Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ
Below is a listing and description of the Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ program at the elementary school level.
Kindergarten – Growing in Faith; Growing in Christ Kindergarten Kit (ACBO)
Scripture Stories
The following key Scripture stories appear throughout the kindergarten resource and are fully illustrated:
| The Creation StoryMary and the Angel GabrielJoseph and the AngelThe NativityThe Shepherds and the AngelsThe Visit of the Three Wise MenThe Parable of the Good SamaritanJesus Feeds a Large CrowdJesus and His FriendsPalm SundayJesus Washes His Friends Feet | The Lord’s SupperJesus and the ChildrenThe Tiny Mustard SeedJesus Went to a Wedding CelebreationJohn Baptizes Jesus |
Additional Scripture stories are explored in the Storybook, Picture Cards, Posters, and Teacher Resource:
| The Little Lost SheepJesus Is the Good ShepherdThe Easter StoryJesus Is the Light of the World |
Prayers of the Church
- The Sign of the Cross
Theological Emphases in Kindergarten
| Strand of Religious Education | Theological Emphases | |
|---|---|---|
| Believing | God’s self-revelation as Creator of all; the person and life of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, revealed through Sacred Scripture and Tradition, as the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation for all people; the expression of Catholic beliefs | |
| Celebrating | Ways that the Church expresses its faith throughout the liturgical year in rituals, symbols, and prayers, with special attention given to the Mass; the connection between liturgy and life through the celebration of the Church’s liturgical year and family celebrations | |
| Living a Moral Life | The dignity of the human person, made in the image and likeness of God, as expressed in Scripture and Tradition; Jesus as the model teacher of showing love, respect, and compassion for others; as a follower of Jesus, living the virtue of charity in the treatment of and respect for all people | |
| Living in Communion | The call to be in relationship with others and with God; belonging to the Church is a living relationship with others and God that is centred on Christ and that is active through sharing in the evangelizing mission of the Church; belonging to the family of God | |
| Living in Solidarity | The life and action of Jesus as the foundation of Catholic social teaching; recognizing the dignity of each person and the gift of creation leads to doing good and working for justice; Christian life as witness to God’s love and how to live in right relationship | |
| Prayer | Prayer as the embodiment of the personal and communal relationship with God; prayer as the communal celebration that expresses what the Church believes |
Grade 1 – Growing in Faith; Growing in Christ 1 (ACBO)
Scripture Stories
The following key Scripture stories appear throughout Grade 1 and are fully illustrated:
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Additional Scripture stories are explored in the Teacher Resource:
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Prayers of the Church
- The Sign of the Cross
- The Lord’s Prayer
- Hail Mary
- Glory Be
Sacramental Focus*
- Baptism
*Note that information on all the sacraments is scaffolded throughout the program.
Saints
Illustrated stories of the following saints appear in the resources for Grade 1:
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In the Student Book
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In the Teacher Resource
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Theological Emphases in Grade 1
|
Strand of Religious Education |
Theological Emphases |
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Believing |
God’s self-revelation in the person of Jesus Christ, Sacred Scripture, and Tradition; God’s plan of salvation for all people as it is found in the Church; the Creed as a summary of Catholic beliefs and a profession of faith |
|
Celebrating |
The ways that the Church expresses its faith through liturgy and the celebration of the sacraments, with special attention given to the importance of the Eucharist; the celebration of the Church’s liturgical year |
|
Living a Moral Life |
The universal call to holiness; living as a follower of Christ who reveals God’s love to others; theological anthropology (being created in the image and likeness of God) as expressed in Scripture and Tradition; our ability to reason and the formation of conscience |
|
Living in Communion |
An ecclesiology of communion calls us to be in fellowship with our neighbour and with God; belonging to the Church as the Body of Christ; sharing in the evangelizing mission of the Church; learning about the Communion of Saints |
|
Living in Solidarity |
Catholic social teaching: dignity of the person, sharing God’s resources with our neighbours, and so on; mission and evangelization |
|
Prayer |
Prayer implies a relationship with God; ways the Church expresses its faith and prayer; traditional prayers; prayer as both personal and communal |
Grade 2 – Growing in Faith; Growing in Christ 2 (ACBO)
Scripture Stories
The following key Scripture stories appear throughout Grade 2 and are fully illustrated:
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Additional Scripture stories are explored in the Teacher Resource:
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Prayers of the Church
- Apostles’ Creed
- Prayer to My Guardian Angel
- Holy, Holy, Holy
- Lord I Am Not Worthy
- Lamb of God
- Act of Contrition
The following prayers from Grade 1 are also included:
- The Sign of the Cross
- The Lord’s Prayer
- Hail Mary
- Glory Be
Sacramental Focus*
- Reconciliation/Eucharist
*Note that information on all the sacraments is scaffolded throughout the program.
Saints
Illustrated stories of the following Saints appear in the resources for Grade 2:
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In the Student Book
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In the Teacher Resource
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Theological Emphases in Grade 2
|
Strand of Religious Education |
Theological Emphases |
|
Believing |
God’s self-revelation in the person of Jesus Christ, Sacred Scripture, and Tradition; God’s plan of salvation for all people as it is found in the Church; the Creed as a summary of Catholic beliefs and a profession of faith |
|
Celebrating |
The ways that the Church expresses its faith through liturgy and the celebration of the sacraments, with special attention given to the importance of the Eucharist; the celebration of the Church’s liturgical year |
|
Living a Moral Life |
The universal call to holiness; living as a follower of Christ who reveals God’s love to others; theological anthropology (being created in the image and likeness of God) as expressed in Scripture and Tradition; our ability to reason and the formation of conscience |
|
Living in Communion |
An ecclesiology of communion calls us to be in fellowship with our neighbour and with God; belonging to the Church as the Body of Christ; sharing in the evangelizing mission of the Church; learning about the Communion of Saints |
|
Living in Solidarity |
Catholic social teaching: dignity of the person, sharing God’s resources with our neighbours, and so on; mission and evangelization |
|
Prayer |
Prayer implies a relationship with God; ways the Church expresses its faith and prayer; traditional prayers; prayer as both personal and communal |
Grade 3 – Growing in Faith; Growing in Christ 3 (ACBO)
Scripture Stories
The following key Scripture stories appear throughout Grade 3 and are fully illustrated:
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Additional Scripture stories are explored in the Teacher Resource:
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Prayers of the Church
- The Morning Offering
- Act of Faith
- Act of Hope
- Act of Love
- Memorial Acclamation
The following prayers from Grades 1 and 2 are also included:
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Sacramental Focus*
- Reconciliation/Eucharist
*Note that information on all the sacraments is scaffolded throughout the program.
Saints
Illustrated stories of the following Saints appear in Grade 3:
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Theological Emphases in Grade 3
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Strand of Religious Education |
Theological Emphases |
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Believing |
God’s self-revelation in the person of Jesus Christ, Sacred Scripture, and Tradition; God’s plan of salvation for all people as it is found in the Church; the Creed as a summary of Catholic beliefs and a profession of faith |
|
Celebrating |
The ways that the Church expresses its faith through liturgy and the celebration of the sacraments, with special attention given to the importance of the Eucharist; the celebration of the Church’s liturgical year |
|
Living a Moral Life |
The universal call to holiness; living as a follower of Christ who reveals God’s love to others; theological anthropology (being created in the image and likeness of God) as expressed in Scripture and Tradition; our ability to reason and the formation of conscience |
|
Living in Communion |
An ecclesiology of communion calls us to be in fellowship with our neighbour and with God; belonging to the Church as the Body of Christ; sharing in the evangelizing mission of the Church; learning about the Communion of Saints |
|
Living in Solidarity |
Catholic social teaching: dignity of the person, sharing God’s resources with our neighbours, and so on; mission and evangelization |
|
Prayer |
Prayer implies a relationship with God; ways the Church expresses its faith and prayer; traditional prayers; prayer as both personal and communal |
Grade 4 – Growing in Faith; Growing in Christ 4 (ACBO)
Scripture Stories
The following key Scripture stories appear throughout Grade 4 and are fully illustrated:
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Prayers of the Church
- The Rosary
- Sacred Heart
The following prayers from Grades 1 to 3 are also included:
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Sacramental Focus*
- Reconciliation
*Note that information on all the sacraments is scaffolded throughout the program.
Saints
Illustrated stories of the following Saints appear in the Grade 4 Student Book:
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Theological Emphases in Grade 4
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Strand of Religious Education |
Theological Emphases |
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Believing |
God’s self-revelation in the person of Jesus Christ, Sacred Scripture, and Tradition; God’s plan of salvation for all people as it is found in the Church; the Creed as a summary of Catholic beliefs and a profession of faith |
|
Celebrating |
The ways that the Church expresses its faith through liturgy and the celebration of the sacraments, with special attention given to the importance of the Eucharist; the celebration of the Church’s liturgical year |
|
Living a Moral Life |
The universal call to holiness; living as a follower of Christ who reveals God’s love to others; theological anthropology (being created in the image and likeness of God) as expressed in Scripture and Tradition; our ability to reason and the formation of conscience |
|
Living in Communion |
An ecclesiology of communion calls us to be in fellowship with our neighbour and with God; belonging to the Church as the Body of Christ; sharing in the evangelizing mission of the Church; learning about the Communion of Saints |
|
Living in Solidarity |
Catholic social teaching: dignity of the person, sharing God’s resources with our neighbours, and so on; mission and evangelization |
|
Prayer |
Prayer implies a relationship with God; ways the Church expresses its faith and prayer; traditional prayers; prayer as both personal and communal |
Grade 5 – Growing in Faith; Growing in Christ 5 (ACBO)
Scripture Stories
The following key Scripture stories appear throughout Grade 5:
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Prayers of the Church
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The following prayers from Grades 1 to 4 are also included:
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Sacramental Focus*
- Baptism
- Reconciliation
- Anointing of the Sick
- Holy Orders
*Note that information on all the sacraments is scaffolded throughout the program.
Saints and Holy People
Features and stories of the following Saints and Holy People appear in the Grade 5 Student Book:
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Theological Emphases in Grade 5
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Strand of Religious Education |
Theological Emphases |
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Believing |
God’s Self-Revelation in the person of Jesus Christ through Sacred Scripture and Tradition The Creed as a Summary of Catholic Belief and a Profession of Faith In God’s Plan of Salvation Christ founded the Church with the following marks: One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic |
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Celebrating |
The Seven Sacraments of the Church – Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist: Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick; Sacraments of Service: Holy Orders and Marriage The Mass as the source and summit of Christian life The Celebrations of the Church’s Liturgical Year |
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Living a Moral Life |
Christian Morality as a living response of our human vocation to life in the Spirit as revealed by reason (Natural Law), the Scriptures and Tradition Freedom and Responsibility, Reason, Conscience, and Conscience Formation Grace, Virtue, Holiness and Sin and Forgiveness |
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Living in Community |
Living in the Church as members of the Body of Christ The Communion of Saints |
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Living in Solidarity |
Living our Christian vocation within the human community Social Justice Teachings of the Church Our mission to evangelize (i.e. proclaim the Gospel message) and to witness to Jesus Christ |
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Prayer |
God’s universal call to prayer and our human response The Way of Prayer: Forms and Expressions of Prayer |
Grade 6 – Growing in Faith; Growing in Christ 6 (ACBO)
Scripture Stories
The following key Scripture stories appear throughout Grade 6:
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Prayers of the Church
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The following prayers from Grades 1 to 5 are also included in the Teacher Resource:
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Sacramental Focus*
- Holy Orders
*Note that information on all the sacraments is scaffolded throughout the program.
Saints and Holy People
Features and stories of the following Saints and Holy People appear in the Grade 6 Student Book:
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Social Justice Focus
Principle of Rights and Responsibilities
Understand that by virtue of our human dignity, out of respect for equality and diversity of being and the common good, all human beings are to enjoy certain fundamental human rights (e.g. the right to life, liberty, religious freedom, food, shelter, health care, education, and employment). [CCC nos. 1886-1896; 1928-1948]
Theological Emphases in Grade 6
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Strand of Religious Education |
Theological Emphases |
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Believing |
God’s Self-Revelation in the person of Jesus Christ through Sacred Scripture and Tradition |
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Celebrating |
The Seven Sacraments of the Church—Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist: Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick; Sacraments of Service: Holy Orders and Marriage |
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Living a Moral Life |
Christian Morality as a living response of our human vocation to life in the Spirit as revealed by reason (Natural Law), the Scriptures and Tradition |
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Living in Community |
Living in the Church as members of the Body of Christ |
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Living in Solidarity |
We are called to live our Christian vocation within the human community (i.e. communal nature of our dignity as human beings) |
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Prayer |
God’s universal call to prayer and our human response |
Grade 7 – Growing in Faith; Growing in Christ 7 (ACBO)
Scripture Stories
The following key Scripture stories appear throughout Grade 7:
- Sermon on the Mount
- The Book of Ruth
- The Wedding at Cana
- The Prodigal Son
- The Transfiguration on the Mountain
- The Agony in the Garden
- Jesus is Betrayed
- Peter Denies Jesus
- Jesus is Tried
- Jesus Suffers with His Cross
- Jesus Dies on the Cross
- Jesus is Risen
- Jesus Ascends
- Simon of Samaria
Prayers of the Church
- The Lord’s Prayer
- Hail Mary
- The Magnificat
- The Memorare
- Hail Holy Queen
- The Rosary
- The Chaplet of Divine Mercy
- The Angelus
- Liturgical Prayers of the Mass
- Prayers for Confirmation, Marriage, and Holy Orders
Sacramental Focus*
- Marriage
- Confirmation
- Holy Orders
*Note that information on all the sacraments is scaffolded throughout the program
Saints and Holy People
- Blessed Maria Gabriella Sagheddu
- St. Teresa of Avila
- St. Juan Diego
- Our Lady of Guadalupe
- St. Francis of Assisi and the first Nativity scene
- St. Andre Bessette
- St. Joseph
- St. John Bosco
- Disciple Stephen
- Apostle Andrew
- Apostle Philip
- Apostle James
- Apostle Paul
- St. Marie of the Incarnation
- St. Jerome
- St. Mariam Baouardy
- St. Lawrence
- St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)
- Blessed Chiara “Luce” Badano
- Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin (St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s parents)
- Sts. Perpetua and Felicity
- St. Jude
- St. Thomas More
- St. Oscar Romero
- Cardinal Thomas Collins
- Fr. John Comiskey
Social Justice Focus
- Solidarity
- Caring for People Who Are Poor and Vulnerable
- Community and the Common Good
- Participation in Society
Theological Emphasis
The grade 7 program is designed to draw the students into a deeper and more critically aware relationship with God. The program is founded in the six major areas of catechesis: What we Believe; Celebrating our Faith; Living a Morally Good Life; Living In Community; Living in Solidarity, and Nurturing a life of Prayer. The program explores the sacred mysteries of our faith revealed in Scripture, Tradition and the life of Jesus Christ and God’s revelation of Himself to humanity. Through the one, holy catholic and apostolic Church God, offers us salvation. This offer is explored through a study of the four stages of salvation history and the sacraments of Confirmation, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. The program also focuses on the personal encounter with Christ offered through His real presence in the Eucharist. A focused study of the Sermon on the Mount within the program looks at virtuous living and developing habits of prayer. Church teaching on social justice and the call to community and solidarity are examined though narratives and the lives of the saints with a particular emphasis on Mary Mother of Jesus and the many devotions to her prayed by the faithful.
Grade 8 – Growing in Faith; Growing in Christ 8 (ACBO)
Scripture Stories
- Jesus Cleanses the Temple
- Peter’s Declaration about Jesus
- The Transfiguration
- The Call of Matthew
- The First Sin and its Punishment
- Six Days of Creation and the Sabbath
- Jesus and Zacchaeus
- The Escape to Egypt
- Announcement to Zechariah
- Announcement to Mary
- Visitation to Elizabeth
- Birth of John the Baptist
- Revelation to Joseph
- Birth of Our Lord
- The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
- The Shepherds and the Angels
- Jesus’ Side is Pierced, the Death of Jesus
- Abuses at the Lord’s Supper
- The Boy Jesus in the Temple
- The Greatest Commandment
- The Temptation of Jesus
- Jesus Stills a Storm
- Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives
- The Soldiers Mock Jesus
- The Crucifixion of Jesus
- The Walk to Emmaus
- Jesus and Thomas
- The Commissioning of the Disciples
- The Apostles Heal Many
- Paul and Silas in Prison
- The Conversion of Saul
- Paul’s Charge to Timothy
- The Promise of the Holy Spirit
- Instructions Concerning Prayer
Prayers of the Church
- Act of Spiritual Communion
- Anima Christi
- Daily Examen
- Divine Praises
- Eucharistic Prayer: Doxology
- Litany of Loreto (abridged)
- Litany of the Holy Spirit (adapted)
- Miraculous Medal Prayer
- Prayer Against Despair
- Prayer Before the Crucifix
The following prayers from Grades 1 to 7 are also included in the Teacher Resource:
Grade 1
- The Sign of the Cross
- The Lord’s Prayer
- Hail Mary
- Glory Be
Grade 2
- Apostles’ Creed
- Prayer to My Guardian Angel
- Holy, Holy, Holy
- Lord I Am Not Worthy
- Lamb of God
- Act of Contrition
Grade 3
- The Morning Offering
- Memorial Acclamation
Grade 4
- Hail, Holy Queen
- Prayer to the Holy Spirit
- Psalm 23
- Act of Contrition
Grade 5
- Act of Faith
- Act of Hope
- Act of Love
- Memorial Acclamation
- Nicene Creed
- Litany of the Saints
- Litany of the Holy Spirit
- Eucharistic Prayer: doxology
- St. Andrew Christmas Novena
Grade 6
- Prayer for Vocations
- Hail, Holy Queen
Grade 7
- The Magnificat
- The Memorare
- The Rosary
- The Chaplet of Divine Mercy
- The Angelus
- Liturgical Prayers of the Mass
- Prayers for Confirmation, Marriage, and Holy Order
Sacramental Focus*
- Confirmation
*Note that information on all the sacraments is scaffolded throughout the program
Saints and Holy People
- Apostle Peter
- Apostle Paul
- The Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
- St. Francis of Assisi
- St. Clement I
- St. Dulce Lopes Pontes
- St. Josephine Bakhita
- St. John of Damascus
- St. Nicholas of Myra
- St. Gregory of Nazianzus
- St. Teresa of Calcutta
- St. Thérèse of Lisieux
- St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
- Blessed Pier Georgio Frassati
- Blessed Stanley Rother
- St. Longinus
- St. Hildegard of Bingen
- St. John of God
- St. Angela of Foligno
- St. John Paul II
- Blessed Carlo Acutis
- St. Gianna Beretta Molla
Social Justice Focus
- Rights and Responsibilities
Theological Emphases of Grade 8
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Strand of Religious Education |
Theological Emphases |
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Believing |
God reveals Himself through Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition and authenticated by the Magisterium God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one Through the Holy Spirit Christ remains present in the Church and in the world The Church is One, united in faith; Holy, sanctified by Christ; Catholic, founded for all people; and Apostolic through the legacy of the Apostles |
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Celebrating |
Through the Holy Spirit, the sacraments are the source of grace Through the Mass we encounter Christ and fully participate in his passion and death The Liturgical year unifies the Church through the celebration of the paschal Mystery |
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Living a Moral Life |
The Commandments, The Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes guide the moral life of followers of Christ We guide our moral life through our conscience, Sacred Scripture and the teaching of the Church We overcome sin by acknowledging our weakness and asking for forgiveness |
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Living in Communion |
The Church is the people of God, witnessing to Christ through service |
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Living in Solidarity |
The Social Justice teaching of the Catholic Church is rooted in Sacred Scripture Promoting the dignity of each person and the common good is the responsibility of both civil authority and each individual Social structures and institutions are responsible to identify and eliminate sinful inequalities We participate in Jesus’ mission through evangelization in all sectors of society |
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Prayer |
The Our Father is the model for all prayer to God We are called to develop a habit and a life of prayer through Jesus as our mediator |