Welcome back to another semester of EDGE!!! We are so happy to have you with us! This semester, our teaching series is called "The Finish Line," which goes into greater depth with the Sacraments and the power of the Holy Spirit! This race theme is in reference to how the healing graces of the sacraments of our Catholic Church help us "run the race" of life so as to "obtain the prize (Heaven)," as Saint Paul says to the Corinthians in the Bible. In addition, we will also be explaining more about Mother Mary and how She helps us run to her Son, Jesus the Life!
This Sunday at Edge, we ate meatball subs and popsicles. Then, we introduced our new semester topic (elaborated above), raced to free our friends in "Secret Agent Tag," completed "The Amazing Race" activity, and closed in prayer!
Throughout this semester, your child will be learning more in depth about the Sacraments at the Service of Communion, namely the Sacrament of Matrimony and the Sacrament of Holy Orders. They will also be learning about the Sacraments of Healing, specifically the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. Last year, we covered the Sacraments of Initiation, so we are completing what we started then with teaching the rest of the Sacraments of our Catholic Church in this new semester. Fall Semester, we finally finished our deep dive into all the Commandments! Yay! On to the Sacraments we go!
Check out our Parent Life website at ltparentlife.com for resources on how to guide your teen in a faith-filled way through modern day culture!
Main Ideas:
Heaven is our ultimate goal — the finish line we are racing toward.
We will encounter temptations and obstacles on our way to heaven.
The Sacraments of Healing and the Sacraments at the Service of Communion help us on our journey to heaven.
Catechism Reference:
“The Church affirms that for believers the sacraments of the New Covenant are necessary for salvation. ‘Sacramental grace’ is the grace of the Holy Spirit, given by Christ and proper to each sacrament. The Spirit heals and transforms those who receive him by conforming them to the Son of God. The fruit of the sacramental life is that the Spirit of adoption makes the faithful partakers in the divine nature by uniting them in a living union with the only Son, the Savior.” (CCC 1129)
“The Church affirms that for believers the sacraments of the New Covenant are necessary for salvation. ‘Sacramental grace’ is the grace of the Holy Spirit, given by Christ and proper to each sacrament. The Spirit heals and transforms those who receive him by conforming them to the Son of God. The fruit of the sacramental life is that the Spirit of adoption makes the faithful partakers in the divine nature by uniting them in a living union with the only Son, the Savior.” (CCC 1129)
Scripture References:
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1)
"Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it." (1 Corinthians 9:24)
Family Reflection Questions:
What was your favorite part about this Edge Night?
What are you most excited about this semester?
How can our lives be compared to a race toward a finish line? What is our finish line? How do you see yourself running with the strength of The Lord this year?
How do the sacraments help us along the way?