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The Marks of the Church: The Church is One

By Catechist's Aide on September 14, 2018 0

At every Mass, after the homily, we stand together and pray the Nicene Creed as our Profession of Faith. In it, we proclaim, “I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.” These four characteristics (one, holy, catholic and apostolic) are the “Marks” of the Church. As Catholics struggle with the current crisis in our Church, I believe these marks take on added significance, reminding us what our Church is, her mission (our mission) and most importantly, that she is worth fighting for.

What do we mean when we say “mark?”

You (or your students) may be familiar with the meme, “That’s gonna leave a mark!” The internet is full of examples, like this one:

As the woman in the GIF is about to find out, a mark is a visible sign.

So, when we say that the marks of the Church are one, holy, catholic and apostolic, we’re not only describing the Church, we are saying that these attributes, which were first shared with the Church by its founder Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit, are visible within the Church today. From the Catechism of the Catholic Church,

“These four characteristics, inseparably linked with each other, indicate essential features of the Church and her mission.” (CCC 811)

Today we’ll look in detail at the first of these marks.

The Church is ONE

When we say that the Church is one we are referring to the unity of the Church. The Church is a community of believers. It is us, and we are a unified community.

What does a unified group look life? It is a group of people who are united in beliefs, in purpose, in goals, in vision, and in spirit. Other examples that your students might relate to would be a sports team or the military.

It’s important to recognize that not every group is a unified group. Most teens will relate to being assigned to a group for a project at school. However, these groups can produce mixed results. Just because a group of people comes together does not make them unified. Unfortunately, because some groups are chosen randomly, they may lack unity. The result is usually a subpar effort, not to mention frustration and bad feelings as well.

But there is a perfect example of true unity, and that is the source of the Church, God himself, in the Holy Trinity. God, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who is ONE.

Unified at its founding

The unity of the Catholic Church goes back to its earliest roots. The Acts of the Apostles details these early days and tells us the “The community of believers was of one heart and mind.” (Acts 4:32; emphasis added) Jesus had been the unifying source in the Church while he lived on earth. But, Jesus knew that he would be leaving his apostles to carry on without him. He knew that they would need the presence of God to unify them in their mission to grow the Church and live as Christians. So Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to unite the Apostles and strengthen them to carry on in His name. The Holy Spirit remains the unifying force of the Church on earth today.

The Church is one because of her “soul”: “It is the Holy Spirit, dwelling in those who believe and pervading and ruling over the entire Church, who brings about that wonderful communion of the faithful and joins them together so intimately in Christ that he is the principle of the Church’s unity.” (CCC 813)

Wounds to Unity

Of course, the Church can suffer wounds to its unity, its oneness. History has shown, and we see evidence today, that there can be disagreements, divisions, separations, and scandal within the Church. The Catechism reminds us that,

“Christ bestowed unity on his Church from the beginning. This unity, we believe, subsists in the Catholic Church as something she can never lose, … but the Church must always pray and work to maintain, reinforce and protect the unity that Christ wills for her.” (CCC 820)

I was recently reminded of the importance of the laity in our Church, and our duty to help preserve her unity. In a blog post for Word on Fire, Elizabeth Scalia recalled the words of Archbishop Fulton Sheen which, as she points out, although written in 1972 are “most relevant to our times:”

“Who is going to save our Church? Not our bishops, not our priests and religious. It is up to you, the people. You have the minds, the eyes, and the ears to save the Church. Your mission is to see that your priests act like priests, your bishops act like bishops, and your religious act like religious.”

Takeaway for Teens

The best way for all Catholics to “maintain, reinforce and protect the unity” of the Church is through fervent prayer and a better understanding of the faith that we profess. Learning what we believe, and why we believe doesn’t stop with Confirmation. We must continue our education in the faith throughout our lives, preserve it, and live it, bringing it out into the world.

What Catholic Teens Need to Know About Confirmation

By Catechist's Aide on September 6, 2018 0

A good way to begin any Confirmation preparation is with a basic understanding of what the sacrament is all about. Only then can our young Catholics understand why Confirmation is so essential. The first step in the process is easy enough – ask the students, “What does it mean to be confirmed?” Don’t be alarmed if the only response you get is a shrug of the shoulders or a blank stare. You may have a few students who will respond with “becoming an adult in the Church” or “confirming what our parents chose for us at our Baptism.” Whatever the response, it’s our job as Catechists to help set the record straight about exactly what Confirmation is, and perhaps more importantly, what it is not.

Let’s start by dispelling one of the more common myths about Confirmation:

It’s not a choice

This is a little misleading. Clearly, one can choose to receive Confirmation, or not. However, the sacrament is not an opportunity where the Confirmandi “choose” for themselves to be Catholic, or “confirm” the choice made for them by their parents and godparents at Baptism. Regardless of whether we had any voice in the matter, Baptism marks us with an indelible (permanent) mark as Catholic Christians. We become full members of Christ’s body, the Church through Baptism.

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC):

“Incorporated into Christ by Baptism, the person baptized is configured to Christ. Baptism seals the Christian with the indelible spiritual mark (character) of his belonging to Christ. No sin can erase this mark, even if sin prevents Baptism from bearing the fruits of salvation. Given once for all, Baptism cannot be repeated.” (CCC 1272)

The Catechism also reminds us that “baptismal grace is a grace of free, unmerited election and does not need ‘ratification’ to become effective.” (CCC 1308)
So, understanding that we are already fully Catholic through Baptism makes the question, “what does it mean to be confirmed,” all the more critical. To answer this, we must look at what Confirmation is, and what it does for us.

Confirmation imparts grace

Like all the sacraments, Confirmation is a gift given by God. And, like all of God’s gifts, it is designed to help us grow in holiness, and bring us into closer relation with Him through the imparting of grace.

It completes the Christian Initiation begun at Baptism

Wait a minute! We just said that Baptism makes us full members of the Church. What is left to complete?

“Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the ‘sacraments of Christian Initiation,’ whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For ‘by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.’” (CCC 1285)

Consider that, for the most part, Catholics are baptized as infants. “The faith required for Baptism is not a perfect and mature faith, but a beginning that is called to develop.” (CCC 1253) Our faith at baptism requires nourishment to grow and mature. We receive this nourishment through the Eucharist and catechesis. All members of the Church share in the responsibility of faith formation and religious education: parents, godparents, the clergy and the parish community. This maturing of the faith prepares us for Confirmation, where we are strengthened by the Holy Spirit to go out into the world as faithful witnesses and disciples of Christ. As members of Christ’s Body (the Church), we share an “apostolic calling” to spread God’s kingdom throughout the world. Jesus told his disciples, “Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:16) We are also called to be a light unto the world, and the sacrament of Confirmation equips us for that mission.

It is the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit

In John’s Gospel, we read that Christ prepared his followers for his eventual departure from this earth. He told them that it would be better for them if he left because then he would send the Advocate to be with them. At the time, the apostles were full of grief at the thought of Jesus going and probably didn’t understand who this mysterious Advocate was. But, just as Jesus promised, at Pentecost, the apostles received the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. They were able to recognize that this was the person Jesus sent to lead them to the truth, to guide them, and to strengthen them. And, because they were receptive, the Holy Spirit was able to work within them to transform them from frightened men, in hiding from the authorities to proclaimers of the resurrection! The Holy Spirit which the apostles received is the same Holy Spirit whose gifts are sealed within us at Confirmation. He seeks to work within us in the same way. If we are receptive and open to his gifts, we too can be transformed, confident that we can accomplish every good thing.

When we reduce Confirmation to a giant to-do list that we race to complete, we risk losing the importance of what is happening along the way. Confirmation is so much more than just another box to check on the way to adulthood. Talk to your students and children about what this sacrament really means. Don’t let them miss out on experiencing one of God’s greatest gifts.

Free Download: Group Discussion Worksheet

By Catechist's Aide on August 28, 2018 0

The last two weeks I’ve discussed the benefits of group discussions and provided guidelines for obtaining good results. Today I’m closing out the topic with a free download! Click the link at the end of this post to download the Group Discussion Worksheet with Leader’s Guide to try out with your class. Be sure to make a copy of the Worksheet for each of your students. The Leader’s Guide is for you and any other discussion leaders. The topic is “What Voice Do You Listen To?” It is suitable for Middle School students but would also work with High School age students. The discussion will complement any lesson on the Bible as the Word of God. It would also work with a study of the Patriarchs or any Biblical story featuring obedience to God’s Word.

If this is your first time leading a discussion with your class, don’t be discouraged if things start slowly – just stick with it. It can be helpful to start things off with a little humor. You might want to consider introducing the discussion with a short video clip such as Dad, but Barbie told me to do it , where a little girl explains to her Dad that she only painted her Barbie dolls with fingernail polish because Barbie told her to do it.

Free Download (click link to download): What Voice Do You Listen To?

Guidelines for Successful Group Discussions in the Classroom

By Catechist's Aide on August 23, 2018 0

To achieve the benefits outlined last week, we must follow some basic guidelines for successful group discussions in the classroom. Giving students the floor to freely discuss any subject without guidelines or ground rules can quickly lead to chaos. Quality group discussions don’t just happen; they require thoughtful planning and preparation. Here then, are guidelines for successful group discussions to try in your classroom.

Plan Your Outcome

Start your planning with determining what it is that you want the students to take away from the discussion. For example, if your lesson is about the fall of man, then you might wish to focus the discussion on how we can easily succumb to the sin of pride. You might begin with questions that allow students to identify prideful words or actions of historical or celebrity figures. Subsequent questions would switch the focus to potential areas of personal pride. The takeaway lesson might be “It’s easy to see the pride in others but spotting it in ourselves requires self-examination.”

Generate Interest

Introduce the topic via a short video or song, a Bible story or parable, or just a question. This is an opportunity to get the students’ attention and generate interest in the discussion that will follow. In our previous example of a lesson on the fall of man, you might want to begin with a YouTube video of Muhammad Ali’s famous “Rumble in the Jungle” speech. Keep in mind that you would need to set up the video with some context for Generation Z.

Use Handouts

A worksheet gives students an opportunity to quietly read, reflect and answer questions before the discussion begins. Handouts also provide a roadmap for the discussion. Try to incorporate questions that solicit opinions where there is no right or wrong answer. These are usually better suited to getting the conversation started, since no one is worried about answering incorrectly. The purpose of the discussion is to connect the lesson to the students’ everyday life. So, following our previous example, we might begin with questions like, “In the video we just watched, which of the claims made by Muhammad Ali might lead a person to believe he is proud?” Follow up with more thought-provoking questions. You could list examples and ask students to identify whether each represents healthy or excessive pride.

Establish Boundaries

These are deal breakers as far as I’m concerned. The class needs to understand that group discussions will only happen when done so respectfully. Be sure to articulate these rules before beginning the discussion.

No one will be forced to talk, but all are expected to participate. Some students may not feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, and that’s okay. However, everyone in the group is expected to complete the handout, and if they’re not sharing, they need to be listening.
No judgment zone. We are here to discuss and gain insight, not to put each other down or call people out. We don’t have to agree with one another about everything, but personal attacks or jabs will not be tolerated.
Only one person speaks at a time. This is simple common courtesy. Every person in the group deserves to be heard
Stay on subject. Discussions can veer off-subject rapidly. This can be a distraction, in which case you want to shut down the discussion and steer it back to the subject at hand. Then again, if this is something the students are genuinely concerned about, it may warrant further or future discussion.
Questions are always welcome. Assuming that time permits, you can encourage students to ask questions, as this promotes further dialogue.

Incorporate Scripture

As Catechists, we should refer to Scripture whenever possible. In our example of a discussion about the sin of pride, you might ask the students to read the Magnificat (Luke 1: 46-55). Mary is the model of humility. Even after learning that she was to be the mother of our Savior, she remained a humble servant. Ask the students to point to specific instances in the passage where the Blessed Mother expresses her humility. Including Scripture helps to reinforce that students should look to Scripture for answers to questions they have.

Group Size

One final, but important, consideration – your class size. If you class is large, consider breaking into smaller groups, so that every student can share in the discussion. You can ask adult volunteers to pitch in as group leaders. This is a great way to get parents or your parish Youth Minister involved.

With proper planning, your group discussions will get your students thinking and talking about their faith life.

5 Reasons to use Group Discussions in the Classroom

By Catechist's Aide on August 19, 2018 0

As a Middle School Catechist, I have found group discussions to be one of the most effective teaching tools. If you haven’t considered leading a group discussion in your classroom, here are 5 reasons you should.

Encourages Dialogue

These days religion can be a touchy subject to bring up, even among adults. It’s especially true for middle school students, who tend to be socially insecure. They might avoid bringing up topics which they perceive would set them apart from the crowd. Discussion groups give students an opportunity to discuss important issues of faith with their peers without singling them out. There is also the hope that, as they become more at ease participating in these discussions, they will feel comfortable discussing such topics outside of the classroom. For many young teens, group discussions become the first step in articulating their faith to themselves and others.

Engages Students

I know that I get tired of the sound of my voice. So, I imagine my students aren’t keen on hearing me talk for an hour or more each week. A class filled with only instruction can lead to students who are at worst, completely zoned out, or at best, merely going through the motions. Adding group discussions can bring new energy into the classroom. Hearing another voice – especially one of their peers – can result in engaging the students in a way that I can’t do on my own.

Demonstrates Community

The essence of the Catholic faith is communion. God gave us the Church because He wanted us to be redeemed together, not alone. God himself, in the Trinity, is a communion – an eternal relationship of love. We, who are made in His image, are made for relationship, not only with our Creator but with each other. These discussion groups, in a small way, help to demonstrate the importance of community, and how we are to advance the kingdom of God – together.

Provides Feedback

I sometimes question how much of the material presented in class students retain. Group discussions provide useful feedback for the Catechist, such as how much of the information students are picking up. More importantly, it allows the Catechist to see the degree of students’ understanding. Group discussions also provide feedback for the student, by communicating the ideas or information from the lesson that are most important.

Makes a Connection

Thoughts about Faith, Church, or God may seldom enter into our students’ minds outside of Sunday Mass or Religious Ed class. Group discussions give students an opportunity to realize that their faith life extends beyond the confines of the Church building. This is the greatest gift that we, as Catechists, can bring to our students. Connecting the lesson with their personal lives helps students see that what they learn in the classroom has a real-life application. It’s similar to what St. James said in his epistle:

Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his own face in a mirror. He sees himself, then goes off and promptly forgets what he looked like. But the one who peers into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres, and is not a hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, such a one shall be blessed in what he does. (James 1: 22-25)

There are many other benefits to group discussions. It can help students develop confidence when speaking in groups, teaches them that their thoughts and opinions have value, helps them appreciate that not everyone shares their view, and provides an opportunity to learn how to disagree with someone respectfully. With all these benefits, I hope you will give group discussions a try in your class this year. Be sure to check back next week for the keys to making your group discussions successful.

5 Rules of Engagement for Every Catechist

By Catechist's Aide on July 26, 2018 0

I am beginning to prepare class lessons for the next session of Religious Education at my local Parish. As part of that process, I must remind myself that the students we teach are not all at the same point in their faith journey, and this can make engaging students in Catechesis more difficult. While it would be a joy to teach a class where every student regularly attends Mass, receives the Sacraments, and already knows how to find a Scripture passage in the Bible, it’s important to remember that many do not. Even for those who do, some may be simply going through the motions and aren’t really engaged when it comes to their faith life. With adolescents, we have an additional hurdle – that things can change quickly – a student may be fully engaged one week and disconnected the next. This can make our jobs as Catechists a bit more challenging. It can also lead to frustration, so it’s important to recognize that we may not reach every student, every class. I used to say, “Sometimes all we can do is plant the seed and hope it grows.” But, honestly, we can do better than that, and it starts with meeting our students where they are in their faith journey and walking with them to a fuller life of faith.

There’s Faith and then there’s faith

I use the term faith “journey” because that’s what faith really is – a journey. There’s Faith and then there’s faith. The same word has two different meanings. The first Faith is God’s Revelation – what He has revealed to us and what we believe. It is one of the Theological Virtues – a supernatural gift given to us by God. The second faith is our personal, free response to Revelation. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), in article 162, explains that our faith is not static, and requires perseverance to grow,

“Faith is an entirely free gift that God makes to man. We can lose this priceless gift, as St. Paul indicated to St. Timothy: “Wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting conscience, certain persons have made shipwreck of their faith.”⁴⁴ To live, grow and persevere in the faith until the end we must nourish it with the word of God; we must beg the Lord to increase our faith;⁴⁵ it must be “working through charity,” abounding in hope, and rooted in the faith of the Church.⁴⁶ “

Remembering that faith is a journey, and recognizing that journeys don’t always follow a straight, direct path, can help us to be patient with the process of Catechesis. We are called to teach the way that Christ himself did – with love, with truth and compassion, and by example. Perhaps most importantly, Jesus met people where they were in life and taught them by speaking to their own life experiences. This can be our most effective tool as a Catechist – to meet our students where they are, not only in their faith journey but in their life experiences. So how do we do that? Here are 5 Rules of Engagement for Every Catechist to help you reach your students by using the same tools that Jesus did.

5 Rules of Engagement

Use storytelling

Just as Jesus used parables to teach the people of His time, we can incorporate relevant stories or local/current events to frame the lessons we are teaching. This also presents an opportunity to share our personal stories from our adolescence, and how those experiences ultimately led to an increase of faith.

Ask questions

Asking our students to respond with their own thoughts and opinions not only validates that what they think has value, but it helps to open a topic for more probative discussion and reflection. As part of adolescence, our young teens are already beginning to question many things. It’s important to remember that questioning does not necessarily mean a diminution of faith, but in fact can lead to an increase of faith.

Speak with authority – use God’s Word

Include Scripture in every class. Earlier this year, GQ Magazine included the Bible on a list of “21 Books You Don’t Have to Read.” Despite this foolish advice, the Bible continues to be relevant, timeless, and above all, the inspired Word of God! Use of Scripture in the classroom reinforces to students where they can and should look for the ultimate and trusted authority on any question or issue.

Get to know your students

Knowing what your students are interested in, what’s important to them, and what concerns them, will help you create more engaging lessons and activities for them. Taking a genuine interest in each of your students also reinforces that they have value and are worthy of dignity and respect.

Lead by example; practice what you preach

If we want to teach our students that we should display reverence for the Holy Bible, then we should treat our Holy Bibles with reverence. If we want to teach our students that by making the Sign of the Cross we convey the very essence of our faith, then we should make the Sign of the Cross in a reverent and purposeful manner – not like we are swatting a fly. Our students will learn more about God by our actions than by anything we say to them in the classroom.

Lastly, it goes without saying (but I’ll say it anyway) that we need to pray. Before class, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and to help you be a true witness to your students. An example of a prayer that I have found helpful can be found here. When class begins, we are presented with another prayer opportunity. Prayer can be an effective tool for setting the tone before class, so pray together. Ask that the minds of your students be open and receptive. You might want to include the following prayer (or something similar) as part of the opening prayer for each class.

Heavenly Father, You hold each of us in your loving hands. Come fill our hearts, minds and bodies afresh with hope. Help us to cast our worries upon you, so that we can embrace our learning today. Bless us as we study and grow together. Come and anoint those who teach and tutor us to be bringers of insight and knowledge. Lord, watch over us all, keep us safe within your Almighty hand. Amen.