While at NCCL this week, I am doing a poster presentation about how to conduct a parent-child session on introducing Catholics to the Bible. The poster indicates that you can get a pdf of the outline for the session on my blog. That said, here ’tis!
Catechists in Action
Catechists in Action – Marge Invites RCIA Team Member to Discuss the Gospel
In this segment of Catechists in Action, Marge Garbacz invites Bernie, one of her RCIA team members to read aloud the Gospel for the upcoming Sunday and then to share some thoughts on it. Watch for the following: Marge clearly announces what is to take place next, the proclamation and discussion of the Gospel for the upcoming Sunday, and then turns it over to Bernie…a nice sharing of responsibility and utilization of the gifts of […]
Scripture
Biblical Literacy for Catechists: The Prophets
This is the final article in a series about figures in Salvation history and their relevance for catechists. What is a prophet? The word prophet means “to speak for.” A prophet, then, is someone who speaks for God. When God wanted to speak to his people, he often chose someone to remind them of the covenant and its promises. Catechists can help students get to know these important spokespersons for God so they can become […]
Scripture
Labor and Rest in the Bible Activities
What does the Bible say about work and rest? Explore Scripture passages related to labor and God’s command and promises of rest. The downloadable activities invite young people to look up Scripture verses and then express what they learn in creative ways. This activity is inspired by the 2023 Catechetical Sunday theme of “Come to me all you who labor and are burdened.” (Matthew 11:28) In our driven and often anxious world, let’s remember to […]
This outline moves right along….a full 90 minutes of engaging the group and moving them forward.
I like the bit about revelation.
Thanks, Christian…I like the idea of de-mystifying the word “revelation.” It sounds so deeply theological and yet it’s simply what we do when we enter relationships…we reveal ourselves to others.
WOW…. Thanks So much! I am a leader in the Rite of Initation for teens. This is perfect..
Theresa…sounds like a good fit! Best wishes with it!
Oh my heavens – this is perfect. This fall, I will be teaching 5th and 6th graders. we will be doing lectionary based once Advent begins, but I plan to spend the first few weeks (this year) on the Bible. We can’t afford to give each child their own bible so we will have to modify that portion, but this is perfect. THANK YOU!!!!
Great, Maureen! I’m glad you find this helpful!
I am going to try an experiment to explain oral tradition and writing of the Bible. The first 6-7 weeks I am going to end class with a short story (I have chosen one from the 1920’s so they won’t already know it). Their homework on the last week will be to write out the story themselves from memory. when they bring it back, we will discuss.
Sounds like a good idea, Maureen…good luck with it. My only concern with an activity like that is that it might demonstrate how much of a story can get lost or distorted when passed along orally until it is written down and it might give the wrong impression that the Bible suffers from a lack of accuracy. Just a thought.
I did think of this. However, much of the Bible was passed on orally before being written down. also we continue to have Tradition that is not written down. I will emphasize that the number Jesus fed, the number of lepers cured was not what is important. I believe their own writing will give the “moral” of the story (and there is one in my choice) even if descriptions or amounts are off.
Hi Joe,
Sorry I am going to miss your presentation on Thursday in New Bedford, but fortunately I downloaded this presentation because I can have Cynthia purchase a copy of your “Bible Blueprint”. I have started doing parent child sessions with 2nd graders and now I’ll have a ready-made session for fifth graders – and early enough that it can be put on “the calendar”. I enjoyed your session last year with Margie and am really disappointed about not getting to hear you again. Thanks, too, for this doing this blog. As a 30-year veteran, I love so many of your ideas!
Pat
Thanks, Pat! Wow, 30 year-veteran! I should be reading YOUR blog!
Thank you!! searching for a Bible presentation service and while this is not exactly what I need, it give me a wonderful start.
Great, Charlene. Let me know if there’s something else I might offer you by way of help.