Grade 4 - Religious Education

Believing

Celebrating

Living a Moral Life

Living in Communion

Living in Solidarity

Praying

Demonstrate an understanding of the Transmission of Divine Revelation in history (i.e. Sacred Scripture and Tradition) and why the Gospels hold a special place in the Church. [CCC nos. 74-141]

Describe the Canon of the Catholic Bible as two distinct yet related Testaments (Old/Hebrew and New) consisting of 73 books and identify the various forms of literature found in the Bible (e.g. narratives, wisdom sayings, psalms-prayers, moral teachings, parables, the life and ministry of Jesus - Gospels) and explain how the literary form influences how we read and interpret scripture. [CCC nos. 74-141]

Define and explain the significance of the Christian beliefs that “God is the author of Sacred Scripture”, Jesus is the “Unique Word of Sacred Scripture” and that the Holy Spirit is the “Interpreter of Sacred Scripture”. [CCC nos. 74-141]

Identify and describe using examples, the central teaching role of the Magisterium (i.e. Pope and College of Bishops) and the role of Bible in the life of the Church, Christian families and Catholic school communities (e.g. Liturgy of the Word within the Mass – proclamation of readings and the Gospel, signs of reverence toward the Bible, personal prayer and reflection in reading the Bible, and its use in the teaching of religion about the nature of God, Jesus Christ and Christian living). [CCC nos. 74-141]

Demonstrate an understanding of “the resurrection of the Body and life everlasting” professed in the Apostle's Creed and revealed by Christ Jesus.

Examine a selection of scripture passages to unfold the promise of eternal life (John 11:25, 26; John 10:27, 28; John 6:27; John 5:24; John 3:16; Romans 6:23) and the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven (parables - Matt. 13; 18:23-35; 22:2-14; 25:1-13).

Summarize what the Church teaches about the three states of life that exist after death: Heaven, Purgatory and Hell.

Connect the Church's belief in the resurrection of the Body and life everlasting to belief in the Communion of Saints and the practice of praying to and for those who have died.

Explain how the Church is called in its mission to witness to the “sacred mystery of unity” (i.e. the Church is called to be One). [CCC nos. 731-747; 811-822]

Using a selection of passages from the New Testament, identify signs of unity within the early Church (Col. 3:12; John 17:11) and give examples of how these are present in different forms in the Church today. [CCC nos. 731-747]

Describe the many ways that the Catholic and Christian Churches work to respond to the gift of unity Christ gave to the Church and to promote unity as a reality in the face of signs of disunity (ecumenical councils, working together for justice and peace, annual world day of prayer). [CCC nos. 817-822]

Through an examination of Sacred Scripture (e.g. Eph. 4:3-5; 1 Cor. 10:17; John 10:16) and Church teaching explain why the Church professes to be “One”. (As Catholics, we profess one Creed, are guided by the same teachings, celebrate the same sacraments, participate in the one hierarchical structure based on the apostolic succession, are formed as one Body in Christ and given life by the Holy Spirit for the sake of one hope.) [CCC nos. 811-816; 866]

Focus: Reconciliation Understand that through the actions of the Holy Spirit and the ministry of the priest, the sacraments can heal relationships and restore us to new life. [CCC nos. 1420-1498]

Connect gospel narratives of forgiveness (Mk. 2:1-12; Luke 15:11-32) and the institution of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (John 20:22-23) to the role of the priest within the sacrament.

Identify in the Rite of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation - who can receive and celebrate the sacrament, the rituals, blessings and prayers, signs and symbols, that signify and convey the grace and identification with Christ who forgives through the Church; and the effects of the sacrament. [CCC nos. 1440-1513; 1480-1498]

Link the Sacraments of Initiation and Reconciliation to the seasons of the liturgical calendar (Advent, Lent, and Easter) and identify in the symbols of the sacraments and the seasons, signs of God's presence (e.g. “I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”). [CCC nos. 1420-1470]

Demonstrate the different ways reconciliation and healing are experienced within the Christian community (i.e. in the Mass/Eucharist, through the sacrament of Reconciliation, in charitable, compassionate, forgiving relationships among its members and with others) and explain how this practice in our daily lives sanctifies, transforms and sustains relationships while revealing God's love within Christian families and communities and the world. [CCC nos. 1430-1439]

Understand that the celebration of the Eucharist allows us to receive gifts from God (grace) to transform our lives (fruits). [CCC nos. 1391-1405]

Identify the gifts received through participation in the Eucharist (i.e. offertory, communion); connect them with the various symbols, rituals, and sacramental signs found in the liturgy of the Mass; and explain how they help us to recognize the presence of Christ. [CCC nos. 1391-1405]

Identify through the passages of Scripture the gifts received by those who came to recognize the presence of Christ and who sought out an encounter with Him (e.g. Exodus 3:1-22; Matt. 25:31-46; Luke 24:13-35).

Identify certain gifts coming from God which, when we experience them in our lives, transform us and those who are in relationship with us (wonders of nature, the beauty of the arts, the laughter of a baby, the love of a parent or guardian).

Understand how the Church creates sacred space for the celebration of the sacraments and uses symbols, rituals, words, to reveal the action of Christ in our lives (Paschal Mystery). [CCC nos. 1179-1186; 1113-1130; 1167-1179]

Examine scripture passages of the Old Testament and New Testament which are proclaimed during specific Liturgical seasons i.e. Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter, and communicate what they reveal about and celebrate in Jesus' life. [CCC nos. 1168-1173]

Identify within the church, sacred space that is dedicated to the celebration of the sacraments (e.g. sanctuary, tabernacle, pulpit/ambo, sacristy, high altar, side altars, baptistery, confessional, stations of the cross, choir loft) and explain how they are connected to the signs/symbols used for the celebration, the sacred images of our faith, the sacramentals, and used in the celebration of the Liturgical seasons. [CCC nos. 1159-1171; 1179-1186; 1667-1679]

Distinguish between ‘sacramentals' and ‘sacraments' and use symbols, words, gesture, prayer and music as sacramentals in the creation of a sacred space and ritual celebrations that focus on the seasons of the liturgical year. [CCC nos. 1167-1179; 1168-1171]

Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of the Ten Commandments (i.e. Decalogue, Old Law) for living the Christian moral life. [CCC nos. 2052-2082; 2083-2195; 2196-2557]

Describe how the Ten Commandments have been used by the Church for the preparation of the sacraments (i.e. examination of one's life, reception of Baptism, Reconciliation, Sacrament of the Sick) and moral instruction and teaching. [CCC nos. 2064-2073]

Identify in the Old and New Testaments the experiences of the people when they did not follow the Ten Commandments (e.g. Chosen People – Moses, King David, Solomon, Jonah) and describe God's call to conversion, his ultimate response of mercy and forgiveness. [CCC nos. 2056, 1805, 1807, 2411]

Identify efforts being made by your family, school community and Church to live according to the Ten Commandments (i.e. Decalogue as a path of life). [CCC nos. 2052-2082]

Explain how we are called, through the help of our consciences, to discover God's truth and obey God's will. [CCC nos. 1776-1802]

Identify and interpret biblical passages that reveal the indwelling of God's law in our conscience and the stance holy people take before God's laws. (See: Psalm 19:7-11; Rom. 8:7; 2 Cor. 3:3; Hebrew 8:10; Rom. 3:20; Rom. 7:22, 8:2; Phil. 2:12-13)

Explain why in preparation for the sacrament of reconciliation we are to first examine our conscience in light of this Moral Law. [CCC nos. 2055, 1972, 1983, 1985; 1776-1802]

Describe the Church's understanding of the “judgement of conscience” and how it helps us to recognize the moral quality of our actions (i.e. before we are going to perform them, after we have performed them, and in the process of performing them). [CCC nos. 1777-1782]

Identify times when we might hear God speaking to us; giving us instructions (moral truth) to help us “do what is good and avoid what is evil”; and link this to the work of our conscience through which God/the Holy Spirit inspires us to do the good. [CCC nos. 1776-1788]

Demonstrate an understanding that God is merciful (i.e. forgives sin) and offers us reconciliation through the Church and specifically the sacraments (i.e. sacraments of penance, healing, and Eucharist). [CCC nos. 1420-1498]

Through an examination of a selection of scripture passages, provide examples of how God's mercy is shown to sinners and how the sinners respond (i.e. parables – the Prodigal Son, miracles, paschal mystery – Christ offered for our sins; the new covenant). [CCC nos. 1846-1848]

Describe a Catholic understanding of how the Eucharistic celebration promotes forgiveness and reconciliation in the communal Christian life of the Church and the school. [CCC nos. 1391-1401]

Explain the process of conversion and repentance that is essential in the experience and celebration of the sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation. [CCC nos. 1425-1460]

Understand what it means to profess belief in the “One”, “Holy”, “Catholic” and “Apostolic” Church. [CCC nos. 748-780; 811-831]

Identify through selected scripture passages (Old and New Testament) the names, images and symbols of the Church which describe its origin, foundation and mission in the plan of God's salvation (1 Cor. 3:9; Rom. 11:13-26; Mt. 21:32-43; Isa. 5:1-7; Jn. 15:1-5; 1 Cor. 3:9; Mt. 21:42; Acts 4:11; 1 Pet. 2:7; Ps. 118:22; 1 Cor. 3:11; 1 Tim. 3:15; Eph. 2:19-22; Rev. 21:3; 1 Pet. 2:5; Rev. 21:1-2; Gal. 4:26; Rev. 12:17, 19:7, 21:2, 21:9, 22:17; Eph. 5:25-26, 5:29; Jn. 10:1-10; Isa. 40:11; Ezek. 34:11-31; Jn. 10:11; 1 Pet. 5:4; Jn. 10:11-16). [CCC nos. 748-769]

Describe how the Church strives to be “one” (i.e. common faith, worship-celebration, and teaching) and identify what the Church continues to do to promote this greater unity with other Christian Churches and Religions (ecumenical dialogue). [CCC nos. 811-822]

Explain how the Church is “mystery” (the Church is both a visible community of faith, hope and charity and a spiritual community – the mystical Body of Christ endowed with heavenly riches, both human and divine; a communion of God and persons and link this mystery to the call to holiness and our response. [CCC nos. 770-776]

Demonstrate an understanding of the sacraments as both a sign and instrument of God's call to holiness. [CCC nos. 823-829]

Understand how through the Church we are encouraged to live a life of holiness. [CCC nos. 543-546; 928-929; 2012-2016]

Examine the parables of Jesus that deal with sinners and outcasts and explain how they were signs of hope for the followers of Jesus to live a life of holiness. [CCC nos. 543-546]

Identify how in the Church, its practices, celebrations, service and teachings gather and form us for a life of holiness (e.g. action of the Holy Spirit in the Sacraments, the practice of virtue and charity – outreach, the message of hope and the examples of holiness presented in the readings of the Liturgy of the Word and the gift of Grace in the celebration of the Mass). [CCC nos. 152-62; 164-69; 178-88]

Describe the actions of people and/or organizations within the Church who encourage us to live a life of holiness (e.g. prayer groups, Legion of Mary, L'Arche). [CCC nos. 928-929; 2012-2016]

Examine the lives of the saints and explain how they are examples of hope that inspire us to live a holy life.

Understand that there is a legitimate role and need for the charism of authority to ensure and promote the common good of society and that the Christian witness is a duty of obedience to the just laws (i.e. moral order) which promote the human community. [CCC nos. 1897-1904]

Identify and summarize the message contained in the passages of scripture which involve Jesus explaining his authority in relationship to God his Father (e.g. Mk. 10 – places of honour in the kingdom), the respect of his authority (e.g. Mt. 8 – cure of the centurion's servant) and the challenge of his authority (e.g. Mt. 15 – interpretation of the Law by the Pharisees). [CCC nos. 1897-1904]

Define the difference between the exercise of authority (i.e. having a sphere of responsibility for others) and the use of power (i.e. the way and means of enacting one's authority / responsibility) and explain, using real life examples why it is “preferable that each power be balanced by other powers” or spheres of responsibility (e.g. teacher and parent, teacher and principal, principal and older students - hall monitors; parents and older sibling; referee and coach; legal system - police officer, lawyer, crown prosecutor, judge and court of appeals; Polis - Prime Minister, members of the ruling party and the opposition; Magisterium of the Church and the laity). [CCC nos. 1897-1904]

Identify those individuals in society who exercise legitimate authority, who work and care for the good of all people and explain why their role is important for the proper functioning of the human community. [CCC nos. 1897-1904]

Focus: the common good and stewardship of creation Demonstrate an understanding of how the gifts received as human beings invite us to be responsible stewards of creation (i.e. natural world created by God) and to bring about His reign in the human community (i.e. common good of societies and nations of the earth). [CCC nos. 325-421; 1877-1927]

Examine a selection of scripture passages to identify the image of the human being and Creation that the scriptures present (Genesis 1-3 – made in God's image, communal beings; the goodness of the world, the goods of the world for the use of human persons; I Cor. 12:4-13 – through the Holy Spirit, the Christian community has been given many gifts that are to be shared in order build up the Kingdom of God – co-creators with God). [CCC nos. 325-421; 1877-1927]

Articulate the three essential elements which promote the common good (i.e. respect for the fundamental rights of the person; prosperity and the development of the spiritual and temporal goods of society; peace and security of societies and nations) and make connections through examples of how these improve the conditions of human life. [CCC nos. 1877-1927]

Identify and describe ways we are called as human beings to be responsible stewards who protect the environment and promote creation (i.e. natural ecological world in which we live) that has its origins in the creative will and purpose of God. [CCC nos. 1877-1927]

Understand that God wants all people to receive the gift of salvation (i.e. Jesus Christ, the Gospel) and in order to do this we are to respectfully invite other religions to know Jesus. [CCC nos. 748-870; 1213-1284; 2110-2141]

Examine a selection of Scripture passages to identify and describe God's plan for salvation (e.g. Mk. 16:1; Jn. 1:12; Jn. 3:3-8, 16-18; Jn. 17:3; Jn. 14:6; Matt. 10:32-33; James 2:14-26; Rom. 5:8) and to find evidence that the Church's mission is to spread the good news of Christ Jesus to all people (Matt. 28:16-20; Luke 4:16-40; Acts 1:8; Jn. 20:21). [CCC nos. 836-848; 1213-1284]

Provide examples of how we can show respect when we encounter people from diverse religious backgrounds (e.g. learn about their beliefs and practices, look for similarities with your own faith but also notice differences, discuss ways you are similar, suspend judgement, treat them as you would like to be treated by someone from a religion other than your own, ask questions in a respectful and polite manner). [CCC nos. 811-822]

Describe how God can help people who do not know Christ to develop a faith in God and Jesus Christ (through signs and other diverse religious practices) and suggest ways Christians can help people of other faiths to come to know Jesus (by openly sharing what we believe, through small acts of charity, through acceptance and friendship, by praying for their conversion to Christ). [CCC nos. 836-848; 2110-2141]

Understand how Jesus prayed to God His Father and how he teaches us to express our prayers to God. [CCC nos. 2607-2616; 2746-2751]

Identify through examples of scripture how Jesus hears our prayer and in doing so allows us to increase in the virtues of faith, hope and love. (Matt. 6:8, 7:7-11; Ps. 34:15-16; Ps. 10:17; Isa. 35:5-6, 61:1-2; Jer. 33:3; Ex. 32:11-14; Moses in the desert, Moses and the escape from Egypt.) [CCC nos. 2607-2616]

Examine John's Gospel (i.e. Jn. 17) and identify the meaning of the unique aspects of Jesus' prayer when “his hour” came to go to the Father (i.e. once and for all, unity, a priestly prayer, fulfills the petition of the Our Father) and where these themes are expressed in the Eucharistic prayer. [CCC nos. 2746-2751]

Identify from the passages of scripture found in the New Testament why Jesus insists on “conversion of heart” as the first step in prayer (i.e. act of contrition, prayers for reconciliation with God and others) and how these are expressed in daily prayers as well as the Liturgy for the Sacrament of Penance and the Anointing of the Sick. [CCC nos. 2607-2615]

Understand the witness of Jesus i.e. his life, teaching and ministry, which have influenced the many forms of Christian prayer and also the expressions of prayer in the Liturgy. [CCC nos. 2598-2649]

Gather evidence from the Gospels of the importance of prayer in the life of Jesus (i.e. example-witness, parables-teaching) and explain what these passages reveal about the elements of personal and communal prayer. (Matt. 6:1-18; Lk. 11:1-13; Matt. 7:7-8; John 15:16, 16:23-24; John 14:13-14; Matt. 6:9-13; Matt. 7:11; Lk. 13:21-22, 9:28, 21:37; Luke 22:39-41; Matt. 26:39-41; Lk. 18:1-7; Lk. 11:5-10) [CCC nos. 2598-2616]

Describe the various forms of prayer used within the Catholic Tradition (blessing and adoration, petition, intercession, thanksgiving and praise) and state how each form used within the Sacraments and the Liturgy serves to deepen our relationship with God. [CCC nos. 2623-2649]

Develop and present using different forms of prayer and some of the common prayers and devotions of the Church, liturgical celebrations that reveal the Mystery of Christ as it unfolds in the seasons of the liturgical year (e.g. Mary – rosary, Sacred Heart, etc.). [CCC nos. 2617-2619; 2673-2679]