A full and varied schedule highlights Pope Francis’s first apostolic visit to the United States. If you are reading this prior to his September 2015 visit, plan to follow along with the pope on his journey through appropriate mention and study in your theology classes. If the trip has already occurred, some of these suggestions can also work well in review or in conjunction with another trip the…
Activities
Six Activities to Help Teach about the Parables
“The disciples approached him and said, ‘Why do you speak to [the crowds] in parables?’ He said to them in reply, ‘Because knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted.’” Matthew 13:10-11 New! The Religion Teacher’s Parable Worksheet Pack includes thirty-four…
Ascension of the Lord Worksheets
Help students explore the meaning of the Ascension of the Lord with a couple of worksheets from The Religion Teacher membership website and The Religion Teacher’s Rosary Activity Pack. A good catechetical worksheet not only helps students recall information, it helps them reflect on how God is working in their lives today. When I create…
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…
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…
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…
Catholic Confirmation Activities that Excite and Engage
This list of Catholic Confirmation activities will help you get your students excited and engaged in the sacramental preparation process. The Sacrament of Confirmation is a critical sacrament in the life of young Catholics and should be a positive and transformative experience that they carry with them for the rest of their lives. Consider using…
Sacrament of Baptism Activities
This is a collection of activities to use with young people to help them learn about the Sacrament of Baptism. These Baptism activities are designed for kids who have already been baptized and are meant to help children gain a deeper understanding of their vocation and identity as baptized Christians. General Sacrament of Baptism Activities…
