Catholic Faith Formation

Comprehensive Catholic Faith Formation Curriculum

Below is a structured curriculum designed to encompass the major themes of Catholic faith formation. Each section includes specific topics, teaching objectives, suggested activities, and resources. The curriculum can be adapted for different age groups and learning levels.

1. The Creed: Understanding Catholic Beliefs

Objective: To help participants understand the foundational beliefs of the Catholic faith.

Duration: 6 weeks

• Topics:
  • The Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • Jesus Christ: His incarnation, death, resurrection, and role in salvation.
  • The Church: Its mission, structure, and marks (one, holy, catholic, apostolic).
  • The Nicene and Apostles’ Creeds.
  • The Communion of Saints and the Last Things (death, judgment, heaven, hell, purgatory).
• Activities:
  • Group reflection on the Nicene Creed during Mass.
  • Creative projects like drawing the Holy Trinity or role-playing the life of Jesus.
  • Discussing saints' stories to illustrate key beliefs.
• Resources:
  • The Catechism of the Catholic Church (Sections 1–2).
  • YouTube series: The Symbolon Program.

2. The Bible: Encountering God’s Word

Objective: To introduce participants to Scripture and its role in the Catholic faith.

Duration: 8 weeks

• Topics:
  • Overview of the Bible: Old Testament and New Testament.
  • Salvation History: God’s covenant with His people.
  • The Life and Teachings of Jesus.
  • Psalms and Prayers in the Bible.
  • Applying Scripture to daily life.
• Activities:
  • Weekly Lectio Divina sessions.
  • Bible scavenger hunt: Finding specific verses that apply to themes like hope or love.
  • Journaling on Gospel readings.
• Resources:
  • The Bible Timeline by Ascension Press.
  • Word on Fire Bible by Bishop Robert Barron.

3. The Commandments and Beatitudes: Living a Moral Life

Objective: To teach participants how to live a Christ-centered, moral life.

Duration: 6 weeks

• Topics:
  • The Ten Commandments and their modern application.
  • The Beatitudes as a guide to Christian living.
  • Virtues (faith, hope, charity) and vices.
  • Forming a well-formed conscience.
• Activities:
  • Role-playing moral dilemmas and applying Church teachings.
  • Beatitude-themed artwork or poetry.
  • Group discussions on ethical challenges in modern life.
• Resources:
  • YouCat: Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church.
  • Articles from The Catholic Moral Tradition.

4. Liturgy and Sacraments: Encountering God’s Grace

Objective: To deepen understanding of the liturgy and sacraments.

Duration: 6 weeks

• Topics:
  • Structure and significance of the Mass.
  • The seven sacraments and their grace.
  • Liturgical calendar and seasons.
  • Sacramentals and their role in daily life.
• Activities:
  • Mass walk-through: Exploring each part of the liturgy.
  • Preparing a family Advent or Lent calendar.
  • Group reflection on personal sacramental experiences.
• Resources:
  • The Lamb’s Supper by Scott Hahn.
  • Dynamic Catholic’s Mass Journal.

5. Prayer and Spirituality: Developing a Relationship with God

Objective: To teach various forms of prayer and encourage daily spiritual practices.

Duration: 8 weeks

• Topics:
  • Forms of prayer: Adoration, contrition, thanksgiving, supplication.
  • Marian devotions: The Rosary and Hail Mary.
  • Eucharistic Adoration and contemplative prayer.
  • Developing a daily prayer routine.
• Activities:
  • Creating prayer journals.
  • Hosting a Rosary prayer evening.
  • Quiet reflection during Eucharistic Adoration.
• Resources:
  • Praying the Rosary Like Never Before by Edward Sri.
  • Prayer apps: Hallow or Laudate.

6. Social Teachings of the Church: Faith in Action

Objective: To inspire participants to live out their faith through service and justice.

Duration: 6 weeks

• Topics:
  • Dignity of the human person.
  • Option for the poor and vulnerable.
  • Stewardship of creation.
  • Solidarity and peacebuilding.
• Activities:
  • Organizing a service project, like a food drive.
  • Group discussions on current social issues.
  • Reflection on Laudato Si’ or Fratelli Tutti.
• Resources:
  • Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching by the USCCB.
  • To Go Forth podcast by the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.

7. Mary and the Saints: Inspiration in Holiness

Objective: To highlight Mary’s role and the saints as models of faith.

Duration: 4 weeks

• Topics:
  • Marian doctrines: Immaculate Conception, Assumption, and intercession.
  • Saints as role models of holiness.
  • Patron saints and their significance.
• Activities:
  • Creating a “Saint of the Day” calendar.
  • Writing letters to a favorite saint.
  • Celebrating feast days with special meals or activities.
• Resources:
  • Lives of the Saints by Alban Butler.
  • Marian prayer books or True Devotion to Mary by St. Louis de Montfort.

8. Apologetics: Defending the Faith

Objective: To equip participants with knowledge to explain and defend their faith.

Duration: 4 weeks

• Topics:
  • Core Catholic beliefs: Eucharist, Mary, papacy.
  • Common misconceptions about Catholicism.
  • Approaching interfaith and secular dialogues.
• Activities:
  • Role-playing Q&A sessions.
  • Preparing answers to common objections to Catholic teachings.
• Resources:
  • Catholic Answers Live radio show and website.
  • Why We’re Catholic by Trent Horn.

The Seven Sacraments

The Catholic faith is rich with tradition and practices that guide believers in their spiritual journey. At the heart of this faith are the Seven Sacraments, considered sacred rites instituted by Christ to give grace. These sacraments are grouped into three categories: Sacraments of Initiation, Sacraments of Healing, and Sacraments of Service. Here's a brief overview of each:

Sacraments of Initiation

These sacraments lay the foundation for a Christian life and help believers enter and grow in the faith.

1. Baptism
   • The first sacrament of initiation and the gateway to all others.
   • It cleanses the individual of original sin and welcomes them into the Church as a child of God.
   • Symbols: Water (cleansing and renewal), Chrism oil, and a white garment (purity).
2. Confirmation
   • Strengthens the grace of Baptism and confirms the individual's commitment to their faith.
   • Involves the laying on of hands and anointing with Chrism oil by a bishop.
   • Represents the sealing of the Holy Spirit.
3. Eucharist (Holy Communion)
   • The source and summit of the Christian life, where believers receive the Body and Blood of Christ.
   • It commemorates the Last Supper and fosters a deep union with Jesus.

Sacraments of Healing

These sacraments offer spiritual and physical healing, helping believers reconcile with God and their community.

1. Reconciliation (Penance or Confession)
   • Provides forgiveness of sins committed after Baptism.
   • Through confession, repentance, and absolution, believers are reconciled with God and the Church.
2. Anointing of the Sick
   • Offers comfort and spiritual strength to those who are seriously ill or near death.
   • Includes prayers, the laying on of hands, and anointing with oil.

Sacraments of Service

These sacraments prepare individuals for a particular mission or vocation in life.

1. Holy Orders
   • The sacrament through which men are ordained as deacons, priests, or bishops to serve the Church.
   • Includes the laying on of hands and a prayer of consecration.
2. Matrimony (Marriage)
   • Unites a man and woman in a lifelong covenant of love and service.
   • Reflects the union between Christ and the Church.

These sacraments are profound encounters with God, helping Catholics grow in holiness and live out their faith. Each sacrament is a reminder of God’s presence in every stage of life, from birth to eternal life.

Let’s delve into how these sacred rites influence daily practices, relationships, and faith expressions.

Sacraments of Initiation: Building a Foundation for Faith

The Sacraments of Initiation establish the spiritual foundation, drawing Catholics into a life of faith and service.

1. Baptism
   • Impact on Daily Life: Through Baptism, Catholics are called to live as children of God, reflecting Christ in their words and deeds. It reminds them to reject sin and embrace virtues like love, honesty, and humility. Parents often reflect on their role as spiritual guides, fostering faith in their families.
2. Confirmation
   • Impact on Daily Life: Confirmation empowers Catholics to take an active role in the Church. They are inspired to stand firm in their beliefs, share their faith with others, and participate in ministries like teaching, evangelization, or serving the needy.
3. Eucharist (Holy Communion)
   • Impact on Daily Life: The Eucharist is a daily or weekly encounter with Christ that nourishes the soul. It inspires Catholics to live with gratitude, offer forgiveness, and seek reconciliation. The practice of attending Mass reminds them of Christ's sacrifice and strengthens their bond with the community.

Sacraments of Healing: Restoring Wholeness

The Sacraments of Healing provide comfort and spiritual renewal, reminding Catholics of God’s infinite mercy.

1. Reconciliation (Penance)
   • Impact on Daily Life: Regular confession cultivates humility and accountability. It encourages self-reflection, helps individuals address personal shortcomings, and strengthens their resolve to live virtuously. This sacrament fosters peace and healthier relationships.
2. Anointing of the Sick
   • Impact on Daily Life: For those facing illness, this sacrament offers hope and a sense of God’s presence. It reminds Catholics of the value of suffering when united with Christ's own suffering. Family members often rally together in prayer, creating a supportive and loving environment.

Sacraments of Service: Living a Life of Purpose

These sacraments prepare Catholics for specific missions, whether in the Church or family life.

1. Holy Orders
   • Impact on Daily Life: Priests, deacons, and bishops dedicate their lives to serving the spiritual needs of others. Their ministry shapes the daily faith journey of Catholics, providing guidance, administering sacraments, and offering pastoral care. For the laity, this sacrament encourages prayerful support for clergy.
2. Matrimony (Marriage)
   • Impact on Daily Life: Marriage sanctifies the relationship between spouses, calling them to mutual love and selflessness. Couples strive to model their relationship on Christ’s love for the Church, fostering strong families grounded in faith, prayer, and service.

Holistic Influence of the Sacraments

The sacraments guide Catholics to integrate faith into every aspect of life:

• Prayer and Reflection: Inspired by the sacraments, Catholics develop daily habits of prayer, scripture reading, and acts of charity.
• Community Engagement: Participation in parish life, charitable works, and social justice initiatives flows from the grace of the sacraments.
• Moral Compass: Each sacrament reinforces a commitment to ethical living, promoting values like integrity, compassion, and stewardship.

The sacraments are not isolated moments but living realities that permeate daily Catholic life. They shape how believers interact with family, work, and society, transforming ordinary experiences into opportunities for grace and holiness.

Sacramental Preparation: 

Sacramental preparation and family traditions are integral to deepening the Catholic faith, enriching individual and communal spiritual lives. They emphasize the importance of intentionality and community in celebrating the sacraments, ensuring that their impact extends well beyond the ceremonies themselves. Let’s explore these themes in more detail.

Nurturing Understanding and Commitment

Preparation for sacraments goes beyond learning rituals—it’s about understanding their spiritual significance and integrating faith into life.

1. Baptism Preparation
   • For Parents and Godparents: Classes guide families in their role as spiritual nurturers, emphasizing the child’s Christian upbringing. Parents reflect on their faith and how they can create a home filled with prayer, moral guidance, and a sense of God’s presence.
   • Traditions: Many families choose special symbols like a family heirloom baptismal gown or a dedicated candle to connect generations.
2. First Communion Preparation
   • For Children: Catechism classes teach the significance of the Eucharist as the real presence of Christ. Children learn prayers, participate in first confessions, and engage in activities that instill reverence.
   • Family Involvement: Parents often participate in activities like baking communion bread or organizing a post-ceremony meal to celebrate the occasion as a family milestone.
3. Confirmation Preparation
   • For Teenagers and Adults: Candidates undertake classes, retreats, and community service to deepen their faith and discern their call to live as active Catholics.
   • Role of Sponsors: Sponsors act as mentors, guiding candidates in prayer and providing spiritual support.
4. Marriage Preparation (Pre-Cana)
   • Couples attend counseling and workshops led by priests and married mentors. Topics include communication, conflict resolution, family planning, and faith integration in married life.
   • Traditions: Writing personal vows or including family blessings during the ceremony reflects individual and cultural values.
5. Holy Orders and Anointing of the Sick
   • While preparation for these sacraments is more situational, they involve deep discernment, prayer, and guidance from the Church.

Family Traditions: Keeping the Faith Alive

Catholic families play a pivotal role in making the sacraments meaningful through traditions that blend faith with culture. These practices often become cherished memories, strengthening the bond between family and faith.

1. Baptism Traditions
   • Hosting gatherings for family and friends to celebrate the newly baptized member.
   • Creating a spiritual keepsake, like a photo album or journal, documenting the day and prayers for the child’s future.
2. First Communion Traditions
   • Dressing children in symbolic attire: white dresses or suits reflecting purity.
   • Preparing special meals or desserts like a communion cake shaped like a chalice or cross.
3. Confirmation Traditions
   • Choosing a Confirmation name (often a saint’s name) to inspire the candidate.
   • Gifting religious items like rosaries, crucifixes, or Bibles to encourage ongoing faith practice.
4. Marriage Traditions
   • Incorporating cultural elements like the arras (coins) in Hispanic weddings, symbolizing the couple’s shared responsibility.
   • Lighting a unity candle during the ceremony as a sign of the two becoming one in Christ.
5. Sacraments of Healing
   • Family prayer vigils for the sick or dying during the Anointing of the Sick.
   • Passing down stories of faith, resilience, and God’s healing power.

Bridging Sacraments with Everyday Life

• Seasonal Connections: Sacramental celebrations often tie into liturgical seasons, like baptisms during Easter or first communions in spring. Families use these opportunities to teach about the Church calendar.
• Creating Sacred Spaces: Families may establish home altars with sacramental mementos—like candles, certificates, or framed photos—as reminders of their faith journey.
• Service-Oriented Traditions: Some families commemorate sacraments with acts of charity, like volunteering or donating to causes, to instill the value of service.

Why Sacramental Preparation and Traditions Matter

Both preparation and traditions ensure that sacraments are not one-time events but lifelong commitments. They help individuals and families reflect on God’s grace and foster habits of prayer, community, and service. These practices connect the physical signs of sacraments with the spiritual realities they signify.

Comprehensive Guide to Catholic Prayers

Catholic prayers serve as a vital connection between believers and God, offering opportunities for worship, thanksgiving, repentance, and petition. Below is an exploration of Catholic prayers, categorized by their type, with examples, explanations, and practical guidance.

1. Basic Catholic Prayers

These prayers are foundational to the Catholic faith, often learned early and recited frequently.

The Sign of the Cross

• Text:
  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
• Significance: A gesture of faith and an invocation of the Holy Trinity.
• Usage: At the start and end of prayers, entering or leaving a church, or seeking protection.

The Our Father (Lord’s Prayer)

• Text:
  Our Father, who art in heaven,
  hallowed be Thy name... (entire prayer)
• Significance: Taught by Jesus, it is the perfect prayer of praise, petition, and surrender to God’s will.

The Hail Mary

• Text:
  Hail Mary, full of grace,
  the Lord is with thee... (entire prayer)
• Significance: Honors Mary’s role in salvation history and seeks her intercession.

The Glory Be

• Text:
  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit...
• Significance: A doxology praising the eternal nature of the Holy Trinity.

2. Prayers of Devotion

The Rosary

• Structure: A series of decades (groups of ten Hail Marys) meditating on the mysteries of Christ’s life:
  • Joyful Mysteries (e.g., Annunciation, Nativity).
  • Sorrowful Mysteries (e.g., Agony in the Garden, Crucifixion).
  • Glorious Mysteries (e.g., Resurrection, Assumption).
  • Luminous Mysteries (e.g., Baptism of Jesus, Institution of the Eucharist).
• Significance: Combines vocal prayer with meditative reflection.

The Angelus

• Text: Reflects on the Incarnation through three Hail Marys and accompanying verses.
• Timing: Traditionally prayed at 6 AM, noon, and 6 PM.

The Divine Mercy Chaplet

• Text: Prayed on Rosary beads, emphasizing God’s mercy.
• Significance: A devotion given to St. Faustina Kowalska, especially prayed at 3 PM (Hour of Mercy).

3. Prayers of the Mass

The Kyrie

• Text: Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
• Significance: Acknowledges human need for God’s mercy.

The Eucharistic Prayer

• Focus: The heart of the Mass, consecrating the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ.

The Agnus Dei (Lamb of God)

• Text: Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us...
• Significance: A prayer of preparation for receiving Communion.

4. Prayers of Adoration

The Act of Adoration

• Text:
  O Sacrament Most Holy,
  O Sacrament Divine,
  all praise and all thanksgiving
  be every moment Thine.
• Usage: Common in Eucharistic Adoration.

The Anima Christi

• Text:
  Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
  Body of Christ, save me...
• Significance: A prayer of deep union with Christ.

5. Prayers of Repentance

The Act of Contrition

• Text:
  O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You...
• Usage: Recited during the Sacrament of Reconciliation and personal examination of conscience.

The Penitential Act (from the Mass)

• Text:
  I confess to Almighty God,
  and to you, my brothers and sisters...
• Significance: Acknowledges sin and seeks forgiveness.

6. Prayers of Petition and Thanksgiving

The Memorare

• Text:
  Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
  that never was it known...
• Significance: A powerful prayer for Mary’s intercession.

The Prayer of St. Francis

• Text:
  Lord, make me an instrument of your peace...
• Focus: A prayer for selflessness and service.

Grace Before and After Meals

• Before:
  Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts...
• After:
  We give Thee thanks, Almighty God, for all Thy benefits...
• Significance: Acknowledges God’s providence.

7. Prayers for Special Intentions

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

• Text:
  St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle...
• Usage: For protection against evil.

Prayer for the Dead

• Text:
  Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord...
• Significance: Intercedes for souls in purgatory.

Morning Offering

• Text:
  O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
  I offer You my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings...
• Usage: Dedicates the day to God.

8. Methods to Teach and Practice Catholic Prayer

Daily Prayer Routines

• Encourage families to pray morning and evening prayers together.
• Suggest setting reminders for Angelus or Divine Mercy Chaplet.

Interactive Activities

• Create prayer journals to track intentions and answered prayers.
• Organize group Rosary or Eucharistic Adoration sessions.

Incorporating Technology

• Use apps like Hallow, Laudate, or iBreviary for guided prayers.
• Share audio versions of prayers for on-the-go devotion.

Basic Catholic Prayers

1. The Sign of the Cross

Text:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Instructions:

• Place your right hand on your forehead, then move to your chest, left shoulder, and finally the right shoulder as you say the prayer.
• Purpose: Begin or end any prayer with this gesture, invoking the Holy Trinity.

2. The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father)

Text:

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be Thy name;

Thy kingdom come;

Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Use: The central prayer of Christianity, recited in all Catholic liturgies and private devotions.

3. The Hail Mary

Text:

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou among women,

and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Use: A prayer of honor to Mary, used in the Rosary and private devotion.

4. The Glory Be

Text:

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Use: Often recited at the end of prayers or as part of devotions like the Rosary.

Devotional Prayers

1. The Rosary

Structure:

• Start with the Sign of the Cross.
• Recite the Apostles’ Creed.
• Say one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.
• Announce the first mystery and pray a decade (10 Hail Marys).
• Repeat for all five mysteries.
• Conclude with the Hail Holy Queen:

Text (Hail Holy Queen):

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope...

Use: Meditate on the mysteries of Christ’s life and Mary’s intercession.

2. The Divine Mercy Chaplet

Structure:

• Begin with the Sign of the Cross.
• On the large beads of the Rosary: "Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world."
• On the small beads: "For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world."
• Conclude with: "Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world."

Use: Especially prayed at 3 PM, the Hour of Mercy.

 Mass and Liturgical Prayers

1. The Kyrie

Text:

Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Use: Expresses repentance during the Penitential Act in Mass.

2. The Agnus Dei (Lamb of God)

Text:

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace.

Use: Sung or recited during the Mass as the priest prepares the Eucharist.

Special Intentions and Seasonal Prayers

1. Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

Text:

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.

Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil...

Use: A prayer of protection often recited after Mass or during personal prayer.

2. Morning Offering

Text:

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,

I offer You my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day...

Use: Begin each day by dedicating it to God.

3. Eternal Rest (Prayer for the Dead)

Text:

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon them.

May they rest in peace. Amen.

Use: For deceased loved ones, especially during November (All Souls' Month).

Catechism

Four principal parts:

1. The profession of faith (the Apostle’s Creed)

It was into that faith of the Apostles that Christians were, and are baptized. It’s therefore a summary of what the church teaches, and of what Christians together believe, rather than a detailed statement of individual and personal belief. I believe in:

1. God the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth;

2. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord and Savior;

3. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, and was Born of the Blessed Virgin Mary;

4. Jesus Christ Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was Crucified, Died and was Buried;

5. He descended to the Dead. On the Third day He Rose again;

6. He Ascended into Heaven and is Seated at the Right Hand of the Father;

7. From thence He will come again to Judge the living and the dead;

8. I Believe in the Holy Spirit;

9. I believe in the Holy Catholic Church;

10. I believe in the Forgiveness of Sins;

11. I believe in the Resurrection of the Body;

12. I believe in Life Everlasting.

2. The celebration of the Christian Mystery (the Sacred Liturgy, and especially the Sacraments) ie Baptism (gateway to other sacraments) - indelible mark, exhaust, child of God,  Confirmation, the Eucharist, Penance (D.O.T. direct observation treatment), the Anointing of the sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony.

The sacraments are “efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us” (CCC 1131). In other words, a sacrament is a sacred and visible sign that is instituted by Jesus to give us grace, an undeserved gift from God.

A sacrament is a religious ceremony or rite. Sacraments are important holy events to members of that religion.

Sacramental matter (weight and occupies space) and form:

The matter of a sacrament is "that part of a sacrament with which or to which something is done in order to confer grace", "materials used and actions performed". The form of a sacrament consists of the words and the intention by which the sacrament is effected.

3. Life in Christ (including the Ten Commandments):

1. I AM THE LORD THY GOD: THOU SHALT NOT HAVE STRANGE GODS BEFORE ME. COMMANDS: faith, hope, love, and worship of God; reverence for holy things; prayer. FORBIDS: idolatry; superstition; spiritism; tempting God; sacrilege; attendance at false worship.

2. THOU SHALL NOT TAKE THE NAME OF THE LORD THY GOD IN VAIN. COMMANDS: reverence in speaking about God and holy things; the keeping of oaths and vows. FORBIDS: blasphemy; the irreverent use of God's name; speaking disrespectfully of holy things; false oaths and the breaking of vows.

3. KEEP THE SABBATH HOLY. COMMANDS: going to church on Sundays and holy days of obligation. FORBIDS: missing church through one's own fault; unnecessary servile work on Sunday and holy days of obligation.

4. HONOUR THY FATHER AND THY MOTHER. COMMANDS: love; respect; obedience on the part of children; care on the part of parents for the spiritual and temporal welfare of their children; obedience to civil and religious superiors. FORBIDS: hatred of parents and superiors; disrespect; disobedience.

5. THOU SHALT NOT KILL. COMMANDS: safeguarding of one's own life and bodily welfare and that of others. FORBIDS: unjust killing; suicide; abortion; sterilization; dueling; endangering life and limb of self or others.

6. THOU SHALT NOT COMMIT ADULTERY. COMMANDS: chastity in word and deed. FORBIDS: obscene speech; impure actions alone or with others.

7. THOU SHALT NOT STEAL. COMMANDS: respect for the property of rights and others; the paying of just debts; paying just wages to employees; integrity in public office. FORBIDS: theft; damage to the property of others; not paying just debts; not returning found or borrowed articles; giving unjust measure or weight in selling; not paying just wages; bribery; graft; cheating; fraud; accepting stolen property; not giving an honest day's work for wages received; breach of contract.

8. THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS AGAINST THY NEIGHBOR. COMMANDS: truthfulness; respect for the good name of others; the observance of secrecy when required. FORBIDS: lying; injury to the good name of others; slander; talebearing; rash judgment; contemptuous speech and the violation of secrecy.

9. THOU SHALT NOT COVET THY NEIGHBOR'S WIFE. COMMANDS: purity in thought. FORBIDS: wilful impure thought and desires.

10. THOU SHALT NOT COVET THY NEIGHBOR'S GOODS. COMMANDS: respect for the rights of others. FORBIDS: the desire to take, to keep, or damage the property of others

4. Christian Prayer (including the Lord’s Prayer)

The seven petitions of the Lord's Prayer are:

1. Hallowed be thy name: God’s Name held holy.

2. Thy kingdom come: asks for God's kingdom in everyday life and at the end of time.

3. Thy will be done: directed to God for his own sake.

4. Give us this day our daily bread: The divine provision.

5. Forgive us our trespasses: care.

6. Lead us not into temptation: asks God to help you make the right decisions instead of giving into temptation

7. Deliver us from evil: The occasions of sin; place, time, thing, company, conscience

9. THOU SHALT NOT COVET THY NEIGHBOR'S WIFE. COMMANDS: purity in thought. FORBIDS: wilful impure thought and desires.

10. THOU SHALT NOT COVET THY NEIGHBOR'S GOODS. COMMANDS: respect for the rights of others. FORBIDS: the desire to take, to keep, or damage the property of others