Greetings from Detroit where I’m spending the morning with the Detroit Society of Catechetical Leaders talking about A Well-Built Faith! Luckily I did not have to miss one of my Monday night sessions with my 8th graders since yesterday, March 1, was Casimir Pulaski Day in Illinois, a state holiday, so we had no class. This coming Sunday is Confirmation and for once, I have the opportunity to actually attend the Confirmation Mass to see my class receive the Sacrament. I’m looking forward to it!
Junior High
40 Ideas for 40 Days – Lenten Activities: Declaration of DEpendence – Photos and Directions
Today’s idea is something that catechists of every grade level can take advantage of – I call it the Declaration of DEpendence. I originally came up with this idea when teaching about the Lord’s Prayer. It occurred to me that, with its seven petitions, the Our Father is clearly a prayer that expresses our complete dependence upon God. This is, of course, in stark contrast to the independence that we all strive for in our […]
Comings & Goings
Ohio Catholic Education Association
Cincinnati, here I come! I’m privileged to have the opportunity to do a couple of workshops at the Ohio Catholic Education Association conference in Cincinnati this week. I’ll be speaking on The Catechist’s Toolbox and Living the Mass. In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you about how your first few weeks of teaching are going! Send in your comments. Print Friendly
Joys and Frustrations
Update on My OWN Classes
I realize that, in the midst of providing my 40 Lenten activities in 40 days, I’ve not updated you on my own Monday evening classes. Actually, last night was the first time I saw my 8th graders in 3 weeks! Last week, I was doing a parish mission at another parish and needed a sub. The week before that was a day off (Pulaski Day in Illinois). So last night was an opportunity to get […]
I just got home after spending the morning at this DSCL event. I really enjoyed this presentation and I walked away with more tools to help me in my ministry. Thank you so much. God Bless
Eileen, thanks! I had a wonderful time with you and the good folks of the Detroit Society of Catechetical Leaders!
Joe:
I attended your presentation with DSCL. You are a very good story teller! Your examples reminded me of my own experiences in sharing with other faith traditions, and reminded me of some wonderful experiences with the Muslim community in the metro Detroit area. We can all learn from one another.
I liked your handy four pillars explanation from the CCC and your H.E.L.P. from the Beatles. Way cool! It is a good discussion image to use with RCIA, children, or any folks who have questions about our Faith as Catholics.
I also appreciated your emphasis on using simplicity to teach Truth and your suggestions of creative ways to share our Catholic identity with parish culture and others outside of our own faith tradition.
Your reminder to all of us that, “prayer is our response to God’s attempt to get our attention” has given me some hope this Lent on my own journey as I encounter the Cross in a big way in my own life.
I picked up your Bible Blueprint book at the DSCL event, and I think it will be a real asset to me in parish ministry and in home schooling my four children.
Best wishes to you in your ministry in the windy city.
Michelle, thanks for your kind words. I remember chatting with you when the morning was over as well as the comments you shared about your experiences with the Muslim community. I really enjoyed my visit to Detroit and was especially aware of the fact that many folks there are struggling either because of the economy or the changes happening in the Diocese or both. It was a privilege to be a part of a strong, positive, and enriching event thanks to the DSCL. I wish you continued success in your ministry, especially in raising/home schooling your 4 children. May your Lenten journey continue to lead you to an ever deepening capacity to celebrate the Risen Christ as Easter!