Our Catholic Heritage, Program Overview

P R O G R A M O V E R V I E W

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Our Catholic Heritage is an initiatory entry-level catechesis for young people ages 9-14 in the following situations:

• young people who are in a children’s catechumenate because they and their parents are preparing to enter the Church

• young people who have never been catechized and whose parents are returning to the Church

• those children entering or re-entering formal catechesis at an older age

Our Catholic Heritage provides everything you need to invite young people to a lifetime of faith:

• Two Student Books

• Level I for 9-11

• Level II for ages 12-14

• Two Catechist Guides

You can find online support at

with separate sections for program coordinators, catechists, and parents

• Background articles

• Activities for classroom use

• Family sessions

Program Overview

Catechist Guide

You can find online support at

with separate sections for program coordinators, catechists, and parents

•

•

•

Catechist Guide

Catechist Guide

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An Initiatory Catechesis

Our Catholic Heritage uses a four-pronged initiatory approach that:

• invites children into relationship with Jesus (The Life of Jesus).

• introduces them to the core teachings of the Catholic Faith (We Believe chapters).

• explores the Church’s sacramental rituals and seasonal celebrations

• leads the children in a mystagogical process of reflection on the Sacraments of Initiation (We Celebrate Our Faith).


Students first encounter the life of

Jesus and key stories in his life and

ministry, such as his baptism, his

call to discipleship, his miracles and

parables, and his Death, Resurrection

and Ascension.

The Life of Jesus

“Today…catechesis must often take the form of the primary proclamation of the Gospel because many who present themselves for catechesis have not yet experienced conversion to Jesus Christ” (National Directory for Catechesis 19D)


Each level of Our Catholic Heritage uses a unique illustration style for the Life

of Jesus stories that accommodates the developmental needs of the two age

groups. The art draws the young people into the stories and stimulates reflection

and discussion.


All chapters being in the

young person’s experience.

Ten chapters introducing key themes

in Catholic doctrine that spell out

what we believe and why.


Faith VocabularyIn each section, the important

faith terminology and vocabulary a

student should know are defined and

explained concisely and clearly.

Catholics Believe

Highlights a Catholic doctrine or

practice that helps build Catholic

knowledge and identity.


Stories, simple explanations

and activities make initiatory

catechesis an engaging process!

Faith-Filled PeopleA related example of a saint or holy

person in each chapter models the

way of discipleship.


Additional prayers and other resources

that teach practices of the Church offer

support for teachers and for families

looking for ways to reinforce religious

learning in the home.

I Follow JesusEngaging activities and a weekly

faith choice take the lesson from

the classroom into the home and

community.

My Faith ChoiceChildren decide how they will live

their faith during the next week


“With My Family” pages for each doctrine chapter

offer families meaningful opportunities and ideas

for making faith a part of everyday life in the home.


We Celebrate

The liturgy and life of the Church are

explained through the “We Celebrate

Our Faith” section that walks

students through the liturgical year.

The rites of Baptism, Confirmation,

Eucharist and Reconciliation are each

presented in a thorough and easy to

understand style.


Space for journal entries offers

students the chance to reflect upon

what they’ve learned in each lesson.

114

We Celebrate...

Baptism Joey Santo was excited. Today, his new baby sister Claire was going to be baptized at Mass. The whole Church would celebrate Claire’s new life in Christ. Father John greeted the family and met Claire’s godparents.

Reception of the Child Joey sat with his family in the front pew. Father John began the Mass as usual with the Sign of the Cross. The Rite of Baptism was about to begin. The rite of a sacrament is the way that we celebrate it. He invited the family and the godparents to come forward. He asked, “What name have you given your child?” Mr. and Mrs. Santo said, “Claire.”

Father John then asked, “What do you ask of God’s Church for Claire?” The Santo family and godparents answered together, “Baptism.”

Then Father John said, “Claire, the Christian community welcomes you with great joy. In its name, I claim you for Christ our Savior.” Joey watched as Father traced a sign of the cross on Claire’s forehead and invited his parents to do the same.Claire’s forehead and invited his parents to do watched as Father traced a sign of the cross on Claire’s forehead and invited his parents to do

114

Claire’s forehead and invited his parents to do the same.Claire’s forehead and invited his parents to do Claire’s forehead and invited his parents to do Claire’s forehead and invited his parents to do Claire’s forehead and invited his parents to do Claire’s forehead and invited his parents to do

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128

We Celebrate...

Advent During the month of December, many people prepare to celebrate Christmas. The Church celebrates the season of Advent, during the four weeks before Christmas. This is a time of great anticipation of the arrival of Jesus Christ. We celebrate not only the birth of our Savior, but also his coming again at the end of time.

Advent is the time the Church remembers God’s promise to send us the Savior. At Mass, we listen to stories from the Old Testament about this promise of a messiah. We also give thanks and praise for Christ coming to us in the sacraments today. During this season of hope, we long for his final return when the Kingdom of God will be complete.

On each of the four Sundays during Advent, we may light a candle on an Advent wreath. These four candles help us count the weeks until Christmas by providing a visual reminder of what we eagerly anticipate, the coming of our Savior. The lighted candle also reminds us that Jesus is the Light of the World.

We can prepare for Christmas by being a light for others. We can reflect on how important Jesus is in our lives. We can find ways to love others as Jesus loves us. We can offer the gift of ourselves in service to one another. During the season of Advent, we can celebrate hope because of salvation in Jesus Christ.

How can your service for others be a

gift to them??

prepare to celebrate Christmas. The Church celebrates prepare to celebrate Christmas. The Church celebrates the season of Advent, during the four weeks before the season of Advent, during the four weeks before Christmas. This is a time of great anticipation Christmas. This is a time of great anticipation of the arrival of Jesus Christ. We celebrate of the arrival of Jesus Christ. We celebrate not only the birth of our Savior, but also his not only the birth of our Savior, but also his

remembers God’s promise to send us the remembers God’s promise to send us the Savior. At Mass, we listen to stories from Savior. At Mass, we listen to stories from the Old Testament about this promise of a messiah. We also give thanks and

sacraments today. During this season of sacraments today. During this season of hope, we long for his final return when hope, we long for his final return when

On each of the four Sundays during On each of the four Sundays during Advent, we may light a candle on an Advent Advent, we may light a candle on an Advent wreath. These four candles help us count the wreath. These four candles help us count the weeks until Christmas by providing a visual weeks until Christmas by providing a visual reminder of what we eagerly anticipate, the reminder of what we eagerly anticipate, the

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A current and vibrant graphic design make

this series attractive for catechists and

teachers, families and students to use.


Faith Summaries

Essential teachings

and concepts of the

faith are summarized

in a simple question

and answer format in

an accessible language

for the young people.

151

Paschal Mystery (page 42) The Church calls Jesus’ passion, Death, Resurrection and glorious Ascension into Heaven, the Paschal Mystery.

Penance and Reconciliation (page 80) The Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is a Sacrament of Healing in which we receive, through the ministry of the priest, God’s forgiveness for the sins we commit after Baptism.

Pentecost (page 49) The day of Pentecost, fifty days after the Resurrection, is when the Holy Spirit came to the disciples as Jesus had promised.

People of God (page 56) The People of God is a New Testament image for the Church, which teaches that God the Father calls everyone to be his people in Jesus, his Son.

pope (page 59) The pope is the chief leader and teacher of the Catholic Church.

S-Usacramentals (page 64)

These blessings and sacred objects are used in our public worship and personal prayer to help prepare us to receive grace.

sacraments (page 65) The sacraments are the seven main liturgical signs of the Church, given to us by Jesus. They make us sharers in the life of the Holy Trinity and, for believers, are necessary for salvation. Every sacrament confers special graces.

Sacraments at the Service of Communion (page 88)

The Sacraments at the Service of Communion are the two sacraments that set aside members of the Church to serve the Church through Holy Orders or Matrimony.

Sacraments of Christian Initiation (page 65) Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist are the Sacraments of Christian Initiation. These three sacraments form the foundation of Christian life.

saints (page 35) Saints are holy people whose love for God is stronger than their love for anything or anyone else.

sins (page 80) Sins are those acts we freely choose to do wrong. They weaken or break one’s relationship with God and the Church.

solidarity (page 105) Solidarity means to be connected to other people in our community or society at large.

Ten Commandments (page 96) The Laws of God revealed to Moses and the Israelites on Mount Sinai are called the Ten Commandments.

The Beatitudes (page 104) The teachings of Jesus that describe the people who are blessed by God we call the Beatitudes.

The Great Commandment (page 96) The teaching of Jesus that tells us love of God and love of neighbor are inseparable is called the Great Commandment.

V-Zvocation (page 88)

Vocation is a special call from God to live a life of holiness in a particular way.

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(page 42)The Church calls Jesus’ passion, Death, Resurrection and glorious Ascension into Heaven, the Paschal Mystery.

Penance and ReconciliationThe Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is a Sacrament of Healing in which we receive, through the ministry of the priest, God’s forgiveness for the sins we commit after

The day of Pentecost, fifty days after the Resurrection, is when the Holy Spirit came to the disciples as Jesus had promised.

(page 56)The People of God is a New Testament image for the Church, which teaches that God the Father calls everyone to be his people in Jesus,

The pope is the chief leader and teacher of the

S-U (page 64)

These blessings and sacred objects are used in our public worship and personal prayer to help prepare us to receive grace.

The sacraments are the seven main liturgical signs of the Church, given to us by Jesus. They make us sharers in the life of the Holy Trinity and, for believers, are necessary for salvation. Every sacrament confers special graces.

Sacraments at the Service (page 88)

The Sacraments at the Service of Communion are the two sacraments that set aside members of the Church to serve the Church through Holy Orders or Matrimony.

150

A-Balmsgiving (page 73)

Almsgiving is sharing our blessings with others, especially with people in need.

ambry (page 81) Holy oils are kept in a special place in the church called an ambry.

Anointing of the Sick (page 80) The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is a Sacrament of Healing that strengthens our faith, hope, and love for God when we are seriously ill, weakened by old age, or dying.

Apostles (page 56) The Apostles were the first twelve leaders of the Church. Jesus chose them to baptize and teach in his name.

Body of Christ (page 56) The Body of Christ is a New Testament image for the Church, which teaches that the members of the Church are made one in Christ, the Head of the Church.

C-Fconscience (page 49)

Conscience is a gift from God that is part of every person, which guides the individual to know what is right and wrong, and to judge how to act morally good.

Divine Revelation (page 33) Divine Revelation is God making known over time the mystery of who he is and his divine plan of Creation and Salvation.

Eucharist (page 72) The Eucharist is the final Sacrament of Christian Initiation in which Christ’s loving sacrifice of himself is made present, and we receive the Body and Blood of Christ. By partaking of Holy Communion, we are joined most fully to Christ and to the Church, the Body of Christ.

faith (page 33) Faith is a gift and power from God inviting us to know and believe in him. It is also our free response to his invitation.

G-Lgrace (page 33)

Grace is the gift of God’s life and loving presence.

Heaven (page 104) Heaven is everlasting life with God, Mary, and the saints.

Holy Trinity (page 49) The mystery of the Holy Trinity is that God is one in three Divine Person: God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit; the central belief of the Christian faith.

Incarnation (page 41) The Incarnation is the mystery of the Son of God becoming man.

Kingdom of God (page 41) The Kingdom of God is the reign of God’s love in the world. The Kingdom will not be completed until Jesus returns in glory at the end of time.

liturgy (page 65) The liturgy is the work of the Church, during which the People of God worship God. In the liturgy, Christ continues the work of Redemption in, with, and through the Church.

M-RMass (page 72)

The Mass is the main sacramental celebration of the Church. During the Mass, we gather to listen to God’s Word and share in the Eucharist.

Messiah (page 41) Messiah is the title for Jesus that means he is Christ, the Anointed One God the Father promised to send to save all people.

Glossary

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The glossary provides

succinct definitions of

vocabulary terms used

in the student books. It

includes page references

for children and their

parents telling where they

terms occur in the text.


Catechists can take the

opportunity to pray and reflect

along with students, using the

reflection questions and prayers

designed uniquely for their needs.

Catechist Guide


A comprehensive plan for each lesson

provides background and teaching tips, an

easy-to-use wraparound session plan, and

ideas for extending the lessons.

A wealth of background and

teaching tips and a complete

wraparound plan help

catechists introduce children

to sacramental rituals and the

Church’s liturgical year.

Full session plans provides background, a simple

three-part strategy for presenting the Scripture

story, including activity suggestions.

Catechist Guide

The comprehensive catechist guide offers complete session plans for each of the three sections in the student book.

148 (Student page 116)

Teach3 Explain that there are two forms

in baptizing: through immersion or through the pouring of water. Point out the usual way children are baptized in your parish.

3 Explain that the person is baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit with three immersions or pouring of the water three times. The godparents are also present.

3 Ask volunteers to read aloud the text on the page.

Connect3 Have the children name ways

Joey can be an example for Claire in living as a follower of Jesus.

3 Time permitting, display examples of baptismal garments, baptismal candles, and other objects used during the rite.

3 Conclude with prayer, asking God to fill the hearts of those present with love and faith. Petition God to help those preparing to become full members of the Catholic Church.

We Celebrate Baptism

Initiation of the Baptized Child. Explain to those children, who have already been baptized yet not fully initiated into the Church, that they will be initiated into the Church. Depending on the practices of your parish, they will be confirmed and receive First Eucharist during either the same celebration or a separate one. It would be most helpful to these children if you could give them clear guidance on how they will profess their faith on the day of their initiation.

Teaching Tip

116

Anointing and White Robe Then Joey watched as Father John anointed Claire on the top of her head with oil that is called Sacred Chrism. He explained that this is a sign that Claire now shares in Jesus’ mission in a special way.

Father John then placed a white robe on Claire. The white garment shows that, through Baptism, Claire had put on Christ.

Lighted Candle Father asked Joey’s dad to light a candle for Claire from the Easter candle. Father John said, “Receive the light of Christ.” He prayed that the Santos would keep the flame of faith alive in Claire’s heart.

Conclusion of the Rite At the end of the Mass, Father John took Claire in his arms. He said, “This is Claire Santo, our newest member of the Catholic Church!” Everyone smiled and clapped. Claire’s Baptism was a great celebration for Joey’s family and the parish.

Joey joined in the applause. He thought about how he could help Claire grow in faith. “I can be a good example to my sister,” he decided. “That’s what big brothers do!

Based on the Rite of Baptism for One Child

Joey joined in the applause. He thought about Joey joined in the applause. He thought about Joey joined in the applause. He thought about how he could help Claire grow in faith. “I can be a how he could help Claire grow in faith. “I can be a how he could help Claire grow in faith. “I can be a good example to my sister,” he decided.good example to my sister,” he decided.good example to my sister,” he decided.“That’s what big brothers do!

Based on the Rite of Baptism for One Child

Explain to those children, who have already been baptized yet not fully initiated into the Church, that they will be initiated into the Church. Depending on the practices of your parish, they will be confirmed and receive First Eucharist during either the same celebration or a separate one. It would be most helpful to these children if you could give them clear guidance on how they will profess their faith on the day

32

Our Father’s Loving Plan God loves us so much that he has revealed himself to us. God is the Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We call God’s making himself known to us Divine Revelation. God the Father reveals himself and his loving plan of Creation and Salvation in the Bible. God the Father most fully reveals himself to us in his only Son, Jesus Christ. We can never fully know God or the mystery of his love. However, God gives us a wonderful gift to help us believe in all that he has revealed. This gift and power is called faith. This gift of faith is also a loving invitation from God. God invites us to believe in him and to live as Jesus taught. We learn about Jesus’ teachings from the Church, especially in the Bible. God helps us to grow in friendship with him. Because God created us in his image and likeness, we can think, love, and care for others. This is how

we share God’s goodness in the world. We can be loving, gentle, merciful, patient, and understanding because God is always with us. We call the gift of God’s life and loving presence grace. God’s loving plan is that all people will live with him forever. We can cooperate with God to carry out his plan by knowing,

loving, and serving him.

Every Sunday at Mass, Catholics

profess faith in God the Father,

Almighty. When we say that God

is Almighty we mean that he has

the power to do everything and

anything good.

Catholics Believe

Look at the pictures on this page.

Then talk with a partner. How is

faith expressed in the pictures?

Activity

46 (Student page 32)

Discover

Learning through Human Experience. The National

Directory for Catechesis (NDC) teaches that “Human

experiences provide the sensible signs that lead the person,

by the grace of the Holy Spirit, to a better understanding

of the truths of the faith” (NDC 29A). As you discuss Divine

Revelation, ask the children to identify ways in which others

get to know them and ways in which they get to know their

friends and relatives. Relate these experiences to the Father’s

desire to share his goodness and love with us, and the many

ways he helps us come to know him.

Human Methodologies

Key Concept God reveals himself to us

and invites us to faith.

Teach3 Have the children silently

read the first paragraph. Ask volunteers to identify how God reveals himself to us.

3 As you present the second paragraph, emphasize that faith involves both God’s invitation and our response.

3 Discuss what it means to be made in the image and likeness of God.

3 Ask: “How are we called to cooperate with God’s plan?” Brainstorm with the class examples of knowing, loving and serving God.

ReinforceWorking in pairs, have the children read the Catholics Believe box. Ask them to identify examples in creation that demonstrate that God is Almighty.

ConnectHave partners work together to complete the activity by discussing each photograph. Ask volunteers to share their responses.

32

Our Father’s Loving Plan God loves us so much that he has revealed himself to us. God is the Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We call God’s making himself known to us Divine Revelation. God the Father reveals himself and his loving plan of Creation and Salvation in the Bible. God the Father most fully reveals himself to us in his only Son, Jesus Christ. We can never fully know God or the mystery of his love. However, God gives us a wonderful gift to help us believe in all that he has revealed. This gift and power is called faith. This gift of faith is also a loving invitation from God. God invites us to believe in him and to live as Jesus taught. We learn about Jesus’ teachings from the Church, especially in the Bible. God helps us to grow in friendship with him. Because God created us in his image and likeness, we can think, love, and care for others. This is how

we share God’s goodness in the world. We can be loving, gentle, merciful, patient, and understanding because God is always with us. We call the gift of God’s life and loving presence grace. God’s loving plan is that all people will live with him forever. We can cooperate with God to carry out his plan by knowing,

loving, and serving him.

Every Sunday at Mass, Catholics

profess faith in God the Father,

Almighty. When we say that God

is Almighty we mean that he has

the power to do everything and

anything good.

Look at the pictures on this page.

Then talk with a partner. How is

faith expressed in the pictures?

Activity

Top Copy Here


Secondary copyOnline Support

RCL Benziger continues its promise of quality faith formation by offering engaging online

support for catechetical leaders, catechists, and students.

Our Catholic Heritage online resources include:u Catechetical background articles and resources for DREs and catechistsu Classroom activity pages for Level I and Level IIu Ideas for classroom prayersu Family session outlines to help you prepare parents to provide faith formation at home

Be sure to log onto BeMyDisciples.com today to check out these online features.

Online Support for You, Your Catechists, and Families!

Documents

Our Catholic Heritage, Program Overview