A Very Prayerful Monday

This past Monday turned out to be a very prayerful evening and a good way to begin Advent with my 6th graders! We met in church for the Advent Prayer Service which I put together a couple of years ago. I love when the bell ringers (hand chimes) call the assembly to order by slowing walking down the aisle and sounding their chimes. It really creates a sense of reverence and all the kids quieted down beautifully. […]

Tonight’s Session – Advent Prayer Service

This evening’s session will be an Advent Prayer Service in the Church and my guess is that by the time all is said and done, it’ll be at least 45 minutes before we get back to the class room. This, of course, does not leave me with too much time, so instead of trying to cram in a lesson on the Old Testament, I plan to spend the remainder of time focusing on Advent. I […]

Imagination: Hope’s Prerequisite

One of the lines I miss most from the Mass (in the wake of the Third Edition of the Roman Missal) is “we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.” I love the concept of waiting in joyful hope and I believe that is what is at the heart of Advent. This hope is joyful because it’s not just wishful thinking; it is confident hope. We confidently hope in the […]

Welcome Advent!

This Sunday, we celebrate the beginning of a new liturgical year with the First Sunday of Advent. This is one of my favorite seasons of the year because it calls us to renew our hope. Christian hope is not some random wishful thinking. It is the anticipation of something that we KNOW is coming and that something (someone) is Jesus Christ who comes to us in history, in mystery, and in majesty. Here are links to […]

An Advent Calendar for Grown Ups

Here is a very helpful Advent/Christmas Calendar that is very appropriate for grown ups…it includes very substantive information and background as well as links to more resources when you click on each day’s link. This comes to us from the Institute for Christian Formation.   Advent/Christmas Calendar: Year of Grace 2013

Preparing for Advent. Really? In October?

Preparing for Advent during October? Really? Really! This is the perfect time to begin thinking about Advent which is just 6 weeks away! Beginning Monday, October 22, a new resource will be available that you’ll find especially helpful: How are you preparing your faith community for Advent? How are you preparing yourself? Faith formation leaders across the country answered these questions in anticipation of the joyful season of Advent. All next week, Catholic Faith Formation’s Facebook […]

Our Triumphant Holy Day!

As we celebrate this sacred Triduum and move into the Easter season, I extend my sincerest best wishes and prayers to all who enjoy the privilege of proclaiming the Resurrection of Jesus in the catechetical ministry. Together, on this Easter morning, we sing: Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia! Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia! Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia! Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia! Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia! […]

Announcing a New Webinar! 7 Keys to Spiritual Wellness: A Webinar for Easter People

I am proud to announce my next free Webinar! I will be hosting “7 Keys to Spiritual Wellness: A Webinar for Easter People” on Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at 7:00 pm (CT). I will be drawing on my new book 7 Keys to Spiritual Wellness. As we anticipate the celebration of Pentecost, this webinar will be an opportunity to truly renew our baptism and open ourselves up to the Holy Spirit who guides us in […]

Holy Week Speaks to Children

As we enter this holiest of weeks, I thought I’d share an article with you that came to my attention that does a very nice job of explaining why children (of all ages) are especially receptive to the images, events, and themes of Holy Week. The article is called Holy Week is for Children and it is written by Peter Rehwaldt who is a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It was posted on the […]

Learning the New Nicene Creed By Heart

One of my Lenten promises this year is to learn by heart (memorize) the new Nicene Creed. Of all the Roman Missal changes (people’s parts), the changes to the Nicene Creed (and the Gloria) are by far the most significant. I think it’s important to be able to recite the Creed from memory so I am attempting to learn it by heart this Lent. I spent time on the train this morning working on it […]

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