From the Catholic diocese where the sun never sets...I'm a lifelong Catholic with 17 years as a military spouse. Trying to grow Catholic faith one base at a time! Frequent deployments, separation from extended family and no older retiree volunteers are some of the many challenges we face being in the military and being active Catholics. I hope to share ideas to help inspire and motivate other Catholics in the military community.
Friday, August 29, 2014
Large Group RE activities
I have a vision of having large group activities that help instill the topics we are learning throughout our RE while bringing families together for formation AND giving teachers a night off from lesson planning. I am already very familiar with Saint Night (usually the Wednesday before Halloween) and its success with students. Students dress as their favorite saint then take turns announcing which saint they chose to dress as and something about their saint(if they can remember). We have done create an advent wreath as a family and we tried the living rosary and will hopefully have more success with that this year (thank you Jared Dees). However, I am looking for more ideas. We will have to do a Lent Night but I can't think of anything else. If you have any ideas please post them!
Thank you Religion Teacher!
A big thank you to Jared Dees and all the tireless work he does for Catholic Religion Teachers from around the world. I think people are always so busy trying to find volunteers to teach religion classes that not enough time is spent helping to form the best religion teachers possible. As a teacher myself, mother of four, and an active duty spouse I am not short on excuses on my time however my RE students should only get the best no matter what grade I am teaching. We lose sight that we are teaching the future of our Church all in one hour a week classes. I LOVE Mr. Dees site and he is always updating and creating new lesson plans and activities to help us achieve the best Catholic RE students and teachers possible. Check it out!
http://www.thereligionteacher.com/
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Catechetical Sunday 2014
(courtesy of the US Catholic Bishop website)
It is never to early to start thinking about:
Catechetical Sunday 2014
This year, the Church will celebrate Catechetical Sunday on September 21, 2014, and will focus on the theme "Teaching About God's Gift of Forgiveness." Those whom the community has designated to serve as catechists will be called forth to be commissioned for their ministry. Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. Catechetical Sunday is an opportunity for all to rededicate themselves to this mission as a community of faith.
September 21, 2014
Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Green Vestments - Year A
Theme: "Teaching About God's Gift of Forgiveness
The Bishop's Welcome Message
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
The Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis is pleased to announce the release of the 2014 Catechetical Sunday materials focused on the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Catechetical Sunday, which is celebrated annually on the third Sunday in September in parishes across the United States, falls this year on the weekend of September 21, 2014, the Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
The theme for 2014 Catechetical Sunday is “Teaching about God’s Gift of Forgiveness”. Even before anyone of us can consider seeking forgiveness in the Sacrament of Penance, we know God is already at work in our hearts. God the Father pursues us down the byways of our life, intent to restore and share with us in greater measure a life of grace and union with him, which was secured at so great a cost through the saving death of his Son. The Spirit helps us to discern where sinfulness has wounded and enslaved us, and creates in us, the penitents, a readiness to embrace ongoing conversion of life through sorrow for sins, sacramental confession through the ministry of the priest, and a firm purpose of amendment.
As in past years, a variety of materials have been prepared to assist pastors, parish catechists, Catholic school teachers and the faithful in celebrating Catechetical Sunday, not only in September, but also throughout the 2014-2015 year. These materials are provided free of charge. USCCB Publishing will also sell printed copies of prayer cards, family commitment cards, posters, and certificates in English and Spanish.
Whether you confess regularly, or this is the first time in a long time, may this be your moment to draw near to the confessional with confidence to celebrate the tender loving mercy of God. May you experience again and again God’s gift of forgiveness and healing through the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Bishop David L. Ricken,
Chairman of Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis.
Summer is coming to an end...time to get prepared for another RE Year!
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Thursday, May 22, 2014
This is our Archbishop!
Memorial Day Mass
Look who made the home page on EWTN Catholic Network! Don't forget to tune in for the Memorial Day Mass with our own Archbishop on May 26th in Memorial for all those who serve and have served our country...
CATHOLIC PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS
ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES MEMORIAL MASS
05/26 at 1:00 PM ET
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
One more thing
Yes, I'm still avoiding making dinner. I have to say I stumbled upon the website:
CatholicKatie.com while reading my National Catholic Register. I thought I was the MOST Catholic Katie in the world but that was squashed when I say CatholicKatie.com and it wasn't my website! I guess she is writer for the Register. I guess there is room for both of us in the world. Great website I highly recommend it!
CatholicKatie.com while reading my National Catholic Register. I thought I was the MOST Catholic Katie in the world but that was squashed when I say CatholicKatie.com and it wasn't my website! I guess she is writer for the Register. I guess there is room for both of us in the world. Great website I highly recommend it!
Faithful Kitchen
Wow, look at the adorable website I stumbled upon while avoiding doing my own house work! I was at the National Catholic Register website (every Catholic should subscribe to the National Catholic Register) when I noticed an ad at the bottom of the page... A Faithful Kitchen so I of course clicked it because that is the room where I spend most of my time. A Faithful Kitchen has ADORABLE stuff! Now I don't see my self using a butter mold anytime soon nor do I know how to use a butter mold (do I let the butter melt then pour it in there and put it in the fridge or do I just soften the butter then jam it in there?) but those kitchen towels would look so nice hanging in my kitchen (if I could just keep it clean). See this is my problem with the internet. I just get lost on it. My sisters says I should sue the internet because I am part of the lost generation that just missed the internet age (it was just starting when I was in college). My sister says that's why I can't handle it well. I have to stay away for a few days. The house needs cleaning and I only have one and half more days before summer break! I'm doomed. It is just so fun to procrastinate now that my children are older and we are off sports seasons right now. Yes, mothers of toddlers they do grow up and they grow up fast! You too will have time to waste on the horrible abyss of the internet. Off to try and prepare dinner for the four children. I think it will be sandwich night...
http://afaithfulkitchen.com/collections/bakeware
http://afaithfulkitchen.com/collections/bakeware
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Ave Maria Press has free powerpoints
Did you know Ave Maria Press has power points you can use for free as a Catholic Religious Educator? I am very impressed with the selection they have to aid teachers as they teach about the Catholic faith. Why reinvent the wheel when someone else has already done a great job! Check out their website:
www.avemariapress.com
www.avemariapress.com
Download: 
Looking for teacher resources? You must sign in or create an account to request access to teacher materials
© 2014 Ave Maria Press
Where o' where have all the catechist gone?
Every year we end another Religious Education year and at the end of each year we seem to have less and less devoted teachers. I have met some AMAZING Catholics but most who seem in love with their Catholic faith opt out of traditional education and decide to home school their children. Most of these devotedly religious families do not participate in the religious programs at the local Church. I know these families are teaching all day everyday but I think they are a goldmine of religious knowledge and teaching experience that would GREATLY enhance any Catholic RE program. So the question is: how do we not only get the homeschool crowd but any committed Catholic to get involved in the Catholic Religious Education Programs? There are so many books, programs, and resources to help catechist, yet we struggle out here in the north prairie to get strong volunteers who will stick with the class for the entire school year. I know it is extremely hard with schedules in the military to give a commitment like being a catechist on top of everything else but there must be a way we can inspire and motivate people to make this commitment. What a way to give of yourself to God than teaching the youngest of his disciples. Is there any program on recruiting and inspiring catechists?
People We Need to take Advantage of this Resource through the Archdiocese for the Military Services!
The Archdiocese has done an excellent job creating this digital resource for our airmen, military families, and our youth. Please take a look and visit the www.milarch.com website to get access to a plethora of Catholic resources to deepen your faith, answer your questions, and use in your Catholic classrooms!
AMS Digital Media Center
The AMS Digital Media Center, now online at resources.milarch.org, offers single-site access to a wide array of media tools for faith formation, practice, and leadership.These digital tools include:
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His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, appears on video from Jerusalem, extending a warm welcome to visitors. Directly addressing Catholic servicemen in his greeting, Archbishop Broglio says:
“I am well aware of the many moves that each one of you endures in service to our country to support the mission and in pursuit of peace. As you support the mission of your command, remember also to pursue daily your mission of faith as well… This Digital Media Center has a wealth of resources to support you, to challenge you, and to encourage you to deepen your relationship with the living Christ. I pray that these videos, podcasts, photos, audio talks, and music will provide such encounters that you will want to share with others.”
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This is a great short video to explain how to use the DMC and what it offers:
Watch the Prezi to learn more:
http://prezi.com/nqwnvu3jpxfp/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0shareAnother New Exciting Confirmation Program!
This is the new Confirmation program developed by Matthew Kelly from Dynamic Catholic. As my sister says, why can't all the Catholics work together since both Matthew Kelly and Chris Stephanick both came out with new exciting Confirmation programs. Now we need a new and exciting Baptism program. At least there is evangelization going on out there!
https://dynamiccatholic.com/confirmation/view-program/
Another Great Website! I wish there was one place we could go to link to all of this awesome Catholic sites!
Wow, another awesome site. This is just one example of resources at the religion teacher website. Check out all their items for FREE! What a great resource for catechists!
http://www.thereligionteacher.com/catholic-lesson-plans/
Ash Wednesday Lesson Plan
02/15/2012 by 23 Comments
This Ash Wednesday lesson plan is a part of The Religion Teacher’s Lenten Activity Pack that you can buy on this website. This digital product includes seven lesson plans, nearly 20 worksheets, prayer ideas, and handouts to help students effectively learn about the season of Lent. Want a preview? Check out the Lenten Video Series that is used in conjunction with these resources.
SWBAT explain why we wear ashes on Ash Wednesday. (Assessment: Ash Wednesday Quiz)
SWBAT make connections between what they decide to give up for Lent and the meaning of ashes on Ash Wednesday. (Assessment: Ash Wednesday Worksheet)
2. Prayer: Read the Ash Wednesday Psalm as a class. Announce the response, “Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned,” and read Psalm 51 from the USCCB website.
3. Reading: Read aloud the story of Jonah and the city of Nineveh (Jonah 3:1-10). Ask students, “What were the signs that the people of Nineveh used to show their repentance?”
4. Video: Ash Wednesday. Have students fill out the video graphic organizer while they watch.
5. Direct Instruction: Review the answers to the Ash Wednesday graphic organizer.
6. Ash Wednesday Worksheet: From Ashes Wednesday to Easter. Give students some time to write about what they have decided to give up for Lent this year. Remind them that we often desire things (even good things) that will one day become dust and ashes. We give things up for Lent to remember that all we have is a gift from God and that being with God and following his will should be our greatest desire.
7. Assessment: Ash Wednesday Quiz
Do you like this lesson plan and the resources to accompany it? Get instant access to dozens of other resources in The Religion Teacher’s Lenten Activity Pack.
Ash Wednesday Lesson Plan Objectives and Assessments
SWBAT explain that ashes were used as a sign of repentance in the Old Testament. (Assessment: Class Discussion)SWBAT explain why we wear ashes on Ash Wednesday. (Assessment: Ash Wednesday Quiz)
SWBAT make connections between what they decide to give up for Lent and the meaning of ashes on Ash Wednesday. (Assessment: Ash Wednesday Worksheet)
Ash Wednesday Learning Activities
1. Bell Work: Make a list of the things that you have in your life that you are thankful for (i.e. your iPod, your cell phone, your computer, your video game system, your new shoes, your favorite dress, etc.)2. Prayer: Read the Ash Wednesday Psalm as a class. Announce the response, “Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned,” and read Psalm 51 from the USCCB website.
3. Reading: Read aloud the story of Jonah and the city of Nineveh (Jonah 3:1-10). Ask students, “What were the signs that the people of Nineveh used to show their repentance?”
4. Video: Ash Wednesday. Have students fill out the video graphic organizer while they watch.
5. Direct Instruction: Review the answers to the Ash Wednesday graphic organizer.
6. Ash Wednesday Worksheet: From Ashes Wednesday to Easter. Give students some time to write about what they have decided to give up for Lent this year. Remind them that we often desire things (even good things) that will one day become dust and ashes. We give things up for Lent to remember that all we have is a gift from God and that being with God and following his will should be our greatest desire.7. Assessment: Ash Wednesday Quiz
Do you like this lesson plan and the resources to accompany it? Get instant access to dozens of other resources in The Religion Teacher’s Lenten Activity Pack.
Related Resources:
About Jared DeesJared Dees is the creator of The Religion Teacher and has worked in catechetical ministry for over ten years. He is the Digital Publishing Specialist at Ave Maria Press and the author of 31 Days to Becoming a Better Religious Educator.
http://www.thereligionteacher.com/
Lesson Plan Intro to Sin Second Grade
I got tired of always whipping out a quick lesson plan the night before an RE class. I had already gotten through 6 class but with breaks and unforeseen activities (Living Rosary, Saint Day) I felt overwhelmed and stressed that my second graders were not going to learn what they needed to by the time they received their sacraments. So I decided to take a day during Christmas break and work out all of my lessons plans for the rest of the year. Using the Baltimore Catechism for Second Grade (blue book I mentioned in a previous post) this is what I created:
Lesson Plans for First Communion Class Week of: 1/8/14__
Lesson Plans for First Communion Class Week of: 1/15/14
Lesson Plans for First Communion Class Week of: 1/8/14__
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We are Made in God’s Image: Standard: 2.01.01:
understanding the Holy Trinity; 2.01.02: identify Jesus as the Son of God,
one with Father and Holy Spirit; 2.01.03: State that Jesus Christ was born of
the Virgin Mary.
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Prayer:
Beginning:
Prayer
to the Holy Spirit and personal prayer intentions.
Closing prayer:
Act of Contrition.
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Materials: Trinity worksheet, Holy Family coloring sheet,
calendars for student; New Saint Joseph First Communion Catechisms, Christ
Our Life books, highlighters, crayons, Act of Contrition prayer copies.
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Vocabulary
1.Blessed Trinity
2. Sin
3.original sin
4.Immaculate Conception
Questions:
Who committed the first
sin?
Who committed the first
sin on earth? What washes away
original sin?
Who was born without
original sin?
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Review:
Lesson: New Saint Joseph First Communion Catechism p.7-17 (15-20 minutes).
Lesson 1 God
Made Us picture read to the students and read the questions and answers.
Read p. 9-10 VERY IMPORTANT TO
STUDENTS! Have students highlight these pages.
Lesson 2 God Is Great p. 12-14 pray
the prayer on p.17 “O God, make my family holy.
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Lesson:
Chapter
4 First Sins
p. 18-22. Teacher read questions
students read answers in bold. Discuss
each answer as we go along.
Review questions at the end p.22.
Inform students that we are going to focus on
sin for the next few weeks in preparation for their First Reconciliation and
why this is an important Sacrament of healing.
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Conclusion: Remind students to share their lesson with
their parents and bring their books back to class next week. Also send home Chapter 6 in Christ Our Life
series.
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Our Own Sin--Standard: 2.01.08
Understand that God gives us the gift of grace; 2.01.03 State Jesus Christ
was born of the Virgin Mary and became man; 2.03.06 distinguish between
mortal sin, venial sin, and accidents for sacramental preparation
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Prayer:
Beginning:
Prayer
to the Holy Spirit and personal prayer intentions.
Closing prayer:
Act of Contrition.
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Materials: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton sheet, New Saint Joseph First Communion
Catechisms,
Christ Our Life books, highlighters, crayons, Act of Contrition prayer copies,
Types of Sin worksheet.
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Vocabulary
1. Actual Sin= sin we knowingly commit.
2. Original Sin= sin we are born with and
Baptism washes it away.
3. Mortal Sin=is a deadly sin. It kills our soul.
4. Venial Sin= a lesser sin
5. Grace= the life of Christ in us.
Questions:
What does mortal sin do to us?
What happens to those who die in a state of mortal sin?
What is a venial sin?
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Review:
Lesson
4 The First Sins
p.18-22 (10-15 minutes). Review questions: What is sin? Who committed the first sin? On earth? What
is the Immaculate Conception?
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Lesson:
Lesson 5 Our Own Sins
p. 23-26.
Lesson 6 The Son of
God Becomes Man p. 27-29.
Read the lessons with
students. Teacher will use the white
board to ‘word map’ types of sins and their effect on people.
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Conclusion: Remind students to share their lesson with
their parents and bring their books back to class next week. Also send home Chapter 7 in Christ Our Life
series. Practice the 10 Commandments!
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Lesson Plans for First Communion Class Week of: 1/22/13_
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Ten
Commandments--Standard: 2.05.02 Define and give examples of
making good choices; 2.05.03 Articulate the belief that God gives us free
will to choose what is right and to avoid evil; 2.05.05 State that sin is
when we choose to do wrong or not do good; 2.06.03 Identify Ten Commandments.
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Prayer:
Beginning:
Our Father, Glory Be, intentions.
Closing prayer:
Act of Contrition.
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Materials: The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism No. 1 (red)(10 copies); Bible; popsicle sticks;
sharpie markers; masking tape; commandment sheets for matching games.
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Vocabulary
1. I am the Lord thy
God; thou shalt not have strange gods before Me.
2. Thou shalt not take
the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
3. Remember thou keep holy the Lord’s day.
4. Honor thy father and mother.
5. Thou shalt not kill.
6. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
7. Thou shalt not steal.
8. Thou shalt not bear false witness against
thy neighbor.
9. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife.
10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s goods.
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Review:
Lesson 5 Our Own
Sin: types of sins, the effect of sin on our
life, we avoid sin because God wants us to love and he loved us first.
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Lesson:
The Ten Commandments are the road map to avoid sin. God made it very clear to his people what
we could do and what we shouldn’t do: read Exodus 19: 20-25; 19: 1-17.
The New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism No. 1 (red) p.
77; p. 85-86; 90-93;95-99.
Popsicle stick crafts; ten commandment games.
Students need active learning this week!
Have two sets of competitive games to learn the
Ten Commandments.
Possibly have Abby come and teach her technique
for remembering the Ten Commandments.
Chapter 9 Christ Be Our Life!
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Conclusion: Remind students to share their lesson with
their parents and bring their books back to class next week. Also send home Chapter 8 in Christ Our Life
series.
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