Nov 21
Prepare Your Hearts—An Advent Prayer Service*
by Sister Jenada Fanetti, SDSIn this prayer service, Jeremiah, Ruth, and John the Baptist come to life and share their stories to urge children to prepare for Jesus’ coming by finding everyday ways to follow him.
Sister Jenada Fanetti, SDS, pastoral care minister for St. Isidore Congregation in Mount Calvary, WI, has written scripts for each of these biblical figures. She wants children to see that God continues to send prophets to prepare the way for the Savior. Sister Jenada has played the roles of all of the biblical figures. But you may wish to ask adult leaders or older students to take the parts of Jeremiah, Ruth, and John the Baptist.
Continue reading "Idea of the Month: November" »
Nov 17
Empty and Welcoming Hearts
by Jeanne Heiberg
The empty manger is a strong symbol of the longing
of the human heart for something noble and great.
The empty manger represents simple and humble
hearts that are ready to welcome Jesus when he
comes. To help your students experience Advent as
a time of longing for Jesus and preparing for his
coming, have them make mangers to keep on your
classroom prayer table or to put in their family
creche at home. If you have a class creche, put
the students’ mangers in and around it.
Continue reading "The Empty Manger" »
Nov 15
by Cullen Schippe
What is so darn fascinating about royalty? For a democratic people, we seem to have an inordinate love of all things royal. I am not talking about just kings and queens, princes and dukes. I include our passion for celebrity. We enjoy peeking into the homes and lifestyles of the rich and famous. Magazines that let us ogle the private lives of celebrated people fly off the shelves. Just about everyone has a few “star sightings” to share—at the drop of a hat.
In the liturgical year, forming a bridge between the Sundays in Ordinary Time and the Advent and Christmas Seasons are feasts that actually focus our attention on royalty. One is the Feast of Christ the King and another is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe—Queen of Heaven and Patron of the Americas.
Continue reading "Bits O' Wisdom: A Woman Clothed in the Sun" »
Nov 08
by Eric Ruszala
No part of any curriculum is more important than prayer. If I teach my students everything there is to know about the Catholic faith but have not taught them to be aware of God, to go to God, to talk to God, and to listen to God, I have failed as a catechist.
Continue reading "Start with Prayer!" »
Nov 02
by Kate Ristow
The fifth graders were called forth from the pews after the homily. As catechists called names, the children went to the pastor and received a Bible. When each child had a copy of the Sacred Scriptures, the pastor invited the children to face the assembly. He asked several questions about how they would treat God’s Word. He then encouraged the assembly to extend our hands and join him in blessing the Bibles and the children.
As the children returned quietly to their places, I couldn’t help but think, “What will happen to these Bibles now? How will catechists help the kids ‘get into’ the Scriptures?”
Here are some strategies for working with the Bible in your classroom and enabling your students to recognize God’s Word as a lifelong resource for growing in faith.
Continue reading "10 Techniques for Teaching the Bible" »
