December 2nd Class Update Grades 8 & 9

The evening started off, as we always do, with prayer in the church.  Tonight we started with finve minutes of mental prayer.  

Grade 8
Chosen Lesson 7- "Where am I going?   (The 4 Last Things)
Discussed the 4 Last Things:  1. Death  2. Judgement  3. Heaven  4. Hell
Watched Symbolon: The Last Things, Part 2- minutes 0-6.5
Discussed: 
The 4 Last Things is the Catholic Doctrine which teaches us about what happens at the end of our lives
If you missed class, here's what you need to do parent and teen together:
Go to: st-patrick-parish.formed.org
Create an account
Go to: Study; Symbolon: Knowing the Faith, Session 10, Part 2 and watch minutes 0-6min 30 sec.
Discussion Questions:
1.  We all have various images of Heaven, but according to the video, what is Heaven?
2.  In the presentation, the Catholic teaching on Purgatory is discussed.  What are some of the misconceptions about Purgatory?  What does the Catholic Church really teach about Purgatory?  And why can Purgatory be seen, at least in some sense, as something for which we should be grateful?  (Some misonceptions:  Purgatory isn't a "second chance" after we die, nor is it an eternal in-between state for those not good enough for Heaven or bad enough for Hell)
3.  Why is it accurage to state, "God doesn't send people to Hell?"


Grade 9
Chosen Lesson 9: "When did my journey begins?" (Baptism, Your Initiation into God's Family)
Chosen Lesson 10, Seg. 1:  "Hitting the Goal"  (The Healing Power of Confession)
Discussed the first 5 Commandments and the reasons why rules/commandments are important in life.
Discussed purpose/goal of life (CCC1):  God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life.  For this reason, at every time and in every place, God draws close to man.  He calls man to seek him, to know him, to love him with all his strength.  He calls together all men, scattered and divided by sin, into the unity of his family the Church.  To accomplish this, when the fullness of time had come, God sent his son as Redeemer and Savior.  In his Son and trhough him, he invites men to become, in the Holy Spirit, his adopted children and thus heirs of his blessed life.  
Need to know:
Catholicism understands "God as Father".  This concept does not exist in Islam.
White = Purity
Sanctify = To Make Holy
1st Sin = Original Sin

Closing Prayer:  Prayer for Bishop Morlino's Soul
Student Homework: 
1. Mass
2. Pray 10 minutes/day
3. Read Chosen pages 82-84
Parent Homework:
Read Chosen Parent's Guide pages 50-53.  Try out the conversation starters with your teen!

Serivce Opportunity:
Wednesday, December 19; 5:45-7:30 pm
Help run activity stations at Faith Formation Christmas Fair
St. Patrick Hall (church basement).  Contact Kristia with questions.