We Live Our Faith⁚ Grade 7
This systematic catechetical program for grades 7 & 8 fosters the faith development of young adolescents. Appropriate for Catholic parishes & schools.
Program Overview
We Live Our Faith⁚ Catholic Identity Edition, a comprehensive program designed for the faith development of young adolescents, is available in two volumes. Each volume provides a complete year’s course, making it suitable for both school and youth ministry settings. Volume I, centered on Jesus’ life, teachings, and the sacraments he instituted, is a rich resource for deepening understanding of the Catholic faith. The program is aligned with the Six Tasks of Catechesis, Go and Make Disciples⁚ A National Plan of the New Evangelization, and NCEA ACRE Domains, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. Key Concepts and Literacy Terms are integrated throughout, reinforcing essential religious vocabulary and concepts. The program is designed to foster a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith through engaging content, interactive activities, and reflective exercises.
Unit 1
Unit 1, “Who Is God?” is a foundational unit that delves into the core beliefs of the Catholic faith. It explores the nature of God, His attributes, and His relationship with humanity. Students will learn about the Holy Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – and the importance of understanding the divine nature. The unit also examines the concept of divine revelation, exploring how God reveals Himself to humanity through Scripture, Tradition, and the Church. Students will be introduced to the Creed, a concise statement of Catholic belief, and will learn how to articulate their faith in God. Through engaging activities and discussions, students will gain a deeper understanding of God’s love, power, and presence in their lives. The unit culminates with a reflection on how to live a life that reflects a deep faith in God.
Unit 2
Unit 2, “Who Is Jesus?” takes a deep dive into the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It examines Jesus’ role as the Son of God, the Messiah, and the Savior of humanity. Students will explore the Gospels, the four accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry, and will learn about key events such as His birth, miracles, teachings, passion, death, and resurrection. The unit also explores the importance of Jesus’ teachings, including the Beatitudes, the Sermon on the Mount, and His parables. Students will learn how to apply Jesus’ teachings to their own lives, making choices that reflect His love and compassion. The unit emphasizes the significance of the sacraments, particularly Baptism and Eucharist, as expressions of Jesus’ presence and grace. Through engaging discussions, reflections, and activities, students will grow in their understanding of Jesus’ love and His role in their lives.
Unit 3
Unit 3, “The Church⁚ Our Family,” delves into the nature and mission of the Catholic Church. Students explore the Church as the Body of Christ, a community of believers united by faith and love. They discover the Church’s origins and its historical development, tracing its roots back to the Apostles and the early Christians. This unit also examines the Church’s structure, including the roles of the Pope, bishops, priests, and lay faithful. Students will learn about the Church’s teachings and traditions, including the sacraments, the liturgy, and the moral code. The unit emphasizes the Church’s mission to evangelize, spreading the Gospel message of Jesus Christ to the world. Students will explore ways to actively participate in the Church and to share their faith with others. Through prayer, service, and community involvement, students will develop a deeper appreciation for the Church’s role in their lives and the world.
Unit 4
Unit 4, “Living the Gospel,” focuses on practical application of the teachings of Jesus Christ in daily life. Students explore the Beatitudes, the Sermon on the Mount, and other key teachings of Jesus, discovering how they can live out their faith in their relationships with others, in their choices, and in their actions. This unit emphasizes the importance of Christian virtues like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Students will learn about the Church’s teachings on social justice, peacemaking, and care for the poor and marginalized. The unit encourages students to reflect on their own lives and how they can make a positive impact on the world. They will learn about different ways to serve others, such as volunteering, advocating for social justice, and participating in community outreach programs. Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, students will gain a deeper understanding of how their faith can inspire them to live lives of love, compassion, and service.
Retreats
Retreats are an integral part of the “We Live Our Faith” program, providing students with a unique opportunity for spiritual reflection and growth. These immersive experiences offer a break from the routine of daily life, allowing students to deepen their relationship with God and explore their faith in a meaningful way. Retreats often involve prayer, reflection, group discussions, and service activities. They may be held at a parish, a retreat center, or even on a school campus. The program offers a variety of retreat options, catering to different interests and learning styles. Some retreats may focus on specific themes, such as the sacraments, social justice, or the lives of saints. Others may be more general in nature, offering a time for quiet reflection and prayer. Retreats provide a supportive and safe environment for students to ask questions, share their faith journeys, and grow in their understanding of God’s love. They often involve engaging activities that enhance the learning experience, such as workshops, guest speakers, and creative projects. Retreats are an essential part of the “We Live Our Faith” program, offering students a transformative experience that strengthens their faith and inspires them to live as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Online Assessments
The “We Live Our Faith” program offers a comprehensive suite of online assessments designed to assess students’ understanding of Catholic teachings and their progress in faith formation. These assessments are accessible through Sadlier Connect, the online learning platform that supports the program. Teachers and catechists can assign, track, and manage student progress, providing valuable insights into their understanding of key concepts. The online assessments cover a wide range of topics, including the Creed, the sacraments, Church history, and moral teachings. They incorporate various question formats, such as multiple-choice, true/false, matching, and short answer, to cater to different learning styles and assess different levels of understanding. Students can access the online assessments on their own devices, making it convenient for them to review and test their knowledge at their own pace. The online assessment platform provides immediate feedback, allowing students to identify areas where they need further review or clarification. This interactive approach fosters a deeper understanding of the material and encourages active learning. The online assessments are an essential tool for teachers and catechists, providing them with a comprehensive and efficient way to evaluate student progress and tailor instruction to meet individual needs.
Sadlier Connect
Sadlier Connect serves as the central hub for the “We Live Our Faith” program, providing a comprehensive online platform for teachers, catechists, and students. This digital resource offers a wealth of materials and tools to support faith formation and enhance the learning experience. Teachers and catechists can access a variety of resources, including lesson plans, activities, assessments, and multimedia content. The platform also provides tools for managing student progress, assigning work, and communicating with parents. Students can access their assigned materials, complete online assessments, and engage with interactive activities. The integration of digital resources with the traditional textbook fosters a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Sadlier Connect promotes collaboration and communication within the classroom and between teachers, catechists, and students. Through this platform, the program aims to empower educators and learners by providing them with the resources and tools they need to deepen their understanding of Catholic faith and teachings. The platform also offers opportunities for professional development and ongoing support for teachers and catechists.
Quizlet Flashcards
Quizlet, a popular online learning platform, offers a valuable resource for students using the “We Live Our Faith” textbook. With its user-friendly interface, Quizlet allows students to create and utilize flashcards for studying key concepts and vocabulary from the program. The platform provides a range of features to enhance the learning process, including customizable flashcards, multiple study modes, and interactive games. Students can create their own flashcards, incorporating terms, definitions, and relevant images, or utilize pre-made sets created by other users. Quizlet’s diverse study modes cater to different learning styles, offering options like matching, writing, and multiple-choice quizzes. The platform’s interactive games make learning fun and engaging, while also reinforcing comprehension and retention. By utilizing Quizlet flashcards, students can actively review essential concepts, build their vocabulary, and strengthen their understanding of Catholic teachings presented in the “We Live Our Faith” program. This resource serves as a powerful tool for independent learning, allowing students to take ownership of their faith formation journey and reinforce their understanding of key concepts.
