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Catechists in Action

Catechists in Action – Katie Elwood Teaches About the Sacraments

In this segment of Catechists in Action, we once again join 2nd grade catechist Katie Elwood as she prepares her children for their First Holy Communion. Watch as Katie… talks about the Sacrament of Baptism asks the children to name how many sacraments there are asks the children to name the 7 sacraments invites her aide to give a clue about Matrimony saying, “what happens when you’re older….your mom and dad did what?” Incredibly, a […]

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Catechists in Action

Catechists in Action – Katie Elwood Prepares Her 2nd Graders for First Holy Communion

In this segment of Catechists in Action, we observe 2nd grade catechist Katie Elwood as she helps her students prepare to learn about the Mass. Watch as Katie… alerts the children to the fact that they will be going over to the church for a tour by the pastor shows the children a picture in their book of the sanctuary and all of the sacred vessels and furniture and tells them that the pastor will […]

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Catechists in Action

Catechists in Action – Meet Katie Elwood

Welcome to another installment of Catechists in Action as we enter the classroom of 2nd grade catechist Katie Elwood (Most Holy Redeemer Parish, Evergreen Park, IL). Thanks Katie for inviting us in at the last moment (without warning!) when my planned filming in another class ran into an obstacle. Katie is so excited to be preparing her children for First Holy Communion. On the evening we filmed, she was introducing them to a new First […]

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Catechists in Action

Catechists in Action – Dan Ward Reflects on Having a “Breakout Year”

In this final installment of Catechists in Action featuring Dan Ward, Dan reflects on what he was hoping to be his “breakout year” as a catechist. Listen as Dan reflects on… what he means by having a “breakout year.” his frustrations that have prevented him from doing so. the fact that now he no longer “beats himself up” when things don’t go as he had hoped. his plan to have a Mass in the classroom […]

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Catechists in Action

Catechists in Action – Dan Ward Reflects on His Experience

We’ve had the privilege of watching 7th grade catechist Dan Ward in action over the past week or so…thanks Dan for inviting us into your classroom! Listen now as Dan reflects on his experience, especially… his frustration with kids not going to Mass his goal of doing the Mass Flip-books and his frustration at not being able to do it because of a change of schedule running out of time to do a mock confession […]

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Catechists in Action

Catechists in Action – Dan Ward Segment 7

In this segment of Catechists in Action, 7th grade catechist Dan Ward runs into a bit of a time snag. Because of the Advent prayer service that took place in church, he has no time to complete the activity he had planned which was a Mass flip-book. Watch as Dan… shows samples of Mass flip-books made by previous classes asks and encourages his students to complete the project on their own explains how they can […]

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Advent

Catechists in Action – Dan Ward Segment 6

In this segment of Catechists in Action, 7th grade catechist Dan Ward continues to work with his students to prepare them for Christmas. Watch as Dan… invites his students to take 3 minutes to think of what they need to do to prepare for Jesus’ coming invites volunteers to share their ideas shares an idea of how he and his family are going to prepare for Christmas httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2SlSHFTlvs

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Being a Catechist

Catechists in Action – Dan Ward Segment 6 on Reconciliation

In this segment of Catechists in Action, 7th grade catechist Dan Ward continues to prepare his students to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation the following week. Watch as Dan… talks about a definition of a saint as a “sinner who keeps on trying.” explains the steps of going to confession tells a story about one of his own experiences of going to confession invites the young people to pray the Act of Contrition together aloud […]

Catechists in Action
Catechists in Action

Catechists in Action – Dan Ward Segment 5: Dan Teaches Reconciliation

In this segment of Catechists in Action, seventh-grade catechist Dan Ward teaches the young people about the Sacrament of Reconciliation in preparation for celebrating the sacrament the following week. Watch as Dan: deals with the reality that few of his students go to Reconciliation outside of R.E. class. talks about how important it is to “bring our sins to the table.” explains the nature of sin and personal responsibility. introduces an examination of conscience and […]

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Catechists in Action

Catechists in Action #4 – Dan Ward Explains Roman Missal Changes

In this segment of Catechists in Action, we see 7th grade catechist Dan Ward talking to his class about Advent and the introduction of the Roman Missal changes. Watch for the following as Dan… directs the young people to open their text books and look at the liturgical calendar talks about Advent as the beginning of the Church’s new year asks the young people about their experience of the changes in the Mass invites a […]