Grade Three Video Study Guide

Segment 1 | Segment 2 | Segment 3 | Segment 4
Segment 5 | Segment 6 | Segment 7 | Segment 8

Segment One:

St. Patrick: Three in One
Approximately 6 minutes.

Theme:
Saint Patrick teaches about the Trinity.

Text reference:
Chapter 1.

Background:
Ryan and her mother are shown in the backyard. Ryan is relaxing in a hammock after sweeping out the garage. While looking at the clouds, she wonders about creation and the power of God. She also admits there are lots of things about God that she does not understand.

Ryan tells her mother that in last week's religion class Father Tomlin said that God is three persons in one God. Ryan asks: How can God be three in one? Her mother gives different examples of three in one. She explains to Ryan that there are three states of water—liquid, solid, and gas and that she has three roles—- mother, daughter, and sister.

Ryan's mother goes on to tell the story of Saint Patrick (missionary priest, 389-461) who used a shamrock to teach people about the Trinity. One shamrock has three leaves. There is one God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Belief in the Trinity is at the core of Christian faith. We believe that God the Father is our creator; God the Son is our savior; and God the Holy Spirit is our helper and guide.

Discussion:

1. What are some ways you express your faith in the Trinity?
2. Set the scene: Praying the Sign of the Cross is a ritual and personal gesture that helps us live out the love of the Trinity. Ask: When you make the Sign of the Cross, what does it mean to you? How does it help you live as a child of God?
3. Set the scene: Theologians say that the Trinity teaches us about the fundamental human need to be in relationship with others. We are destined to love others and to live in love forever. Ask: What experiences help you to understand that God calls us to love and respect one another?
4. What do you think are some good three-in-one examples to use to teach about the Trinity?
5. Do you think God prefers chocolate or strawberry sundaes?

Segment Two:

The Visual Bible™: The Baptism of Jesus
Approximately 5 1/2 minutes.

Text reference:
Chapters 5 and 8.

Bible reference:
On-location reenactment of Matthew 3:13-17.

Background:
Father Timothy opens this segment with obvious props to discuss the symbolic meaning of water—a raincoat to protect him from the heavy rain.

Discussion:

1. What are some ways that water supports life?
2. What are some ways that water can destroy life?
3. What are some other biblical stories about water?
4. What are some of your favorite water sports?
5. What do you remember about learning how to swim?

1. What are some differences between Jesus and John that are shown in the video?
2. Baptism welcomes us into the Church. Why is this so important?
3. Why is water used in Baptism? What does it symbolize?

1. What is faith?
2. How do you show trust in God?
3. What do you think is the meaning of this gospel story?

Segment Three:

The Visual Bible™: Loaves and Fishes
Approximately 6 1/2 minutes.

Text reference:
Chapter 16.

Bible reference:
On-location reenactment of Matthew 14:13-21.

Background:
Father Timothy talks about another kind of hunger: not the hunger of an empty stomach, but spiritual hunger. Jesus offers to feed all of our hungers—including the hunger our hearts have for friendship, joy, and love. At the end of the video story, Father Timothy talks about God's abundant love. God always cares for his people. We see this love most clearly in the Eucharist.

Discussion:

1. What is the difference between physical hunger and spiritual hunger?
2. What are some of your spiritual hungers? What satisfies them?
3. What are some ways you give thanks to God?

Segment Four:

Moral Dilemma: Lying
Approximately 7 1/2 minutes.

Text reference:
Chapter 20.

Background:
A dilemma is a situation that involves a choice between two equally unsatisfactory alternatives. Nothing seems to be going right for Eric and his two sisters, Jackie and Jennifer. On top of everything, Eric discovers that his TV remote control has been broken. He is quite certain that either Jackie or Jennifer is the culprit. He demands to know who broke the remote control. Eric lays down the law: the person telling the truth will go to the concert with him. If Jackie and Jennifer do not tell the truth, they will both miss the concert.

Discussion:

Set the scene: Remind the children that a dilemma is a situation that involves a choice between two equally unsatisfactory alternatives.

1. What should Jackie do? Jackie's situation: Both she and Jennifer were playing with the remote control. Jennifer broke it. If Jackie tells the truth, Jennifer will not go to the concert. If Jackie lies, neither she nor Jennifer will go to the concert.
2. What are some ways Eric can encourage Jackie and Jennifer to tell the truth? Eric's situation: Eric can't believe that Jackie and Jennifer will not tell the truth. Eric feels that it is necessary to take away privileges (going to the concert) in order to get to the truth.
3. What should Jennifer do? Jennifer's situation: Jennifer claims it was an accident. She feels that Eric is selfish and never allows anyone to play with his things. Jennifer realizes that if she doesn't tell the truth, Eric won't take her or Jackie to the concert.

Segment Five:

Story of Faith: Social Action
Approximately 7 1/2 minutes.

Text reference:
Chapters 7 and 8.

Background:
This video is a practical look at social action from four points of view. Warren Cox, the Executive Director of the Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) talks about the work of the SPCA. He talks about the motivating factors for all who serve others: kindness, compassion, and love. Cynthia Herschkowitsch, the founder of Pet Club, talks about how young volunteers benefit by helping the SPCA. They gain self-confidence, they offer new ideas and tutor and give examples to young children. Two SPCA volunteers, Rona and Anthony, talk about how their volunteer work has made them grow personally: they find out what's going on in the neighborhood and are able to make it a better and safer place for people and animals. The video is a good springboard for discussing social action on a very practical and immediate level.

Discussion:

1. How does offering service to others help you learn more about yourself?
2. Describe a person your age whom you consider self-confident.
3. What is the best way for you to be open to the Holy Spirit?
4. What is the best way for you to know and love God?
5. What difference does it make in your life to know that the Holy Spirit is always with you?

Segment Six:

Mrs. Pockets Story: The Easter Story
Approximately 8 1/2 minutes.

Text reference:
Chapter 6 and The Liturgical Seasons, pages 300-307.

Background:
The Easter Story by Carol Heyer (Ideals Children's Books, 1980) focuses on events in the life of Jesus, especially the events from Palm Sunday to Easter. If possible, obtain a copy of The Easter Story to reread to the children. Allow extra time to talk about the full-color illustrations. Notice that Jesus' face is never portrayed. This is a good way to start the discussion process.

Discussion:

1. Why do you think Carol Heyer, the writer/artist of The Easter Story, did not portray Jesus' face in any of her illustrations?
2. Describe in your own words how you think Jesus looked—what would it be like to make face-to-face contact with Jesus?
3. Why is Easter considered the most important part of the liturgical year?
4. How does your parish prepare for and celebrate Easter?
5. How does your family prepare for and celebrate Easter?

Segment Seven:

Story of Faith
Approximately 8 1/2 minutes.

Text reference:
Chapters 23-26.

Background:
This segment will spark a lively conversation about prayer. Mary Beth, Grant, Kate, and Kayce, who are students at St. John's School, talk about what prayer means for them. Their comments are candid, honest, and revealing. Interspersed among their comments is the explanation of the Prayer Wall by Mr. Martin Delabano, who is the art teacher at St. John's School.

Discussion:

1. What is your favorite part of this video?
2. What is your definition of prayer?
3. When do you usually pray? Where is your favorite place to pray?
4. How does prayer expand your awareness of others and of what's going on in your life?
5. How does prayer help you through tough times such as grieving, disappointment, and sadness?

Segment Eight:

Our Father
Approximately 3 1/2 minutes.

Text reference:
Chapter 23.

Background:
The Our Father is the prayer of all Christians. The verse-by-verse images in the video will generate discussion about the prayer—what it means and how we live it. Take time for the children to identify and discuss the verse-by-verse visuals.

Discussion:

1. In what ways does the video art help you pray?
2. Does the art give you a new way of praying and understanding the Our Father? Explain.
3. Set the scene: Have the children imagine that they have been asked to create original art for this video. Recite the Our Father aloud, verse by verse. Ask: What images would you create to go with each verse of the Our Father?