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
Teaching During a Year of Faith
Thanks for Participating in the “Teaching During a Year of Faith” Webinar!
Thanks so much for participating in this evening’s Webinar, “Teaching During a Year of Faith!” A recording of the Webinar will be available here on this blog within about a week. If you wish to receive a certificate toward your catechist certification, email your first and last name with your full mailing address to webinar@loyolapress.com. As promised, here are some resources I referred to during the Webinar that you can download (PDF format) for free! Classroom […]
Understanding Kids
Helping Children to Cope with Violence and Tragedy—Again
This year, we are marking the 15th anniversary of this blog, Catechist’s Journey. Sadly, within the first year of the blog’s creation, I found myself writing a post about helping children to cope with news about a mass shooting at Virginia Tech. A year later, I posted in the wake of a mass shooting at Northern Illinois University. Several years later, I posted again, as a result of the Newton mass shooting. Once again, within […]
Lent
40 Ideas for 40 Days of Lent!
It’s that time once again! The Lenten season is just one month away! To help you with your planning, I’m once again providing my popular 40 Ideas for 40 Days. Let me know which activities you chose to do, how you did them (adding your own twists) and how things turned out! In addition, here are lots more Lenten resources from Loyola Press. And don’t forget my list of Lenten resources for small faith groups! Print […]
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!