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Lord's Prayer Drama

This video is a dramatization that helps explain the meaning of the different parts of the Lord's Prayer.

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Children Pray the Lord's Prayer

This video is an example of the video you can create with the children for an additional activity.

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Good Shepherd (Lead On)

This video is a meditative song based on Psalm 23.

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Guided Meditation before the Blessed Sacrament

An outline and script for a guided meditation before the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle. Have you explored Go Seek Find: Discover God’s Treasures yet? This one-of-a-kind sacrament prep program will help children discover how preparing for the sacraments is …

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Family Prayer before First Eucharist

These prayers will help your family focus more deeply on the celebration of First Eucharist that will take place soon. Through these prayers, you, your child, and your family will ask for guidance as you continue to grow as disciples …

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Friendship and Forgiveness Prayer Space

An activity, including a discussion and a craft, on forgiving friends and family members, based on The Catholic Children’s Bible featured story “Jesus Teaches Us to Forgive”, Matthew 18:21–35.

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Treasures of Our Faith Bingo Card

A fun activity to help children recall important facts of our Catholic faith.

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First Reconciliation Meal Prayer

Make this simple prayer card for your family table. The prayer is especially appropriate as preparation for First Reconciliation.

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Family Prayer before First Reconciliation

These prayers are intended to help your family focus more deeply on the celebration of First Reconciliation that will take place soon. You and your child will pray for guidance as you continue to grow as disciples and continue your …

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Gregorian Chant

The song/video "Gregorian Chant," performed by the Monastic Choir of the Abbey of St. Pierre de Solesmes, in 1930, is available on YouTube (45:19). The Abbey of Solesmes is a Benedictine monastery renowned for its teaching of chant. The first …

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The Nicene Creed in Original Greek

The video "The Nicene Creed in Original Greek," proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI and the Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, is available on YouTube (2:28) with excellent photos of the two prelates, art, and icons. It is best used …

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Sermon on the Mount: The Lord’s Prayer

The video "Sermon on the Mount: The Lord’s Prayer," by LearnAboutTheBible, available on YouTube (2:18), is the English of the King James version. It is best used on day 1.

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The Lord’s Prayer

The song/video "The Lord’s Prayer," performed by Andrea Bocelli and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, available on YouTube (4:30), is an option for opening prayer on day 4.

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What Is the Difference between Meditation and Contemplation?

The video "What Is the Difference between Meditation and Contemplation?" by Spiritual Direction, is available on YouTube (4:03). A Catholic priest explains these two forms of prayer. It is best used on day 4.

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Praying the Rosary

This supplemental PowerPoint accompanies Unit 5 by providing an overview of how to pray the rosary.

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The Nicene Creed and Commentary

This handout breaks down the Nicene Creed line-by-line and gives each a brief explanation and commentary.

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Miriam's Shabbat

A Sabbath Blessing.

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Handout: Psalm 23

An adaptation of Psalm 23 to be used in prayer or reflection

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From Fasting to Feasting

A short prayer that calls us to feast on kindness and compassion towards others.

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Eucharist

This prayer reflects on the true meaning of receiving and living the Eucharist.

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I Pray

This prayer for a large group asks for our eyes to be opened to the injustices in the world and our souls to be strengthened by Christ’s presence.

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One Solitary Life

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

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In Praise of the Creator

This prayer uses Psalm 95 to praise God our creator.

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Prayer Service: For Christian Unity

A short prayer service for Christian unity.

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Prayer Service: Forgiveness

A prayer service centered on forgiveness.

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Prayer Service: The Children of God

A prayer service.

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The Scriptures and Concern for Justice

A list of justice-centered biblical passages that can be used for preparing class prayers and liturgies, as a resource for assignments, and for your own reflection and prayer.

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Prayer in the Zone

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

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Handout: Praise Petition and Promise

The Lord’s Prayer includes three forms of prayer: praise, petition, and promise. Identify the types of prayer expressed in each phrase of the Lord’s Prayer.

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Handout: Called to Pray Together

A prayer based off of the Lord’s Prayer with a leader, a reader, and various responses.

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Handout: A Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours

A Liturgy of the Hours morning prayer with a leader, a reader, and various responses.

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Handout: Sharing with God

A guided meditation and opportunity for prayer.

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Handout: A Prayer for Forgiveness

A prayer about forgiveness.

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Called to Pray Together

A reflection/prayer based on the Lord’s Prayer.

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How Can I Say

A breakdown of how to pray the Lord’s Prayer.

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Saying Yes to God

A prayer/reflection on saying yes to God’s will for our lives.

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Loving God and One Another

A prayer/reflection on the questions Jesus asks in Scripture.

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Sent Forth by Gods Blessing

A prayer with two readers and a leader.

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Blessed Are You

This prayer is quoted from Seasons of Your Heart: Prayers and Reflections by Marcina Wiederkehr.

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Prayer for My Family

A prayer for family.

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I Have a Mission

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

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The Canticle of Brother Sun

The canticle of the brother sun by Saint Francis of Assisi.

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Creedal Statements

A list of the statements of belief made in the creed.

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Prayer of Saint Anselm

The prayer of St. Anselm.

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Prayer Card

A prayer card with promises from the book of Isaiah.

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Prayer Service

An in class prayer service.

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Inside and Outside

Everyone knows what it feels like to be on the inside and the outside of a group of people. Fill in the statements below, and then write a prayer to Jesus asking for his help when you are an outsider …

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Planning a Marian Prayer Service

This resource, taken from the New Testament Leader Guide for Breakthrough! can be used to help you plan a Marian prayer service for Advent, The Annunciation, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and other celebrations of …

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A Prayer Service in Intercession for Ordained Ministers

A prayer service for ordained ministers including multiple readers, speakers, and responses.

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Roman Missal Activities

This resource provides activities to help you to prepare young people for the implementation of the Roman Missal, third edition.

Saint Marguerite d’Youville (1701-1771)

Saint Marguerite d'Youville was born in rural Quebec in 1701 into serious poverty, and dropped out of school to help her widowed mother and younger brothers and sisters. She married unhappily when she was 21, and when her husband died …

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Podcasts on Prayer

A worksheet where students are asked to create a series of teen-friendly podcasts about prayer.

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Forms and Expressions of Prayer

A listing of several forms and expressions of prayer.

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Fellow Prophets, Pray for Us

A short prayer service asking the Lord to grant us the gifts of the prophets before us.

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Understanding the Lord's Prayer

An activity to help students understand the Lord's Prayer from "The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth" Teacher Guide.

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Teach Us to Pray

An activity to help students learn "The Lord's Prayer" from "The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth" Teacher Guide.

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Praying with Scripture The Magnificat

Praying with Scripture, using The Magnificat, from "The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Teacher Guide.

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The Lord's Prayer

An activity on the Lord’s Prayer, from section 5 Part 2 of Jesus Christ: God’s Love Made Visible.

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Prayers of Praise

A homework assignment where students can use a template to create their own prayers of praise, from Section 5 Part 2 of “Jesus Christ: God’s Love Made Visible.”

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Liturgy of the Hours

A PowerPoint presentation on the Liturgy of the Hours, from “The New Testament: The Good News of Jesus Christ.”

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Writing a Script for a Guided Imagery Meditation

A handout that describes how to write a script for guided imagery meditation, and why students enjoy participating in this type of meditation.

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Contemplation - 2/2 Fr. Thomas Dubay

Father Thomas Dubay discusses contemplation and the means by which one can attain a deep prayer life.

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Contemplation - 1/2 Fr. Thomas Dubay

Father Thomas Dubay discusses contemplation and the means by which one can attain a deep prayer life.

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Mysteries of the Church: Rosary

A video explaining the origins of The Rosary, what it means, and how it is prayed.

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Persevering in Prayer: Getting It Started and Keeping It Going

A discussion among Notre Dame theology faculty regarding the large variety of prayer types and the ways in which these prayers are practiced.

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Prayer of Saint Francis by Sarah MacLachlan

Singer Sarah MacLachlan sings the prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi.

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Saint Teresa's Mansions - Fr Thomas Dubay SM

Father Thomas Dubay briefly explains the spirituality of Teresa of Avila.

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Taize Prayer

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can work in groups to prepare various aspects of a Taize prayer service.

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Prayers of Praise

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can fill in the spaces with personal prayers of praise and thanksgiving to God.

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Prayers of Petition

This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. It gives students spaces to write their own intentions and petitions as a prayer activity.

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Praying with and for the Suffering Body of Christ

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can research, present on, and pray for various countries in need.

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Prayer to the Holy Spirit

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can offer their own personal prayer for themselves or those in their community to the Holy Spirit.

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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>

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Revelation, Inspiration, and Vocation - PowerPoint

This PowerPoint is part of the Living in Christ Series. It explores God's Revelation, Inspiration and Vocation through various Old and New Testament stories.

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Preparing a Prayer Service

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers step by step details to consider when planning a prayer service.

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Preparing a Prayer Service Sample

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a sample for how to use another LIC resource in order to successfully plan a prayer service.

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The Litany of Loreto

This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. The Litany of Loreto, which is a devotional prayer through the intercession of Mary.

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The Nicene Creed and Commentary

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It includes the word to the Nicene Creed and a commentary on key phrases and lines.

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Prayerful Echoes

Class activity/method of prayer, like antiphonal prayer, grow appreciation for and familiarity with scriptural passages or familiar prayers

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Hourly Prayers for Ash Wednesday

          Opening Prayer We begin this class as we begin all things:   In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.     Scripture Reading     Working …

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Surprised by the Joyful Mysteries: They Taught Me to Say Yes

For years I fingered my rosary at night when I couldn't sleep, repeating my childhood prayers without thinking much about their meaning. I wasn't even fully aware of the "mysteries" I was supposed to be meditating on; I just wanted …

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A Pauline Prayer Service

Leader. Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. With these words Saint Paul greeted the believers of his time, reminding them of the great gift they had been given in Jesus Christ. Almost two thousand …

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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 …

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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: 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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Meeting Jesus at the Movies: Cinema Divina for Teachers

One of the most spiritually powerful essays I have ever read is "To Fall in Love with the World: Individualism and Self-Transcendence in American Life" by John M. Staudenmeier, S.J. (Institute of Jesuit Studies, May 1994). The author asks: "How …

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National Bible Week: Dei Verbum

November 18, 2006 marked the forty-first anniversary of the approval of the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation (Dei Verbum), a Second Vatican Council document. Dei Verbum was mainly responsible for the explosion of Bible reading and Bible study by Catholics. …

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Prayer Service for Families Coping with Traumatic Events

Gathering Come together as a family. Set aside time for reflection and discussion. Turn off the news for a few moments. Gather together in a circle. Join hands if you wish. Take a moment of silence. Someone may want to …

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When Hope Is Needed

Overview This prayer service is intended to bring hope during times of despair, consolation in times of suffering, and light in times of darkness. It may be used during difficult personal, family, or communal times. It is appropriate for various …

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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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A Prayer for His Holiness

Lord God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, We lift up in prayer Pope Francis, The successor of Peter, The Bishop of Rome, Our Holy Father, The Vicar of Christ on Earth. He has been called to lead your Church. Strengthen …

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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 …

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Where is now thy God? Reflections on Psalm 42:7-10

Where do we find God today? How are we to understand such happenings? Some might respond by saying that everything happens for a reason. I don't buy that. Some might respond by saying that it is all part of God's …

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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 …

Article

Thanks Giving

Thanks Giving And now bless the God of all, who everywhere works great wonders, who fosters our growth from birth, and deals with us according to his mercy. (Sirach 50:22) Blessing God and being thankful are two of the most …

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National Bible Week: Daily Reading - Always Loyal

Always Loyal Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who maintains covenant loyalty with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations. Deuteronomy 7:9 Such a loving God Moses describes here, …

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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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Prayer by a High School Senior

Dear God, As I finish my senior year in high school, watch over me. Be with me as I go out in the real world to find myself. Give me the strength I need to stick with my education and …

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Prayer: How Will You Know?

Reader 1: When do you decide how you will live? What goes into the thoughts that shape your dreams? Reader 2: For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, Reader 1: Do you know, at …

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Making Discernment a Way of Life

Use these suggestions to integrate discernment into your life. These ideas challenge the common misperception that vocation discernment is a one-time event. Explore and be open to options. Think, "My way may not be the only way." Be aware that …

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Disciple's Prayer

Scripture Reading: John 1:1-5 Presider: God of love, you provide us with light: from the moon and stars at night and the sun by day. By night and by day, your light brings life and makes things grow. It keeps the …

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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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For Love Is Stronger than Death

(20 minutes) Before the session 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 loved …

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Resources for Parents Who Want to View The Passion of the Christ with Their Teenage Children

Things to Remember Film is an art form, and many genres and subgenres exist within film. Comedy is a genre. Within that genre one could name romantic comedies, slapstick comedies, and dark comedies as subgenres. Before reading a piece of …

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Prayers for Reflecting on Christ's Passion

Before the Movie: Loving God, You sent your only Son to show us the way. As we recall and meditate on his crucifixion, help us to recognize the gift you place before us. On the cross Christ washed clean our …

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Praying with John Baptist de la Salle

In reaction to Martin Luther's emphasis on personal reading of the Bible, the Council of Trent discouraged laypeople from meditating on the word of God. Catholics were told to listen to the preaching of their priests, who would explain the …

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

Gethsemane - Prayer Service

(15 minutes) Before the session have your students do the Reflection Exercise: My Least Answerable Questions. If you do not plan on reading the Scripture passage (Mark 14:32-42) yourself, use the break time to ask a young person to read …

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Back to School: Prayer for the Start of the School Year

Loving God, Our creator, our savior, our companion, bless this journey of a new school year that we undertake today. Refresh our souls and renew our spirits as we embrace the beautiful ministry you have called us to. We welcome …

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Contemporary Music, Ageless Wisdom: Using the Language of Teens to Speak the Gospel

It is no secret that teens are absolutely immersed in music. The question for those ministering to youth is, "Should we make a stance against the kinds of music kids are listening to or should we use their music to …

Article

Month of the Rosary: Share the Rosary

For a class or group project make rosaries for a group of elementary students preparing to receive the sacrament of the Eucharist for the first time. Rosaries can be made from beads found at craft stores or by tying knots …

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Sub Tuum Praesidium: The Most Ancient Marian Prayer

The oldest known prayer to Mary is the Sub Tuum Praesidium. It was discovered in Egypt on a fragment of papyrus. It is believed the prayer dates back to mid-late 200's A.D. The prayer follows: We fly to your patronage, …

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Month of the Rosary: Queen of the Rosary Prayer Service

Leader +In the name of the father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. All Amen Opening Song Leader Join us, Queen of the Rosary, as we offer praise to our Father All Join us, Queen of the …

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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 …

Article

Youth Prayer Habits

Through a grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc., the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill has established the National Study of Youth & Religion at the Odum Institute for Research and the Social Sciences. In there preliminary findings of existing …

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To Youth: Be Peacemakers, Be Builders of a Better World

VATICAN CITY, SEP 23, 2001 (VIS) - The Holy Father arrived at Eurasia University in Astana at 6:30 p.m. today and, following a tour of the campus, held a meeting with young people in the university’s Great Hall. About 8,500 …

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Papal Plea: Never Use Religion as a Reason for Conflict

VATICAN CITY, SEP 23, 2001 (VIS) - John Paul II traveled this morning from Astana’s apostolic nunciature to the Square of the Motherland, where at 10:30 a.m. he celebrated Mass with the ordinaries of Kazakhstan, guest bishops and priests working …

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Saint John Paul II: Statement on the Tragedy, 12 September 2001

I cannot begin this audience without expressing my profound sorrow at the terrorist attacks which yesterday brought death and destruction to America, causing thousands of victims and injuring countless people. To the President of the United States and to all …

Article

My Heaven

As I lay awake And watch the time go by, I wonder as I shed another tear: If only there were no hatred, No violence, no war . . . And all that was left was Love and happiness . …

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Hear the Cries of the Victims of Violence

Almighty God, Hear the cries of the victims of violence. Find a place of peace for those who are troubled and in harm's way. Let those whose violence has roots in addiction to harmful substances seek help before they hurt …

Article

Save Me, O God

Save me, O God, . . . I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. (Psalm 69:1-2) God, so many pressures seem too difficult to deal with. From parents to school to just growing up, I …

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Every Day Things Occur in This World That Shake My Faith

Every day things occur in this world that shake my faith and test my beliefs. I see things happening like famine and civil wars, and things that hit close to home like cancer and AIDS. I find myself constantly questioning …

Article

Worldwide Prayer

Overview This outdoor prayer exercise is based on the belief that prayer is effective and blessings can travel like ripples all the way around the world. The young people form four small groups as part of a wider circle that …

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Adonai Shalom

Adonai Shalom “Lord of Peace” Adonai Shalom Lord, let there be peace in my heart, so that it may be open to feel love, kindness, and goodness. Adonai Shalom Lord, let there be peace in my life, so that I …

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September 11: Prayer Service for Families Coping with the Tragedy

Gathering Come together as a family. Set aside time for reflection and discussion. Turn off the news for a few moments. Gather together in a circle. Join hands if you wish. Take a moment of silence. Someone may want to …

Article

Statement of the U.S. Catholic Bishops

This is a day of national tragedy. Though we do not yet know its full extent, we mourn those who have lost their lives and pray for their eternal rest and for the consolation of their families. We pray for …

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Our Hands, God's Hands

In this prayer service, students consider the power of our own hands as the hands God uses, as well as the work of God's hands. 1. To prepare for this prayer experience, place some oil in a bowl. Cover a …

Article

I Say to You, Love Your Enemies

I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends …

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Love is not for the lovely alone

Love is not for the lovely alone; love is for those who need it; those who have heard the Master's call, yet, somehow, failed to heed it. They are the envious, they are the cruel, the vindictive, and the greedy; …

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Help Me

Oh God, please help me with this anger. Every time it happens it is something new. It's an ocean unexplored that Cannot be tamed or touched by anyone. Please help me in rough times, for I know you will. I …

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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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September 11: In Memory and In Hope: A Prayer Gathering

Materials Needed newsprint masking tape markers reflective music candles Preparation Prior to the beginning of the prayer service, set up several areas for small groups of five to seven people to cluster around. Each area should have a piece newsprint …

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September 11: In Memory and In Hope: A Liturgical Gathering

Materials Needed incense charcoal brazier or some type of container to hold burning incense candles Music Suggestions "Be Not Afraid," Bob Dufford, Gather Comprehensive (Chicago: GIA Publications, 1994), no. 608. "Grant Us Peace, Lord," Tony Alonso, Fresh As The Morning …

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A Prayer Invoking Peace

(For use before a meeting or gathering of youth workers.) Song "Give Us Your Peace," by Michael Mahler, Give Your Gifts: The New Songs (Chicago: GIA Publications, 2001). Leader: As we begin this meeting, let us begin with peace. Please …

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The attacks of September 11 were a horrible tragedy . . .

The attacks of September 11 were a horrible tragedy that hit the United States out of nowhere. My prayers and the prayers of people all over the world go out to not only the ones directly affected but to America …

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Innocence was bliss . . .

Innocence was bliss But it's so different after this I know we're not untouchable But we'll prove to be unbeatable So put back on your smiles and say, "Tomorrow will be a wonderful day."

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For the innocent, that they may gain their angel wings . . . .

For the innocent, that they may gain their angel wings. For the unbreakable souls, that they will always persevere. For the ones left behind, may they find comfort in God, and know those lost are always with them. Also that …

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Holy Father, We sincerely pray . . .

Holy Father, We sincerely pray for all the innocent victims of the US tragedy. For those families whose loved ones have been lost, may they find consolation and happiness in you. Give them strength and fill them with your Holy …

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Lord, help us not to blame . . .

Lord, help us not to blame those because of their misguided heritage. But to learn to lead them toward their own salvation. Let us not think of this as a tragedy, but as a chance to overcome and conquer fear. …

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As we stand at judgment's door . . .

As we stand at judgment’s door, lead us down the path that is straight. Follow our dreams and ambitions. Help us to realize our fate. Here O Lord is where you are needed. Allow the good memories to live on. …

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Lord and lover of this world . . .

Lord and lover of this world: Help us to remember that we are people of faith, hope, and love. We are people of faith, there is no need to fear; We are people of hope, there is no need to …

Article

We pray for peace in our hearts . . .

We pray for peace in our hearts as we begin this new day. We remember all those who have died, their families and friends, in this tragedy beyond comprehension. Give us the courage and the strength to reach out to …

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We all have crosses to bear . . . .

Inspired by Psalm 6 We all have crosses to bear. Some crosses are heavier than others, and like the psalmist, we ask God to deliver us from them. Lord, deliver me from fear, the fear that comes from within. Protect …

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God, I would like to pray that joy can overcome sadness . . . .

God, I would like to pray that joy can overcome sadness. I would like to pray that comfort can eliminate fear. I would like to pray that love can overpower the anger and hatred residing in our hearts. I would …

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May the Lord have mercy on all our souls . . .

May the Lord have mercy on all our souls and help us to find the strength to forgive the terrorists who have hurt us all deeply. May the Lord also forgive us, for we aren't perfect and never will be. …

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Dear God... Prayer after 9-11

Dear God, I want to pray for all those people who were touched by the tragedy on September 11. I hear all the stories that are being told by the families of the victims. They are so sad. I am …

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The tragic events that took place on September 11 . . .

The tragic events that took place on September 11, 2001, have shaken our world and turned people's lives upside down. No one understands how or why this has happened to us. Lord, I am scared for our country, our people, …

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Dear Lord... Prayer of Gratitude

Dear Lord, Thank you for being with us this day as we continue to rebuild our lives. Please remind us that we always need you in our lives in order for us to love more openly, to forgive more freely, …

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September 11: Dear God, Please comfort our nation . . .

Dear God, Please comfort our nation in this time of sorrow. Please be with the families who have lost a loved one, our leaders that they may make the right decisions, and all Americans that we may come together and …

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September 11: This Is How I Want to Remember the Twin Towers.

My God; My God, So much hate displayed in this moment's act, It was hard for me to bear. But then you sent your Son, Jesus, to cry with me, How calming was the feeling. Dear Jesus, teach me to …

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Incarnation

Life's seamless robe Rent with cavernous holes Of hate and fear; Torn by bombs That turn to rubble The warp and woof Of lives; Ripped by whispers that shred With caustic tears The threads that love once wove And leave …

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September 11: Aftermath

Horror haunts my heart, And tears and fears crawl daily Through the streets that are my life. The fumes of fear seep slowly through my pores. I choke And cry And strangle On images of fire and of hate, Exploding, …

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September 11: Bring Peace to the World and Honor Heroes

As we remember the attacks of September 11, 2001, we remember that our world is both troubled and filled with heroes. We offer the following suggestions to bring peace to the world and to honor heroes. Suggestions for the individual …

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A Listening Session for Teens on the Mishandling of Sexual Abuse by Clergy

Materials Needed * a 3-by-5-inch index card for each young person * a pencil for each young person * prayer materials (Select one of the "Options for Ritual Actions" below.) * 3 readers for the closing prayer                                                                                                                 * handouts …

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Do Not Judge

Luke 6:37 Jesus warned his followers: "Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." Merciful God, we find it easy to pass judgment on …

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Moral Decision Making and Real-Life Applications

If you have used the Saint Mary's Press textbook Growing in Christian Morality, then you're familiar with the LISTEN process for making moral decisions. The process is introduced in the textbook and is used throughout the companion student casebook. LISTEN …

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Wrestling with Diversity

How do we welcome non-Christians into our schools and our religion classrooms, and at the same time give witness to our own Christ-centered faith? How do we invite students to learn from and respect other faith traditions without sending the …

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You Were Called

The shadows are falling, and they are lush. The curtains are closing, the audiences hush. Your life's dawning was so long ago. All experiences mesh with vast undertow. You were called, but the voice was faint. No one called you …

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Excerpts from Listen for a Whisper: Prayers, Poems, and Reflections by Girls

God is with her. God works for her. God fills her. God chooses her. God accepts her. God praises her. God listens to her. God cries with her. God knows her. God loves her. We are her. Quotes taken from …

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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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The Sacred Ground of the Mountains

I came to know the mountains of Washington long before I moved here a couple of years ago. I first fell in love with this area back in 1984 when I came to visit my sister and brother-in-law right after …

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Catholic Youth and the Bible: Moving from Biblical Literacy to Biblical Spirituality

Developing one's biblical literacy As a college student back in the mid-seventies, I was invited to be part of an ecumenical student Bible study. Born and raised Catholic, I don't think I had cracked open a Bible more than two …

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Finding God in Silence

If you are feeling unfulfilled in your prayer life, take heart. This author says sometimes all it takes to is to be silent and listen. IS YOUR PRAYER LIFE IN A RUT? Are there days when you feel like quitting …

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Five prayers Catholics can take to heart

The issue of prayer is not prayer; the issue of prayer is God. One cannot pray unless he has faith in his own ability to accost the infinite, merciful, eternal God. --Jewish Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, Man's Quest for God …

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A Note on Kneeling

IT WASN'T UNTIL I COULD NO LONGER kneel that I began to savor the lovely simplicity of this ancient act, and guess at its provenance, and savor its humility, and notice it not only in Mass but in many other …

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Meeting the Rhinoceros

Thomas Merton makes a valuable role model for the spiritual journey of the adolescent rhinoceros. At times even the most optimistic teacher may despair of the possibility of ever communicating meaningfully with adolescents. The significant number of developmental tasks facing …

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Our Father, Our Mother

Our Father, Our Mother, so wholly in heaven, so on-the-way, so be-coming in every him-her-you-me that ever on earth was, is, will-be, knead us every this-day into one bread.

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Litany for the Ordinary

Mary, queen of the ordinary-- queen of spinning wheel and loom who wove from ordinary stuff the flawless fabric of God's humanness; queen whose pregnancy put Joseph's other plans aside and sent his saw singing into cradlewood; queen of water …

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Hands

Focusing Scripture I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands. (Isaiah 49:15–16) Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me, "Now I have …

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Ideas for Teaching Feminine Spirituality

In 1994, I started teaching a course on women's spirituality for seniors at Holy Names High School, an all-girls school in Oakland, California. Finding materials for such a class was a challenge. No textbooks or other resources existed that were …

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Leading Students to Hermitage:

Editor's note: A few months ago I met (by mail and phone) Sr. Mary Farrell, SC, who has taught at Saint Peter's High School in New Brunswick, New Jersey, for thirty-six years. Much of that time, she taught French and …

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Schoolwide Prayer in the Words of "Me"

What distinguishes a Catholic school from a public school? The obvious answer is that, at least potentially, a Catholic school is a faith community. Whether it is truly a faith community depends on more than the offering of religion courses, …

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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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