Catechist

Discussion starters for exploring our first sacrament BECKY GROTH Belonging. Everyone, regardless of age, needs it. Hungers for it. Sometimes does ridiculous, dangerous, or unhealthy things to get it. It makes sense — God created us to be in relationship. God … in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life. He calls man to seek him, to know him, to love him with all his strength.

Lord, we gather with a common heritage—our faith. We gather with a common purpose—to teach that faith. As a small faith community, we pray for our students and ask that you show us how best to instruct them and share the faith with them. We pray for our students’ parents and ask that you show us how best to support them in their role as primary educators of their children. And we pray for the needs of all of us gathered here.

Q: Many of the catechists in our program use their own financial resources to purchase things for their classrooms and students. One catechist in particular who is “comfortably off” buys special things for her students for all the holidays. She also buys special classroom supplies and creates fabulous craft activities with fancy supplies. She’s so enthusiastic about teaching, and it’s clear that her students learn a lot and like her class a lot.

From his album, All Are Welcome, Catholic recording artist John Burland says this song — I Believe — and the entire album was specifically written to support Catholic communities and their work in evangelization and catechesis. This video is suitable for all age groups. VIDEO Image credit: Courtesy of John Burland Music

Enjoy these quizzes about Baptism DAVID O’BRIEN Here’s a 20-question quiz about Baptism. It contains sample questions such as: Jesus commissioned the apostles to “make ______________ of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). Ananias baptized _____ after _____ heard Jesus’ voice and was told to stop persecuting Christians (see Acts 9). We believe that through the sacraments, we have real encounters with _____________.

MARLENE SWEENEY Vacation Bible School provides a unique opportunity to reach out to children and families in your community. Lazy summer days can be turned into focused fun and learning. God’s Word can trump the usual mindless activities of long hot days. Families can be challenged for the first time to explore biblical history. Together, everyone is invited to learn more about God and one another. There is no one right way to run a vacation Bible school.

Reflecting on being sealed with the Spirit LYNN WEHNER Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace” (CCC, 1316). Such a simple statement — with such profound meaning. For when the bishop lays his hands on the Confirmation candidates and later anoints them with sacred chrism, proclaiming, “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit,” they are forever changed, with an indelible mark imprinted on their souls for all time.

WILLIAM B. MILLER Editor’s note: While this prayer service can stand alone, it might also be good preparation for adults and teens prior to receiving the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. The service allows for great flexibility. Use it as a personal prayer or as a service with a group or class. Feel free to adapt it as necessary.

JOE PAPROCKI When you watch late-night TV, you often see commercials for “miracle” products with claims so startling they seem to defy logic.

PATRICIA MATHSON One day three children were watching their family’s sheep in Fatima, Portugal. Francisco Marto was 9 years old; his sister Jacinta was 7, and their cousin Lucia was 10. All at once Mary, the mother of Jesus, appeared to them. Pray for Peace The year was 1917 and the first World War was raging. Mary asked the children to pray the rosary for peace in our world. The children told others what had happened. The authorities threatened them, but the children did not change their story.