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Vocabulary for Unit 5
A list of vocabulary terms and definitions for Unit 5 of The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Third Edition.
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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 5
Several final performance task project options for Unit 5 of The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Third Edition.
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Just a Closer Walk with Thee
A worksheet where students are asked to read and reflect on the Gospel of Luke’s powerful image of how Christ is present in the celebration of the Eucharist through the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus.
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What Is a Symbol?
A worksheet on symbols, their abstract meanings, and how they are integral parts of Church liturgies.
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Sacred Time: The Liturgical Calendar
A worksheet where students are asked to fill in information on the liturgical calendar.
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Sacraments as Privileged Encounters with Jesus Christ
A worksheet that looks at the seven Sacraments.
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Vocabulary for Unit 4
A list of vocabulary terms and definitions from Unit 4 of The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Third Edition.
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Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 4
An evaluation rubric for the project ideas from Unit 4 of The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Third Edition.
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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 4
Several project ideas that coincide with Unit 4 of The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Third Edition.
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World Religions and the Catholic Church
An activity where students are asked to research several religious traditions, complete a comparison chart, and then reflect on their findings.
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Marks of the Church
A chart that students are asked to fill in with at least two examples of ways the Church models the four marks of the Church, and at least two examples of ways they model the four marks of the Church.
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Five Models of the Church
An activity where students are given a chart containing the meanings, strengths, and limitations of each of the five models of the Church and asked to answer related questions.
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Could I Walk in Your Shoes?
A survey that will help students consider how difficult it might be to walk in the shoes of another person who may be quite different from them.
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Jesus Reveals the Kingdom of God
Scripture passages that go along with the group assignment that uses parables to see the Kingdom of God.
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Seeing the Kingdom of God Through Parables
A group assignment on using parables to see the Kingdom of God.
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The Goodness of Creation
A worksheet on the goodness of creation, using Scripture passages from the Book of Genesis.
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My Understanding of the Mission of Jesus Christ
A worksheet on students’ understandings of the mission of Jesus Christ.
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Vocabulary for Unit 3 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth”
Vocabulary terms and definitions for Unit 3 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth.”
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Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 3 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth”
An evaluation rubric for the final performance task options for Unit 3 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth.”
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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 3 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth”
Several final performance task options for Unit 3 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth.”
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What Is Faith?
An activity on the best description of faith, based on students’ experiences and understanding.
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Who Is Jesus?
An activity where students rate their level of agreement on statements about Jesus.
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Vocabulary for Unit 2 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth”
Vocabulary terms and definitions for Unit 2 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth.”
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Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 2 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth”
An evaluation rubric for the final performance task options for Unit 2 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth.”
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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 2 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth”
Several final performance task options for Unit 2 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth.”
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Aquinas' Five Proofs for the Existence of God
A listing of Saint Thomas Aquinas’ five proofs for the existence of God.
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Interview Questions for a Practicing Catholic
A list of interview questions to ask a practicing Catholic.
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Vocabulary for Unit 1 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth.”
Vocabulary terms and definitions for Unit 1 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth.”
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What Do I Know About Catholicism?
An assignment where students test their knowledge of Catholicism.
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Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 1 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth”
An evaluation rubric for the final performance task options for Unit 1 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth.”
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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 1 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth”
Several final performance task options for Unit 1 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth.”
Presentation
The Book of Revelation: Message to a Persecuted Community
A PowerPoint presentation on how the message of the Book of Revelation pertains to a persecuted Christian community.
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Christian Persecutions in the Roman Empire
An article on the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire.
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Chalk Talk
Steps on how to facilitate a silent conversation in writing in response to a topic or question posed.
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Bloom's Taxonomy
A short reading where the six levels of Bloom’s taxonomy of the cognitive domain are explained.
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Sustained Silent Reading
An article on how to use sustained silent reading as an effective tool in the classroom.
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Why the Second Vatican Council Really Is That Important
An article on the importance of the Second Vatican Council.
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Events at the Second Vatican Council
An article on the events that took place at the Second Vatican Council.
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The Two Pentecosts
A chart used to draw parallels between the feasts of Shavuot and Christian Pentecost.
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Abraham's Family Tree
A worksheet where students work to fill in Abraham’s family tree, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Covenant, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
A worksheet that uses certain Scripture passages to describe covenants, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Historical Genre Stations, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
An activity where students read certain Scripture passages and look for illustrations of community and identity, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Small Passage Midrash, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
An activity where students read an assigned Scripture passage of the mythical genre and then work on interpreting what they have read, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Order of Creation, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
A worksheet where students are to organize several Creation events into the proper order in which they occurred. Students are to look at both of the Creation stories in the Book of Genesis.
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JEDP Reading for Perspective, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
An activity dealing with different perspectives of the same event, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Vocabulary for Unit 2 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
A sheet of vocabulary terms and definitions for Unit 2 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 2 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
A grading rubric for the final performance task options for Unit 2 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 2 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
Several final performance task options for Unit 2 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Vocabulary terms for Unit 1 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
A sheet of vocabulary terms, and blank spaces for students to write in the definitions, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Mind Map
A mind map for a brainstorming activity on the Bible, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Learning about Learning
A review of students’ understanding of unit material and their learning experiences. This review consists of several questions and encourages additional written feedback from students.
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Socratic Seminar Observation Form - Student
A student observation form for the Socratic seminar debate method.
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Socratic Seminar Symbol Codes
Socratic seminar symbol codes to help quickly evaluate a seminar speaker.
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The Socratic Seminar
A reading on the process and expectations for the Socratic Seminar debate.
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Using Rubrics to Assess Work
A reading on using rubrics to assess or evaluate students’ work.
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Using Final Performance Tasks to Assess Understanding
A reading on using final performance tasks in the classroom to assess students' understanding.
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The One-Act Play
One-act plays give students the opportunity to be creative as they explore a concept, issue, dilemma, person, or situation.
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Expert Groups
A reading on how expert groups are a valuable classroom instructional strategy that helps to build student confidence, class collaboration, and expertise in chosen topics.
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Suicide Prevention
A document on suicide prevention including warning signs, action steps, online resources, and lifesaving facts to consider.
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Using Graphic Organizers
A reading on how to use graphic organizers as learning tools to deepen understanding.
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Audits: Point of Inquiry
This document explains the educational benefits of an audit, instructions on how to assign an audit, and an example of an audit handout.
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Using Learning Stations
Instructions on how to effectively use Learning Stations in the classroom.
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Using a Mind Map
A reading on using a mind map, which is a creative way to introduce a concept.
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The Whip Around
A reading on a quick and participative assessment tool called the whip-around.
Video
Mysteries: Celibacy
A documentary discussing the historical/theological precedents for celibacy.
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Mysteries of the Church: SEMINARY
Explains how priests were formed in the early stages of Christianity.
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Mysteries of the Church: APOCALYPSE
An explanation of the apocalypse as discussed in the book of Revelation.
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Mysteries of the Church: Jesus' Arrest & Trial
A documentary explaining the events surrounding Jesus' arrest and trial.
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Mysteries of the Church: The Early Evangelists
A documentary discussing the early church, its members, and the means by which it expanded. Note: Viewing begins at 1:10.
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Mysteries of the Church: Women in the Church
A documentary discussing the integral and often contentious role of women, past and present, in the Catholic Church. Note: Viewing begins at 1:01.
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Mysteries of the Church: The Crusades
A documentary chronicling the events of the Crusades and their lasting impact.
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Mysteries of the Church: Christianity and Science
A cinematographically excellent documentary explaining in colloquial and relatable language the unexpectedly amicable relationship between science and Christianity.
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Mysteries of the Church: Christian Denominations
A cinematographically excellent documentary explaining in colloquial and relatable language the history of the development of many Christian denominations.
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Join JVC
A brief description of the work and lives of the college-age volunteers of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC). JVC is an example of an organization putting the ideas of Catholic Social Justice into practice.
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The Easter story animated 3/3 - Jesus is Alive
A short series using cartoons to depict the story of Jesus' death and resurrection.
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The Easter Story Animated 2/3 - The Death of Jesus
A short series using cartoons to depict the story of Jesus' death and resurrection.
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The Easter Story Animated 1/3 - Jesus is Nailed to a Cross
A short series using cartoons to depict the story of Jesus' death and resurrection.
Presentation
Bible Covenants - PowerPoint
This PowerPoint is part of the Living in Christ Series. It explains the difference between covenant and contract, reviews the 5 major covenants in the Old Testament, and discusses the New Covenant in Christ.
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"Tools of Evangelization" Word Search
Please note that this document is only available as a PDF.
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Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 2
This rubric is part of the Living in Christ Series. It serves as a guide for assessing students on projects that communicate key ideas about the Catholic Church, especially its scriptural basis and origin.
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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 2
This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers ideas for assessing students who have recently learned about the Church, especially the birth of the Church at Pentecost.
Link
The List of Popes
https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12272b.htm
A full list of all of the Popes with links to information about each Pope.
Presentation
The Mystery of Suffering - PowerPoint
This PowerPoint is part of the Living in Christ Series. Rather than a philosophical or theological discussion of the mystery of suffering, this resource asks students to meditate and think about Jesus' example of suffering for people he loves.
Presentation
Symbols of the Paschal Mystery - PowerPoint
This PowerPoint is part of the Living in Christ Series. It uses vivid images to discuss the various signs and symbols that represent the Paschal Mystery. Students are asked to reflect on why a certain symbol is significant.
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Bible Search Challenge 1
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Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 5
This rubric is part of the Living in Christ Series. It serves as a guide for assessing students on projects covering the main ideas of the Paschal Mystery, especially the institution of the Church and the Sacraments.
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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 5
This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers various project ideas for students who have recently studied the Paschal Mystery, especially the birth of the Church at Pentecost, the descent of the Holy Spirit, and the …
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Political and Religious Structure in Jesus' Time
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an extensive overview of the political and religious structures and influences at work in Jesus' time.
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The Parable of Juan and the Fishbowl Reflection
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can answer basic, advanced, and highly reflective questions about the story.
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The Parable of Juan and the Fishbowl
This story is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a modern day parable that illustrates the necessity and perfection of the Incarnation. There is a PowerPoint that corresponds as a visual aid to the story.
Presentation
Introduction to Salvation History - PowerPoint
This PowerPoint presentation is part of the Living in Christ Series. It explores salvation history, the transmission of Divine Revelation, and the role of the Magisterium.
Presentation
What Is the Incarnation? - PowerPoint
This PowerPoint is part of the Living in Christ Series. Using scripture and the Catechism, this resources discusses what the Incarnation is and why it is important in Christianity.
Presentation
The Trinity: Unpacking the Nicene Creed - PowerPoint
<p>This PowerPoint is part of the Living in Christ Series. The Trinitarian themes of the Nicene Creed are defined, unpacked and explored by breaking the prayer down and reflecting on smaller statements of faith.</p>
Presentation
The Acts of the Apostles and Saint Paul - PowerPoint
This PowerPoint is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an overview of the Acts of the Apostles and the Pauline and non-Pauline letters of Saint Paul in the New Testament.
Presentation
How the Bible Came To Be - PowerPoint
This PowerPoint is part of the Living in Christ Series. It introduces the development of the New Testament canon from Oral Tradition through translation.
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The Apostles
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the Apostles and followers of Jesus who are known in Scripture, including Peter and Mary Magdalene, among others.
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Canons and Their Development
This article discusses the development of the Old and New Testament Canons and provides charts which compare and contrast different Christian or Jewish canons.
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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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Vocabulary for Unit 2
This vocabulary list is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students may use it as a reference for key theological terms to know.
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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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Vocabulary for Unit 1
This vocabulary list is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students may use it as a reference for key theological terms to know.
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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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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
Video
Lifehouse's Everything Skit
This skit is a powerful depiction of the human weakness in the face of temptations and the love of Jesus Christ, who conquers sin and death.
Video
Why is the Mass Changing?
The Mass Is Changing...How? Why? And what does it all mean for you? Catholic Answers Senior Apologist Jimmy Akin explains why the Church has decided to issue a new translation of the Roman Missal.
Video
Porn - What's the Harm?
Jason Evert speaks with youths about pornography and its impact on love and relationships. This video addresses one of the most prominent issues for male adolescents, and is explained by one of the most relatable professionals.
Video
Early Church Fathers
This video presents an explanation of who the Early Church Fathers were and what they did for the Church.
Video
26 Years of World Youth Days
A video produced by Grassroots Films (http://www.grassrootsfilms.com/ ) for World Youth Day 2011 Madrid, showing the WYD experience.
Article
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 …
Article
From the Author: Beth Dotson Brown
God is always at work in my life and once in awhile, I am blessed with the knowledge about where God is guiding me precisely when it's happening.So it was in the summer of 2005. As a longtime freelance writer …
Article
Paul's Conversion
Background for the Teacher This session focuses our attention on Paul's conversion experience. Using a hard-boiled egg and a raw egg as focusing symbols, the young people reflect on the meaning of conversion. Then two or three of the participants …
Article
Taking Care of Myself: Prayer for Stress Relief
Reflection Sleep is a natural part of everyone's life, but many of us know little about how important it is. Sleep is something our bodies need to do; it is not an option. Sleep does indeed sustain us. Not only …
Article
Meeting Jesus at the Movies: Cinema Divina for Teachers
One of the most spiritually powerful essays I have ever read is "To Fall in Love with the World: Individualism and Self-Transcendence in American Life" by John M. Staudenmeier, S.J. (Institute of Jesuit Studies, May 1994). The author asks: "How …
Article
Nurturing Spirituality with Faculty and Staff
This vision paper presents stories and ideas of Catholic educators who care deeply about their faith, their vocation, and their school communities. It is a reflection on how staff spiritual development empowers the mission to teach as Jesus did. The …
Article
Blessed are the Media Makers . . .
Imagine if a teacher brought students to the school library and allowed them to read anything they wanted without ever asking a single question or demanding that students think critically about what they were reading. Preposterous! What teacher would ever …
Article
Program aims to get youth excited about Bible
Young people in the diocese are getting excited about Scripture and it's all part of a national effort called "Yes! Youth Engaging Scripture." YES is a Catholic teen-to-teen Bible sharing concept and to date, some 1,800 young people have been …
Article
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 …
Article
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 …
Article
The First Address from Pope Benedict XVI
"Grace and peace in abundance to all of you! In my soul there are two contrasting sentiments in these hours. On the one hand, a sense of inadequacy and human turmoil for the responsibility entrusted to me yesterday as the …
Article
Advent: Let God be God . . .
----- Being in the wilderness reminds me to let God be God. When I'm at home In the day to day I forget Sometimes I try to make God mine To make God do things the way I think they …
Article
November, National Child Safety Month: Preparing for safe and sacred places
Preparing for Safe and Sacred Places Some experts predict the presence of at least one abuser and one victim of abuse anytime there is a gathering focusing on this topic. Someone in your community might be experiencing abuse of some …
Article
November, National Child Safety Month: Preventing Abuse
Ongoing Prevention and Education Your community can do several things to inform, prevent, and respond to sexual abuse. The following are essential strategies you will want to incorporate into parish- or school-wide ministries: • All young people need to know …
Article
November, National Child Safety Month: Considerations in Ministry Planning
CONSIDERATIONS IN MINISTRY PLANNING All adults who work with children and or young people must be capable of exercising good judgment and wisdom in their ministry. We recommend that you consider the following questions when planning any activity involving children …
Article
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 …
Article
Resources for Parents Who Want to View The Passion of the Christ with Their Teenage Children
Things to Remember Film is an art form, and many genres and subgenres exist within film. Comedy is a genre. Within that genre one could name romantic comedies, slapstick comedies, and dark comedies as subgenres. Before reading a piece of …
Article
Who Does the Movie Say Killed Jesus?
Much of the controversy about The Passion of the Christ centers around one question: Who killed Jesus? The Anti-Defamation League feels the movie lays the blame at the feet of the Jews. Mel Gibson, the movie's director, producer and cowriter, …
Article
Artist Appreciation Month: Graphic Images of Christ's Passion in Art
Mel Gibson is not the first person to shock the public with a graphically violent portrayal of the Passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In 1515, Matthias Grunewald revealed an artwork called The Isenheim Altarpiece to the monks and churchgoers …
Article
Survival in Youth Ministry
In 1994 Saint Mary's Press published a book called Survival in Youth Ministry, by Robert J. McCarty, executive director of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. As youth ministry continues to mature in the United States, we would like …
Article
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. …
Article
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 …
Article
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 …
Article
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 …
Article
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 …
Article
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 …
Article
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 …
Article
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: …
Article
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 …
Article
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 …
Article
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 …
Article
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 …
Article
Frequently Asked Questions About the Pope
What is the pope? The pope is the bishop of the Church of Rome, Italy. Because of the importance of Rome, Tradition recognizes the pope as the supreme pastor of all Christians. Why is the Church of Rome so important? …
Article
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. …
Article
Unchurched Teens: Teens Who Don't Profess Church Affiliation Rises
According to a 2002 study the number of teens with no religious affiliation has risen by over 15 million young people since 1990. That is an average increase of over 1.15 million young people annually. When presented with such statistics, …
Article
Raising Up Leaders
I had a fascinating time with a group of young leaders. I was most struck by the diversity of the young people from a particular area. They came from single parent households, working-class families, and professional families. They were black …
Article
The Important of Process
I usually learn things the hard and long way. I have sponsored many prayer services, service projects and other such activities for teenagers. Prior to the event, I am usually consumed with details. Permission slips, transportation, food, and the schedule …
Article
God's Work or My Work? What is Ministry to Teens?
It had been a very successful year for the youth ministry program in the parish. Young people where involved everywhere in the church, adult volunteers were both plentiful and dedicated, and young people were being transformed. But I was perplexed. …
Article
Contemporary Music, Ageless Wisdom: Using the Language of Teens to Speak the Gospel
It is no secret that teens are absolutely immersed in music. The question for those ministering to youth is, "Should we make a stance against the kinds of music kids are listening to or should we use their music to …
