Issue link: http://archden.uberflip.com/i/1312720
18 them today. The Gospels become a living word, and the student comes to understand the nature of discipleship as a call f rom Jesus to which they need to respond. Teachers can make the invitation to their students on behalf of Jesus and give time for prayer so that students can respond. Discipleship should become integrated into the normal life of the school, although holy hours and retreats also provide important moments for making the invita - tion and giving a chance to respond. Growing in the Christian Life If the first stage of discipleship is coming to know Christ and accepting the invitation to become his disciple, the second stage focuses on learning how to live like Jesus. It is helpful to remember that the word "disciple" means student. Becoming a disci- ple means becoming a student of Jesus to learn how to live like him. "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matt 11:29). This sec- ond stage focuses on the need for constant growth and maturity as Christians. Discipleship will look different at the different stages of school life, as each age will have its own appro- priate marks of growth. In preschool through first grade, students are still learning about who God is, the identity of Jesus as the Son of God, coming to know the love of the Father for them, and coming to know Our Lady and the saints. The focus is on coming to know one's identity as a son and daugh- ter of the Father in order to experience the love and protection of the Father as Jesus experienced it. "He who has seen me has seen the Father" (Jn 14: 9). Second and third grade have a distinct focus