Welcome to the online component for your faith formation! After each class, you will have a month to visit the Student Page to listen, watch, and read materials based on what you learned. These mini-sessions are meant to build upon what you learned in class, and give you tools to continue to grow deeper in your faith.
In each section, you will find:
- LEARN MORE: This section summarizes what we learned, and gives you additional information that builds upon what we learned, either through a video or an article.
- SAINT PROFILES: In this section, you will explore the lives of different saints and learn how they followed Christ through their words and actions. As you read each saint profile, consider the virtues they practiced, the challenges they faced, and what lessons their lives can teach us today. The goal is to discover role models of faith and reflect on how their example can inspire your own life.
- HOMEWORK: In this section you will find the homework that touches on the topics covered in class along with the information shared here. Please complete your homework assignments in the Google Form at the bottom of each section. If you have any trouble, have your parents email me at
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→ LEARN MORE: How should I act towards people I don’t like?
This month, we spoke about how to make moral decisions informed by faith. If we don’t have a foundation to base our decisions on, our standards will always be in flux and make making good decisions more difficult. We touched on the 10 Commandments as they help us have a healthy and loving relationship with God and with one another. In addition, we discussed what it means to have true freedom—being able to choose the right thing—and how with greater freedom means greater responsibility to keep others and yourself safe. Greater responsibility also means you have greater accountability for the decisions you make.
BRINGING THIS SESSION HOME
The most basic principle of the Christian moral life is the awareness that every person bears the dignity of being made in the image of God. He has given us an immortal soul and through the gifts of intelligence and reason enables us to understand the order of things established in his creation. God has also given us a free will to seek and love what is true, good, and beautiful. Sadly, because of the Fall, we also suffer the impact of Original Sin, which darkens our minds, weakens our wills, and inclines us to sin. Baptism delivers us from Original Sin but not from its effects—especially the inclination to sin, concupiscence. Within us, then, is both the powerful surge toward the good because we are made in the image of God, and the darker impulses toward evil because of the effects of Original Sin.
(Taken from: https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/morality)
Saint Profiles: Saint Augustine
Eighth graders can relate to Saint Augustine of Hippo because many of the questions and struggles he wrote about are similar to what middle school students experience today.
Here are some connections:
- Finding your identity: Augustine spent years trying to figure out who he was and what he believed. As a 8th grader you are also discovering your interests, values, and goals.
- Making mistakes: Augustine admitted he made poor choices when he was younger. He believed people can learn from mistakes and become better.
- Peer pressure: Augustine sometimes made bad decisions because he wanted to fit in with his friends. Middle school students often face similar pressures.
- Family relationships: Augustine's mother, Monica of Hippo, encouraged him to make wise choices even when he didn't listen. Many of you can relate to the idea that your parents or guardians want the best for you.
- Asking big questions: Augustine wondered about happiness, friendship, truth, and the purpose of life. These are questions that many young people begin thinking about in middle school.
- The power of change: Augustine's life shows that people can change over time. His story reminds us that one bad decision does not define their future.
