Saint Hilaria (d.304)
Saint Hilaria and her daughter, Saint Afra, hid their bishop from harm during the Diocletian persecutions. In turn, their bishop converted them. Saint Afra was martyred because she refused to sacrifice to pagan gods. After her daughter was martyred, Hilaria …
Saint Clare of Assisi (1193-1253)
Saint Clare of Assisi was of noble birth, but when she was 18 she was so moved by the Lenten sermons of Saint Francis of Assisi that she renounced all her possessions to become a nun. Her family and friends …
Saint Lawrence Martyr (d.258)
Saint Lawrence was a deacon martyred at Rome around the year 250. One tradition tells us that, during a time of persecution, Roman authorities demanded that Lawrence give up the Church's treasures to the emperor: Lawrence replied that he would …
Saint Edith Stein (1891-1942)
Edith Stein was born to a Jewish family in Breslau, Germany (now Wroclaw, Poland). As a teenager she turned away from Judaism and professed atheism. Years later, after becoming a noted philosopher, Stein was drawn to Catholic thought. Her reading …
Saint Dominic (1170-1221)
Saint Dominic de Guzman was a Spanish theologian and the founder of the Order of Friars Preachers. At the age of 14 he went to the university to study theology and philosophy, and was ordained a priest as a young …
Saint Cajetan (1480-1547)
Saint Cajetan began his adult life by first becoming a lawyer and then turning to the priesthood. He was ordained at 36, and at the age of 42 established a hospital in Venice, Italy, for those suffering from incurable ailments. …
Saint Hormisdas (d.523)
Saint Hormisdas was born in Frosinone, Italy, in 450. He was married before he was ordained, and had a son, Silverius, who followed in his father's footsteps and also became a pope. Hormisdas became a deacon during a time of …
Saint Addai (2nd century)
Legend has it that Saint Addai was ordered by Saint Thomas to go to the court of King Abgar the Black. Tradition tells us that Abgar, the king of Edessa, was stricken with an incurable sickness. Hearing of Jesus' power …
Saint John Vianney (1786-1859)
Saint John Vianney was born near Lyons, France, in 1786. He worked as a shepherd boy on his father's farm, and only attended the village school briefly when he was nine. When he entered the seminary to study for the …
Saint Peter Julian Eymard (1811-1868)
Saint Peter Julian Eymard was born in La Mure d'Isere, France. Peter joined the seminary at Grenoble, and was ordained a priest in 1834. At first, Peter's father opposed his choice to pursue religious life, which made the decision difficult …
Saint Eusebius of Vercelli (283-371)
Saint Eusebius was born on the island of Sardinia, Italy. After his father was martyred, he moved to Rome, where he eventually became a bishop. He stood up for the Church during one of its most difficult periods. This hard …
Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Saint Alphonsus Liguori was the forefather of the Redemptorists and a bishop. He was born into a noble family in Naples, Italy. He was educated at the University of Naples, where he earned a doctorate in law by the age …
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Our Beliefs about Eternal Life
Use the information found in articles 32 and 33 of the student book to complete this worksheet.
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The Goodness, Blessedness, and Beauty of the Created World
A reflection worksheet on the goodness, blessedness, and beauty of the created world.
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Living the Call of Vatican Council II
A worksheet that looks at the dignity of the human person, the necessity of community, and human beings’ relationship to the universe.
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Praying with Scripture A Guided Meditation
A guided meditation on praying with scripture from "The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth" Teacher Guide.
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Meditation on a Goal or Concern
A meditation on a goal or concern from "The Catholic Connections Handbook for Youth" Teacher Guide.
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Just a Closer Walk with Thee
A worksheet where students are asked to read and reflect on the Gospel of Luke’s powerful image of how Christ is present in the celebration of the Eucharist through the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus.
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Could I Walk in Your Shoes?
A survey that will help students consider how difficult it might be to walk in the shoes of another person who may be quite different from them.
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The Goodness of Creation
A worksheet on the goodness of creation, using Scripture passages from the Book of Genesis.
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My Understanding of the Mission of Jesus Christ
A worksheet on students’ understandings of the mission of Jesus Christ.
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What Is Faith?
An activity on the best description of faith, based on students’ experiences and understanding.
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Who Is Jesus?
An activity where students rate their level of agreement on statements about Jesus.
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What Do I Know About Catholicism?
An assignment where students test their knowledge of Catholicism.
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Where Is Your Faith Life Right Now?
A wrap-up activity for Section 5 of “Jesus Christ: God’s Love Made Visible,” on where your Faith life is right now.
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Summary of Jesus' Revelation of God's Plan
A wrap-up summary of Jesus’ Revelation of God’s plan, from Section 4 of “Jesus Christ: God’s Love Made Visible.”
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Reflection on the Greatest Commandments
A reflective homework assignment on the greatest Commandments, from Section 4 Part 4 of “Jesus Christ: God’s Love Made Visible.”
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Core Elements of a Parable
A homework assignment on the core elements of a parable, from Section 4 Part 4 of “Jesus Christ: God’s Love Made Visible.”
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Jesus' Ministry
An activity on Jesus’ Ministry, from Section 4 Part 1 of "Jesus Christ: God's Love Made Visible."
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Scripture Passages about the Incarnation, from Section 3 Part 1 of "Jesus Christ: God's Love Made Visible"
An activity on Scripture passages about the Incarnation.
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Homework: Experiencing Good News, Then and Now, from Section 3 Part 1 of "Jesus Christ: God's Love Made Visible"
A homework assignment on experiencing the Good News, then and now.
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Paul's Response to the Early Christian Communities
A group assignment on Paul’s response to the early Christian communities.
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The Apostles Peter and Paul
A series of questions on the Apostles Peter and Paul, to be answered in a small group.
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Old Testament Themes and Images in John's Prologue
A worksheet on the Old Testament themes and images in the prologue of the Gospel of John.
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Exploring John's Christology
A worksheet where the critical questioning method is used to explore John’s Christology.
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Comparing and Contrasting the Passion and Resurrection Narratives in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke
A group worksheet on comparing and contrasting the Passion and Resurrection narratives in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
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Comparing and Contrasting Infancy Narratives
A group worksheet on comparing and contrasting infancy narratives in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
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The Reign of God in the Gospel of Luke and Today
A group worksheet on how the Reign of God is presented in the Gospel of Luke and in today’s culture.
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The Reign of God in the Gospel of Luke
A group worksheet on how the Reign of God is presented in the Gospel of Luke.
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Synoptic Parallels Questions
A group worksheet where students examine parallels in the synoptic Gospels.
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Sunday Lectionary Readings: God’s Ongoing Story of Love for Humanity
A group assignment on several sets of Sunday Lectionary readings.
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Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation (Dei Verbum, 1965)
A worksheet that examines several chapters of "Dei Verbum" using group discussion.
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Meet Me in the Middle
A worksheet where students are asked to make connections between different things, concepts, and terms.
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Analysis of Revelation, Chapter 1
A number of questions that guide students in an analysis of chapter 1 of the Book of Revelation.
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Socratic Seminar Ticket
A number of questions that students need to answer before they are allowed to participate in the socratic seminar on early Christian communities.
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Characters in the Acts of the Apostles
A worksheet where students are asked to choose a character from the Book of Acts, and answer several questions on their respective account.
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Journaling on Discipleship
Several question prompts on discipleship that students can use when journaling.
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Movie: A Life Devoted to the Poor
A series of reflection questions to be asked after viewing the movie about the life of Mother Teresa.
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Luke's Understanding of Jesus
A worksheet where students use scripture passages from the Gospel of Luke to discover Luke’s understanding of Jesus.
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Analyzing Matthew's Prologue
A worksheet where students analyze the prologue of the Gospel of Matthew.
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A Portrait of Jesus for Jews
A worksheet where students discover how Matthew made his Gospel distinctly Jewish.
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Biblical Study
A worksheet with questions on the historical context, literary context, and cultural context of the Scriptures.
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Influences on the Writing of Scripture
A worksheet where students reflect on different things that may have been influences on the writing of Scripture.
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Learning about Learning
A review of students’ understanding of unit material. Students rate their knowledge of the material on a scale and provide written feedback about their learning experience.
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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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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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Lifelong Journey
Several questions about yourself and relationships to consider before entering into the permanent covenant of marriage.
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Equal Partners in Marriage
A numbers of questions relating to the equality of men and women in society as well as in marriage.
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Study Guide: The Transforming Power of Marriage in "A Beautiful Mind"
A study guide on the transforming power of marriage, using examples from the movie "A Beautiful Mind."
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The Sacrament of Pardon and Peace
A set of questions that accompany the PowerPoint presentation “The Sacrament of Pardon and Peace.”
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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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A Personal Inventory of My Potential
A worksheet comprised of questions, columns, and numbers, where students can rate themselves and see if they are achieving their full potential.
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"Homeless: Motel Kids of Orange County" Movie Guide
A movie guide with questions pertaining to the film “Homeless: The Motel Kids of Orange County.”
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Planet Partner Survey
A self-assessment survey on how well students are stewards of creation.
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Justice Conversation Starters
A list of several conversation starters or self-reflection questions on the topic of justice.
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Mary, Queen of Peace
A list of several questions regarding the Blessed Virgin Mary that can be used as writing or reflection prompts.
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Sabbath Reflection Grid
An organizational grid to help students reflect on how they spent their Sabbath.
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Dilemma Questions
A set of questions based on real-world situations and dilemmas that a person may be dealing with.
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Reflecting on the Meaning of Infant Baptism
A worksheet focused on reflecting on the meaning of infant Baptism.
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The Meaning of Redemption (I)
This survey provides an opportunity for students to identify some areas of their lives that they feel they need help to improve. Part 1 of this exercise is strictly personal; however, students’ reflections will help them with a complementary group …
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Temptations and Grace
Quotations and questions dealing with temptations and grace, from "Christian Morality: Our Response to God's Love."
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Fiddler on the Roof
Questions for discussion for "Fiddler on the Roof" from "Christian Morality: Our Response to God's Love."
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The Fourth Commandment and The Ten Commandments
A worksheet regarding the Ten Commandments, especially the Fourth Commandment, from "Christian Morality: Our Response to God's Love."
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Gospel Reflection on Sin and Salvation
A Gospel reflection on sin and salvation from "Christian Morality: Our Response to God's Love."
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An Examination of Conscience
This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers great reflection questions for going through an examination of conscience, dividing the questions into those referring to love of God, and those referring to love of neighbor. This …
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"The Fingerprints of God" Reflection Questions
This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can reflect on the fingprints of God in creation and other people through these questions.
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Questions for Made-to-Love
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can reflect on the song "Made-to-Love" by TobyMac by answering the questions on this worksheet.
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Discovering God
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. It helps students discover the various ways and places they can interact with and meet God: in their daily lives, through others, and in creation.
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Reflection about Personal Beliefs and Knowledge
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can reflect on and answer questions about their experience with faith, their beliefs, and their personal convictions and commitments to a faith/religion tradition.
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From the Author: Beth Dotson Brown
God is always at work in my life and once in awhile, I am blessed with the knowledge about where God is guiding me precisely when it's happening.So it was in the summer of 2005. As a longtime freelance writer …
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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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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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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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Taking Care of Myself: Prayer for Stress Relief
Reflection Sleep is a natural part of everyone's life, but many of us know little about how important it is. Sleep is something our bodies need to do; it is not an option. Sleep does indeed sustain us. Not only …
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Nurturing Spirituality with Faculty and Staff
This vision paper presents stories and ideas of Catholic educators who care deeply about their faith, their vocation, and their school communities. It is a reflection on how staff spiritual development empowers the mission to teach as Jesus did. The …
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Our Lady of Guadalupe: Icon of Justice
"Commitment to human life and dignity, to human rights and solidarity"; these are elements of what is commonly understood as social justice. In the Church today we have numerous "icons" we can look to in order to guide us in …
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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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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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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 …
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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 …
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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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National Bible Week: PRIMA Bible Study
THE PRIMA PROCESS Prima is the Latin word for first. In the PRIMA process, each letter of the word stands for a step in reading and studying the Bible individually or with a group. Using the PRIMA process helps you …
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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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February 14: Saint Valentine's Day
We love because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19) We celebrate loving and being loved on this special day. Of course most of us find it easier to love someone who loves us first, and that's what this verse …
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January 22: Reflection on Roe vs. Wade
I walked with George the other day, And this is what he had to say: "If this is what its come to, then I'm glad that I've passed on. For the foundation laid so long ago apparently is gone. What …
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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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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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Raising Up Leaders
I had a fascinating time with a group of young leaders. I was most struck by the diversity of the young people from a particular area. They came from single parent households, working-class families, and professional families. They were black …
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The Important of Process
I usually learn things the hard and long way. I have sponsored many prayer services, service projects and other such activities for teenagers. Prior to the event, I am usually consumed with details. Permission slips, transportation, food, and the schedule …
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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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The Scandal of Love: The Unstoppable Passion of God
Saint Peter Chrysologus (406-450) was a man of passion. Often times, we look back at the saints and strip them of their power. They can become still pictures, of sorts. These pictures reveal beauty, yet they remain static. Such mental …
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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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Right Here, Right Now
Holiness is an easy endeavor. At least the spiritual writer, Jean-Pierre de Caussade, believes that is the case. In his book Abandonment to Divine Providence, de Caussade urges his readers to live in the moment and do what is right. …
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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 …
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Why Is the World the Way It Is?
Why is the world the way it is? Why is it full of wrong? Why are her eyes so big? Why is his neck so long? Why is she so dark? Why am I so light? Why is she called …
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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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When Tragedy Challenges Faith
When a Natural Disaster Strikes Natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornados, wildfires, and floods can challenge our trust and belief in God. We may ask: How could a loving God let bad things happen? How could God let us down …
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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 …
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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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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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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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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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On the Frontier of Justice in Ghana
"Africa has been the land of hope, salvation, and redemption. Abraham had come to Africa, Joseph from slave to savior. It was the land of refuge for Jesus and helped to carry his cross. Will we continue to dismiss Africa …
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Waiting for God
One day last week, I was sitting at breakfast with the three sisters I live with in Seattle. They are members of the Congregation of Saint Joseph of Peace. It was an ordinary morning at breakfast. Nothing unusual happened. I …
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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 …
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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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What Time Is It?
What Time Is It? I have a feeling that the disciples asked Jesus, "What time is it?" quite a bit in the Gospels. What time is it? How can we tell God's time here on earth? Those are simple questions …
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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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Pentecost Reflection
There is a vocal exercise I do with my choir every time we gather for rehearsal. It's very simple. I ask them to take in a deep breath and sigh. Take a moment to breathe deeply and sigh. This warm-up …
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My God Is Still Working
My God is working still, and I am working. God's mercy and promise can be found in the Book of Isaiah. These images of God's goodness are breathtaking, especially as we await spring weather. We are assured of God's mercy. …
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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 …
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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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Anointed to Love
Luke 4:21-30 begins with the phrase, "Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing." It is the same phrase that ended a previous passage of Luke. The Spirit of God has anointed Jesus; where the Spirit of God has …
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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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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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An Easter Reflection
I was living in Louisville, Kentucky, at the time my younger sister gave birth to her second child. I arrived at the hospital just shortly after she had the baby, and the nurses allowed me into the birthing room to …
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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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U.S. Students Work for Salvadoran Students
Katie Murphy visited El Salvador in the summer of 1999 as part of the Frontiers of Justice project, a learning opportunity for Catholic high school teachers cosponsored by Catholic Relief Services and the National Catholic Educational Association's Secondary Division. Her …
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Undergraduates and Theology: Why Bother?
They seemed happily unaware of traditional teachings.... I thought them unchurched. The invitation to spell out what I see happening today in theological education for undergraduates is too good to pass up. I’ve been teaching undergraduates for nearly 30 years. …
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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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Don't Cancel that Guilt Trip
A few weeks ago it was brought home to me how strongly our society has rejected the idea of struggling with one's conscience as necessary or beneficial. I was teaching Alice Walker's novel The Color Purple (Harbrace, 1982), and the …
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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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What's God Like?
God's creatures draw upon images and symbols, concepts and narratives--all to know their Creator better. I was 8 years old that day I nervously tiptoed into our living room. My mother was opening the drapes, flooding the room with light. …
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O Lord, Hear My Cry
"I'm going for a walk," I declared, not caring if my husband actually heard me or not. I slammed the front door behind me and marched angrily out of our home, strutting down the walkway and into the street, oblivious …
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Columbine High's Selfless Heroes
The stories of Columbine's heroes rise like a "tide of inspiration" for this Denver mother. Starting the third laundry load, I pause, puzzled by a pin on my daughter's t-shirt. At 14, she tosses shirts into the hamper with glad …
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Glorious Nature
Theme: Francis proclaimed, "We are sister and brother to animals and plants, water and soil, earth and sky." Just as we meet the dancer in her dance, the painter in his art, and the poet in her finely crafted words, so …
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Getting to the Heart of the Matter
Step 1: Look at the situation What exactly is happening? Why is it happening? Who is involved? What are their motives? How is it happening, that is, by what means or method? When and where is it happening? Step 2: …
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From Isolation to Liberation
At the age of ten, I was diagnosed with pre-leukemia. Before being diagnosed I had to undergo numerous blood tests and very painful bone marrow tests. These tests continued after the diagnosis. I had to miss the last part of …
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Fruit from the Vineyards of Faith Community
Participants in this summer's workshop "The Catholic High School as Faith Community" offered one another insights from their experience in the "vineyards" of Catholic high school teaching and campus ministry. We are happy to pass some of their "fruit of …
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Committing to Your School's Catholic Identity and Mission
A group of fifty-four religion teachers, campus ministers, and administrators from thirty-seven Catholic high schools across the United States gathered in June 1995 to share dreams, struggles, and moments of grace around the theme of building faith community in their …
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Community Service Courses:
This past semester, at the end of a year-long service program at a residential treatment center for emotionally disturbed youth, two students from my community service course wrote a poem to express the significance of their experiences. These are the …
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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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We Come to the Feast
Recently I have been paying attention to where and with whom I have shared meals over the past several weeks. Now I must confess that for the most part my dining habits have consisted of special meals on a tray …
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Shameless Flattery and Groveling
I must be a magician with talent enough to spare . . . Yes! That would explain how it is I can make assignments disappear . . into thin air. I think my mind is plagued with such topics as . . Nuclear War. I simply cannot devote my …
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Color the Moment
Well, here we are at the end of an incredible school year. It seems like everyone I've been talking with this week remarks on how quickly the year has gone. "It seems like only yesterday that we were walking in …
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Catholic Identity
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 article I hope to summarize some of the highlights from postings on the timely …
