 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Home | |
Creed & Prayer,
Junior High
Video Study Guide
Segment
1 | Segment 2 | Segment 3
| Segment 4
Segment 5 | Segment 6 | Segment
7 | Segment 8
Segment
One:
Faith First Interviews: Faith and Our Relationship with God
Approximately 7 minutes.
Text reference:
Chapters 1, 4, 17, 18, and 19.
Background:
In these snapshot interviews, young adults express what faith means to
them. Most of the interview statements focus on various aspects of building
a closer relationship with God through handling the ups and downs of life
with prayer, faith, trust, and forgiveness. The fast flow of interview
comments will stimulate lively discussion on living a life of faith.
Discussion:
- What is a balanced life? How does faith help you balance your life? How does prayer help you balance your life?
- Comment on this statement: If your relationship with God is solid, nothing can blow your faith away.
- Set the scene: Have the class imagine that it has just been invited to be part of this video. Each person is interviewed and asked the same three questions. Have the students imagine that a camera crew surrounds them as they respond to each question: What is faith? What is prayer? What difference do faith and prayer make in your life? Emphasize that they are expected to provide short, to-the-point responses in the same fast style as the video.
- How does faith help you find meaning and purpose in life?
- How do you use your faith to help you make good decisions that lead to good actions? How does faith help you base your actions on the right reasons?
- Set the scene: Have the class make a profile of the characteristics that describe a faith-filled person. Begin by asking everyone to think of a specific person they know who exemplifies a person of deep faith. Ask them to identify as many personal qualities as possible. Record all responses on newsprint or the board. Now have the students select the five most important qualities that exemplify a person of deep faith.
- Comment on this statement: When people of faith see someone in trouble, they don't waste time by asking if they can help. They just jump in and do something that is appropriate.
- What gospel story most inspires and enriches your faith?
- How does your prayer life help you be open to Jesus' invitation to follow him?
- What one thing do you think is needed to make the world a better place?
Segment
Two:
The Visual Bible™: The Transfiguration of Jesus
Approximately 5 minutes.
Text reference:
Chapter 6.
Wearing a raincoat because of foggy weather conditions, Father Timothy introduces the story of the Transfiguration. He explains that when we are confused and face difficulties and problems, we might think we live in a fog. In times of grief and sadness it can be difficult to find God and recognize Jesus. The story of the Transfiguration is a story that can give us hope in difficult times.
Discussion:
- In Matthew's Gospel, the story of the Transfiguration comes after Peter professed that he came to believe that Jesus was the Messiah (Matthew 16:16). The story of the Transfiguration also comes between two prophecies of Jesus' Passion and death (Matthew 16:21 and Matthew 17:22). Why do you think Matthew's Gospel arranges these events in this sequence?
- In this story Jesus shows Peter, James, and John his full glory. What convinces you that Jesus is God?
- Why were Peter, James, and John afraid of the vision of Jesus?
- What was the testimony of God the Father about Jesus?
- How do you listen to Jesus?
- In this story Jesus approached his friends and said, "Do not be afraid." What are some other gospel stories in which Jesus says, "Do not be afraid"? Why is Jesus constantly calling us to be more courageous?
- Why are the Old Testament characters of Elijah and Moses included in this story?
- Because of this event, Peter, James, and John saw Jesus' full glory. Did this give them courage and trust when they later witnessed Jesus' Passion and death?
- How does Matthew's Gospel describe the Transfiguration?
- How do you find God and recognize Jesus in difficult times? In good times?
Segment
Three:
Real Life Interviews: Social Action
Approximately 14 minutes.
Text reference:
Relates to "What Difference Does It Make in My Life?" pages in Chapters
1, 3, 4, 13, 14, 15, and 16.
The interview with Darryl Gentry is hard-hitting yet touching. Darryl is quite candid about his gang involvement and the challenges of living in the inner city. He is quick to point out that decisions have consequences. He has resisted crime and is now attending college because of a scholarship that was earned as a result of giving over 900 hours of community service. He is also very active with the Teen Drama Program. This group focuses on issues such as family violence, alcohol abuse, and gang violence via improvised skits. It offers local schools teen-to-teen communication that encourages young people to have faith in themselves and to get involved in community service.
Discussion:
- How do you go about making difficult decisions? What is the best way to deal with the consequences of your decisions?
- How much do you rely on prayer to help you make good decisions?
- Who are some people you look up to for advice and for good example? Who are some people who look up to you for advice and good example?
- What stands out in your mind about Darryl Gentry changing his life from gangs and violence to service and personal growth?
- How much is God the prime mover in your life? Do you need him in order to live a happy and fulfilling life?
- What are some obstacles you face? How do you overcome them? How can obstacles be turned into spiritual opportunities?
- Explain this statement: "God is in the details of life." What are some experiences that you are going through that bring you to deeper faith?
- What are some ways that you serve your family, friends, and neighbors?
- When things are going well for you, how and what do you do to express thanks and gratitude?
- What do you consider to be your greatest talent? How do you use this talent to serve others?
Segment
Four:
Real Life Interviews: Story of Faith
Approximately 15 minutes.
Text reference:
Relates to "What Difference Does It Make in My Life?" pages in Chapters
1, 3, 4, 13, 14, 15, and 16.
It happened on Tuesday morning, April 19, 1999. Terror and violence filled Columbine High School. This video looks back at the terrible events of that day . . . and ahead to new beginnings. The interviews feature a youth minister, a school administrator, and four students from Columbine High School. They discuss how students fled for their lives. There was the panic of not knowing where to go. The natural instinct of most people was to turn to prayer and hope and faith. All four students talk about how they have grown in faith— - and in the ability to accept others.
Discussion:
- How does violence threaten our way of life? Our freedom?
- When the new school semester started at Columbine, the students and faculty formed a human chain around the building to "take back their school." What was the meaning of this symbolic action?
- In the face of violence and tragedy, what role do prayer, faith, and reconciliation have in moving toward peace and unity?
- Rank on a scale of 1 to 10 the level of violence in our society (1 = not disturbing, 10 = very disturbing). Explain your response.
- Is violence escalating in our homes? Schools? Neighborhood? Country? What do you think are some causes of violence?
- What do you think are some solutions to reduce violence?
- What does the life of Jesus teach us about violence?
- What are some ways that you find helpful to control your temper? What are some consequences of not being able to control your temper?
- Good listening is one of the basic ways to show respect for others. People know when others are listening to them and when they are not listening to them. Have the students list about six signs of good listening and six signs of poor listening. Ask: How do you listen to the Spirit who is the ultimate source of peace and nonviolence?
- Set the scene: A hate crime has just taken place in your city. Feelings are strong. More violence may erupt. The students have been asked to speak after all of the Masses on Sunday. They are to talk about the process of "conversion"—turning and moving closer and closer to God. Ask: What will you say about forgiveness, not holding grudges, working for unity and justice, other related topics?
Segment
Five:
Moral Dilemma: Cheating
Approximately 6 minutes.
Text reference:
Useful resource for any lesson plan that focuses on decision making.
Michelle, Eric, and Bill are friends. Bill is the star of the school football team, which is on its way to the championship game. Eric is also on the team; his success at running the ball depends on Bill's blocking skills. Mrs. Stern warns Bill that he has a failing grade in history and unless he aces the next test, he will be on academic probation. Michelle, Eric, and Bill plan to study together to prepare for the history test. Bill discovers that Michelle is scheduled to take the test before he does. He asks her to get a copy of the questions for him. Bill claims that this is not cheating. It's like scouting a football game.
Discussion:
Note: A dilemma is a situation that involves a choice between equally unsatisfactory alternatives.
The video story concludes with camera close-ups of:
- Michelle's situation: She reflects that she has never cheated and knows that it is wrong. Ask: What should Michelle do?
- Bill's situation: He claims this is no big deal. People cheat all the time. He feels that he deserves help and that Michelle would not be cheating if she provides him with the test questions. Ask: What do you think of Bill's point of view?
- Eric's situation: He agrees that without Bill the school cannot win the championship game. He does not want to push Michelle into this. He also feels that if ever there is a time to cheat, this is it. Ask: What should Eric do?
Segment
Six:
The Visual Bible™: The Passion Narratives
Approximately 18 minutes.
Text reference:
Chapters 9 and 10.
Bible reference:
On-location reenactment of the Passion narrative of Matthew.
Background:
Father Timothy explains that the Passion narrative is the most important story in all four accounts of the Gospel. The Passion narrative tells us that God loves us beyond all measure. This is revealed to us in the suffering and death of Jesus.
Discussion:
- Why are the death and suffering of Jesus on the cross such an important symbol of Christianity?
- How does Easter change Good Friday?
- What did the post-resurrection words of Jesus, "Do not be afraid," mean to his disciples? What do they mean to you?
- How does celebrating the Easter Triduum help you remember Jesus' love? How does it help you share it with others?
- Set the scene: Have the students imagine they
are in a famous art museum. The gallery they are in features several
masterpiece paintings of the death and resurrection of Jesus. While
they are in the gallery, the guide tells them that they really need
to step back from the paintings to appreciate the full sweep of what
each artist is trying to express about the love that Jesus has for all
people.
Ask: What can we learn about the love we receive and the love we give by stepping back in time and taking a long-term look at our lives? What can we learn about love in the day-by-day flow of what's going on in our lives right now? What is the difference between stepping back in time and looking at the power of love over our entire family history and taking a close-up look at love as it touches our lives right here, right now? What is the difference between looking at the events of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection as they happened two thousand years ago and looking at those same events as if they are happening right now? - Which is the greatest of the sufferings that Jesus had to endure? Physical pain? Betrayal by friends? Feeling abandoned? Being ridiculed? Other?
- What is the meaning of these events in the Passion narrative? Darkness at midday? Earthquakes?
- What command did Jesus give to his disciples two thousand years ago? How do you respond to that command today?
- Set the scene: A terrible disaster is in the news. A record storm has devastated a large area. The loss of human life is staggering. The property damage and human suffering cannot be fully estimated. Start the class by asking for prayer intentions for all families who have suffered so much. After the prayers, say something about the mystery of suffering. Note that suffering cannot be explained. No one likes it, and no one wants it. Jesus often reached out to people who were suffering. Ask: What did Jesus teach about suffering and the value that can come from it?
- Distribute Bibles to everyone. Have the students look up all four Passion narratives (Matthew 26-27, Mark 14-15, Luke 22-23, John 18-19) and have them discuss the following:
- Why did the authorities reject Jesus?
- Why did Judas betray Jesus?
- Why did the disciples desert Jesus in his hour of greatest need?
- What do the Passion narratives teach us about suffering and death?
- What is the victory of the cross?
Segment
Seven:
The Visual Bible™: The Mission of the Early Church in Jerusalem
Approximately 7 minutes.
Text reference:
Chapters 12 and 21.
While descending in full parachute gear, Father Timothy has a look of uncertainty and amazement on his face. He explains that faith requires trust. There are times when we have to take a leap of faith. Wonderful things happen to us when we trust in Jesus. We should never be amazed at what happens when we trust in God and take a leap of faith.
Discussion:
- How does today's Church celebrate her 2,000 year-old history? Her future?
- What is a leap of faith?
- Comment on this statement: "Discipleship is not a job we have; it is how we live a whole new way of life that is guided by the Spirit."
- Why is Peter one of the most fully-developed characters in the New Testament? Describe his personality traits.
- Usually Peter and Paul are closely linked in art and in the liturgy. Their feast day is celebrated on June 29. What do Peter's character traits tell us about being a disciple? Paul's character traits?
- Why, on several occasions, does Jesus greet his disciples with these encouraging words: "Peace be with you"? What do these words mean? What does it mean to live in peace?
- Why was the early Church persecuted? Why did so many early Christians refuse to renounce or compromise their faith, even in the face of death? What does it mean to you to give witness to your faith?
- What explains the rapid growth of the early Church despite so much opposition and persecution? What was the Christian spirit then? What is the Christian spirit now?
- Set the scene: Have the students visually recall a situation when they were filled with courage. Also remind them that on several occasions Jesus told his disciples not to be afraid. Ask: What is courage? Where does it come from? Why did the early Christians need courage in order to be followers of Christ? Why do today's Christians need courage in order to be followers of Christ?
- There is an old saying that goes like this: "Inspiration comes. Then there is laundry to do." These few words say a lot about the world of ideas and the world of practical action—and that eventually we all have practical demands that simply cannot be delayed. Ask: What are the practical demands you need to carry out in order for the Gospel to come alive in today's world?
Segment
Eight:
Prayer: Psalm 23
Approximately 2 minutes.
Text reference:
Chapters 17.
The Psalms are the basic prayer book of ancient Israel. David is usually recognized as the author of the Book of Psalms, even though he probably wrote just a few psalms. What is important is that the Psalms express the soul of ancient Israel. They express God's covenantal relationship with the Israelites. Interestingly, the Book of Psalms appears at about the exact center of the Bible. The scope of the Psalms is divided into five types: praise, wisdom, royal, thanksgiving, and lament. Psalm 23 is an example of praise, trust, and confidence in God. The image of shepherd is not unique to Psalm 23. It is used throughout the Scriptures. In the New Testament, Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He searches for lost sheep. We follow him because we know his voice is true.
Discussion:
- What does the image "the Lord is my shepherd" mean to you?
- Why do so many people pray Psalm 23 when facing difficult situations? When do you pray Psalm 23?
- What are some spiritual steps you take so that you are guided "along the right path"?
- What are some specific moments in your life when you "feel no harm" because the Lord is at your side?
- Recall a moment in your life when you truly felt that "there is nothing I lack."
- Set the scene: If possible, play appropriate
music during this meditation. Have the students close their eyes and
imagine a gigantic green pasture. Now have them add safe waters to the
pasture scene. Have them imagine how this scene restores strength in
them. Allow a few moments of silence and then ask: How do you renew
yourself spiritually? Explain in as much detail as possible the importance
of these two factors in renewing yourself spiritually.
- What you think about God?
- How you think about God?
- What do you do to deepen your trust and confidence in God?
- Who are the people you consider "good shepherds" in your life? How well do you listen to them? How do you know their voice is true?
- Rank on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 = very little, 10 = considerable) the degree of comfort you find in the words of Psalm 23. Explain.
- Using the same themes that are expressed in Psalm 23, write your own modern version of this beloved psalm.
