This page is for SMA Family Faith Formation Catechists only. Content for this lesson is linked below.
Summary of Lesson
Faith is a gift from God and also a response on our part. The first line of the Creed – “I believe in God the Father Almighty” – is the starting point of our faith: belief in God as our Father. God reaches out to us and reveals himself to us – through Scripture, through Nature, through the Church. He gives us the ability and the strength to respond in faith. Faith is not just something we do on our own, it is a gift from God, one that we can ask him for. We then, are called to accept the gift of faith and nourish it. Our God is Trinity – A Good Father, Jesus the Son who redeemed us, and the Holy Spirit. God the Father knows us and loves us like his children, he wants us to live happy and holy lives, he provides for us and takes care of us, and he will always welcome us home. God the Son came to earth to save us and gave us his Holy Spirit to guide us always. We “profess” our belief in this aspect of our faith every time we bless ourselves with the Sign of the Cross.
Lesson Bullet Points:
- Faith is a gift – something we receive from God and are called to treasure and nourish.
- God reaches out to us in many ways.
- God reveals himself in the Bible, the Church and nature (and more!)
- God is a Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit
- God is our Father who cares for us and welcomes us home to Heaven.
Scripture Passage: Luke 17:6
“If you have faith the size of a mustard seed,” the Lord said, “you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.”
Discussion Prompts/Questions:
- What do you think of when you hear the word “faith”?
- What does it mean to believe?
- What makes it hard to believe?
- What is a good description of a Father?
- Where do you see “evidence” of God’s existence in our world?
- How can we treasure and nourish our faith?
Saint of the Month: St. Francis of Assisi (Feast Day: October 4th)
The Saint of the month is Saint Francis! Saint Francis is a very popular Saint. He is commonly portrayed with animals, because he had a great love for nature. St. Francis started out as a rich young man who wanted to be a knight. He had everything he could want but still felt empty at moments. He started giving away some of this wealth to the poor in his city and he wanted to do more. In prayer, he heard God asking him to “rebuild the Church”. At first, he started physically repairing the Church in his town, but he later realized that God meant for him to help build up the Church through caring for others and sharing the faith. Others joined him and the Franciscan order was started. St. Francis and his followers lived poverty and preached about God’s great love.
Songs & Videos
Activities
- Go over the lyrics to “Confidence” by Sanctus Real and talk about the examples that are spoken about
- Mustard Seed handouts/drawing
- Nature Journal Page
- Handouts from “Family of Faith”
Crafts
- Decorate a “treasure chest” and put the Scripture verse of the month – or another verse – inside. Discuss what it means that our Faith is a treasure and that we should treasure it.
- Nourish the seed of Faith:
- Plant a seed in a small container and talk about what it means to nourish our faith.
- The fastest growing flower seeds are: Morning Glory, Sweet Peas, Nasturtium, Marigolds, Poppies, Sunflowers, Foxgloves, Wallflowers, and Wildflowers.
- The fastest growing vegetables are: Salad Bowl Lettuce, Mustard Seeds, Beans, Carrots, Radishes, Lettuce, Spinach, and Sugar Peas.
- Mustard Seed Craft:
- Discuss Luke 17:6: “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.
- Place a mustard seed in a small container with the verse.
- Make a St. Francis of Assisi Bird Feeder:
- https://www.sarajcreations.com/2017/10/st-francis-of-assisi-bird-feeders.html
- Instead of peanut butter, crisco can be used – some students have peanut allergies!
- St. Francis/God the Father votive candle (can be printed)
1. Color or paint St. Francis or Good Father image.
2. Glue image onto votive jar with modgepodge.
3. Paint over image with more modgepodge.
*** Could paste next month’s Saint on the same jar if it’s large enough.
*** Could keep all the votive candles and light for “prayer moment” each month.
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