8TH GRADE RELIGION CURRICULUM

This curriculum is designed to give you an idea of the types of things that are being taught in our religion class. It is not intended to be a syllabus and does not begin to cover everything that is taught over the course of the school year. Like any of our curriculums, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or comments.

A. Sacraments - 

           1. Sacramentality - The learner will

• interpret the definition of sacramentality

• apply the concept of sacramentaliy 

2. The Seven Sacraments

• understand definition of a sacrament

• categorize the sacraments according to sacraments of initiation, healing, and vocation

• relate the divine calls of sacraments

• discuss the  nature of sacramental action

• understand sacramental character

• recognize the ministers of each  sacrament

• understand the effects, responsibilities, and the  form and matter of each sacrament

B. Scripture 

     1. Study- The learner will

• differentiate the concepts of Scripture and Tradition

• have a deeper understanding of Jesus as The Word Made Flesh

• analyze the Gospels and apply teachings to everyday living

• be exposed to various forms specific to the New Testament

     2. Devotion- The learner will

• read Scripture for the purpose of spiritual growth

• be able to meditate on Scripture

• be exposed to prayer services that involve the use of Scripture

C. Culture- The learner will

• recognize and participate in God's seasons of grace as seen in the liturgical year

• be exposed to the saints of the day and will analyze the lives of specific saints on a deeper level

• be exposed to sacred art as a means of inspiration as well as study

• better understand the nature of sacred architecture

• better relate to the Marian doctrines of the Church 

• develop a deeper understanding of the organization of the Church   

D. Prayer and Devotions 

   1. Study- The learner will

• study the nature, the forms, and expressions of prayer

• be able to identify the parts of the Mass, sacred vessels, vestments

   2. Liturgical- The learner will

•  better understand liturgical readings in the context of the Mass

•  more deeply enter into preparation and participation of the Mass

  3.  Communal- The learner will

• continue to be able recite all prayers common to the Catholic Tradition

• demonstrate ability to lead rosary

• participate in and generate prayers involving prayer services

• participate in Benediction, Stations of the Cross, parish prayer services

• be able to compose spontaneous prayers and particularly petitions

 4.  Private- The learner will

• be able to meditate on Scripture for private reflection

• be encouraged to pray daily, alone and with others

• be encouraged to pray for specific private intentions as well as for God's guidance in life

E.  Christian Service- The learner will

• be involved with projects that involve home, school, and parish life

• be involved with community and civic service

F.  Doctrine

 1. Eucharist- The learner will 

• have a deeper understanding of centrality of Eucharist to the Church

• demonstrate knowledge of the True Presence of Christ in the Eucharist

2. Nature of God- The learner will 

• have a deeper understanding of the role of God in salvation, specifically in the person of Jesus Christ

• be able to determine the both human and divine nature of Jesus Christ

 .

Doctrine and their implications

Eucharist, Real Presence; Nature of God – Trinity; Person of Jesus – divine and human

Vocation – Universal (to be holy, to become a saint; to spread the kingdom); state in life (ordained, lay, religious); individual (what does God want me to do in my state of being ordained, a religious, or a lay person in the Church (within that, married or single)?

Apologetics      could be another topic.  How to begin to explain why Catholics do what we do or believe what we believe.