Tonight, at the NCCL conference, I attended a preview of Fr. Bob Barron’s exciting new Catholicism Project. Fr. Bob was a teacher of mine in my Doctor of Ministry program and is one of the most brilliant minds in Catholic thought today. His Catholicism Project is a multi-textured introduction and explanation of the depths of the Catholic faith. What sets Fr. Bob apart from other Catholic “personas” is his ability to speak intelligently about the Catholic faith while also speaking like a regular guy. No false pomposity or overly pious airs about him as is found in too many priests who appear on various Catholic TV programs. Some segments of this program are set to air on Public Television this Fall. I think it will make us proud! Here’s what his project is all about…I encourage you to look into it.
Creative Moments
A Gift from Jesus
At the end of my workshop In Hartford, CT, on Saturday (speaking on leading guided reflections), a priest came up to chat with me. I hesitate to call him an elderly priest because, although he was obviously up there in years, he had such a youthful attitude that it made him seem quite young. Anyway, the priest was telling me how he’s been doing guided reflections in catechesis for many years and that one thing […]
Intermediate Grades
Closure
Tonight is the last session that I will be teaching for my 6th graders this year (next week is our closing Mass). I’ll reflect soon on what this experience has been like for me (in brief, it’s been wonderful!) but for now I’d just like to offer a glimpse of what I’ll be doing tonight. Preliminaries (15 mins) Gather, attendance, misc. – young people write prayer intentions Opening prayer ritual/procession Engage (10 mins) I plan […]
Approaches/Techniques
Continuing Our Discussion of Divine Pedagogy and the Shared Praxis Approach
Last week, we began an excellent conversation about the catechetical process and, in particular, the principles of divine pedagogy and the role of human experience (the shared praxis approach of Dr. Thomas Groome). Thanks to all for your rich insights and thoughts. Today, I’d like to continue that conversation by offering my critique of Dr. Caroline Farey’s article, “The Truth Will Set You Free”), Faith Magazine, Vol. 41, No. 5, Sept-Oct 2009) which I referred […]
Joe,
Fr. Barron did such a wonderful job on this and I’m so excited to see it when it comes out in August!
William, I have no doubt you’ll find a creative way to put it to use in your parish too!
I’m excited to see this as well. I have some of Father Barron’s other DVDs. I see on Catholicismproject.org that you can pre-order. Based on what you saw at the Conference, Joe, do you think this could be used for 9th or 10th grade? There are too many DVDs to show the program in its entirety to the teens but I assume each DVD stands alone and that one or two could be selected if indeed a teen audience would like it?
Hi Mary. Yes, I think this would be good for 9th or 10th grade because it is visually captivating and the study guide will help the teacher to guide the students. Yes, each appears to be stand alone. Best wishes with this and all your catechetical efforts!
We have so many heroes out there, it s time to let the world know our own story as the video trailer says, let us continue building the body of Christ and spread the love of his word.
Looking forward to see the full video…
Again, greetings from Tijuana Mexico…
How true, Susana.
Talking about our unknown heroes, I will ask you all to pray for the soul of one of our priests in Tijuana that was brutally murdered this week, his name was father Salvador Ruiz.
Let us pray for OUR CHURCH AND OUR PRIESTS.
So sorry to hear about this Susana. Prayers are assured.