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Introduction to the Psalms
A worksheet on the psalms using the Introduction to the Book of Psalms in “The Catholic Youth Bible.”
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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 8 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
Several final performance task options for Unit 8 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Wisdom throughout Salvation History
A worksheet on wisdom throughout salvation history, using Wisdom 10:1-21 to answer questions.
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Ecclesiastes Stations
An activity where students are asked to visit three Ecclesiastes stations and fill in the corresponding categories.
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Identifying and Defining Wisdom
A worksheet on identifying and defining wisdom using Scripture passages.
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Wisdom Literature
A worksheet with questions based on the “Introduction to the Wisdom and Poetry Books” in The Catholic Youth Bible.
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Preassessment Statements on Wisdom
Several preassessment statements on wisdom for students to agree with, disagree with, or state they are unsure about.
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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 7 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
Several final performance task options for Unit 7 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Prophecy Stations
An activity where students are to visit three stations and fill in the presented categories for each passage.
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Prophet
A worksheet on different prophets, their messages, the obstacles they faced, and people’s responses to them.
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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 6 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
Several final performance task options for Unit 6 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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What Happened to the United Kingdom of Israel?
An activity where students are asked to visit four stations, read and reflect on the Scripture passage at each station, and then enter the Scripture citation and fill in the answers for the categories under each passage in the spaces …
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Socratic Seminar: Israel's Demand for a King
Instructions for an in-class debate on Israel’s demand for a King.
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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 5 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
Several final performance task options for Unit 5 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Ruth and Naomi
A worksheet where students are asked to answer questions about Ruth and Naomi, using the Book of Ruth.
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The Cycle of Judges, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
Questions on the cycle of judges, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Moses and Joshua: Small-Group Project, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
A small-group project where students compare and contrast Moses and Joshua as leaders of Israel, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Set Apart Again
An activity where students are asked to visit three to four stations in the classroom, read the Scripture passages they find there, and then answer several short questions.
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The Historical Books
An activity where students are asked to fill in a chart with information on each of the historical books of the Bible.
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Brainstorm Map: Leadership, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
A mind map for a brainstorming activity on leadership, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 4 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
Several final performance task options for Unit 4 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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A People Set Apart
An activity where students are asked to read their assigned Scripture passage, briefly summarize, determine the theme and focus of the passage, and present their finding to the class.
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Festivals and Holy Days: Research Project, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
A research project on festivals and holy days, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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The Ten Commandments, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
A worksheet where students delve deeper into the Ten Commandments, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Miracles, Plagues, and Signs, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
A worksheet on miracles, plagues, and signs, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Moses Stations
An activity where students are asked to visit each “Moses Station” based on an Old Testament Scripture passage. Students are then asked to give a brief summary of the passage, list the individuals involved, make a connection to a Scriptural …
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Israel in Egypt
A worksheet where students are asked to work in groups to read Scripture passages that illustrate the development of the Israelite community and identity.
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Preassessment Exodus Jeopardy, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
A fun preassessment Jeopardy activity to test students’ current knowledge of the Exodus, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 3 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
Several final performance task options for Unit 3 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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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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Definition Lab: Vocation, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
A worksheet that uses certain Scripture passages to define vocation, 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 Identification Worksheet
A worksheet where students work to identify if a Scripture passage was written by a Yahwist, Elohist, Deuteronomist, or Priestly author.
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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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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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Biblical Timeline Quest, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
A Biblical Timeline Quest, using certain Scripture passages from the Old Testament, 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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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 1 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
Several final performance task options for Unit 1 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Scriptural Background for the Sacraments of Healing
Several Scripture passages that act as Scriptural background for the Sacraments of healing.
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The Eucharist in the Scriptures
A worksheet on the numerous accounts of the Eucharist in the Scriptures.
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The Disciples on the Road to Emmaus Part II
Discussion questions based on The Disciples on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35).
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Who Is the Holy Spirit
A worksheet that uses Scripture passages to help students discover who the Holy Spirit is.
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Ordinary Discipleship and Matthew, Chapter 25
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. It focuses on Matthew 25, highlighting the works of mercy Jesus' speaks of, asking students to reflect on the skills need for each type of ministry and discipleship.
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Gifts of the Holy Spirit
This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can learn about the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit and use their own words to describe what each gift is.
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The Power of the Holy Spirit in Acts of the Apostles
This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can explores the effects of the Holy Spirit in the Acts of the Apostles and today.
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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.
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New Testament Images of Church
A worksheet where students are asked to read select Scripture passages and summarize what they say about New Testament images of Church.
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Sharing in the Ministry of Jesus: Priest, Prophet, and King
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Groups of students can answer questions about Jesus as Priest, Prophet or King and reflect on models and characteristics of these distinct but related ministries.
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The Prodigal Son A Story of Conversion
This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can reflect on and answer questions about the conversion of the Prodigal Son.
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Partner Mix and Match
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students must match various scripture passages whose beginning and end are on separate sheets.
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Redemptive Suffering in the Ministry of Jesus
This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students must look up various scripture passages referring to Jesus' suffering and answer questions about the scenario and the significance of redemptive suffering.
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Research on the Sacraments
This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers a chart to fill in various question and key points in discussing the Sacraments, and serves as good preparation for students doing research.
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Visual Meditation on the Ascension
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students may reflect on images of Jesus' Ascension and answer these questions.
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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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The Resurrection Narratives
This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can answer questions comparing and contrasting various aspects of the four Gospel accounts of the Resurrection.
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The Miracles of Jesus
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can work in groups to look up passages of some of Jesus' miracles and reflect on them together.
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Reading the Parables
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students must look up some of Jesus' parables and answer questions about the analogy and imagery used and the message being given about the Kingdom of God.
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Using Hevruta
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It explains the value of using the Hevruta method of reading and dialogue in the classroom.
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The Baptism of Jesus
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can read the account of Jesus' baptism and answer questions about it.
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Using the Lectionary to Understand How God’s Ancient Promises Are Fulfilled in Jesus
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can use this handout to explore some Old Testament prophecies that find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
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Symbolic Language and Religious Truth: Genesis 1-3
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. It asks students to explore the Book of Genesis to find symbolic language and discuss its meaning with other students.
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The Men Who Followed Jesus
This chart is part of the Living in Christ Series. It outlines the men who followed Jesus, including their names, significance in scripture, and biblical references where they are mentioned.
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The Prophets
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It uses Scripture to discuss the role of a prophet as a spokesperson for God in the Old Testament.
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Kings Saul and David: The Books of Samuel
This article gives an overview of the Books of Samuel, especially the reign of King Saul - the first king of Israel - and King David.
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Compare and Contrast: Abraham and Moses
In this exercise the students compare and contrast the covenant experiences of Abraham and Moses to gain a deeper understanding of the role of covenant in the history of the Jewish people.
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The Sinai Covenant and the Ten Commandments
This article discusses the Old Testament covenants and codes, the wilderness period, and the Ten Commandments.
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Senses of Scripture and the Annunciation
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can analyze the story of the Annunciation through the literal, moral, spiritual, anagogical, and allegorical sense of interpretation.
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Pentecost
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can read the account of Pentecost in the Acts of the Apostles and answer questions about it.
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The Ascension of Jesus
This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can read the account of Jesus' Ascension and answer questions about it.
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Gospel Basics: Comparing the Four
This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series. It helps students identify the differences between the four gospel accounts with reference to who, what, when and where each author was writing.
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Biblical Scavenger Hunt for Events in the Life of Jesus
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a biblical scavenger hunt through the New Testament in order to find various key events in the life and ministry of Jesus.
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Messianic Prophecies Worksheet
This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series and goes along with the chart that contains information on the Old Testament prophecies which were fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Students can reflect on the Messianic Prophecies and answer questions.
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Ezekiel Symbolic Prophecy and Visions
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students are asked to read parts of the Book of Ezekiel and write down how Ezekiel is asked to symbolically act out the prophetic message.
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The Inner Life of the Prophet Jeremiah
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can student learn more about the prophet Jeremiah by reading parts of his Old Testament book.
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Evaluating the Prophet Isaiah
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students are given several passages from the Book of Isaiah and asked to describe the events described in the Bible.
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Kings and Prophets Worksheet
This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students answer questions about the kings and prophets of the Old Testament.
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The Prophetic Checklist
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can learn key characteristics of the prophets of the Old Testament and look up Biblical citations to correspond.
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Preparation Worksheet for Prophet Research Assignment
This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can use these questions prepare for and consider several facets of a prophet that they plan to research mor extensively.
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The Role of a Judge in Ancient Israel
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can learn more about important judges from the Old Testament.
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Graph for Evaluating Leadership Qualities
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students and teachers can use this to evaluation leadership qualities in the classroom and compare those qualities with various Biblical characters.
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What Kind of Leader Is Moses?
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students are asked to look up verses and make assessments about Moses' leadership in the Old Testament.
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Leadership Scavenger Hunt
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students are asked to fill out the characteristics and stories of various leaders in the Bible.
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Sprint Through Salvation History Scriptural Passages
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students are asked to explore the Bible for key events in the Old and New Testaments in Salvation History.
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Why Is Salvation History Necessary
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students are asked to reflect on episodes in the Book of Genesis and consider the necessity of Salvation History.
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Biblical Exegesis Worksheet
This activity is related to the "Biblical Exegesis Chart" and is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students must fill in the remaining column to answer questions about the exegetical work of various methods of biblical criticism.
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Practicing Biblical Exegesis
With this worksheet, students can practice Biblical exegesis with certain well-known Bible verses.
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Biblical Scavenger Hunt
In this activity, students are asked to find various famous Old Testament stories and events by searching through Scripture.
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How to Find a Scriptural Reference
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a great introduction to looking up scripture references in the Bible, and getting used to finding important stories by book, chapter and verse.
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Jesus Is Tempted
This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a helpful way to organize notes about Jesus' temptation in the desert - including what the temptation was, how he responded, and what students can learn from it.
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The Ministry of Jesus
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can study various moments in Jesus' ministry and the values he embodied.
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Jesus Walks the Talk
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. The grid helps students organize and answer different aspects of Jesus' life in the New Testament.
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Matrix Summary of Jesus' Teachings
This matrix is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers a convenient and helpful structure for students to take notes about Jesus' main teachings.
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Reflection on the Greatest Commandments
This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can study and reflect on the Greatest Commandments: to love God with your whole mind, body and soul, and to love your neighbor as yourself.
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Core Elements of a Parable
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students are assigned a parable and use this chart to discover the core elements of any of the parables that Jesus tells.
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Matthew's Sermon on the Mount
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can use this chart to write down questions, thoughts, or reactions to each section of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.
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Venn Diagram
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can use this handout to do a Venn Diagram of Gospel comparisons.
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Getting to Know Mary
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students must find various scripture passages regarding Mary and reflect on questions about her life and personality.
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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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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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Lasallian Meditation on Saint Paul
June 30: Saint Paul 140.1 First Point The most admirable trait in Saint Paul is his all-embracing and ardent zeal, which he first showed by defending the faith of Moses, in which he had been very well instructed.1 Because he …
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Exploring the Themes in Paul's Epistles
Background for the Catechist This session invites the participants to work in small groups to research some of Paul's major theological themes and create billboard representations to "sell" their assigned theme. In this way the young people get a deeper …
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Paul: A Unique Person
Background for the Teacher Saint Paul has fascinated Christians throughout history. The combination of his Jewish upbringing, his exposure to Greek culture, his fiery personality, and his openness to God's grace uniquely prepared him to spread the Gospel. This session …
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Paul: Legacy of Love
[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:7) Paul preached that the central message of Jesus Christ was love. Without love, no amount of faith or religious piety has any meaning. Paul …
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Paul: The Journey to Rome
If God is for us, who is against us? (Romans 8:31) In Paul's last trip to Jerusalem to say farewell before leaving to preach in Spain, he was arrested by the Romans. As a Roman citizen, Paul exercised his right …
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Paul: Missionary
[Paul] had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles. (Acts of the Apostles 14:27) Known as the apostle to the Gentiles (non-Jews), Paul was a leader in taking the Gospel message beyond Israel. With his trusted companions--Barnabas, John Mark, …
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Paul: Theologian
They were attempting to kill [Paul]. When the believers learned of it . . . they sent him off to Tarsus. (Acts of the Apostles 9:29–30) After his conversion, Paul began to preach, but when it became too dangerous, he …
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Paul: A Profound Conversion
[Saul] heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (Acts of the Apostles 9:4) It was on his way to Damascus that Paul was struck down by God and blinded. A brilliant light from heaven …
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Paul: Persecutor of Christians
Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women . . . To prison. (Acts of the Apostles 8:3) Convinced that following the teachings of Jesus was wrong, Paul pursued the early Christians …
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Paul: Religious Zeal
I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. (Galatians 1:14) A tent maker by trade, Paul's Jewish name was Saul. But because Paul …
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Paul's Missionary Journeys
Preparation Gather the following items: pens or pencils copies of The Catholic Youth Bible® or another Bible, one for each participant maps of Paul's journeys (See maps 7 and 8 from the Study Aids section in the back of The …
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Leader's Guide for The Master's Companion: A Christian Midrash
Table of Contents Beyond Scripture Helpful Hints for Using and Creating Midrash with Young People Classroom Activities Chapter 1: The Small Black Dog with the White Foot (John 4:1-30)--compassion for animals Chapter 2: A Night in the Garden (John 4:39-45)--significance …
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Leader's Guide for Coyote Meets Jesus
Stories are not just for young children. Everyone loves a good story and good storytelling is a useful tool for teaching. Using folktales as a teaching tool in a catechetical setting or a religion class can help teens understand the …
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In Times of Crisis
Overview This prayer service provides an opportunity for prayer and communal support during times of crisis. It may be used when an unexpected death occurs, in the aftermath of a natural disaster (such as a hurricane, a fire, a tornado, …
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National Bible Week: Daily Reading - A Gift to Me
A Gift to Me He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. (Mark 8:34) Throughout this Gospel, Mark shows …
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The Feast of Saint Cecilia
The Feast of Saint Cecilia "All their neighbors aided them with silver vessels, with gold, with goods,with animals, and with valuable gifts." (Ezra 1:6) Very little is known of Saint Cecilia. It is thought that she was martyred for her …
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Peace Creed
Writing a Peace Creed (15 minutes) 1. Tell the young people that as much as we might want peace to become a reality in our world, being a peacemaker takes a lot of hard work. The first steps are to …
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Scripture Search and Discussion: Living by the Spirit of Jesus
(25 minutes) Before the session. Ask one of the participants to serve as a reader. Then, write each of the four following words or phrases on a separate sheet of paper. If your group is large, you might want to …
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Family Relationships
Scripture Passage Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother"-- this is the first commandment with a promise: "so that it may be well with you and you may live long on …
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Assumption of Mary - Mary as a Disciple
Begin an exploration of Mary as the first disciple by explaining the word disciple, which means "follower, or one who believes in the teachings of a leader." Invite the students to examine the ways that Mary was a …
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Handout 1: The Walk to Emmaus
Characters: narrator, Jesus, Cleopas, second disciple Narrator: That very same day, two of the disciples were on their way to a village called Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking over all that had happened. Now as they …
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The Final Beginning: Ascension and Pentecost
Overview After Jesus' death, his followers were fearful, angry, grief-stricken, confused, and shattered. About fifty days later, at Pentecost, they were confident, joyful, determined, committed, and passionate. This topic of this session covers the time from the Resurrection until the …
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Lenten Justice Crosses
OVERVIEW Through this hands-on project, the young people help spread the Lenten message of conversion to justice. They also become familiar with the message of the prophet Micah and the traditional spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Suggested Time: …
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February 14: Valentine Puzzles
Preparation. Purchase or make a poster board heart, about 6 inches wide, for every four or five young people. Write on each heart a different scriptural verse that pertains to love. Include the citation. Here are some possible citations: Deut. …
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Epiphany: Following the Star
Scripture Isaiah 60:1-6. Camels bringing gold and frankincense will follow the light. Ephesians 3:2-3,5-6. The Gentiles are heirs with the Jews. Matthew 2:1-12. Astrologers followed the star, found Jesus, and brought him gifts. Theme Isaiah foretold that nations would gather …
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December 25: Reflection on Favorite Christmas Carols
Reflection on Favorite Christmas Carols Have the students, as a class, decide on their five favorite Christmas carols. To help them, take time to actually listen to Christmas carols in class. Doing this out of season will strike some students …
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Advent: Saint Joseph and Jesus
This can be easily adapted to a video call. 1. Gather the group in a circle for a moment of silence. Light the candle and read these passages about Joseph in the Gospel of Matthew (1:18-21 and 2:13-15). Ask the …
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Mass to Commemorate and Celebrate the Life of Pope Saint John Paul II
In light of the Pope's passing, this Mass script offers an order of service with prayers, music suggestions, intercessions, and other materials that will make planning a meaningful celebration as simple as possible when time is limited. This Mass can …
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The Offertory: The Lost Symbol in the Liturgy
When someone mentions the offertory, I often think about my weekly monetary contribution to my local parish. The venerable ushers march down the aisle with their wicker baskets, clumsily genuflect before the altar and begin weaving the baskets from left …
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Lectio Divina: Praying with the Scriptures
The Scriptures is one of the greatest riches possessed by Christians. Often attributed to Saint Jerome, there is the saying that "ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of God". However, Catholics are often less comfortable and deft with Scripture than Protestant …
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Be At Peace Among Yourselves
"Be at peace among yourselves." (1 Thessalonians 5:13) "None of us is alone in this world; each of us is a vital piece of the great mosaic of humanity as a whole." (Pope John Paul II, Israel-Palestine) Think About That …
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The Meal Ministry of Jesus
Ask the students to recall their favorite meal celebration. What made it so special? What was the occasion? Where were they? Who was present? What did they eat? What else happened there? Invite them to share with the class the …
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News from Ephesus
The student text points out that Christians in the Roman Empire were often in conflict with the Roman state over their refusal to worship the emperor. In the Acts of the Apostles, Luke tells a story in which Christians come …
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Singing Telegrams
Direct the students to read Matthew, chapters 1–2. Discuss the role of a messenger in the passage, noting the different messages delivered by angels. Form small groups. Instruct the groups each to compose and rehearse a singing telegram based on …
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Mathematical Equations for Matthew
Explain to the students that this activity is designed to familiarize them with the Gospel of Matthew. Mention that it asks them to solve and create some mathematical equations based on the Gospel. Write the following examples on the …
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Peaceful and Loving Advice
Peace to this household of God. This is one of the directives in Luke 10:1-20. Stay in a house that offers peace; it is good to be in this house of God. I had surgery back in May for the …
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Leadership and Service
Back in July, all the conditions seemed ideal for my first attempt at climbing Mount Rainier. I was in the best physical shape possible. I was emotionally and spiritually ready to climb Tahoma, the "Mountain of God." The weather that …
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Emergency Phone Numbers
When in sorrow, call John 14. When men fail you, call Psalm 27. If you want to be fruitful, call John 15. When you have sinned, call Psalm 51. When you worry, call Matthew 6:19-34. When you are in danger, …
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Feminine Images of God
Look up the following Scripture references and summarize each in the space provided. For each group of readings, come up with a category or theme. Isaiah 66:13 Isaiah 46:3 Isaiah 49:13-16 Hosea 11:1,3-4 Wisdom 16:25-26 Psalm 22:9-10 Isaiah 66:9 …
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Scripture Puppet Show
This assignment allows students to use their own creativity in the understanding and application of the Scriptures. Their grade for this assignment will be based on their ability to do the following tasks: Involve all members of the group. Create …
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Central Characteristics of Roman Catholicism
Catholicism is a remarkably rich religion, characterized by a complex tapestry of beliefs, practices, values, rituals, traditions, and more. When viewed "from the outside"--that is, by those who do not share its communal life--Catholicism is probably most frequently identified by …
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Jesus Always Liked You Best
Martha, Martha, you are anxious about many things . . ." Okay, I admit it up front. I am a recovering Martha. I like to think I'm on the road to Mary who has chosen the better part, but I …
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Who's Sorry Now?
For those of us old enough to remember, the phrase, "Love means never having to say you're sorry," produces a wry smile. It takes but a moment of reflection to realize the profound untruth of this statement. Life without "I'm …
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Everyday Works of Mercy
Are you more Christian than you give yourself credit for being? My belief is that there are many like that--that many dedicated Christian people have compartmentalized their lives and have excluded important and central areas of their lives from what …
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August 15: Assumption of Mary - Mary, the First Disciple
Considering how important Mary is in Christian history, the New Testament says little about her. What it does say, though, speaks volumes. SHE MAY BE THE MOST FAMOUS WOMAN who ever lived, and yet there is surprisingly little in the …
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Names and Images of God
Fill in the three columns ("Names for God," "Images of God," "Feelings Evoked by Names and Images") for each of the age categories in which you have lived to date. In the "Names for God" box, list all the names …
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Taking Off on the Ten Commandments
This classroom strategy is based on a method used by Fr. Steve Brice while teaching religion at Aquinas High School, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Young people love humor and satire. One way to alleviate pressures students feel from the culture around …
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Using Imaginative Retellings in Teaching the Bible
Biblical stories have been imaginatively retold over and over again for centuries. A particular type of retelling, in which students assume the role of a biblical character then retell the story using a first-person point of view, has proven effective …
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Introductory Activities for Teaching Christology
Mimi McCaul, who teaches at La Salle High School in Pasadena, California, passes along to you some of the strategies she uses in the course Jesus of History, Christ of Faith. Thanks, Mimi! Introductory Activity On the first or second …
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Emmaus Poem
A strange place to make a new beginning here on a dusty road not leading much of anywhere in a time when the ritual seasons have already turned and at dusk almost dark, in fact what an unsuitable place and …
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Praying the Psalms
Remember the television show from the late 80's called "Doogie Howser, M.D.?" At the end of every show, Doogie would sit down at his computer and write a 2 or 3 sentence "blurb" that perfectly summed up his day and …
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Four Writers of the Pentateuch
This is a good activity for getting students thinking about the importance of context when reading scripture. I use it as a starting point to address the four writers of the Torah (Jahwist, Elohist, Deuteronomist, Priestly), but it would serve …
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Back to School: Beatitude Jingles and Cheers
Jesus taught us what happiness is all about in a Christian lifestyle and summed it up in the Beatitudes. Many people know the Ten Commandments by heart, and that is great. But as a Christian, we should also know the …