Blog

What Every Catholic Should Know about the Paschal Mystery

By Catechist's Aide on March 16, 2018 10

We hear the term Paschal Mystery all the time, but what exactly does it mean? How do we explain the Paschal Mystery to our children and middle school students? The Lenten season is a perfect time to have this discussion. We have many mysteries in our faith. These are beliefs that we accept as truth on faith alone because they have been revealed to us by God. These mysteries are central to our faith, but not always the easiest to explain to our children and students. When we talk about the Paschal Mystery we are referring to God’s plan of salvation which was ultimately fulfilled through four events in Christ’s life. Those four events are His Passion (his suffering and crucifixion), death, Resurrection, and Ascension.

Let’s take a step back for a minute and look at the word Paschal. It comes from the Hebrew word PASACH which means to PASS OVER. This refers, of course, to the first Passover when the Lord passed over the homes of the Israelites while striking down the firstborn of Egypt. In that case, the Israelites smeared the blood of a lamb on their doorposts to signify their belief in the one true God. The sacrificing of an innocent lamb became the means of their salvation and their deliverance from captivity in Egypt. In the same way, God sent His Son to be our paschal lamb. The essence of our faith is this: that Jesus came to die for us, to free us from sin, and so that we might have a new and eternal life.

This was God’s plan from the start

We can go back to the Garden of Eden just after the original sin of Adam and Eve, to the protoevangelium. This is where God gives us the first glimpse of His salvific plan, saying to the serpent, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; They will strike at your head, while you strike at their heel.” (Genesis 3: 15) And, we can look back at each of the covenants of the Old Testament, to see where God continued to reach out to humanity, again and again, in an effort to restore us into loving relationship with Him.

At every Mass, which itself is a celebration of the Paschal Mystery, we remember and proclaim “the mystery of faith,” when we respond:

Save us, Savior of the world,

For by your Cross and Resurrection

You have set us free.

Living the Paschal Mystery

When we speak these words at Mass, we affirm our belief in the Paschal Mystery and more. We don’t say “Save me, Savior of the world …” but save us. The Paschal Mystery tells us that we are not to be concerned only with our own personal salvation, but the salvation of all.

What is my role, then, in God’s saving plan? How can I join in the Paschal Mystery? We need only look at the instruction that Jesus gave to his apostles just before he ascended into heaven. He told them, “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28: 19-20) What does this mean for us? When we answer the call to holiness, when we live our lives according to the Beatitudes, when we receive the Sacraments, we are living as Jesus commanded. In a spiritual sense, whenever we personally die to sin, to our personal desires and to ourselves, and rise to a life centered on Christ, we are living the Paschal Mystery.

Try out this activity designed to help middle school students better understand the events of Christ’s Paschal Sacrifice. It is free to download just click here.

Benefits of Establishing a Classroom Routine

By Catechist's Aide on January 3, 2018 0

New parents quickly realize that babies need established routines, and as our children grow, the need for consistency and routine does not go away. Setting naptimes, bath time, bedtimes, meal times, as well as time to study or do homework, brings a predictable element to their day and helps to develop a sense of security and stability in a child. Maintaining a predictable routine has been found to be instrumental in limiting behavioral problems for children, and can greatly reduce stress for parents as well.

In the classroom, the need for establishing and maintaining routine is also critical. As a Catechist, I have found that routine in the classroom provides significant benefits making the 1 hour and 15 minutes of class time we spend together each week much more productive, and frankly more enjoyable.

3 Benefits of Establishing a Routine in the Classroom

Makes Lesson Planning Easier

For the Catechist, knowing the routine helps when it comes to lesson planning. The routine virtually leads me step by step through the process. It serves as my outline, and I can fill in the blanks with material, activities, bible study, prayers, etc. I have always loved being a Catechist, but to be completely honest, much of my initial experience had been frustrating because of my own disorganization and inability to control the classroom. The first time I was able to plan a lesson and then have it play out in the classroom as planned was exhilarating, and a big boost to my confidence.

Fewer Distractions and Saves Time

A good routine helps to limit student movement in the classroom, or at least direct it where you want it to go. When your students know what they are supposed to be doing at any given time, there will naturally be less distractions, resulting in less time wasted explaining and re-explaining things to them. When someone comes in late they are easily able to jump right in without distracting the rest of the class. When someone needs to leave early, there should be a routine for that as well so as to minimize disruption.

Students are Focused and Engaged

A predictable routine will allow students to quickly become well-versed in the flow of the class, and what comes next. This creates an environment where it’s easier for them to focus and be engaged in the lesson, making it easier for them to learn.

One word of caution – change can happen when you least expect it. A few weeks ago my class was assigned a different room to meet in because our regular classroom was not available. This one little divergence from our established routine was enough to cause considerable chaos. The chairs were set up differently so, no one was sure where to sit, I generally use an overhead projector which has cues for the students, and I didn’t have access to that kind of technology in the new room. I had underestimated and was unprepared for how a change in our physical setting could throw our class into disorder and confusion. The resulting class was not the best experience, but it taught me the importance of having a backup plan!

Jesse Tree December 25

By Catechist's Aide on December 25, 2017 0

December 25: Christ is born

Traditional Ornament: Manger Scene

Reading: Luke 2: 6-21

“For today in the city of David a Savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

The waiting is over. Christ is born!

And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2: 13-14)

God’s love for us is constant, even when we disobey and turn away from Him. On Christmas Day we celebrate God’s faithfulness when our loving Father’s promise to send a Redeemer is fulfilled through the birth of His only begotten Son.

Jesse Tree December 24

By Catechist's Aide on December 24, 2017 0

December 24: Journey to Bethlehem

Traditional Ornament: Donkey, Sandals

Reading: Luke 2: 1-5

“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled.” (Luke 2:1)

Luke’s gospel is the only place that we find the details of Jesus’ birth. At the end of her pregnancy, Mary and Joseph are called to travel to Bethlehem to be enrolled in a census. The journey takes place because of a political decree, but make no mistake this is God’s plan in action.

The theme of the journey is significant. Joseph and Mary journey to Bethlehem where their baby will be born. The shepherds in the fields journey in haste to the stable after a visitation from a host of angels. In Matthew’s gospel, we read that the magi journey, following a star, that led them to the Christ child, whom they honor. And, on this Christmas Eve, we come to the end of our Advent journey.

All of these journeys lead to the same place – the coming of Jesus Christ into the world and into our lives. But the journey does not end there. When we meet Jesus, our Savior, He takes us on another journey back to the Father.

Jesse Tree December 23

By Catechist's Aide on December 23, 2017 0

December 23: Joseph

Traditional Ornament: Carpenter’s Tools

Reading: Matthew 1: 18-25

“When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.” (Matthew 1:24)

In Matthew’s gospel, he begins by recording the genealogy of Jesus through his adoptive father, Joseph, tracing his roots back through the house of David to Abraham. Matthew also tells us that Mary was betrothed to Joseph. In the Old Testament, this meant something more than a modern-day engagement. Betrothal was basically the first stage of marriage. A couple who were betrothed had been legally married in front of witnesses, however, the bride would have continued to live in the home of her parents. After a year, the wedding was officially celebrated in the tradition referred to in the Parable of the Ten Virgins, where the groom ceremonially goes to the home of his bride’s parents and bring his wife back to his home where they would live together as husband and wife.

Since they were already legally married, Joseph had decided to quietly divorce Mary when he learned of her pregnancy. Otherwise, there would be no need for a divorce. But, Joseph had a dream that changed everything. An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and told him, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus.” (Matthew 1: 20-21)

The Bible contains no direct spoken word of Joseph, but his actions speak volumes. Upon waking from the dream, he did not hesitate. He dutifully obeyed and he continued to obey God’s commands throughout Jesus’ life. Like Mary his bride, Joseph let his faith and trust in God guide his actions.

Jesse Tree December 22

By Catechist's Aide on December 22, 2017 0

December 22: Mary

Traditional Ornament: Rose or Lily

Reading: Luke 1: 26-55

“Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus” (Luke 1:31)

Today’s reading begins with the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary that she is to be the mother of the Son of God. Each year on March 25^th we celebrate this day with the Solemnity of the Annunciation which marks the moment of Jesus’ conception and incarnation (the Word made flesh). The importance of the Annunciation cannot be overstated. Jesus became human not on the day of his birth, but at the moment of his conception in his mother’s womb. Jesus had the full human experience, including that of an unborn child.

We sometimes refer to Mary as the “New Eve” because of her humble “Yes” to God. In the garden, Eve had appropriated for herself that which was God’s to give. At the Annunciation, Mary was the willing recipient of what God wanted to give to her, and through her to all the world. Mary’s response was not that of a pre-programmed robot, she had the freedom to say “No” to God, just as Eve had. God does not force His will on us, and Mary’s Immaculate Conception did not preclude her own free will.

At the Annunciation, the salvation of all humanity rested on Mary’s response, just as it had with Eve in the garden. This Advent, as we hopefully wait for the coming of the Savior, we also recognize that it could not happen without the free and humble “Yes” of Mary.