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Evangelization: Rally for the Gospel
This short article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It describes evangelization preaching as a sort of pep rally for the Gospel and discusses the need for all types of people to get involved in evangelization efforts.
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The Church Is One
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an overview of the 4 marks of the Catholic Church, focusing especially on the characteristic of One.
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The Church as the Body of Christ and Sacrament
This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It offers an overview of two images of the Catholic Church: the Church as the Body of Christ, and the Church as a Sacrament.
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WebQuest
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of using WebQuests as a classroom learning tool.
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Creating Photo Stories
This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It gives ideas for using PhotoStory in the classroom, available for free download.
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The Marks of the Church
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the 4 marks of the Catholic Church: One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic.
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The Visible and the Invisible Church
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the Catholic Church and the key features of its visible and invisible nature.
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Using the A to Z Method
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of using the A-Z Method of pre- and post- assessment.
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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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Using Small Group Hands On Experiences
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of using small group, hands-on activities in the classroom.
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Media Literacy
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses several modes of communication and the importance of media literacy education.
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The Two Basic Sacraments: Christ and the Church
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. The article discusses the two most fundamental sacraments: the person of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church.
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Models of the Church Chart
This chart is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a great resource for understanding Avery Dulles' information on the Models of the Church in an organized chart.
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Written Conversations
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It explains the use of written conversations to facilitate classroom learning and dialogue.
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Critical Questioning Method of Engaging with Texts
This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It discusses methods for encouraging students to engage texts they are reading on a deeper level to benefit their learning and the classroom dialogue. This worksheet is helpful for students who …
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Service and Justice: A Conversion of Heart
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses 5 stages in introducing service learning to a classrooom setting.
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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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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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Treating Sensitive Topics
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses and gives tips on how to approach sensitive topics in a classroom environment.
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Understanding Suffering
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It gives a thorough introduction to the concept of suffering in the Bible using scripture passages.
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The Eucharistic Prayers
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the Eucharistic prayers historically, theologically, spiritually, pastorally, devotionally, liturgically, cosmically and celestially.
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The Interfaith Classroom
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses techniques and challenges for teaching Catholic themes in an interfaith classroom environment.
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Resurrection: Past and Present Reality
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the significance of the Resurrection, including how it was viewed in ancient Judaism, in the time of Jesus and the early Christians, and its importance for Christians today.
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Written Conversations
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of classroom discussions as well as suggesting new styles of this method.
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Political and Religious Structure in Jesus' Time
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an extensive overview of the political and religious structures and influences at work in Jesus' time.
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Understanding Parables
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the parables, including definitions, uses, and interpretations.
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Miracles: Signs of the Kingdom of God
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses miracles as signs of the Kingdom of God, including how to reflect on, interpret and make sense of several examples.
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Word Splash
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses and explains the value of using a Word Splash for classroom learning.
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The Lectionary
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discussese the lectionary and the liturgical year of the Catholic Church.
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Critical Questioning Method of Engaging with Texts
This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It discusses methods for encouraging students to engage texts they are reading on a deeper level to benefit their learning and the classroom dialogue.
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Using Primary Sources
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of using primary source texts in the classroom.
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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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Matthew's Sermon on the Mount
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an overview of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount through the lens of Matthew's Jewish audience and signifance.
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Introduction to Acts of Apostles
This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It offers a great introduction to the New Testament book, The Acts of the Apostles including its structure, flow, and theological themes,
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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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Discipleship in the New Testament
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the meaning of discipleship in the New Testament, including the Jewish understanding of it, the responsibilities, apostleship, Mark's portrait of the disciples, and a practical application for today.
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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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Using Venn Diagrams
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of using Venn Diagrams for classroom learning.
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Using a Wiki for Group Projects
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the use of Wikis for classroom group projects, including some suggestions and caveats.
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Overview on Jesus' Parables
This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It offers an overview of Jesus' New Testament parables, including the intent, novelty, paradox, and theological and pastoral quality of the stories he told.
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Mary of Nazareth
This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It offers a great introduction and overview of Mary through scripture and tradition, including Marian liturgical feasts and theological teachings and doctrines.
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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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History of the Theology of the Incarnation
This artlice is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an overview of key types of christology, including exaltation and wisdom christologies. It cites various Church Councils that had a great influence on christological teaching and traditions.
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Life and Times in First Century Palestine
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an extensive understanding of the lifestyle and cultural contexts of first century Palestine, including family, gender roles, poverty, wealth, and political, economic and religious laws.
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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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The Women Who Followed Jesus
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. In an organized chart, this resource introduces key women in scripture, including their significance and their story, to students.
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Using a Concordance
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an introduction to using concordances.
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The Trinity
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. Author Arthur David Canales offers an introduction to the Holy Trinity, including the dogma's historical development and key features.
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Introduction to the Gospels
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an introduction to the Gospels in the New Testament, including the formation and the particular christology of each account.
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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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Introduction to Revelation
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an overview and introduction to the Revelation in the Catholic Church, including Natural and Divine Revelation and information the Church Father and the Second Vatican Council.
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Using the Think-Pair-Share Method
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of using the Think-Pair-Share Method of classroom learning and discussion.
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Using a Mind Map
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It introduces and explains the concept and method of Mind Maps as a classroom tool.
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Using Rubrics to Assess Work
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It explains the value of using rubrics to assess student work.
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Using Final Performance Tasks to Assess Understanding
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of using Final Performance Tasks to assess students.
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Reading the Bible in Context
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an overview of the value of understanding the historical and cultural contexts of the Bible while still maintaining its divine authorship and influence.
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The Apostles
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the Apostles and followers of Jesus who are known in Scripture, including Peter and Mary Magdalene, among others.
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Introduction to the Letters
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an introduction to the letters of the New Testament, including information on the genre, the Pauline and Deutero-Pauline Letters, and the organization of the New Testament.
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The Acts of the Apostles
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It serves as an introduction to the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament, including its structure, writer, themes, and background.
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Gospel Comparison Chart
This chart helps teachers and students observe the differences between the various contexts, themes, audiences, and time frames of the four Gospels.
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Wonders, Miracles, and Signs in the New Testament
This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers a helpful, organized look at some of Jesus' wonder, miracles and signs that point to His divinity.
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The New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature
This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It offers an extensive overview of the New Testament, including various types of literature, distinctions among the Gospels, historical context and theological themes.
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Jesus Fulfills the Covenant and Salvation History
This article is from the Living in Christ Series, and it provides an overview of the Old Testament covenant and prophecies which are fulfilled in the New Testament and the person of Jesus Christ.
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Blogging and Beyond
This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It offers an overview of what blogging is and how it can be integrated in the classroom. Several suggested blogs are featured at the end of the article.
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Setting Up a Blog
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It gives an introduction and overview of blogging and its educational value.
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The Book of Jeremiah
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the Book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament, including the political climate of the time and some of his main prophetic messages.
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The Book of Isaiah
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It serves as an introduction to the Book of Isaiah in the Old Testament.
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The Book of Ezekiel
This article gives an overview and introduction to the Book of Ezekiel in the Old Testament.
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Messianism and Zionism
This article is part of the Living in Crhist Series , and it highlights the distinction between Messianism and Zionism.
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The Book of Judges
This article discusses the Book of Judges and the cycle of worship, disobedience, deliverance, and freedom that happen cyclically for the Israelites.
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The Book of Joshua
This article discusses the Book of Joshua, offering a rational and moral critique, then drawing parallels between the Old and New Testaments.
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King Solomon and the Divided Monarchy: The Books of Kings
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series, and it discusses the reign of King David and King Solomon and the divided monarchies of Judah and Israel through scriptural references.
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Introduction to the Historical Books
This article gives a brief introduction to the Historical Books of the Old Testament. This overview includes a distinction between "history" and "historical narratives", as well as highlights the role they play in the Old Testament.
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Using Quotations
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It explains the value of using quotations to facilitate classroom discussions.
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Using Google Earth
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an introduction to the use of Google Earth in the classroom.
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Using the Found-Read Method
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of using the "Found-Read" Method to facilitate classroom learning and discussion.
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Using the Take-a-Stand Method
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of using the Take-a-Stand Method.
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Moses
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series, and it offers an overview of the person of Moses in the Old Testament, highlighting five major sections in his life: birth, calling, confronting Pharoah, leading the Israelites, and death.
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The Cycle of Redemption
This article discusses the pattern in the Old Testament known as the Cycle of Redemption, or Deuteronomic Cycle, as well as gives examples.
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The Book of Exodus
This article offers a short introduction to the Book of Exodus in the Old Testament.
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The Early Leaders of Israel
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the qualities of leadership possessed by early Israelites using scripture and Biblical stories.
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Check Your Understanding
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. It serves as a review of several important terms and asks students to define, associate, and put the term into the context of Salvation History.
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Original Sin and Its Effects
This article discusses original sin, the effects of sin on relationships, and the criteria with which to make a moral judgment.
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Salvation History Summary
This article gives an overview of the salvific works of God through the Old and New Testaments, with the fulfillment of salvation in the person of Jesus Christ.
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Understanding Genres and Literary Forms
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the various genres and literary forms in the Old and New Testaments.
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The Book of Genesis
This article offers an introduction to the first book in the Bible, the Book of Genesis.
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Introduction to the Pentateuch
This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It provides an overview of the Pentateuch - the first five book of the Old Testament.
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Is This a Calling - Saint Teresa of Avila
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a excerpt from the writings of Saint Teresa of Avila about the discernment of her vocation to the religious life.
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Using the Barometer Method
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of using the Barometer method to facilitate classroom discussion.
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Using the Jigsaw Process
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of using the Jigsaw Process to facilitate classroom learning and discussion.
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Using the Big Paper Exercise
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of using the Big Paper Exercise for classroom discussion.
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Introduction to Revelation, Inspiration, and Vocation
This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It discusses Relevation, Inspiration and Vocation, citing the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and scripture. It includes a chart outlining how God revealed Himself to various Biblical characters and a section …
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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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Using an Ungraded Association Quiz
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of an ungraded association quiz as an assessment or preassessment.
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Introducing Students to Biblical Exegesis
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. Teachers will find this resource helpful for its overview of Biblical exegesis and the references to worksheet handouts for students to use.
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Building Scaffolds for Learning
This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the notion of structured teaching methods through the model of scaffolding.
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The Story of Noah and Other Flood Narratives
This article discusses the similarities and differences between the Biblical flood story and that of other ancient Middle Eastern traditions. It also compares the Biblical account between the Yahwist and Priestly sources.
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The JEPD Theory
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the four-source theory regarding the first five books of the Bible, the Pentateuch. These sources are called Yahwist, Elohist, Deuteronomist, and Priestly.
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Canons and Their Development
This article discusses the development of the Old and New Testament Canons and provides charts which compare and contrast different Christian or Jewish canons.
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Bible 101: A Basic Introduction to the Word of God
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It gives a basic overview and introduction to Sacred Scripture, including context, inspiration, literary forms, the Old and New Testaments, interpretation, and common myths.
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Reading Notes and Questions for Student Book Articles 9-12
This reading guide is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can use it while reading other articles from the LIC Series to take important notes and answer significant questions.
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The Format of the Pauline Letters
This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. It outlines the format of Paul's letters in the New Testament.
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Messianic Prophecies
This resource if from the Living in Christ Series. It is a clear and organized presentation of Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled in the person of Jesus.
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Biblical Passages About Leadership
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a helpful reference for scriptural passages in the Old Testament referring to leadership. Various kings, judges, and other leaders are featured.
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The Cycle of Redemption
This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students may use it as a quick reference to key ideas behind the Cycle of Redemption in the Old Testament.
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The Ten Commandments
This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. It outlines the 10 Commandments, the meaning, and the book, chapter and verse at which they are found in the Bible.
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Sprint Through Salvation History
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers a thorough but brief overview of Salvation History in the Bible, beginning with the promises of God and ending in their fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
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New Testament References to Eternal Life
This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. It lists several passages in which Eternal Life is referenced in the New Testament. Students can reflect on these passages and answer questions about them.
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Catechist Tip Sheet 6: Using the Scriptures
The Scriptures play a critical role in our faith growth as a source of inspiration, celebration, education, and formation. As a catechist you should become comfortable with using the Scriptures, and nurture such comfort in young people.
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Catechist Tip Sheet 5: Helping Young Adolescents to Pay Attention
Handout that Catechists attending Session need to print out/can use. Resource
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Catechist Tip Sheet 3: Effective Story Telling
Handout that Catechists attending Session need to print out/can use. Resource
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Catechist Tip Sheet 4: Effective Group Management
Handout that Catechists attending Session need to print out/can use. Resource
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Catechist Tip Sheet 1: Developmental Characteristics of Young Adolescents
Handout that Catechists attending Session need to print out/can use. Resource
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Catechist Tip Sheet 2: Active Learning and Faith Formation
Handout that Catechists attending Session need to print out/can use. Resource
Article
The Sacramental Priesthood
The Origins of the Priesthood The origins of the priesthood go back to the Old Testament. One of the tribes of ancient Israel, the tribe of Levi, was set apart for priestly service (see Numbers 3:5–10). The tribe's role was …
Article
Short History of Paul
Paul was a diaspora Jew, meaning he was a Jew that lived outside of Palestine. Paul was born in Tarsus--which is modern day Turkey--at the beginning of the Christian era. Tarsus was a large and prosperous city of the Roman …
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Saint Paul: Interview and Worksheet
Interview with Paul This interview with Paul is from Breakthrough! The Bible for Young Catholics. On this colorful page, Paul explains his ministry and his legacy. Worksheet about Paul On this worksheet from the Student Activities Workbook for Breakthrough!: An …
Article
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 …
Article
Blessed are the Media Makers . . .
Imagine if a teacher brought students to the school library and allowed them to read anything they wanted without ever asking a single question or demanding that students think critically about what they were reading. Preposterous! What teacher would ever …
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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 …
Article
Called to Create a Bible for Kids
Brian Singer-Towns may be on top of the Catholic bestseller list, but he wants to be very clear: He did not write the Bible. He merely edited it. Not that putting together a new version of the Bible is any …
Article
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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Highlights of Catholic Documents on Justice and Peace
Highlights of Catholic Documents on Justice and Peace The following link will take you to a PDF document that sumarizes many of the key points from Church documents addressing the social teachings of the Catholic Church. http://www.smp.org/Images/Complementary/Highlights.pdf
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Biography of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, former prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, President of the Pontifical Biblical Commission and of the International Theological Commission, Dean of the College of Cardinals, was born on April 16, 1927 in Marktl …
Article
November, National Child Safety Month: Preparing for safe and sacred places
Preparing for Safe and Sacred Places Some experts predict the presence of at least one abuser and one victim of abuse anytime there is a gathering focusing on this topic. Someone in your community might be experiencing abuse of some …
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November, National Child Safety Month: Preventing Abuse
Ongoing Prevention and Education Your community can do several things to inform, prevent, and respond to sexual abuse. The following are essential strategies you will want to incorporate into parish- or school-wide ministries: • All young people need to know …
Article
November, National Child Safety Month: Considerations in Ministry Planning
CONSIDERATIONS IN MINISTRY PLANNING All adults who work with children and or young people must be capable of exercising good judgment and wisdom in their ministry. We recommend that you consider the following questions when planning any activity involving children …
Article
Resources for Parents Who Want to View The Passion of the Christ with Their Teenage Children
Things to Remember Film is an art form, and many genres and subgenres exist within film. Comedy is a genre. Within that genre one could name romantic comedies, slapstick comedies, and dark comedies as subgenres. Before reading a piece of …
Article
Who Does the Movie Say Killed Jesus?
Much of the controversy about The Passion of the Christ centers around one question: Who killed Jesus? The Anti-Defamation League feels the movie lays the blame at the feet of the Jews. Mel Gibson, the movie's director, producer and cowriter, …
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Artist Appreciation Month: Graphic Images of Christ's Passion in Art
Mel Gibson is not the first person to shock the public with a graphically violent portrayal of the Passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In 1515, Matthias Grunewald revealed an artwork called The Isenheim Altarpiece to the monks and churchgoers …
Article
Survival in Youth Ministry
In 1994 Saint Mary's Press published a book called Survival in Youth Ministry, by Robert J. McCarty, executive director of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. As youth ministry continues to mature in the United States, we would like …
Article
The Twelve Virtues of a Good Teacher
THE TWELVE VIRTUES OF A GOOD TEACHER In 1706, John Baptist de La Salle, patron saint of teachers, listed twelve virtues of a good teacher in his Conduct of the Christian Schools. In 1785, Brother Agathon, the fifth superior general …
Article
Electing a New Pope
Choosing a new pope is somewhat of a mystery to people. In the early Church, a pope was elected not only by the bishops but also by the clergy and the laity. In later years, only the bishops took part …
Article
Frequently Asked Questions About the Pope
What is the pope? The pope is the bishop of the Church of Rome, Italy. Because of the importance of Rome, Tradition recognizes the pope as the supreme pastor of all Christians. Why is the Church of Rome so important? …
Article
Did you know? Interesting Facts to Share with Your Students About the Papacy
The term pope comes from the Greek work pappas, or the Latin word papa, both of which mean "father." The pope's official titles include bishop of Rome, vicar of Jesus Christ, successor of the prince of the Apostles, supreme pontiff …
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Biography of Pope Saint John Paul II
Saint John Paul II was born Karol Josef Wojtyla (Voy-tee-wah) on May 18, 1920, in Wadowice (Vah-do-vee-juh), Poland, a small city just outside Krakow. He was the third and youngest child of Karol Wojtyla Sr., a lieutenant in Poland's army, …
Article
Self-Esteem and Sexual Activity: The Difference Between the Sexes
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently found a major difference between boys with hgh self-esteem and girls with high self-esteem. Boys with a high self-esteem were more likely to have engaged in sexual intercourse than boys with low self-esteem. Conversely, …
Article
Unchurched Teens: Teens Who Don't Profess Church Affiliation Rises
According to a 2002 study the number of teens with no religious affiliation has risen by over 15 million young people since 1990. That is an average increase of over 1.15 million young people annually. When presented with such statistics, …
Article
The Liturgy: The Source of Catholic Identity
I love the old Latin axiom lex orandi, lex credendi. Roughly translated, this means that the law of prayer is the law of faith. More simply phrased, we pray what we believe. If you want to know what Catholics believe …
Article
Contemporary Music, Ageless Wisdom: Using the Language of Teens to Speak the Gospel
It is no secret that teens are absolutely immersed in music. The question for those ministering to youth is, "Should we make a stance against the kinds of music kids are listening to or should we use their music to …
Article
Youth Prayer Habits
Through a grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc., the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill has established the National Study of Youth & Religion at the Odum Institute for Research and the Social Sciences. In there preliminary findings of existing …
Article
Let's Prove Them Wrong!
12 September 2001 As the truth unfolds behind who committed these horrendous terrorist attacks against the United States, I pray that we--as individuals and a country--will have the strength and courage to think deeply before we lash out in anger …
Article
A Letter to Young People from the President of Saint Mary’s Press
Dear young friends, The recent, tragic events continue to leave us all shocked, confused, scared, and sorrowful. At this time, nothing is more important than to turn our hearts to Jesus. Perhaps, we can find comfort in the words of …
Article
A Christian Response to Violence, Part 2:
Pacifism: "We No Longer Learn War" How can we apply Jesus’ command to love our enemies when our whole nation has been attacked? Over the centuries, how Christians have attempted to apply Jesus’ teachings on violence to their lives has …
Article
A Christian Response to Violence, Part 1:
In the wake of the 11 September terrorist attacks, many people are calling for military retaliation against whatever group or country is ultimately found to be responsible. The desire to strike back at those who hurt us is understandable, but …
Article
The Enuma Elish: A Babylonian Creation Story
The Genesis story is not the only ancient creation story. In fact, almost every ancient culture had its own story of how the world came to exist. Each story reflected much about how the people of its culture viewed their …
Article
Wrestling with Diversity
How do we welcome non-Christians into our schools and our religion classrooms, and at the same time give witness to our own Christ-centered faith? How do we invite students to learn from and respect other faith traditions without sending the …
Article
Religious Diversity in Catholic Schools
Pluralism of religions is a reality in the United States. We see it in the newspaper, and we encounter it in our own classrooms. Through television, the Internet, and the changing religious landscape of our own country, our students encounter …
Article
Scenes from a Mexican Village
The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration sponsor a program called Global Awareness Through Experience. The GATE program offers a rich opportunity to get to know the realities of Mexico, something I have wanted to do for years. At a point …
Article
Curriculum Integration in Service Programs
How can you begin working toward curriculum integration with your service program? Consider the following principles as a good guide. Connections Get to know the curriculum in other content areas. Study the program of studies of your school. Look at …
Article
Parents As Members of the High School Faith Community
In 1977 when I began teaching and ministering in the high school apostolate, parents were not considered a part of the official work on student retreats. As the teachers, we had the answers for their sons and daughters; we had …
Article
Maturing in Faith
Have you ever heard a parent say something like,"People should decide for themselves how to express their faith and what church to belong to. So we don't make our kids go to Mass on Sunday. When they get old enough, …
Article
Listening to the Voices of Girls
God is with her. God works for her. God fills her. God chooses her. God accepts her. God praises her. God listens to her. God cries with her. God knows her. God loves her. We are her. In eleven short …
Article
The Buzz About the Theology-Technology Connection
"What's the buzz? Tell me what's happenin'!" I'm sure many of you recognize those lyrics from "Jesus Christ Superstar." I think of that song whenever the topic of technology comes up, which is often. In-services, workshops, and professional journals regularly …
Article
Teaching the Rite Way
Mix a little ancient Chinese with some fifth century Latin and you have "the rite thing" for teaching sacraments. Let me explain. I hear, and I forget. I see, and I remember. I do, and I understand. --Ancient Chinese proverb …
Article
Sacraments Outside the Box
I'm sure that one of the first things you did when you returned to school in September was to check your faculty mailbox. Most schools have a bank of neatly labeled cubbyholes. Get an image in your mind's eye: some …
Article
The Late Great Catholic High School
"Jesus is everyone's department!" That is what I found myself exclaiming as I argued with a fellow teacher and friend about why she only wanted the religion teachers in our high school to offer extra credit to students if they …
Article
Following the Spirit Down the (Yellow?) Brick Road
The road is really a five-foot wide path. The bricks are more dappled browns than yellow. But the journey does have a wizard and feisty little black terrier. And along the way we found our hearts, our minds, and our …
Article
Let the Church Say Amen
Amen is a cry of complete reliance, of heartfelt abandonment to something or someone that is true and trustworthy. THE TWO-SYLLABLE WORD COULD BE HEARD by all in the front quarter of the sizeable church. It was said by a …
Article
Theology for Teens
Adolescents' values and aspirations are in the process of formation and their capacity for commitment is just beginning to emerge. Europeans tell the story of a young man who was disturbed by the antireligious skepticism prevalent at his university and …
Article
The Saint Patrick You Never Knew
He didn't chase the snakes out of Ireland and he may never have plucked a shamrock to teach the mystery of the Trinity. Yet Saint Patrick well deserves to be honored by the people of Ireland and by downtrodden and …
Article
Until a "lack of discretion" do us part
Ever since the church got involved in the wedding ceremony, relatively late in Christian history, it has stood by its main belief about a marriage. It’s the consent of the couple that binds. SEVENTH IN A 10-PART SERIES ON CHURCH …
Article
Jesus Makes the Perfect Host
A recent classroom interchange at a Catholic university, in a history class on American Catholicism: Student: Interesting you should bring up Communion today. I just had a long argument with my parents about it. Professor: What was the argument? Student: …
Article
Young People's Beginning Experience
By now, divorce has touched the lives of many people in the United States--either directly or through a friend or relative. For a child or teenager, divorce can rip apart a comfortable home, leaving behind guilt, anger and depression. Today, …
Article
Catholic Youth and the Bible: Moving from Biblical Literacy to Biblical Spirituality
Developing one's biblical literacy As a college student back in the mid-seventies, I was invited to be part of an ecumenical student Bible study. Born and raised Catholic, I don't think I had cracked open a Bible more than two …
Article
In the Name of the Father
Making the sign of the cross is a gesture that says, in shorthand, that a person is a Catholic. It appears as an icon in popular culture, and as a gesture it is scattered throughout film history, for example: movie …
Article
Hinduism: What Do You Know About the World's Oldest Religion?
Many Americans, who probably have little chance to meet any Hindus, have a vague notion that Hinduism has something to do with bearded swamis, sacred cows, and Mahatma Gandhi. Although most of the citizens of the world's largest democracy are …
Article
Thinking Catholic
Thinking Catholic is a mind-set, an attitude of the heart, a bundle of insights and presumptions and priorities that are derived from faith. In our American society people used to agree that abortion was criminal, that divorce was bad, that …
Article
Fighting Catholic Amnesia
I was a high school junior before I learned that the Catholic faith was something more than Mass, folk songs and the Bible. Father Corry turned me on to Church history in his religion class. He showed me how our …
Article
Finding God in Silence
If you are feeling unfulfilled in your prayer life, take heart. This author says sometimes all it takes to is to be silent and listen. IS YOUR PRAYER LIFE IN A RUT? Are there days when you feel like quitting …
Article
Understanding New Approaches to the Gospels
The quest to trace the continuity between the Jesus of history and the Christ of faith is not new. It was the stuff of 18th-century Enlightenment debate and is still the topic of current scholarship. What does it mean to …
Article
Annulments:
Mary Sue Williams and Cathy Miettunen lived just a few blocks apart in a tree-lined, middle-class neighborhood in Saint Paul, Minnesota when both went through the Catholic Church's annulment process following their civil divorces. Williams and Miettunen belonged to the …
Article
Five prayers Catholics can take to heart
The issue of prayer is not prayer; the issue of prayer is God. One cannot pray unless he has faith in his own ability to accost the infinite, merciful, eternal God. --Jewish Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, Man's Quest for God …
Article
Lessons From the Book of Genesis: An Interview with Dianne Bergant
Dianne Bergant, C.S.A., Ph.D., is Professor of Old Testament Studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. For five years she was editor of The Bible Today and continues to serve on its editorial board, as well as that of …
Article
The Death Penalty and the Catholic Conscience
Some proponents say the death penalty is biblical: "an eye for an eye." This moral theologian shows how they are misreading the Bible. If someone murdered your child or closest friend, what punishment would you want for the criminal? If …
Article
Priesthood Today
Looking at changes in Baptism, Eucharist and Reconciliation is the key to understanding what's happening to the priesthood today. "IS IT HARDER TO BE A PRIEST TODAY than it used to be?" A parishioner who was wondering why there are …
Article
The Book of Revelation:
The Book of Revelation is not so intimidating once you understand what the author was up to. Are Catholics afraid of the book of Revelation? Do our minds become confused when we hear all those sevens and l2's, and all …
Article
The Church and the Bible: A New Understanding
The Catholic Church's attitude toward biblical study has undergone a sea of change in recent times. A world-renowned Scripture scholar explains why and how. Very often when older Catholics hear at Mass a presentation about the Bible they are puzzled. …
Article
Evil Never Looked So Good
Do you think you're a victim? Do you avoid making judgments because you'll hurt someone's feelings? Do you feel betrayed by your wrinkles or your balding dome? Be careful. You might be cuddling up to heresy, which just had a …
Article
A Note on Kneeling
IT WASN'T UNTIL I COULD NO LONGER kneel that I began to savor the lovely simplicity of this ancient act, and guess at its provenance, and savor its humility, and notice it not only in Mass but in many other …
Article
Letting Go and Letting God
*last name has been changed for this article Bernie Fenton* never minded that his office overlooked a cemetery. In fact, he kind of liked it. He'd glance up from his desk now and then catching glimpses of friends and family …
Article
Meeting the Rhinoceros
Thomas Merton makes a valuable role model for the spiritual journey of the adolescent rhinoceros. At times even the most optimistic teacher may despair of the possibility of ever communicating meaningfully with adolescents. The significant number of developmental tasks facing …
Article
Tuning in to youths' media culture
Rather than criticize teens' preoccupation with the media, these religion teachers use it in their faith formation efforts. Adolescents often feel most fully alive and in tune with their peers in the midst of a media experience--a rock concert, a …
Article
The Spirituality of Work
Teachers who structure justice into their workday lives model a moral vision for their students. I requested a review copy of all religion textbooks used in Catholic high schools some years ago and scoured over 30 books looking for references …
Article
Seven habits of highly effective Catholic college graduates
Evidence of a total Catholic education may be found in persons who have cultivated these principles of action. The title of Stephen R. Covey's long-running bestseller The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People (Simon & Schuster) kept circling in my …
Article
Peace: The Countercultural Value
Ours is a violent society. Furthermore, evidence strongly suggests that we are learning to accept violence as normal behavior. As a people, we appear to be increasingly indifferent to daily images of warfare, racial hatred and ethnic cleansing. Murder and …
Article
A Multiple Intelligence Approach
Helping students discover how they are smart should be the goal of assessment. Is multiple intelligence instruction the way to proceed into the 21st century? Many educators in Catholic settings with whom I have worked remark that the theory reminds …
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