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The Council of Trent

An article about The Council of Trent, excerpted from The Catholic Church: A Brief Popular History, by Cynthia Stewart.

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Letters in Paul's Day

An article that discusses the format of Paul’s letters and how they are different from letters today.

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What Do Sisters Do?

An article that discusses the roles and responsibilities of religious sisters.

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"You Have Heard…But I Say"

An article about Jesus’ command to love everyone, even those who society has deemed unlovable.

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Revelation: A New Testament Apocalypse

An article on the Book of Revelation.

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Christian Persecutions in the Roman Empire

An article on the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire.

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Pauline and Deutero-Pauline Letters

An article on the Pauline and Deutero-Pauline letters.

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The Passion According to John

An article on the Passion according to John.

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Jesus and Judaism

An article on Jesus and Judaism.

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Oral Tradition

An article on oral tradition.

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Non-canonical Gospels

An article on the non-canonical Gospels.

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New Testament Christologies

An article on New Testament Christologies.

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How to Teach Biblical Research

An article on how to teach students to conduct biblical research.

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How Should We Interpret Scripture?

An article on how we should interpret Scripture.

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A Brief History of Catholic Biblical Interpretation

A reading that gives a brief history of Catholic biblical interpretation.

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What Is Discipleship?

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers a brief introduction to the concept of discipleship as the Christian vocation.

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Discipleship versus Citizenship

This is a short article from the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the differences between citizenship and discipleship.

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Evangelization: Rally for the Gospel

This short article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It describes evangelization preaching as a sort of pep rally for the Gospel and discusses the need for all types of people to get involved in evangelization efforts.

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The Church

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Called to Holiness: Holiness in Modern Church Teaching

This article from the Living in Christ Series discusses holiness: what it is, who is called, and how to live it out. Both the Church and the people in it are holy.

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Resurrection: Past and Present Reality

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the significance of the Resurrection, including how it was viewed in ancient Judaism, in the time of Jesus and the early Christians, and its importance for Christians today.

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Political and Religious Structure in Jesus' Time

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an extensive overview of the political and religious structures and influences at work in Jesus' time.

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Understanding Parables

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the parables, including definitions, uses, and interpretations.

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Miracles: Signs of the Kingdom of God

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses miracles as signs of the Kingdom of God, including how to reflect on, interpret and make sense of several examples.

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Using Primary Sources

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the value of using primary source texts in the classroom.

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The Paschal Mystery

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an introduction to the Paschal Mystery including the root of the words, its effects, and theories of how the salvation of mankind precisely transpires through Jesus' suffering, death …

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Matthew's Sermon on the Mount

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an overview of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount through the lens of Matthew's Jewish audience and signifance.

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Introduction to Acts of Apostles

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It offers a great introduction to the New Testament book, The Acts of the Apostles including its structure, flow, and theological themes,

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Faith: Three Definitions

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It discusses various definitions of faith, the relationships between faith and reason, and faith and religion.

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Discipleship in the New Testament

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the meaning of discipleship in the New Testament, including the Jewish understanding of it, the responsibilities, apostleship, Mark's portrait of the disciples, and a practical application for today.

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Overview on Jesus' Parables

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It offers an overview of Jesus' New Testament parables, including the intent, novelty, paradox, and theological and pastoral quality of the stories he told.

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Mary of Nazareth

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It offers a great introduction and overview of Mary through scripture and tradition, including Marian liturgical feasts and theological teachings and doctrines.

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Life and Times in First Century Palestine

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an extensive understanding of the lifestyle and cultural contexts of first century Palestine, including family, gender roles, poverty, wealth, and political, economic and religious laws.

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Salvation: Different Theories

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an overview of some of the main theories of salvation, including the Prophetic, Sacrificial, Ransom, Divinization, Vicarious, Moral Exemplar, and Penal Substitution models.

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The Women Who Followed Jesus

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. In an organized chart, this resource introduces key women in scripture, including their significance and their story, to students.

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Using a Concordance

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an introduction to using concordances.

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Introduction to the Gospels

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an introduction to the Gospels in the New Testament, including the formation and the particular christology of each account.

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God Is Love

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. Using Scripture, the Catechism, and various Church Documents, it discusses the Catholic understanding of God as Love.

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Introduction to Revelation

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an overview and introduction to the Revelation in the Catholic Church, including Natural and Divine Revelation and information the Church Father and the Second Vatican Council.

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Reading the Bible in Context

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an overview of the value of understanding the historical and cultural contexts of the Bible while still maintaining its divine authorship and influence.

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The Apostles

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the Apostles and followers of Jesus who are known in Scripture, including Peter and Mary Magdalene, among others.

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Introduction to the Letters

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers an introduction to the letters of the New Testament, including information on the genre, the Pauline and Deutero-Pauline Letters, and the organization of the New Testament.

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The Acts of the Apostles

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It serves as an introduction to the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament, including its structure, writer, themes, and background.

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Gospel Comparison Chart

This chart helps teachers and students observe the differences between the various contexts, themes, audiences, and time frames of the four Gospels.

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Wonders, Miracles, and Signs in the New Testament

This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers a helpful, organized look at some of Jesus' wonder, miracles and signs that point to His divinity.

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The New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It offers an extensive overview of the New Testament, including various types of literature, distinctions among the Gospels, historical context and theological themes.

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Jesus Fulfills the Covenant and Salvation History

This article is from the Living in Christ Series, and it provides an overview of the Old Testament covenant and prophecies which are fulfilled in the New Testament and the person of Jesus Christ.

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The Book of Jeremiah

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the Book of Jeremiah in the Old Testament, including the political climate of the time and some of his main prophetic messages.

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The Book of Isaiah

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It serves as an introduction to the Book of Isaiah in the Old Testament.

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The Book of Ezekiel

This article gives an overview and introduction to the Book of Ezekiel in the Old Testament.

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Messianism and Zionism

This article is part of the Living in Crhist Series , and it highlights the distinction between Messianism and Zionism.

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The Book of Judges

This article discusses the Book of Judges and the cycle of worship, disobedience, deliverance, and freedom that happen cyclically for the Israelites.

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The Book of Joshua

This article discusses the Book of Joshua, offering a rational and moral critique, then drawing parallels between the Old and New Testaments.

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King Solomon and the Divided Monarchy: The Books of Kings

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series, and it discusses the reign of King David and King Solomon and the divided monarchies of Judah and Israel through scriptural references.

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Introduction to the Historical Books

This article gives a brief introduction to the Historical Books of the Old Testament. This overview includes a distinction between "history" and "historical narratives", as well as highlights the role they play in the Old Testament.

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Moses

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series, and it offers an overview of the person of Moses in the Old Testament, highlighting five major sections in his life: birth, calling, confronting Pharoah, leading the Israelites, and death.

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The Cycle of Redemption

This article discusses the pattern in the Old Testament known as the Cycle of Redemption, or Deuteronomic Cycle, as well as gives examples.

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The Book of Exodus

This article offers a short introduction to the Book of Exodus in the Old Testament.

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The Early Leaders of Israel

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the qualities of leadership possessed by early Israelites using scripture and Biblical stories.

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Check Your Understanding

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. It serves as a review of several important terms and asks students to define, associate, and put the term into the context of Salvation History.

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Salvation History Summary

This article gives an overview of the salvific works of God through the Old and New Testaments, with the fulfillment of salvation in the person of Jesus Christ.

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Understanding Genres and Literary Forms

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the various genres and literary forms in the Old and New Testaments.

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The Book of Genesis

This article offers an introduction to the first book in the Bible, the Book of Genesis.

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Introduction to the Pentateuch

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It provides an overview of the Pentateuch - the first five book of the Old Testament.

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Introduction to Revelation, Inspiration, and Vocation

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. It discusses Relevation, Inspiration and Vocation, citing the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and scripture. It includes a chart outlining how God revealed Himself to various Biblical characters and a section …

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Finding God and Being Found by God

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses how God is revealed in humanity, creation, nature, the natural order, and the human conscience, and humanity is likewise revealed in God. It uses the Catechism of the …

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Introducing Students to Biblical Exegesis

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. Teachers will find this resource helpful for its overview of Biblical exegesis and the references to worksheet handouts for students to use.

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The Story of Noah and Other Flood Narratives

This article discusses the similarities and differences between the Biblical flood story and that of other ancient Middle Eastern traditions. It also compares the Biblical account between the Yahwist and Priestly sources.

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The JEPD Theory

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the four-source theory regarding the first five books of the Bible, the Pentateuch. These sources are called Yahwist, Elohist, Deuteronomist, and Priestly.

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Canons and Their Development

This article discusses the development of the Old and New Testament Canons and provides charts which compare and contrast different Christian or Jewish canons.

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Bible 101: A Basic Introduction to the Word of God

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It gives a basic overview and introduction to Sacred Scripture, including context, inspiration, literary forms, the Old and New Testaments, interpretation, and common myths.

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Reading Notes and Questions for Student Book Articles 9-12

This reading guide is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can use it while reading other articles from the LIC Series to take important notes and answer significant questions.

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The Format of the Pauline Letters

This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. It outlines the format of Paul's letters in the New Testament.

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Messianic Prophecies

This resource if from the Living in Christ Series. It is a clear and organized presentation of Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled in the person of Jesus.

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Biblical Passages About Leadership

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a helpful reference for scriptural passages in the Old Testament referring to leadership. Various kings, judges, and other leaders are featured.

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The Cycle of Redemption

This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students may use it as a quick reference to key ideas behind the Cycle of Redemption in the Old Testament.

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The Ten Commandments

This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. It outlines the 10 Commandments, the meaning, and the book, chapter and verse at which they are found in the Bible.

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Sprint Through Salvation History

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers a thorough but brief overview of Salvation History in the Bible, beginning with the promises of God and ending in their fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

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New Testament References to Eternal Life

This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. It lists several passages in which Eternal Life is referenced in the New Testament. Students can reflect on these passages and answer questions about them.

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Catechist Tip Sheet 6: Using the Scriptures

The Scriptures play a critical role in our faith growth as a source of inspiration, celebration, education, and formation. As a catechist you should become comfortable with using the Scriptures, and nurture such comfort in young people.

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Short History of Paul

Paul was a diaspora Jew, meaning he was a Jew that lived outside of Palestine. Paul was born in Tarsus--which is modern day Turkey--at the beginning of the Christian era. Tarsus was a large and prosperous city of the Roman …

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Saint Paul: Interview and Worksheet

Interview with Paul This interview with Paul is from Breakthrough! The Bible for Young Catholics. On this colorful page, Paul explains his ministry and his legacy. Worksheet about Paul On this worksheet from the Student Activities Workbook for Breakthrough!: An …

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Blessed are the Media Makers . . .

Imagine if a teacher brought students to the school library and allowed them to read anything they wanted without ever asking a single question or demanding that students think critically about what they were reading. Preposterous! What teacher would ever …

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Program aims to get youth excited about Bible

Young people in the diocese are getting excited about Scripture and it's all part of a national effort called "Yes! Youth Engaging Scripture." YES is a Catholic teen-to-teen Bible sharing concept and to date, some 1,800 young people have been …

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Called to Create a Bible for Kids

Brian Singer-Towns may be on top of the Catholic bestseller list, but he wants to be very clear: He did not write the Bible. He merely edited it. Not that putting together a new version of the Bible is any …

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Who Does the Movie Say Killed Jesus?

Much of the controversy about The Passion of the Christ centers around one question: Who killed Jesus? The Anti-Defamation League feels the movie lays the blame at the feet of the Jews. Mel Gibson, the movie's director, producer and cowriter, …

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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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Understanding New Approaches to the Gospels

The quest to trace the continuity between the Jesus of history and the Christ of faith is not new. It was the stuff of 18th-century Enlightenment debate and is still the topic of current scholarship. What does it mean to …

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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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Lessons From the Book of Genesis: An Interview with Dianne Bergant

Dianne Bergant, C.S.A., Ph.D., is Professor of Old Testament Studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. For five years she was editor of The Bible Today and continues to serve on its editorial board, as well as that of …

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The Book of Revelation:

The Book of Revelation is not so intimidating once you understand what the author was up to. Are Catholics afraid of the book of Revelation? Do our minds become confused when we hear all those sevens and l2's, and all …

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The Church and the Bible: A New Understanding

The Catholic Church's attitude toward biblical study has undergone a sea of change in recent times. A world-renowned Scripture scholar explains why and how. Very often when older Catholics hear at Mass a presentation about the Bible they are puzzled. …

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Saint Jerome: The Perils of a Bible Translator

“WHAT IS THE BEST TRANSLATION OF THE BIBLE?” This is the question that people who teach biblical studies hear more than any other. A bewildering abundance of alternatives is available to those who want to begin reading the Bible. This …

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Using Literature in Theology Classes

Editor's note: The author of our feature article, Kathleen Hodapp, was one of the participants in last summer's workshop "The Catholic High School As Faith Community," held here in Winona, Minnesota, as well as on the East Coast and the …

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A One-Day Retreat on Service in the Inner City

Our sophomore class day retreat focuses on finding spirituality in the inner city. It is a kind of "urban plunge" experience within a spiritual framework, and students go on this retreat during the same semester that they take a social …

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The Harvest Is Abundant: Reflections on a Spirituality of Service

Service is a golden word these days. Everybody's doing it: governmental bodies, schools, churches, even neighborhoods and families. Court sentencing frequently includes community service, the federal government holds service up as a value in programs such as Americorps, and state …

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To Teach as Jesus Did: A Teacher's Reflections

"To teach as Jesus did." It's a phrase that must have been tucked away somewhere in my mind because it sprang to consciousness when I was asked to consider writing this article. "To teach as Jesus did." What an awesome …

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Helping Students Get the Most Out of Stories

For the past six years I have been researching the power of stories for communicating Catholic religious and moral values. At the same time, I have been experimenting with stories in my high school classroom (tenth- and twelfth-grade classes in …

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The Power of Parables

We all know that a good story will almost always act as an excellent springboard for reflection. Jesus' most effective teaching tool was the parable. He would gather his disciples and tell them a story with a message that moved …

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Pulling Threads: Unraveling the Scriptures

Young people, and adults as well, often feel inadequate when reading the Scriptures. Many believe that the Bible is something you only hear in church, not something you read on your own as well. They fear misinterpreting it or not …

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Stations of the Cross by Students: New Light on an Old Tradition

A pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred place, undertaken for a spiritual purpose. A pilgrimage in our modern age could take many forms. For the season of Lent last year, I invited my junior ethics classes to make a …

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Expect Much, Praise Much, Be Present to Them

Course materials, such as the high school religion textbooks and teacher's manuals published by Saint Mary's Press, are a significant ingredient in the education of our young people. But we all know that the most important factor in a student's …

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Curriculum Offerings of Theology Departments

For a couple of years, Saint Mary’s Press sponsored a listserv discussion group online. Discussions on a variety of topics were pursued via e-mail. In this section of the web site, I summarize some of the highlights from these old …

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A New Look at the Sower and the Seeds

This is the text of a reflection given at the opening prayer service of the school year. The concept is interesting and could work well in a classroom or retreat setting. Scattered them wildly about (see Matt. 13:1-53; Mark 4:1-34; …

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