Sacraments
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“I fought with my sister.” “I forgot to feed my dog.” “My brother picks on me.” “Um … um … I don’t remember.” Yes, it’s time once again in our parish for… read more
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It's not just confession anymore
Remember those dark confessionals and muffled voices? Remember how you felt when the priest slid back the door and it was your turn? Many adult Catholics feel uncomfortable with the sacrament of reconciliation because of these remembrances. Instead of experiencing… read more
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The Sacrament of Reconciliation
As a catechist, you are an important guide in helping children understand the sacraments as well as all the details and symbols that are part of the rituals. In the sacrament of reconciliation the whole experience is about God searching for the lost … read more
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The following is the prayer that accompanies "The call of confirmation" found on pages 12 and 13 of the January 2011 issue of RTJ's Creative Catechist. Prayer to use for a confirmation lesson Let Us Pray… O God, you give us the sacrament of confirmation to… read more
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In honor of Catechetical Sunday and its theme: Marriage as a Sacrament of Enduring Love, we offer this reflection, prayer, and activity for catechists and those they teach. Click here to read more… read more
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Planning a liturgy for First Eucharist
Planning a liturgy for First Eucharist is a real challenge; there are so many things to consider! Yet each year, when I see the excitement in the eyes of our second graders, I find new energy and excitement myself. I think of the process as similar to building… read more
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Tips for teaching about the sacraments
Sacraments are gifts that are part of who we are and who we will become. In order to encourage the children to learn about the sacraments, you need to find ways to involve them in what they are learning. Baptism Through the sacrament of baptism we… read more
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What family meals teach us about Eucharist
If Julia Child is not a saint, she is at least a “blessed” in my book. She changed how Americans understand meal sharing, and meal sharing is central to our lives as Catholics. We can learn some essential principles from Julia about the … read more
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In trying to live out the challenge of the bishops, St. Stephen’s Parish in Croghan, New York, has worked to assist families preparing for first communion to realize this very simple yet profound message. Our community sees this assistance as the… read more
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“Is there power in that water?” ten-year-old Hector asked as we stood next to a gurgling baptismal font waiting to go into church. As any astute catechist would do, I seized the moment and let the symbol of water teach Hector about the meaning … read more
