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…
Search Results for: Jesus
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…
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…
The Liturgy of the Eucharist Lesson Plan
This is part 2 of a lesson I recently shared: The Liturgy of the Word Lesson Plan. In this short lesson, I wanted to introduce my second grade students to the importance of the words we pray during the Liturgy of the Eucharist and to help them understand the meaning of transubstantiation (without actually introducing…
The Liturgy of the Word Lesson Plan
I realized as I was teaching one of the final lessons of the year this week that I don’t share what I actually do in class often enough. I make a lot of suggestions based on what works for me, but it has been awhile since I shared a full lesson plan that I have…
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…
Our Father Activity: Pray It and Have Fun Too
I spent a couple of days in prayer at a monastery not long ago and when I got back and told my students about the experience and the life of a monk, they’re response was a little disheartening. “How boring!” one student exclaimed. “ALL day long? They just pray all day long?” asked another student…
“Holiday Hints” Christmas Game
This is a guest post by Mary Kate Warner of Christianity Cove. Have a blessed Advent and merry Christmas! This Christmas game will help students learn the key elements of the Christmas/Nativity Story. Game Materials Post-It Notes (one note per student) Scotch Tape Thick Black Marker Christmas Game Overview A student will have a note…
Forming Children as Intentional Disciples
Among the many great books that were published during the Year of Faith in 2012-2013 was Sherry Weddell’s Forming Intentional Disciples. The book is meant to clarify an important distinction between being “Catholic” and being a “disciple.” It begins with the statistics about participation in the Catholic Church today that confirm what many of us…
Liturgical Year Lesson Plan and Flashcard Activity
How do you introduce young people to the liturgical year? Most catechists and religion teachers spend in-depth class meetings focusing on each individual seasons, especially during Advent and Lent. Sometimes, though, it is important to zoom out and help young people see the whole picture. The liturgical years isn’t about colors and rituals. The seasons…
