Unit 1: God Calls Us to Faith
Goals
Chapter 1: God Calls Us God calls each of us to take part in the plan of salvation. God promises to help and bless us if we trustingly respond. In this chapter the children learn that Abraham and Ruth are models of fidelity to God's call. They learn that faith means a willingness to do what God asks, knowing that God always brings us to a fuller, richer life.
Chapter 2: God Gives Us Gifts Each person fulfills God's plan in a different way. God gives us the gifts and talents we need to do this. In this chapter the children learn that God expects us to be responsible for our talents. We should develop them to the best of our ability and use them to improve ourselves, to help others, and to praise and glorify God. They meet David, who used his gifts this way.
Chapter 3: We Are God's Holy People God calls us to be a holy people and gives us his Son to be our Way, our Truth, and our Life. In this chapter the children learn that Jesus became man to show us how to live a holy life and to teach us the way to the Father. Through his Church and the saints, God continues to guide us. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we are strengthened and brought closer to God as God's holy people.
Chapter 4: God Called Mary At the Annunciation Mary was asked to be the mother of Jesus, God's Son. By saying yes she became the mother of God, our spiritual mother, and the Mother of the Church. In this chapter the children learn from Mary's example to answer the call of God willingly and promptly. They also become familiar with the Joyful Mysteries, as they are taught how to pray the rosary.
Chapter 5: Jesus Calls Us to Follow True disciples of Jesus listen to his Word and walk in his way. In this chapter the children hear how Jesus called the apostles, the disciples, and Paul. They learn that Jesus calls them, too, to follow his way of love and to share in his mission of leading all people to God.