eCatechist

Online Lessons for "Work of Mercy" from Diocese of St. Cloud

The Diocese of Saint Cloud, in it’s effort to encourage reflection on the Year of Mercy, is providing a monthly online "Work of Mercy" catechetical lesson. It’s purpose is to offer an online learning resource for small faith-sharing groups, parishes, schools, and families. It serves as one model of how catechesis can be done simply online simply.

Work of Mercy

It follows the Msgr. Francis Kelly’s familiar Ecclesial Method:

1. Preparation - Each lesson starts with a prayer and a general Works of Mercy video, with a reflection question(s)
2. Proclamation - Each lesson will repeat the Works of Mercy each month, each linking to it’s lesson as it is released
3. Explanation - This step addresses a specific Work of Mercy with links to other resources as well as text and embedded video
4. Application and appropriation - Reflection questions and suggested activities for families, groups, parishes and schools
5. Celebration - Closing prayer

 

Being a Catechist - Good Work, Gospel Work by Steve Mueller

Cash Value. A century ago the American psychologist and philosopher William James said that even religious ideas need some practical importance or cash value. In our economically driven society, everything is evaluated by its cash value. Time is money, Beanie Babies are worth whatever someone will pay for them, and people are evaluated according to the money they earn. In a consumer society like ours, everything and everyone eventually becomes a consumer product which is evaluated by its cash value. 

Mother Teresa: Model to Us All - Catholic Relief Services

Together with the entire Church, Catholic Relief Services celebrates the canonization of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. We assisted Mother Teresa before her work was well known and have been a friend of the Missionaries of Charity, religious sisters devoted to "wholehearted and free service to the poorest of the poor," for nearly 50 years. 

Hearing the voice of God while traveling from Calcutta to Darjeerling, Mother Teresa was moved to reach out to Calcutta's poorest citizens. Her ministry blossomed into the formation of the Missionaries of Charity who operate today in countries around the world. 

Mother Teresa's tireless efforts on behalf of God’s most vulnerable children made her the 1979 Nobel Peace Prize laureate and an example for millions worldwide devoted to the struggle for human life and dignity.

On September 4, 2016, Blessed Mother Teresa becomes Saint Teresa of Calcutta, as the Church celebrates her profound legacy and declares with joy her sainthood before the world.

We invite your communities of faith to use these resources to learn about and celebrate her witness of faith: 

Resources

The Sacrament of Back to School by Lisa Brown

“In that moment, so pregnant with hope, pride, excitement, joy, nervousness, and expectation, we find our everyday sacrament.”

Read

From Building Faith at the Virginia Theological Seminary

The Role of the Catechist: Inspiration and Professional Growth

One of the first questions any new catechist asks is, “What’s my role?”

In 2005 the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops published the National Directory for Catecheses to help answer that question by outlining six important tasks for the catechists.

So in this helpful book about the catechist’s role, the chapters highlight those tasks. The reader is encouraged to reflect on each task and to dialogue with other catechists about the contents of the book. Each chapter is written by a leader or practitioner in the catechetical field who is or has been engaged in catechist formation.

Catechesis: Sources, Nature and Purpose by Sue Grenough

Promoting Knowledge of the Faith by Rose L. Bennett

Liturgy and Sacraments by Joyce Ann Zimmerman, C.PP.S.

Moral Formation in Christ by Patrick R. Guentert

Praying with Christ by Leisa Anslinger

Life and Mission of the Church by Martin Arsenault

Christians in Society by LaVerne E. Bertin

The  Role of the Catechist is an ideal book for introducing catechists to the catechetical mission of the Church. After each chapter there are questions for understanding and application. 

Many dioceses will offer two (2) clock hours of certification certification credit for independent reading and the completion of a Catechist's Learning Page on this book.

Catechist's Learning Page

 

Pflaum Publishing Group