Recruiting and Training
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We didn’t call them rituals when I was growing up, but every Lent we did the same things to mark the 40 days. First, Mother always put an empty box in Dad’s sock drawer. Any time we received candy during Lent, it was put in the box. We were… read more
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Looking for New Year’s resolutions—why not the baptismal promises?
Aren’t baptismal promises just for Easter and the sacrament of baptism? After reading Susan Abbott’s article on infant baptism, commitment, and catechesis, I hope you will agree with me that the promises made for us at baptism, and that we renew every… read more
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Liturgy: ever-changing, ever new
If you’ve been following our liturgy column this year, then you see how the author, Deborah McCann, is helping us and those we teach better experience the Mass by awakening our senses. This is especially helpful as we prepare for the implementation of… read more
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Remind children they're saints too
Dressing up as saints for All Saints’ Day was not popular when I was young. But I have had the challenge and joy of introducing this type of costumed adventure to those I taught. Mischievous Johnny was suddenly transformed into peace-filled St. Francis… read more
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A firm foundation to begin anew
Where do you begin when building a house, apartment, or high-rise? You begin with the foundation—and it must be strong and secure. We know that if the base is solid, it will support whatever’s built upon it for a long time to come. So it… read more
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Prepare your catechists for the upcoming year
Why do we need volunteer catechists? It should never be “to fill a slot.” You want volunteers called to share the gift of faith with the children in your parish—volunteers who are excited and feel called to this ministry. With this … read more
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As catechists, you are mentors. Think about it for a minute. A good mentor someone who is a wise and trusted teacher. Mentors are good listeners who offer support and encouragement. Good mentors provide constructive criticism even if it’s hard … read more
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A very special patchwork quilt
By this time of year, you’ve been with those you teach long enough to know that each of them is unique. Think about them as a patchwork quilt where no two squares are the same. You have children who come in, sit quietly, and follow every … read more
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I have a habit of putting favorite quotes on sticky notes and placing them all around my computer screen. When it gets too full, I put the notes in a journal and some day I will copy them all in there. One of the quotes I have stuck on my screen now… read more
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One of my fondest memories of teaching in a Catholic school is helping the children understand and celebrate the season of Advent. The principal at our school “pounded into our heads” that we were to focus on Advent, the beginning of the … read more
