James J. Martin S.J. is a writer and the Culture Editor of the Jesuit magazine America. His book My Life with the Saints (2006) was named by Publishers Weekly as one of the "Best Books of the Year" and was the winner of a 2007 Christopher Award.
YouTube has a series of 11 videos of Fr Martin's presentation called "Laughing with the Saints: Joy, Humor and Laughter in the Spiritual Life". I enjoyed watching these enormously.
During this presentation, Fr. Martin quotes Saint Teresa of Avila: "A sad nun is a bad nun." The same could be said of catechists - a sense of humor is one of the essential qualities of a good catechist.
Resources for catechists, teachers, DREs, youth ministers, pastors, adult faith formation leaders...
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Catholic News Agency (CNA) - Halloween
The Web site of the Catholic News Agency (CNA) has an interesting article entitled Hallowe'en - a Christian Holiday by Helen Hull Hitchcock. See also the handy search page on saints where you can find good articles on saints by date of their feast day of by name.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Daily Bible Poster - Romans 11.33
O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgements and how inscrutable his ways! -- Romans 11.33
View poster: Rom 11.33
Faith in God
“I bless you Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children.” Matthew 11:25
God is present in every part of our lives. There is not a moment, not a fold, not a sigh of our existence that he does not fill with his love. And yet we so seldom see him there.
What can we do to recognize the mystery of God’s grace? Jesus’ answer is, “be like little children.” My daughter Marie-Claude, when she was three years old, gave me a glimpse of what Jesus meant.
I was walking down a very steep, very high flight of stairs in our century-old house where we were living during our stay in Papineauville, Quebec. I had just reached the bottom step when I heard a tiny voice behind me calling, “Papa!’ I turned around, looked up, and saw a flying grinning face coming towards me. My daughter had seen me at the bottom of the stairwell and spontaneously decided to take a shortcut - after all, why walk when you can fly? There was no long debate in her tiny little head as to whether or not the “old man” could catch her, or on the wisdom of flying without a license. She simply saw with the eyes of her trust in me. There was no doubt in her heart that “papa” could catch her. Jumping was not folly and the present could and should be lived with a big grin on ones face.
When our trust in our heavenly “papa” is deeply rooted, we can fly into his arms no matter the circumstances, and if that trust is firm enough, we can even smile while we are doing so!
Labels:
story
Friday, October 29, 2010
Daily Bible Poster - Genesis 1.26
God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness... Genesis 1.26
View Poster: Gn 1.26
Archaeology Illustrated
Archaeology Illustrated - "With a combination of intensive archaeological investigation, scriptural and ancient text research, and a measured dose of interpretive insight, it is possible to recreate (Biblical) settings with a startling degreeof accuracy. "
Labels:
archaeology,
Bible lands
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Daily Bible Poster - Psalm 4.1
Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
You gave me room when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer. -- Psalm 4.1
View poster: Ps 4.1
New Testament Hyper-concordance
The Hyper-concordance includes each word in the English Standard Version text of the New Testament (excepting common or function words like 'be', 'the', 'in', 'of', etc.). Following the link for one of those words displays a list of all the verses that contain some form of that word, with the word in bold to make it easy to see... Each hyperlinked word takes you to a new list of verses for that word, so you can go directly from one set of word contexts to another.
Labels:
Bible studies
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Daily Bible Poster - 1 Thessalonians 5.23
May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. -- 1 Thessalonians 5.23
View Poster: 1 Thes 5.23
The Blog That's All About R.C.I.A.
The Blog That's All About R.C.I.A. (The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) - This is the blog of the Association for Catechumenal Ministry where yo can find articles under the following headings: Catechesis - Catechumenate - Inquiry and Precatechumenate - Liturgy - Mystagogy - Pastoral Considerations - Purifications and Enlightenment - Q & A - RCIA Team - Resources - Rite of Election - Sponsors
Labels:
rcia
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Daily Bible Poster - Philippians 4.7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -- Philippians 4.7
View Poster: Phil 4.7
View Poster: Phil 4.7
Fly Like a Bird - Song by Ken Canedo
For information on Ken Canedo and to listen to some of his other songs visit his Web site: Ken Canedo
Labels:
music
Monday, October 25, 2010
Daily Bible Poster - Philippians 4.9
Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. -- Philippians 4.9
View Poster: Phil 4.9
Catholic Faith Education News - October 2010
The October 2010 edition of the Catholic Faith Education Newsletter is now online at http://4catholiceducators.com/ezine1.htm.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with feedback on the current issue or suggestions for future issues. Use the red "Contact" button on the left hand side of the newsletter for this.
God bless,
Gilles
Labels:
newsletter
A Bit of Humor - Where is God!?
A desperate young mother had two incorrigible boys. Having exhausted all suggestions for controlling the little hellions, she tried one last approach: she took them to the meanest preacher in town for a lecture.
First the older boy was admitted into the stern minister's study.
Glaring at the boy from behind the desk, the preacher waited a few moments, then challenged the boy: "Young man, where is God?"
The boy was stunned to silence.
The preacher rose part way out of his chair and repeated the question: "I asked you, Where Is God?"
The boy began to quake with dread .... this was no ordinary lecture for being bad!
Stepping around from behind the desk, the impassioned preacher now shouted his question, "WHERE IS GOD!?"
At this, the boy leaped from his chair and bolted out the door, running headlong into his little brother.
"What's wrong? What's the matter?" his brother asked. ........."It's awful! The church has LOST GOD and they're BLAMING US!
First the older boy was admitted into the stern minister's study.
Glaring at the boy from behind the desk, the preacher waited a few moments, then challenged the boy: "Young man, where is God?"
The boy was stunned to silence.
The preacher rose part way out of his chair and repeated the question: "I asked you, Where Is God?"
The boy began to quake with dread .... this was no ordinary lecture for being bad!
Stepping around from behind the desk, the impassioned preacher now shouted his question, "WHERE IS GOD!?"
At this, the boy leaped from his chair and bolted out the door, running headlong into his little brother.
"What's wrong? What's the matter?" his brother asked. ........."It's awful! The church has LOST GOD and they're BLAMING US!
Labels:
humor
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Daily Bible Poster - James 3.17
...the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. -- James 3.17
View poster: Jas 3.17
Saints Fun Facts
Saints Fun Facts Archive is part of the very extensive Saints & Angels section on the catholic.org Web site. It is intended for children and features short background notes with colorful drawings on saints (over 70 at this time).
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Webinar: Reaching Parishioners with Facebook
Upcoming Webinar: Reaching Parishioners with Facebook - This article is on the blog of Jonathan F. Sullivan who currently serves as the director of catechetical ministries for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois and is the host of the Catechetical Leader podcast for the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. Jonathan writes: "While I'm focusing on parish pages, this webinar would also be ideal for anyone looking to set up a Facebook page for a Catholic school or other ministry." The seminar will be held on November 17th at 7p (Central Time). Registration is required - see the article for details.
Labels:
technology
Imágenes Religiosas - Religious Images
Ágora Marianista is a Spanish language Web site. Among other resources, it offers a page of very well done religious line drawings on the Sunday Gospel readings (Year A - Year B - Year C) and for Lent.
Labels:
clipart,
liturgical year
Friday, October 22, 2010
Daily Bible Poster - Matthew 28.19
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... Matthew 28.19
View Poster: Mt 28.19
JClub - A Catholic Place for Kids
JClub - A Catholic Place for Kids - This Web site published by Pauline Books and Media is rich in resources for children, parents and teachers. It offers coloring pages, activity sheets, audio prayers, jokes, games, stories of saints, teaching resources for each month of the year, crafts ideas and much more.
For additional Bible coloring pages: http://4catholiceducators.com/lessonplans4.htm
For additional Bible coloring pages: http://4catholiceducators.com/lessonplans4.htm
Labels:
activities,
children,
coloring pages,
crafts,
saints,
stories
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Daily Bible Poster - Mark 10.51
Then Jesus said to him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blind man said to him, ‘My teacher, let me see again.’ -- Mark 10.51
View Poster: Mk 10.51
Divine Mercy for Kids
Divine Mercy for Kids offers coloring pages on Jesus, Saint Faustina and Pope John Paul II as well as two word search puzzles on the chaplet prayer.
For additional Bible coloring pages: http://4catholiceducators.com/lessonplans4.htm
For additional Bible coloring pages: http://4catholiceducators.com/lessonplans4.htm
Labels:
coloring pages,
puzzles
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Resources on the Gospel Reading - November - Year C
For resources on the Gospel readings for the last three Sundays in liturgical year C consult the following Web pages:
November 7: Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time - Lk 20:27-38
November 14: Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time - Luke 21:5-19
November 21: Christ the King - Luke 21:5-19
November 7: Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time - Lk 20:27-38
November 14: Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time - Luke 21:5-19
November 21: Christ the King - Luke 21:5-19
Labels:
gospels,
liturgical year
The King Nobody Wanted
The King Nobody Wanted is a beautifully illustrated book for children written by Norman F. Langford and published in 1948. It is now in the public domain. Below are 4 of the 90 images from this book. You can see a full size version by clicking on them. By downloading the HTML version of the book, you can have access to the images in a separate file folder.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Daily Bible Poster - Ecclesiastes 3.1-2
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven... a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted... Ecclesiastes 3.1-2
View Poster: Ecc. 3.1-2
Classroom Materials Generators
Classroom Materials Generators - "The generators below will allow you to make classroom materials by filling out a simple form. The materials are made instantly and can be printed directly from your computer. Your creations are exclusive to you. If you would like to keep your creations, save them when you make them."
Labels:
puzzles,
technology,
worksheets
Monday, October 18, 2010
Daily Bible Poster - Ecclesiastes 3.1-2
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die... Ecclesiastes 3.1-2
View Poster: Ecc 3.1-2
A Bit of Humor - Lot's Wife
A father was reading Bible stories to his young son. He read, "The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city, but his wife looked back and was turned to salt."
His son asked, "What happened to the flea?"
Lot's wife turned to a pillar of salt coloring page - Genesis 19.17-26
His son asked, "What happened to the flea?"
Lot's wife turned to a pillar of salt coloring page - Genesis 19.17-26
Labels:
Bible,
coloring pages,
humor
Online Courses for Faith Formation
The University of Dayton offers a number of online Virtual Learning courses for the formation of the faith. They are intended for: Catechists - Catholic school Religion teachers - Catholic School/Parish Administrators - RCIA Participants - Any adult interested in enhancing their faith.
Labels:
formation,
online courses
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Coloring pages and Clipart
Infancia Misionera - This Spanish language Website has a selection of nice line drawing images on various Christian themes (ascension, prayer, Christmas, Mary, sacraments, and so on) some of which can be used as coloring pages.
Labels:
clipart,
coloring pages
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Daily Bible Poster - Genesis 1.11
God said, “Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it.” And it was so. -- Genesis 1.11
View Poster: Gn 1.11
Drawings and Resources - Apostleship of Prayer
The Web site of the Apostleship of Prayer - Eucharistic Youth Movement has hundreds of wonderful drawings that can be used as either clipart or coloring pages on a broad range of themes: Advent - Community - Eucharist - Jesus - Jesus and children - Mary - Mysteries of the Rosary (Glorious) - Mysteries of the Rosary (Joyful) - Mysteries of the Rosary (Luminous) - -Mysteries of the Rosary (Sorrowful) - Hands drawings - Drawings for planning - Christmas - Boys and girls - Saint Alberto Hurtado - The Our Father - The Holy Family - Saint Ignatius and the Society - Saint Luis Gonzaga - Easter - Values - Via Crucis.
For additional Bible coloring pages: http://4catholiceducators.com/lessonplans4.htm
For more clipart: http://4catholiceducators.com/clipart.htm
For additional Bible coloring pages: http://4catholiceducators.com/lessonplans4.htm
For more clipart: http://4catholiceducators.com/clipart.htm
Labels:
clipart,
coloring pages
Friday, October 15, 2010
Daily Bible Poster - 1 Corinthians 2.1-2
I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. -- 1 Corinthians 2.1-2
View Poster: 1 Co 2:1-2
Australian Catholic - Resources for Schools and Parishes
australiancatholics.com.au is the online presence of the Australian magazine Australian Catholic. It offers
Teachers Resources: "With each edition of the magazine, we produce a companion publication titled ‘Reflections and Notes’, which offers a deeper look at one of our main features and provides teachers with resources, reflections and activities they might find useful."
Daily Prayer in the Classroom
Resources for Parishes: "Each edition of the magazine includes an Explorations piece looking at some of the questions Catholics ask, as well as reflections on a number of topics relating to faith and everyday living. With each edition, we will be posting a reflection from the magazine for parishes and prayer groups. The resources can be used in parish newsletters, or shared in discussion groups. "
The resources on this Website and magazine obviously reflects the Australian context, but there is much in the resources offered here that can be used as is or easily adapted for use in other countries.
Teachers Resources: "With each edition of the magazine, we produce a companion publication titled ‘Reflections and Notes’, which offers a deeper look at one of our main features and provides teachers with resources, reflections and activities they might find useful."
Daily Prayer in the Classroom
Resources for Parishes: "Each edition of the magazine includes an Explorations piece looking at some of the questions Catholics ask, as well as reflections on a number of topics relating to faith and everyday living. With each edition, we will be posting a reflection from the magazine for parishes and prayer groups. The resources can be used in parish newsletters, or shared in discussion groups. "
The resources on this Website and magazine obviously reflects the Australian context, but there is much in the resources offered here that can be used as is or easily adapted for use in other countries.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Daily Bible Poster - 1 Corinthians 12.3
...no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12.3
View poster: 1 Co 12.3
Hypertext Bible Dictionary
Postmodern Bible Dictionary - Definitions and short articles with pictures of people, places and technical terms for biblical study.
Labels:
Bible
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Daily Bible Poster - 2 Corinthians 12.9
"My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." -- 2 Corinthians 12.9
View poster: 1 Co 12.9
Saints Index - SQPN
Saints.SQPN.com - With All Saints day coming up, you might like to explore this web site - one of the most extensive resource on saints on the net. It contains: a calendar of Saints, a Time Line, Image Galleries with hundreds of images of Saints, a glossary of terms related to Saints, Saint News - articles on Saints from various news sources. Find Patron Saints for practically any imaginable situation including, of course, Patron Saints of Schools and Education. Other categories include the following: Name Day Patrons; Martyr Groups; Countries; Animal related; Disease related; Healing related; Husbandry related; Place related; United States related
Labels:
saints
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Interview with God
"Interview with God" - This is a visually stunning video with awe inspiring photography and deeply moving words and gentle music that are an invitation to prayer and meditation.
Labels:
meditation,
prayer,
video
Wayward Bird - Song
For information on Sarah Hart and to listen to excerpts form some of her other songs: Sarah Hart | spiritandsong.com
Monday, October 11, 2010
Daily Bible Poster - Ephesians 4.24
...clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. -- Ephesians 4.24
View Poster: Eph 4.24
A bit of Humor - Count your Ribs
A family came home from Church where the sermon was on Adam and Eve.
The Mother noticed the boy sitting on the bed feeling his ribs. She asked what he was doing.
He said, "I counted these things three times now. Mom! I think I'm having a wife."
The Mother noticed the boy sitting on the bed feeling his ribs. She asked what he was doing.
He said, "I counted these things three times now. Mom! I think I'm having a wife."
Labels:
humor
Story of Creation Resources
A Twinkle in the Dark by Barbara Wilmerton Haas - A retelling of the the story of creation. There are also several links to other online resources on the same theme at the bottom of the page: coloring pages; crafts, games, puzzles; and a song on creation.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Americans for Peace Now
Americans for Peace Now is a new website and smartphone App launched recently, giving a real time, comprehensive birds-eye view of what is happening on the West Bank in Israel.
"You can use this map to explore the data we have collected about settlement activity in the West Bank. The map is organized in several layers that show different kinds of data... When you select an individual settlement, we'll show you the data that we've collected about it, such as the year it was established and its population.
When we post news stories about events in the West Bank, we'll include a link that takes you directly to the location. You can then explore the area so you can understand the news in context."
"You can use this map to explore the data we have collected about settlement activity in the West Bank. The map is organized in several layers that show different kinds of data... When you select an individual settlement, we'll show you the data that we've collected about it, such as the year it was established and its population.
When we post news stories about events in the West Bank, we'll include a link that takes you directly to the location. You can then explore the area so you can understand the news in context."
Daily Bible Poster - 1 Corinthians 1.3
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. -- 1 Corinthians 1.3
View poster: 1 Co 1.3
Saturday, October 09, 2010
QuoteCatholic
QuoteCatholic, as its name suggests, is a repository of quotes from holy Catholic men and women. These are grouped by themes that including the following: Charity, Love and Peace; Eucharist and Mass; Evangelization; Faith and Reason; Forgiveness and Sin; Humility... To mention but a few.
Labels:
saints
Friday, October 08, 2010
Daily Bible Poster - Romans 14.7-8
We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. -- Romans 14.7-8
View Poster: Rm 14.7-8
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