This past Monday, we gathered with the children in church for a Lenten Prayer Service (about 30 minutes) with the pastor. I thought the service was very nicely prepared and executed. As we waited to begin, one of the 2nd grade catechists got up and asked all the 2nd grade children to stand and sing “This Little Light of Mine” which was an appropriate pre-processional and served to gather hearts, minds, and voices. I saw some of my 4th graders singing along! The music leader did a nice job of incorporating and leading simple Taizé (pronounced teh-ZAY) melodies which are terrific for children (as well as adults). The focus on Operation Rice Bowl gave the prayer a powerful social justice emphasis which is quite fitting for Lent. Throughout, the kids were well-behaved and prayerful (it helps that many parents attend…the increase in their attendance attributed to the DRE using SchoolReach to remind them and invite them). Kudos to the DRE Arlene and her assistant Lilian for putting together such a nice service. Here it is if you wish to use it/adapt it to your own setting. Lenten Prayer Service
Catechetical Issues & Topics
Catechists: What Do You Look for in a DRE?
I received an e-mail from a friend who is a DRE, and he asked if I had ever posted about what catechists look for in a Director of Religious Education. I told him that I had not but what a wonderful idea for a post! So… Catechists: please share a few thoughts about what you look for in a Director of Religious Education! Just type in your comments in the box below. Thanks! Print Friendly
Creative Moments
40 Ideas for 40 Days: A Declaration of DEpendence
Lent is a time for us to declare our independence from sins that have been impinging on our freedom and to declare our DEpendence on God! Prepare your own “parchment” to use as a Declaration of DEpendence. Here is a picture of one I prepared next to a replica of the real thing. Any sheet of white newsprint will do. The thinner the paper, the better. I like to use a sheet from an easel […]
Primary Grades
Getting Children Involved in a Prayer Service
We often hear about the importance of full and active participation in Mass and in our communities. As catechists, that should be our goal for every class. One way I’ve gotten my students involved is through classroom prayer services. In my early days as a catechist, I thought first-graders would be too young for an activity like this. I assumed they wouldn’t be able to sit still long enough, or read well enough, or understand the […]
Hi Joe I was planning on gathering all the children in the church on sunday after mass instead of catechism classes we would reflect on the station together. As there is a poor attendance at the stations of the children. Some never even heard of stations of the cross. Thanks for the idea will use it. Thanks for the other wonderfull ideas. This evening at mass you came to mind and I offered up prayer for you as you are a true inspiration to all catechists in this special ministry. My prayer is that one day I will be blessed and be part of your workshops. One day I will get to America. Keep doing the will of the Lord and blessings will be bestowed upon many generations after you.
Alison, thanks so much for sharing. Teaching your kids about the Stations of the Cross during Lent is very appropriate and will help the kids to reflect on the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. I hope it goes well for you. Thanks especially for the prayer and your kind words. I do indeed hope we get a chance to meet some day!