Summary of CCD Curriculum - from the Guidelines for Catechesis Archdiocese of New York Revised - 1996

  Grade Three Curriculum

  Theme:

  Jesus continues his life and work through his church.

  Objective:

  To deepen the child's understanding of the Church and to help the child experience the Church as Christian community.

  Basic Teachings Core Content -

  God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit: the Trinity.

  The love the Father, Son and Holy Spirit have one for the other in the Trinity is the model of the love we are to have for one another.

  Jesus is the Son sent by God the Father.
  During his life on earth, Jesus gathered a community of followers, called
  disciples.

  He taught this community of followers about the Kingdom of God.

  He shared their joys and sorrows and healed their illnesses.

  We too are called to follow Jesus, and to be part of his Body, the Church.

  Jesus taught that his true followers are those who love everyone.

  Refusing to love God, ourselves and our neighbors is sinful.

  Jesus is our Savior. He died on the cross for us and rose from the dead.

  At the Ascension, the Risen Jesus returns to his Father.

  On Pentecost, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit upon his people to continue his work.

  The Church, the people of God, continues Jesus' mission on earth.
  The Catholic Church is a community of people who shares the
  same faith and sacraments and are united in the Holy Spirit
  under the leadership of the Pope and the bishops.

  Through the Sacraments of Christian Initiation we receive the fullness
  of the Spirit and become members of the Church.
  - In the Sacrament of Baptism, God gives us his life.  Baptism
    takes away our sinfulness (original sin, personal sin).
  - In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the life of faith grows in us
    and the Spirit empowers us to be withnesses to Christ.
  - In the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, Jesus feeds us with
    his Body and Blood, and makes us one with him and with one another.

  In the Eucharistic Celebration, the Sacrifice of the Mass,
  Jesus gathers us in worship and thanksgiving, and offers himself
  to the Father for us.

  Through the Sacraments of Healing we are forgiven, strengthened
  and comforted as members of the Church:
  - In the Sacrament of Penance, through the absolution of the priest,
    Jesus forgives our sinful choices (personal sin) and renews or
    restores our relationship with God and with the Church.
  - In the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, through the anointing
    with oil by the priest, Jesus gives comfort, strength, and
    peace to the sick, the elderly and the dying.

  Mary has a special place in the Church as Mother of God and
  Mother of the Church.

  Jesus chose the Apostles to serve his people in a special way.
  He named Peter as their leader.

  The Pope is the successor to Saint Peter and the bishops are the
  successors of the apostles.

  In Jesus' name, the Pope and bishops continue:
  - to teach,
  - to sanctify,
  - to govern.

  We experience the Church most immediately in our local parish.

  Profession of Faith:

  The Apostles's Creed

  Words to be taught:

  Annunciation, Assumption, Bishop, Deacon, Disciple, Lay Man, Lay Woman, Parables, Pastor, Pope, Priest, Religious Brother, Religious Sister,
Samaritan, Savior, Stewardship, Trinity, Word of God.

  Liturgical symbols and gestures to be taught:

  Presider's Chair
  Sacred Vessels
  Sacristy
  Vestments

  Review Prayers of the Previous Grades:

    Sign of the Cross
    Our Father
    Hail Mary
    Glory to the Father
    Act of Contrition
    Morning and evening prayer
    Grace at meals
    Spontaneous prayer
    Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament

END of Grade Three