Today in class we reviewed the days of creation and the Genesis account. After this review, we discussed the Five Principles of Creation, which are: God creates by wisdom and love; God creates out of “nothing”; God creates an ordered and good world; God transcends and is present to the world; and, God upholds and sustains creation. References to these principles can be found in the “Catechism of the Catholic Church,” #295-301.
In class today, I checked the “personalization” of the student’s prayer books, and then we had our first class prayer. After prayer, the school guidance counselor visited with the students.
In class today we discussed prayer. The students were given their class prayer books, and some time to decorate them. Their assignment tonight is to finish the “personalizing” of the prayer books. We also reviewed how to find things in the Bible. The students were also asked to highlight or circle three favorite prayers in their new prayer books. Tomorrow, we start our class prayers and pick up the theme of creation again.
Today we started with our quiz on the days of creation. After the quiz, we read the creation account in Genesis, Chapter One (after a brief review of how to find things in the Bible). After reading about creation, we reviewed the Letter to Parents. The students were asked to make sure that the letter reached their parents. A copy of the letter is provided on this website. The students were asked to read the Genesis creation account again at home.
For Monday, August 25, the students have been assigned to write a three-paragraph essay on themselves (who they are, etc.). They were also told of a quiz on Monday on the days of creation and Thursday’s class material.
Today in class we began our discussion on creation. With the help of Mrs Carole King, the young people were able to experience the different days of creation (mainly through some awesome food). In class we discussed that the creation account is in the book of Genesis in the Old Testament, and that “genesis” is Hebrew for “beginning.” We went over the six days of creation and discussed them briefly. This lesson begins our review of creation. We’ll be on this theme for the next couple of weeks.
In class today, we were visited by Mrs. Trudy Ortner. It was a blessing to have her with us. We had an interactive, team building game called “The Island Game.” The students were divided into three groups. Each was given a large tarp (their “island”), and the groups had to work together in various tasks and with different difficulties. The game was intended to teach the students the importance of teamwork and leadership, communication and creativity, as well as of sacrifice and good fun.
Today for the first day of class, we had about twenty minutes. We spent most of the time getting to know names. I gave a brief explanation of the priest’s cassock and our plan this year: to cover salvation history from Eden to AD 2008 (”AD”: Anno Domini – “Year of Our Lord”).
Dear Seventh Graders, What a blessing it is to start the academic year with you. We’re going to have a great year. Our goal is to learn a lot about God, and have some fun in the process! I’ll see you all on August 19 – bring your smiles and open hearts.
Recently, the class finished its section on sin and Old Testament salvation history. We had our test on the subject matter. Many of the students did very well. We have moved to the next section of the class which is the Life of Christ. For the coming week, we’ll continue to look at various scenes of Jesus’ life. The students will continue to memorize the Prologue of St. John’s Gospel.
