Domestic Church – Loving
In our first topic, we will be exploring the question ‘Do we have to earn love?’
We discuss and explore God’s unconditional love for us and some of Jesus’ many parables showing this, including The Prodigal Son. We talk about forgiveness and reconciliation and remind ourselves that we are loved and that we can grow in love.
Judaism
In our ‘Other Faiths’ topic, we study Judaism and the theme we focus on is belonging and values. Yom Kippur is probably the most important holiday of the Jewish year. Many Jews who do not observe any other Jewish custom will refrain from work, fast and/or attend synagogue services on this day. The name “Yom Kippur” means “Day of Atonement”. It is a day set aside to atone for the sins of the past year. There are 10 Days of Awe, before Yom Kippur to put thing right with others. On Yom Kippur, the judgement is sealed. This day is the last chance to demonstrate repentance and make amends.
Vocation and Commitment
In our next topic, we will explore the question ‘What is commitment in life?’
We take the opportunity to speak to Father Dominic about his vocation to be a priest and we learn about the Sacrament of Ordination. We think about how Christians are committed to following Jesus whatever their vocation or way of life is.
Advent/Christmas – Expectations
Advent is a time when we appreciate the love in our lives and prepare to celebrate love becoming a reality in the person of Jesus. Christians at Christmas celebrate the gift of Jesus, given by God as a sign and expression of God’s love. Giving and receiving reflects the truth that all life is given by God and life is given meaning through the gift of Jesus.
We explore and answer the big question ‘Should we have expectations?’
Local Church – Community: Sources
Are books enriching?
In this topic, we explore a wide variety of books and the purpose for which they were written. The children learn and understand the Bible as the story of God’s love, told by the People of God. The Bible is the story, spread over more than two thousand years, of God’s love and how God’s people responded to that love. There are all sorts of people – good, bad and indifferent – just as in the world today. God showed his love for them by wonderful deeds and each responded in a special way. There are all kinds of writings and the authors all wanted to tell us one thing: the truth about God. All of them were inspired by the Holy Spirit when they were writing. This is why the church family believes that the Holy Spirit is also the author of the Bible.
Eucharist – Relating: Unity
Why are we happiest when we are united?
In this topic, we explore what nourishes and what spoils friendship and unity. The children learn and understand that the Eucharist challenges and enables the Christian family to live and grow in communion every day. For Christians, communion has a significant meaning. To receive communion means being in union with Jesus Christ and with one another. It means breaking and sharing the consecrated Bread which Catholics believe is the Body of Christ. To celebrate Eucharist means community. It challenges believers to ask, ‘Can I share this Eucharist if I do nothing to help my brother or sister who is hungry?’ ‘Can I partake of this communion if I refuse to forgive a wrong?’
Lent/Easter – Giving: Death & New Life
Can any good come from loss and death?
In this topic, we explore how loss and death bring about change for people. Children will learn about the Church’s season’s of Lent, Holy Week and Easter. They will understand how the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus led to new life. For Christians, it is through the Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus that new life begins. He reveals the way to eternal life for us and so a new life begins here and now, a life which will culminate in future glory. The Lenten journey is one which takes us to the glory of Easter Sunday, from death to new life.
Pentecost – Serving: Witnesses
What do I want to witness in my life?
Each of us, by the way we live our lives, the way we treat others, and by our words and actions, show if we have an attitude of service.
Often, we are especially influenced by those whose actions speak powerfully of a life of service.
Christians believe that the Spirit of God is active in each person and, in a special way, in the community of believers, which is the Church. It is the work of the Spirit to enable people to hear God’s message and to live Jesus’ way of service.
In this topic, we explore the need for evangelisation (passing on the faith) and how we are called to witness through the Christian values of equality, self-giving, courage, commitment and perseverance.
Other Faiths – ISLAM: Guidance for Muslims
Do you think that Zaka is fair?
In our other faiths’ topic, we explore and learn more about the topic of Islam. We will be studying the Five Pillars of Islam and thinking about how they provide guidance for Muslims. We will also be learning how Muslim’s care for God’s creation.
Reconciliation – Inter-relating: Healing
Who needs healing?
In this topic we explore how networks of friendships and relationships enable human beings to live together. When a child’s power to reach out, trust and make friends is diminished, they may suffer the effects for a lifetime. Both children and adults have to discover their ability to reach out and repair what has been damaged.
If human beings are to live together in relationships, there is always need for reconciliation.
We focus on the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and learn more about the significance of a Pilgrimage to Lourdes.
Universal Church: Common Good
How can we work together to build a just and fair world?
For many people, some places in the world are special. For others the whole world is special. We all feel a need to look after what is special to us. Sometimes it is easy to explain why things are special. At other times it might be difficult to put into words why something is special.
Christians believe that the diversity of the world and its people is God’s gift. Jesus in his life and Gospel, challenges people to appreciate diversity and to create with it a harmony that reflects the unity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is reflected in the work of CAFOD.
The common good is central to Catholic Social teaching and is intrinsically linked to social justice. At the heart of this teaching is respect for the human person made in the image of God; the social well-being and development of all; peace between all peoples; understanding of the equality of all and respect for difference; human solidarity and an awareness of being part of God’s global family.
