F.R.O.G. Awards
by Caren Sue Argenzia
Catechist Caren Sue Argenzia uses F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely On God) Awards to help enrich her lessons and involve parents.
Caren Sue regularly assigns homework to her students such as finishing a worksheet, researching a saint, or reading a scripture. She strives to assign homework that will involve parent and family participation.
Mar 31
Idea of the Month: March
Mar 29
Why the Egg is a Symbol of Easter
The egg is like Jesus’ tomb. It is enclosed, it is quiet, and it seems lifeless. Yet within an egg, the promise of new life is waiting to burst forth. Jesus’ tomb was like an egg until early on Easter when Jesus rose up to a new and glorious life. Because of this rich symbolism, we add beautiful decorations to our eggs at Eastertime. Candymakers have added even more richness by creating wonderful candy treats in the shape of eggs.Some people say that at an egg roll, the egg takes on a different Easter symbolism. They say that the egg stands for the huge rock that sealed Jesus’ tomb. When children roll eggs, they are reenacting the rolling back of that huge rock, so that Jesus can come forth once more into the bright sunshine of life.
Mar 28
Spring Crafts Using Egg Cartons
by Jeanne HeibergWho would have thought you could use simple egg cartons to make so many crafts with your students! Ask your families to save egg cartons—plastic, pasteboard, or foam—for these fun Spring crafts.
Continue reading "Spring Crafts Using Egg Cartons" »
Mar 27
Honoring Holy Week
This Sunday, Palm Sunday, is the beginning of Holy Week. Throughout the week, including Mass on Holy Thursday and at the service on Good Friday, we hear Scripture readings that tell us about the events that lead up to the glorious Resurrection of Jesus. Here is a reflection, action and prayer to use with your students and their families to honor Holy Week. Continue reading "Honoring Holy Week" »
Mar 26
Teaching about The Triduum
Light a Fireby Kate Ristow
Our students can experience so much of the richness and meaning of Christ’s passion, death, and Resurrection when we teach them about the celebrations of the Triduum. Here are some ideas to light a fire in them that they can carry home and share with their families! Continue reading "Teaching about The Triduum" »
Mar 22
Teaching about Holy Thursday
Service, Nourishment, Commitment
by Kate Ristow
Grandma Gallagher called Holy Thursday “Maundy Thursday.” Because Grandma emigrated from Ireland, I assumed that Maundy was the Gaelic word for “holy.” Assuming is never a good thing!
It turns out that Maundy is a derivative
of the Latin word mandatum, which
means “commandment.” It is a reference
to the new commandment Jesus gave his
disciples at the Last Supper: “Love one
another” (John 13:34). This new
commandment tells us that we must
love each other as Christ loves us.
Mar 20
The Chrism Mass
The Chrism Mass has a three-fold purpose. First, the three oils used in sacramental celebrations are blessed and distributed: chrism, used to anoint those who receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders; the oil of the sick, used to anoint those who are in need of healing; and the oil of catechumens, used to anoint those preparing for Baptism. During the Chrism Mass, priests renew the promises they made at ordination and parishioners have the opportunity to pray for and support their priests.
The Chrism Mass has its origins in the fourth century. There was a time when it was celebrated exclusively on Holy Thursday morning. Because of the busyness of the day and the burden of traveling great distances to the diocesan cathedral and back to the parish, the Chrism Mass is often celebrated earlier in the week. The blessed oils may be formally received by the parish community during the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper.
- Brainstorm a suitable way for you and your students to express gratitude to your parish priest or priests for their ministry.
- Visit the church and show the students the place where the sacred oils are reserved. Briefly explain the purpose of each of the oils.
Mar 19
Bits O' Wisdom: Trampling Down Death
by Cullen SchippeEaster has always been my favorite feast. Every Easter morning for at least the past 35 or 40 years, I have had a small personal tradition. Early—usually before dawn—when everybody else in the house is still asleep, I put on a headset and listen to Rimsky-Korsakov's Russian Easter Festival Overture (Op. 36)—full blast.
Continue reading "Bits O' Wisdom: Trampling Down Death" »
Daily Scripture Reflection: Monday, March 19
Reading: 2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16 Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22 Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24Drawing Near: In today’s Gospel, you hear of the faith of Joseph, my foster father. How might you embrace Joseph as your patron saint in your ministry as a catechist?
Feast: The Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
To view the complete Gospel reading, click here.
Mar 14
Encouraging Family Participation in the Holy Thursday Liturgy
Creative Ways to
Invite Family Participation
by Kate Ristow
Here's some activities to use with your students
to spark family interest in participating in the
Holy Thursday Liturgy. Includes a downloadable
invitation template you can reproduce.
