Thursday, September 9. 2010
Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-27
Luke 6:39-42
Drawing Near: Hypocrisy is a deep darkness of
the heart. In today’s Gospel, I challenge you to
ompassion, mercy, and integrity.
To view the entire Gospel reading, click here.
Wednesday, September 8. 2010
Reading: 1 Corinthians 8:1-7, 11-13
Luke 6:27-38
Drawing Near: Today’s Gospel is especially
challenging: Love your enemies. Who is your
enemy? Let my grace help you love that person
today and always.
Feast: The Memorial of St. Peter Claver, priest
To view the entire Gospel reading, click here.
Tuesday, September 7. 2010
Reading: Micah 5:1-4 Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23
Drawing Near: In today’s Gospel, you hear
of my genealogy and of Joseph’s faithful
response to God’s plan for him in salvation
history. Let Joseph and my mother, Mary, be
your patrons always.
Feast: The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
To view the entire Gospel reading, click here.
Five winners were randomly chosen from the 775 entrants who answered all five questions correctly to receive a set of 4 reproducible activity books from Pflaum Publishing Group.
August Catholic IQ Winners
Tracy Clark, Franklin, TN
Luke Swantek, Arlington, VA
Geraldine Schwatrz, Pottsville PA
Toni Colombo, San Diego, CA
Barbara Richter, Madisonville, TX
Click on 'Continue Reading' below to see the answers to the August questions.
Watch for a new What's Your Catholic IQ? contest in October!
Continue reading "And the winners of the August Catholic IQ..." »
by Tom Quinlan
As a catechist, you are important to the life of the Church and the fulfillment of its mission to evangelize. In the name of Jesus, you catechize in order to “put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ."* Here are ways to be an effective, evangelizing catechist.
Continue reading "Be an Evangelizing Catechist!" »
Friday, September 3. 2010
by Victoria Giulianelli
Our parish's Faith Formation Open House for grades K- 5 was a big success. We chose as our theme: “We are on a mission to change one heart at a time.” This theme clearly states the focus of our ministry: The heart of the child is at the center of the catechetical process. This article explains how we applied the theme to create a memorable experience for the children and their parents and catechists.
Continue reading "How to Create a Successful Parent Open House" »
Wednesday, September 1. 2010
by Lee Danesco
You can direct pre-class enthusiasm into the faith-sharing experience of the day through activity. Here are some creative ways to move from chatter to lesson using prayer, art, or word games.As young people arrive for the week’s faith-sharing session, you can tell from the pleasant hum in the room that the group is in a good mood. You’re feeling upbeat yourself and looking forward to the day’s lesson. But as you continue to listen to the group’s cheerful chatter, you become concerned about how to begin in a way that won’t throw a wet blanket over this spirited group of young people and the lesson you have planned.
Continue reading "From Chatter to Lesson: Getting Class Started" »
Tuesday, August 31. 2010
by Jeanne Heiberg
The beginning of the school year is a good time to remind ourselves and our students of the importance of listening well -- really paying attention to what others are saying. Help your students to understand the gift of listening with this fun puppet-making activity, skit, and listening prayer.
Continue reading "Let's Begin with the Gift of Listening" »
Monday, August 30. 2010
by Jeanne Heiberg
As catechists, teachers, and parents, we
know the power of words to motivate,
engage, and affirm children, to help them
celebrate their gifts, to let them know they
are loved even when they try our patience.
The start of the school year is a good time
to remember this. You can help students
realize the power of words and learn how to use that power for their own good and the good of others with this Wonderful-Words Poster activity and accompanying prayer service.
Continue reading "Healing Words for the School Year" »
Wednesday, August 25. 2010
by Daniel Abben
As a novice catechist, I was unsure how to respond to the behavior issues that arose during classes.
After serving as a catechist for a few years,
I realized that each group of children has its
own “personality.” I also realized that there
are a few basic principles that can be used
for every group. When I follow these six
principles, there are fewer instances
of unacceptable behavior.
Continue reading "6 Principles for Managing Successful Faith..." »