Memories Are Made of This: Celebrating Advent and Christmas Traditions
During Advent we prepare students to celebrate the birth of our Savior on Christmas. Use the following ideas to keep the spotlight on celebrating the coming of the Lord.
Advice from Master Catechists—November/December 2013
Master catechists answer questions from readers.
The Legend of Saint Nicholas: A Read-Aloud Story for Young Children
Today we honor St. Nicholas on December 6. We imitate St. Nicholas when we share the gift of love and friendship with everyone we know, and when we help people in need.
Complete a Project: 2013-2014 Church Year
A downloadable Image Key of the liturgical calendar that appears in November/December 2013 CATECHIST.
The Liturgist as Catechist: An Interview
Catechists aren’t liturgists! Yet, the National Directory for Catechesis tells us that catechists are called to promote “an active, conscious genuine participation in the liturgy of the Church, not merely by explaining the meaning of the ceremonies, but also by forming the minds of the faithful for prayer…” (n. 20, #2).
Celebrating Saint Genoveva Torres Morales
Genoveva was a person of great faith and courage. She wanted to join the Carmelite Order but was not accepted due to her health. She was very disappointed, but she did not give up. She knew that God has a purpose for each of our lives.
The Year of Faith in a New Year
The start of a new year is often compared to the beginning of a journey--usually emotional or spiritual. This new year is special, as it includes the Church's celebration of the Year of Faith.
Sacraments and Catechesis: Building-Blocks of Faith
In the fourth century, Augustine declared that Sacraments are sacred signs. Throughout the history of the Church, Sacraments have been connected to Christ as revelations of God and signs of grace. The histories of the various Sacraments are rich. For our purpose, we will reflect and build upon what the Second Vatican Council proclaimed about the Sacraments.
Leading Us Home: Teaching about God’s Gift of Grace
The theme of CATECHIST's January issue each year is the liturgical life of the Church and the Sacraments--what they mean to us as Catholics and the different ways we can teach about them in our classes. The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults emphasizes that that the Sacraments have a visible and invisible reality (see page 168).
Advent Journey to Christmas
One of the loveliest images of Joseph is of him leading a donkey that is carrying Mary who is pregnant with Jesus. They are traveling from their home in Nazareth to Bethlehem. The journey made by Joseph and Mary may hold more spiritual gold and meaning than the census that caused it.
