Blest Are We Unit 2: Baptism and Confirmation Chapter 7: Grace...A Gift of Strength and Support

God’s Spirit, which is grace, encourages us to follow his teachings and laws. Ezekial 36:27 Every day we are challenged to be faithful followers of Jesus. What are some challenges fifth graders might face in trying to be a faithful disciples of Jesus? What are some positive ways that you can respond to these challenges?

Saul’s Conversion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4ZJxb4uW-E Saul was a devout Jew and a noted scholar of the Law of Moses. He strongly believed that Christianity was wrong, and he worked to destroy it. Saul experienced a conversion on his way to Damascus, Syria where he was going to arrest Christians. It was then, that he met the Risen Jesus, accepted God’s grace, and turned away from sin. Saul was blinded, but a Christian man named Ananias was instructed by Jesus in a vision to heal Saul. As Ananias prayed for Saul, he (Saul) was filled with the Holy Spirit and was able to see again. Once he could see, Saul was baptized. Saul later became known as Paul and as one of the greatest saints of the Church. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Saint Paul traveled to many countries telling people the Good News of Jesus Christ. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4ZJxb4uW-E

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit At Baptism, we receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts are strengthened in us at Confirmation. wisdom – helps us to know God’s will for our lives understanding – helps us to know the teachings of our Catholic faith counsel (right judgment) – helps us to know what is right and to make good choices fortitude (courage) – strengthens us to be witnesses of Jesus Christ and to defend our Catholic faith knowledge – helps us to know that God is more important than anything else in life piety (reverence) – helps us to love and respect God and all that he has created fear of the Lord (wonder and awe) – inspires us to be filled with love and reverence for God and to be grateful for all the blessings he has given us

The Fruits of the Holy Spirit The twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit are the signs that the Holy Spirit working is in our lives. Charity Joy Peace Patience Kindness Goodness Generosity Gentleness Faithfulness Modesty Self-control Chastity

Faith Words Conversion – a conversion is the experience of accepting God’s grace and turning away from sin Gifts of the Holy Spirit – The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord

We Believe Each time we receive the Sacraments, we receive God’s grace through the Holy Spirit. Grace, God’s free gift of his life, strengthens us to live as Christians.

Saint Katharine Drexel: American Saint https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-katharine-drexel/ After the death of her parents, Katharine inherited a great deal of wealth which she chose to use to help other people. Katharine founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. Katharine and the sisters in her congregation dedicated their missionary work to the African American and Native American people in the United States. The Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament also founded Xavier University in New Orleans. It was one of the first universities for African Americans in the United States. Mother Katharine died on March 3, 1955 at the age of 96 having dedicated her life to prayer and the service of others. Her feast day is March 3rd.