The end of the year is quickly approaching for most schools and religious education programs. For teachers this can be just as stressful that the rest of the year. Many students—especially seniors and 8th graders—“check-out” early in the second semester with a bad case of “senioritis.” Other students wait joyfully in anticipation of the close…
The Religion Teacher Blog
Do Catholics Worship Mary?
No, Catholics do not worship or adore Mary. Catholics hold Mary in a special place of honor and venerate her with special devotions such as the Rosary. The first point of confusion related to this issue is terminology. So let’s clarify a few words: worship, adoration, veneration, and devotion. If you look them up, they…
A Reflection on Developing Virtues in Teens
One thing that separates religious education from other disciplines is that religion teachers and catechists go beyond teaching about the faith to teach students how to have faith. This is especially the case with the Christian moral life. With Christ as our model, teachers show students how to be moral persons. They do this by…
How to Get Students to Participate in Class Discussions
You’ve just taught one of the most profound theological lessons of the year. You think your lecture was fantastic, amazing, even inspiring. You finish, turn to the class and ask them a question to discuss this amazing lesson. What do you hear? Nothing. Blank stares, no eye contact, and the sound of crickets in the…
Happy Anniversary to The Religion Teacher blog
Well, it has been one year since I launched The Religion Teacher. It has been a great experience and I am thankful for the opportunity to share my thoughts and ideas with you. Since the first post in March 2009, I have shifted my focus away from news and web reviews to pedagogy and practical…
Religious Education and Catechesis Blogs
As I promised on the Catechetical Leader Podcast (episode #2), here is the list of catechetical blogs that I have found and followed over the past year. If I missed one that you have created or that you follow, please submit it as a comment or email me. I know the list is overwhelming so…
NCCL’s Catechetical Leader Podcast Episode 2
I recently had an interview about catechesis and blogging on the Catechetical Leader Podcast with Jonathan Sullivan and William O’Leary. Jonathan, the host of the Catechetical Leader Podcast, is the Director of Catechetical Ministries at the Diocese of Springfield and a member of the technology committee for the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. He blogs…
LA Religious Education Congress 2010 Just Two Weeks Away
The popular Los Angeles Religious Education Congress is less than 14 days away. This is one of the largest Catholic conferences in the United States and certainly one of the largest gatherings of religious educators worldwide. Although the event is hosted by the diocese of Los Angeles, it is certainly an international event. Over the…
How to Get Religion Teacher Jobs
It is about that time again. Schools will soon be issuing next year’s contracts and job openings will start to form in Catholic schools across the country. Have you felt a calling to teach religion in Catholic schools? Are you moving and looking for a job in a new city? Are you looking at other…
Popple: “Acoustic Humor Rock” Music for Catholic Teens
I had the opportunity to meet Kyle and Dan from the Catholic band “Popple” a couple of weeks ago at a Confirmation Retreat. Popple is a popular Catholic band that travels the country singing at parishes, high schools, diocesan events, youth rallies, and conferences. I caught up with Dan last week for a quick interview. …
