Comments for Catechist's Journey

Comment on And a Child Shall Lead Them… by Joe

Joe — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:08:40 +0000

This comment came via email from Rose:

“To answer your question – I noticed that both men and boys are now taught to let the girls answer the questions, and not to speak up or lead, unless directly asked. I think it is abominable for our culture has minimized its male figures and elevated women to the highest positions in all aspects of life. Occasionally there are one or two boys/men who stand up, but not many – unless asked.”

Comment on And a Child Shall Lead Them… by Joe

Joe — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:42:22 +0000

Maura, thanks for telling us about your experience. The more we expect, the more we’ll get!

Comment on And a Child Shall Lead Them… by Maura

Maura — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:10:56 +0000

How awesome! We’ve been letting classes between grades 1 – 8 lead the opening prayer each week. Our opening prayer unsually features the “basic” prayers we all need to memorize. The kids seem to prefer to either “popcorn” or lead together but so far they have all risen well to the occassion.
I’m a great believer in letting kids know we believe in their ablities to do their best. It is amazing how often even the older ones will try to live up to that higher “antcipation”.

Comment on It IS Possible to Have a Normal Conversation with an 8th Grader! by Rose

Rose — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:43:19 +0000

My 8th grade CCD class is also amazing. We have a full class (about 20), and the kids are hungry for the Word of God, in His many forms. They love to read the Bible, and ask questions. They are not quiet, because they participate.

Last week the church had a kids-fest and all the 8th grade CCD girls volunteered at the face-painting booth. It was fantastic to see them all working together & participating in the life of the Church, sharing God with kids of all ages by their service.

Comment on And a Child Shall Lead Them… by Joe

Joe — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:09:52 +0000

Greg, good to “see” you back. It’s always nice to get the kids to the church or chapel and especially in the presence of the Eucharist.

Comment on And a Child Shall Lead Them… by Greg

Greg — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:10:34 +0000

Hi Joe.

Sorry I’ve been rather “absent” lately from the blog…..have had a lot going on. This is such a great idea to have a student lead the guided reflection. I just got through my 3rd guided reflection in my last class and we did it in the Chapel for a change. I was rather adament regarding the presence of the Eucharist in the chapel and to behave appropriately. My students were the quietest they have ever been! Nothing like the presence of Jesus to straighten everyone up.

I view visits to the chapel as a rare treat though (maybe once now and then again during Lent for the stations) so we’ll be back in the classroom for reflection next time. After I get a little more experience under my belt, I may try letting a student lead us. Thanks again for the great idea.

Comment on And a Child Shall Lead Them… by Joe

Joe — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:47:27 +0000

Outnumbered indeed!

Comment on And a Child Shall Lead Them… by Joe

Joe — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:46:54 +0000

How nice!

Comment on Teaching About Jesus Using “New Media” by Joe

Joe — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:46:12 +0000

Thanks, Mary…very helpful suggestions!

Comment on And a Child Shall Lead Them… by Christian

Christian — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:51:30 +0000

It’s nice that the 11-12 year-old boys in my class haven’t learned the “act dumb” routine yet, and the girls haven’t learned the coy/ flirt shtick either. I think I have them where their brains can do real thinking, but their hormones don’t matter yet. Sort of a sweet spot.