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Chapter 35

A PowerPoint presentation with information from The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Third Edition Chapter 35, Personal Prayer.

Presentation

Chapter 34

A PowerPoint presentation with information from The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Third Edition Chapter 34, The Forms of Prayer.

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Chapter 33

A PowerPoint presentation with information from The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Third Edition Chapter 33, Introduction to Prayer.

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The Wonders of God's Creation

For the next twenty-four hours, pay attention to experiences and details of your day. The following list suggests phenomena for you to observe, and you may think of other subjects for observation. Create an observation journal on a separate sheet …

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Chapter 39 Activities

Activities for Chapter 39 The Lord’s Prayer: Human Need including a core activity, core activity extension, and additional activities.

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Chapter 38 Activities

Activities for Chapter 38 The Lord’s Prayer: God’s Glory including a core activity, core activity extension, and additional activities.

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Chapter 37 Activities

Activities for Chapter 37 Praying Together including a core activity, core activity extension, and additional activities.

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Chapter 36 Activities

Activities for Chapter 36 Praying with Scripture including a core activity, core activity extension, and additional activities.

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Chapter 35 Activities

Activities for Chapter 35 Personal Prayer including a core activity, core activity extension, and additional activities.

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Chapter 34 Activities

Activities for Chapter 34 The Forms of Prayer including a core activity, core activity extension, and additional activities.

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Chapter 33 Activities

Activities for Chapter 33 Introduction to Prayer including a core activity, core activity extension, and additional activities.

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Chapter 26 Activities

Activities for Chapter 26 Honoring God including a core activity, core activity extension, and additional activities.

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Handout: Praise Petition and Promise

The Lord’s Prayer includes three forms of prayer: praise, petition, and promise. Identify the types of prayer expressed in each phrase of the Lord’s Prayer.

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Handout: Called to Pray Together

A prayer based off of the Lord’s Prayer with a leader, a reader, and various responses.

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Handout: A Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours

A Liturgy of the Hours morning prayer with a leader, a reader, and various responses.

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Handout: The Four Rs of Praying with the Scriptures

Descriptions of the four Rs of praying with Scripture; read, reflect, respond, and rest.

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Handout: Sharing with God

A guided meditation and opportunity for prayer.

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Handout: A Prayer Chart

Use these questions to help you identify situations when you used each prayer form, and record as many situations as you can recall.

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Handout: A Prayer for Forgiveness

A prayer about forgiveness.

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Handout: Statements from the Apostles Creed

Statements from the Apostles Creed, which can be cut out.

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Called to Pray Together

A reflection/prayer based on the Lord’s Prayer.

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Lesson 39 Summary

The lesson learning objectives and content summary for Lesson 38, The Lord’s Prayer: Human Need.

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How Can I Say

A breakdown of how to pray the Lord’s Prayer.

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Lesson 38 Summary

The lesson learning objectives and content summary for Lesson 38, The Lord’s Prayer: God’s Glory.

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Saying Yes to God

A prayer/reflection on saying yes to God’s will for our lives.

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Lesson 37 Summary

The lesson learning objectives and content summary for Lesson 37, Praying Together.

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Loving God and One Another

A prayer/reflection on the questions Jesus asks in Scripture.

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Lesson 36 Summary

The lesson learning objectives and content summary for Lesson 36, Praying with Scripture.

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Prayer from Morning to Night

Use the following prompts to think about how you pray.

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Lesson 35 Summary

The lesson learning objectives and content summary for Lesson 35, Personal Prayer.

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Sent Forth by Gods Blessing

A prayer with two readers and a leader.

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Lesson 34 Summary

The lesson learning objectives and content summary for Lesson 34, The Forms of Prayer.

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Prayer Questions

Reflection questions relating to prayer.

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Lesson 33 Summary

The lesson learning objectives and content summary for Lesson 33, Introduction to Prayer.

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Blessed Are You

This prayer is quoted from Seasons of Your Heart: Prayers and Reflections by Marcina Wiederkehr.

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Prayer for My Family

A prayer for family.

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Lord, This Is for You

Reflection on the First Commandment.

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I Have a Mission

A prayer/reflection about one’s mission of service to God.

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The Canticle of Brother Sun

The canticle of the brother sun by Saint Francis of Assisi.

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Creedal Statements

A list of the statements of belief made in the creed.

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Lesson 4 Summary

The lesson learning objectives and content summary for Lesson 4, Faith.

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Prayer of Saint Anselm

The prayer of St. Anselm.

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Prayer Card

A prayer card with promises from the book of Isaiah.

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Chapter 39

A PowerPoint on Chapter 39 about the Lord’s Prayer.

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Prayer Service

An in class prayer service.

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Faith: Some Important Connections

In silence, answer all but the last question by yourself. The last question will be answered in small groups.

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Places in the Heart

A worksheet to go along with the video Places in the Heart.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 2

Options of final performance tasks for Unit 2 focusing on faith, the Trinity, the Kingdom of God, and creation in the image of God. The options include writing a personal creed, creating a Holy Trinity play, or exploring three Kingdom …

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A Restless Heart

Read through the following questions and discuss your answers with your small group.

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What Do I Know about the Catholic Faith

In the time allotted for this exercise, answer each question to the best of your knowledge. Each set of questions corresponds to the units you will study in this course and represents content you will cover in more detail in …

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Inside and Outside

Everyone knows what it feels like to be on the inside and the outside of a group of people. Fill in the statements below, and then write a prayer to Jesus asking for his help when you are an outsider …

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Planning a Marian Prayer Service

This resource, taken from the New Testament Leader Guide for Breakthrough! can be used to help you plan a Marian prayer service for Advent, The Annunciation, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and other celebrations of …

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Reflecting on the Lord's Prayer

Next to each phrase from the Lord’s Prayer, write another version of the phrase, using more current language or simply putting the words in a different way.

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Jesus, the Expert on Prayer

Read the Gospel passages below, and write a summary statement or two about what Jesus tells us about prayer.

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John, Chapter 17: Praying for Others

Brainstorm personal family issues that are of concern to you as well as any issues that may be troubling your friends. Using the outline below as a guide, write a personal intercessory prayer in the blank space.

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Promises

Describe the kind of promises that are made in the following areas, giving several examples for each one.

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Getting to Know God

A worksheet for students to list the places they go to pray to God, listen to God, talk to God, and wait for God.

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Vocal Prayer, Meditation, and Contemplation

A PowerPoint that defines and discusses vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplation as ways of discerning God’s will.

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Learning to Listen to God

A survey to assess a student’s listening skills.

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Divine Providence

A reflection worksheet to help students get a better sense of God’s Providence in their lives.

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Ignatian Discernment of Spirits

An article that breaks down the differences between good and evil spirits.

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Sr. Thea: Her Own Story

A list of discussion questions from the video Sr. Thea: Her Own Story.

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What Do Sisters Do?

An article that discusses the roles and responsibilities of religious sisters.

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“To Brother”: A Personal Story

An article written by Br. Armand Alcazar FSC, who discusses his view of his vocation as a verb, “to brother”, or “brothering” in teaching and community life.

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A Prayer Service in Intercession for Ordained Ministers

A prayer service for ordained ministers including multiple readers, speakers, and responses.

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Family Life

A worksheet with questions about the meaning of the family, the responsibilities of parents, the domestic Church, as well as the influence parents have on their children in their moral and spiritual development.

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Lectio Divina

A short video explaining the prayer form Lectio Divina.

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Ignatian Contemplation

A video explaining the prayer form of Ignatian Contemplation.

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The Lord’s Prayer in Our Town

A video that explains the meaning and importance of the Lord's Prayer, and shows interviews with teen athletes who pray the Lord's Prayer as a team before sports games.

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Roman Missal Overview

This resource is intended to assist you in preparing young people for the implementation of the new missal.

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Roman Missal Activities

This resource provides activities to help you to prepare young people for the implementation of the Roman Missal, third edition.

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Podcasts on Prayer

A worksheet where students are asked to create a series of teen-friendly podcasts about prayer.

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Good Friday Intercessions

A handout that guides students through writing their own Good Friday intercessions.

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Forms and Expressions of Prayer

A listing of several forms and expressions of prayer.

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Understanding the Lord's Prayer

An activity to help students understand the Lord's Prayer from "The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth" Teacher Guide.

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Teach Us to Pray

An activity to help students learn "The Lord's Prayer" from "The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth" Teacher Guide.

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Praying with Scripture The Magnificat

Praying with Scripture, using The Magnificat, from "The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Teacher Guide.

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Pray in Good Form

A worksheet, from "The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth" Teacher Guide, to assist students in researching and presenting different prayer forms.

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Prayer 101 An Introduction

An introduction to prayer from "The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth" Teacher Guide.

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What Is Prayer

A worksheet, found in “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth” Teacher Guide, that is based on students’ current understanding and experience with prayer.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 6

Options for final performance tasks for Unit 6 of "The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth" Teacher Guide.

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Prayer Service: Love One Another as I Have Loved You

A prayer service focusing on loving one another as God loves us.

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Prayers of Praise

A homework assignment where students can use a template to create their own prayers of praise, from Section 5 Part 2 of “Jesus Christ: God’s Love Made Visible.”

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Writing a Script for a Guided Imagery Meditation

A handout that describes how to write a script for guided imagery meditation, and why students enjoy participating in this type of meditation.

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Living the Life of a Disciple: Prayer Service

A small-group planning sheet for a classroom prayer service on living the life of a disciple.

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Prayer Stations

Three prayer stations presenting ideas for craft projects to help make forgiveness more tangible for students.

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Using Centering Prayer

An instructional reading on using centering prayer.

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Guided Prayer

A PowerPoint presentation on guided prayer.

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Contemplation - 2/2 Fr. Thomas Dubay

Father Thomas Dubay discusses contemplation and the means by which one can attain a deep prayer life.

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Contemplation - 1/2 Fr. Thomas Dubay

Father Thomas Dubay discusses contemplation and the means by which one can attain a deep prayer life.

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Mysteries of the Church: Rosary

A video explaining the origins of The Rosary, what it means, and how it is prayed.

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Persevering in Prayer: Getting It Started and Keeping It Going

A discussion among Notre Dame theology faculty regarding the large variety of prayer types and the ways in which these prayers are practiced.

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Prayer of Saint Francis by Sarah MacLachlan

Singer Sarah MacLachlan sings the prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi.

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Saint Teresa's Mansions - Fr Thomas Dubay SM

Father Thomas Dubay briefly explains the spirituality of Teresa of Avila.

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Audience Q & A (Fr. Jim Martin, SJ) Part IV

An interview with Father James Martin regarding the release of his new book on Ignatian Spirituality. In the interview, Father Martin discusses how he learned to pray, how he chose to become a priest, and how Ignatian taught his followers …

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Audience Q & A (Fr. Jim Martin, SJ) Part III

An interview with Father James Martin regarding the release of his new book on Ignatian Spirituality. In the interview, Father Martin discusses how he learned to pray, how he chose to become a priest, and how Ignatian taught his followers …

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Audience Q & A (Fr. Jim Martin, SJ) Part II

An interview with Father James Martin regarding the release of his new book on Ignatian Spirituality. In the interview, Father Martin discusses how he learned to pray, how he chose to become a priest, and how Ignatian taught his followers …

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Audience Q & A (Fr. Jim Martin, SJ) Part I

An interview with Father James Martin regarding the release of his new book on Ignatian Spirituality. In the interview, Father Martin discusses how he learned to pray, how he chose to become a priest, and how Ignatian taught his followers …

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Finding Salt and Light for the World

This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series. It helps students reflect on various gifts, skills and virtues they might posesses in order to discern specific ministries they might be good at.

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Christian Unity and Ecumenical Dialogue

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It is about the relationship between the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations, and uses Church documents and scripture to discuss this relationship.

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Gifts of the Holy Spirit

This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can learn about the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit and use their own words to describe what each gift is.

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An Examination of Conscience

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers great reflection questions for going through an examination of conscience, dividing the questions into those referring to love of God, and those referring to love of neighbor. This …

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The Holy Spirit

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers a brief introduction to the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit.

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The Essential Goodness of God's Creation and of Humanity

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the problem of evil, original sin, human freedom and the goodness of God's creation.

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The Ascension in Art - PowerPoint

<p>This PowerPoint is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students reflect on numerous works of art depicting Jesus&#39; Ascension into Heaven, highlighting what the artist may have wanted to communicate through certain styles, colors, and perspectives.</p>

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Effects of Grace - PowerPoint

This PowerPoint is part of the Living in Christ Series. It presents information on the effects of sin and the effects of grace on human relationships with God, others, and self.

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The Goodness, Blessedness, and Beauty of the Created World

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can answer short questions about the beauty of the created world and the presence of God within it.

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"Jesus' Ascension" Word Search

Please note that this document is only available as a PDF.

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Sharing in the Ministry of Jesus: Priest, Prophet, and King

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Groups of students can answer questions about Jesus as Priest, Prophet or King and reflect on models and characteristics of these distinct but related ministries.

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Reflection Questions: The Call to Holiness

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can reflect on what it means to be holy and how to grow in holiness through these series of questions.

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Vocabulary for Unit 8

This vocabulary list is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students may use it as a reference for key theological terms to know.

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Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 8

This rubric is part of the Living in Christ Series. It serves as a guide for assessing students on projects about the Paschal Mystery, especially the role of community and member of the Church to live out their call to …

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 8

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers various project ideas for students who are or have been studying the Paschal Mystery, especially with regard to discipleship, vocation, and holiness.

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What Makes a Person Holy?

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students must think critically about what habits make a person holy.

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Called to Holiness: Holiness in Modern Church Teaching

This article from the Living in Christ Series discusses holiness: what it is, who is called, and how to live it out. Both the Church and the people in it are holy.

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Taize Prayer

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can work in groups to prepare various aspects of a Taize prayer service.

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Heroes of Prayer

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students are asked to research and answer questions about a "Hero of Prayer", including doubt they experienced and prayers they used.

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The Interview

This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can use it to prepare for their assignment to interview a brother or sister in the monastic life.

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Prayers of Praise

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can fill in the spaces with personal prayers of praise and thanksgiving to God.

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Prayers of Petition

This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. It gives students spaces to write their own intentions and petitions as a prayer activity.

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Praying with and for the Suffering Body of Christ

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can research, present on, and pray for various countries in need.

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Vocabulary for Unit 7

This vocabulary list is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students may use it as a reference for key theological terms to know.

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Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 7

This rubric is part of the Living in Christ Series. It serves as a guide for assessing students on projects about the Paschal Mystery, focusing especially one's relationship with God through prayer and community.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 7

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers various project ideas for students who are or have recently been studying the Paschal Mystery, especially in terms of personal and communal prayer.

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Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience that all religious take as part of their vocation.

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Reflections on Suffering

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can reflect on their experiences of and response to suffering through this series of though-provoking questions.

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Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 6

This rubric is part of the Living in Christ Series. It serves as a guide for assessing students on projects about the Paschal Mystery, especially the themes of suffering, redemption, grace, and the model of Jesus.

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Prayer to the Holy Spirit

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can offer their own personal prayer for themselves or those in their community to the Holy Spirit.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 1

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers ideas for a final assessment for students who have been learning about the Paschal Mystery.

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Final Synthesis

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers ideas for final projects after students have studied various elements of the Paschal Mystery.

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What is Faith? - PowerPoint

This PowerPoint is part of the Living in Christ Series. Using scripture and the Catechism, this resources offers definitions of faith, distinctions between faith, belief and religion, and practical ways to grow in faith.

Presentation

The Trinity: Unpacking the Nicene Creed - PowerPoint

<p>This PowerPoint is part of the Living in Christ Series. The Trinitarian themes of the Nicene Creed are defined, unpacked and explored by breaking the prayer down and reflecting on smaller statements of faith.</p>

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The Paschal Mystery

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an introduction to the Paschal Mystery including the root of the words, its effects, and theories of how the salvation of mankind precisely transpires through Jesus' suffering, death …

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Where Have Jesus, Mary, the Apostles, Disciples, and Others Modeled the Ways to Discipleship?

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students are asked to reflect on the discipleship modeled by Jesus, Mary, the Apostles, and others.

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Where Are You Right Now in Your Faith Life?

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students are asked to reflect on their own habits and practices in their spiritual journey.

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Student Notes for Unit 8

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can review main ideas from studying Jesus Christ, especially faith and discipleship.

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Faith: Three Definitions

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It discusses various definitions of faith, the relationships between faith and reason, and faith and religion.

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Free Will

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the relationship between free will and grace, the conscience, character, and human choices.

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Preparing a Prayer Service

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers step by step details to consider when planning a prayer service.

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Preparing a Prayer Service Sample

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a sample for how to use another LIC resource in order to successfully plan a prayer service.

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The Rosary: A Prayer for All Time

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers a great introduction to several aspects of the Rosary.

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Salvation: Different Theories

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an overview of some of the main theories of salvation, including the Prophetic, Sacrificial, Ransom, Divinization, Vicarious, Moral Exemplar, and Penal Substitution models.

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God Is Love

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. Using Scripture, the Catechism, and various Church Documents, it discusses the Catholic understanding of God as Love.

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Finding God and Being Found by God - PowerPoint

This PowerPoint is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a great introduction to what God desires from humans and why God chooses to reveal Himself to us.

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Finding God and Being Found by God

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses how God is revealed in humanity, creation, nature, the natural order, and the human conscience, and humanity is likewise revealed in God. It uses the Catechism of the …

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God's Existence - PowerPoint

This PowerPoint is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers discussion points for a classroom where students can talk about faith, doubt, and reliable resources to know of God's existence.

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Vocabulary for Unit 8

This vocabulary list is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students may use it as a reference for key theological terms to know.

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Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 8

This rubric is part of the Living in Christ Series. It serves as a guide for assessing students on projects about the person of Jesus Christ, especially what it means to be his disciple.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 8

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers several project ideas for students who are or have been studying christology, especially what it means to be a follower of Jesus through prayer and discipleship.

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The Litany of Loreto

This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. The Litany of Loreto, which is a devotional prayer through the intercession of Mary.

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Vocabulary for Unit 4

This vocabulary list is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students may use it as a reference for key theological terms to know.

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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 3

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers three different options for assessing students who have recently studied Christology, especially Jesus' fully human, fully divine nature, his historical context, and his relationship to God the Father.

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The Nicene Creed and Commentary

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It includes the word to the Nicene Creed and a commentary on key phrases and lines.

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Vocabulary Review

This review is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students may use it to review key theological terms.

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Interview Questions: Personal Relationship with Jesus

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students are to interview an adult in their life whom they know that has a personal relationship with Jesus.

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Overview of Sacraments and Prayer Course

outlines course themes/sessions

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Prayerful Echoes

Class activity/method of prayer, like antiphonal prayer, grow appreciation for and familiarity with scriptural passages or familiar prayers

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Let Your Light Shine: An Overnight Retreat on Self-Esteem

This overnight retreat on self-esteem invites the young people to explore their own personal gifts and encourages them to share those abilities with others. The retreat emphasizes the light of Christ in our Life, the special people who bring us …

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Overview of Jesus the Christ Course

outlines course themes/sessions

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Overview of God Revelation, and Faith Course

outlines course themes/sessions

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Faith: Responding to God

Student handout: Puzzles to do after Chapter 7

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Birthday Blessings

Similar to back to school blessing handout. Something you can do at home, "introduce God into your birthday celebrations at home"

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Back-to-School Blessing: A Prayer Service for the Beginning of the School Year

A resource/handout for teachers or catechists. Something fun to do on first day of class, or during the beginning of the new school year.

Video

Lifehouse's Everything Skit

This skit is a powerful depiction of the human weakness in the face of temptations and the love of Jesus Christ, who conquers sin and death.

Article

Hourly Prayers for Ash Wednesday

          Opening Prayer We begin this class as we begin all things:   In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.     Scripture Reading     Working …

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From the Author: Beth Dotson Brown

God is always at work in my life and once in awhile, I am blessed with the knowledge about where God is guiding me precisely when it's happening.So it was in the summer of 2005. As a longtime freelance writer …

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Surprised by the Joyful Mysteries: They Taught Me to Say Yes

For years I fingered my rosary at night when I couldn't sleep, repeating my childhood prayers without thinking much about their meaning. I wasn't even fully aware of the "mysteries" I was supposed to be meditating on; I just wanted …

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A Pauline Prayer Service

Leader. Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. With these words Saint Paul greeted the believers of his time, reminding them of the great gift they had been given in Jesus Christ. Almost two thousand …

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Paul: The Journey to Rome

If God is for us, who is against us? (Romans 8:31) In Paul's last trip to Jerusalem to say farewell before leaving to preach in Spain, he was arrested by the Romans. As a Roman citizen, Paul exercised his right …

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Paul: Missionary

[Paul] had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles. (Acts of the Apostles 14:27) Known as the apostle to the Gentiles (non-Jews), Paul was a leader in taking the Gospel message beyond Israel. With his trusted companions--Barnabas, John Mark, …

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Paul: Theologian

They were attempting to kill [Paul]. When the believers learned of it . . . they sent him off to Tarsus. (Acts of the Apostles 9:29–30) After his conversion, Paul began to preach, but when it became too dangerous, he …

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Paul: Persecutor of Christians

Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women . . . To prison. (Acts of the Apostles 8:3) Convinced that following the teachings of Jesus was wrong, Paul pursued the early Christians …

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Paul: Religious Zeal

I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. (Galatians 1:14) A tent maker by trade, Paul's Jewish name was Saul. But because Paul …

Article

Taking Care of Myself: Prayer for Stress Relief

Reflection Sleep is a natural part of everyone's life, but many of us know little about how important it is. Sleep is something our bodies need to do; it is not an option. Sleep does indeed sustain us. Not only …

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Meeting Jesus at the Movies: Cinema Divina for Teachers

One of the most spiritually powerful essays I have ever read is "To Fall in Love with the World: Individualism and Self-Transcendence in American Life" by John M. Staudenmeier, S.J. (Institute of Jesuit Studies, May 1994). The author asks: "How …

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Program aims to get youth excited about Bible

Young people in the diocese are getting excited about Scripture and it's all part of a national effort called "Yes! Youth Engaging Scripture." YES is a Catholic teen-to-teen Bible sharing concept and to date, some 1,800 young people have been …

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A Friend for Life

  Editor's note: The names of the minors in this story have been changed to preserve confidentiality, in accordance with the wishes of Holy Cross Children's Services. DETROIT--When Tonya entered a youth detention home of the Holy Cross Children's Services …

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Leader's Guide for Coyote Meets Jesus

Stories are not just for young children. Everyone loves a good story and good storytelling is a useful tool for teaching. Using folktales as a teaching tool in a catechetical setting or a religion class can help teens understand the …

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National Bible Week: Dei Verbum

November 18, 2006 marked the forty-first anniversary of the approval of the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation (Dei Verbum), a Second Vatican Council document. Dei Verbum was mainly responsible for the explosion of Bible reading and Bible study by Catholics. …

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Prayer Service for Families Coping with Traumatic Events

Gathering Come together as a family. Set aside time for reflection and discussion. Turn off the news for a few moments. Gather together in a circle. Join hands if you wish. Take a moment of silence. Someone may want to …

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When Hope Is Needed

Overview This prayer service is intended to bring hope during times of despair, consolation in times of suffering, and light in times of darkness. It may be used during difficult personal, family, or communal times. It is appropriate for various …

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In Times of Crisis

Overview This prayer service provides an opportunity for prayer and communal support during times of crisis. It may be used when an unexpected death occurs, in the aftermath of a natural disaster (such as a hurricane, a fire, a tornado, …

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A Prayer for His Holiness

Lord God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, We lift up in prayer Pope Francis, The successor of Peter, The Bishop of Rome, Our Holy Father, The Vicar of Christ on Earth. He has been called to lead your Church. Strengthen …

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A Prayer Service For A New Pope

Preparation - Prior to the beginning of prayer, you may select three young people to assist: a presider and two readers. - You will notice that the response to the Litany of the Saints is in both English and Latin. …

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In Memory and Hope: A Prayer Service

Materials Needed incense charcoal brazier or some type of container to hold burning incense candles Music Suggestions "Be Not Afraid," Bob Dufford, Gather Comprehensive (Chicago: GIA Publications, 1994), no. 608. "Grant Us Peace, Lord," Tony Alonso, Fresh As The Morning …

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Advent: Let God be God . . .

----- Being in the wilderness reminds me to let God be God. When I'm at home In the day to day I forget Sometimes I try to make God mine To make God do things the way I think they …

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Where is now thy God? Reflections on Psalm 42:7-10

Where do we find God today? How are we to understand such happenings? Some might respond by saying that everything happens for a reason. I don't buy that. Some might respond by saying that it is all part of God's …

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National Bible Week: Daily Reading - A Gift to Me

A Gift to Me He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. (Mark 8:34) Throughout this Gospel, Mark shows …

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Thanks Giving

Thanks Giving And now bless the God of all, who everywhere works great wonders, who fosters our growth from birth, and deals with us according to his mercy. (Sirach 50:22) Blessing God and being thankful are two of the most …

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National Bible Week: Daily Reading - Always Loyal

Always Loyal Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who maintains covenant loyalty with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations. Deuteronomy 7:9 Such a loving God Moses describes here, …

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National Bible Week: Daily Reading - We Are All Hungry

We Are All Hungry For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. They said to him, Sir, give us this bread always John 6:33,34 At different times we need different …

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The Feast of Saint Cecilia

The Feast of Saint Cecilia "All their neighbors aided them with silver vessels, with gold, with goods,with animals, and with valuable gifts." (Ezra 1:6) Very little is known of Saint Cecilia. It is thought that she was martyred for her …

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National Bible Week: PRIMA Bible Study

THE PRIMA PROCESS Prima is the Latin word for first. In the PRIMA process, each letter of the word stands for a step in reading and studying the Bible individually or with a group. Using the PRIMA process helps you …

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Peace Creed

Writing a Peace Creed (15 minutes) 1. Tell the young people that as much as we might want peace to become a reality in our world, being a peacemaker takes a lot of hard work. The first steps are to …

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Prayer by a High School Senior

Dear God, As I finish my senior year in high school, watch over me. Be with me as I go out in the real world to find myself. Give me the strength I need to stick with my education and …

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I Feel . . .

I feel most happy when the ground is breaking, the dark earth giving way to the warmth of a yellow sun. I feel most content when I breathe the cool air and it runs through my little green veins, giving …

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Prayer: How Will You Know?

Reader 1: When do you decide how you will live? What goes into the thoughts that shape your dreams? Reader 2: For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, Reader 1: Do you know, at …

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