General

A Prayer for America

By Catechist's Aide on July 4, 2017 0

In 1789, John Carroll was appointed the first Bishop in the newly formed United States of America. In November of 1791, Carroll wrote Prayer for Our Government. The full prayer can be found here. It certainly stands the test of time, and reminds us that we need to pray not only for the Church, the clergy and our elected leaders, but for each other as well.

We recommend likewise, to your unbounded mercy, all our brethren and fellow citizens throughout the United States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of your most holy law; that they may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the world cannot give; and after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal.

Carroll’s prayer that we “may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the world cannot give” are words that need to be heard and prayed today as fervently as they were 200 years ago.

Carroll’s influence in the growth and structure of the Catholic Chuch in this country cannot be understated. For more about his life and impact on the Church, read the words of Cardinal Timothy Dolan from an address honoring Carroll in 2008.

Lesson Plans

By Catechist's Aide on January 10, 2017 0

Check back soon for complete Lesson Plans on the Sacraments, the Creed, the Commandments, Prayer and much more.

Why Middle Schoolers?

By Catechist's Aide on January 4, 2017 0

I’ve heard that people feel about teaching middle school students a lot like they feel about broccoli – you either love it or you hate it. Well, I love them both! Yes, middle school students present a special set of challenges, but I have also found these students to be incredibly open and honest, not afraid to ask tough questions, and they have a real desire to learn about their faith.

I initially began teaching Religious Education to middle school students because in our diocese, students are confirmed at the end of the eighth grade. For many students, this is the last year that they will receive any type of formal religious education. When my own son was beginning his Confirmation preparation, I asked to be his catechist. So, I started out teaching seventh grade one year, and eighth grade the next. That way I had the same group of students for what I saw as two critical years in their faith formation. I wanted them to see that I was making a commitment to them, and I think it really worked out well.

There were some overall goals I had as a catechist. First was obviously instruction in the faith. It’s important to know what we, as Catholics, believe. Second, I wanted to focus on how what we believe affects how we live. It’s not enough to be able to rattle off a list of commandments or sacraments, or to recite a dozen different prayers, if there’s no connection between knowing and believing, and how we live our lives. I wanted to stress to these young candidates that the power of the Holy Spirit which they would soon be receiving in Confirmation is transformative, and If they are receptive to the Spirit, they will become true disciples of Jesus, following his way.

About

By Catechist's Aide on December 30, 2016 1

I am a product of twelve years of Parochial School education, so I really didn’t have much in the way of experience with CCD (which is what we called it back in the day). That all changed when I was in college and my mother became a catechist at our local parish. She asked if I could come in and help keep order in the classroom. She was having trouble with one particular student who was creating a discipline problem for her. Within just a few classes, the discipline problem was no longer an issue, and I was hooked. I helped my mom prepare lessons, and together we thought of ways we could get the students more engaged. More importantly, by the end of the year, this young 13 year old boy, who once was a source of chaos in the classroom, was now a model student. At our last class meeting, he brought me a handwritten note thanking me for being his catechist and telling me how, for the first time, he actually looked forward to going to CCD on Sunday mornings. My heart soared, and I continued teaching alongside my mom until I finished college.

Fast forward fifteen years, and I’m married with three children of my own, and we are living in a new town a thousand miles away from my family and friends. I’ve just quit my job after my husband and I decide we are tired of having other people raise our children. So, I’m a stay at home mom for the first time!

Still adjusting to my new role, I realize that summer had come and gone and I had failed to send in the kids’ registration forms for Religious Education. I would now need to hand deliver the forms to get the kids enrolled before the first class meeting. Our Director of Faith Formation took full advantage of the situation and called me into her office to chat. She explained that they were still short a few teachers and asked if I could volunteer to teach a class. She threw in the extra bonus, that the Church would waive the fees for my children if I were to teach. Of course, I quickly explained that I simply could not spare the time, at which point, she looked me squarely in the eye, and said, “Really Susan, you can’t spare one hour once a week?” By this time, I was so embarrassed that I could no longer look at her, and my eyes fell down to the floor. I acquiesced, well at least that’s what it felt like at the time. Now I have a very different perspective. I believe that God sends us little nudges to help show us what He wants for us or which way He wants us to go. This was definitely a nudge, and looking back I’m so grateful for it.

Catechesis

By Catechist's Aide on December 26, 2016 0

That form of ecclesiastical action that leads both communities and individual members of the faithful to maturity of faith.

For individuals whose minds are open to the message of the Gospel, catechesis is an apt means to understand God’s plan in their own lives and in the lives of others. Having come to know this divine plan, they can more effectively co-operate with God’s grace and become better instruments for the extension of Christ’s kingdom. (Etym. Greek katechizo, to teach by word of mouth.)