Teaching and learning the faith together
Introduction Recitation, referred to in the catechetical tradition as “catechism,” is a powerful tool, albeit not the only tool, for passing on the faith to young children. Discover my first article arguing for the necessity[Read More…]
I Did It My Way….. We all know the story of how Abraham and his wife Sarah tried to sidestep God’s promise that they would have a child despite their old age ( Gen[Read More…]
In many parishes the religious education/faith formation meetings/sessions are in school classrooms. While the classroom probably has a crucifix in it and possibly other religious items, it still feels like a classroom. It is important[Read More…]
My video review of this book is available on youtube at the Home Catechesis YouTube Page (CLICK HERE!) One of the most common objections to Christianity is not rooted in philosophy or doctrine but[Read More…]
Introduction I have previously written about the importance of restoring the use of recitation within Religious Education Programs, referred to in the catechetical tradition as “Catechism.” With the near disappearance of this essential tool within[Read More…]
In his wonderful book, The Power of Silence: Against The Dictatorship of Noise, Cardinal Robert Sarah tells us Without silence, God disappears in the noise. And this noise becomes [Read More…]
Advent is a perfect liturgical season to apply what we have learned and understand about the spirituality of waiting – its purpose and gift for us from God. Because taking a lofty spiritual concept can[Read More…]
Beloved Readers, we have an exciting and unusual #giveaway: an Our Lady of Guadalupe rosary bracelet that diffuses essential oils, as you pray!!! Talk about awesome! #freestuff #Catholic #HolyRosary
The season of Advent begins this Sunday, December 2nd. For some of our readers, especially RCIA candidates, the meaning and traditions of this Season may be a brand new experience. For others, you may not[Read More…]
How are we supposed to enjoy Advent, when we’re more rushed and more stressed than ever before in the history of humanity? 5 tips will make this a joyful and healthy season for you and your family!
The recent Gospel on the poor widow’s mite ( MK 12: 38-44) reminds us that loving God means giving Him everything we have at all times. The 3 poorest folks in Christ’s time were the[Read More…]
Perhaps you too have had the experience of preparing for Christmas, only to realize that amongst the candy-making, the letter-writing, the present-purchasing, the tree-trimming, and more, you never got around to spiritual preparation, even though[Read More…]
We established that no one likes to wait and that a small fraction of our waiting experiences is what we term active, or Advent waiting. What, then, comprises the majority of those periods of life[Read More…]
Last Sunday’s Gospel Mark 12:28-34, is a challenge for us to examine what it means to love the other and also what it means to love our God. In 2018, we have many opportunities to love[Read More…]
“There are a few specific linguistic nuances that I think are more important than ever: first, speaking about attractions as something people experience instead of something people “have.” The reason is that the word “experience” embeds the nuance of non-permanence. For many people, becoming aware of that nuance is life-changing.” –Hudson Byblow
I recently had the opportunity to hear a speaker at a youth event from Courage International. Courage is a Roman Catholic Apostolate, “whose members are men and women who experience same-sex attractions and who have[Read More…]
We have all been there. We, the Catechist, ask a question in the classroom. Several eager students raise their hands in a manner that sounds like a miniature version of the clamoring shoppers on Black[Read More…]
A review of the newest book edited by Kelly M. Wahlquist of WINE. Deanna Bartalini thinks it would be great for Advent reading.
I. Introduction: Planning It has been my experience that the two most common pitfalls for Catechists, for myself and others, are prayer and planning. I will only speak briefly on prayer since this article is[Read More…]
Over the last fifteen years I have heard numerous individuals share about their experiences as the “last real Baltimore Catechism Generation.” Some express that the formal catechism recitation, comprised of a question and answer dialogue,[Read More…]
