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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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Vocabulary for Unit 2 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth”
Vocabulary terms and definitions for Unit 2 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth.”
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Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 2 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth”
An evaluation rubric for the final performance task options for Unit 2 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth.”
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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 2 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth”
Several final performance task options for Unit 2 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth.”
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Aquinas' Five Proofs for the Existence of God
A listing of Saint Thomas Aquinas’ five proofs for the existence of God.
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Interview Questions for a Practicing Catholic
A list of interview questions to ask a practicing Catholic.
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Vocabulary for Unit 1 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth.”
Vocabulary terms and definitions for Unit 1 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth.”
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What Do I Know About Catholicism?
An assignment where students test their knowledge of Catholicism.
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Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 1 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth”
An evaluation rubric for the final performance task options for Unit 1 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth.”
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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 1 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth”
Several final performance task options for Unit 1 of “The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth.”
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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 7 of “The New Testament: The Good News of Jesus Christ”
Several final performance task options for Unit 7 of “The New Testament: The Good News of Jesus Christ.”
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Chalk Talk
Steps on how to facilitate a silent conversation in writing in response to a topic or question posed.
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Bloom's Taxonomy
A short reading where the six levels of Bloom’s taxonomy of the cognitive domain are explained.
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Sustained Silent Reading
An article on how to use sustained silent reading as an effective tool in the classroom.
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Abraham's Family Tree
A worksheet where students work to fill in Abraham’s family tree, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Covenant, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
A worksheet that uses certain Scripture passages to describe covenants, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Historical Genre Stations, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
An activity where students read certain Scripture passages and look for illustrations of community and identity, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Small Passage Midrash, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
An activity where students read an assigned Scripture passage of the mythical genre and then work on interpreting what they have read, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Order of Creation, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
A worksheet where students are to organize several Creation events into the proper order in which they occurred. Students are to look at both of the Creation stories in the Book of Genesis.
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JEDP Reading for Perspective, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
An activity dealing with different perspectives of the same event, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Vocabulary for Unit 2 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
A sheet of vocabulary terms and definitions for Unit 2 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 2 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
A grading rubric for the final performance task options for Unit 2 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Final Performance Task Options for Unit 2 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide
Several final performance task options for Unit 2 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Vocabulary terms for Unit 1 of “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
A sheet of vocabulary terms, and blank spaces for students to write in the definitions, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Mind Map
A mind map for a brainstorming activity on the Bible, from “The Catholic Youth Bible” Old Testament Teacher Guide.
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Learning about Learning
A review of students’ understanding of unit material and their learning experiences. This review consists of several questions and encourages additional written feedback from students.
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Socratic Seminar Observation Form - Student
A student observation form for the Socratic seminar debate method.
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Socratic Seminar Symbol Codes
Socratic seminar symbol codes to help quickly evaluate a seminar speaker.
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The Socratic Seminar
A reading on the process and expectations for the Socratic Seminar debate.
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Using Rubrics to Assess Work
A reading on using rubrics to assess or evaluate students’ work.
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Using Final Performance Tasks to Assess Understanding
A reading on using final performance tasks in the classroom to assess students' understanding.
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The One-Act Play
One-act plays give students the opportunity to be creative as they explore a concept, issue, dilemma, person, or situation.
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Expert Groups
A reading on how expert groups are a valuable classroom instructional strategy that helps to build student confidence, class collaboration, and expertise in chosen topics.
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Suicide Prevention
A document on suicide prevention including warning signs, action steps, online resources, and lifesaving facts to consider.
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Using Graphic Organizers
A reading on how to use graphic organizers as learning tools to deepen understanding.
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Audits: Point of Inquiry
This document explains the educational benefits of an audit, instructions on how to assign an audit, and an example of an audit handout.
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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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Using Learning Stations
Instructions on how to effectively use Learning Stations in the classroom.
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Using a Mind Map
A reading on using a mind map, which is a creative way to introduce a concept.
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The Conversion of Saint Augustine
A reading on the Conversion of Saint Augustine, with excerpts from “Confessions and Enchiridion.”
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The Whip Around
A reading on a quick and participative assessment tool called the whip-around.
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Student - Is This a Calling? Teresa of Avila
An excerpt on calling and vocation, written by Saint Teresa of Avila.
Video
Saint Therese of Lisieux - The Little Flower 2/2
A two part documentary about the life of Saint Therese of Lisieux.
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Saint Therese of Lisieux - The Little Flower 1/2
A two part documentary about the life of Saint Therese of Lisieux.
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9/9 The Life of Pope John Paul II
A movie chronicling the entire life of Pope Saint John Paul II.
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8/9 The Life of Pope John Paul II
A movie chronicling the entire life of Pope Saint John Paul II.
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7/9 The Life of Pope John Paul II
A movie chronicling the entire life of Pope Saint John Paul II.
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6/9 The Life of Pope John Paul II
A movie chronicling the entire life of Pope Saint John Paul II.
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5/9 The Life of Pope John Paul II
A movie chronicling the entire life of Pope Saint John Paul II.
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4/9 The Life of Pope John Paul II
A movie chronicling the entire life of Pope Saint John Paul II.
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3/9 The Life of Pope John Paul II
A movie chronicling the entire life of Pope Saint John Paul II.
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2/9 The Life of Pope John Paul II
A movie chronicling the entire life of Pope Saint John Paul II.
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1/9 The Life of Pope John Paul II
A movie chronicling the entire life of Pope Saint John Paul II.
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Saint Francis De Sales
A short video about Saint Francis De Sales, including an excerpt from his writing.
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A Day in the Life of Saint Francis
An artistic, humorous, and educational account of the teachings of Saint Francis.
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Did You Know? Fatima (Feast Day: May 13)
A clip summarizing the events surrounding Our Lady of Fatima.
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Did You Know? Saint Bernadette (Feast Day: April 16)
A clip summarizing the life of Saint Bernadette.
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Life of Saint Ignatius of Loyola
A short documentary telling the story of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.
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Mysteries of the Church: CANONIZATION
A documentary providing a definition of Sainthood, descriptions of the lives of a number of Saints, miracles performed by the Saints, and the comprehensive process whereby an individual is declared a Saint by the Catholic Church.
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Mysteries of the Church: The Early Evangelists
A documentary discussing the early church, its members, and the means by which it expanded. Note: Viewing begins at 1:10.
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Mysteries of the Church: Patron Saints
A cinematographically excellent documentary explaining in colloquial and relatable language the signifiance and origins of Patron Saints.
Video
Join JVC
A brief description of the work and lives of the college-age volunteers of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC). JVC is an example of an organization putting the ideas of Catholic Social Justice into practice.
Video
The History of Saint Patrick - a Short Story
A short, creative video explaining the life of Saint Patrick and the development of Saint Patrick's day.
Video
A Short Introduction to the Carmelites - A Catholic Religious Order
A video providing pictures and quotations that explain the essence of the Carmelite vocation.
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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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EWTn Live - Therese - the Movie - Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J. with Leonardo Defilippis - 12-08-10
EWTN hosts an actor, producer, and director for the film about Therese of Lisieux. They discuss the film and Therese's life and virtue.
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EWTN Live-Saint Francis de Sales-Fr Mitch Pacwa, SJ with Fr Thomas Dailey, OSFS-04-06-2011
A long discussion between experts that details Saint Francis De Sales' life, writings, and the cultural milieu in which he lived.
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The Easter story animated 3/3 - Jesus is Alive
A short series using cartoons to depict the story of Jesus' death and resurrection.
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The Easter Story Animated 2/3 - The Death of Jesus
A short series using cartoons to depict the story of Jesus' death and resurrection.
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The Easter Story Animated 1/3 - Jesus is Nailed to a Cross
A short series using cartoons to depict the story of Jesus' death and resurrection.
Presentation
Paul's Journeys - PowerPoint
This PowerPoint is part of the Living in Christ Series. It explores Paul's three missionary journeys, including pictures, maps, and scripture verses that tell the story.
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"Tools of Evangelization" Word Search
Please note that this document is only available as a PDF.
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Paul, the Missionary Adventurer: The Comic Book Version
This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a project idea for students to create a comic book/graphic novel about Paul's adventures in the Acts of the Apostles.
Presentation
The Mystery of Suffering - PowerPoint
This PowerPoint is part of the Living in Christ Series. Rather than a philosophical or theological discussion of the mystery of suffering, this resource asks students to meditate and think about Jesus' example of suffering for people he loves.
Presentation
Symbols of the Paschal Mystery - PowerPoint
This PowerPoint is part of the Living in Christ Series. It uses vivid images to discuss the various signs and symbols that represent the Paschal Mystery. Students are asked to reflect on why a certain symbol is significant.
Presentation
Bible Search Challenge 1
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Modern Day Martyrs
This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It introduces a project idea for students learning about modern-day martyrs for their faith and religious convictions.
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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.
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The Parable of Juan and the Fishbowl
This story is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a modern day parable that illustrates the necessity and perfection of the Incarnation. There is a PowerPoint that corresponds as a visual aid to the story.
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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.
Presentation
Mary Our Mother - PowerPoint
<p>This PowerPoint is part of the Living in Christ Series. It introduces and familiarizes students with Mary, the Mother of God and Our Mother through images, scripture and reflection questions.</p>
Presentation
The Apostles - PowerPoint
This PowerPoint is part of the Living in Christ Series. Using scripture and images, it explores who the Apostles were and what characteristics made them special.
Link
Peter and Paul
http://www.pbs.org/empires/peterandpaul/
This link to the Web site for the PBS series Peter and Paul is the starting point for a Webquest exploration.
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Portfolio Instruction
This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers instruction to students who must put together a portfolio of their readings, writings and assignments from lessons on Jesus and Christology.
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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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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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Is This a Calling - Saint Teresa of Avila
This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It is a excerpt from the writings of Saint Teresa of Avila about the discernment of her vocation to the religious life.
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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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The Prophetic Checklist
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can learn key characteristics of the prophets of the Old Testament and look up Biblical citations to correspond.
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Preparation Worksheet for Prophet Research Assignment
This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can use these questions prepare for and consider several facets of a prophet that they plan to research mor extensively.
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The Role of a Judge in Ancient Israel
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can learn more about important judges from the Old Testament.
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Leadership Statements
This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series. It includes several statesments about leadership in the Bible, including who's called, what skills are necessary, and what it takes to be a good leader.
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What Kind of Leader Is Moses?
This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students are asked to look up verses and make assessments about Moses' leadership in the Old Testament.
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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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Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 4
This rubric is part of the Living in Christ Series. It serves as a guide for assessing students on projects that communicate key ideas about Jesus' disciples, and apostles, especially his Mother, Mary.
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Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 3
This rubric is part of the Living in Christ Series. It serves as a guide for assessing students on projects that communicate key ideas about the person of Jesus Christ, especially his human and divine nature, and the context in …
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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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The Holy Trinity
Student handout: Activity for an unnamed section of Cath Connections Handbook (pg 35-39 ish) word puzzle
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Pass the Bag: A Biblical Affirmation Exercise
Class activity that familiarizes them with scriptural values, increases vocab, and ups self-esteem
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Directions for Game on! Games for Catholic Connections
Original directions to go with Game On! Cards. instructions for Baseball, Dodgeball, Identity, Jeopardy...
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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 …
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I Am More Like. . .
Class strategy. Activity to help students articulate and share some of their personal characteristics and develop an appreciation for differences among people
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Catechist Tip Sheet 5: Helping Young Adolescents to Pay Attention
Handout that Catechists attending Session need to print out/can use. Resource
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Giving Thanks for Special People: A Communication Activity for Thanksgiving
A thank-you card activity to give thanks for the special people in students' lives.
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Catechist Tip Sheet 3: Effective Story Telling
Handout that Catechists attending Session need to print out/can use. Resource
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Catechist Tip Sheet 4: Effective Group Management
Handout that Catechists attending Session need to print out/can use. Resource
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Catechist Tip Sheet 1: Developmental Characteristics of Young Adolescents
Handout that Catechists attending Session need to print out/can use. Resource
Video
Lifehouse's Everything Skit
This skit is a powerful depiction of the human weakness in the face of temptations and the love of Jesus Christ, who conquers sin and death.
Video
Porn - What's the Harm?
Jason Evert speaks with youths about pornography and its impact on love and relationships. This video addresses one of the most prominent issues for male adolescents, and is explained by one of the most relatable professionals.
Video
26 Years of World Youth Days
A video produced by Grassroots Films (http://www.grassrootsfilms.com/ ) for World Youth Day 2011 Madrid, showing the WYD experience.
Article
Play Ball
Preparation Gather the following items: * two foam balls or two beanbags * one copy of the resource A Communication Process(PDF) Secretly Ask a participant to help you with the activity. Explain that the second activity in this session is …
Article
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 …
Article
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 …
Article
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 …
Article
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 …
Article
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 …
Article
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 …
Article
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 …
Article
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 …
Article
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 …
Article
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, …
Article
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 …
Article
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 …
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
Paul's Missionary Journeys
Preparation Gather the following items: pens or pencils copies of The Catholic Youth Bible® or another Bible, one for each participant maps of Paul's journeys (See maps 7 and 8 from the Study Aids section in the back of The …
Article
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 …
Article
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 …
Article
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 …
Article
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 …
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
A Friend for Life
Editor's note: The names of the minors in this story have been changed to preserve confidentiality, in accordance with the wishes of Holy Cross Children's Services. DETROIT--When Tonya entered a youth detention home of the Holy Cross Children's Services …
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
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 …
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
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 …
Article
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 …
Article
November, National Child Safety Month: Preparing for safe and sacred places
Preparing for Safe and Sacred Places Some experts predict the presence of at least one abuser and one victim of abuse anytime there is a gathering focusing on this topic. Someone in your community might be experiencing abuse of some …
Article
November, National Child Safety Month: Preventing Abuse
Ongoing Prevention and Education Your community can do several things to inform, prevent, and respond to sexual abuse. The following are essential strategies you will want to incorporate into parish- or school-wide ministries: • All young people need to know …
Article
November, National Child Safety Month: Considerations in Ministry Planning
CONSIDERATIONS IN MINISTRY PLANNING All adults who work with children and or young people must be capable of exercising good judgment and wisdom in their ministry. We recommend that you consider the following questions when planning any activity involving children …
Article
Assumption of Mary - Mary as a Disciple
Begin an exploration of Mary as the first disciple by explaining the word disciple, which means "follower, or one who believes in the teachings of a leader." Invite the students to examine the ways that Mary was a …
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
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
Artist Appreciation Month: Graphic Images of Christ's Passion in Art
Mel Gibson is not the first person to shock the public with a graphically violent portrayal of the Passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In 1515, Matthias Grunewald revealed an artwork called The Isenheim Altarpiece to the monks and churchgoers …
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
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
Talking Hands--Personal Attitudes Toward Death
(10 minutes) 1. Have the participants assemble and sit in a circle. Introduce this activity as Talking Hands. Explain to the participants the signals that they will need to use. Tell the young people that each time they hear a …
Article
Unbound!
OVERVIEW Praying for forgiveness sets us free. In this prayer the young people experience this message through a ritual of reconciliation. This strategy, which is ideal for a retreat or as a conclusion to a session on forgiveness, allows …
Article
Lenten Nails: A Reflection Exercise for Lent
OVERVIEW This two-part reflection exercise allows the young teens to evaluate their behaviors and attitudes and admit their faults, throughout Lent. The exercise is introduced at the beginning of Lent and concludes before Easter. Suggested Time: Approximately 10 minutes for …
Article
Ashes to Reconciliation: A Reconciliation Prayer for Lent
OVERVIEW This prayer can be used during the first week of Lent or any time the sacrament of Reconciliation (also called the sacrament of Penance) is discussed or celebrated. Suggested Time: 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of …
Article
February 14: Valentine Puzzles
Preparation. Purchase or make a poster board heart, about 6 inches wide, for every four or five young people. Write on each heart a different scriptural verse that pertains to love. Include the citation. Here are some possible citations: Deut. …
Article
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 …
Article
Soup or Bowl: A Game and Service Project for Super Bowl Sunday
OVERVIEW This combination game and service project is played in relay style by teams of young people with cans of soup that they bring as donations for the local food pantry. Suggested Time: A minimum of 10 minutes, or as …
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 …
