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Cycle A Sunday Readings 2016-2017

Sunday Readings for November 2016 to November 2017 (Cycle A Readings). The passages follow the lectionary of the Catholic Church in the United States, which is based on the New American Bible Revised Edition.

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Catholic Mass Kid's Trivia Game Part 8 Receiving Communion

This video is a trivia game that can be used to assess children's understanding of receiving Communion at Mass.

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Sacraments 101: Eucharist (how we receive)

This video demonstrates the "dos" and "don'ts" of receiving Communion.

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Catholic Mass Kid's Trivia Game Part 2 Introductory Rites

This video is a trivia game that can be used to assess children's understanding of the Introductory Rites.

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Script for a Special Passover Meal with Jesus

The script for the skit in which children reenact the Last Supper, acting as Jesus, the Apostles, and narrators.

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Treasures of Our Faith Bingo Card

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

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Come Worship the Lord

The song/video "Come Worship the Lord," by John Michael Talbot, is available on YouTube (7:58). Point out that this song is based on Psalm 95. Commentary includes an explanation of the liturgy as a dance, with gestures. You may want …

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I Lift Up My Soul

The song/video "I Lift Up My Soul," by Tim Manion and the Saint Louis Jesuits, available on YouTube (3:00) with lyrics, shows views of Catholic liturgy and prayer as well as natural scenes. It is best used on days 1 …

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The Kingdom of God

The song/video "The Kingdom of God," like many Taizé songs, is available on YouTube (4:15) and is a meditative chant that would work well as an introduction to chant and an opening prayer. It is appropriate for use on day …

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My Vocation

This handout helps students identify their talents, gifts, and personality and how these fit into God’s vocation for their lives.

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Where East Meets West

This worksheet guides students to make connections between Confirmation in the Eastern and Western Churches.

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Waters of Salvation

On this worksheet, students identify the Scripture passages associated with the various parts of the Blessing of the Water used at the Easter Vigil.

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A Sacred Family Meal

This worksheet guides students to make connections between the Mass and a special meal or tradition in their family.

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Saying Yes

This handout guides students to examine several Scripture passages exemplifying what it means to say “yes” to God’s call.

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Eucharistic Prayer Cards

This handout provides each element of the Eucharistic Prayer on a separate card for students to arrange in order.

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Stories That Speak to Us

This handout guides students to recognize the importance of stories, both in our families and our faith.

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Putting the Pieces Together

This puzzles helps students to identify and order the parts of the Liturgy of the Word.

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My Birthday Readings

Students identify the liturgical season in which their birthday falls. This worksheet then guides them to identify and summarize the readings for that day.

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Liturgical Roles

This handout asks students to identify the role of the various liturgical ministers at Mass.

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Important Moments

This handout asks students to think about and reflect on moments in their life that have been significant.

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My Morning and Evening Prayers

This handout asks students to think about the Liturgy of the Hours before they answer questions about and create their own morning and evening prayers.

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Symbol Search

This handout challenges students to find symbols in their classroom or school and identify the deeper meaning of each.

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Unlocking the Codes

This handout provides several short activities for students to complete as they learn about the symbolism of the Book of Revelation.

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Passover Parallels

This partner worksheet helps students draw connections between Old Testament passage about the Passover and New Testament passages about the Mass.

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God Loves a Cheerful Giver

This worksheet guides students to read and answer questions about a specific Hebrew festival from the book of Leviticus.

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Which Way Shall We Go?

This handout provides a chart for students to list activities that are best to do on Sunday and those that should be saved for other days of the week.

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The Liturgy of the Word and the Lectionary

This supplemental PowerPoint accompanies Unit 5 by providing an overview of the Lectionary as it is used in the Liturgy of the Word.

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Exploring the Lectionary

In this activity, partners read the readings for a specific feast day and identify key symbols, similarities, and differences that help make Mass more meaningful.

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Vocabulary for Unit 5

This is a list of terms and definitions to know for Unit 5.

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Lesson Plan for Lesson 16

A lesson plan for lesson 16 in The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth: Catechist Guide. In this lesson students explore how the Holy Trinity is revealed through liturgy.

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A Reference Guide to the Gospel Story

A partial list of scripture references for Jesus’ miracles, parables, important teachings, and life events

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"Mass Appeal"

A series of questions that can be used to reflect on the movie, “Mass Appeal.”

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Sunday Mass: Why Go?

A worksheet that looks at the reasons why people attend Mass.

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The Liturgy of the Word

A worksheet that looks at the three sources of readings at Mass.

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Ash Wednesday and Lent - in 2 Minutes

A short video explaining Ash Wednesday and Lent.

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Correlation to Curriculum Framework

Correlation to Curriculum Framework Course IV: Jesus Christ’s Mission Continues in the Church from The Church: Christ in the World Today.

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The Liturgy of the Word

The Liturgy of the Word is discussed in chapters 29 and 30 of The Catholic Connections Handbook. After reading or reviewing these chapters, complete the crossword below.

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Introduction to Liturgy

After reading or reviewing chapter 27 of The Catholic Connections Handbook, which discusses the liturgy of the Church, complete the following activity. Use the clues to unscramble the words below each clue. When you are finished, write down the letters …

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The Catholic Mass

The Catholic Mass, and what each of us brings to it.

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Catholicism is Universal

A personal story about discovering how Catholicism is truly universal.

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Advent in 2 Minutes

A quick, two-minute video from Busted Halo that explains why we celebrate Advent and wait to celebrate Christmas.

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Chapter 32 Activity: Elements from the Mass

Complete this multiple-step activity on the parts of the Mass that have to do with Communion and sending forth. First, unscramble the word or words in the boxes. Then match the statements in the list below to the words in …

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Chapter 32 Summary: The Eucharist: Communion and Sending Forth

A summary of Chapter 31, The Eucharist: Communion and Sending Forth from the Catholic Connections Handbook for Middle Schoolers, Second Edition.

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Chapter 31 Summary: The Eucharist: The Liturgy of the Eucharist

A summary of Chapter 31, The Eucharist: The Liturgy of the Eucharist from the Catholic Connections Handbook for Middle Schoolers, Second Edition.

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Chapter 30 Summary: The Eucharist: The Liturgy of the Word

A summary of Chapter 30, The Eucharist: The Liturgy of the Word from the Catholic Connections Handbook for Middle Schoolers, Second Edition.

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Chapter 27 Activity: A Liturgy and Sacraments Crossword

Review what you know about the liturgy and Sacraments by completing the following crossword puzzle.

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Chapter 27 Summary: Introduction to Liturgy

A summary of Chapter 27, Introduction to Liturgy from the Catholic Connections Handbook for Middle Schoolers, Second Edition.

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The Wise Old Man on the Porch

A personal story about seeing the Church as a wise elder sitting on a porch.

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Our Commitment to God

A personal story about being committed to God.

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Chapter 16

A PowerPoint on The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Third Edition Chapter 16, Introduction to the Liturgy.

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Three Renewal Movements

Work with your group to complete the section of this handout that corresponds to your assigned topic.

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Chapter 16 Activities

Activities for Chapter 16 Introduction to the Liturgy, including a core activity, core activity extension, and additional activities.

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Handout: Thoughts on the Mass

Complete the following sentences in the spaces provided. Feel free to be totally open and honest in your answers; you will not be asked to share them with anyone.

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Handout: The Holy Trinity

Descriptions of how each person of the trinity is present in the liturgy.

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Ritual Postures and Gestures

The different postures and gestures that take place during Mass.

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Lesson 16 Summary

The lesson learning objectives and content summary for Lesson 16, Introduction to the Liturgy.

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Chapter 39

A PowerPoint on Chapter 39 about the Lord’s Prayer.

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Vocabulary for Unit 3

A list of vocabulary words for Unit 3 that defines the terms bishop, Body of Christ, Catholic Church, charism, Communion of Saints, consecrated life, diocese, doctrine, Final Judgment, fruits of the Holy Spirit, Gifts of the Holy Spirit, laity, Marks …

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The Holy Trinity

A short video explaining the Holy Trinity and the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity.

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Feast of the Most Holy Trinity

A short video explaining the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity.

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Researching the Role of the Magisterium

Several strips of paper that may come in handy when researching the role of the Magisterium.

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Where Does the Church Say…?

A chart outlining different types of Church documents, the author and audience of each particular document, and what’s in each document.

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Who? What? When? Where? How? in the Local Diocese

An activity where students are asked to locate information about their local diocese.

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Your Role in Evangelization

An activity where students assess their role in evangelization.

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Quiz: Are You a Faithful Citizen?

A self-quiz, or self-assessment, on faithful citizenship.

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My Charisms

A worksheet where students are asked about ordinary charisms and religious charisms.

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Gifts of Holy Spirit

A worksheet where students are asked to explain each of the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit and then compose a short essay on instances where the gifts helped them out in difficult situations.

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Terms Related to the Church

A worksheet where students are asked to define several vocabulary terms related to the Church and write a short essay on which term means the most to them.

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Good Friday Intercessions

A handout that guides students through writing their own Good Friday intercessions.

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Communal Prayer

A worksheet to help in preparing for a celebration of the Eucharist, from "The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth" Teacher Guide.

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What Is a Symbol?

A worksheet on symbols, their abstract meanings, and how they are integral parts of Church liturgies.

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Sacred Time: The Liturgical Calendar

A worksheet where students are asked to fill in information on the liturgical calendar.

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Vocabulary for Unit 4

A list of vocabulary terms and definitions from Unit 4 of The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Third Edition.

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Ministries at Mass

A worksheet centered on the ministries at Mass.

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A Preassessment of My Knowledge of the Eucharist: Part II

A preassessment exercise on students’ knowledge of the Eucharist: Part II.

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The Ministries at Mass

A PowerPoint presentation on the ministries at Mass.

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The Liturgical Year

A research assignment on the Liturgical Year: unfolding the Paschal Mystery.

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Exploring the Lectionary (B)

A worksheet on experiencing the Paschal Mystery (B).

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Rubric for Final Performance Tasks for Unit 1

A grading rubric for the final performance task options for Unit 1 of "The Sacraments: Encounters with Christ."

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What is Good Friday?

A short clip about the meaning of Good Friday.

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What is Holy Thursday?

A short clip about the meaning of Holy Thursday.

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What is Holy Week?

A short clip about the significance of Holy Week.

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Mysteries: Celibacy

A documentary discussing the historical/theological precedents for celibacy.

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Mysteries of the Church: EUCHARIST

A documentary that provides: 1) A theological basis for the Eucharist, 2) An explanation of precisely what transpires during the Eucharist, 3) The process by which the bread of the Eucharist is created and 4) An instance of a Eucharistic …

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Mysteries of the Church: LENT

A documentary discussing the importance and role of Lent.

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Preparing the Way for the Romal Missal

"Where the New Translation meets the New Evangelization." World class, eminently faithful liturgical instruction from Salve Regina Publications; available to the members of your parishioners - 24 hours a day / 7 days a week -- at MissalPrep.com. This video …

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Reason for the Season- Easter Triduum

This episode of Reason for the Season, brought to us by the Irish Dominicans, focuses on the Triduum, from Holy Thursday till the Easter Vigil. It explains why and what we celebrate during this highlight of the liturgical year.

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Reason for the Season- Advent

This is the first episode of the new series Reason for the Season. This episode, narrated by an Irish Dominican, will look at the season of Advent and explain, for example, the symbolism of the Advent wreath and the color …

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De Profundis - Gregorian Chant, Catholic Songs

Gregorian Chant recording.

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Preparing for Mass

This document begins by explaining the importance of involving youth in preparing for Mass. It then goes into an in-depth discussion of the principles for preparing Mass, forming preparation teams, preparing yourself as team leader, and explaining the preparation process.

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Preparing the Elements of the Mass

This document helps in the planning of the Mass. It provides a handy checklist for readings and prayer tasks, music and song tasks, and rituals and environment tasks.

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Preparing the Prayer of the Faithful

This document is very helpful when planning a Mass. It includes a description of what the Prayer of the Faithful is, tips for writing the petitions, the suggested order of the petitions, and examples of typical responses to the petitions. …

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Mass Preparation Form

This document is a helpful tool when getting ready for a Mass. The Mass Preparation Form is a handy outline that includes blank lines for you to fill in the specific readings, prayers, songs, and participants for the Mass you …

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Prayers of Petition

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

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Music and Liturgy

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can reflect on various songs and pieces of music in the liturgy to come to a greater understanding.

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Vocabulary for Unit 7

This vocabulary list is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students may use it as a reference for key theological terms to know.

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Reflecting on the Liturgy

This worksheet is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can reflect on their experience of and participation in the liturgy of the Eucharist in small group settings.

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Ministries Small Group Liturgy Preparation

This article is from the Living in Christ Series. Teachers may use this resource to organize students into group to plan and reflect on various parts of the liturgy of the Mass.

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Why We Go to Mass Reflection and Discussion Questions

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students are asked to reflect on and discuss the significance of the Mass through these questions.

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Vocabulary for Unit 5

This vocabulary list is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students may use it as a reference for key theological terms to know.

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The Eucharistic Prayers

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discusses the Eucharistic prayers historically, theologically, spiritually, pastorally, devotionally, liturgically, cosmically and celestially.

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Using the Lectionary to Understand How God’s Ancient Promises Are Fulfilled in Jesus

This activity is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students can use this handout to explore some Old Testament prophecies that find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

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The Lectionary

This article is part of the Living in Christ Series. It discussese the lectionary and the liturgical year of the Catholic Church.

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Liturgy Reflection

This resource is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers reflection questions for students to use as prompts when writing papers on the Liturgy.

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Research Component - Liturgy Writing Assignment

This handout is part of the Living in Christ Series. It outlines the guidelines for a research writing assignment in which students reflect on various liturgical seasons.

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Project Overview

This assignment is part of the Living in Christ Series. It offers ideas for reflection papers regarding three different liturgical celebrations.

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Semester Long Project

This project idea is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students compile a portolio of written assignments, making observations and reflecting on the Paschal Mystery through the Sacraments.

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What is Faith? - PowerPoint

This PowerPoint is part of the Living in Christ Series. Using scripture and the Catechism, this resources offers definitions of faith, distinctions between faith, belief and religion, and practical ways to grow in faith.

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Vocabulary for Unit 7

This vocabulary list is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students may use it as a reference for key theological terms to know.

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Vocabulary for Unit 4

This vocabulary list is part of the Living in Christ Series. Students may use it as a reference for key theological terms to know.

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The Lord's Prayer

Student handout: Activity for chapters 42 and 43, crossword

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Fr. Barron Comments on the Real Presence

Another part of a video series from Wordonfire.org. Father Barron will be commenting on subjects from modern day culture, and how Catholics know Jesus is present in the Blessed Sacrament. For more visit http://www.wordonfire.org/

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Why is the Mass Changing?

The Mass Is Changing...How? Why? And what does it all mean for you? Catholic Answers Senior Apologist Jimmy Akin explains why the Church has decided to issue a new translation of the Roman Missal.

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What are the Historical Roots of the Mass?

What are the historical roots of the Mass? The Mass is changing...How? Why? And what does it all mean for you? This video is a detailed summary of continuity concerning liturgy.

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Christmas

A brief description of the holy season of Christmas for the Roman Catholic Church.

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First Sunday of Advent

Join Catholic Digest as we journey through the Advent season. Catholic Digest has put together five meditative videos beginning with the first Sunday of Advent and culminating with Christmas. Each video is short enough to fit in any day—your lunch …

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National Bible Week: Daily Reading - Always Loyal

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

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National Bible Week: Daily Reading - We Are All Hungry

We Are All Hungry For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. They said to him, Sir, give us this bread always John 6:33,34 At different times we need different …

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December 25: Reflection on Favorite Christmas Carols

Reflection on Favorite Christmas Carols Have the students, as a class, decide on their five favorite Christmas carols. To help them, take time to actually listen to Christmas carols in class. Doing this out of season will strike some students …

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Instruments of God's Grace

May this selection, from Let Us Remember: Stories of the Holy Presence of God encourage and inspire you in your good work!

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Advent Buddies

Advent Buddies: An Intergenerational Relationship-building Activity OVERVIEW This activity helps young people learn from an older person in the parish and establish a faith relationship with that person. Suggested Time: About 15 minutes for each meeting during Advent Group Size: …

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The Liturgical Year

Learning Experience: The Liturgical Year (20 minutes) On a chalkboard or sheet of newsprint, draw six horizontal lines. Tell the group members that each line represents one of the Church seasons. Invite them to name the major seasons of the …

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Mass to Commemorate and Celebrate the Life of Pope Saint John Paul II

In light of the Pope's passing, this Mass script offers an order of service with prayers, music suggestions, intercessions, and other materials that will make planning a meaningful celebration as simple as possible when time is limited. This Mass can …

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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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The Liturgy: The Source of Catholic Identity

I love the old Latin axiom lex orandi, lex credendi. Roughly translated, this means that the law of prayer is the law of faith. More simply phrased, we pray what we believe. If you want to know what Catholics believe …

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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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Teaching the Rite Way

Mix a little ancient Chinese with some fifth century Latin and you have "the rite thing" for teaching sacraments. Let me explain. I hear, and I forget. I see, and I remember. I do, and I understand. --Ancient Chinese proverb …

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Let the Church Say Amen

Amen is a cry of complete reliance, of heartfelt abandonment to something or someone that is true and trustworthy. THE TWO-SYLLABLE WORD COULD BE HEARD by all in the front quarter of the sizeable church. It was said by a …

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Jesus Makes the Perfect Host

A recent classroom interchange at a Catholic university, in a history class on American Catholicism: Student: Interesting you should bring up Communion today. I just had a long argument with my parents about it. Professor: What was the argument? Student: …

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A Note on Kneeling

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

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A Thousand Teenagers Singing at Mass?

Every August, despite our enthusiasm to bring fresh ideas to our classrooms and curriculum, the same question lingers for us as we plan for another year of all-school liturgies: How do we get a thousand teenagers to sing at Mass? …

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