Catechism Series

Image of God

Religion Series for Pre-school through 8th Grade

The IMAGE OF GOD religion series is an exciting new comprehensive Catholic program that has as its foundation the creation of human beings in God's own likeness. The greatest confirmation of man's unique dignity is the Incarnation of Christ, the God-man who is the perfect image of the Father and who reveals God as Love, especially by the Cross and Resurrection. In revealing God, Christ showed us who we are and how to act. This emphasis on the dignity of the individual child as the foundation of this series is taken from Scripture, the documents of Vatican II, and the writing of John Paul II. It presents the Catholic Faith in a stimulating and easy to read format that is being praised by teachers, pastors and bishops.

SPECIAL FEATURES OF IMAGE OF GOD

• Clear, comprehensive and interesting presentation of the Catholic Faith based on seven key concepts: God, Creation, Christ, Church, Grace, Sacraments and Commandments.
• Scripture based stories introduce students to the Bible and Catholic Tradition. Stories of the saints' lives, as well as contemporary stories, give students Catholic role models and examples of living the faith.
• Plays and creative drama suggestions allow children to act out the concept of faith they have learned.
• Solid doctrine, colorful illustrations and modern pedagogy make series easy to teach.
• Perform-a-Text combines text and activity in one book. Teacher's manuals are very detailed, thorough and full of practical ideas.
• Review and discussion questions stimulate classroom dialogue and help children verbalize what they have learned.
• Liturgical and Holiday lessons help children participate in the Church year. Prayer service suggestions build a spirit of community as children pray together spontaneous and formal prayers.
• Living the Lesson sections relates concepts of faith to everyday living.

ABOUT THE EDITORS AND AUTHORS

Rev. John M. LeVoir, a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis holds a Master of the Arts in theology. He has co-authored two books with Rev. Richard M. Hogan, Covenant of Love, and Faith for Today, both on the teaching of John Paul II. Mrs. Mary Jo Smith has co-authored the pre-school, kindergarten, and first grade curricula of the Image of God series. She is director of pre-school

WORDS OF PRAISE FOR IMAGE OF GOD

"As bishops and religious educators across the country are expressing an urgent need for sound, solid and well-produced catechetical materials which accurately represent the teachings of the Church, this series will fill an unfortunate gap in the religious education of our youth. I am grateful for your efforts and expertise."

--Cardinal John J. O'Connor

"Modern in presentation and doctrinally sound, this series should complement the catechesis parents are meant to provide in the home."

--Cardinal Edouard Gagnon, President, Pontifical Council on the Family

"An excellent program for Catholic religious instruction. I especially commend how it applies the mysteries of the faith to the children's daily lives, and the way it gives teachers scope for developing the pedagogy of each individual lesson."

--Fr. John Hardon, S.J. Author, The Catholic Catechism

"After reviewing the Image of God Series, grades K-3, I found that this series presents the teachings of the Catholic Faith clearly and accurately for children."

--Fr. Paul LaFontaine, Pastor, St. John Vianney Church, St. Paul, Minnesota

"The Image of God Series is not only rock solid doctrinally it also uniquely meets the need for a comprehensive yet simple-to-grasp synthesis of the Catholic Faith."

--Douglas Bushman, Associate Director of Education, Diocese of Duluth, Minnesota

"The Image of God program provides an excellent foundation for children in understanding the Bible, sacraments, and prayer. The teacher's manual provide a variety of suggestions for teaching, activities, projects and sharing. It is obvious that the authors of the Image of God program are experienced in the teaching of children."

--Gary C. Wilmer, Principal, St. Charles Borromeo School, Minneapolis, Minnesota

"The Image of God program not only provides the children with an opportunity to learn about their Catholic faith, but it also provides catechists with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of our faith."

--Ms. Lynn Gentillini, Director of Religious Education, Holy Spirit Parish, Virginia, Minnesota

IMAGE OF GOD - SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

Pre-school / Kindergarten program: Who AM I?
Pre Workbook A / Pre Workbook B / Kindergarten / Primary Teacher
A Catholic religion curriculum for children 3 years old through kindergarten with the text/workbooks for each pre-school level that presents the faith in a lively, colorful manner with state of the art graphics.

• Founded on two unifying key truths: God and creation.
• Stresses the dignity of each child made in God's image.
• Presents the faith in terms and activities children understand.
• Each lesson includes Bible stories, "Concepts of Faith", home activities and fun workshops.
• Includes teachers' Pattern Packet.

Grade One: Who Has God's Life?
Student / Teacher / Resource Binder
THEME: Introduction to the Trinity with emphasis on the life of Jesus. Child learns about grace, what it is and does for us. Acquaints child with the Apostles and beginning of the Church, the plan of salvation and the child's part in that plan. Child learns about angels, sacraments and the basic prayers.
SEQUENCE: Ch. 1-6: God the Creator of the world, angels, Adam and Eve; our home in heaven lost through original sin; the world prepares for the savior.
Ch. 7-10: Jesus the Savior comes to teach us how to live and act.
Ch. 11-15: Jesus gathers the Apostles and starts the Catholic Church. The Apostles' Creed, the sacraments and the Mass.
Ch. 16-20: The Church year; liturgical celebrations and prayer services.
AIM: To expand the child's understanding and love for Jesus and His Church. To help the child understand that Jesus is Savior. To introduce the concept that with grace it is possible for us to act as images of God here on earth and to live with God someday in Heaven.

Grade Two: Who Loves Me Always?
Student / Teacher / Resource Binder
THEME: Special emphasis on the sacraments and commandments in preparation for receiving Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist. The lessons emphasize God's mercy and love through the story of salvation history and the coming of Jesus our Savior; we act as images of God through receiving the sacraments, and imitating the various saints' lives that are studied. Special focus on the Mass.
SEQUENCE: Ch. 1-2: God shows us his love and mercy.
Ch. 3-8: Jesus shows us how to love God and others, and we find forgiveness through his sacrifice.
Ch. 9-14: We learn to act as images of god through stories of the bible and by receiving Reconciliation.
Ch. 15-20: Jesus gives us the Living Bread. We learn to love God through the Mass and serving others. Ch. 21-27: The angels, saints, rosary and Church year.
AIM: To teach the children about the love of God and to prepare them for Reconciliation and Holy Communion, to help the children participate more fully in the Mass. To help the children become aware of how Jesus returned God's love, helps us to return God's love, shows us who we are and how we should act as images of God.

Grade Three: Who Is Our Example?
Student / Teacher / Resource Binder
THEME: Emphasis on a deeper understanding of the nature and persons of God, and who we are as images of God. The powers that god gives us and how we should use them to imitate the perfect image of God, Jesus. We grow in our understanding of the Church, and participation in its life of grace. Mary our mother helps us to be like Jesus.
SEQUENCE: Ch. 1-3: The mystery of God and the life of the Trinity.
Ch. 4-12: Our identity as images of God with the special powers given to us to act as God's images.
Ch. 13-16: Jesus, the perfect image of God, is our example.
Ch. 17-22: The Church is the body of Christ, and we its members.
Ch. 23-25: Celebrating liturgical seasons.
AIM: To develop a better understanding of the dignity and powers that God has bestowed on each person. The formation of a moral conscience, to follow the example of Christ and act as He would act, and the development of a sense of community as a member of God's family, the Church.

Grade Four: We Follow Jesus
Student / Teacher / Resource Binder
THEME: Emphasizes the mystery of the Trinity and the student's response of Faith. Students learn about the creation of angels, the universe, and people as acts of God's love. The fall of the angels and the human persons is studied. Students study about Jesus and why He came. Special emphasis on grace and how it helps us to act as images of God by following the Ten Commandments.
SEQUENCE: Ch. 1-4: God and creation.
Ch. 5-6: Original sin, its effects and God's merciful love.
Ch. 7-11: Jesus as priest, prophet, and king; works of mercy; the beatitudes.
Ch. 12-14: The Catholic Church, hierarchy, and laity; grace and the virtues; the seven sacraments.
Ch. 15-19: Commandments; prayer; devotion to Mary.
Ch. 20-21: Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter.
AIM: To teach the students the irreplaceable role of Jesus in their lives. To help students appreciate that they are created by God, but wounded by sin; and that Jesus loves them by being their example and Redeemer. To teach the students that Jesus is the source of grace and that He shares His life with them to enlighten them and strengthen them so that they live as images of God here on earth and someday in heaven.

Grade Five: Our Mission of Love
Student / Teacher / Resource Binder
THEME: Emphasizing the creation of human beings as images of God: mind, will, and body. Original sin is discussed in conjunction with Jesus' mission to redeem us and to act as prophet, priest, and king. Special emphasis on the Church and how it carries on Jesus' mission of love. Through the Church, Jesus touches us in the sacraments and strengthens us to carry on His mission of love. Death and life after death are treated.
SEQUENCE: Ch. 1-6: The Trinity; creation, commandments, growing up.
Ch. 7-9: Jesus our Redeemer; Parables, Miracles.
Ch. 10-15: The Church; Vocations; Works of mercy; Mary, our mother.
Ch. 16-20: The sacraments, physical signs of Jesus' love.
Ch. 21-25: Grace, Prayer; Gifts of the Holy Spirit; Death; Communion of Saints.
Ch. 27-28: Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter.
Ch. 29: Sacramentals.
AIM: To make the students aware of their dignity as persons, both spiritually and physically. To teach the students why God became man: to redeem us and to be our model. To deepen the students' understanding of the Church and Mary. To develop the students' appreciation for the sacraments as personal meetings with Christ.

Grade Six: God's Merciful Love
Student / Teacher / Resource Binder
THEME: Special emphasis on Genesis and the creation of human persons by God in His image. Also, the Old Testament is presented as a history of God's merciful love toward people. God's merciful love draws good out of evil and prepares for the coming of Jesus Christ. The covenant between God and Israel is an expression of God's merciful love.
SEQUENCE: Ch. 1: Learning about the Bible; Revelation; Literary forms.
Ch. 2-9: Genesis.
Ch. 10-12: Moses; Passover; the Covenant.
Ch. 13-14: Joshua; the Judges.
Ch. 15: Women of Faith; Sarah; Rebekah; Rachel; Miriam.
Ch. 16: Israel; Samuel; Saul; David; Solomon.
Ch. 17-18: The Prophets and the Wisdom Books.
Ch. 19: The Church Year.
AIM: To teach the students that the Old Testament is an expression of God's merciful love and is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. To help the students appreciate the main characters of the Old Testament and their struggles to do God's will.

Grade Seven: Jesus, The Way, The Truth, The Life
Student / Teacher / Resource Binder
THEME: Reviews the creation of the world and persons. Emphasizes the dignity of each human being as an image of God. Has students explore the possible vocations. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus is reviewed through an analysis of the four gospels. The development of a well-formed conscience. Morality is rooted in God and proper moral behavior is an imitation of God.
SEQUENCE: Ch. 1-4: Trinity; Creation; Original sin.
Ch. 5-7: Human dignity; Family; Work.
Ch. 8-11: Vocations; Life of the saints.
Ch. 12-13: Life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Ch. 16-20: Morality; Conscience formation; Beatitudes; Commandments.
AIM: To recognize the dignity of all persons and to treat all persons according to that dignity. To explore the various vocations and be open to God's call. To better understand who Jesus is and the need for Jesus in our lives. To understand that Christ is with us through His Church. To develop a well-formed conscience.

Grade Eight: Part A - Lord, Give Me Eternal Life; Part B - Christ With Us Now And Always
Student A / Teacher A / Student B / Teacher B / Resource Binder
THEME: Emphasizes Christ's living and active presence in the Church throughout it's history. The lives of saints and other persons of importance serve as focal points for the history of the Church. Emphasizes the sacraments as personal meetings with Jesus. The grace that comes to us through the sacraments gives us the power to live as images of God here on earth and someday in heaven.
SEQUENCE: Ch. 1-3: Pentecost; Peter; Stephen; Paul.
Ch. 4-5: The early Church--the Roman persecutions.
Ch. 6-7: The legalization of Christianity.
Ch. 8-10: The medieval and renaissance Church.
Ch. 11: Communion of Saints; Mary; Indulgences.
Ch. 12: Virtues; Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
AIM: To develop the idea of the Church as Christ's mystical body. To introduce the students to the history of the Church. To teach the students that we truly encounter the person of Jesus in the sacraments and that Jesus transforms us for the better through the grace of the sacraments.

ALSO AVAILABLE

Confirmation: Spreading and Defending the Faith
Student/ Teacher
Through Scripture, the documents of Vatican II, the teachings of Pope John Paul II, and the lives of the saints, candidates for Confirmation are prepared to spread and defend the faith by their words and actions. Activities in the student text include writing articles, conducting interview, researching lives of saints, and expressing the truth of the faith in an informed way. The teacher's guide help the catechist direct the students to see the Holy Spirit at work and to respond to His love in all areas of their lives: spiritual intellectual, moral, service to the Church and community, and more. Features: Prayers, definitions, gifts of the Holy Spirit, apologetics, fruits of the Holy Spirit, vocations, Eucharist, Penance, virtues.

We Celebrate The Sacrifice of Love: The Mass
Mass booklet for children in first through third grades
Helps children at Mass to:

• Understand
• Follow along
• Participate more fully

The book contains:

• Actual Mass text on one page
• Explanation of mass on the other
• Many color photographs
• Vocabulary of Mass terms

WORKSHEETS AND HOME ACTIVITIES

• Involves parents in child's faith development.
• Pre-school worksheets aid children in developing some of the basic educational skills.
• Kindergarten worksheets aid children in mastering some of the basic skills stressed at this grade level.

REVIEW PACKAGES (for schools and parishes only)

Review packages of the Image of God curriculum materials are available to schools and parishes new to the series. There are 2 review packages available. The standard review package allows you to examine the entire series or any part thereof for 90 days. Within 90 days, you may purchase the books at a 50% discounted price or just pay the shipping charge to return them (in resalable condition) to Ignatius Press. The second option is to review any 4 grades completely free with no return necessary. Review packages will be sent to you upon request. To order please call 1-866-431-1531.

Visit our new website for schools and parishes, IPReligiousEd.com for more religious education materials.