I had a wonderful day in the Archdiocese of Boston today, meeting with about 60 catechetical leaders for a Being, Knowing, and Doing professional development workshop. Big thanks to Susan Abbott (Director, Office of Religious Education) and Susan Kay (Assistant Director for Catechetical Leadership) for arranging the event and to all the good folks who so enthusiastically participated in this day. Congrats to your Boston Bruins for winning game 7 of their series against the Montreal Canadiens! Enjoy it now because next year the Chicago Blackhawks will be BACK!!!
Understanding Kids
God, Sports, and Religious Education
I’m from Chicago, a BIG sports town (bigger than ever this week with Da Bears in Da Superbowl!). Often, sports can be a thorn in the side for catechists: students miss religious ed. classes because of games, tournaments, and practices and, worse yet, they and their families often miss Mass on Sunday because of games and tournaments. These are serious issues that need to be addressed. On the other hand, I’m a huge sports fan […]
Books
Bringing Sports and Faith Together: “All In” by Coach Porter Moser
Early on in my career, I was once gently criticized by a colleague for using too many sports metaphors in my writing and speaking. Having taught religion for a decade in an all-boys high school, I found that references to sports resonated with my students, and so I relied on them quite often. My colleague suggested that sports references were “masculine” and excluded the girls. Perhaps there was a time when this was true, but we […]
Prayer/Guided Reflections
Does God Decide Who Wins Based on Our Prayers?
I’ve written about this before, but every year the issue comes up again when teams are playing for championships. The matter touches very close to home this year with the Chicago Blackhawks battling the Philadelphia Flyers for the Stanley Cup. A friend of mine who grew up in Chicago, is a big Hawks fan, but now lives in Princeton, NJ, not far from Philly, sent me the following, which is about a nun and priest […]
Dear Joe,
Thank you for coming to Braintree yesterday. I really enjoyed your workshop. Workshops are good when they involve full participation and that is what we did. Fully participated. This is a workshop we can utilize to get our Catechists and parents involved too!
Peace to you,
Maureen
Go Red Wings! (sorry, just had to get my plug in for the Wings since you brought up hockey!)
Too funny, Jennifer!
This was one of the best workshops ever! Grounded in solid theology and catechesis, with practical advice that is easy to follow, and fun – enjoyably interactive. I wanted to run from the workshop and find a group of catechists I could work with to use all the good materials I experienced.
If this workshop comes to your area run to sign up.
Thanks Joe (and Cynthia)
Susan, thanks for the ringing endorsement! Continued good luck to your Boston Bruins!