Following Jesus Catechist Guide: Grade 7 (Finding God 2005, 2007) - Softcover

Campbell, Barbara F.; Campbell, James P.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0829421645 ISBN 13: 9780829421644

Publisher: Loyola Pr, 2007

Synopsis

Finding God for grades 1-8, serves your whole parish by offering innovative, imaginative, and practical approaches to lifelong faith formation.

Something Different
Young people in junior high—grades seven and eight—are beginning to sense that they are different. They no longer want to be treated like children. They want to take on more ownership in the process of learning. This also holds true for their faith formation. Finding God for junior high fulfills this need.

Magazine Format
The Finding God books are designed to capture the imagination of adolescents who are tired of ordinary textbooks. The full content of the Catholic faith is presented in an engaging format that carries the appeal of a popular magazine. The Catechist Guide provides parish and Catholic School catechists with directions for bringing this content to life in ways that are creative, imaginative, and effective.  

Working with Adolescents
Young people desire to know God in a personal way in order to find meaning in their lives. The desire to share the faith is written in the heart of the catechist. The aim of catechesis as expressed in the General Directory for Catechesis is “to put people, not only in touch, but also in communion with Jesus Christ” (GDC 80). Loyola Press carefully crafted Finding God for junior high to help catechists as they invite young people and the significant adults in their lives into a deeper relationship with God and the Catholic Church in service to the world.
The National Directory for Catechesis reminds us that “since adolescence is the age of hero worship, it is helpful to present the words and example of Jesus as well as the lives and deeds of the saints in ways that appeal to young people” (NDC 48D). Finding God for junior high appeals to young people by creating opportunities for them to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Maximum Flexibility
Catechists have repeatedly stated the need for flexibility when it comes to faith formation in junior high. The two Finding God books, each with five units, can be used in any sequence—as complete books or as modules. You can use one text to teach both seventh and eighth graders. Or, each unit can function separately for a modular structure. For more suggestions on various ways of using Finding God for junior high, see the Director Guide.

 

About this title

Book Description

Finding God 7 & 8

Program features

• Full content of the Catholic faith is presented, with a strong emphasis on prayer and on deepening one’s relationship with Jesus
• Attention-grabbing format ignites the imagination of adolescents who are tired of ordinary textbooks
• Culturally relevant material makes it easier for teachers to engage young people on their faith journey
• Flexible curriculum is interchangeable by grade, features units that can be used in any sequence, and is adaptable for any program
• 2 CDs per grade provide dramatized Scripture stories, guided reflections, and instrumental music

Five Overarching Themes
To support lifelong faith formation, all pastor, parent, and catechist resources reflect the same five themes found in the children’s (grades 1–6) and young people’s (grades 7 & 8) program: God, Jesus, The Church, The Sacraments, and Morality.

Young People’s Book

• Units can be used in any sequence, allowing for flexibility in your program
• Incorporates a four-step catechetical process—Engage, Explore, Reflect, and Respond—in every chapter
• Seven seasonal chapters highlight seasons and  feasts of the liturgical year
• Prayers and Practices of Our Faith includes age-appropriate references to Catholic prayers, traditions, beliefs, and music
• Glossary serves as a comprehensive, cumulative reference in English and Spanish
• Two main articles present the teachings of the  Church, grounded in Scripture and Tradition.
• TidBytes and Sidebar features extend content and connect to daily life.
• Prayer opportunities allow young people to internalize the lesson and reflect on God’s invitation.
• Assessments and service-project ideas help young people identify how they can   respond to God.

Catechist Guide

• 3-Minute Retreat provides powerful reflection
• Catechist-preparation pages supply background information on Scripture, Tradition, and Catholic Social Teaching
• Get-Ready Guide presents detailed plans on how   to lead each session
• Extending the Chapter offers a wide variety of   additional activities
• Active-Learning and Community-Building activities engage learners

In the first year of adoption, a free guide is included with every 25 young people’s books purchased.

www.findinggod.com
Online resources for program users

• Family E-Newsletters
• Additional assessments for each session
• Detailed session-planning tool
• Family Learning Guide
• Activity Finder searchable by grade level, subject, or learning style
• Faith-in-Action outreach projects
• Unit prayer services
• Sunday Connection linked to readings   and activities
• Seasonal resources
• Articles and activities for families
• Additional prayer resources

Grades 7 & 8
Every Young People’s Book includes

• A Parent Guide to Prayer
• 7 Parent E-Newsletters per year (available online for parents to access electronically)

Grades 7 & 8
Every Catechist Guide includes

• 2 CDs including dramatized Scripture stories, guided reflections, and instrumental music
• Reproducible assessments and activities

 

From the Back Cover

A Catechist’s Prayer Loving God,
creator of all things,
you call us to be in relationship
with you and others.

You are the giver of all I possess,
the source of all my blessings,
for which I thank and praise you.
Help me to desire nothing more
than to be filled with your love and grace.

Thank you for calling me to be a catechist,
for the opportunity to share with others
what you have given to me.

May all those with whom
I share the gift of faith
discover how you are present in all things.

May they come to know you,
the one true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

May the grace of the Holy Spirit guide my heart and lips,
so that I may remain constant in loving and praising you.

May I be a witness to the Gospel and a minister of your truth.
May all my words and actions reflect your love.

May all see in me the fruits of your Spirit,
so your glory may be seen in the world.

Amen

A Catechist’s Prayer Loving God,
creator of all things,
you call us to be in relationship
with you and others.

You are the giver of all I possess,
the source of all my blessings,
for which I thank and praise you.
Help me to desire nothing more
than to be filled with your love and grace.

Thank you for calling me to be a catechist,
for the opportunity to share with others
what you have given to me.

May all those with whom
I share the gift of faith
discover how you are present in all things.

May they come to know you,
the one true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

May the grace of the Holy Spirit guide my heart and lips,
so that I may remain constant in loving and praising you.

May I be a witness to the Gospel and a minister of your truth.
May all my words and actions reflect your love.

May all see in me the fruits of your Spirit,
so your glory may be seen in the world.

Amen

About this edition

• Publisher: Loyola Pr
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0829421645
• ISBN 13: 9780829421644
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 468