Video

Words

The song/video "Words," by Hawk Nelson, available on YouTube (3:24) with lyrics and also on Spotify, is suggested as an opening or closing prayer for any day but may be best used on day 4.

Video

Saint Mother Teresa—Inspiring ‘Everyone, Everywhere,’

The video "Mother Teresa—Inspiring ‘Everyone, Everywhere,’" by Anthony Ndaira, available on YouTube (10:20), is best used on day 4.

Video

What Is Social Justice?

The video "What Is Social Justice?" by the Love Alliance, available on YouTube (1:06), is a series of young people sharing answers to this question. It may be helpful on day 1.

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Voices of Youth on Social Justice

The video "Voices of Youth on Social Justice," by the International Labour Organization, available on YouTube (2:59), defines social justice. Young people from all over the world give examples of social justice. The video may be helpful on day 1.

Video

Wrecking Ball

The song/video "Wrecking Ball," by Sidewalk Prophets, available on YouTube (3:15) with lyrics, asks God’s help to knock out lust and greed and make the best of us. It can be used as an opening or closing prayer on any …

Video

Video "One Day"

The video “One Day,” by Life Vest Inside, available on YouTube (5:44), shows the difference that a single act of kindness can make. It is appropriate for use on day 4.

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Song "Grace Like Rain"

Use a song/video about God’s mercy, love, forgiveness, and grace, such as “Amazing Grace”—or a more contemporary version, such as “Grace Like Rain,” by Todd Agnew, available on YouTube (4:23) with lyrics. It could be used for opening prayer on …

Video

Song/video "Man in the Mirror"

The song/video “Man in the Mirror,” by Michael Jackson, is available on YouTube in a variety of versions. This contemporary song encourages individuals to change the world by first changing the way they act themselves. It is appropriate for use …

Video

Video "Seven Lies You Believe about Yourself"

The video “Seven Lies You Believe about Yourself,” by Blimey Cow, available on YouTube (3:52), offers some good insight on the negative messages that keep us from being everything that God calls us to be. It is appropriate for use …

Video

Video "God Created Humans in His Image"

The video “God Created Humans in His Image,” by Top Cheretien, available on YouTube (2:14), is a nice reflection on this concept by spoken word poet Amena Brown. It could be used for opening prayer on day 1.

Video

Song/video "God of Wonders"

The song/video “God of Wonders,” by Third Day, available on YouTube (5:09), is available as music videos with lyrics or images of creation that are appropriate for use as an opening or closing prayer. This could be used for opening …

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Song/video "Lord of All Creation"

The song/video “Lord of All Creation,” by Vincent Peters, available on YouTube (5:09), uses the song “God of Wonders.” It is another beautiful video about creation that is appropriate for use on day 1.

Video

Song/video "Creation (Music Video)"

The song/video “Creation (Music Video),” by bloodrunsclear, available on YouTube (3:37), uses the song “Diem Ex Dei.” It is a beautiful video about creation and is appropriate for use on day 1.

Video

Video "Jonah Was a Prophet"

The Veggie Tales video “Jonah Was a Prophet” (YouTube, 3:19) is a fun song about the reluctant prophet and second chances, but it also teaches that true prophets are obedient to God. This music video gives a quick sample of …

Video

Song/video "We Delight"

The song/video “We Delight,” by Caedmon’s Call, available on YouTube (3:27), is a praise song about God’s Law. It is appropriate for use on any of the days.

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Mysteries of the Church: TRINITY

The video “Mysteries: The Trinity,” available on YouTube (22:57), presented by several Catholic priests and theologians, would be good preparation for teaching this chapter.

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Video "The Trinity (Christian Triune Godhead) Explained Part 2"

The video “The Trinity (Christian Triune Godhead) Explained Part 1,” available on YouTube (3:55), is a good introduction to the Trinity, but it might be challenging for some young adolescents. There is also a part 2 that explains some common …

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Video "The Trinity (Christian Triune Godhead) Explained Part 1"

The video “The Trinity (Christian Triune Godhead) Explained Part 1,” available on YouTube (3:55), is a good introduction to the Trinity, but it might be challenging for some young adolescents. There is also a part 2 that explains some common …

Video

Song/video "How Great Is Our God"

The song/video “How Great Is Our God,” by Chris Tomlin, available on YouTube (4:27) with lyrics, is a contemporary song that gives praise to God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It would be a nice introduction to God’s greatness …

Video

"Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow"

“Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” is a song of praise to the Trinity. Contemporary versions can be found on YouTube and include one sung by Heidi Nadine with lyrics and images. It would make a nice opening or …

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Crystalina’s Testimony (Part 1)—Love or Lust?

The Crystalina Evert video "Crystalina’s Testimony (Part 1)—Love or Lust?" available on YouTube (12:20), is best used on day 2 or day 3.

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Hold Me

The song/video "Hold Me," by Jamie Grace, featuring TobyMac, available on YouTube (3:33), can be used as opening or closing prayer on any day but works best on day 1.

Video

Servant Song

The song/video "Servant Song," by Richard Gillard, available on YouTube (2:59) with lyrics, supports the ideal that our purpose in life is to help one another, not to give scandal or lead others into temptation. It is best used on …

Video

Song "You Are Near"

The song “You Are Near,” by Dan Schutte (Oregon Catholic Press), is a contemporary musical setting of Psalm 139, which is partially printed on pages 38–39 in the Handbook. You might like to play the song at the end of …

Video

Hey, World

The song/video "Hey, World," by Petra and performed by Caroline Chevin, is available on YouTube (4:04). The song tells the story of courageous choices—choosing life instead of abortion or suicide—and affirms God’s gift of life. It is best used on …

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Hope in Front of Me

The song/video "Hope in Front of Me," by Danny Gokey, available on YouTube (3:40) with lyrics, is good for opening prayer on day 1.

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Song/video "Abba Father"

The song/video “Abba Father,” by Carey Landry, available on YouTube (4:24) with lyrics, is a good opening song for days 1 and 3 and is used on day 3.

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Live Like That

The song/video "Live Like That," by Sidewalk Prophets, available on YouTube (3:58) with lyrics, is best used for opening prayer on day 4.

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Speak Life

The song/video "Speak Life," by TobyMac, available on Spotify or YouTube (3:27) with lyrics, addresses the power of words. It is best used for opening prayer on day 3.

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Seek Ye First

The song/video “Seek Ye First,” by the Maranatha Singers, available on YouTube (3:08) with lyrics, can be used for opening prayer on day 2.

Video

Song "Word of God Speak"

The song “Word of God Speak,” by Mercy Me, is a beautiful song about listening for God’s Word. It could be used for opening prayer for any day of the week. Several versions can be found on YouTube. Use for …

Video

Video "Salvation History

The video “Salvation History,” available on YouTube, offers a brief, entertaining summary of salvation history using a talk and draw approach. It is appropriate for use on day 1.

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Video "God Speaks to Man: The Oldest Revelation"

This musically accompanied video “God Speaks to Man: The Oldest Revelation,” by David Huting, available on YouTube (4:53), offers young people a chance to explore the beauty of creation to better understand how God speaks to us through it. This …

Video

Song/video "God of Wonders”

The song/video "God of Wonders,” by Third Day, available on YouTube (5:08) with lyrics, praises God revealed in nature. It would make a nice opening or closing prayer for day 1.

Video

Ask Me

The song/video "Ask Me," by Amy Grant, available on YouTube (3:43) with lyrics, is about sexual abuse and survival with God’s help and strength. It is suggested for opening or closing prayer for any day but is best used on …

Video

Hey, World

The song/video "Hey, World," by Petra, sung by Caroline Chevin, is available on YouTube (4:03). You can find the lyrics online by searching on the phrase “Petra Hey World Lyrics.” The song tells the story of courageous choices—to choose life …

Video

The Color of Love

The song/video “Boyz II Men—The Color of Love,” available on YouTube (3:44), is best used on day 4.

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Here I Am, Lord

The song/video "Here I Am, Lord," sung by John Michael Talbot, available on YouTube (3:53), is suggested for use on day 4.

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I Will Exalt You

The song/video "I Will Exalt You," by Hillsong UNITED, available on YouTube (7:08) with lyrics, is best used on day 2.

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Awesome God

The song/video "Awesome God," by Hillsong UNITED, available on YouTube (5:19), is powerful and can help the students connect with the wonder that is God. It is an opening or closing prayer option for any day and is used on …

Video

Forgiven

The song/video "Forgiven," by Sanctus Real, available on YouTube (3:37) with lyrics, is used on day 3.

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Precepts of the Church

The video "Precepts of the Church," by Saint Mary’s Press, available on YouTube (0:51), is an option for day 4.

Video

What Are Sins?

Video episode 41, "What Are Sins?" from the series 3MC—3-Minute Catechism, available on YouTube (5:17), is used on day 2.

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Holy Choices: Good Decision Making

The video "Holy Choices: Good Decision Making," by RealFaithTV, available on YouTube (28:01), is too long to be used in its entirety. The lesson for day 2 suggests particular sections to share with the students.

Video

Jeremiah: Prophet of Judah

The song/video “Jeremiah: Prophet of Judah,” by Revolution Watcher (YouTube, 4:28), includes excerpts from the movie Jeremiah (1998, 95 minutes, not rated), with written Scripture excerpts between scenes. Christian Morality and Prayer or Christian Morality and Social Justice: This video …

Video

The Cardinal Virtues, Part 4: Courage

This video by The Christophers is available on YouTube (2:45). It features a priest outlining the meaning of courage. It may be more helpful for teacher background than classroom instruction, in preparation for day 4.

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The Cardinal Virtues, Part 3: Temperance

This video by The Christophers is available on YouTube (2:47). It features a priest outlining the meaning of temperance. It may be more helpful for teacher background than classroom instruction, in preparation for day 4.

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The Cardinal Virtues, Part 2: Justice

This video by The Christophers is available on YouTube (2:56). It features a priest outlining the meaning of justice. It may be more helpful for teacher background than classroom instruction, in preparation for day 4.

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The Cardinal Virtues, Part 1: Prudence

This video by The Christophers is available on YouTube (2:29). It features a priest outlining the meaning of prudence. It may be more helpful for teacher background than classroom instruction, in preparation for day 4.

Video

Help Me Find It

The song/video "Help Me Find It," by Sidewalk Prophets, available on YouTube (3:44) with lyrics, is a good song for prayer on days 1, 3, and 4.

Video

The Sermon on the Mount and the Lord’s Prayer

The video "The Sermon on the Mount and the Lord’s Prayer," by The Life of Jesus Christ Bible Videos, available on YouTube (3:20), works best on day 2.

Video

Upon This Rock I’m Gonna Build My Church

The song "Upon This Rock I’m Gonna Build My Church," by Judith Gayle and Shamar Barrett, available on YouTube (4:33), makes a personal statement about faith in a Caribbean style. It is best used on day 4.

Video

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

The video "The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant," by Matthew Abeler, available on YouTube (5:26), is best used on day 2.

Video

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

The cartoon "The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant," available on YouTube (1:42), is best used on day 2.

Document

To Know Another

An individual worksheet where students rank the importance of discovering specific types of information about another person

Document

Who Is Your God?

This handout presents a list of different definitions and identities for God. Students are asked to choose ones that resonate with them.

Document

Our Culture, Our Selves

This handout asks students to rank a list of items in life and society according to their importance.

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Communication in My Family

This handout helps students to explore the communication and relationship they have with their parents by asking a series of reflective questions for students to answer.

Document

Telling Our Body's Story

This handout helps teens reflect on their body image and the influences on their attitudes towards their bodies.

Document

Relationships in Marriage

This handout presents numerous questions about healthy, life-long marriages for students to think about and answer.

Document

Cases to Examine: Changing Roles

This handout presents several real-life family situations about which students must evaluate and make a decision.

Document

Cases to Examine: Parenting Dilemmas

This handout provides several examples of parenting dilemmas. Students are to read the situations, choose a course of action, and explain their thoughts.

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Paths to Marriage

This handout gives a brief explanation for several types of relationships that end in marriage. Students are then asked to evaluate the reading and complete a journal prompt.

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Cases to Examine: Dealing with Conflict

This handout provides three situations for students to read and evaluate. Students must give a suggestion for how to respond to the conflict in each scenario based on the strategies in the book.

Document

Perspectives on Sex

This handout provides several comments from teenagers about sex. It can be used as a discussion starter or writing prompt.

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Three Perspectives on Drugs

This handout provides three different comments from teens about their drug and alcohol usage. This can be used as a discussion starter.

Document

A Sample Relationship Map

A sample of how to create a relationship map.

Document

Empires of the Ancient Near East

On this map draw in the boundaries of the following ancient empires. Then label the empires, using a different color of pencil for each.

Document

The Near East Today

This map shows the lands of the Near East as they were known in ancient times. Using an up-to- date atlas or encyclopedia for reference, draw in (with dotted lines) the political boundaries of the countries that exist in the …

Document

World Map

A blank world map.

Video

Holy Orders (What Ordination Means)

A short video from Busted Halo that explains what Holy Orders are, what happens at an Ordination, and what it means to say yes to God.

Video

Asking the Saints and Mary for Prayers

A personal reflection on why Catholics ask the saints and Mary for prayers.

Video

The Catholic Mass

The Catholic Mass, and what each of us brings to it.

Video

Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory

An easy-to-understand explanation of what Catholics believe about Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory.

Document

Life Issues B Summary: God, Where Are You?

A nice summary of the ways God promises to be with us always.

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Life Issues A Summary: Dealing with Peer Pressure

A good summary on dealing with peer pressure.

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Life Issues B Summary: Friends in Jesus

A summary of Life Issues B: Friends in Jesus from the Catholic Connections Handbook for Middle Schoolers, Second Edition.

Document

Life Issues A Summary: Who Am I?

A summary of Life Issues from the Catholic Connections Handbook for Middle Schoolers, Second Edition.

Video

Hearing the Voice of God

A personal story about tuning out the noise and tuning in to God through prayer and quiet reflection.

Video

Touching the Lives of Others

A personal story about the mission and ministry of those in consecrated life.

Video

Ministering with Joy

A personal story about the joy and fulfillment of answering God’s call.

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The Gift of Commitment

A personal story about the joy of commitment in marriage.

Video

Recognizing the Presence of God

A personal story about recognizing the presence of God, and answering his call with confidence and joy.

Video

Celebrating Life: The Human Person and the Rules of God

A personal story about the life affirming ‘yeses’ within the Church.

Video

The Gift of Catholic Education: A Treasure to Inherit

A personal story about Catholic education.

Video

Unity Under Christ

A personal story about being open in sharing our faith and receiving the faith of others.

Video

The Holy Spirit Is Always at Work

A personal story about the constant work of the Holy Spirit.

Video

Striving and Competing for God

A personal story about striving to attain eternal life.

Video

Faith Alive

A personal story about God’s call to serve others.

Video

Prayer in the Zone

A personal story about praying while 'in the zone.'

Video

Love in Humble Service

A personal story about showing love through humble service.

Video

Bad News Becomes Good

A personal story about the Parable of the Fig Tree from the Gospel of Luke.

Video

Use Your Imagination

A personal story about experiencing the stories of the New Testament in new ways through imagination.

Video

God Leads Us to Action

A personal story about leading a just life every day.

Video

Make a Connection with People in Need

A personal story about having a spirit of solidarity with those in need.

Video

Defending a Friend's Dignity

A personal story about defending the dignity of others.

Video

Putting the Circle in Action

A personal story about using the circle of social action.

Video

What are you Called to do?

A personal story about actively living out the principles of social justice.

Video

The Wise Old Man on the Porch

A personal story about seeing the Church as a wise elder sitting on a porch.

Video

It's Never Too Late to Claim Chastity

A personal story about how it’s never too late to recommit to chastity.

Video

Following God's Will

A personal story about achieving good things by following God’s Will.

Video

Our Commitment to God

A personal story about being committed to God.

Video

Obedience to God's Will: Our Greatest Happiness

A personal story about how rules are created out of love and how obedience to those rules ensures lasting happiness.

Video

Fall in Love With God

A personal story about being intentional about our Christian discipleship.

Video

Is God Calling Me?

A personal story about discerning God’s call.

Video

Find the Source of Salvation

A personal story about the mission of the Church to share the good news of salvation with others.

Document

Missions to North America

With your partner, follow the instructions on this handout to trace the missionary activities in North America during the Age of Exploration.

Document

Handout: Morally Good or Morally Suspect

For each situation, determine whether the action is right, neutral, or wrong; whether the intent is good or not good; and whether the circumstances allow you to decide freely or keep you from deciding freely.

Document

The Travels of Paul

A map showing the locations that Paul travelled to.

Document

Traveling with Abraham

A map of Abraham’s travels in the Old Testament.

Video

Acts

A short discussion of the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament.

Video

John

A short discussion of the Gospel of John.

Video

Luke

An examination of the Gospel of Luke.

Video

Universal Mission

A short video on the universal mission of the Church.

Video

Sending Forth

A short video on the apostolate of the laity.

Document

Key Places in the Acts of the Apostles

A map of the key places on the Acts of the Apostles.

Video

What is Good Friday?

A short clip about the meaning of Good Friday.

Video

Mysteries of the Church: EUCHARIST

A documentary that provides: 1) A theological basis for the Eucharist, 2) An explanation of precisely what transpires during the Eucharist, 3) The process by which the bread of the Eucharist is created and 4) An instance of a Eucharistic …

Video

Mysteries of the Church: AFTERLIFE

This documentary discusses conceptions of the afterlife and explains the historical basis for and characteristics of heaven, hell, and purgatory.

Video

Saint Paul of Tarsus

A look at the life and ministry of Saint Paul.

Video

Mysteries: the 7 sacraments

The 7 Sacraments of the Catholic Church. What is a sacrament and what does it do? Is it just a symbol or is it a vehicle to transmit God's Grace? Find out on this episode of Mysteries of the Church.

Video

Fr. Barron Comments on the Real Presence

Another part of a video series from Wordonfire.org. Father Barron will be commenting on subjects from modern day culture, and how Catholics know Jesus is present in the Blessed Sacrament. For more visit http://www.wordonfire.org/