Faith
Growing in Faith Together at St. Christina
Our faith is at the heart of our St. Christina classroom community. We are learning about our Catholic faith, but we are also learning how to live it in our classroom, our homes, and our school.
We have already celebrated Mass twice as a class. We are learning the four parts of the Mass, beginning with the Introductory Rites, and reflecting on the Eucharist and the mystery of Transubstantiation.
We will pray, listen, reflect, serve, forgive, encourage, and look for God's presence in ordinary moments. Every student is a beloved child of God with gifts to share.
Our Faith Goals
We are learning to:
Know and love Jesus.
Pray with purpose.
Participate respectfully at Mass.
Understand the four parts of the Mass.
Appreciate Catholic traditions.
Understand Transubstantiation and the Eucharist.
Serve others with joy.
Show kindness and compassion.
Recognize God's presence in our lives.
Use our gifts to help others at St. Christina and in Mount Greenwood.
Mass
Mass is a sacred time when we gather as God's people to worship, listen, pray, and receive the Eucharist. When we celebrated Mass with Fr. Brady, we practiced being attentive, reverent, and active members of our faith community.
The Four Parts of Mass
We are learning about:
The Introductory Rites, when we gather and prepare to celebrate.
The Liturgy of the Word, when we listen to Scripture and reflect on God's message.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist, when the gifts are offered and the Eucharist is consecrated.
The Concluding Rites, when we are blessed and sent forth to live our faith.
At Mass, We Practice
Reverence
We show respect for God, the sacred space, Fr. Brady, and the celebration.
Participation
We join in the prayers, responses, and songs with open hearts.
Respect
We are mindful of those around us and remember that we are part of God's family at St. Christina.
The Eucharist
The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic faith. When we receive the Eucharist, we receive Jesus himself.
We are learning about Transubstantiation, the sacred mystery in which the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus through God's power, even though they continue to look and taste the same.
Melania's question to Fr. Brady at a White Sox game gave our class a beautiful example of how faith belongs in everyday life. Fr. Brady was so moved by her question, “What does the Eucharist mean to you?” that he used it in his homily.
Reflection Questions
What does the Eucharist mean to me?
How does the Eucharist bring me closer to Jesus?
How can I show gratitude?
How can I carry what I receive at Mass into my classroom, home, and Mount Greenwood community?
Prayer
Prayer gives us time to slow down, listen, give thanks, ask for help, and remember that God is with us.
We pray during Morning Meetings, at the end of the day, at Mass, and in quiet moments in our hearts. Thank you Arlin for being our prayer champion and leading us in prayer in the morning.
Our Daily Prayer
God is Good
Today is our Day
Give us Love
Keep us Safe
And Shower Us Always with Your Grace
Who is the King of Glory?
He the LORD is the King of Glory.
Jesus, I trust in you.
Blessed Carlo Acutis
Carlo Acutis was a young Catholic who loved Jesus, the Eucharist, technology, and helping others.
He used his gifts to share his faith and serve people in need. Carlo reminds our fourth graders that we do not have to wait until we are adults to live our faith in powerful ways.
His message to us: “Be the best version of yourself for God.”
Living Our Faith Daily
We live our faith when we:
Welcome someone who feels left out during class or recess.
Listen respectfully during Morning Meeting and discussions.
Forgive and begin again.
Help without waiting to be asked.
Speak truthfully and kindly.
Care for our classroom, St. Christina, and Mount Greenwood.
Thank God for our gifts.
Pray for people who need encouragement.
Serve with a joyful heart.
Small acts of love can make a very big difference in our classroom and faith community.