Any experience in life—whether good or bad—is an opportunity to learn. That holds true for this Coronavirus threat that we are experiencing and enduring. We are all learning how to adapt to the unique situations that we find ourselves in. As always, it is up to us adults to make sure that children are learning the right lessons from the experiences that affect them.
With that in mind, Loyola Press has created a special lesson as a companion to the Growing with GOD: Safe and Sacred™ child safety and Catholic family living program. This lesson is designed to help schools and parishes provide continuity for their students and be constructively proactive no matter where children are spending their days. Likewise, it helps educators, catechists, or parents discuss the COVID-19 virus with children and teach them valuable skills. This lesson offers prevention and mitigation techniques based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance and includes a faith component to remind children of God’s unconditional love for them.
We hope these resources offer your community some comfort and hope during the current situation. Please feel free to send these resources to your community. For the most current information on the COVID-19 outbreak, please visit the CDC website.
Growing with GOD Coronavirus Response Lesson
Stay safe and healthy, my friends! And let’s help our children to do the same!
Dear Joe,
Thank you for this lesson. I plan to use it as part of the lessons while our schools are closed and and our face-to-face RE program is suspended. SO, please check the video that is attached to this lesson. On my computer, it plays a lesson for the St. Francis Blessing of animals….
Thank you,
Rose Barnas, DRE
St. James Parish Lititz PA
Dear Rose,
Thank you for your response. We understand how you may have thought the video link was incorrect. While the title of the short video is “Blessing of the Animals,” the central message of this video is taking care of ourselves and others, which is reflected in the body of the lesson. While the video provides a gentle and lighthearted reminder of the hygiene practices that help us stay healthy, the lesson can also be presented without the video.
We hope this lesson, with or without the video, helps you meet the needs of those you serve at this challenging time.
Denise
Catechist’s Journey Editor
Thank you for these wonderful resources. Where possible, can you include a link to Spanish translation for the parent resources?