In order to really make an impact on the faith lives of our students, we have to be intentional about building bridges between us as religious educator and our students’ parents. We cannot sit back and wait for the parents to encounter Christ on their own. We have to develop relationships with them that are…
The Religion Teacher Blog
The Religion Teacher Turns Six (and a Birthday Giveaway)
March 12th marked the sixth birthday of The Religion Teacher. It is hard to believe it has been that long and it’s incredible to think about how far we’ve come. I remember sitting in the living room of a rented home in South Bend, Indiana six years ago ready to hit the publish button on…
Transfiguration Activities & Worksheets
Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother John, and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Mark 9:2-3 At a turning point in the Gospels, Jesus was transfigured along with Moses and Elijah. The disciples…
Beatitudes Activities: 11 Teaching Ideas for Religious Educators
One of the most commonly requested topics from teachers, catechists, and fans of The Religion Teacher has been the Beatitudes. I cannot believe this is the first time I’ve ever written or created something about this important set of teachings of Christ. I took a little time and did some brainstorming on all of the…
The Religion Teacher: Membership Benefits
Since The Religion Teacher membership website opened in 2014, dozens of new resources and teaching ideas have been posted for the hundreds of premium members who have registered so far. More resources are added to the membership website every week. Here are a few reasons why I think you will love the member resources and what…
Sacraments Activity: Matching/Memory Game
Kids love playing games. As a catechist, I love seeing kids learn about their faith. When you find an activity that kids love while they learn, you’ve hit a sweet spot. The sacraments matching game did that for our class this year and I’m looking forward to being able to use the game again throughout…
What is the Church? Lesson Plan
One of my favorite lessons to teach students of all ages is the distinction between a church as a building and the Church as a people. We use the word “church” in so many different ways, but it is so important that our young people know that the real meaning of the Church refers to…
Fun Catholic Ice Breaker Games
It is the beginning a new year and for many of us that means . . . fun Catholic ice breakers! I know, I know, ice breakers aren’t always the most exciting things to do, but they are effective. You want to build a community as quickly as possible so you might as well have…
Practicing Penance: A First Reconciliation Activity
One of my biggest goals this year for my second grade students was to encourage them to feel comfortable going to confession and communion for the first time. Even seasoned veterans have a hard time remembering what to do during the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I wanted to come up with a a fun First Reconciliation…
Teaching with the Joy of the Gospel
Some teachers and catechists walk around with so much joy. You know the people I’m talking about, right? They’re always smiling. They’re good listeners and they always put a positive spin on things. They never complain. They get excited when they talk about their lesson plans or activities. They’re humble. They want to know about…
