Recruiting and Training
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SourceURL:file://localhost/Users/rosannecoffey/Desktop/N-D%20Coffeybreak.doc As I write this column, I remember how I put my lesson plans together when I was teaching. It wasn’t the topic I had… read more
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As I write this column, I remember how I put my lesson plans together when I was teaching. It wasn’t the topic I had trouble with (because the teacher’s manual and scope and sequence chart provided that), but it was how to present the lesson… read more
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As I sat in church at a First Communion liturgy recently, my thoughts drifted to all the teaching that went into preparing these children. Who were the catechists who gave the gift of themselves so these children could receive the gift of Jesus? They… read more
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The Spirit of Christ is contagious
Have you ever watched a group of youngsters playing together and having fun? If you've worked with children, I'm sure you've witnessed their excitement over the smallest things life holds for them. Little children run, skip, laugh, smile, and are generally happy. … read more
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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
