Books
Do Young Children Have the Capacity for a Relationship with Jesus?
Enjoy this excerpt from The Catholic Parents’ Survival Guide. Question: Do young children have the capacity for a relationship with Jesus? —Javier and Gloria, parents of one Answer: Yes, children have a very real capacity to understand and develop a relationship with Jesus. Let me share this story with you. When my daughter was 3 years old, she could be a bit of a challenge at Mass. Coming forward to receive Holy Communion, for example, […]
Family Catechesis
Family Catechesis at St. Barnabas: Welcoming the Seasons of Advent and Christmas
Our next monthly session for our Finding God Family Catechesis program at St. Barnabas will take place on Sunday, December 3, the First Sunday of Advent, which means that our focus for the adult session will be on the seasons of Advent and Christmas, with a particular emphasis on the theme of God’s Promise: The Covenant. Here is the plan for that session: Our opening prayer ritual will reflect the season of Advent as we […]
Being a Catechist
Poll Question: What Is the Biggest Challenge You Face as a Catechist?
We catechists find great joy in our ministry; however, we also face many challenges! For that reason, it is good to know that we are not alone in facing challenges. Many of our fellow catechists face similar situations and circumstances. Take a moment, if you will, to participate in the poll below, which invites you to identify the greatest challenge you face right now as a catechist. Feel free to elaborate in the “Leave a […]
Art and Music in Catechesis
New Songs for Name That Sin, Virtue, or Gift
Not too long ago, I shared a post here on Catechist’s Journey inviting folks to help me update the songs for an activity I call “Name That Sin, Virtue, or Gift”—an activity I created years ago when working with teens preparing for Confirmation. I received a number of helpful suggestions and then did some research of my own to find more contemporary songs and complete the chart. Let me share the following disclaimer: the inclusion […]
Advent
The Growing Popularity of Advent Calendars: A Teachable Moment
Have you noticed that “Advent calendars” are all the rage these days? I put that in quotes because the “Advent calendars” I’m referring to are secular in nature and have become a big part of holiday marketing and sales. There are “Advent calendars” for wine, tea, chocolate, books, gemstones, spices, cookies, and a host of other delights, most of which have nothing to do with the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Now, I’m not […]
Anita:
Wow Thank you for sharing. Out of the mouths of babes as the saying goes.
Stacey Irvine:
Hi Joe, What activity/lesson with children be doing in parallel to the adult session?
Darby Callahan:
I think it is a matter of encouraging Families to bring their children to Mass. It seems that Wednesday Nights…
