L6 Lesson Plans: Mar. 23, 24 & 25

Saint Charles Borromeo, by Orazio Borgianni (source)

Below is a guide for teaching Level 6 from the Alive in Christ text for classes during the week of March 23, 24 & 25. This guide is adapted from the Alive in Christ publisher website online lesson planning resources for our students.

Lesson Plan – Level 6

Chapter 20- Christian Unity

Lesson Overview- Catholics work toward the unity of all Christians, because God desires it. Today the ecumenical movement looks for ways to help all Christians work toward unity. 

Lesson Objectives- The children will:

·         Appreciate Jesus’ desire for unity among his believers.

·         Examine the Catholic Church’s desire to bring all Christians together in unity.

·         Explore the Protestant Reformation as a separation from the Church led by Martin Luther.

·         Recognize that the ecumenical movement looks for ways to help Christians work toward unity.

Table Time-

·         Begin with the prayer on page 267, (Psalm 145:18 and Ephesians 4:3-6). Discuss “What do you wonder?” questions:

1.       Why is there disunity among Christians today?

2.       How did this disunity come about?

·         Turn to pages 268-269.

Unity and Division

Ask: What did Jesus teach about unity?
• List the children's responses on the board or on chart paper.
Read the introduction to the lesson.

Scripture

Tell the children to look and listen for a reference that applies to them within the text.
• Proclaim the Scripture passage.
• Then, ask the children where they are mentioned. those who will believe in me, meaning Jesus' followers, or us
 
★ Have the children highlight how Jesus described the unity he prayed for.
Read the last paragraph as a summary of Jesus' prayer for unity.
• Ask: Why do you think unity was so important to Jesus?
• Discuss possible answers.

The Story Continues

Invite a volunteer to read aloud the text.
• If time permits, turn to 1 Corinthians 1:10–13 in a Bible and read aloud the passage.

More Divisions

Ask the children to silently read the two paragraphs and identify the two major divisions that occurred in the Church. Discuss the Faith Terms: Schism and Protestant Reformation.
• Ask volunteers to name and describe the two divisions.

Work with Words
Draw the children's attention to the Catholic Faith Words feature, and answer any questions they may still have about the Protestant Reformation.

Activity

Read aloud the Reflect portion of the activity. Have a volunteer read aloud the Share portion.
• Organize the children in pairs.
• Distribute paper and colored pencils or markers.

Turn to page 270: New Hope

Tell the children now they will learn about ecumenism.
Read aloud the first paragraph.
• Tell the children to look and listen for the explanation of the term communities.
• Ask them to give examples of various Protestant communities. Possible responses: Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Baptist, and Methodist
 
Have volunteers read aloud the next two paragraphs.
• Tell the children to find the definition of the word ecumenism in the text.
• Have a volunteer read aloud the definition in the text, followed by the definition in the Catholic Faith Words box.
• Ask: How can you be respectful of other people's beliefs?
• Encourage group discussion.

Ecumenism Today, page 271.

Tell the children to underline the main idea in each paragraph as they follow along with the reading in their books.
Invite a volunteer to read aloud the first paragraph.
• Ask the children which issues were addressed by the Second Vatican Council.
Ask a volunteer to read aloud the second paragraph.
• Have the children identify the steps toward unity outlined by the bishops. talking, praying, and serving together
Read aloud the final paragraph, ask the question at the end of the text, and summarize the teaching on ecumenism.

Activity

Read aloud the instructions for the activity.
• Allow time for the children to write their poems.
• Invite volunteers to share their poems.

·         Go to “People of Faith” on page 273 and read about Saint Charles Borromeo, (1538-1584). Discuss: How do you accept those whose beliefs differ from yours?

Optional Activities-

·         If time permits, complete the handout located on the stage, “A Crossword Puzzle.”

·         After completing the Catechist Edition instruction on page 271, but before the children work on the Connect Your Faith activity, play this short video on ecumenism as expressed in the Taize community. Ask: Why is it important for people of all Christian denominations to work together for Christian unity? How could you work with others to share your common faith? YouTube Link: http://youtu.be/IycimcwcgiA