Grade 4
The Grade 4 Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ program follows the flow of the liturgical year, respecting the different seasons with all the moods and colours found in them. Drawing on various stories from scripture, students will learn the mood and meaning of all of the Church seasons. Each season has its own theological emphases, guiding us through the story of our salvation.
The content of the units informs and forms our students. Using their gifts and witness of faith, teachers evangelize as they hand on the faith. The Grade 4 Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ program fits nicely within the Church’s evangelizing mission as it highlights and references the liturgical celebrations in the parish for each of the liturgical seasons and connects to the faith and cultural celebrations in the home.
Themes
The Grade 4 Resource is comprised of the following five units. The length of the unit is based on the number of weeks in the liturgical season.
Unit 1: Called to be One is based in Ordinary Time. In this unit, students will learn that we have been called to be one as members of the Body of Christ. They will explore how God’s plan for our salvation is revealed through the Sacred Scriptures. They will learn that, as Catholics, we express our faith in a common Creed. Students will explore the Bible and how it can be used as a source of faith. They will begin to understand that our relationship with God is nurtured through the sacraments, liturgy, and prayer. They will learn that God has created a world for us and that, as His people, we are called to good stewardship of its many resources.
Chapter 1: Called to Be One
Lesson 1: How are we one Body of Christ?
Lesson 2: How does the Bible help us to be one in our faith?
Chapter 2: How Does Worshipping Together Make Us One?
Lesson 3: How are we united through prayer and ritual?
Lesson 4: How do the sacraments unite us with God and one another?
Chapter 3: What Does It Mean to Be Holy?
Lesson 5: What is holiness?
Lesson 6: How can following our conscience help us to grow in holiness?
Lesson 7: How can we grow in holiness through reconciliation?
Chapter 4: How Can We Grow Together in Holiness?
Lesson 8: How can we grow in holiness through prayer?
Lesson 9: How can the lives of saints inspire us to holiness?
Lesson 10: How can we grow in holiness through actions?
Lesson 11: How does care for God’s creation helps us grow in holiness together?
Saints: The Evangelists (St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke and St. John), St. Francis and St. Clare
Scripture: Parables of The Lost Sheep (Luke 15: 3-7) and The Lost Coin (Luke 15: 8-10), The Rich Young Man (Matthew 6:19-20)
Unit 2: A New Beginning In this unit, students will explore the many ways they can deepen their faith during the Advent and Christmas seasons. They will be introduced to the rituals and symbols that enrich our faith during these seasons of preparation and celebration. Students will learn more about Mary, the Mother of God, and her trust in God’s promises. They will focus on the joyful mysteries of the Rosary and learn how reflection on these events can help them better understand how God has revealed Himself to us.
Chapter 5: How is Advent a Time for Transformation
Lesson 1: Why is Advent a time for transformation?
Lesson 2: How does Reconciliation transform us during the season of Advent?
Lesson 3: How does prayer transform us during the season of Advent?
Chapter 6: How is the Birth of Jesus a New Beginning?
Lesson 4: How did the birth of Jesus bring a new beginning?
Lesson 5: How are we called to spread the Good News?
Saints: St. Monica and St. Nicholas
Scripture: The Joyful Mysteries, The Annunciation (Luke 1:28-38), The Visitation (Luke 1:39-56), The Peaceful Kingdom (Isaiah 11:1-10), The Presentation (Luke 2:25-38), and The Finding of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-51)
Unit 3: The Kingdom of God is based on Ordinary Time and focuses on how we can experience the kingdom of God. Students will learn that the kingdom of God was foretold in the Old Testament and was fulfilled with the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. They will explore how Jesus is present in the Church: in the Word of God, in the liturgy, in the community of believers, and in the sacraments, most especially in the Eucharist. They will learn about Jesus as a teacher through a study of the parables used to help us understand God’s kingdom.
Chapter 7: What is the Kingdom of God?
Lesson 1: What is God’s plan of salvation for us?
Lesson 2: How does Baptism prepare us to participate in the kingdom of God?
Chapter 8: How Does Jesus Reveal God’s Kingdom?
Lesson 3: What did Jesus do to teach people about the kingdom of God?
Lesson 4: How did Jesus use his divine authority and power to spread God’s Word?
Chapter 9: What is the Role of the Church?
Lesson 5: Why did Jesus establish the church?
Lesson 6: How can we work in unity with others to be of service to God in building his kingdom?
Saints: Blessed Josaphata Hordashevska, Pope Paul IV,
Scripture: The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:18-23), the Luminous Mysteries, Jesus Walks of Water (Matthew 14:26-27), Jesus Heals a Man Who is Deaf (Mark 7:34-35), The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)
Unit 4: New Life in Jesus is based in the liturgical season of Lent and Easter. Students will explore the themes of renewal, healing, and preparation for receiving the sacraments and the gift of new life given to us through the Pascal Mystery. They will learn that we are called to conversion and to seek God’s divine mercy through the sacrament of Reconciliation. They will explore the scripture passages that describe the passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. Students will learn how the rich liturgy of the Easter Vigil helps us renew our baptismal promises and confirm our belief in Jesus as Saviour and Redeemer.
Chapter 10: How is Lent a Time of Renewal?
Lesson 1: How can we renew our relationship with God during Lent?
Lesson 2: How do prayer and fasting renew our spirits and prepare us to receive new life in Jesus?
Lesson 3: How can we grow in holiness during Lent through giving?
Chapter 11: How is Lent a Time for Healing?
Lesson 4: How do scripture and our knowledge of forgiveness help us to be healed during Lent through giving?
Lesson 5: How do the sacraments help to heal us during Lent?
Chapter 12: How Does Easter Give Us New Life?
Lesson 6: How does celebrating the Paschal Mystery help us to understand the gift of new life in Jesus?
Lesson 7: How do we celebrate and welcome new Church members to share in the gift of eternal life?
Saints: St. Martin de Porres and St. Dismas
Scripture: The Sorrowful Mysteries, A Jailer Turns to God (Acts 16:25-34), Raised to Life by Jesus (John 11:1-44)
Unit 5: Building the Kingdom of God is based in Ordinary Time and focuses on how we can serve God as He builds His kingdom. Students will learn about Jesus’ call to His Apostles to carry on His work and establish His church on Earth. Students will learn that we are also called to carry on this mission in our lives today. They will be inspired by the good works of saints, holy people, and organizations that work to use their gifts for the good of others and in the service of God. Students will also explore their own personal call to witness holiness, through word and action, as members of the Body of Christ.
Chapter 13: What Was the Early Church’s Mission?
Lesson 1: How did the Apostles fulfill their mission and make disciples of all nations?
Lesson 2: How do we continue to build one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church?
Lesson 3: How does the Church reach out to all people?
Chapter 14: How Do We Participate in the Kingdom of God?
Lesson 4: How do we grow in faith and holiness to serve God?
Lesson 5: How can we know, grow and show our faith so we can serve God’s as he builds his kingdom on Earth?
Chapter 15: How Are We Called to Spread the Kingdom of God?
Lesson 6: How can we act in faith, hope and charity to spread the kingdom of God for the good of all?
Lesson 7: How can we evangelize by sharing our faith journey with others?
Saints: St. Catherine of Siena and Henri Nouwen
Scripture: The Glorious Mysteries, The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Parable of the Treasure (Matthew 13:44-46)
Students will also be learning the prayers:
Hail, Holy Queen
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope!
To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up
our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears! Turn, then, O most
gracious Advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us, and after this, our exile,
show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving,
O sweet Virgin Mary.
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Amen.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and
kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you shall renew the face of the earth.
O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit,
did instruct the hearts of the faithful,
grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise
and ever enjoy His consolations,
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Psalm 23
A Psalm of David.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.
Act of Contrition
My God,
I am sorry for my sins with all my heart.
In choosing to do wrong
and failing to do good,
I have sinned against you
whom I should love above all things.
I firmly intend, with your help,
to do penance,
to sin no more,
and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.
Our Saviour Jesus Christ
suffered and died for us.
In his name, my God, have mercy.
Amen.
If you have any questions about the content of this program, please contact LeeAnn Arsenault, Faith Permeation Lead Teacher for Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools at leeann.arsenault@rdcrs.ca.