Unit 3: God's Plan Is a Plan of Love
Goals
Chapter 10: God Created People to Share His Life This chapter deepens the children's awareness that God created human beings to share in his divine life. God gave us the gift of grace so that we might be with him forever. They learn that the first human beings fell from grace when they sinned and that, through sin, evil entered the world. The children gain a deeper appreciation of both God's goodness and the evil of sin, and they become more aware of Jesus' presence with them at all times, helping them live his life.
Chapter 11: God Sent His Son to Live Among Us God chose Mary as the mother of his Son and Joseph as his foster father. The children relate the Annunciation to the Incarnation—the great mystery of our faith. They read the story of the Nativity and realize anew that Jesus came to save them and show them the way to heaven. They are motivated to respond to God's love by following Jesus and living as he did. The children hear the story of Simeon and Anna and realize that Jesus wants them to bring his light to the people of the world.
Chapter 12: Jesus Revealed the Kingdom of God John the Baptist prepared the way for the coming of Jesus. In this chapter the children learn that Jesus was baptized by John and that he was tempted by Satan, who wished to see him reject his Father's plan. As the children hear how Jesus overcame the temptations of the devil, they come to realize that God allows them to be tempted but always gives them the grace necessary to resist the temptation. They understand that Jesus drove out evil spirits and worked other miracles to show that God's kingdom triumphs over all. They pray for the reign of God in their own hearts and in the hearts of all people. The children learn the meaning of Jesus' parables about the Kingdom of God and begin to appreciate that kingdom as a priceless pearl. They are encouraged to imitate the saints by using their gifts to honor God and help others, thereby spreading the Kingdom of God.
Chapter 13: Jesus Came to Give Life Jesus showed his power over sin and death when he restored life and health—natural or supernatural—to those who needed and desired it. In this chapter the children come to realize that Jesus worked miracles to reveal his love and power and to strengthen our faith in him. They become more aware of the social effects of sin and recognize more fully the healing power of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. They deepen their appreciation of Jesus' love and learn to respond by acting as his instruments of healing power, manifesting his love in words and deeds.
Chapter 14: God's Kingdom Is a Kingdom of Love The children deepen their understanding of God's kingdom as they review this unit. Realizing that true service of God includes keeping the commandments, they are inspired to live the spirit of God's kingdom by loving others as Jesus has loved them.