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Extra! Extra!
Students read two “news articles” and evaluate the morality of each by answering a series of questions.
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Samson Smart
This is a set of riddles to challenge students as they learn about Samson in the Old Testament.
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Music to My Ears
Students evaluate a contemporary piece of music based on several different categories of violence and disrespect.
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Ways to Respect Life
This worksheet challenges students to think about how they can value the dignity of life on a day-to-day basis.
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Justice in the World
This worksheet challenges students to think about how the teachings about Justice from the Bishops of the World apply to their daily lives.
Video
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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Teachings from the Catechism
This worksheet challenges students to think about how the teachings from the Catechism on the fourth commandment apply to their daily lives.
Video
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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Which Way Shall We Go?
This handout provides a chart for students to list activities that are best to do on Sunday and those that should be saved for other days of the week.
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A Doctrinal Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt to find important Church doctrines, teachings and beliefs in the Catechism.
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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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The Transfiguration of Jesus
This worksheet helps students to read Scripture passages, answer questions about, and understand the importance of the Transfiguration of Jesus.
Video
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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Lead Me Not into Temptation
This handout presents different roles for students to act out from a real-life theft situation
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The Bible’s Practical Moral Advice
This worksheet guides students as they look up Scripture passages that give moral advice.
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Beatitudes Strips
A list of the Beatitudes organized to be cut into strips for a class activity.
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Exodus, Chapters 19–20
This handout provides a note-taking guide while reading chapters 19-20 from Exodus.
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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 …
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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.
Video
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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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.
Video
Upon This Rock I’m Gonna Build My Church
The song "Upon This Rock I’m Gonna Build My Church," by Judith Gayle and Shamar Barrett, available on YouTube (4:33), makes a personal statement about faith in a Caribbean style. It is best used on day 4.
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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.
Presentation
Chapter E The Bible: Women of the Old Testament
This PowerPoint accompanies Chapter E by giving a summary of the stories of Rebecca, Ruth, Judith, and Esther.
Presentation
Chapter D The Bible: The First Kings of Israel
This PowerPoint follows along with the concepts presented in Chapter D of The Old Testament and the Trinity.
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Chapter C The Bible: Joshua and Judges
This PowerPoint accompanies Chapter C by giving a summary of the stories of Joshua, Deborah, and Samson.
Presentation
Chapter B The Bible: The Exodus
This PowerPoint accompanies Chapter B by giving a summary of the story of Moses and the Exodus.
Presentation
Chapter A The Bible: The Patriarchs
This PowerPoint follows along with the concepts presented in Chapter A of The Old Testament and the Trinity.
Presentation
Chapter 8 The Bible: Covenants
This PowerPoint follows along with the concepts presented in Chapter 8 of The Old Testament and the Trinity.
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Chapter 7 The Human Person
This PowerPoint accompanies Chapter 7 by exploring what it means to be human.
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Chapter 6 Creation
This PowerPoint accompanies Chapter 6 by exploring creation and the existence of evil.
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Chapter 5 The Bible: The Old Testament
This PowerPoint follows along with the concepts presented in Chapter 5 of The Old Testament and the Trinity.
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Chapter 4 The Holy Trinity
This PowerPoint accompanies Chapter 4 by exploring the central mystery of the Catholic faith: the Trinity.
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Chapter 3 God the Father
This PowerPoint follows along with the concepts presented in Chapter 3 of The Old Testament and the Trinity.
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Chapter 2 The Bible: God’s Plan for Salvation
This PowerPoint follows along with the concepts presented in Chapter 2 of The Old Testament and the Trinity.
Presentation
Chapter 1 Revelation, Sacred Scripture, and Sacred Tradition
This PowerPoint follows along with the concepts presented in Chapter 1 of The Old Testament and the Trinity.
Document
Has It Ever Happened to You?
This is a set of interview questions to find out about an adult’s experience of being cheated or wronged.
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Be Careful What You Ask For
This is a list of Scripture passages to be acted out from 1 Samuel
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Samson Strong
This is a score card to keep track of physical activities based on Samson from the Old Testament.
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The Ten Commandments
This handout asks students to keep a running record of how they observe the Ten Commandments in their actions throughout a week.
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Mary’s Little Lamb
This worksheet helps students to reflect on the numerous images of the lamb found in Scripture.
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Supernatural Beliefs: What’s Right?
This worksheet guides students to identify and research Church teachings on supernatural beings.
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Biblical Heroes
This handout assigns groups to read Scripture passages to learn about a specific biblical hero.
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The Stages of Salvation History
This chart allows students to organize information about the stages of salvation history.
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Interview Chart for Religious Beliefs
This chart allows students to see the comparison between the beliefs of five major religions and those of the Catholic Church.
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Religious Identity Descriptions
This handout provides the religious identities for five major world religions.
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Introduction to the Old Testament
This worksheet guides students to explore and become familiar with the sections of the Old Testament.
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Cases to Examine: Self-respect
This handout provides three situations where teenagers are not fully respecting themselves. Students read the situations and respond with suggestions that demonstrate more self-respect.
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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.
Video
Asking the Saints and Mary for Prayers
A personal reflection on why Catholics ask the saints and Mary for prayers.
Video
Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory
An easy-to-understand explanation of what Catholics believe about Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory.
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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.
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Handbook Session Overviews
Overviews of the five sections in the Catholic Connections Handbook for Middle Schoolers, Second Edition.
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Catechist Guide Overviews
As stated in other sections of this online resource, three catechist guides accompany the sessions presented in The Catholic Connections Handbook for Middle School- ers, Second Edition (CCH). Each session in the CCH is supported by a session in the …
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Program Scheduling
A guide for how to schedule programs based on the Catholic Connections program.
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Getting Started
This segment will help you to get started with Catholic Connections. First it de- scribes details about the program and section features. Then it describes specific “getting started” tasks and provides a checklist for your planning.
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Catechist Tip Sheet 6: Using Scripture
A tip sheet for catechists focusing on using scripture.
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Catechist Tip Sheet 5: Helping Young Adolescents to Pay Attention
A tip sheet for catechists focusing on helping young adolescents to pay attention.
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Catechist Tip Sheet 4: Effective Group Management
A tip sheet for catechists focusing on effective group management.
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Catechist Tip Sheet 3: Effective Storytelling
A tip sheet for catechists focusing on effective storytelling.
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Catechist Tip Sheet 2: Active Learning and Faith Formation
A tip sheet for catechists focusing on active learning and faith formation.
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The Cardinal Virtues
A handout on defining the Cardinal Virtues and describing how a person who exhibits the Cardinal Virtues acts.
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Sacraments as Privileged Encounters with Jesus Christ
A worksheet that looks at the seven Sacraments.
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Sabbath Reflection Grid
An organizational grid to help students reflect on how they spent their Sabbath.
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The Holy Spirit
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers a brief introduction to the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit.
Article
The Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Holy Orders and Matrimony
This session from Catechetical Sessions on Liturgy and the Sacraments invites participants to consider the unique ways in which ordained ministers and married people serve the people of God, responsibilities that are presented in the vows they take in either …
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