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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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Pentecost
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can read the account of Pentecost in the Acts of the Apostles and answer questions about it.
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The Ascension of Jesus
This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can read the account of Jesus' Ascension and answer questions about it.
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Gospel Basics: Comparing the Four
This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series. It helps students identify the differences between the four gospel accounts with reference to who, what, when and where each author was writing.
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Biblical Scavenger Hunt for Events in the Life of Jesus
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a biblical scavenger hunt through the New Testament in order to find various key events in the life and ministry of Jesus.
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Messianic Prophecies Worksheet
This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series and goes along with the chart that contains information on the Old Testament prophecies which were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Students can reflect on the Messianic Prophecies and answer questions.
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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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Ezekiel Symbolic Prophecy and Visions
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students are asked to read parts of the Book of Ezekiel and write down how Ezekiel is asked to symbolically act out the prophetic message.
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The Inner Life of the Prophet Jeremiah
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can student learn more about the prophet Jeremiah by reading parts of his Old Testament book.
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Evaluating the Prophet Isaiah
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students are given several passages from the Book of Isaiah and asked to describe the events described in the Bible.
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Kings and Prophets Worksheet
This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students answer questions about the kings and prophets of the Old Testament.
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Kings and Prophets
This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a helpful, organized chronology of the Old Testament Kings, Prophets, and neighboring rulers.
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The Prophetic Checklist
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can learn key characteristics of the prophets of the Old Testament and look up Biblical citations to correspond.
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Preparation Worksheet for Prophet Research Assignment
This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can use these questions prepare for and consider several facets of a prophet that they plan to research mor extensively.
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The Role of a Judge in Ancient Israel
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can learn more about important judges from the Old Testament.
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Graph for Evaluating Leadership Qualities
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students and teachers can use this to evaluation leadership qualities in the classroom and compare those qualities with various Biblical characters.
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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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Leadership Statements
This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series. It includes several statesments about leadership in the Bible, including who's called, what skills are necessary, and what it takes to be a good leader.
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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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What Kind of Leader Is Moses?
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students are asked to look up verses and make assessments about Moses' leadership in the Old Testament.
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Leadership Quotations
This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers quotations from several historical leaders and asks students to reflect on various styles and characteristics of leadership.
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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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Leadership Scavenger Hunt
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students are asked to fill out the characteristics and stories of various leaders in the Bible.
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Sprint Through Salvation History Scriptural Passages
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students are asked to explore the Bible for key events in the Old and New Testaments in Salvation History.
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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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Why Is Salvation History Necessary
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students are asked to reflect on episodes in the Book of Genesis and consider the necessity of Salvation History.
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Why Do We Study History
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students are asked to reflect on important historical documents and consider the overall significance of studying history.
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Field of Dreams Reflection Questions
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. It serves as a follow up reflection on the movie, "The Field of Dreams," prompting students to think about the themes of inspiration, revelation, and vocation seen throughout the film.
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Biblical Exegesis Worksheet
This activity is related to the "Biblical Exegesis Chart" and is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students must fill in the remaining column to answer questions about the exegetical work of various methods of biblical criticism.
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Practicing Biblical Exegesis
With this worksheet, students can practice Biblical exegesis with certain well-known Bible verses.
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Biblical Scavenger Hunt
In this activity, students are asked to find various famous Old Testament stories and events by searching through Scripture.
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How to Find a Scriptural Reference
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a great introduction to looking up scripture references in the Bible, and getting used to finding important stories by book, chapter and verse.
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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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Jesus Is Tempted
This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a helpful way to organize notes about Jesus' temptation in the desert - including what the temptation was, how he responded, and what students can learn from it.
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The Ministry of Jesus
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can study various moments in Jesus' ministry and the values he embodied.
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Jesus Walks the Talk
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. The grid helps students organize and answer different aspects of Jesus' life in the New Testament.
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Matrix Summary of Jesus' Teachings
This matrix is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers a convenient and helpful structure for students to take notes about Jesus' main teachings.
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Reflection on the Greatest Commandments
This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can study and reflect on the Greatest Commandments: to love God with your whole mind, body and soul, and to love your neighbor as yourself.
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Core Elements of a Parable
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students are assigned a parable and use this chart to discover the core elements of any of the parables that Jesus tells.
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Matthew's Sermon on the Mount
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can use this chart to write down questions, thoughts, or reactions to each section of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.
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Venn Diagram
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can use this handout to do a Venn Diagram of Gospel comparisons.
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Encountering Jesus: Writing Assignment
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. It gives two options for a writing assignment that uses scripture and the imagination.
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Getting to Know Mary
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students must find various scripture passages regarding Mary and reflect on questions about her life and personality.
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Etymology and Understanding
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students define, associate, and find similaries among various words that a teacher or catechist assigns, in order to see the root and relationship between them.
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The Development of Catholic Trinitarian Theology
This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can fill in the blanks to learn or review key concepts about the development of Trinitarian theology.
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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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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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The Holy Trinity
Student handout: Activity for an unnamed section of Cath Connections Handbook (pg 35-39 ish) word puzzle
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A Place at Our Table
A class activity designed to raise awareness of the reality of hunger in our nation and world.
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Pass the Bag: A Biblical Affirmation Exercise
Class activity that familiarizes them with scriptural values, increases vocab, and ups self-esteem
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Directions for Game on! Games for Catholic Connections
Original directions to go with Game On! Cards. instructions for Baseball, Dodgeball, Identity, Jeopardy...
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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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I Am More Like. . .
Class strategy. Activity to help students articulate and share some of their personal characteristics and develop an appreciation for differences among 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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Giving Thanks for Special People: A Communication Activity for Thanksgiving
A thank-you card activity to give thanks for the special people in students' lives.
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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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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.
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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
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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 …
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Play Ball
Preparation Gather the following items: * two foam balls or two beanbags * one copy of the resource A Communication Process(PDF) Secretly Ask a participant to help you with the activity. Explain that the second activity in this session is …
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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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Exploring the Themes in Paul's Epistles
Background for the Catechist This session invites the participants to work in small groups to research some of Paul's major theological themes and create billboard representations to "sell" their assigned theme. In this way the young people get a deeper …
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Paul: A Unique Person
Background for the Teacher Saint Paul has fascinated Christians throughout history. The combination of his Jewish upbringing, his exposure to Greek culture, his fiery personality, and his openness to God's grace uniquely prepared him to spread the Gospel. This session …
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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 …
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Paul's Missionary Journeys
Preparation Gather the following items: pens or pencils copies of The Catholic Youth Bible® or another Bible, one for each participant maps of Paul's journeys (See maps 7 and 8 from the Study Aids section in the back of The …
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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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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 …
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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 …
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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 The Master's Companion: A Christian Midrash
Table of Contents Beyond Scripture Helpful Hints for Using and Creating Midrash with Young People Classroom Activities Chapter 1: The Small Black Dog with the White Foot (John 4:1-30)--compassion for animals Chapter 2: A Night in the Garden (John 4:39-45)--significance …
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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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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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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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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Scripture Search and Discussion: Living by the Spirit of Jesus
(25 minutes) Before the session. Ask one of the participants to serve as a reader. Then, write each of the four following words or phrases on a separate sheet of paper. If your group is large, you might want to …
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Family Relationships
Scripture Passage Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother"-- this is the first commandment with a promise: "so that it may be well with you and you may live long on …
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Assumption of Mary - Mary as a Disciple
Begin an exploration of Mary as the first disciple by explaining the word disciple, which means "follower, or one who believes in the teachings of a leader." Invite the students to examine the ways that Mary was a …
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Word-Association Exercise: Afterlife
(30 minutes) Prior to this exercise, have the all participants (including the facilitator) bring to the session a personal symbol. This symbol should be an object from among the participant's personal belongings that acts as a reminder of a much …
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Handout 1: The Walk to Emmaus
Characters: narrator, Jesus, Cleopas, second disciple Narrator: That very same day, two of the disciples were on their way to a village called Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking over all that had happened. Now as they …
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The Final Beginning: Ascension and Pentecost
Overview After Jesus' death, his followers were fearful, angry, grief-stricken, confused, and shattered. About fifty days later, at Pentecost, they were confident, joyful, determined, committed, and passionate. This topic of this session covers the time from the Resurrection until the …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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Reflection Exercise: My Least Answerable Questions
(5 minutes) 1. Introduce this exercise by reiterating the idea that death is mystery and that since the beginning of time, people of all ages, cultures, and races have asked tough questions about death. Jesus himself struggled with such questions. …
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Talking Hands--Personal Attitudes Toward Death
(10 minutes) 1. Have the participants assemble and sit in a circle. Introduce this activity as Talking Hands. Explain to the participants the signals that they will need to use. Tell the young people that each time they hear a …
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Unbound!
OVERVIEW Praying for forgiveness sets us free. In this prayer the young people experience this message through a ritual of reconciliation. This strategy, which is ideal for a retreat or as a conclusion to a session on forgiveness, allows …
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Lenten Justice Crosses
OVERVIEW Through this hands-on project, the young people help spread the Lenten message of conversion to justice. They also become familiar with the message of the prophet Micah and the traditional spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Suggested Time: …
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The Power of Song
(25-35 minutes) Preparation Bring in a recording of an African American sacred song, or invite a local gospel choir or your school or parish choir to come in and perform such a song. A good resource for music is Lead …
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Lenten Nails: A Reflection Exercise for Lent
OVERVIEW This two-part reflection exercise allows the young teens to evaluate their behaviors and attitudes and admit their faults, throughout Lent. The exercise is introduced at the beginning of Lent and concludes before Easter. Suggested Time: Approximately 10 minutes for …
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Ashes to Reconciliation: A Reconciliation Prayer for Lent
OVERVIEW This prayer can be used during the first week of Lent or any time the sacrament of Reconciliation (also called the sacrament of Penance) is discussed or celebrated. Suggested Time: 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of …
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February 14: Valentine Puzzles
Preparation. Purchase or make a poster board heart, about 6 inches wide, for every four or five young people. Write on each heart a different scriptural verse that pertains to love. Include the citation. Here are some possible citations: Deut. …
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January 22: Saying Yes to Life
Preparation Bring in pictures of fetal development. 1. Present a scenario in which a girl like those in your group experiences a crisis pregnancy. Then list on the board a number of options, such as these: She can keep the …
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Soup or Bowl: A Game and Service Project for Super Bowl Sunday
OVERVIEW This combination game and service project is played in relay style by teams of young people with cans of soup that they bring as donations for the local food pantry. Suggested Time: A minimum of 10 minutes, or as …
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Artist Appreciate Month: Finding Christian Art Resources on the Web
Teachers and catechists with the capacity for projecting computer images on a screen can find an enormous amount of Christian art on the World Wide Web. Educators are encouraged to be aware of fair use and other copyright laws, respect …
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December 25: Reflection on Favorite Christmas Carols
Reflection on Favorite Christmas Carols Have the students, as a class, decide on their five favorite Christmas carols. To help them, take time to actually listen to Christmas carols in class. Doing this out of season will strike some students …
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Advent: Saint Joseph and Jesus
This can be easily adapted to a video call. 1. Gather the group in a circle for a moment of silence. Light the candle and read these passages about Joseph in the Gospel of Matthew (1:18-21 and 2:13-15). Ask the …
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Advent Buddies
Advent Buddies: An Intergenerational Relationship-building Activity OVERVIEW This activity helps young people learn from an older person in the parish and establish a faith relationship with that person. Suggested Time: About 15 minutes for each meeting during Advent Group Size: …
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Must--Should--Can
Must--Should--Can Instructions: Check all the responsibilities you believe a pope must do in the MUST column, the responsibilities he should do in the SHOULD column, and the responsibilities he can do in the CAN column. # Responsibility MUST SHOULD CAN …
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The Liturgical Year
Learning Experience: The Liturgical Year (20 minutes) On a chalkboard or sheet of newsprint, draw six horizontal lines. Tell the group members that each line represents one of the Church seasons. Invite them to name the major seasons of the …
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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 …
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Build a Meal: An Outreach Activity for Thanksgiving
Build a Meal: An Outreach Activity for Thanksgiving OVERVIEW This outreach activity invites the young people to build holiday meals and memories for families that might not be able to afford a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Suggested Time: 10 to 15 …
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All Saints' Day: Unmasking Saints
Unmasking Saints: A Learning Activity for All Saints' Day OVERVIEW This creative activity helps young adolescents learn a little about their Catholic heritage by exploring the life and work of their patron saint or a favorite saint. Group Size: This …
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A New Rock
OVERVIEW This is a youth catechetical session intended to lead young people to an understanding of Pope John Paul II's life, ministry, general papal responsibilities, and the procedure for electing a new pontiff. It can be used in a …
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Mass to Commemorate and Celebrate the Life of Pope Saint John Paul II
In light of the Pope's passing, this Mass script offers an order of service with prayers, music suggestions, intercessions, and other materials that will make planning a meaningful celebration as simple as possible when time is limited. This Mass can …
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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 …
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A New Rock: Adaptations for Home Use
These activities are easily adapted for family members at home. When gathered for a meal, or for the specific purpose of these activities, family members can do one activity, a couple, or all of them, depending on the amount of time …
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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? …
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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, …
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Back to School: Latin 101
Invite your class or each student to create a motto for the year in terms of positive faith growth over the course of the year. Your students are most likely familiar with the tradition of mottos or creeds in Latin. …
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Back to School: Saintly Guest Speaker
Saintly Guest Speaker? This activity is designed to have your students move around a little, look at the lives of a few saints, assess where they are in their spiritual lives, and help you assess how they are feeling about …
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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, …
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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, …
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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 …
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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 …
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Month of the Rosary: Share the Rosary
For a class or group project make rosaries for a group of elementary students preparing to receive the sacrament of the Eucharist for the first time. Rosaries can be made from beads found at craft stores or by tying knots …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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September 11: Bring Peace to the World and Honor Heroes
As we remember the attacks of September 11, 2001, we remember that our world is both troubled and filled with heroes. We offer the following suggestions to bring peace to the world and to honor heroes. Suggestions for the individual …
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A Listening Session for Teens on the Mishandling of Sexual Abuse by Clergy
Materials Needed * a 3-by-5-inch index card for each young person * a pencil for each young person * prayer materials (Select one of the "Options for Ritual Actions" below.) * 3 readers for the closing prayer * handouts …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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The Meal Ministry of Jesus
Ask the students to recall their favorite meal celebration. What made it so special? What was the occasion? Where were they? Who was present? What did they eat? What else happened there? Invite them to share with the class the …
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News from Ephesus
The student text points out that Christians in the Roman Empire were often in conflict with the Roman state over their refusal to worship the emperor. In the Acts of the Apostles, Luke tells a story in which Christians come …
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Singing Telegrams
Direct the students to read Matthew, chapters 1–2. Discuss the role of a messenger in the passage, noting the different messages delivered by angels. Form small groups. Instruct the groups each to compose and rehearse a singing telegram based on …
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Mathematical Equations for Matthew
Explain to the students that this activity is designed to familiarize them with the Gospel of Matthew. Mention that it asks them to solve and create some mathematical equations based on the Gospel. Write the following examples on the …
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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
The Elephant Man
I use a "carousel" activity with the movie The Elephant Man (1980, Paramount Video, 125 minutes) when teaching my lifestyles course. It works like this. After viewing the movie, I ask the students to call out the names of all …
Article
What Every Teen Should Know
I often joke with my students that they help me parent my children! When my daughter Ellie was turning thirteen, all of a sudden I was struck with this idea that turned out to be an awesome activity for my …
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
Processing Service Experiences
I have been involved with our school's service-learning program for over ten years as a classroom teacher. Because the program is integrated fully in the religion, English, and social studies curriculum, we have made a commitment to processing the material …
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
Intergenerational Service Project
Objectives to provide layette and nursery supplies for families in need to bring together girls and women to serve, build community, and pray to stimulate intergenerational dialogue among girls and women to reflect on the physical and emotional needs of …
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 Color Purple
A CAUTIONARY NOTE: One of the criticisms of The Color Purple is that it depicts the men in the story as primarily abusive. Also, this movie is PG-13, mostly because of the violence and strong language. We recommend the movie …
Article
Technology assignment - Catholic Social Teaching
Over ten years ago, I began using my home computer to file and create documents for my students. My high school, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, already had a very well-developed technological infrastructure. Internet searches, e-mail, PowerPoint presentations, …
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
Feminine Images of God
Look up the following Scripture references and summarize each in the space provided. For each group of readings, come up with a category or theme. Isaiah 66:13 Isaiah 46:3 Isaiah 49:13-16 Hosea 11:1,3-4 Wisdom 16:25-26 Psalm 22:9-10 Isaiah 66:9 …
Article
Scripture Puppet Show
This assignment allows students to use their own creativity in the understanding and application of the Scriptures. Their grade for this assignment will be based on their ability to do the following tasks: Involve all members of the group. Create …
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 …
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