Announcing:
Saint Mary's Press winner for the week of March 6, 2009!
Congratulations to Leslie Donner!

Leslie Donner will receive a copy of Breakthrough! Bible People Poster Pack Old Testament, a $19.95 value.

Perfect for visual learners, the Breakthrough! posters feature key people from Breakthrough! The Bible for Young Catholics. Each 11 X 17 poster features a large image of the biblical figure along with 4 or 5 facts central to that persons role in the Bible. Poster are laminated on the front for durability. Old Testament posters include

Look Inside: You can view an online sampler of the Breakthrough! Bible People Poster Pack Old Testament on the SMP Web catalog. Search for "Bible People Poster Pack," or use this link to go to the product description, http://www.smp.org/ItemDetail.cfm?ItemNum=3464.

Breakthrough! Bible People Poster Pack Old Testament
ISBN 978-0-88489-035-4, 8 11-x-17" posters, $19.95,
http://www.smp.org/ItemDetail.cfm?ItemNum=3464

Also Available
Breakthrough! Bible People Poster Pack New Testament
ISBN 978-0-88489-036-1, 8 11-x-17" posters, $19.95,
http://www.smp.org/ItemDetail.cfm?ItemNum=3464

Lenten Litany for New Life
by Ginny Halbur

The transition from the dead of winter into the emerging growth of spring is a perfect time of year to reflect on the spiritual growth we are called to during Lent. It is a time for renewal, a time to make a fresh start in our lives. Psalm 51 summarizes this well: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me" (verse 10, NRSV). Use this psalm response with the following Lenten litany to help yourself and others prepare for the new life God has promised:

• Forgive me, O Lord, for all the pain I have caused you and others.
• Give me the gift of mercy so that I can forgive myself and those whom I have hurt.
• Strengthen me so I will be able to stand up for what is right, holy, and true.
• Lift all the barriers--neglect, self-interest, alienation, betrayal, or mistrust--that keep me from being in communion with you or others.
• Give me the gift of boldness and free me from all anxiety, indecision, insecurity, and fear so that I can turn away from all that keeps me from being my self and what you are calling me to.
• Bestow on me, O Lord, a compassionate and courageous heart so that I will recognize and reach out to those in need.

Ite ad Ioseph, "Go to Joseph"
by Javier Bravo

March 19 is the Solemnity of Saint Joseph. This feast gives us the opportunity to honor a man of virtue. Our current culture offers our youth many role models. Some are good and others leave much to be desired. The Solemnity of Saint Joseph is an opportunity to present to our youth an example of a virtuous man. Obtain a good sized statue of Saint Joseph for the youth gathering nearest the feast day. Have an altar honoring Saint Joseph in the gathering area where the statue may be placed and candles may be lit. Leave the candles on during the meeting. Center the discussion on living a virtuous life as young men and women and upon reflective questions such as, "How do you think Joseph felt during his time with Mary?" If possible show clips from the movie The Nativity Story (New Line Home Video, 2006, available from Amazon.com) This movie does a great job of showing Joseph's emotions.

Towards the end of the meeting, gather the youth for a moment of prayer. Make copies of Psalm 118. Let the prayer focus on having the courage to live a virtuous life and ask for the intercession of Saint Joseph. End by praying Psalm 118 with the youth.

May Saint Joseph ever watch over your youth groups and students, and may we always be mindful and thankful of Saint Joseph as our protector.

The Answer Is No!
by Lorraine Kilmartin

In classrooms everywhere across the country, teachers are hearing this chilling refrain as the weather warms up: "Can we have class outside?" Depending on where you live, you may have been fending off the assaults of budding natureniks for weeks, or you may be anticipating those appeals any day now.

Funny how kids who spend every minute of their free time in front of a computer or a plasma screen will all of a sudden beg for the chance to sit on the damp grass, fending off swarms of gnats. And, depending on how long you've been teaching, you may actually be considering a foray to the great outdoors with your class in tow. Some words for the wise:

• In most states, truck drivers are required by law to blow their air horns when they pass a school where a class is being held outdoors.
• Industrial-strength lawn mowers of the type used by your school maintenance department are MUCH louder than the one you use at home. MUCH LOUDER.
• Check for ants' nests before sitting on the grass or pavement or school steps; instruct students that they are not to scream and rush around in circles if they spot a wasp; firmly explain that nothing is to be put down anyone else's back.
• 40% of the class will be cold and 40% will be hot, regardless of sun exposure or wind chill factor. The other 20% of the class will be too busy putting things down other people's backs to be aware of the temperature.
• The school nurse can remove a spider from the inner ear by floating it out with water.
• You may want to finalize your sunscreen policy before heading outdoors with a coed class.

If you're feeling brave, by all means, give it a try! You'll come away with a rich trove of stories, and a list of your own "words to the wise" to pass along next year!