Dec 16
Winning Tickets
Lori DeAngelis
There’s a new and effective rewards program for sixth grade religious education students at St. Denis Church in Westwood, MA. As catechist Lori DeAngelis explains, “I simply instituted a ‘ticket system’ that my sixth grade class has totally embraced.” Thanks to Lori for sharing this wonderful idea and congratulations to her for winning $100 as the December Idea of the Month winner.
Continue reading "Idea of the Month: December" »
Dec 06
by Sheila Kearney
This Advent season, share with your students the special Lights of Advent. Help your students’ inner lights shine by doing this Light of Service project that the older elementary students (fourth, fifth, and sixth grade) can organize and execute on their own for younger students (kindergarten through third grade), with your help.Have older students provide a Christmas Store for younger students. This is bound to be a huge success among the young children, their families, and those youngsters who organize and operate the store. This experience benefits your parish in many ways. It offers older elementary students the experience of planning, organizing, and executing a short-term project for the good of others; it gives younger children the opportunity to “shop” in a safe environment; the proceeds are contributed to an existing parish outreach program.
Continue reading "The Light of Service" »
Dec 03
by Jeanne Heiberg
An Advent wreath with its candles glowing on a dining table, a wreath of evergreens, pinecones, and berries on the front door, circles of greenery hung on the pillars and walls of the church apse—all convey Christmas warmth and cheer at this coldest, darkest time of the year. The wreath’s circle shape has meanings that touch people deeply, most often at an unconscious level.
Continue reading "The Wreath Symbol Craft and Prayer Activity" »
Dec 01
by Jeanne Heiberg
You can make day star decorations with your students for Christmas trees (or bulletin board, windows, doorways, or to make into mobiles) to celebrate Jesus and the light he shines into a
dark world.
Continue reading "The Day Star Craft Activity and Blessing" »
