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Matthew 1:1–16: The Genealogy of Jesus Christ

The video "Matthew 1:1–16: The Genealogy of Jesus Christ," available on YouTube (2:19), is an animation of the lineage of Jesus that shows his connection to the tribe of Judah (see 0:18). It is used on day 3.

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Don't Give Up

The song/video "Don’t Give Up," by Calling Glory, available on YouTube (3:54) with lyrics, emphasizes persistence in faith as a prayer focus throughout the week.

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'The Last Supper' from the Epic Motion Picture Son of God

The video "'The Last Supper' from the Epic Motion Picture Son of God," available on YouTube (6:01), provides a visual of the Last Supper story. It is appropriate for use on day 4.

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Do This in Memory

The song/video "Do This in Memory," by Chris Muglia, available on YouTube (9:54), is appropriate for use on any day. The song is found at the 3:48 point of an interview with the artist about the song.

Document

Reflections on Poverty in America

This handout provides a series of Scripture passages and real-life accounts to help students reflect on poverty in America.

Document

Dear Millie and Mike

This handout provides several real-life situations that teens might encounter. Students are challenged to respond to the situations and give advice to other teens.

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Song "Make Me a Channel of Your Peace"

The song “Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace” puts Saint Francis’ prayer about the various ways we can bring peace into the world to music. A variety of versions with excellent images can be found on YouTube. It is …

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Music Video: “Covenant Hymn” (Ruth)

The song/video “Covenant Hymn,” by Rory Cooney and Gary Daigle and Theresa Donohoo, available on YouTube (5:09), is based on Ruth’s words to Naomi. The Old Testament and the Trinity: It is appropriate for prayer on day 2. Revelation and …

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Video "God’s Story: Jacob and Esau"

A number of videos on Rebecca, Jacob, and Esau are available on YouTube. One of the best is “God’s Story: Jacob and Esau,” by Crossroads Kids’ Club. It is appropriate for use on day 1.

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Song/video "Chris Tomlin—Films and Music Inspired by ‘The Story’ ‘Your Heart’ (David)"

The song/video “Chris Tomlin—Films and Music Inspired by ‘The Story’ ‘Your Heart’ (David),” available on YouTube (4:39), is a nicely done musical reflection on the idea of having a heart for God, just as King David had. It is appropriate …

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Video "Samson: The Final Judge"

The video “Samson: The Final Judge,” by Meaningful Jewish Screentime, available on YouTube (6:57), is an entertaining, animated version of the story of Samson. It is appropriate for use on day 4.

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Video "Deborah’s Army: The Book of Judges"

The video “Deborah’s Army: The Book of Judges,” by Meaningful Jewish Screentime, available on YouTube (3:02), is an entertaining, animated version of Judges, chapter 4. It is appropriate for use on day 3.

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Song/video "Our God Is an Awesome God"

The song/video “Our God Is an Awesome God,” by Michael W. Smith, available on YouTube (4:32) with lyrics, recalls the awesomeness of God that the Israelites experienced at Mount Sinai. Use the version that includes the lyrics with dynamic visual …

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Song/video "Our God Is Greater"

The song/video “Our God Is Greater,” by Chris Tomlin, available on YouTube (5:21), recalls the need to put our faith in God. It is appropriate for use on day 3 as opening or closing prayer.

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Song/video "Deyenu, Coming Home"

The song/video “Deyenu, Coming Home,” by the Ein Prat Fountainheads, available on YouTube (2:54), is a fun song about Passover by a contemporary Jewish group and is appropriate for use on day 2.

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Song/video "You Know Better Than I"

The song/video “You Know Better Than I,” by Dallyn Vail Bayles, available on YouTube (3:35) with lyrics, from Joseph King of Dreams, works best on day 2.

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Song/video "The Colours of God’s Love—Rainbow Covenant"

The song/video “The Colours of God’s Love—Rainbow Covenant,” available on YouTube (2:28), is based on the song “Giver of Life,” by Ann Laura. The video uses a variety of images of rainbows, while the song praises God for his gifts …

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Song/video "Lord, I Need You"

The song/video “Lord, I Need You,” by Matt Maher, available on YouTube (3:26), emphasizes our need for God’s faithful love and grace. It could be used for opening prayer on any day.

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Here I Am, Lord (Nature Scenes)

The song/video "Here I Am, Lord," by Fr. Daniel L. Schutte, performed by the Boys and Men of the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St. Alban, available on YouTube (3:04) with lyrics, features nature scenes. It is suggested as an …

Video

The Face of Christ (Black & White)

The song/video "The Face of Christ" by Chris Rice, posted by David Grove, available on YouTube (3:45), is artistically strong with black-and-white photography. It is best used on day 3.

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Come to the Water

The song/video "Come to the Water," by Matt Maher, available on YouTube (4:49) with lyrics, is suggested as an opening or closing prayer for any day but is best used on day 1.

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What Is Catholic Social Teaching?

The video "What Is Catholic Social Teaching?" with music “The Resistance,” by Josh Garrels, available on YouTube (4:42), is best used on day 2.

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Words

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

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Saint Mother Teresa—Inspiring ‘Everyone, Everywhere,’

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

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What Is Social Justice?

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

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Voices of Youth on Social Justice

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

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Wrecking Ball

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

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Video "One Day"

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

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Song "Grace Like Rain"

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

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Song/video "Man in the Mirror"

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

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Video "Seven Lies You Believe about Yourself"

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

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Video "God Created Humans in His Image"

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

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Song/video "God of Wonders"

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

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Song/video "Lord of All Creation"

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

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Song/video "Creation (Music Video)"

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

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Video "Jonah Was a Prophet"

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

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Song/video "We Delight"

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

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Mysteries of the Church: TRINITY

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

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

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

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

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

Video

Song/video "How Great Is Our God"

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

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"Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow"

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

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

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

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Hold Me

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

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Servant Song

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

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Song "You Are Near"

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

Video

Hey, World

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

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Hope in Front of Me

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

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Song/video "Abba Father"

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

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Live Like That

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

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Speak Life

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

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Seek Ye First

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

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Song "Word of God Speak"

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

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Video "Salvation History

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

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Video "God Speaks to Man: The Oldest Revelation"

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

Video

Song/video "God of Wonders”

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

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Ask Me

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

Video

Hey, World

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

Video

The Color of Love

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

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Here I Am, Lord

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

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I Will Exalt You

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

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Awesome God

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

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Forgiven

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

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Precepts of the Church

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

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What Are Sins?

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

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Holy Choices: Good Decision Making

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

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Jeremiah: Prophet of Judah

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

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The Cardinal Virtues, Part 4: Courage

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

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The Cardinal Virtues, Part 3: Temperance

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

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The Cardinal Virtues, Part 2: Justice

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

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The Cardinal Virtues, Part 1: Prudence

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

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Help Me Find It

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

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The Sermon on the Mount and the Lord’s Prayer

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

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Upon This Rock I’m Gonna Build My Church

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

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The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

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

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The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

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

Document

Praying the Liturgy of the Hours: A Reflection

A reflection to be completed after praying the Liturgy of the Hours.

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Learning about Learning

This is a self-evaluation to help students reflect on their learning during Unit 1.

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Reflection on the Greatest Commandments and the Judgment of the Nations

This handout challenges students to reflect on the application of the greatest commandment in their own lives.

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Empathizing (Indigenous Religious Traditions)

This short handout provides questions and reflections to help students empathize with indigenous religions.

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The Narrow Door: A Guided Meditation

This guided meditation communicates the Gospel message of simple living in a way that engages the imagination and inspires young people to actively simplify their lives. This activity is an excerpt from the book Justice and Service Ideas for Ministry …

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To Know Another

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

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One Solitary Life

This short reflection calls to mind the profound impact Jesus Christ has had on humanity and the world.

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Who Is Your God?

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

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Our Culture, Our Selves

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

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Communication in My Family

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

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Telling Our Body's Story

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

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Relationships in Marriage

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

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Cases to Examine: Changing Roles

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

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Cases to Examine: Parenting Dilemmas

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

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Paths to Marriage

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

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Reflections on Relating

This poem provides a reflection on the fears and insecurities that we all carry underneath the outward impressions we give off.

Video

How Does the Catholic Church Declare Official Saints?

This video from Busted Halo takes a fun spin on answering common questions about being named a saint in the Catholic Church.

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Cases to Examine: Dealing with Conflict

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

Document

Perspectives on Sex

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

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Three Perspectives on Drugs

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

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The Literature of Love

Reflection questions on William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116.

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Grace Poems

Questions related to the poems “Renascence” by Edna St. Vincent Millay, and “The World Is Too Much with Us” by William Wordsworth.

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Spirituality Action Plan

It is important for us to take stock of where we are in life and put plans in place to achieve our goals. It is important to do that in our spiritual life as well. We are all spiritual people. …

Document

"O Lord, You Have Searched Me and Known Me"

Spend a few moments quietly asking God to help you see clearly and honestly into your heart and mind as you begin this examination of conscience. Write your responses to the questions below. No one will collect this handout.

Document

The Fasting Siddhartha

1. Observe the statue or picture at this station. 2. Notice that it is probably different from almost any other image of the Buddha that you have seen. 3. Look closely and write down what you observe. How does this …

Document

Right Meditation

1. Here is a Buddha statue or picture. Sit quietly and stare at it. Meditate on it. Let it be a visual focus for your medi- tation. Learn from it. 2. Write any impressions, observations, or questions you have.

Video

Ash Wednesday and Lent - in 2 Minutes

A short video explaining Ash Wednesday and Lent.

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Anointing of the Sick (Who It's For)

A short video from Busted Halo that explains the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

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Holy Orders (What Ordination Means)

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

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Penance (Why We Confess)

A video from Busted Halo that explains the Sacrament of Penance.

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Matrimony (Why Make it Catholic)

A short video from Busted Halo that explains the Sacrament of Marriage.

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The Trinity - 3 in 1

A short video that uses the three forms of water (solid, liquid, gas) to explain the trinity.

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Tradition – Who We Are

A brief explanation of tradition versus Tradition. A short video about how Catholic traditions that have been handed down help God reveal himself to us.

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Prayer - A Conversation with God

A personal reflection on conversing with God through prayer.

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The Paschal Mystery

A personal reflection on how Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension save us from sin and death and bring us to new life in him.

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Sin and the Saving Grace of God

A personal story about the healing grace of God.

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Asking the Saints and Mary for Prayers

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

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The Catholic Mass

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

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Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory

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

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Jesus’ Unconditional Love

A personal story about turning to Jesus for help and loving others unconditionally, just as Jesus loves us.

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What is Catholic Social Teaching?

A personal story about living out the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.

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Catholicism is Universal

A personal story about discovering how Catholicism is truly universal.

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Learning How to Read the Catholic Bible

A personal story about learning how to read the Bible.

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Confirmation (Why We're Confirmed)

A short video, from Busted Halo, that explains the Sacrament of Confirmation.

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Baptism (Why We Baptize)

A short video from Busted Halo that explains the Sacrament of Baptism.

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Confession Explained

A short explanation of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

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Advent in 2 Minutes

A quick, two-minute video from Busted Halo that explains why we celebrate Advent and wait to celebrate Christmas.

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A Day in the Life of a Seminarian

A short video that takes a look at a typical day in the life of a seminarian.

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Holy Week in Two Minutes

This two-minute video from Busted Halo describes the final week of Lent that we spend preparing for Easter.

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How the Trinity is Like an Apple Tree

A wonderful analogy on how the Trinity is like an apple tree.

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The Parable of the Lost Coin

The parable of the Lost Coin is told using a coffee shop setting.

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Parables - The Lost Sheep/Coin/Son

The parables of the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Prodigal Son are told through a series of doodles.

Document

Chapter 44 Summary: Respecting Sexuality

A nice summary of the Sixth and Ninth Commandments, and how God wants us to conduct ourselves in sexual matters.

Document

Life Issues B Activity: Meeting Jesus: A Guided Meditation

A guided meditation that uses the imagination to spend time with Jesus and understand how he wants us to live.

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Life Issues B Summary: God, Where Are You?

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

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Life Issues A Summary: Dealing with Peer Pressure

A good summary on dealing with peer pressure.

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Life Issues B Summary: Friends in Jesus

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

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Life Issues A Summary: Who Am I?

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

Video

The Prodigal Sons - Propaganda

A video, by spoken word artist Propaganda, about the hidden motivations behind the two ways that all of humanity runs from God, as illustrated in the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32.

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"Prodigal Son" - Daniel Crawford

The story of the Prodigal Son, set to music. Sung by Daniel Crawford (with lyrics).

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Prodigal Son Spoken Word - Mike Olisemeka

A variation of the Prodigal Son, based on Luke 15:11-32, told through the spoken word.

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Knowing Through the Prodigal Son - Act 1

This drama is an adaptation of the story about the Lost Son from the Bible, Luke 15:11-32. The drama has three acts, this is act I.

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The Prodigal Son

A light-hearted rendition of the parable of the Prodigal Son, using Legos.

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Prodigal: An Animation

An artistic rendition of the parable of the Prodigal Son, told through song and illustrations.

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Hearing the Voice of God

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

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Touching the Lives of Others

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

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Ministering with Joy

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

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The Gift of Commitment

A personal story about the joy of commitment in marriage.

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Recognizing the Presence of God

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

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Celebrating Life: The Human Person and the Rules of God

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

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The Gift of Catholic Education: A Treasure to Inherit

A personal story about Catholic education.

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Unity Under Christ

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

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The Holy Spirit Is Always at Work

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

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Striving and Competing for God

A personal story about striving to attain eternal life.

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Faith Alive

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

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Prayer in the Zone

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

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Love in Humble Service

A personal story about showing love through humble service.

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Bad News Becomes Good

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

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Use Your Imagination

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

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The Books of the Old Testament

A song that lists the books of the Old Testament, in order.

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Catholic Bible Books Rap - Serra High School

A fun rap song that lists the books of the Catholic Bible, in order.

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73 Books of the Bible Song

A catchy song that names the 73 books of the Catholic Bible.

Saint Joseph Cafasso (1811-1860)

Saint Joseph Cafasso was born to peasant parents in Castelnuovo d'Asti, which is in the Piedmont region of Italy. He was ordained to the priesthood and became a popular professor of theology at the Institute of Saint Francis. Saint Joseph …

Video

God Leads Us to Action

A personal story about leading a just life every day.

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Make a Connection with People in Need

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

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Defending a Friend's Dignity

A personal story about defending the dignity of others.

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Putting the Circle in Action

A personal story about using the circle of social action.

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What are you Called to do?

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

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The Wise Old Man on the Porch

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

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It's Never Too Late to Claim Chastity

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

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Following God's Will

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

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Our Commitment to God

A personal story about being committed to God.

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Obedience to God's Will: Our Greatest Happiness

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

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Fall in Love With God

A personal story about being intentional about our Christian discipleship.

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Is God Calling Me?

A personal story about discerning God’s call.

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Find the Source of Salvation

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

Saint John Nepomucene (1345-1393)

Saint John Nepomucene was a renowned preacher and a member of the 14th-century Bohemian court of King Wenceslaus IV. While at court, Saint John was a peacemaker and solved many arguments and disagreements. He was also the queen's confessor. When …

Blessed Luigi and Maria Beltrame Quattrocchi (20th Century)

Two of the first people Pope John Paul II beatified in the new millennium were Luigi and Maria (Corsini) Beltrame Quattrocchi. They were an Italian couple who were married for forty-six years. They had four children, three of whom entered …

Blessed Julian of Norwich (c.1342-1420)

Julian of Norwich was an anchoress (from the Greek word for recluse) who lived a life of solitude and contemplation. Julian stepped away from worldly activity to spend her days contemplating God. As part of her daily life, she lived …

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The Wonders of God's Creation

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

Saint Catherine Laboure (1806-1876)

From the time that she was a young child, Saint Catherine Laboure felt called to religious life. However, after her mother passed away, young Catherine was charged with taking care of the household, while her older sister joined a religious …

Saint Junipero Serra (1713-1784)

Junipero Serra was born in Majorca, Spain, in 1713, and was ordained a Franciscan priest in 1737. He spent most of his priestly life as a missionary in Mexico, Texas, and California. During his ministry Father Serra is believed to …

Blessed John Duns Scotus (c.1265-1308)

Blessed John Duns Scotus was part of a well-off family of farmers. He is referred to as "Duns Scotus" to specify where he was born--Scotland. He joined the Friars Minor at Dumfries, and began his studies after novitiate. In those …

Saint Columba (521-597)

Tradition tells us that Saint Columba was born in Donegal, Ireland. After completing his studies, Saint Columba was ordained to the priesthood, and devoted a large portion of his life to preaching throughout Ireland and Scotland. At the age of …

Saint Pothinus (87-177)

Saint Pothinus was the bishop of Lyons, France. When he was at the advanced age of 90 years old, he and his Christian companions were detained by an angry mob and brought to the magistrate for trial based on their …

Saint John of Cassian (360-435)

Saint John of Cassian was a monk and religious writer. He befriended and defended Saint John Chrysostom in Rome. After his defense, Saint John of Cassian was ordained to the priesthood and he established several monasteries in Europe. He is …

Saint Anastasia (d.304)

Saint Anastasia was a Roman of noble lineage. Her father was a pagan, but her mother, a Christian, had Saint Anastasia baptized as a baby and secretly raised in the Christian faith. Saint Anastasia married a man named Publius, who …

Pope Saint Gregory VII (c.1020-1085)

When Saint Gregory VII became pope, the corruption of the clergy had become a serious scandal to the faithful of the Church. Pope Gregory VII saw the need for reform, so he dismissed the members of the clergy who had …

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Handout: Morally Good or Morally Suspect

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

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Prayer Questions

Reflection questions relating to prayer.

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Lord, This Is for You

Reflection on the First Commandment.

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I Have a Mission

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

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Learning about Learning

We can come to understand ourselves better by taking the time to review the process of learning the material in a unit.

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Learning about Learning

We can come to understand ourselves better by taking the time to review the process of learning the material in a unit.

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"The Fingerprints of God" Reflection Questions

A set of reflection questions on the song, “The Fingerprints of God” by Steven Curtis Chapman.

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Who Is God Calling Me to Become?

A series of questions that help young people reflect on what God is calling them to become.

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The Holy Trinity

A short video explaining the Holy Trinity and the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity.

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Feast of the Most Holy Trinity

A short video explaining the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity.

Seven Blessed Martyrs of Songkhon (d.1940)

The Seven Blessed Martyrs of Songkhon were seven Roman Catholics who were martyred in the village of Songkhon in northern Thailand. They were executed in December of 1940, in the midst of the Franco-Thai War, after being falsely accused of …

498 Spanish Martyrs (d.1934; d.1936; d.1937)

The Spanish Civil War began in 1936 and raged on until 1939. It was fought between the Republicans, who were loyal to the Spanish Republic, and the Nationalists, who opposed the Republicans and their persecution of Catholics. This period of …

Saints of the Cristero War (1926-1929)

The Cristero War, which took place between 1926 and 1929, was a rebellion against the anti-Catholic government in Mexico. This oppressive government was set on breaking down the Catholic faith of its people. Catholic institutions were shut down, foreign clergy …

Blessed Martyrs of Nowogrodek (d.1943)

The Blessed Martyrs of Nowogrodek are comprised of a group of Roman Catholic nuns from the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. These nuns were an important part of the town of Nowogrodek. During the oppressive occupation of Poland …

Saint Theophane Venard (1829-1861)

Saint Theophane Venard was brought up in a devout family. He was ordained to the priesthood and followed God's call to become a missionary to southeast Asia. Saint Theophane spent several months ministering to the faithful in Hong Kong, then …

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Who is Pope Francis?

A brief video on Pope Francis.