First Grade Religion & Family Life

Our Content Theme for the year is:

God our Creator gives us life and grace and promises us eternal life through Jesus.

The Instructional Focus

Vocabulary

Advent The four weeks before Christmas that we prepare to celebrate thecoming of Jesus
Angels Special messengers of God
Apostles Twelve special leaders chosen by Jesus to Help Him build his church
Baptism The sacrament that welcomes us into the church
Bible The book that gives us the word of God
Bishop A successor of the apostles who is the leader of a diocese
Blessed Trinity The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, three persons in one God
Catholic A baptized follower of Jesus who belongs to the Catholic Church
Catholic Church A family of Christians who pray together and are led by the people
Christian A follower of Jesus
Christmas Our celebration of the birth of Jesus
Church A special place to gather and pray
Creation Everything that God has made
Creator God the Father
Easter The feast of Christ rising from the dead
Eucharist The sacrament in which we receive the Body and Blood of Jesus. The word Eucharist means thanksgiving
Gospel Jesus’ good news about God’s love for us
Grace Sharing in God’s life
Heaven Being with God
Holy Family Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Holy Water A reminder of our baptism into God’s family
Jesus Christ The Son of God
Joseph Foster-father of Jesus
Law of Love God’s command that we should love God with all of our heart and love others as our self
Mary The mother of Jesus
Parish Our local faith community
Pope Leader of the Catholic Church all over the world
Priest Ordained church leader who helps with the work of the bishops in ministering to God’s people
Prayer Talking with God
Sacrament A special sign of God’s love for us
Saint A special person in the Catholic Church who showed us how to follow Jesus
Savior Jesus, who brought us God’s mercy and forgiveness
Sign of the CrossA reminder of our Baptism that calls to mind the three persons of the Blessed Trinity

You are a Family!

You are a family! Your child is a gift from God – and a great responsibility. During these important growing-up years, you are the most important influence in your child’s life.

Our Holy Father, John Paul II, in his Apostolic Letter On the Family, challenges families to “become what you are - a community of life and love”. He invites you to wrap your child in the love of Christ, so that your son or daughter will become a follower of the Lord.

Your child will be learning more about the skills and virtues of Christian family living. Your role is to do what you already know how to do best - be a good parent. You will share your own faith and values with your child in informal and enjoyable ways.

God’s Gift of Family

God’s Gift of Self

God’s Gift of Life

God’s Gift of Love

God’s Gift of Community