8th grade - witness - sections 1 and 2

Witnesses: Children of GodWitnesses: Children of God

Acts 1:8Acts 1:8• The Apostles saw and experienced The Apostles saw and experienced

everything Jesus said and dideverything Jesus said and did• Now, that Jesus has completed His Now, that Jesus has completed His

earthly mission (Paschal Mystery) He earthly mission (Paschal Mystery) He sends out His Apostles to be His sends out His Apostles to be His “witnesses”“witnesses”

Witness - definitionWitness - definition• A “Witness” is “someone who testifies on behalf of a A “Witness” is “someone who testifies on behalf of a

person or idea”person or idea”– wit·ness (wtns) wit·ness (wtns) n.n. 1. a. 1. a. One who can give a firsthand One who can give a firsthand

account of something seen, heard, or experienced: a account of something seen, heard, or experienced: a witness to the accident.witness to the accident.• b. b. One who furnishes evidence.One who furnishes evidence.

– 2. 2. Something that serves as evidence; a sign.Something that serves as evidence; a sign.– 3. 3. LawLaw a. a. One who is called on to testify before a court.One who is called on to testify before a court.

• b. b. One who is called on to be present at a transaction in order to One who is called on to be present at a transaction in order to attest to what takes place.attest to what takes place.

• c. c. One who signs one's name to a document for the purpose of One who signs one's name to a document for the purpose of attesting to its authenticity.attesting to its authenticity.

– 4. 4. An attestation to a fact, statement, or event; testimony.An attestation to a fact, statement, or event; testimony.• Courtroom imageCourtroom image

• OJ Simpson, Vince Fumo, etc.OJ Simpson, Vince Fumo, etc.– 5. a. 5. a. One who publicly affirms religious faith.One who publicly affirms religious faith.

• b. Witnessb. Witness A member of the Jehovah's Witnesses. A member of the Jehovah's Witnesses.

A “Disciple-Witness”A “Disciple-Witness”

• Example of ChristExample of Christ• Given power by Holy SpiritGiven power by Holy Spirit– ConfirmationConfirmation

A “Disciple-Witness”A “Disciple-Witness”• As the Baptized, we As the Baptized, we share in the “Baptismal share in the “Baptismal

Priesthood”Priesthood” of Jesus Christ; a call to be of Jesus Christ; a call to be “priests” and prophets throughout the world“priests” and prophets throughout the world• CCC 1546 - Christ, high priest and unique mediator, CCC 1546 - Christ, high priest and unique mediator,

has made of the Church "a kingdom, priests for his has made of the Church "a kingdom, priests for his God and Father.“ The whole community of believers God and Father.“ The whole community of believers is, as such, priestly. The faithful exercise their is, as such, priestly. The faithful exercise their baptismal priesthood through their participation, baptismal priesthood through their participation, each according to his own vocation, in Christ's mission each according to his own vocation, in Christ's mission as priest, prophet, and king. Through the sacraments as priest, prophet, and king. Through the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation the faithful are of Baptism and Confirmation the faithful are "consecrated to be . . a holy priesthood.”"consecrated to be . . a holy priesthood.”

• In other words: as fully initiated Catholics, In other words: as fully initiated Catholics, we have been given the responsibility of we have been given the responsibility of living in the example of Christ for the worldliving in the example of Christ for the world

Life in ChristLife in Christ• Textbook: “Christ Our Life”Textbook: “Christ Our Life”– In studying this material, it now becomes “Our Life, In studying this material, it now becomes “Our Life,

Christ”Christ”

• Our lives should be lived out in exampleOur lives should be lived out in example• As Catholics we believe that we hold in our faith the As Catholics we believe that we hold in our faith the

“fullness of truth”“fullness of truth”– Papal infallibilityPapal infallibility

• If we truly believe this, then we should desire to If we truly believe this, then we should desire to become Disciples in the world; spreading the Good become Disciples in the world; spreading the Good News through word and deedNews through word and deed

Life in ChristLife in Christ

• Section One: Conscience/ReconciliationSection One: Conscience/Reconciliation• Section Two: The Way of HolinessSection Two: The Way of Holiness• Section Three: The Way of FaithSection Three: The Way of Faith• Section Four: The Way of WorshipSection Four: The Way of Worship• Section Five: The Way of the FamilySection Five: The Way of the Family• Section Six: The Way of Human DignitySection Six: The Way of Human Dignity• Section Seven: The Way of Justice and TruthSection Seven: The Way of Justice and Truth

Section One: Section One: Conscience/ReconciliationConscience/Reconciliation

(Text: pp.215)(Text: pp.215)• What is a conscience?What is a conscience?– ““A conscience is that still, small voice inside of you A conscience is that still, small voice inside of you

that nobody listens to. That’s the trouble with the that nobody listens to. That’s the trouble with the world today!”world today!”

–Jiminy Cricket from “Pinocchio”Jiminy Cricket from “Pinocchio”– ““A conscience is an judgment of reason, present in A conscience is an judgment of reason, present in

our hearts, which helps us to do good and avoid our hearts, which helps us to do good and avoid evil.”evil.”

–Fr. PaolinoFr. Paolino

Conscience/ReconciliationConscience/Reconciliation

• The Morality of an act: depends on three The Morality of an act: depends on three things:things:– The The ActAct itself itself• Intrinsic evil?Intrinsic evil?

– The The IntentionIntention• What am I achieving by doing this?What am I achieving by doing this?

– The The CircumstanceCircumstance• What is the situation?What is the situation?

• We can never do evil for a good reason!We can never do evil for a good reason!

Conscience/ReconciliationConscience/Reconciliation• We have the potential for knowing the difference We have the potential for knowing the difference

between good and evilbetween good and evil• However, we need to be informedHowever, we need to be informed– Informed Conscience - “a conscience that has been Informed Conscience - “a conscience that has been

developed by considering obligations, consequences, developed by considering obligations, consequences, applying the Ten Commandments, and the teachings of applying the Ten Commandments, and the teachings of Jesus and the Church to a moral situation”Jesus and the Church to a moral situation”

– Lax (Ignorant) Conscience - a conscience that has not be Lax (Ignorant) Conscience - a conscience that has not be taught the difference between good and badtaught the difference between good and bad

• Developing an informed conscience is a life-long Developing an informed conscience is a life-long processprocess– It develops with spiritual growth and we develop it by It develops with spiritual growth and we develop it by

considering obligations and consequences before making a considering obligations and consequences before making a decisiondecision

ReviewReview

• As the Baptized, we share in the “Baptismal As the Baptized, we share in the “Baptismal Priesthood” of Jesus Christ; a call to be Priesthood” of Jesus Christ; a call to be “priests” and prophets throughout the world“priests” and prophets throughout the world

• As fully initiated Catholics (Confirmed), we As fully initiated Catholics (Confirmed), we have been given the responsibility of living in have been given the responsibility of living in the example of Christ for the worldthe example of Christ for the world

• We believe that we are disciples of the Lord; We believe that we are disciples of the Lord; and therefore should be examples for othersand therefore should be examples for others

ReviewReview• Our “Conscience” is “a judgment of reason, present Our “Conscience” is “a judgment of reason, present

in our hearts, which helps us to do good and avoid in our hearts, which helps us to do good and avoid evil.”evil.”

• Consciences can be: Consciences can be: – 1.) Informed1.) Informed– 2.) Lax2.) Lax

• The Morality of an act is determined by:The Morality of an act is determined by:– 1.) The Act itself1.) The Act itself– 2.) The Intention2.) The Intention– 3.) The Circumstances3.) The Circumstances

ReviewReview

• We all have the potential for knowing the We all have the potential for knowing the good in a situationgood in a situation– Many times we are presented with many “goods”Many times we are presented with many “goods”

• Developing an informed conscience is a Developing an informed conscience is a lifelong processlifelong process

An Informed ConscienceAn Informed Conscience

• An “Informed Conscience” is:An “Informed Conscience” is:– ““a conscience that has been developed by a conscience that has been developed by

considering obligations, consequences, applying considering obligations, consequences, applying the Ten Commandments, and the teachings of the Ten Commandments, and the teachings of Jesus and the Church to a moral situation”Jesus and the Church to a moral situation”

““A conscience that has been A conscience that has been developed…”developed…”

• Involves a processInvolves a process– Life-long!; never endsLife-long!; never ends

• Development means it will never be perfect Development means it will never be perfect and involves much practiceand involves much practice

““by considering obligations…”by considering obligations…”

• What are “Obligations?”What are “Obligations?”– ““Responsibilities you have because you are a Responsibilities you have because you are a

follower of Jesus”follower of Jesus”

• You show your love for Jesus by the way you You show your love for Jesus by the way you live; the example of your moral lifelive; the example of your moral life

““by considering consequences…”by considering consequences…”

• ““Consequences” are:Consequences” are:– ““the results of our choicesthe results of our choices

• Before we make decisions, we need to Before we make decisions, we need to consider what the results will be of our consider what the results will be of our decisionsdecisions

• Consequences are important to consider since Consequences are important to consider since they affect your life and the lives of othersthey affect your life and the lives of others

““applying the Ten Commandments…”applying the Ten Commandments…”

• The Ten commandments are a good set of The Ten commandments are a good set of guidelines for lifeguidelines for life

• They are NOT optional guidelines but rather They are NOT optional guidelines but rather they are exact ways for lifethey are exact ways for life

““applying the teachings of Jesus and applying the teachings of Jesus and the Church…”the Church…”

• Scripture & TraditionScripture & Tradition• By following the ways of Christ we can’t go By following the ways of Christ we can’t go

wrongwrong• In the same way, the Church gives us rules for In the same way, the Church gives us rules for

living in example of Jesusliving in example of Jesus• Jesus promises that those who follow His way Jesus promises that those who follow His way

will be filled with joy and find great peacewill be filled with joy and find great peace

ReviewReview

• As the Baptized, we believe that we are As the Baptized, we believe that we are disciples of the Lord; and therefore should be disciples of the Lord; and therefore should be examples for othersexamples for others


The Peace of ChristThe Peace of Christ

• God never forces us to chooseGod never forces us to choose– This is what Free Will is forThis is what Free Will is for

• Jesus does, however, promise us that if we Jesus does, however, promise us that if we follow His ways, we will live in peace and follow His ways, we will live in peace and make decisions that are responsible and good make decisions that are responsible and good for allfor all

• As Christians we should depend on Christ to As Christians we should depend on Christ to help us to make good decisionshelp us to make good decisions

The Peace of ChristThe Peace of Christ

• If we choose selfishly, we will be restless and If we choose selfishly, we will be restless and uneasyuneasy

• This feeling of uneasiness is actually a good This feeling of uneasiness is actually a good thing since it warns us that we are not thing since it warns us that we are not following our formed consciencefollowing our formed conscience

• Read situations on p. 221 and answerRead situations on p. 221 and answer

A Peace Plan: A Peace Plan: An Examination of conscienceAn Examination of conscience

• We all need goods guides in lifeWe all need goods guides in life– Christ is our moral guideChrist is our moral guide

• He enables us to form a responsible, Christian He enables us to form a responsible, Christian conscienceconscience

• Through the examination of conscience, you Through the examination of conscience, you take an HONEST look at yourselftake an HONEST look at yourself• It helps us to see the good we have done; and to It helps us to see the good we have done; and to

correct the wrongcorrect the wrong

A Peace Plan: A Peace Plan: An Examination of conscienceAn Examination of conscience

• To make a good examination of conscience:To make a good examination of conscience:– See how God shows love to you in daily lifeSee how God shows love to you in daily life– Ask yourself how you have lived out the 10 Ask yourself how you have lived out the 10

Commandments and the teachings of JesusCommandments and the teachings of Jesus– Decide which is your greatest weakness and think Decide which is your greatest weakness and think

of how you can improveof how you can improve– Pray that Christ will help you remain open to his Pray that Christ will help you remain open to his

friendship, and cooperate with his grace working friendship, and cooperate with his grace working in youin you

Steps to True ReconciliationSteps to True Reconciliation

• First: PrayerFirst: Prayer• Second: Examination of ConscienceSecond: Examination of Conscience• Third: ContritionThird: Contrition• Fourth: ConfessionFourth: Confession• Fifth: Praise of GodFifth: Praise of God

Review of Section OneReview of Section One

• As the Baptized, we share in the “Baptismal As the Baptized, we share in the “Baptismal Priesthood” of Jesus Christ; a call to be Priesthood” of Jesus Christ; a call to be “priests” and prophets throughout the world“priests” and prophets throughout the world

• As fully initiated Catholics (Confirmed), we As fully initiated Catholics (Confirmed), we have been given the responsibility of living in have been given the responsibility of living in the example of Christ for the worldthe example of Christ for the world

Review of Section OneReview of Section One• Our “Conscience” is “a judgment of reason, present Our “Conscience” is “a judgment of reason, present

in our hearts, which helps us to do good and avoid in our hearts, which helps us to do good and avoid evil.”evil.”

• Consciences can be: Consciences can be: – 1.) Informed1.) Informed– 2.) Lax2.) Lax



• We all have the potential for knowing the good in We all have the potential for knowing the good in a situationa situation– Many times we are presented with many “goods”Many times we are presented with many “goods”

• An Informed Conscience is:An Informed Conscience is:– ““a conscience that has been developed by considering a conscience that has been developed by considering

obligations, consequences, applying the Ten obligations, consequences, applying the Ten Commandments, and the teachings of Jesus and the Commandments, and the teachings of Jesus and the Church to a moral situation”Church to a moral situation”

– Developing an informed conscience is a lifelong Developing an informed conscience is a lifelong processprocess

Section Two: Section Two: The Ways of Holiness and FaithThe Ways of Holiness and Faith

• Being holy is becoming like GodBeing holy is becoming like God– Loving others is the closest experience we have of Loving others is the closest experience we have of

GodGod– Not fuzzy feeling love, but a self sacrificing loveNot fuzzy feeling love, but a self sacrificing love

• As disciples (followers) of Christ, we have the As disciples (followers) of Christ, we have the responsibility of taking on His attributes, responsibility of taking on His attributes, namely: His attitudes, His message, and namely: His attitudes, His message, and (ultimately) His love which is self-giving(ultimately) His love which is self-giving

CovenantCovenant• What is a covenant?What is a covenant?– ““A sacred agreement”A sacred agreement”

• What was the purpose of God giving the What was the purpose of God giving the Israelite people His covenant?Israelite people His covenant?– To show their love and fidelity to Him in gratitude To show their love and fidelity to Him in gratitude

for all He has given themfor all He has given them

• Did they follow up?Did they follow up?– No!No!

The “New” CovenantThe “New” Covenant• What’s the difference?What’s the difference?– The first covenant was made between the Israelite The first covenant was made between the Israelite

people and God as an initial pledge of fidelity; this people and God as an initial pledge of fidelity; this covenant is a completion of that fidelitycovenant is a completion of that fidelity

– God fulfills His work in Jesus and brings the act of God fulfills His work in Jesus and brings the act of salvation to completionsalvation to completion

• God makes a covenant with us today through God makes a covenant with us today through Baptism which is perfected in the other Baptism which is perfected in the other sacramentssacraments

The Two WaysThe Two Ways• The DidacheThe Didache– ““Teachings of the Twelve Apostles”Teachings of the Twelve Apostles”– Sort of a first catechismSort of a first catechism

• Taught that there are “two ways”Taught that there are “two ways”– The Way of LifeThe Way of Life– The Way of DeathThe Way of Death

The Two WaysThe Two Ways• The Way of Life: The Way of Life: – is to “love the God Who made you and love your is to “love the God Who made you and love your

neighbor as yourself”neighbor as yourself”– This Way leads to GodThis Way leads to God

• The Way of DeathThe Way of Death– is anything that does not love God or othersis anything that does not love God or others

Virtue & ViceVirtue & Vice• VirtueVirtue– ““a habit or tendency that helps you do what is a habit or tendency that helps you do what is

morally good”morally good”– Although it is a gift, it must be developed through Although it is a gift, it must be developed through

practice until it becomes easy to dopractice until it becomes easy to do

• ViceVice– ““a habit or tendency toward evil that all of us a habit or tendency toward evil that all of us

experience in some way”experience in some way”– It is an ease in sinning that can be acquired by It is an ease in sinning that can be acquired by

repetition of a sinful actrepetition of a sinful act

ReviewReview

• What is a covenant?What is a covenant?– ““A sacred agreement”A sacred agreement”

• What was the purpose of God giving the Israelite What was the purpose of God giving the Israelite people His covenant?people His covenant?– To show their love and fidelity to Him in gratitude for To show their love and fidelity to Him in gratitude for

all He has given themall He has given them• Old/New CovenantOld/New Covenant– The first covenant was made between the Israelite The first covenant was made between the Israelite


ReviewReview

• The Didache: “Two Ways”The Didache: “Two Ways”– The Way of LifeThe Way of Life– The Way of DeathThe Way of Death

• VirtueVirtue– ““a habit or tendency that helps you do what is a habit or tendency that helps you do what is

morally good”morally good”• ViceVice– ““a habit or tendency toward evil that all of us a habit or tendency toward evil that all of us

experience in some way”experience in some way”

Theological VirtuesTheological Virtues• Faith: we believe in God, committing our total Faith: we believe in God, committing our total

being to Him as the personal source of all truth being to Him as the personal source of all truth and reality and your whole beingand reality and your whole being

• Hope: we rest our whole meaning and future on Hope: we rest our whole meaning and future on God, whose promise to us of life everlasting with God, whose promise to us of life everlasting with Him is being fulfilled in a hidden manner even Him is being fulfilled in a hidden manner even now through our graced existencenow through our graced existence

• Charity: we love God as the personal All of our Charity: we love God as the personal All of our life and all persons as sharers in the destiny God life and all persons as sharers in the destiny God desires for all; everlasting communion with desires for all; everlasting communion with HimselfHimself

Cardinal VirtuesCardinal Virtues• Prudence: helps us to discover the true good Prudence: helps us to discover the true good

in every situation and to choose the right in every situation and to choose the right means of achieving itmeans of achieving it

• Justice: firm belief to give what is due to God Justice: firm belief to give what is due to God and neighbor; involves respecting harmonyand neighbor; involves respecting harmony

• Temperance: moderates the attraction of Temperance: moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goodscreated goods

• Fortitude: ensures firmness in difficulties and Fortitude: ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the goodconstancy in the pursuit of the good

Peer PressurePeer Pressure

• The pressure from our peers to go along with The pressure from our peers to go along with the crowdthe crowd• Do what is popularDo what is popular

• ““What is popular is not always right; what is What is popular is not always right; what is right is not always popular”right is not always popular”

Dealing With Peer PressureDealing With Peer Pressure

• Just saying “no”Just saying “no”

• Using movement, gestures, or facial Using movement, gestures, or facial expressions to say “no”expressions to say “no”

Dealing With Peer PressureDealing With Peer Pressure

• Distracting someone suggesting sinful actionsDistracting someone suggesting sinful actions

• Saying “no” in a way that makes the person Saying “no” in a way that makes the person still like you or even like you morestill like you or even like you more

The Choice is OursThe Choice is Ours• God gives us freedom to accept His loveGod gives us freedom to accept His love• We can choose goodness or evil, the choice is oursWe can choose goodness or evil, the choice is ours• Remember, our actions not only affect us but Remember, our actions not only affect us but

others around usothers around us

• We are made for loveWe are made for love• Love involves growthLove involves growth• Examination of conscienceExamination of conscience• Practicing virtuePracticing virtue• Pray!Pray!• Read scriptureRead scripture• Read lives of the saintsRead lives of the saints

Deciding for ChristDeciding for Christ

• Read each situation carefully. Imagine yourself Read each situation carefully. Imagine yourself in the situation. Then:in the situation. Then:– decide what the problem isdecide what the problem is– think of two or three possible solutions to the think of two or three possible solutions to the

problemproblem– select the response that would be bestselect the response that would be best– describe your responsedescribe your response

Situation #1Situation #1

• Ann and Theresa are trying out for parts in the Ann and Theresa are trying out for parts in the same play. Ann is your close friend, but same play. Ann is your close friend, but Theresa is the better actor. You watch the Theresa is the better actor. You watch the tryouts. After discovering that she did not get tryouts. After discovering that she did not get the part, Ann is hurt and envious. She asks the part, Ann is hurt and envious. She asks you, “Don’t you think I was better at the you, “Don’t you think I was better at the tryouts than Theresa? Why did she get the tryouts than Theresa? Why did she get the part and I didn’t?” What do you say?part and I didn’t?” What do you say?


• Your best friend is having a party this Your best friend is having a party this weekend. You have been at other parties weekend. You have been at other parties recently with the same people. You know that recently with the same people. You know that the party will not be chaperoned and that kids the party will not be chaperoned and that kids will be “making out”, or maybe worse. You are will be “making out”, or maybe worse. You are uneasy about going to the party, but you uneasy about going to the party, but you don’t want to be left out either. Your friend don’t want to be left out either. Your friend walks up and asks you what time you will walks up and asks you what time you will arrive at the party. What do you say?arrive at the party. What do you say?


• Your friend starts a food fight in the school Your friend starts a food fight in the school cafeteria. Soon the whole group is reported cafeteria. Soon the whole group is reported and sent to the principal. Seven of your and sent to the principal. Seven of your friends are blaming someone else for starting friends are blaming someone else for starting the fight, but you know they are not being the fight, but you know they are not being honest. Mrs. Jaster turns to you and asks honest. Mrs. Jaster turns to you and asks “Who started this?” What do you say?“Who started this?” What do you say?


• You want to go to a movie with some of your You want to go to a movie with some of your friends. Your parents are hesitant because the friends. Your parents are hesitant because the movie is rated “R”. One of your friends tells movie is rated “R”. One of your friends tells your parents, “Don’t worry. My parents saw your parents, “Don’t worry. My parents saw the movie and said it was fine. In fact, they’re the movie and said it was fine. In fact, they’re coming with us”. Your parents allow you to coming with us”. Your parents allow you to go. As soon as you leave the house, you find go. As soon as you leave the house, you find out that their parent’s aren’t coming. What do out that their parent’s aren’t coming. What do you do?you do?

ReviewReview

• What is a covenant?What is a covenant?– ““A sacred agreement”A sacred agreement”

• What was the purpose of God giving the Israelite What was the purpose of God giving the Israelite people His covenant?people His covenant?– To show their love and fidelity to Him in gratitude for To show their love and fidelity to Him in gratitude for

all He has given themall He has given them• Old/New CovenantOld/New Covenant– The first covenant was made between the Israelite The first covenant was made between the Israelite


ReviewReview

• The Didache: “Two Ways”The Didache: “Two Ways”– The Way of LifeThe Way of Life– The Way of DeathThe Way of Death

• VirtueVirtue– ““a habit or tendency that helps you do what is a habit or tendency that helps you do what is

morally good”morally good”• ViceVice– ““a habit or tendency toward evil that all of us a habit or tendency toward evil that all of us

experience in some way”experience in some way”

ReviewReview

• Theological VirtuesTheological Virtues• FaithFaith• HopeHope• Charity/LoveCharity/Love

• Cardinal VirtuesCardinal Virtues• PrudencePrudence• JusticeJustice• TemperanceTemperance• FortitudeFortitude

ReviewReview• What is “Peer Pressure”?What is “Peer Pressure”?– The pressure from our peers to go along with the The pressure from our peers to go along with the

crowdcrowd– Not all Peer Pressure is bad; if you have good Not all Peer Pressure is bad; if you have good

friends, the pressure may be to do something friends, the pressure may be to do something goodgood

• Dealing with (negative) “Peer Pressure”Dealing with (negative) “Peer Pressure”– Say no (either directly or creatively); pretend Say no (either directly or creatively); pretend

you’re busy; use distractions, etc.you’re busy; use distractions, etc.– Whatever you do, stand firm in your decisionWhatever you do, stand firm in your decision

8th grade - witness - sections 1 and 2

Education