Teaching and learning the faith together
Watch this video interview with Bear Woznick and Deanna Deanna Bartalini discussing his latest book!
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In the best possible scenario, your whole class arrives at the same time, sits down, and you can begin the great lesson you have prepared. In reality, well, that’s not quite what happens. And we all know that the longer you wait to engage your group, the more difficult it is to get their attention when you are ready to begin.
This is where some seatwork or something to watch or listen to is helpful. I’ve rounded up a few podcasts and YouTube video channels created for Catholic kids that can be a good start and place to focus.
Saint Stories for Kids: I don’t think new episodes are being added, but there are over 150 past episodes to choose from.
Catholic Sprouts Podcast: Each day a new episode drops with topics ranging from virtues to sacraments to prayers. They are short and focused!
Spirit Juice Kids: Lego stories, praying together, saint stories, ABCs – something for everyone on this channel for sure.
Marcam!: Short videos that take kids on a tour of the sacristy, how a church is built, the Mass and more. It has moved to Formed, so you can access it there if you have a subscription. But if not, there are at least 20 videos here.
As soon as your students come in, engage them. If you prefer pencil and paper activities, take a look at these Sunday Gospel activities from Catholic Mom. You can print those out as a review of the past Sunday’s Mass.
Be prepared to start your time together on the right foot.
What do you like to do during that time before class officially begins?
When I was a religious education director, the joy of passing on the faith to adults was like nothing else. It was amazing to watch people choose Catholicism, embrace its truths, and step into the faith. Often the people who came forward were spouses or soon-to-be spouses, close friends with a Catholic who made a suggestion to join me at Mass, or those who were searching on their own and somehow stumbled upon the parish.
Those are great ways to lead people to the Church through relationships. But what about all those people who don’t have a relationship with a Catholic person? How do we reach them and invite them to join us?
Yes, I said the “M” word, and that’s good. Please don’t go. I would not leave you with a thought and go. I have a suggestion for you.
Emily Ricci of Gloriam Marketing is hosting a free, as in no-cost,
“webinar for parishes on how to market RCIA well so we can welcome home some new Catholics this year. This is soul-saving work, and I want every parish possible to learn these strategies so more people come to learn how much Jesus loves them.”
Those are Emily’s words, not mine – soul-saving work. Learn how you can reach the people who are not in the pews.
Who is this webinar for? Emily says this:
If you’re only promoting RCIA in the bulletin; If you’re using the word “RCIA” in your promotion; If you’ve got a crushing-the-head-of-Satan powerful program but no one showing up… You need the tips I’m sharing in this webinar.
Register now for this webinar.
The start of a new school year can be hectic with the rush to put children in the appropriate class, handle late registrations, and maybe even find catechists. In all this activity, the Church reminds us how important catechesis is with Catechetical Sunday, which began in 1935. In the United States, the Bishops set the third Sunday of September as Catechetical Sunday. This year Catechetical Sunday is on September 17, 2023, with the theme of “Come to Me all you who labor and are burdened” (Matthew 11:28).
How to Celebrate
Since we are a people of prayer, begin your parish celebration at Mass. Let people know about the day with this poster. Choose one Mass and ask all the catechists to come to it. Don’t forget to include those who serve in youth ministry, RCIA/OCIA, and other adult programs. During Mass, the celebrant can bless and commission the catechists. After the blessing, if time permits, have children from the religious education program give a prayer card to each catechist. It is a great witness to the parish if the catechists come forward from wherever they are sitting and stand where they can be seen.
You may want to give a certificate of thanks already formatted for you from the USCCB.
After Mass, continue the celebration with a breakfast in their honor. This is your opportunity to let the catechists know how much you appreciate, need, and admire them. Does your parish have a Knights of Columbus or Council of Catholic Women’s group? Ask them to prepare and serve breakfast. If your parish is a potluck type of place, ask parents to bring food. Or keep it simple with bagels, donuts, juice, and coffee. Whatever you choose, have something to gather all the catechists and their families together to thank them.
Tokens of Appreciation
It is always nice to give something to the catechists that remind them of the parish’s gratitude. A notebook (for women or men) and a new pen are both practical and fun. Another gift idea is a scripture jar or bag. Pick verses that pertain to children, teaching, conversion, and perseverance. Attach a note from the pastor as the tag, and you are all set.
One year, I asked the parishioners to pray for a catechist. I put each catechist’s name, first name only, on a card and asked parishioners to take one as they left Mass on Catechetical Sunday. Don’t forget to add your name! You could also add each class or group to the cards. This reinforces the idea that everyone in the parish has a part in catechesis. And, you have covered your work in prayer.
No matter how you choose to celebrate and acknowledge those who serve as catechists, do so with joy as you witness to the Gospel.
One of the director of religious education’s most important tasks is to find catechists who are willing to echo the faith for others in the parish. No matter what grade or age level, the process is similar. I’d like to tell you what worked for me to gather a group of dedicated catechists. I’m going to use the word catechist here; you may use small group leader, children’s minister, or teacher in your parish. Also, I think these ideas work for most parish ministries.
People of faith. Look at your parishioners. Not only parents of children or youth enrolled in your programs. Look at everyone. You are looking for people who are authentic witnesses, care about others, are joyful and patient, and enthusiastic. People who like other people and can relate to the age group they would serve.
Consider the usher who always comments on how nice it is to see children at Mass or the parent who always asks if you need help. When you meet new parishioners, talk to them about past ministry experiences. In fact, talk to many people in the parish and get to know them. When parishioners come to know, like, and trust you, you will have an available group to go to for all sorts of help.
I have found that most people know more than they realize about our faith or are willing to learn. A recent convert might not be the best catechist for sacrament preparation classes but certainly could serve as an assistant to someone who will mentor them.
Catechists need to have a good understanding of whom they are instructing. It’s helpful to know what are the characteristics of different age groups and the activities that work best for them.
They also need a basic understanding of the faith and be willing to learn. Catechists should have a personal prayer life and be connected to the parish community, participating in the sacraments regularly.
Each diocese and parish will have its own screenings and classes that are necessary to work with various age groups and populations. It is always important to follow those guidelines and keep track of necessary paperwork.
Here is what I found to be most effective in finding catechists:
To find people to serve in ministry, we must extend ourselves personally. As a ministry leader, you are called to serve those who serve with you.
I’m going to continue this thread for DREs, youth ministers, and ministry leaders, going a bit more deeply into how to help catechists learn more about the faith and the group they serve and deepen their own faith. Let me know if you have any specific questions, and I’ll include them in my posts.
This is a reprint from Catholicmom.com.
Jane Korvemaker offers five ideas to include in your summer plans to help foster faith and connection for your family.
As summer rolls out, our familiar routines with school tend to be thrown out the window. As a child, I remember the absolute thrill of having no obligations on my plate, or at least I thought there were no obligations, much to the chagrin of my parents.
When summer activities/camps crop up, vacations with travel, and for many families, parents continually working throughout the months, it can be difficult to help build up family relationships and faith life. Here are five ideas that can be incorporated singly or more numerously into summer plans to help foster faith and connection for your family.
This works if there are young kids and/or early risers; sometime around breakfast offer the day to the Holy Spirit together. It can be as simple as, “Holy Spirit, thank you for this day. We ask that you be with us and guide our actions today for your glory and our true happiness. Amen.”
There are many other formulations that can work for your family’s needs!
There are a lot of podcasts for kids out there, but which ones won’t grate on the adults also tuning in? Which promote a healthy outlook on life? There are several we’ve discovered and have enjoyed in the van and at home:
Saints Alive present dramatizations of saints’ lives. Since the lives are acted out, they are lengthier than other saint stories we’ve encountered, which gives more depth to know the saints. Though the music can sometimes overpower the dialogue (or increase too much between dialogue), the content is so great that we can handle managing the volume dial more often.
Saint Stories for Kids by Shining Light Dolls is a shorter podcast that gives a great overview of a wide variety of saints. They have more than 140 episodes; there are many saints to choose from!
While not quite a podcast, nor freely available, Cat.Chat’s Audio dramatizations are fantastic! My kids adored the stories and songs that punctuated them. They are filled with great storytelling of faith, hope, and love. They have been well worth our investment.
Wow In the World is a very entertaining podcast about science, technology, and innovation. Mindy and Guy explore and discover the world around them in outlandish stories and with their hilarious personalities.
Short and Curly is a great ethics podcast coming out of Australia. With great humor, the hosts tackle questions kids have, such as: should you kill insects?; the ethics of smartphones; and is it fair to punish the whole class? They offer great scenarios and consider the different ethical positions involved in a large number of different topics. They also provide pause points within the podcast to discuss the questions with your kids.
We’ve had the occasional dance party with our kids to just let loose for a few! The kids love it, and it’s usually an aerobic workout for my husband and me (where did our energy go?!). While we are cautious about what may turn into a little torture every time we parents have to listen in, my husband and I have found these groups and artists to pass our “adults can also enjoy” test.
Check out Cat. Chat (Spotify & YouTube) or Rain for Roots (Spotify & YouTube) for some fun Catholic songs to dance to!
These fun (though non-Christian) artists are a hit in our house: Perry Gripp (Spotify & YouTube), some Weird Al (Spotify), the BNL (Spotify & a few on YouTube), or They Might Be Giants’ kids albums (YouTube; the videos are pretty great).
This prayer is traditionally recited at nine, noon, and six, but can be said on its own when convenient. It is a simple invitatory and response prayer based upon the Hail Mary. Its simplicity does not negate its power. The easy rhythm is quick to pick up for young and older alike.
This could be a great way to include their friends! Come up with dates to watch a series of movies and plan for popcorn! Start with a short prayer and press play! There are a great number to choose from, here are a few on my list: The Prince of Egypt, Thérèse, Clare & Francis (subtitled & dubbed), The Way, The Chronicles of Narnia series.
Kendra Tierney has a great list of other movies to watch as a family if you’re looking for more inspiration. As always, be sure to check the movie ratings yourself to find if it is appropriate for your family.
(Editor’s Note: Follow the blog at our sister ministry, Family Theater Productions, for information on family-friendly entertainment. Family Theater Productions also created the YouTube show, Catholic Central, to help older kids and adults learn about the faith in a fun and enlightening format.]
How does your family connect and foster prayer and faith over the summer?
School is winding down and the celebrations are beginning. There are First Communions, teachers and catechists to thank, moms and dads to honor, and maybe graduation. There can be lots going so I’d like to help you with your shopping. I’ve put together some gift ideas that reflect our Catholic faith and make faith a part of everyday life.
This Novena coloring book for First Communion is unique. I’ve never seen this before and think it would be an engaging and different way to pray with and for a child who is receiving First Communion this year.
If you are looking for a way to engage your children in praying the Rosary, these books are sure to help. One for each mystery of the Rosary, with colorful pictures and sturdy pages, the Bead by Bead, Picture Prayer Book will help little ones focus and join in praying.
How about a game of Concentration with the Saints? Holy Heros Matching Game comes in a tin container, so it’s something you can easily take with you.
Our family has always enjoyed Tomie dePaola. His latest book is no exception; Christopher, The Holy Giant tells the story of the journey of a young man who came to know, love, and follow Jesus through service.
These stainless steel Holy Water Bottles make me smile. You can clip them to your purse, keys, or backpack. Great idea for teachers and catechists to have on hand for class. 
Take a look at Sock Religious for a variety of saint socks, tee shirts, and mugs.
Summer is often a good time to slow and enter into prayer more deeply. Two books I highly recommend are: Habits of Freedom, 5 Ignatian Tools for Clearing Your Mind and Resting Daily in the Lord by Christopher S. Collins, SJ, and Imagine You Walked with Jesus, A Guide to Ignatian Contemplative Prayer by Jerry Windley-Daoust.
If you have other ideas or things your family has loved, drop a comment and let us know.
And it can be hard to keep your group interested in learning. Here is a fun activity that will review all seven sacraments and keep your class involved. It can be done with families as well, each family being a group.
Materials for the lesson: large pictures of each sacrament, each sacrament name written on a large piece of paper (I used 11×17 paper and printed out the names using Publisher and clip art.), 1 large chalice/host drawing, about 3’ high, crayons, pencils, markers, glue
Points to get across: Sacraments are signs we can see, hear, feel, taste, and smell. God gave them to us through Jesus so that we could remember him and all the gifts he gave us. All sacraments give us grace to help us live our lives. Grace is another gift from God.
Call up 7 children to help while the groups at tables write down the names of each of the sacraments.
How many sacraments are there? 7. Have those left at tables write down the names of the sacraments, one person per group writing.
Part 1: Distribute the names of the sacraments and the pictures and have the children match them up with their backs to the group. Once they are all matched up, ask for the names of the 7 sacraments. As each is named, have the person holding the sacrament name and picture step forward.
Have each table choose one person to be a runner. The group listens to the statement/question, and the runner will go to the sacrament described after conferring with the table on an answer.
Takes away Original sin
We say we are sorry for our sins
One man and one woman become a family
We receive Jesus’ body and blood
The Bishops seals you with the Holy Spirit
This sacrament helps you when you are sick
A man who is ordained receives this sacrament
What is the most important sacrament?
Points to make:
Eucharist is the source and summit of the Catholic life. It is our food for our journey. Its purpose is to make us one with Jesus Christ, to help us to live like him, and to form us into a community. That is why we come to Mass, to celebrate together while thanking God for all he has given us, including and most especially his Son.
As St. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians, all members of the body are necessary and valuable. When one part of the body is hurting because of sin or sickness, it hurts all of us. If a part of the body is missing, we all suffer. That is yet another reason why we need to come together at Mass each week.
Activity:
One in Christ: pass out 4×6 pieces of paper and markers, crayons, and pencils; one piece to each family. Have each group think about an appropriate symbol to put on the paper. It can be a symbol of a sacrament, something special to the family, or abstract. It should not include words. Very little white space should be seen. All need to participate in the coloring in some way.
Note: you may need to make the paper size larger depending on the size of your group; the idea is to cover the large chalice as completely as possible.
Once everyone is done, have one person from each group come forward and put it on the large chalice, covering it like a collage.
Holy Week is upon us. And you, like most Catholics, want to enter into the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus.
But you’re not like most Catholics. You belong to that special group who have chosen to serve the Church by working in a parish. And sometimes this week is difficult to enter into because you have so much work to do. I’ve been there; actually, I am there. But I’ve learned a few things on how to have a holy Holy Week.
The best way would be to go on retreat or leave town. That is usually not possible, if you work with the RCIA group, direct the choir, serve as the lone sacristan, or are the liturgical coordinator.
Here are ten tips that can help and are doable!
1. Plan ahead as much as possible. This means not only for the parish but for yourself and family. Have all your clothes chosen and ready for each liturgy. Keep the calendar as up to date as possible, noting the time you need to be at church–not when an event or liturgy begins. Line up any childcare ahead of time. And ladies, wear comfortable shoes. Smiling is hard if your feet hurt!
2. Spend extra time in prayer. But probably not at your parish: outdoors, at home, at another parish church–where you can be there and no one will need you to help with “just one thing for just a minute.” If possible, go to a neighboring parish for Mass that week. Allow yourself to be in the presence of God without worrying if everything is getting done.
3. Buy your favorite spring flowers, the ones that say “Easter” to you and put them on your desk and in your home.
4. Make sure you sleep and eat. Don’t rely on caffeine to get you through a non-stop Easter morning. By the noon Mass you’ll be a jittery mess and, like shoes that hurt, it makes it more difficult to be welcoming and calm.
5. Don’t host Easter dinner at your house, unless your spouse and children are willing to do it without your help–or you are serving Chinese takeout.
6. Something will go wrong and you just need to roll with it. One year, the lector for Holy Thursday forgot he was the lector. I saw him sitting in his usual pew and wondered why he was getting up. I couldn’t get his attention, so I had to read. At the same mass, the usher started taking up the collection while the priests were getting ready to wash feet. Lessons learned: Be prepared to do whatever is needed; remind people of the plan before you begin because no matter how many times we’ve done it, we are only human. That was also the year the altar server never took up the bowl of soapy water so the priests could wash their hands after washing feet.
7. If it is not absolutely necessary for you to be at church, don’t go unless you have the time and energy and your family will not suffer. While it may be nice to be present, ask yourself who it serves before you go.
8. Attend Mass with your family. If you are “working” at the Mass, have your family sit where you need to sit or as nearby as possible. If you are the choir director, try to sit with your family during the homily–if you can do so without calling attention to yourself.
9. Make time for your family traditions. You may need to arrange your family egg hunt on Easter Monday, but better on Monday than with a tired parent on Sunday.
10. And remember, we serve in the parish; but it’s Jesus who saves us all.
May you have a Blessed Holy Week!
Forty days may seem like an eternity to children and young people. We want them to stay focused on Lent and help them pay attention to the season and enter into as fully as possible. Making a list can be an engaging way to remind them of the ways to keep Lent holy. I made one using the alphabet as the guide. You could use the name of your parish, a favorite saint, or use the alphabet too! You can do this all together, in small groups, or in pairs.
Accept the season
Break the chains that hold you from Christ
Cut out what is not necessary in your life
Draw close to Jesus
Embrace the Cross
Fast from being negative
Give of yourself
Help those in need
Ignite your faith
Journal what you learn this Lent
Keep your focus on Christ, not on your sacrifices
Love without expectation
Move closer to God
Nice to others
Obey the Word
Pray each day
Quiet, enter into it
Rest in the Lord
Seek God’s will
Tongue, hold it
United with all Catholics
Violet, the color of Lent
Walk with Mary on Good Friday
(e)Xamine your conscience and go to confession
Yearn for the peace which comes from God
Zap negativity with prayer