Middle School Archives - Amazing Catechists

Faith Through Fiction – Doing God’s Will

About the Faith Through Fiction Vlog Series.

CatholicTeenBooks.com was founded upon the desire to provide entertaining Catholic fiction that can build your faith. And with this goal in mind, authors T.M. Gaouette and Leslea Wahl have taken it a step further by creating the Faith Through Fiction video blogs. With these vlogs we will dive into issues that teens face and present fiction that addresses relevant themes.

This month’s Faith Through Fiction focuses on the struggle of Doing God’s Will. Let’s face it: growing in faith and keeping to the narrow path that leads to heaven isn’t easy. But God has answers for all our problems. He wants to heal all our wounds. And He has a path that will bring far greater joy than the one the world presents to us. Please join us as we delve into this topic.

Featured Author: Marie Keiser

Featured Books:

Heaven’s Hunter by Marie Keiser

Brothers by Corinna Turner

The Last Viking by Susan Peek

Where You Lead by Leslea Wahl

The Haunted Cathedral by Antony B. Kolenc

Standing Strong by Theresa Linden

Guarding Aaron by T.M. Gaouette

Doing God’s Will (CatholicTeenBooks.com)

Class Begins!

By Deanna Bartalini

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.

What to do?

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.

Podcasts

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!

YouTube

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.

Engage Them

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?

Book Review – The Secret Tomb

By Leslea Wahl

The Secret Tomb by Sophie de Mullenheim

Review:

This middle-grade book is part of the In the Shadows of Rome series published by Ignatius Press. I had not read any of the previous books before reading this novel and was easily able to understand the characters and the storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am now quite curious about the other books in the series.

Titus and Maximus are young teen boys living in ancient Rome. They’ve shared numerous adventures together, but nothing has prepared them for this latest quest. They live in a very precarious time—the Roman Emperor is governing with an iron fist, dissenters are not tolerated, and Christians are being hunted down and persecuted. As youngsters, life has been fairly easy for this pair of friends, but as they near adulthood, much is now expected of them.

Life suddenly changes drastically for Titus when his father decides that it is time for his son to become a man. After an elaborate ceremony to mark the life change, Titus must now wear the garments of a man and be expected to put his childhood games and friendships behind him. What he doesn’t expect is that his father has paired him up with a Roman police officer to help toughen him up. While this is the last thing that Titus wants, he knows he cannot disappoint his father and works hard, using his unique skills to impress his mentor.

Meanwhile, Maximus is facing his own problems. He is harboring a deadly secret that must remain hidden—he has become a follower of Christ. Danger grows as the secret Christian community is being targeted and persecuted. As scared as he is, Maximus cannot deny his newfound beliefs. When Maximus is tasked with a most precarious mission, he finds himself in even more danger. With his slave and friend, Aghiles, at his side, he embarks on a search of finding where Saint Peter has been buried to protect the great Apostle’s remains from being destroyed. Little does Maximus know that Titus has also been tasked with the same mission but for very different reasons.

This book was a great read, fast-paced and full of excitement. While I haven’t read the previous books, I do feel this would be a fantastic series for young teens. Set in ancient Rome, the reader will learn about the early church and what Roman society was like during that time through the adventures of these likable characters. This series is definitely one to check out!

Summary:

The Secret Tomb is the 5th volume of the gripping series titled In the Shadows of Rome (6 books total). Being a Christian in ancient Rome was very dangerous. To spread the faith and stay alive, you had to live in the shadows . . .

Titus’ father thinks his son is a coward and arranges a stay with the police to make a man out of him. Soon, Titus finds himself hunting down Christians and trying to discover where they’ve hidden the body of Peter, Apostle of Jesus, who died 250 years earlier. Meanwhile, his friend Maximus is given the mission to find Peter’s tomb before it’s destroyed. Will their friendship survive the test of their loyalties?

Follow their adventures as they forge priceless friendships—and discover the many secrets lurking in the shadows of the Rome.

Faith Through Fiction Vlog – Purity

By Leslea Wahl

About the Faith Through Fiction Vlog Series.

This month we’re focusing on purity. Sadly, we live in a world that allows and accepts and more often encourages all forms of contamination, from sexual immorality to drug use, and so on. We’ve progressed so far as a people, that purity is now laughed at, chided, and scorned. So, how does one pursue and maintain purity with such negative peer-pressure and hostile pushback? Join us as we discuss this important topic.

Featured author: Carolyn Astfalk

Featured Books:

Rightfully Ours by Carolyn Astfalk

The Merchant’s Curse by Antony B. Kolenc

eXtreme Blindside by Leslea Wahl

Loving Gabriel by T.M. Gaouette

The King’s Prey: Saint Dymphna of Ireland by Susan Peek

Anyone But Him by Theresa Linden

Elfling by Corinna Turner

Purity (CatholicTeenBooks.com)

Celebrate Catechetical Sunday, September 17, 2023

By Deanna Bartalini

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.

Faith Through Fiction Vlog Post – Dealing with Loss

By Leslea Wahl

About the Faith Through Fiction Vlog Series.

This month’s topic is loss. Losing pets and animals is difficult. Losing family members is so much harder to overcome. Losing someone who means a lot to you, such as a parent or best friend can really take a toll on your faith. How can a loving God allow such a painful thing to happen to His faithful. Join us as we explore this difficult topic.

Featured author: Katy Huth Jones

Featured Books:

Treachery and Truth by Katy Huth Jones

Mandy Lamb and the Full Moon by Corinna Turner

Brothers by Corinna Turner

The Destiny of Sunshine Ranch by T. M. Gaouette

The Other Side of Freedom Cynthia T. Toney

Rightfully Ours by Carolyn Astfalk

Where You Lead by Leslea Wahl

Loss (catholicteenbooks.com)

Book Review – Friends in High Places

By Leslea Wahl

Friends in High Places: Carlo Acutis by Corinna Turner

Review:

This short story by Corinna Turner is a fabulous introduction to the extraordinary life of Blessed Carlo Acutis. Carlo was an incredible, modern teen who died at the young age of 15 from leukemia. Amazingly, this young man is already on the road to sainthood. It’s incredible for young people to have such an inspirational role model with who they can identify with. Carlo enjoyed playing soccer, video games, and hanging out with friends. He was also deeply devoted to his faith and even used his interest in computers to create a website about Eucharistic miracles.

Turner’s fictional story revolves around another young teen who is also diagnosed with leukemia. Daniel, and his family, are struggling to deal with his devasting diagnosis. When his Priest shares with him the Carlo Acutis Novena, Daniel finally finds a special friend who understands what he is going through. With the help of the prayers of the Novena and learning more about Carlo’s faith and kindness, Daniel is able to come to terms with whatever his future might hold. This story is a wonderful way for anyone to learn about Carlo and provides a powerful reflection on how we are living our own lives.

Summary:

DEAD? DEFINE DEAD.

“You have leukemia.”

Daniel’s just received the worst news a teen can get. The adults in his life are crumbling under the shock. In desperation, he turns to his parish priest for help and is introduced to a boy his age, Carlo Acutis—who just happens to be dead.
Daniel’s convinced the priest is wasting his time. But as he struggles to come to terms with his uncertain future an unlikely friendship develops between him and the holy dead boy—who may not be quite so dead after all.

The Boy Who Knew is the first title in Carnegie Medal nominee Corinna Turner’s new Friends in High Places series. If you’ve always been interested in the saints but find dry biographies boring and hard to get through, this fast-paced story is for you.

Faith Through Fiction Vlog Post – Making Friends

By Leslea Wahl

About the Faith Through Fiction Vlog Series.

When it comes to friends, maybe your only question is if you have enough. Maybe you only have a few friends, or maybe you don’t have any. But there’s a truth about making friends that you really should consider. A. J. Cattapan joins T. M. Gaouette and Leslea Wahl to discuss friendship.

Featured Author: A. J. Cattapan

Featured Books:

7 Riddles to Nowhere by A.J. Cattapan

The Perfect Blindside by Leslea Wahl

An Unexpected Role (Now titled Into the Spotlight) by Leslea Wahl

Saint Michael the Archangel Academy series by Andrea Jo Rodgers

8 Notes to a Nobody by Cynthia T. Toney

Roland West, Loner by Theresa Linden

Mandy Lamb and the Full Moon by Corinna Turner

Freeing Tanner Rose by T. M. Gaouette

Saving Faith by T. M. Gaouette

Making Friends (catholicteenbooks.com)

Examination of Conscience for Kids

By Lisa Mladinich

Like us adults, in order for children to experience the freedom only found in Jesus Christ, they need the sacrament of Reconciliation. But they need our help to prepare for this precious, soul-cleansing meeting with their loving Lord.

I received this superb Examination of Conscience for kids from a colleague–educator and popular speaker Barbara Falk.

There are many excellent children’s resources available online, but I thought this one was particularly good for use with young children. Barbara holds the copyright–so please do not sell it–but she gave me permission to share it widely for everyone’s use.

Here it is!

EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE FOR CHILDREN

1.    I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD. YOU SHALL NOT HAVE OTHER GODS BESIDE ME.
–    Do I speak ( PRAY ) to God every day? : when I wake up, before meals, before going to sleep.
–    As soon as I wake up, do I give ( OFFER ) Him my school work and all my day?
–    Do I remember to THANK God for the good things I have done or received?
–    Do I put my trust in good luck charms, palm reading and superstitions, rather than God alone?

2.    YOU SHALL NOT USE GOD’S NAME IN VAIN.
–    Have I used the words “God” or “Jesus” in anger or with lack of respect?
–    Have I used ugly words or language?
–    Have I wished evil on another?

3.    REMEMBER TO KEEP GOD’S DAY HOLY.
–    Do I go to Mass on Sunday unless I had a good reason ? (lack of transportation, sickness)
–    Do I do all I can to make Sunday a day of rest and joy for my family?
–    Do I pay attention to Mass, or do I tease or distract others by talking or playing?
–    Do I arrive late at Mass or leave early?

4.    HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER.
–    Do I respect and obey my parents?
–    Have I treated them badly by word or deed?
–    Am I willing to help round the house or must I be nagged a hundred times?
–    Do I try to get along with my brothers and sisters? Am I a tattletale or bully?
–    Do I try to give good example, especially to younger siblings?
–    Do I respect others in authority: baby-sitters, old people, teachers, priests, nuns?

5.    YOU SHALL NOT KILL.
–    Do I beat up others or hurt their bodies?
–    Do I say mean things, or make fun of others to hurt their feelings?
–    Am I willing to play with everyone? Have I stopped speaking to anyone?
–    Do I encourage others to do bad things?
–    Do I take care of my health such as eating the right food and taking care of the body God has given me?
–    Are there kids I will not play with or be mean to because they look different?

6.    YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY.
–    Do I treat my body and other people’s bodies with respect and purity?
–    Do I look at television shows, movies, or pictures that are bad and hurt my soul and mind?
–    Am I modest in the clothes I wear and in my speech, remembering that I truly am a daughter/son of God?

7.    YOU SHALL NOT STEAL.
–    Have I taken things that were not mine from a store or another person?
–    Have I broken or misused another person’s property on purpose?
–    Do I return things that I borrow? In good condition?

8.    YOU SHALL NOT LIE (YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT FALSE WITNESS AGAINST YOUR NEIGHBOR).
–    Do I tell the truth? Do I say things about other people that are not true?
–    Did I cheat in class or in a game?
–    Do I tell lies to make myself look good?
–    Do I tell lies to protect myself from being punished?
–    Do I tell lies to make another person look bad or get them in trouble?
–    Am I a tattletale?

9.    YOU SHALL NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOR’S WIFE.
–    Do I get mad when I have to share my friends?
–    Am I jealous of my siblings and do I want my parent’s attention for myself constantly?
–    Am I willing to share my things and my time with others?

10.    YOU SHALL NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOR’S GOODS.
–    Am I thankful to God and my parents for what they have given me?
–    Do I share the things I have with my family, friends and poor people?
–    Am I jealous or envious of the things others have?
–    Am I jealous or envious of the abilities others have?

THE ACT OF CONTRITION
Oh my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you. I detest all my sins
because of Your just punishments, but most of all because they offend you, my God,
who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of your grace,
to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.

Faith Through Fiction Vlog Post – Sacrifice

By Leslea Wahl

About the Faith Through Fiction Vlog Series.

CatholicTeenBooks.com was founded upon the desire to provide entertaining Catholic fiction that can build your faith. And with this goal in mind, authors T.M. Gaouette and Leslea Wahl have taken it a step further by creating the Faith Through Fiction video blogs. With these vlogs, we will dive into issues that teens face and present fiction that addresses relevant themes.

Lent is all about self-denial…sacrifice. It’s about giving up those things that we have come to desire or rely on. It means showing discipline, strength, and sometimes even courage. But while sacrifice is the epitome of Lent through the very pillars of prayer, fasting, and alms-giving, sacrifice is not reserved for Lent alone. It should be practiced on a regular basis. Join T. M. Gaouette and Leslea Wahl, along with guest author, Corinna Turner, and learn more about what it means to sacrifice.

Featured author: Corinna Turner

Featured Books:

I Am Margaret by Corinna Turner

The Kings Prey by Susan Peek

St. Magnus, The Last Viking by Susan Peek

Rightfully Ours by Carolyn Astfalk

Chasing Liberty by Theresa Linden

7 Riddles to Nowhere by AJ Cattapan

Treachery and Truth by Katy Huth Jones

The Other Side of Freedom by Cynthia T. Toney

The Perfect Blindside by Leslea Wahl