Reiki, not for Catholics. Not now, not ever.
In March of 2009, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a document declaring the practice of Reiki (pronounced RAY kee) incompatible with Christian teaching and scientific evidence and therefore inappropriate for Catholic institutions to promote or support. The actual document can be found as a pdf here. Scandalously, many churches, Catholic hospitals, and [...]
Altarations
Hey y’all, for the next few classes we’re going to learn about things in church; what they’re for, where they come from, stuff like that. Somebody tell me again where Abraham was from. Mesopotamia! That's right. What did Mesopotamians … [Read More...]
Two Little Words, Much Appreciated
It was a strange-looking envelope, made even more so by the fact that no one in the house has a birthday in early May. Who could be sending a card? I didn't recognize the return address, though the name was ringing a distant bell. To top … [Read More...]
No Money Changers In Heaven
It seems that we can't do much without money, therefore we've got to make money to survive and provide for our families. In Jesus' day the money changers in the temple were trying to make a living but at other peoples expense. Jesus became poor … [Read More...]
In the Arms of Jesus
This Sunday is Mother’s Day, a day to celebrate motherhood and remember our mothers, an opportunity for our children to show their appreciation. I celebrated my birthday recently. My biggest wish was to celebrate with my five sons ages 13-24. … [Read More...]
Fin de Siècle
Not the end of the century, but the last class. I like the look and sound of Fin de Siècle more than The Last Class. The second half of the last class is a weaving-together of assorted Biblical threads into the fabric of the Mass, especially by … [Read More...]
MED-I-TATE, MED-I-TATE . . . Reflective Prayer in the Classroom
I never thought I'd see a religious education class end with half a dozen 10-year-old boys pounding fists on their table, feet stomping rhythmically, chanting their demand for . . . meditative prayer. You can blame Loyola Press. The backstory: In … [Read More...]
Fine Art 9: Ravenna Encore
During our Genesis classes in September I threw together a handout to accompany discussion of the Hospitality of Abraham, Abraham's sacrifice, Cain & Abel, and Melchizedek. Today was the last class of the year, and the last of three on the Mass. … [Read More...]
Pitchers 12: Holy Tornado
The April 11 class introduced the Mass and covered the Liturgy of the Word; it was a straightforward lesson plan. The April 18 class is the first of two on the Liturgy of the Eucharist, which are way more dynamic. Lots of drawing accompanied our … [Read More...]
