This post is a part of a series of teaching strategies that get beyond catechesis and into the realm of evangelization. To get a 10,000 foot view of where we are going, read this: A New Vision for Catholic Religious Education. This article and the others in this series are inspired by the book, To…
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A New Vision for Catholic Religious Education
If we were to evaluate the impact of our religious education programs in the Catholic Church today based solely on the number of students whose lives were transformed, do you think we would score well? What if our religious education programs and children’s ministries were measured by the number of disciples that we made in…
A Catechist Blessing
What our Church needs most today is men and women who are willing to touch the heart and not just the head. As Pope Paul VI once wrote, we need to be more like witnesses than teachers. We need people who will not only catechize, but evangelize our Church’s youth. The following blessing for catechists…
What’s in Store for 2016?
“Practical resources for religious educators.” That has always been the focus of The Religion Teacher. When a catechist or religion teacher shows up at this website, they are going to find something practical, something immediately usable and effective in the classroom. It is my hope that with each resource you find and use here, you…
Jubilee Year of Mercy Activities and Worksheets
From Advent 2015 to the end of the liturgical year in 2016, the Catholic Church is celebrating a Jubilee Year of Mercy. Pope Francis is encouraging the entire Church to meditate on God’s mercy in their lives and to share that mercy with others. The following resources may help you in planning your Year of…
Nine Activities and Lesson Ideas to Teach about Pope Francis’s Visit to the United States
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…
10 First-Week Mistakes You Must Avoid This Year
It is time to return to the classroom! Are you ready? I always find that it is a little bit difficult to get back into the swing of things. It’s hard to jump right back in and pick up the momentum where you left off the year before. I know that I’ve personally made many…
NCCL 2015
Catechetical Activities Workshop Find additional ideas for each of the ten activities suggested in the workshop: Bell Work: Bell Work Activities–They Save Time and Keep Students Engaged Scripture & Witness: Are You a Witness? A New Focus on Teaching AND Testimony Prayer: Classroom Prayer Resources Hook: “The Hook” from Teach Like A Champion by Doug Lemov Getting Attention: Classroom Engagement Course 3.2:…
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…
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…
