Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Craft for the Glorious Birth

 Banner Craft for the

Season of the Glorious Birth

 

This craft will be a good hands-on activity to your lesson on the Season.

 

Time:  15 minutes if pieces are pre-cut

 

Materials Needed

cut-outs; glue sticks; construction paper or felt; hole punch; ribbon or yarn pieces for hanging; a dowel if using felt; Christmas stickers to decorate; baby Jesus cut-out for top of tree;                See attachments for cut-outs of the tree and the six Sundays.  

 

Suggestions:

Color in each week if they do good deeds and offer extra prayers.  Give them some challenge to prepare their hearts for the birth of our Savior. It’s like a countdown to Christmas!  


Season of the Glorious Birth - PowerPoint

PowerPoint with icons of each of the six Sundays of the season to assist you in teaching.

Link Here

    

 


 

Saturday, October 1, 2022

Faith of the Mountain On-line

You will find the Faith of the Mountain 2010 edition scanned at this link, including the student and teacher manuals for grades 1-8 .    This format may be of help to you and was scanned by the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon.  LINK


ALSO,
ACTIVITIES FOR FAITH OF THE MOUNTAIN  HERE

Monday, September 19, 2022

Eucharistic Amazement - a Letter from Bishop Gregory

August 2022

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,


The United States Bishops have invited us to reflect, over the next three years, on the great Mystery of the Eucharist. Thus, I would ask all our parishes, missions and institutions to enter even more fully into the joy and spirit of this time and to deepen our amazement, love and devotion to our Eucharistic Lord.

These years will afford us the opportunity to reflect on what it means that our Lord not only washed the feet of his disciples, but also at the last supper took bread, broke and gave it to his disciples saying, “take and eat, this is my body”, and in like manner took the cup blessed, and said “take and drink, this is my blood. Do this in memory of me”.

Continue reading here...

Friday, September 16, 2022

Curriculum samples for Faith of the Mountain

Have you had the experience where you look at the Faith of the Mountain religion book but are not sure what to teach, or perhaps you speed through the session to cram all the content presented, or...?


Please find here a SAMPLE of how to structure a curriculum outline for the fall semester. (Spring semester to be posted later.) Search for the grade level that you catechize and adapt and change to your program schedule, dates, activities. This tool was used by one of our coordinators in a parish Maronite Christian Formation program. We edited the dates for 2022 Sundays. 

This sample will help you to see how to approach the Faith of the Mountain and use it well. You will most likely need supplemental materials to teach the Maronite liturgical feasts, or Maronite saints that may not be in your grade level book (see the blog or go on-line to search). 

Let me know if this type of outline is helpful.  Email Sr. Marla Mare at maronitereligioused@gmail.com.

Here is the link.  

Friday, September 9, 2022

Catechetical Sunday - September 18th

Our Maronite Pastors have received a comprehensive email for the 2022 Catechetical Sunday Celebration. Monsignor Georges El-Khalli, Eparchy Director of Religious Education, included many resources that have been adapted for our Maronite celebration.  Please refer to your pastor. 

  Catechetical Sunday | The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown

Here are a few of them at this LINK including a Commissioning Ceremony, and a Catechist certificate. 


Tip for a New Catechetical Year

 New Catechetical Year   (click on this link for more tips and resources)


The Evangelizing Catechist: A Webinar with Joe Paprocki
Enjoy a recording of Joe Paprocki’s recent webinar, hosted by Julianne Stanz. 

Catechetical Sunday
Find articles and prayers to help you celebrate and pray for the Church’s mission to teach the Gospel to all people. 

Three Ways to Turn Your Faith Formation Class into a Mini-Retreat
Use class time to give the students an opportunity for stillness and quiet. 


National Eucharistic Revival
The Catholic Church in the United States has embarked upon a three-year Eucharistic Revival in hopes of rekindling within Catholics "a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist."  

Eucharistic Adoration Cards
Encourage young people to have a conversation with Jesus in front of the Blessed Sacrament. 

Eucharist Resources
Deepen your own understanding of the Eucharist to help young people do the same. 

Taking Children to Adoration
Barb Gilman shares her experience taking third graders to Adoration.

Saturday, August 13, 2022

2022 Webinar Series to Support Catechists

The Franciscan at Home Catechetical Institute is continuing  FREE and fantastic 2022 webinar series to support catechists, teachers, and leaders!


I invite you to register today using the links below and feel free to share it around with others! 

The trio of webinar topics in September will be:

Best Practices of Professionalism in Ministry Leadership
Tuesday, September 13 at 2:00pm
 (Eastern Time in the U.S.) 
Presented by Jayne Mondoy of the Diocese of Honolulu.
St. Paul lists administration as gift to build up the Church (1 Cor 12:28).  Ministry leadership and administration are often unsung and unnoticed, yet the harmony, communication, and collaboration necessary for effective ministry would suffer without excellence in these areas. What traits and practices make for success in a ministry leader’s life?  What forms of professionalism in ministry might be cultivated to ensure a better disciple relationship with Jesus and more effective outreach work?  This webinar explores characteristics of leadership and healthy interaction with others.

Click here to register for this webinar.

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Catechetically Serving Those with Disabilities and Their Families 
Tuesday, September 20 at 2:00pm (Eastern Time in the U.S.)
Presented by Charleen Katra, Julia Gilberto, and Esther Garcia of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability and Chad Judice of the Diocese of Lafayette.

In his homily at the Jubilee of the Disabled, St. John Paul II beautifully stated: “How eloquent are your words for us . . . Lord of life and hope! Every human limitation is ransomed and redeemed in you. Thanks to you, disability is not the last word on life. Love is the last word; it is your love that gives meaning to life” (December 3, 2020). We also heard from St. John Paul II that “. . . the Church has always looked on catechesis as a sacred duty and an inalienable right” that needs to be available to all people, and this includes persons with disabilities (Apostolic Exhortation “On Catechesis in Our Time,” Catechesi tradendae 14). This webinar will discuss the Church’s teaching and practical guidance concerning catechesis for persons who have physical or developmental disabilities, and how to serve their families.

Click here to register for this webinar.

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Kerygmatic Catechesis: What It is and 

How to Apply Its Principles in Forming Others
Wednesday, September 28 at 2:00pm
 (Eastern Time in the U.S.)
Presented by Dr. Joseph White, Director of Catechetical Resources at Our Sunday Visitor Publishing.
“. . . thus says the Lord . . . ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine’” (Isaiah 43:1). The proclamation of the Good News of the Gospel, the kerygma, is the message we are called to share with all those we catechize, and the great story of God’s loving plan for our salvation and what He calls us to be. In order to proclaim the kerygma to any audience in a way that can be heard and inculcated — such that they desire to run to their Savior and return His love — it is important for us to understand the content of the kerygma, its different formulations, and the context in which we will be sharing it. This webinar will explore the essence of the kerygma and ways to effectively share it in a catechetical setting.

Click here to register for this webinar.
 

Monday, April 18, 2022

Classroom Resources for the Easter Season

Resources for the Easter Season from Loyola Press

"Easter celebrates Jesus being raised from the dead. The Resurrection is the central mystery of the Christian faith.

In order to properly celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection, the central feast of Christianity, the Church sets aside 50 days of joyful celebration. These 50 days from Easter to Pentecost are celebrated as one feast day, sometimes called “the great Sunday.” Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring."

Easter Lesson Plans

Easter Lesson Grades 1–3

Easter Lesson Grades 4–6

Easter Lesson Grades 7–8

Easter Activities for Children

Four Ways to Help Children Understand Easter, the Feast of Feasts

Ascension to Pentecost: The First Novena—Free Poster and Booklet

Eight Ways to Teach Ascension and Pentecost

Pentecost Activities

An Interview with Thomas

Easter Baskets for Children

Easter Celebration

Easter Greeting Cards

Group Role-Play of “The Disciples Bear Witness”

Imaginary Interviews

Messengers of Good News

Sharing the Gift of Peace

Song: We Know that Jesus Is Alive

Where Is Jesus?

Blackline Masters

These Easter-themed BLMs are from the Christ Our Life program.

Signs of New Life

Emmaus Play

An Easter Poem

Pentecost Puzzle

Pentecost Play

Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Webinar to Spiritually Inspire - The Pieta

 

 
If you visit St. Peter's basilica in Rome today, you will find the world's most famous statue of Mary and Jesus just inside the doors: Michelangelo's Pietà.

Chances are high that you will only catch a brief glimpse of the sculpture, as it is housed behind bulletproof glass, roped off at a distance from crowds of viewers, and placed upon a pedastal.

Next Sunday, using a virtual three-dimensional model, art historian Amy Giuliano will give you an insider's look at this Renaissance masterpiece. Michelangelo intended this devotional sculpture to bring us closer to Jesus and his mother—just in time for Holy Week, see the Pietà as never before.
THE PIETÀ
Entering into the Passion of Christ

Sunday, April 10
8:00 pm ET / Pre-class discussion 30 minutes prior  REGISTER HERE


Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Hossana Sunday/ Passion Week Resources


 This short dramatization is best for grades 6-up. Two brothers goof off in church on Palm Sunday and one is miraculously transported into the Passion of Jesus! 


HOW TO MAKE PALM CROSSES- All Ages


LAST SUPPER CRAFT for Ages 5-10

Click here for the instructions and materials needed. 


WALK THROUGH HOLY WEEK Click here for a lesson plan.   You can change it to reflect our Maronite terminology for the days of Passion Week, and use the prayers (adapted and excerpted) from the Book of Offering for each of these days.  Adapt to the grade you catechize. 

Friday, March 18, 2022

Sunday of the Prodigal Son - Great Lent 2022


In this series of Great Lent 2022, Fr. Vince Farhat walks us through the Gospel of the Prodigal Son and the command of Christ to forgive. Fr. Vince give practical spiritual insights and anecdotes to help us strive to truly forgive one another.

Friday, March 11, 2022

3rd Sunday of Great Lent - reflection with Deacon Joseph Chebli


The Healing of the Hemorrhaging Woman is the gospel for the third Sunday of Great Lent in our Maronite Church.  Deacon Joe walks through the scene of this healing and offers points to consider, especially in our own life of faith and healing.  

Thursday, March 10, 2022

Stations of the Cross for Children

  • Stations of the Cross | St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church Birmingham,  Alabama
    • Resources for praying the Stations of the Cross with your class or parish Maronite Christian Formation:

      Stations for Children with a downloadable handout - click here -

      Cardinal Timothy Dolan explains what the Stations are -click here -

      An on-line slide show of the Stations - click here - 


      Friday, March 4, 2022

      Healing of the Leper Sunday - Reflection


       Fr. Rudy Wakim, pastor at St. Stephen Maronite Mission in NC, walks us through the Gospel of the Healing of the Leper and offers spiritual insights to consider in our own healing journey.  

      Friday, February 25, 2022

      Reflection on Cana Sunday by Monsignor Beggiani

      Monsignor Seely Beggiani offers and inspiring reflection on Cana Sunday, the Maronite Entrance into Lent. This presentation was offered on Feb. 25 as part of the Lenten Series 2022 hosted by the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light.
       

      Friday, February 18, 2022

      Great Lent Maronite Series


      Benefit from reflections by our Maronite clergy during this season of Great Lent 2022.  

      Great Lent Virtual Series starting February 24 to March 17 hosted by the Maronite Servants. See the attached flyer.

      We are blessed to have our own clergy presenting these workshops via Zoom on Thursdays 8:00-9:00pm. 

      To register please click on the following link or through the attached flyer. 

      If you have any questions, please reach out to the sisters via their website maroniteservants.org or email sister@maroniteservants.org.  




      More Lenten Resource Links

       St. Patrick's Catholic Primary School - LENT 2022

      Here is a link for a lesson on Great Lent that can be adapted for your faith formation needs. Reach out to Sister Marla Marie if you need further assistance. Email maronitereligioused@gmail.com


      Additional LINKS

      ACTIVITIES FOR LENT 

      USCCB Lenten Season Resources (USCCB.org)

      Lent Project and Lesson Plan Ideas (The Religion Teacher)

      Lenten Reflection (The Religion Teacher)

      40 Ideas for 40 Days of Lent (Catechist’s Journey)

      Lenten Resources for Catechists (Catechist’s Journey)

      Lenten Activities for Children (Loyola Press) 

      Ash Wednesday Lesson Plan (The Religion Teacher)

      The Religion Teachers’ Lenten Activity Pack (The Religion Teacher)

      CRS Rice Bowl Educator’s Guide (Catholic Relief Services)

      Ash Wednesday and Lent Resources (The Catholic Toolbox)

      Lenten Activities for Children (Catholic Icing)

      The Season of Lent (Strong Catholic Faith Family) 

      Lenten Promise Cards (Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving Printable) for Families (Faith and Fabric)

      Lent: Activity Ideas for 40 Days (Look to Him and Be Radiant)

      LENTEN CRAFTS

      Printable Lenten Calendar for Kids (Catholic Icing)

      Lent Lapbooks (The Catholic Toolbox)

      Almsgiving Activity for Children During Lent (Catholic Icing)

      Crown of Thorns Bread (Catholic Icing)

      40 Faith-Building Catholic Lenten Activities (Catholic Sprouts) 

      Perler Bead Crucifix Pattern (Catholic Playground)

      Friday, February 11, 2022

      Great Lent Lesson Helps

      Preparing for Lent: The 'whys' of the season | The Compass

      Here are some resources that may help you to catechize on Great Lent. More will be added in the coming weeks. 

      Thursday, February 3, 2022

      Kindness Changes Us - Love One Another


      Age/Grade Level:  6th grade - up

      Lesson: Kindness; charity; loving our neighbor; 

      This award winning video will illustrate how our acts of kindness not only help others but change us.  We become more like Christ.  Kindness is a sign of a true Christian.  

      "Love one another as I have loved you." John 15:12

      Thursday, January 27, 2022