Discussion-Oriented
79 results
Document
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.
Document
The Narrow Door: A Guided Meditation
This guided meditation communicates the Gospel message of simple living in a way that engages the imagination and inspires young people to actively simplify their lives. This activity is an excerpt from the book Justice and Service Ideas for Ministry …
Document
Symbol Interviews
A series of interview questions that students can ask married couples about symbols and marriage.
Document
Remembering My Confirmation
A worksheet where students are asked to interview several adults about their Confirmation experiences.
Document
Monastic Rule
Your group is about to found a monastery, and you must develop a rule (or constitution) governing your religious community’s life and work. Answer the following questions to begin developing your monastic rule. Use a separate sheet of paper if …
Document
Secular Institutes
A worksheet completed in groups about the history, role, and characteristics of secular institutes.
Document
Inspirations and Charisms Worksheet
A partially independent and partially group completed worksheet for students to fill out about the inspirations and charisms of a particular religious congregation or order.
Document
The Effects of the Sacrament of Holy Orders
A worksheet completed in groups about the effects of the Sacrament of Holy Orders from both the book and the student’s personal knowledge.
Document
Marriage in the New Testament
A discussion-oriented worksheet on marriage in the New Testament.
Document
Marriage in the Old Testament
An activity that takes a look at marriage in the Old Testament.
Document
Why Sacramental Marriage?
A series of short questions on Sacramental Marriage to discuss with a group, or personally respond to.
Document
Middle School Retreat to Learn about the Church as a Saving Community
An outline to help plan a middle school retreat focused on the Church as a saving community.
Document
Interview Questions for Family Members
Several interview questions for family members on family life and the Fourth Commandment.
Document
Interview Questions for a Practicing Catholic
A list of interview questions to ask a practicing Catholic.
Document
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.
Document
Socratic Seminar Symbol Codes
Socratic seminar symbol codes to help quickly evaluate a seminar speaker.
Document
The Socratic Seminar
A reading on the process and expectations for the Socratic Seminar debate.
Document
A Preassessment of My Knowledge of the Sacraments of Holy Orders and Matrimony
The leader’s copy of several preassessment questions and answers used to gauge students’ knowledge of the Sacraments of Holy Orders and Matrimony.
Document
The Disciples on the Road to Emmaus Part II
Discussion questions based on The Disciples on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35).
Document
Justice Conversation Starters
A list of several conversation starters or self-reflection questions on the topic of justice.
Document
Life in the Holy Spirit
A number of real-world scenarios that deal with the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Document
Using a Mind Map
A reading on using a mind map, which is a creative way to introduce a concept.
Document
The Meaning of Redemption (II)
A set of discussion questions centered around the meaning of Redemption: a matter of unconditional love, from "The Sacraments: Encounters with Christ."
Document
Sacramental Symbols in Scripture
A listing of scripture passages and complementary discussion questions from “The Sacraments: Encounters with Christ.”
Document
Preassessment
The Leader’s Guide for a preassessment of students’ knowledge of the Sacraments.
Document
Story Critique
Guidelines for critiquing “What is My Story?” from “The Sacraments: Encounters with Christ.”
Document
What Is My Story?
An activity based on reflecting on moments in your life in which you faced a significant challenge, from “The Sacraments: Encounters with Christ.”
Document
Scripture Readings for Celebrating the Rite of Marriage
A list of Scripture readings that can be included in celebrating the Rite of Marriage, from "Christian Morality: Our Response to God's Love."
Document
Finding Salt and Light for the World
This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series. It helps students reflect on various gifts, skills and virtues they might posesses in order to discern specific ministries they might be good at.
Document
Symbols of Baptism
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. It invites students to reflect on the significance of key symbols used in baptism.
Document
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.
Document
Interview Questions about Your Baptism
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students ask the provided to questions to adults who can tell them about the details of that student's baptism. A reflection on the significance of the sacrament is done at …
Document
The Parable of Juan and the Fishbowl Reflection
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can answer basic, advanced, and highly reflective questions about the story.
Document
Redemptive Love: Simon Birch
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students watching the movie "Simon Birch" can use this handout to follow along and reflect on major themes in the film.
Document
Definitions and Application of Theological Terms
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can use this chart to fill in the definiton of various terms, then find a practical application for their life.
Document
Cross the Line
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It introduces a method of classroom discussion that is interactive and a part of the bodily-kinesthetic learning method. Students move to indicate their responses to various questions.
Document
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.
Document
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.
Document
Learning About Learning
This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series. It asks students to reflect on their responses, likes, and dislikes to new learning methods.
Document
Etymology and Understanding
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students define, associate, and find similaries among various words that a teacher or catechist assigns, in order to see the root and relationship between them.
Document
Pass the Bag: A Biblical Affirmation Exercise
Class activity that familiarizes them with scriptural values, increases vocab, and ups self-esteem
Document
Let Your Light Shine: An Overnight Retreat on Self-Esteem
This overnight retreat on self-esteem invites the young people to explore their own personal gifts and encourages them to share those abilities with others. The retreat emphasizes the light of Christ in our Life, the special people who bring us …
Article
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 …
Article
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 …
Article
Program aims to get youth excited about Bible
Young people in the diocese are getting excited about Scripture and it's all part of a national effort called "Yes! Youth Engaging Scripture." YES is a Catholic teen-to-teen Bible sharing concept and to date, some 1,800 young people have been …
Article
Leader's Guide for The Master's Companion: A Christian Midrash
Table of Contents Beyond Scripture Helpful Hints for Using and Creating Midrash with Young People Classroom Activities Chapter 1: The Small Black Dog with the White Foot (John 4:1-30)--compassion for animals Chapter 2: A Night in the Garden (John 4:39-45)--significance …
Article
The First Address from Pope Benedict XVI
"Grace and peace in abundance to all of you! In my soul there are two contrasting sentiments in these hours. On the one hand, a sense of inadequacy and human turmoil for the responsibility entrusted to me yesterday as the …
Article
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 …
Article
Word-Association Exercise: Afterlife
(30 minutes) Prior to this exercise, have the all participants (including the facilitator) bring to the session a personal symbol. This symbol should be an object from among the participant's personal belongings that acts as a reminder of a much …
Article
Resources for Parents Who Want to View The Passion of the Christ with Their Teenage Children
Things to Remember Film is an art form, and many genres and subgenres exist within film. Comedy is a genre. Within that genre one could name romantic comedies, slapstick comedies, and dark comedies as subgenres. Before reading a piece of …
Article
Reflection Exercise: My Least Answerable Questions
(5 minutes) 1. Introduce this exercise by reiterating the idea that death is mystery and that since the beginning of time, people of all ages, cultures, and races have asked tough questions about death. Jesus himself struggled with such questions. …
Article
Advent: Saint Joseph and Jesus
This can be easily adapted to a video call. 1. Gather the group in a circle for a moment of silence. Light the candle and read these passages about Joseph in the Gospel of Matthew (1:18-21 and 2:13-15). Ask the …
Article
A New Rock: Adaptations for Home Use
These activities are easily adapted for family members at home. When gathered for a meal, or for the specific purpose of these activities, family members can do one activity, a couple, or all of them, depending on the amount of time …
Article
Frequently Asked Questions About the Pope
What is the pope? The pope is the bishop of the Church of Rome, Italy. Because of the importance of Rome, Tradition recognizes the pope as the supreme pastor of all Christians. Why is the Church of Rome so important? …
Article
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 …
Article
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 …
Article
Hunchback of Notre Dame: A Movie Activity
Disney's 1996 movie The Hunchback of Notre Dame can serve as a great starting point for discussions on the following topics: Moral Development. One can find examples of Quasi relying on childlike, adolescent and adult morality--which makes sense for an …
Article
The Elephant Man
I use a "carousel" activity with the movie The Elephant Man (1980, Paramount Video, 125 minutes) when teaching my lifestyles course. It works like this. After viewing the movie, I ask the students to call out the names of all …
Article
What Every Teen Should Know
I often joke with my students that they help me parent my children! When my daughter Ellie was turning thirteen, all of a sudden I was struck with this idea that turned out to be an awesome activity for my …
Article
Patch Adams - Movie Reflection
Patch Adams is a great movie to use with students! It is the fact-based story of Hunter "Patch" Adams, the founder of the Gesundheit Clinic. Robin Williams plays the lead character with grace and skill. Synopsis: After spending some time …
Article
Processing Service Experiences
I have been involved with our school's service-learning program for over ten years as a classroom teacher. Because the program is integrated fully in the religion, English, and social studies curriculum, we have made a commitment to processing the material …
Article
Intergenerational Service Project
Objectives to provide layette and nursery supplies for families in need to bring together girls and women to serve, build community, and pray to stimulate intergenerational dialogue among girls and women to reflect on the physical and emotional needs of …
Article
Sacraments Outside the Box
I'm sure that one of the first things you did when you returned to school in September was to check your faculty mailbox. Most schools have a bank of neatly labeled cubbyholes. Get an image in your mind's eye: some …
Article
Six Ways to be Truly Catholic
I always thought that I would have made a great archbishop in Salzburg during the time of Mozart. But instead I'm the archbishop of Milwaukee in the time of rock 'n' roll. That's the way life turns out. We live …
Article
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 …
Article
Service and Justice
We are standing on the brink, and our bishops are urging us to jump. Many of us don't know where we'll end up, and we aren't sure whether we'll land in one piece. Yet the sense of urgency is building, …
Article
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 …
Article
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 …
Article
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 …
Article
Questions for God
In a course on faith that he teaches at De La Salle Academy in New York City, David Detje, FSC, uses the film Oh, God! to shake up the students' notions of what God is like. He has gotten some …
Article
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 …
Article
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 …
Article
Once Upon A Time: Using Student-Generated Stories in Religion Classes
Religion classes should be interesting, if not compelling, and they can be if what is interesting is determined by the students. This, of course, is not a new approach. Learner-centered educational theories have been popular for decades. Using story as …
Article
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 …