In Chapter 3 the students learned about , choices, and . In this chapter the students will learn about and the way it helps them make choices and brings them closer to and others.

For Adult Reading and Reflection Doctrinal Content Catechism of the Catholic Church

The students will learn: Paragraph conscience • God calls us to be close to him...... 1776 examination of • God gives us the gift of conscience...... 1777 conscience • We form our conscience...... 1785 • We examine our conscience...... 1454

Go to www.webelieveweb.com, Catechist/ Teacher, We Believe Correlations for this chapter’s correlation to: • Six Tasks of Catechesis • Catholic Social Teaching • Catechetical Formation in Chaste Living. Who helped you form your conscience?

“Deep within his conscience man discovers a the teachings of the Church. In a unique and spe- law which he has not laid upon himself but which cial way, the pope and bishops, as the Magisterium he must obey. Its voice, ever calling him to and or teaching office of the Church, use Scripture and do what is good and to avoid , sounds in his Tradition to provide these teachings. heart at the right moment” (CCC 1776; Gaudium In addition to forming our conscience, we are et Spes, 16). responsible for examining our choices to see if we Along with free will God gave each of us a con- are overcoming our weaknesses. This periodic science. Our conscience is the ability to judge examination of conscience also allows us the between . When we have to make dif- opportunity to thank God for all the good things in ficult moral decisions, our conscience helps us to our and to ask God’s forgiveness for our . choose good and reject evil. Like most gifts, however, conscience does not work automatically. We must continually o you take the time at the end of the day to educate, or form, our conscience. We do this D examine your conscience and consider the con- through listening to the authentic voices of author- sequences of your decisions? ity who assist us in understanding and appreciating

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page 43 • Listen to Scripture. For the prayer space: photos of dif- Prayer • Pray responsorial prayer. ferent places where nine and ten • Discuss questions and students’ end- year olds spend time and a sign that Focus on ing to the Chapter Story. says God Is with Us Always

page 44 • Read and discuss our call to follow • copies of Reproducible Master 4, God calls us to be close to him. , and the story of the father and guide page 43C the son. Luke 15:11–12, 14, 17–20 Describe characters in the story and answer questions.

page 45 • Read and discuss God’s gift of con- God gives us the gift of science. conscience. Respond to the question.

page 46 • Discuss conscience formation. We form our conscience. Reflect on ways conscience guides us in making difficult decisions.

page 47 • Read and discuss examining our con- We examine our conscience. science. • Read and discuss the As Catholics text about the teaching Church.

page 47 • Pray and use the examination of conscience.

pages 48–49 • Complete the Project Disciple activities. • colored pencils or crayons Project Disciple • Explain the Take Home activity. • copies of Sharing with My • Discuss/send home Sharing Faith Family reproducible master, with My Family reproducible master Chapter 4 (back of book) for this chapter.

page 50 • Complete Chapter 4 Test. • optional: copies of Scripture repro- Chapter 4 Test • W ork on Alternative Assessment ducible master, What’s the Word?, activity. Chapter 4 (back of book)

For additional ideas, activities, and opportunities: Visit Sadlier’s 43B

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