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Catechists in Action

Catechists in Action – Meet Len Astrowski!

In this segment of Catechists in Action, we meet seventh-grade catechist Len Astrowski, the husband of the Director of Religious Education at Most Holy Redeemer Parish in Evergreen Park, IL. After leaving Chris Brett’s class, we headed straight over to Len’s class and walked in during the middle of his session. Watch for the following: Len introduces me to his class. (He had my name on the board and alerted the kids to the fact […]

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Catechists in Action

Catechists in Action – What Kids Like About Chris Brett

In this segment of Catechists in Action, we do something a little different. I interrupted the session to ask the 8th grade students what they like about their catechist, Chris Brett. Watch for the following: Chris jokes about liking his class because 2 guys who cause trouble are absent that night! Kids respond by saying that they like that he doesn’t scream at them, he makes learning fun, he never sends them down to the DRE’s […]

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Catechists in Action

Catechists in Action – Chris Brett Talks About Spiritual Nourishment

In this segment of Catechists in Action, 8th grade catechist Chris Brett talks to his recently confirmed class about spiritual nourishment. Watch for the following: Chris talks about how we need, not only physical food, but also spiritual food Chris asks what we mean by spiritual nourishment The kids offer various good answers about what spiritual nourishment is Chris talks about Scripture as God’s food for us. a phone goes off! Chris doesn’t skip a beat! […]

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Catechists in Action

Catechists in Action – Chris Brett Tells His Students About His Calling to be a Catechist

In this segment of Catechists in Action, 8th grade catechist Chris Brett is discussing with his recently confirmed class about how they can use their gifts to serve the community. Watch for the following: one of the students states, “become a catechist” as one way to use your gifts to serve others Chris asks the kids if they know how much money he makes each week serving as a catechist! 🙂 Chris asks the kids […]

Catechists in Action
Catechists in Action

Catechists in Action: How Would You React to the Transfiguration?

In this segment of Catechists in Action, eighth-grade catechist Chris Brett discusses that Sunday’s Gospel reading of the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus. Watch for the following: Chris reminds them that the Transfiguration is one of the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary Chris asks the young people what they think the Apostles were thinking and what they themselves would have thought if they were present at the Transfiguration. Chris has his aide record their […]

Catechists in Action
Catechists in Action

Catechists in Action: Chris Brett Reads the Sunday Gospel

In this segment of Catechists in Action, eighth-grade catechist Chris Brett reads and discusses the Sunday Gospel with his students. Watch for the following: Chris has a key line from Gospel (the story of the Transfiguration) written on the board. Chris tells the students what to listen for and what to do as they hear the passage being read. Chris reads the Gospel passage to the young people. One suggestion that Chris might consider is […]

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Catechists in Action

Catechists in Action – Chris Brett Discusses the 8th Graders’ Confirmation

In this segment of Catechists in Action, 8th grade catechist Chris Brett talks to his students about their recent Confirmation. Watch for the following: Chris asks them about Fr. Matt’s visit the previous week Chris asks about their Confirmation: the bishop’s homily, his vestments, whether everyone showed up, etc. Notice how relaxed and free-flowing the conversation is. Occassionally, Chris needs to “shush” them but it is just a gentle reminder to not all talk at […]

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Catechists in Action

Catechists in Action – Meet Chris Brett

We’re heading into the last quarter of our Catechists in Action series. Today, we meet 8th grade catechist Christ Brett (Most Holy Redeemer Parish, Evergreen Park, IL). I had the pleasure of being on the 8th grade team with Chris for several years and was always inspired by his enthusiasm. In this episode, we meet Chris who is welcoming his 8th graders back for their first session after Confirmation – always a question mark as […]

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Catechists in Action

Catechists in Action – Fr. Matt Visits Steve’s Lascola’s 3rd Graders

In this segment of Catechists in Action, 3rd grade catechist Steve Lascola welcomes the Associate Pastor, Fr. Matt to class to speak to the children about recieving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Watch for the following: Steve has the children stand to greet Fr. Matt as he enters – a nice show of respect. Steve welcomes Fr. Matt as the “expert” on Reconciliation Fr. Matt goes over the sheet that outlines the procedure for going to […]

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Catechists in Action

Catechists in Action – Steve Lascola Tells the Story of Zacchaeus

In this segment of Catechists in Action, 2nd grade catechist Steve Lascola tells the story of Zacchaeus. Watch for the following: Steve explains that the story of Zacchaeus is a celebration of forgiveness Steve reads the story of Zacchaeus to the children and then summarizes in his own words Steve directs the children to participate in a short prayer and has one of the children stand to lead httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NQBBI7vZfc