Faith Formation- 6th-8th Grade

GOAL 1- Know and understand the basic teachings of the Catholic Church.

GOAL 1- Know and understand the basic teachings of the Catholic Church.

GOAL 1- Know and understand the basic teachings of the Catholic Church.

GOAL 1- Know and understand the basic teachings of the Catholic Church.

Goal 2- Spread the Gospel message by joyfully sharing our faith and our practices with others.

Goal 2- Spread the Gospel message by joyfully sharing our faith and our practices with others.

Goal 2- Spread the Gospel message by joyfully sharing our faith and our practices with others.

GOAL 3- Understand and appreciate that through Baptism we are called to life in Christ

GOAL 3- Understand and appreciate that through Baptism we are called to life in Christ

GOAL 3- Understand and appreciate that through Baptism we are called to life in Christ

GOAL 3- Understand and appreciate that through Baptism we are called to life in Christ.

GOAL 4- Recognize and engage in personal and communal Catholic forms of prayer, of scripture study, and of other experiences that deepen one’s spiritual life.

GOAL 4- Recognize and engage in personal and communal Catholic forms of prayer, of scripture study, and of other experiences that deepen one’s spiritual life.

GOAL 4- Recognize and engage in personal and communal Catholic forms of prayer, of scripture study, and of other experiences that deepen one’s spiritual life. 

GOAL 4- Recognize and engage in personal and communal Catholic forms of prayer, of Scripture study, and of other experiences that deepen one’s spiritual life. 

Standard A: Recognize that the Creed reveals the fundamental teachings of the Catholic Church. -Knowledge

Standard A: Recognize that the Creed reveals the fundamental teachings of the Catholic Church. -Skill

Standard A: Recognize that the Creed reveals the fundamental teachings of the Catholic Church. -Life Application

Standard B: Understand the life of Jesus as revealed through Sacred Scripture. -Knowledge

Standard B: Understand the life of Jesus as revealed through Sacred Scripture. -Skill

Standard B: Understand the life of Jesus as revealed through Sacred Scripture. -Life Application

Standard C: Know and apply the teachings of the Catholic Church as they are reflected in the life of the Virgin Mary, in the Communion of Saints and in the Church. -Knowledge

Standard C: Know and apply the teachings of the Catholic Church as they are reflected in the life of the Virgin Mary, in the Communion of Saints and in the Church. -Skill

Standard C: Know and apply the teachings of the Catholic Church as they are reflected in the life of the Virgin Mary, in the Communion of Saints and in the Church. -Life Application

Standard D: Understand the origin and Tradition of the Catholic Church and its mission to spread the Gospel message. -Knowledge

Standard D: Understand the origin and Tradition of the Catholic Church and its mission to spread the Gospel message. -Skill

Standard D: Understand the origin and Tradition of the Catholic Church and its mission to spread the Gospel message. -Life Application

Standard A: Recognize and participate in the Catholic Church’s liturgical life as a means to encounter Christ in its feasts, seasons, symbols, practices, and prayers. -Knowledge

Standard A: Recognize and participate in the Catholic Church’s liturgical life as a means to encounter Christ in its feasts, seasons, symbols, practices, and prayers. -Skill

Standard A: Recognize and participate in the Catholic Church’s liturgical life as a means to encounter Christ in its feasts, seasons, symbols, practices, and prayers. -Life Application

Standard B: Comprehend that sacraments are an outward sign of God’s Love having the power to transform our lives. -Knowledge

Standard B: Comprehend that sacraments are an outward sign of God’s Love having the power to transform our lives. -Skill

Standard B: Comprehend that sacraments are an outward sign of God’s Love having the power to transform our lives. -Life Application

Standard C: Appreciate the Eucharist and understand that it is central to our lives and the life of the Catholic Church. -Knowledge

Standard C: Appreciate the Eucharist and understand that it is central to our lives and the life of the Catholic Church. -Skill

Standard C: Appreciate the Eucharist and understand that it is central to our lives and the life of the Catholic Church. -Life Application

Standard A: Understand the importance of the Beatitudes and of the Commandments as a means to the development of a well-formed conscience. -Knowledge

Standard A: Understand the importance of the Beatitudes and of the Commandments as a means to the development of a well-formed conscience. -Skill

Standard A: Understand the importance of the Beatitudes and of the Commandments as a means to the development of a well-formed conscience. -Life Application

Standard B: Know and understand the principles of Catholic Social Justice Teaching and experience how to apply them appropriately through a life of service. -Knowledge

Standard B: Know and understand the principles of Catholic Social Justice Teaching and experience how to apply them appropriately through a life of service. -Skill

Standard B: Know and understand the principles of Catholic Social Justice Teaching and experience how to apply them appropriately through a life of service. -Life Application

Standard C: Accept and recognize the presence of God’s grace in everyday life. -Knowledge 

Standard C: Accept and recognize the presence of God’s grace in everyday life. -Skill 

Standard C: Accept and recognize the presence of God’s grace in everyday life. -Life Application 

Standard D: Know that we are witnesses to the Gospel as responsible members of the local and of the universal Catholic Church, stewards of the world, and evangelizers for Christ. -Knowledge 

Standard D: Know that we are witnesses to the Gospel as responsible members of the local and of the universal Catholic Church, stewards of the world, and evangelizers for Christ. -Skill 

Standard D: Know that we are witnesses to the Gospel as responsible members of the local and of the universal Catholic Church, stewards of the world, and evangelizers for Christ. -Life Application 

Standard A: Understand and accept the call to enter into a personal relationship with God. -Knowledge

Standard A: Understand and accept the call to enter into a personal relationship with God. -Skill

Standard A: Understand and accept the call to enter into a personal relationship with God. -Life Application

Standard B: Experience the importance of prayer and appreciate a variety of prayer types and traditions. -Knowledge 

Standard B: Experience the importance of prayer and appreciate a variety of prayer types and traditions. -Skill 

Standard B: Experience the importance of prayer and appreciate a variety of prayer types and traditions. -Life Application 

Standard C: Understand how to read Scripture and to integrate Scripture into personal prayer. -Knowledge

Standard C: Understand how to read Scripture and to integrate Scripture into personal prayer. -Skill

Standard C: Understand how to read Scripture and to integrate Scripture into personal prayer. -Life Application

Standard D: Experience communal Scripture study and sharing as a basis for lifelong faith formation. -Knowledge 

Standard D: Experience communal Scripture study and sharing as a basis for lifelong faith formation. -Skill 

Standard D: Experience communal Scripture study and sharing as a basis for lifelong faith formation. -Life Application 

Know that God’s very being is truth and is love: all present, all knowing and eternal.

Recognize that the key points of both Creeds (Apostles’ Creed and Nicene Creed) are Trinitarian – one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Understand the historical origin of the two Creeds from Scripture and from Tradition.

Recognize the Marks of the Church as one, holy, catholic and apostolic.

Recognize the twelve articles of faith as stated in the Apostles’ Creed: 1) I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth, 2) I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, 3) He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and born of the Virgin Mary 4) Jesus Christ suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried, 5) He descended into hell and on the third day He rose 6) He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father 7) He will come again to judge the living and the dead 8) I believe in the Holy Spirit, 9) the Holy Catholic Church 10) the forgiveness of sins, 11) the resurrection of the Body, 12) and in life everlasting.  

Recite the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed.

Explain the truths identified in the Apostles’ Creed.

Explain how the Marks of the Church are evident in the world today.

Tell how the beliefs of the Catholic Church are reflected in their daily life.

Illustrate beliefs using drama, art, music, technology, etc. 

Attend Mass with family and pray the Nicene Creed along with assembly.

Share with family their understanding of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Give witness to their Catholic beliefs in their daily lives.

Identify Jesus’ life and teachings as portrayed in Sacred Scripture.

Know that the life of Jesus is the fulfillment of salvation history as foretold in the Old Testament (Jewish Scripture).

Understand the relevance of the Gospel as a whole to Christian Life.

Recognize mysteries of the Rosary as a compendium of the life of Christ.

Read, study & discuss Old and New Testaments.

Identify and discuss the values or virtues expressed in specific Scripture Stories.

Locate the life of Jesus as fulfillment of salvation history in relationship to the Old Testament (Jewish Scripture).

Read one of the four Gospels in its entirety (beginning to end) according to the Cycle of Readings (A, B, or C).

Compare how the life of Jesus is portrayed in each of the four Gospels.

Illustrate Bible Stories through drama, art, music, technology, etc. 

Use research to further their study of the Old and New Testaments.

Be able to talk about the Liturgy of the Word with family and with friends.

Show evidence in their life of being a disciple of Jesus.

Know the Church’s teachings about Mary the Mother of God and appreciate her role in the Church.

Recognize the feasts of Mary, what they celebrate and their meaning in the Church.

Be familiar with the history of the saints in our Church and our relationship to the communion of saints.

Locate scriptural references to Mary.

Discuss various feasts, prayers and celebrations of Mary as part of our Tradition.

Recite specific prayers to Mary that are part of our Tradition.

Compare the Mary in Scripture to the Mary of the devotional traditions of the Church (apparitions, etc.).

Explain the qualities and virtues of Mary and of the saints and identify them as role models.

Illustrate the lives of Mary and the saints as models of discipleship using drama, art, music, technology, etc. 

Apply the knowledge and the example of the life of Mary and the lives of the saints to their daily lives.

Continue to develop devotion to Mary and to the saints in their personal prayer life.

Celebrate the special days honoring Mary and the saints with family.

Be familiar with the origin of the Church as told in the Acts of the Apostles.

Know that Tradition comes from the apostles who handed on what they received from Jesus and what they learned from the Holy Spirit (CCC 83).

Know that all we believe, “Deposit of Faith” is contained in Scripture and Tradition, and is the source of current Church teaching (CCC 84).

Understand the relationship of the early Church to Scripture.

Know the current structure and governance of the Church and the responsibilities of all baptized.

Explain the Tradition of the Church as celebrated in liturgical seasons: waiting, rejoicing, repenting, celebrating and growing.

Describe the development of the early Church.

Relate their lives to Catholic teachings.

Illustrate the origin, Tradition and mission of the Church using drama, art, music, technology, etc.

Spread the Gospel message by joyfully sharing our faith and our practices with others.

Understand the cycle of the liturgical year and its sources in the life of Jesus in the Bible.

Understand the liturgical year and the cultural traditions that are celebrated.

Know that Sunday is the principal day for celebration of Eucharist.

Understand different parts of the Mass: Liturgy of Word and Liturgy of Eucharist.

Learn proper terminology for all parts of the Mass, e.g. Greeting, Gloria, Gospel Acclamation, etc.

Recognize the proper vocabulary for liturgical worship, i.e. space, vessels, vestments, etc.

Identify and experience appropriate and meaningful symbols of the liturgical seasons.

Participate in various liturgical roles, including the Assembly.

Continue to demonstrate etiquette and reverence while actively participating in liturgical celebration.

Connect the rhythm of the liturgical season to their current life circumstances.

Discuss the format and the use of the Lectionary.

Actively participate with family in weekend liturgy and begin to assume various liturgical roles.

Continue to demonstrate etiquette and reverence while actively participating in liturgical celebration.

Know the:

Know the Biblical origin and spiritual significance of the seven sacraments.

Recognize that the sacraments celebrate the presence of God’s grace in our lives. 

Recognize that in Confirmation the Holy Spirit brings us into a deeper relationship with Christ, with the Church, and with the mission of the Church.

Recognize that in Confirmation the Holy Spirit helps us to bear witness to our faith.

Understand that Confirmation completes Christian initiation. 

Explain the ritual action and the proper minister(s) for each sacrament.

Explain why Catholics celebrate the sacraments and illustrate how each sacrament is a sign of God’s living presence.

Research and examine the lives of people who have experienced how the power of the sacraments have transformed their lives. 

Reflect on their experience of the sacrament celebrations and express these experiences using their senses.

Illustrate an understanding of how God’s love is shown through the seven sacraments, especially Confirmation using drama, art, music, technology etc. 

Participate in the celebration of the sacraments.

Share stories about family member’s experiences of the sacraments and what it means for them as an individual. 

Experience the call to discipleship and imitate Christ so that others may see Christ in their actions.

Understand the centrality of the Eucharist (Mass) to the life of the Church.

Know that Eucharist is the memorial and making present of Christ’s Passover, the work of salvation accomplished by the life, death and resurrection of Christ.

Know that the Church teaches that the Eucharist is a

Know and believe that through the power of the Holy Spirit, the bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Jesus, and that Jesus is truly present.

Understand that the Eucharist is given to build up the Body of Christ, the Church.

Be familiar with the Biblical and with the historical origins of the celebration of the Eucharist in the Church.

Know the proper etiquette and appropriate disposition for receiving Eucharist.

Discuss how their active participation in the liturgy helps build up the Body of Christ.

Reflect and express their appreciation of the Eucharist. 

Illustrate an understanding of the Eucharist using drama, art, music, technology, etc. 

Participate in an active and in a conscious manner in the Eucharist (Sunday Mass). 

Be a witness to the nourishing power of the Eucharist by reaching out to serve others in the family, in the community and in the world

Know that the Beatitudes are God’s way of drawing us to him so we can be happy and spiritually fulfilled,

Know the Ten Commandments and know how they apply to daily life.

Know that it is God’s will that we live a good, moral life.

Know that virtues are habitual and are firm dispositions to do good.

Know the three Theological and four Cardinal Virtues.

Understand that they have free will and are able to make informed choices.

Understand the nature of sin and the need to seek God’s forgiveness through the sacrament of Reconciliation. 

Know and understand the theme of covenant in Scripture.

Interpret and apply each of the Beatitudes and each of the Ten Commandments to contemporary life situations.

Compare and contrast the Commandments and the Beatitudes. 

Read and discuss Scripture Stories related to the Beatitudes and to the Ten Commandments.

Examine their conscience using Beatitudes and Ten Commandments.

Illustrate examples of living the Beatitudes, the Ten Commandments, and the virtues using drama, art, music, technology, etc. 

Develop a right relationship with God, others and self.

Be able to make good moral decisions based on Beatitudes, Ten Commandments, and Church Teachings.

Incorporate the virtues (faith, hope, charity, prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance) into their lives.

Recognize that all people are God’s Children.

Know that even though people are different, all are created in God’s image. 

Know the meaning of Jesus’ law of love: Love one another as I have loved you. 

Understand social justice and know that it is obtained by respecting the rights and the dignity of others. 

Understand the importance of helping others through the corporal and spiritual Works of Mercy.

Explain how the life of Christ is a life of service and of justice.

Explore the lives of the saints as models of discipleship.

Identify contemporary people who have modeled service and social justice. 

Discuss ways to consciously help others. 

Give contemporary examples of the corporal and of the spiritual Works of Mercy. 

Plan a service project with class.

Give examples of cultural diversity and its benefits. 

Illustrate an understanding of helpfulness and a respect for diversity using drama, art, music, technology, etc. 

Reflect the love of Christ by loving, by caring and by accepting others. 

Perform acts of service for family, for Church and for community.

Know that “sanctifying grace” is a gift freely given by God to help us respond to the call to become God’s Children.

Know that “grace” is participation in the life of God.

Know that the Holy Spirit, through the gift of God’s Grace, justifies us and cleanses us from sin through faith and through baptism (CCC 1987-9).

Know that prayer and the sacraments are channels of God’s Grace.

Recognize the connection between Christ’s Passion and Resurrection and the Paschal Mystery in their lives (personal challenges). 

Identify other people as an extension of Christ by their works, e.g. through sharing of gifts, talents, ministries, etc. 

Explain how their interaction with others is a reflection of God’s Grace within them.

Identify and share stories of their personal experiences of God’s Grace.

Connect their personal experiences of love, compassion and overcoming adversity with Christ’s Paschal Mystery.

Illustrate God’s Friendship and Blessings using drama, art, music, technology, etc. 

Be aware of God’s Grace in their lives and respond to it. 

Understand that we are members of the universal (worldwide) church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and of the Church’s leaders.

Understand that there are different Rites and Churches (Catholic Source Book).

Know the responsibilities of being a member of the Catholic Church, e.g. Precepts of the Church.

Learn about stewardship of God’s World, e.g. respect for life, needs vs. wants, recycling, etc..

Know that our faith calls us to share the Good News of Christ.

Know that “sending forth” from the liturgy calls us to love and to serve the world.

Share faith with others through word and deed.

Identify and discuss the Precepts of the Church and apply them to their lives. 

Describe how we can take care of God’s World, e.g. people, animals, nature, etc.

Respect property and environment at school, at home, in the parish and in the community.

Participate in experiences of environmental stewardship.

Identify stewardship of time, talent, and treasure.

Identify the scriptural basis for stewardship and for evangelization. 

Illustrate stewardship and evangelization through drama, art, music, technology, etc. 

Share faith with others.

Explain Catholic teachings to peers and to adults.

Demonstrate a Christian life through stewardship and through service. 

Know God calls each person to encounter God in prayer.

Know that prayer is a lifelong relationship with God that requires nurturing.

Know that prayer (their relationship with God) has the power to change their lives.

Know that prayer is the raising of their minds and hearts to God. 

Know basic forms of prayer are blessing, intercession, thanksgiving and praise.

Know there are many ways to pray.

Further develop ways of entering into prayer by praying.

Discuss ways in which their relationships with others reflect their relationship with God.

Share their experience with prayer, i.e. “give witness.”

Participate in a retreat experience.

Illustrate expressions of prayer through drama, art, music, technology, etc.

Make prayer a part of their daily life.

Pray with family. (“Christian family is first place for education and prayer”. CCC #2694).

Know that the three major expressions of prayer are vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplative prayer.

Know the importance of liturgical prayer such as Mass and Liturgy of the Hours (morning and evening prayers). 

Know the importance of devotional prayer such as Seasonal Customs (Advent Wreath, Way of the Cross), Litanies, Rosary/Marian Devotions), etc.

Know that The Lord’s Prayer is the model prayer given to us by Jesus.

Know that Faith Formation (Religion class) is not just another academic subject, but is a lifelong journey.

Know that there are different traditions of Catholic Christian Spirituality, e.g. Benedictine, (St. Benedict), Ignatian (St. Ignatius of Loyola), Franciscan (St. Francis), Carmelite (St. Theresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Theresa of Lisieux), etc. 

Experience the different forms of prayer through a variety of prayer celebrations.

Participate in Mass, in prayers and in responses.

Know and recite the following prayers: The Lord’s Prayer, The Hail Mary, Glory Be, Act of Contrition, Nicene Creed, Apostles Creed, Rosary.

Research the history and the origin of traditional prayers.

Explain the structure and the significance of The Lord’s Prayer (CCC 2803 ff).

Research the different traditions Catholic Christian Spirituality e.g. Benedictine (St. Benedict), Ignatian (St. Ignatius of Loyola), Franciscan (St. Francis), Carmelite (St. Theresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Theresa of Lisieux). 

Utilize prayer partners within school, parish, or community.

Illustrate the experience of prayer through drama, art, music, technology, etc.

Pray personally, devotionally, and liturgically.

Know that the Bible is the story of salvation history

Know that the Bible is a primary source of revelation about the nature of God.

Know Bible has two parts, The Old Testament (Jewish Scripture) and The New Testament (Christian) and is a library of different kinds of literature (history, poetry, prophecy, etc). 

Know Scripture can be used in personal prayer, e.g. Guided Meditation, Lectio Divina, Praying the Psalms, etc.

Understand how Catholics interpret the Bible.

Study Scripture to help them grow in their personal relationship with God.

Compare how Jesus prayed with how we pray today.

Pray together using Scripture and/or readings from Lectionary.

Select passages in the Old and New Testament and apply it to their lives or events in the world.

Appreciate the context of a particular Scripture Story within the whole of Scripture.

Explore resources for prayer and Scripture, such as books, recordings, Internet, etc.

Identify approaches to Scripture that are not in accordance with Catholic interpretation, e.g. fundamentalism. 

Illustrate how Scripture is a part of personal prayer through drama, art, music, technology, etc. 

Read the Bible and use it in prayer.

Know that studying and sharing Scripture with others is helpful to faith development.

Know that the Homily is one way to share the meaning of Scripture.

Know that Scripture can be used whenever we pray together.

Discuss the Sunday readings and when appropriate discuss the Homily.

Connect Scripture to their own life experiences.

Discuss the value of studying Scripture with others as a means to enrich their faith lives (Matthew 18:20 – “ For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there I am in the midst of them.”)

Compare the values in Scripture to the Church’s teachings on social justice as a basis of their lifelong journey in faith.

Share Scripture Stories as a group through drama, art, music, technology, etc. 

Read or tell Bible Stories together as a family.

Attend Mass and discuss Sunday readings.

Share their response to Scripture or Sunday readings as an integral part of their lifelong faith formation. 

Definitions, signs, and symbols of the seven sacraments.

Proper ministers of the seven sacraments.

Proper disposition for receiving the seven sacraments.

Celebration

Thanksgiving

Sacrifice

Memorial

Paschal banquet