit. [CCC nos. 2012-2029; 2044-2046]

Outline the Church's teaching on the Eighth Commandment (Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour) and provide examples (through drama, cartoon series, story writing/telling) of how we witness to the Truth of this Commandment by applying it to current issues in society or at school (e.g. bearing false witness includes acts of perjury, lying, slander, bragging, rash judgement, gossiping). [CCC nos. 2464-2513]

Using examples of moral dilemmas faced by young people, demonstrate how choosing to live a Christian moral life reflects a witness to God, a respect for personal dignity and promotes the common good for others. [CCC nos. 1700-1715; 2012-2051; 1928-1948]

Demonstrate an understanding of the important roles of Scripture (i.e. Word of God, Jesus Christ), the Church (i.e. Teaching Magisterium) and the Holy Spirit in the formation of a healthy (upright) conscience. [CCC nos. 1776-1802]

Describe how the Holy Spirit and the Church's teaching (i.e. Magisterium) form our consciences in assisting us to address the challenging moral situations that face society today. (Bestowed on us in Baptism and strengthened in the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit assist us in the formation of our conscience). [CCC nos. 1776-1802]

Explain the Church's belief in the objective truth of the Word of God in Sacred Scripture (i.e. God's revelation of salvation, faith and morals) and the important source and role that Sacred Scripture has in the examination and formation of conscience for Christian moral decision-making and daily living. [CCC nos. 1776-1789]

Identify some of the moral situations that have arisen in society as a result of globalization, advances in technology and science and examine them in light of the Church's moral teachings.

Link the need for commitment, turning away from sin, growth in virtue and faith to the process of forming and exercising a healthy (upright) conscience for moral decision-making. [CCC nos. 1776-1789]

Demonstrate an understanding that the grace received through the Holy Spirit calls us to holiness and gives us the gifts we need to be justified in the Christian life (i.e. to manifest the excellent work of God's love). [CCC nos. 1810-1811; 1830-1832; 1987-2029]

Identify New Testament passages that reveal the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of Jesus and explain how these events are examples of the power of grace over sin. (Pentecost in Acts 2:1-4; Jesus drives out demons – Luke 11:14; Matt. 7:21-23; Matt. 12:22-32; the temptations of Jesus – Matt. 4:1-11; Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane – Lk. 22:39-46; the crucifixion of Jesus' life – Luke 23:26-49; Matt. 27:45-61; John 19:17-37.) [CCC nos. 1810-1811; 1987-2029]

Link the human need for grace to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the fruits they perfect in us, and the merits (spiritual credits granted for good works) we can receive for ourselves and others when we cooperate with this grace. [CCC nos. 1830-1831; 2006-2011]

Identify the ways in which the grace of the Holy Spirit has the power to justify us in our Christian life (to change us from sinfulness to righteousness through grace). [CCC nos. 1987-1995]

Demonstrate an understanding of how the Church community supports one's life of faith and how our participation in the Church witnesses to the reign of God. [CCC nos. 702-747]

Select and use passages from the New Testament to describe the meaning of “Church as community” (e.g. Acts 2:42-47; Romans 12:3-13; Matt. 5:13-16; Hebrews 10:24-25; John 15:1-2) and state how the communal nature of the Church witnesses to the reign of God in the world through the Holy Spirit. [CCC nos. 702-732]

Outline requirements of participation in the Church as community (e.g. participation in the Eucharist, a life of prayer, continual faith formation that deepens understanding of the statements of the Creed, works of service to the poor) and using examples, explain the importance of participation.

Explain giving examples, how the Grace of Christ and the gifts of the Holy Spirit received through the sacrament of Confirmation, support a life of faith and encourage participation in the life of the Church (e.g. strengthens our communion with Christ, our understanding of Grace, Church fellowship, the will to witnessing to Christ through words and actions, endows new gifts – wisdom, counsel, etc.). [CCC nos. 733-747]

Understand how the Holy Spirit through the communion of saints guides, teaches, and inspires the Church to a communion of holiness. [CCC nos. 687-747; 823-829]

Explain the signs of holiness found within the Church (e.g. teachings, sacraments, witness of love and service) and connect this with the “communion of saints”. [CCC nos. 687-747; 823-829]

Define the gifts and fruits (perfections/virtues) of the Holy Spirit and explain how they are important in guiding our development as people who strive to live a holy life (e.g. find examples of everyday saints who exemplify the virtues). [CCC nos. 687-747]

Identify and interpret stories in the New Testament that demonstrate the significant role of the Holy Spirit in the life of Jesus and his followers (e.g. Luke 1:26-39 – the Annunciation; Luke 4:16-21 – “The spirit of the Lord is Upon me...”; Luke 4:1-2 – Jesus is led into the desert; Acts 2:1-13 – Pentecost; Luke 16:5-15 – The Paraclete; Rom. 5:5 – the Holy Spirit pours out God's love on the early Church). [CCC nos. 737-747]

Understand that the principle of human dignity, revealed in Scripture (i.e. the belief that the human person is made in the image and likeness of God) requires Christians to work for the common good of all people (i.e. respect for the social nature of the human person) and to participate in society. [CCC nos. 1877-1885]

Connect the principle of the ‘Common Good' to its biblical source (Isaiah 10:1-2; Ephesians 4:1-7, 12; Matt. 25:35-40; Acts 2:44-45; Gal. 5:22-25; 1 John 4:7-10; John 10:11-18; Deuteronomy 30:19; Nehemiah 2:17-18) and relate the message of the scripture to Catholic social teachings found in several ecclesial sources (e.g. excerpts from Papal Encyclicals, Apostolic Letters and exhortations, Bishops' pastoral letters or documents on social justice).

Examine the political initiatives presently being promoted at various levels of civil society (city, provincial, federal) and critique how well each promotes the dignity of the human person and the Common Good as it is defined in Sacred Scripture and Catholic social teaching. [CCC nos. 356-384; 1928-1933; 1391-1401]

Recognize signs of the growing human interdependence of the global community and identify ways it is challenging Catholic organizations and individuals in their mission of promoting social justice principles.

Articulate the three essential elements of the Common Good (i.e. respect for the fundamental rights of the person; prosperity and the development of the spiritual and temporal goods of society; peace and security of societies and nations) and link them to ecological justice and the universal common good of protecting the earth's resources for future generations. [CCC nos. 356-384; 1928-1933; 1391-1401]

Focus: Principle of Rights and Responsibilities Understand that the principles of responsibility and participation in society are Christian social virtues, which call us to roles of leadership, to evangelize through our witness of the Gospel and through the promotion of social justice in the world. [CCC nos. 1877-1948]

Identify and examine scripture passages in the New Testament where Jesus invites “inner conversion” of those who exercise roles of authority (i.e. Pharisees, civil officials, tax collectors, etc.) as an ethical obligation to address the social structures of sin, and apply this principle of a need for inner conversion to examples in our present society that call for our active participation in promoting the common good. [CCC nos. 356-384; 1928-1933; 1391-1401]

Summarize the key principles of Catholic social justice and link them to the primary Christian values of love, promotion of life, reconciliation, inclusion, compassion, fidelity, liberation, community and hope. [CCC nos. 356-384; 1928-1933; 1391-1401]

Define the Church's social teaching with respect to personal responsibility (i.e. care of family and their education, conscientious work, etc.) and participation in public life (i.e. leadership, politics, culture, etc.) and give examples of how each promotes the good of individuals and the common good of society. [CCC nos. 356-384; 1928-1933; 1391-1401]

Demonstrate an understanding of the mission of the Church as animated by the Holy Spirit and focused on sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with all people of the earth. [CCC nos. 830-856]

Examine a selection of scripture passages to identify the nature of Jesus' mission and the role of the Holy Spirit in the mission of Jesus and of the Church (Lk. 4:14-30; Jn. 20:21; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Tim. 1:13-14; 2 Cor. 13:14; Matt. 28:19).

Outline the basic principles that guide the Church's participation in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue (seek unity, respect the gift of religious diversity in the search for the Truth and in the articulation of common beliefs, respect religious differences, be open and desire to seek communion).

Identify and describe some of the efforts the Church has made to continue Christ's mission to spread the Good News to all people of the world (e.g. working with people from other religions on issues of social justice as a means to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ; witnessing to Christ through our work with those in need; participating in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue). [CCC nos. 830-856]

Understand the seven petitions of the Our Father as the prayer for our journey of faith. [CCC nos. 2777-2865]

Identify how a Life of Prayer involves the theological virtues (i.e. faith, hope, and love) and how these are expressed in the Our Father as a prayer. [CCC nos. 2607-2615; 2777-2802]

Examine the “Seven Petitions” of the Our Father and explain how they express different aspects of our faith in God and how they might influence our daily encounter with God and others. [CCC nos. 2803-2854]

Identify biblical passages in the New Testament in which Jesus teaches the disciples through word and act how to pray (Matthew 6:5-15, 14:23, 26:36-46; Mark 1:35, 6:46, 14:32-40; Luke 3:21-22, 5:16, 6:12-13, 9:18, 28-29, 11:1, 22:31-32, 39-46, 23:34; John 6:15; Hebrews 5:7) and explain what these passages reveal about his relationship with his Father and how we are to pray. [CCC nos. 2761-2766]

Understand how one develops the habits of prayer according to the spirit and example of Jesus Christ. [CCC nos. 2565, 2655; 2663-2672; 2725-2745]

Understand that all Christian prayer is directed through Jesus to the Father in the Holy Spirit and that in praying we profess belief in the Trinity). [CCC nos. 2663-2672]

Identify how the profession of faith which we make in the Apostles Creed and Nicene Creed not only deepen our understanding of the central beliefs of the Church but are essential for a life of prayer. [CCC nos. 2565, 2655]

Identify things which undermine the development of a life of prayer (e.g. lack of faith, distraction, not wanting to make the effort, cultural and social influences, lack of experience and a praying community) and explain how these have been addressed in the Tradition of the Church (i.e. examples of saints). [CCC nos. 2725-2745]