Sowing New Seeds

Dear Readers,

I’ve got two new beginnings to share with you: the launch of my book and our new initiative at Amazing Catechists to acquire resources for catechizing the Deaf.

First, I’ve been in communication with some lovely ladies in Deaf ministry in the Dallas area. One of the leaders is a woman named Kathy Murphy, deaf from birth, who has spent many years teaching our faith to Deaf adults. With the help of my own dear sister, Nancy Baum, who interviewed Kathy using ASL, we are very pleased to present her inspiring story.

If you are interested in Deaf ministry, please let us know how we can be of service. If you have experience and knowledge of helpful resources for Deaf catechesis that are faithful to the teaching Magisterium of the Church, please share them with us.

Here are a few links shared by Mary Cinatl, who has been a leader in Deaf ministry in the Diocese of Fort Worth for twenty years:

Father MD is a priest who vlogs [creates video logs and posts them online] lessons in our faith performed in American Sign Language. Even if you don’t understand signing, they are beautiful and fascinating to watch.

The National Catholic Office for the Deaf is a very good site devoted to sharing resources for Deaf catechesis.

The National Catholic Partnership on Disability is a terrific place to find resources for special-needs catechesis in both English and Spanish. For Deaf Ministry, click on “Ministries/Programs,” then on “Ministry Specific,” and then “Deaf/Hard of Hearing.”

If you’d like to hear my short podcast on Deaf Catechesis, click here. And thanks so much for being a friend of Amazing Catechists. We hope that our apostolate helps you in yours.

Finally, my new book, “Be An Amazing Catechist: Inspire the Faith of Children,” is available from Our Sunday Visitor! This colorful 32-page book is packed with tips on growing closer to Jesus Christ in and through your work as a catechist. You’ll find out how to make your lessons exciting and effective through 14 easy-to-use techniques, learn to connect with kids at every age, and experience the supernatural thrill of watching children grow in their love of Jesus Christ.

Check out my recent interview on CatholicTV, where I get to speak about the book, our website and more, with the incredibly classy and kind Kevin Nelson.

The content of “Be An Amazing Catechist” is based on my successful workshop for catechists and has received a number of positive endorsements from folks I greatly admire.

Right now, it can be ordered by phone at 800-348-2440, online at OSV.com or through our Amazing Catechists book store, which helps support our apostolate. Individual books are $2.95, and bundles of ten books can be ordered for only $17.95. It’s affordable and full of good value for both the beginner and the veteran catechist. I don’t see the bulk price at the Amazon listing, so if you’re buying in bulk, go straight to OSV.com. It’s a great gift for your favorite parent, catechist or DRE.

Thanks so much for your enthusiasm and commitment to our Faith and our beloved Church. God bless you!

Yours sincerely in Christ,

Lisa Mladinich
Founder, AmazingCatechists.com