We Proclaim Our Belief

To teach the children the meaning of the Paschal Mystery as expressed in the Apostles' Creed

The children will learn and express the truths of the faith expressed in the first eight lines of the Apostles' Creed.

• Apostles' Creed poster

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• Tell the children that they will work in pairs to understand and take to heart the first part of the Apostles' Creed that they have learned.
• ??? Ask the children to sit in pairs where they can see the Apostles' Creed poster.
• ??? Ask the partners to read together a line or phrase of the prayer at a time and tell each other what it means to them.
• ??? Tell the partners that they should then coach each other in taking the first part of the prayer to heart. One partner should sit with his or her back to the poster and say the first eight lines from memory, with the partner filling in words when necessary. Then switch roles.
• ??? Remind the children that this important prayer helps us to proclaim our belief in Jesus' death and resurrection, the Paschal Mystery.
• ??? Conclude by praying the Apostles' Creed together.

People Smart, Word Smart

Stress to the children that they do not have to know the prayer by heart at this point. Repetition and practice will help them learn it. They should try to understand the meaning of the words.