i was highly dubious as to the grand swoop of your plan and i am happy to see that you have had these second thoughts. i highly use the bible stories in class but never in such a grand sweep as you tried. god bless henry haefner, s.e. penna.

Joe,
Thank you for this wonderful update. It has helped me in ways I cannot describe in two words or less. I tend to elaborate so I will attempt to simply. I felt compelled to respond to this email because I can relate to this particular experience.
A walk through the Bible was a great way to introduce and impress on the young how immense the knowledge and wisdom found in Scripture is; even in it’s simplified form. The word ‘Introduction’ brings to mind the fact that it introduces us to new things. Now these young people will someday say, I remember that name. You gave them a banquet. Now it is up to them to choose what they will take and eat. Hopefully it will satisfy and bring them back for more. I personally will stay tuned.
We truly depend on the Holy Spirit in reference to the CD not working, allowing a detour of or towards humility. This encourages me to prepare another route.
You are the right vehicle that proclaimed God’s word. I certainly learned much just by reading your update. Isn’t it truly a humbling experience to find that even after a well prepared lesson, it can leave us feeling that it was less than satisfactory? (St. Paul might say, ‘So that we might not become too elated’.) Yet, the beauty of it is that we never truly know the effect it may have on such young people, but we are aware of how God completes the work of our hands. As one of my former students put it, “You think we are not listening”.
I feel that this was the final nudging of the Holy Spirit to bring me back into Ministry. As a Catechist I miss teaching and learning. Because of health reasons I had not been able to return but God will certainly give me strength as I already have a willing heart.
A walk through this brief introduction has lead me in the right direction. No more doubts. So again, prayerfully thanking you for doing God’s work and allowing us to walk with you.
In Christ’s Love,
Corina

I agree.

Have you ever seen To Sir With Love?

If my 6th graders had Bibles, they’d be playing with them the whole class. I don’t let ‘em have anything, no books/ pens/ paper. So last class a girl brought her own piece of paper & pencil and in short order was doodling Valentine hearts.

Incredible.

Wow…I have to cover ‘only’ 1 chapter a week and feel like it’s a sprint.

Yep, live and learn. I stopped beating myself up for the less than optimal earlier classes and am actually looking forward to seeing and teaching these kids again this week. Thanks for sharing your valuable insights – both good and otherwise.