Sunday, October 31, 2010

Laughing with the Saints

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.

Daily Bible Poster - John13.14

...if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. -- John13.14
 
View Poster: Jn 13.14

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
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! 

Friday, October 29, 2010

Daily Bible Poster - Genesis 1.26

God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness... Genesis1_26God 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. "

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Daily Bible Poster - Psalm 4.1

Answer me when I call, O God of my right!

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.

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 5.23May 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 ConsiderationsPurifications and Enlightenment - Q & A - RCIA Team - Resources - Rite of Election - Sponsors

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 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

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

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 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

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!

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
...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.

Daily Bible Poster - Psalm 27.13

I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD in the land of the living.I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. -- Psalm 27.13
 
View Poster: Ps 27.13

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.

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

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

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

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.

Daily Bible Poster - Genesis1.3

God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. -- Genesis1.3

View poster: Gen 1.3

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

Kyrie - Song by Matt Maher



For information on Matt Maher and to listen to his latest album, visit his Web site: Matt Maher

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."

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

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.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Daily Bible Poster - John 10.9


I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. -- John 10.9

View Poster:  Jn 10.9

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.

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.

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.

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

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Daily Bible Poster - Galatians 5.16

Live by the Spirit. -- Galatians 5.16

View Poster: Ga 5.16

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.

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."

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."

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

Daily Bible Poster - 1 Corinthians 1.31

Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.  1 Corinthians 1.31

View poster: 1 Co 1.31

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.

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