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Faith Formation Articles by Sr. Janet Schaeffler, OP
There's a church in our area (not Catholic, but of another denomination) that has a one-way driveway for entry and exit to its property. The posted signs for entry and exit points of this driveway say: "Enter to Worship" and "Exit to Serve."
September 18
Once again, this year on Sunday, Sept. 20, in parishes throughout our country we celebrate Catechetical Sunday. We will not be alone. This will be happening throughout the world, the universal Church.
August 14
Most adults live their faith at church 3 percent of their time; the rest of their time they are living it at home, in their neighborhoods, in their workplaces, etc.
July 24
The year 2009 marks the one-decade anniversary of "Our Hearts Were Burning within Us: A Pastoral Plan for Adult Faith Formation in the United States."
June 12, 2009
A few weeks ago we celebrated the great feasts of the Ascension and Pentecost.
April 17, 2009
March 13, 2009
February 13, 2009
Baptism calls us to be new creatures all the time, not just at the moment of our baptism.
January 16, 2009
We are in the midst of remembering historic 50th anniversaries. This past Oct. 28 was the 50th anniversary of the election of Pope John XXIII in 1958.
December 12, 2008
For weeks (months) now, the media has been predicting that this holiday season will be one of the worst ever for the retail industry.
November 7, 2008
Given the reality of the last several weeks failed banks, credit crisis, Wall Street bailout it seems totally understandable that people's primary preoccupations center on how it personally affects them.
September 12, 2008 Who among you is called to be a catechist?
One day a man strayed into the Land of Fools. He saw people fleeing in terror from a field where they were trying to reap wheat. "There is a monster," they cried to him.
August 8, 2008 Family rituals celebrate unity, God's presenceMy two-year-old great nephew loves his own bed, his own blankets and his little turtle and lamb that go to bed with him each night. On his second birthday, he received some new things for his bedroom, including a new comforter and large new pillow (both from his favorite movie, "Cars").
April 11, 2008 We're Called to live simplyA few weeks ago I was with a group of catechists, facilitating one of the archdiocesan catechist formation topics for certification: "Catechesis and Social Justice."
March 7, 2008
There is a story from the past about a foolish old woman who talked to God (and God talked to her). She had no idea what a privilege this was. It so happened that one day shortly before Lent the old woman prayed...
February 15, 2008 We are all a part of the movement As a young family was leaving liturgy at their parish one Sunday morning, the curious daughter referring to the Scripture readings of God's care and protection of the people of Biblical times asked why it seemed God did all that in those days and wasn't doing anything today.
January 11, 2008 You can't walk away from caring for creationOne day when my great-nephew Tyler and his mom and dad were driving through an area in which a new subdivision was being built, all the trees were being cut down. Six-year-old Tyler said, "Don't they know they're destroying the homes of the birds and all the little animals?"
December 21, 2007 Wondering what would happen at Christmas if ...?C. S. Lewis wrote (in "Twentieth Century," Volume CLXII, December 1957) that there are actually three Christmases. One is a popular holiday. Another, as he described it, "the commercial racket." And the third is a Christian festival, the real Christmas.
November 9, 2007
We are called to be grateful all of the time
Many years ago, a pastor visited a family with a young child who had severe curvature of the spine. Years ago, children with this physical condition were placed in a Phelp's Box, a device that resembled a shallow coffin, and strapped as flatly as possible.
October 12, 2007 Playing the 'game' of our lifeI suppose I would be called a sports fair-weather friend because the only time I take time to watch sports on TV is during the Stanley Cup play-offs, the NBA finals, and the World Series.
September 14, 2007 Catechetical Sunday - Encountering the Living Christ
Are we catechising for Churchianity or Christianity? There is no doubt that we want to pass on the beliefs, traditions and practices of our faith, our Church. The ultimate goal is about Christ-ianity, a relationship with that person.
July 13, 2007
Prepare to celebrate the International Day of PeaceIn the 1979 film written and performed by the Monty Python comedy team, "The Life of Brian," some bystanders at the back of the crowd are listening to the beatitudes, but having trouble hearing. When it comes to "Blessed are the peacemakers," one of the listeners says, "I think it was 'Blessed are the cheesemakers!'"
June 8, 2007
May 11, 2007
Awareness of lives of others awaken us to take action The call to be committed to social justice is at the core of who we are as Catholic Christians. How much do we know about the state of our world, the state of our nation? To work for justice and peace, that knowledge/awareness would be necessary.
April 20, 2007 Adult faith formation is happening in cyberspace
Three major Catholic colleges/universities Boston College, the University of Dayton and the University of Notre Dame offer opportunities for on-going learning, adult faith formation, through the Internet.
March 9, 2007 Faith formation calls us to change the face of the mountain
Once upon a time, in a remote, unfriendly village that clung to the side of a mountain, there lived an old woman whose habits seemed strange to her neighbors. Since the harsh winters kept most villagers huddled near their fireplaces, they did not cultivate the art of hospitality, and rarely spoke to anyone outside their immediate families.
January 19, 2007 We can celebrate the holiness of every dayLife is never boring and humdrum. There are moments we may feel it is, but if we are awake to life all of life it doesn't take long to realize the giftedness and the blessedness of life. This is especially true because of the diversity with which God has surrounded us in all of creation, in all of God's creatures.
December 8, 2006 'Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store ...' And he puzzled three hours, 'til his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! 'Maybe Christmas,' he thought, 'doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas
perhaps
means a little bit more!' " Our Christmas season is the greatest cultural paradox. Faith, family and tradition have been replaced by consumerism.
November 17, 2006 Here are some innovative options for adult faith formation People's faith grows continually, in many ways, in all kinds of places and contexts. Certainly the parish setting is one of the prime places! There are dreams of more and more creative ways to meet a wide variety of needs and interests.
October 20, 2006 We can celebrate the saints in our livesThis month we celebrate two of the Church's most significant feasts: All Saints and All Souls. They are feasts that are celebrated well, not just at the parish, but in the domestic church the home. Families can incorporate one or more of these activities, prayer or rituals at home for these feasts.
September 15, 2006
On Sunday, Sept. 17, in your parish church you will celebrate Catechetical Sunday. You will not be alone. This will be happening not just in the Archdiocese of Detroit, not just in the American Church, but throughout the world, the universal Church. Who will you commission that day as catechists and catechetical leaders?
August 11, 2006
How often does your family have dinner together? Research (National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, CASA, at Columbia University, 2005) shows that 58 percent of teens report having dinner with their family at least five times a week...
July 14, 2006
As we plan parish activities, adult faith formation gatherings and opportunities, liturgical and prayer times at the parish and in our homes, children's catechetical sessions, youth ministry, intergenerational learning events, we are so fortunate that our liturgical year guides us through the challenging and glorious moments of our lives.
June 16, 2006
May 12, 2006
In our Church, we don't need members. We need disciples. What's essential for discipleship is conversion. Our children and youth will be formed in faith if we, as adults are formed, converted
but everyone will stagnate if adults are not continually open to conversion.
April 14, 2006
I like to play indoors better 'cause that's where all the electrical outlets are," says a fourth-grader. St. Bernard said, "You will learn more in the woods than you will in books. The trees and stones will teach you what you will never learn in the school of masters."
March 10, 2006
We find ourselves wholeheartedly in the midst of Lent 2006. Last month we began with suggestions for some Lenten practices; they are concluded here.
February 10, 2006
With Lent three weeks away, our minds turn to, "What will we do; what will we give up?" Instead of giving up, why not put something in something that will take hold and stay with us for the rest of our lives? Lent is about change/conversion.
January 13, 2006
Day of Peace can be observed all yearAn interesting statistic: On Oct. 6, 2005, the percentage of search hits for the term "peace" versus the term "war" on The New York Times Web site was 26 percent searching for the word "peace" while 74 percent searched for the word "war".
December 9, 2005
As a mother picked up her son from the first day of faith formation sessions at the parish, she inquired on the way home: "How were things as you began? What did you talk about?"
A few years ago, my niece Michelle sat on the couch crying. She just received word that good friends had been in a serious auto accident, hit head-on by a drunk driver. Her 3-year old son, Tyler, climbed into her lap, put his arm around her saying, "It'll be ok, mom, I'm here."
October 7, 2005
Mark Twain once said, "It ain't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it's the parts that I do understand." Oh, the challenge of Scripture!
September 9, 2005
Questions, answers on Catechetical SundayNext weekend, Sept. 18, marks the 70th annual celebration of Catechetical Sunday. It is not something your parish or the Archdiocese of Detroit invented. What is it? Where did it come from? What are we celebrating?
August 12, 2005
We are in the midst of celebrating the Year of the Eucharist. In reality, that is what we always do and are. The essence of who we are as Catholic Christians is a Eucharistic people.
July 15, 2005
Vatican II still calls us to renewed mission
For Catholics, 2005 has been a momentous year with the death of Pope John Paul II and the election of Pope Benedict XVI. These events focused the eyes of the world on the mission of the Church. This was not the first time this has happened.
June 10, 2005
Catechesis leads to discipleship. Discipleship is following Jesus, being Jesus in our world today, making a difference in today's world being involved with others, all others, and not just those in our circle.
May 13, 2005
We are between Mother's Day and Father's Day. It is more than appropriate to celebrate these days. Over the years, I have had children ask, "When is Children's Day?" and often the adults around them have quickly replied, "Every day is children's day."
April 8, 2005
If someone said you were holy, what would they mean and how would you feel about that?" That was the essay assignment given to a group of undergraduates. Amazingly, many of their responses were: I would resent it. I'm not boring. I have lots of friends. I like to have fun.
March 11, 2005
Recently the question was raised about when religious education "classes" should begin and end which months/dates of the school year. As always, questions are good. Questions cause us to talk, delve deeper, look at what we are doing and why we are doing it.
February 11, 2005
As we enter this season, we observe the three traditional Lenten practices: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. One important form of fasting is from food; fasting, though, touches all parts of our lives.
January 14, 2005
How well do we understand the Eucharist?
A while ago in a national catechetical magazine, an article reported the concerns of directors of religious education about parents with children preparing for First Communion.
December 9, 2004
Remembering the Christmas Story around the Family Crib
Our celebration of Christmas abounds with wonderful family traditions. The central one should revolve around the family Christmas crib and the telling of the Christmas story.
November 12, 2004
Gratitude: The Heart of Living, the Heart of Eucharist
In this month of thanksgiving within the Year of the Eucharist, our great prayer of thanksgiving, what an opportune time to slow down and reflect upon the miracle, the wonder, the power of giving thanks.
October 8, 2004
Family Meals: A Graced Time
Often today, the family meal, time around the family table, is disappearing. Yet, it is probably the most important time of our day; it is a sacred time; it is preparation for Eucharist. It is not only within religious circles that the meal's importance is observed.
September 10, 2004
Traits of Today's Catechists
Last month we looked at the word "gifts" in this year's (Catechetical Sunday) theme: Stewards of God's Gifts. Another significant word, "stewards," is not a common word in our vocabulary today. Probably we use it most in the airline and food industries. Perhaps it is not a bad analogy.
August 13, 2004
Reflecting on God's Gifts Because We're All Catechists
The Church is celebrating you next month! As happens every September throughout the world we will be observing Catechetical Sunday. Yes, in a very special way, parishes will recognize those catechists who have been called to a distinct ministry within the Church that of handing on the faith to others.
July 16, 2004
Adult Faith Formation in Cyberspace
In the last several years, two major Catholic universities, the University of Dayton and the University of Notre Dame, began offering courses in theology and catechesis through the Internet. Anyone can sign up for a course, but the usual intended audience is primarily parish pastoral ministers, catechetical leaders and catechists.
July 18, 2004
'Top 10' suggestions for adult formation
The following is a list of these four topics with the "top ten" suggestions the suggestions that were frequently mentioned on the survey by the respondents as things parishes might concretely do. Many if not all are happening in the parishes of our archdiocese!
July 9, 2004
Dreaming with Giants: Where will it Lead us?
We find ourselves still within the forty year commemoration of the Second Vatican Council in our church (1962-1965). Even though for two generations of today's Catholics that event was not a personal experience, it is a reality which has totally impacted who we are today.
June 25, 2004
Websites for the Spiritual Journey
To keep our relationship with God alive and growing, our spiritual life is a constant and continual faith journey. Our Church provides us with so many helps; some others at our fingertips ...
June 16, 2004
Resources for Adult Faith Formation Programming
"Each parish will designate an adult faith formation leader authorized by the pastor and personally involved in ongoing formation to assume primary responsibility for implementing the ministry of adult faith formation."
June 11, 2004
Our Call to Study Scripture
If someone asked, "Do you read the Bible?" how would you answer? Most readers would probably say, "Certainly." Look carefully at the question again. It isn't "Do you listen to or read the Lectionary?" but "Do you read the Bible?" Many Catholics do not read the Bible, even those deeply involved in religious education.
May 28, 2004
The Message of the Ascension, Presence - Part II
Part II: It is often said that the Holy Spirit is the forgotten person of the Holy Trinity. Reflecting upon the nudgings of the Spirit listed above, perhaps the reality is that there is so much to say we don't know how to put it into words.
May 21, 2004
The Message of the Ascension, Presenc- Part I
Part I: Years ago I asked a friend why he thought we didn't celebrate the feast of the Ascension more enthusiastically. His reply was because it didn't fall on a Sunday (now- years later we are celebrating it on a Sunday) and no one gets any presents.
May 14, 2004
Questioning Tips for Faith Involvement Part II
Last week we began to look at the obvious reality that the more learners are involved, the more learning takes place, the longer it is remembered, and the more successfully it is incorporated into life. Questioning and reflecting are a common learning activity.
May 7, 2004
Questioning Tips for Faith Involvemen - Part I
In the faith formation journey, the more the learners are involved, the more learning takes place and the longer it is remembered and incorporated into life.
April 30, 2004
Consider Formation For Our Growing Eldering Population
How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are? That number only tells how many times you've been around the Sun. Our society has sometimes debilitating beliefs about the older generation. Are we buying into them as a Church?
April 23, 2004
Celebrating Earth Day: A Catholic Imperative
Nationally, April 22 has become the celebration of Earth Day. However, it's not a one-day observance; it's a one-day celebration to remind us of our 365-day way of life. For us as Catholics it shouldn't be just another day that's happening that some concerned group thought up; it really is core to who we are.
April 16, 2004
Celebrate Easter for 50 days
The Church celebrates the Lenten season for forty days. During that time we have several Lenten practices within our tradition, especially, prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We make Lenten resolutions. Hopefully, those resolutions have made a permanent change in our lives.
April 2, 2003
Walking the Journey with Others with Empathy Part II
Last week we began walking in the shoes of those newly-grieving. What do they want us to know? How can we be with them in their journey?
March 26, 2004
Walking the Journey with Others with Empathy Part I
We are in the midst of the season of Lent, in which, of course, we remember the death and resurrection of Jesus, the Son of God, our brother, who became one of us, and showed us how to live and love.
March 19, 2004
Websites for Doing Great Things as Disciples
We are called to be disciples; we are called to be the Body of Christ in the world. Our actions for justice and peace in the world are not optional, but are part of who we are as Catholic Christians. Several websites which give a variety of information and opportunities for involvement are listed here.
March 12, 2004
Unique Resources for Reflection
Immersed in our Lenten season of prayer in which we intensify our life of prayer and reflection so that it will continue once Lent is over some times our Lenten "resolutions" might be to be on the lookout for new ways for prayer and reflection.
March 5, 2004
Family Preparation for First Eucharist
Moms and Dads, if you're asking the question, "how can we prepare our child for First Communion," your child is already growing up in the atmosphere where believing, knowing, and experiencing God just runs in the family. It is part of the fabric of your everyday life.
Feb. 27, 2004
Prayer Helps for Lenten Resolutions
So, each year we make Lenten resolutions. How seriously do we do that? Are they the same ones each year? Perhaps they shouldn't be since we are different people from last year. As we prepare for Lent, some guidelines to consider for Lenten resolutions ...
February 13, 2004
Many places offer help to keep kids safe, empowered
The challenge which constantly surrounds us today in all cultures -- as parents, catechists, and teachers is that we must provide an atmosphere for our children and youth of safety, healing, self-confidence, love, self-worth, encouragement and empowerment for their futures. The good news is that there are many resources which assist us in doing this.
February 6, 2004
Media and Its Power to Form Us
By age 65, the "average" American will have spent 4 months in church ... and 13 years watching television! And that doesn't include the time he/she spent watching movies, listening to CDs, playing video games, or surfing the Internet. The Church is very aware of its presence. This month we celebrate Catholic Press Month; each May we observe World Communications Day.
January 30, 2004
Called to Discipleship - Part IV,
We conclude our exploration of our faith formation programs and sacramental preparation in light of what they are "saying." Are they unintentionally reinforcing the notion that it's only about "getting" sacraments or are we helping people to respond to their Baptismal call of leading a life of mission, of discipleship?
January 23, 2004
Called to Discipleship - Part III
We continue our exploration of things we can do to help people see our life as a life called to discipleship, rather than just a life of "getting sacraments." Things to do within the processes of sacrament preparation. Think about the language we use for the celebration of sacraments. (Language, very subtly, but powerfully, educates.)
January 16, 2004
Called to Discipleship - Part II
Last week we began looking at the reality that the essence of our Christian life is that we are called to mission, to discipleship. Yet, at times, especially in regard to faith formation, people might think that they only come to learn and grow in order to "get" the sacraments. In fact, some of our stress as parishes on sacramental preparation programs might even give that message to people. That certainly is not our intent.
January 9, 2004
Called to Discipleship, Part I
The RCIA process has reinforced for us the reality that mystagogy is what it's all about: we are never finished. The renewal of the sacraments called for in Vatican II reminds us that sacraments are not ends in themselves. The Christian life is about discipleship; we are called to mission.
January 2, 2004
Working for Peace in the New Year
As we begin another new year and make resolutions, what greater resolution could there be then to commit ourselves in whatever way we can to work toward peace within ourselves, our families, our neighborhoods, parishes, communities, nation and world.
December 19, 2003
Celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas
Rejoice Dec. 26 thru Jan. 4.
December 12, 2003
A Potpourri for Family Christmas Ideas
Five Questions for Your Family's Christmas Celebration ... Value the Gifts - Too often children tear through their presents, tossing gifts aside so they can get to the next one. Work to instill a feeling that each present is special.
December 5, 2003
Our Christian Call: Simplify the Holidays
According to recent national surveys, 70 80 percent of Americans would welcome less emphasis on spending, gift-giving, decorating and all the materialism of the Christmas season.
November 28, 2003
Advent/Christmas Sharing Calendar Part II
Last week we began looking at the popular Advent tradition of an Advent calendar which counts the days until Christmas. Usually, these calendars suggest a prayer, a Scripture reflection, and/or an activity to do on each day of Advent waiting. The version we began looking at last week is an Advent/Christmas Sharing Calendar which invites us to count our blessings everyday between the first of December until the feast of the Epiphany.
November 21, 2003
Advent/Christmas Sharing Calendar Part I
Recently I came across an Advent/Christmas Sharing Calendar (with permission to pass on) which invites us to count our blessings everyday between the first of December until the feast of the Epiphany, the day commemorating the arrival of the Magi the three wise ones who bestowed priceless gifts upon the Christ Child.
November 14, 2003
Celebrating Advent with the O Antiphons
The Cloistered Dominican Nuns of the Monastery of the Blessed Sacrament in Farmington Hills have given us a gift ... They have done an artistic rendering of the Advent "O Antiphons" and made it available to parishes -- whose beauty is indescribable and has certainly captured the truth and goodness of the Word of God.
November 7, 2003
Promote Mix It Up at Lunch Day
"I said hi to at least 20 new people yesterday, and I've decided to do it again today." That was one of the comments heard last year after the first national Mix It Up at Lunch Day. What is it? At schools around the country, the cafeteria at lunchtime is a social map of the whole community. A map crisscrossed with boundaries.
October 31, 2003
The Future Our Church: Not Where We Think
Certainly the future belongs to the young, but when one looks at the wave of seniors coming, we in the church need to modify our expectations about who owns what about the future.
October 24, 2003
Family Ideas for Halloween and All Saints Day
The world around us enthusiastically celebrates Halloween. As the day approaches, prepare to take time within our homes to celebrate the day and the feast of All Saints.
October 10 & 17, 2003
Ten Tried and True or relatively new Adult Faith Formation Ideas
Adult faith formation takes many, many forms. There are innumerable methods for adult formation since learning in the adult years happens in many ways. Let's explore just a few.
Part 1: October 10, 2003, Part II: October 17, 2003
October 3, 2003
Great-nephew, 6, showed 'God is part of every family'
In mid-August, Tyler, my six-year old great-nephew, died suddenly. A few days before, I was taking care of him and his five-week old sister ... as I was giving Abby her bottle, out of the blue ...Tyler all of a sudden said to me, "You know, Janet, God is a part of every family."
September 26, 2003
Vatican II Remembered
Many people ask the questions: what did Vatican II really do? What difference has it made in the Church? Why should I pay attention to what it said? There is much that each of us can do individually to reflect on some of its insights ...
September 19, 2003
Catechetical Sunday: Sowers of God's Peace
This weekend, parishes throughout our nation celebrate Catechetial Sunday, an observance to recognize, affirm, and commission the numerous and various catechists throughout our country who have answered the call to share their faith with others.
September 12, 2003
Eight Steps To Teach Kids Peace
The Alliance for Childhood is a partnership of educators, medical professionals, and others working together for children's well-being. Several peace ideas for parents and teachers can be found currently on their website.
September 5, 2003
Thanking Catechists Who Invite Us on the Journey
Throughout the nation (on Catechetical Sunday) we will affirm and commission thousands of women and men who have said yes to share their journey of faith with others. Probably many of them although now thrilled to do it in the beginning were hesitant, because they felt that they "haven't been to half the places" they were being called to teach about.
August 22, 2003
The Power of the Media: Being Sure It's in our Hands
We live in a media world. There is no escaping it. There are wonderful advantages. It can open up the world in creative ways, showing us other cultures, and giving us a wider look at global issues. At its best, media broadens our knowledge and stimulates our imagination. As in anything, there are downsides, too. The high level of violence numbs minds and hearts.
August 15, 2003
Take Back Your Time Day is Planned
Plan now for an adult formation "teach-in" with the rest of the country that touches people's everyday lives
and some of the core teachings about how God created us to be.
July 25, 2003
The Potential of the New General Directory for Catechesis
By a vote of 217 6, the U.S. bishops have approved the National Directory for Catechesis. What does this decision mean? In reality, it means that this document among many other efforts contributes to a great potential.
July 11, 2003
Survey Shows Adult Faith Formation in Parish Needs Improvement
Two years ago, the Committee on the Laity of the U.S. bishops conducted on online survey in English and Spanish. (It was mentioned here and some commented that they participated). Catholic lay people were invited to fill out a questionnaire addressing how their parishes could better help them integrate their faith with their daily lives.
June 27, 2003
Web Your Way to Adult Faith Formation
To say the computer age has revolutionized our world is certainly no longer revolutionary news. At the parish we can not be left behind. 15 suggestions.
June 20, 2003
Efforts for Peace
Throughout the world, prayer and initiatives for peace are uppermost in many people's minds and hearts. In our faith formation programs throughout our parishes and vicariates, parishioners can learn about these initiatives, lend their support and participate in a variety of ways.
June 6, 2003
Living the Joy that We Already Have: A Gift of the Spirit
This weekend we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, the feast that recalls that the disciples accepted the Spirit of the Risen Lord in their lives and the church was filled with New Life. The Spirit brought gifts which the disciples used personally and in their work.
May 30, 2003
Fun titles may help attract others to adult formation
Often the key to attracting adults to participate in an adult formation offering is a title that intrigues. Try one of these.
May 23, 2003
Helping Youth "Own" Their Parishes
We cannot just teach that our Church is a community. Children (all of us) only learn this reality in the day-to-day experience. For many children, a feeling of belonging comes only through their religious education session or school. Their catechist and other children are the parish for them.
April 18, 2003
Emmanus Story Can Give Us Points For Reflection
This coming week-end the celebration of Easter we hear once again the story of what happened to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. It is a beautiful incident; some scholars suggest the two disciples are husband and wife. They are filled with the anxieties and disappointments of the day. They are immersed in the events of their world and can't figure out why everyone else isn't.
April 11, 2003
What Does It Say to Us Today?
Part III: We have been looking at: What does Scripture mean for me today? Most of these methods are designed for adults, teens, or older children. Some are - or can be adapted -- for younger children. WRAP. Wrap yourself in God's Word. Write the verse(s) out. Read the verse(s) in at least four different translations. Act it out. Pray to the God who speaks. Head, Heart, Hand.
March 28, 2003
What Does It Say to Us Today? Part II
Part II: "People do not reject the Bible because it contradicts itself. They reject it because it contradicts them." (Anonymous) Last week we began looking at some methods to help ourselves and those we share faith with to reflect on the meaning of Scripture passages for each of us - for all of us together as a Christian community - in this century.
March 21, 2003
What Does It Say to Us Today? Part I
Part I: Scripture tells us about the past, our family story. If we are going to accept and use the great gift of Scripture to us, we will also let it touch our present and future. What does it mean for me, for us, today in the 21st century?
March 14, 2003
Resources for Peace
In these days, prayers, dreams and actions can't be far from all we are and do individually, within our families, during our faith formation gatherings with children, youth, and adults, and whenever and wherever we gather as a faith community.
March 7, 2003
More Resources for Peace
There are often moments when children have finished a project or assignment ahead of others and they are looking for things to do. Invite them to prayer. Have available in your meeting space a box of Prayer Starter Cards. They know that they can go to these cards and choose one. They will then be free to go to quiet spaces in your room to think, write, draw meditate, and pray.
February 28, 2003
Lenten Thoughts Part II
Part II: Two words that come to mind when Lent is mentioned are baptism and conversion. Baptism certainly means support for those coming into the church, but also a deep renewal of our own Baptismal promises. Conversion and penance: the purpose is not to browbeat ourselves for being sinful humans, but to help us gauge and shorten the distance between our present lives and the life God wants for us.
February 21, 2003
Lenten Thoughts Part I
Part I: As we get ready once again to celebrate the Lenten-Easter-Pentecost cycle, there are many things to consider, since it is a season with so much history within the church, so much richness, mystery and challenge, especially for us as catechists - as catechists of children, youth, and adults.
February 7, 2003
Service: It's Who We Are - Part III
We began last week looking at the whys of service and then the hows of service. This week we continue looking at the fourth "how" of doing service which involves a three step process: We conclude our three part series, looking at: What do service and justice activities include?
February 2, 2003
Websites that Touch Our Lives
With the number of websites expanding daily, there are people proclaiming its benefits and others who are lamenting the difficulties and challenges with what type of content is available. As with most things, that is very true: there are the advantages and gifts of this technology as well as the disadvantages and negative aspects.
January 31, 2003
Service: It's Who We Are - Part II
Part II: We began last week looking at the whys of service and then the hows of service. This week we continue looking at the fourth "how" of doing service which involves a three step process ...
January 24, 2003
Called to serve - Part I
Part I: As a young family left Church one Sunday morning, their 7-year-old daughter asked, "How come Jesus fed the 5,000 when they were hungry and now he lets millions of people go hungry?" Before mom and dad could answer, their twelve year old son responded, "God was in his prime in those days. There were all kinds of miracles when Jesus was alive."
January 17, 2003
Evaluating Our Ministry in Light of Pope John XXIII's Mission
The work of the council, its meaning, its challenge, of course, never ends. It won't end when the 40th anniversary celebration is over in 2005. It won't be over when the 50th anniversary has taken place in 2015. Some Church historians say the effects of the council haven't even really begun to be understood today.
January 10, 2003
Everyone can act on behalf of peace
Of course, the best way to help our children and youth, is to model for them that we, too, are committed always and in everything to peace and non-violence. Do they see us, as parents, as catechists, as their parish community taking time to pray, to study, to act on behalf of peace and non-violence
in practical and concrete and prophetic ways?
September 20, 2002
What is Your Parish Already Doing For Adults?
Because of the US bishops pastoral plan for adult faith formation, Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, there is renewed enthusiasm for adult faith formation in our parishes and dioceses throughout the country.
Responding to the Bishops Plan for Adult Formation
Part I: March 1, 2002, Part II: March 8, 2002, Part III: March 15, 2002: The US bishops responded to the General Directory for Catechesis which called for a shift away from children's-only religious education to catechesis for the entire parish.
September 14, 2001
Many Ways to Do Adult Faith Formation
The US Bishops' pastoral plan for adult faith formation, Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us, is keenly aware of this reality and encourages that we, as catechetical leaders, use many and varied forms and methods for adult formation.
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