Archdiocese of Seattle

Religious Education Newsletter

April 25, 2016

 

Dear Catechetical Colleagues, 

We have two "Essential Concepts" this week. The first is Prayers We Know By Heart, Experience, and Share at Mass. As you are aware, all of the information on this concept is contained in our Prayers by Heart: Catholic Children's Prayer Book for our Archdiocese. We also have all of the prayers in both English and Spanish posted on our Archdiocesan webpage.

The second "Essential Concept" comes from the Fifth Task for Catechesis: Education for Community Life. It is The Church in God's Plan, which is reflected in the History of our Church. As we draw closer to Pentecost, the beginning of the Church, it is a great topic for our faith formation programs!

We are looking forward to our April 28-29 "Best Practices for Catechetical Leadership" workshop and retreat. We have between over 60 people already signed up for the event. We are asking all participants to come with a Bible, a copy of their Catechist guide or resource list for Fifth Grade students and an empty two or three inch notebook binder.
 
This week's newsletter also has some new information, which includes:
  • Morning Prayer for Feasts of Saints from the Office of Liturgy
  • Several resources from Maryknoll on celebrating our Jubilee Year of Mercy
  • A free Bible study app from Truth & Life
We are grateful for the many ways all of you have dedicated yourselves to serving faith formation endeavors throughout the Archdiocese. Through your gifts of service, we continue to support God's plan to share the Good News as the History of our Church continues to unfold!


In Christ,
 
Anne Frederick, Ed.D.
Director of Religious Education anne.frederick@seattlearch.org
 
Lisa Hillyard
Library Media Center Manager lisa.hillyard@seattlearch.org
Upcoming Catechetical Events

Religious Education Standards Deanery Workshops
Contact the Office of Catholic Faith Formation for information, registration, and scheduling a future workshop.
 
Liturgy Workshop Opportunities
Spread the word about these liturgical workshops, events and formation opportunities from the Liturgy Office. Please see the Liturgy Office Workshop & Events page  for more information.
  
Revised Order of Celebrating Matrimony Regional Workshop
The Office for Liturgy is working with the FDLC on hosting a northwest regional workshop on the revised Order of Celebrating Matrimony. May 27, 2016 (for Clergy) & May 28, 2016 (for other ministers) I Holy Family Church, Kirkland I 8:30 am to 3:30 pm I Online registration is required and will soon be available at www.fdlc.org/marriage-rite-workshops with a cost of $55 per person to include lunch, USCCB presenter costs, and workshop materials. Please see the letter from Andrew Casad, Director of the Liturgy Office for more details. Questions can be directed to 206-382-4838 or Andrew.Casad@seattlearch.org 
 
 Annual PAFF Conference
Wednesday, June 1, 2016 I ABRC @ Palisades I  Joe Paprocki: A Church on The Move: Getting Mission and Mercy in Motion I 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Formation Opportunities
 
Venerate Relics of Pope Saint John Paul II and Saint Faustina Kowalska
The Liturgy Office can coordinate the scheduling of those parishes who wish to arrange for the relics of St. John Paul and St. Faustina to be conveyed to the parish for veneration by the faithful.  You may reach the Liturgy Office at 206.654.4652 or by e-mail at andrew.casad@seattlearch.org in order to reserve the relics for your parish, campus ministry, or faith community. For more information regarding the process, click here.

Seasonal Morning Prayer
 In the revised religion standards for the Archdiocese of Seattle both for Catholic Schools and Faith Formation a deliberate attempt was made to include an introduction to and familiarity with the Liturgy of the Hours.  Please find a worship aid prepared by the Liturgy Office which could be used for a classroom or all school celebration of Morning Prayer for a feast day. "Side A" and "Side B" may be designated as either "boys" and "girls" or "men" and "women" or any other designation you deem appropriate. If you have any questions about the Liturgy of the Hours, please feel free to contact Andrew Casad, director of Liturgy for the Archdiocese of Seattle.
  
Continuing Our Catholic Walk Day Retreat
Saturday, April 30, 2016 I 10:00 am to 3:00 pm I Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Eatonville I All Catholic Women and friends are invited to continue their Catholic Walk at a day retreat in the scenic town of Eatonville near the foothills of Mt. Rainier. Come learn and celebrate Mary, Mother of Counsel, Wisdom, and Mercy with the Seattle Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women at the parish of our patron, Our Lady of Good Counsel. Join Fr. Peter Tynan from St. Martin University for Eucharist, reflection, fellowship and presentations ending with Outdoor stations and Divine Mercy Chaplet. Visit our website for information and registration: http://www.seattleaccw.org/  or call Laurie Coykendall at 360-509-9395. 

Cabrini Ministry Training Spring Retreat/Luncheon
Saturday, May 7, 2016 I  10:00 am to 1:00 pm I Blessed Sacrament Church, Seattle I
"Sharing Communion and Mercy with Those in Isolation" Explore how God's mercy is made available to us through the Eucharist and how we can share that mercy with others who are afflicted or isolated.  Join us for prayer, reflection, and lunch!  Presented by John Simpson, CMT teacher and Carla Loucks, CMT Executive Director. Registration required: www.cabriniministry.org   Questions: 206-760-0583 x3 Free-will offering encouraged.  All are welcome!

Foundations of Our Catholic Faith - CCP Program
Southern Deanery Summer Program: June 20-24, 2016 I St. Joseph Church, Vancouver
Seattle Summer Program: June 27-30, 2016 I Isaac Orr Conference Center-Chancery This program includes Scripture, Theology, Catechetics, and Church History to support the Church's mission to evangelize. FOUNDATIONS...provides an opportunity to hear the Gospel message, understand the Church's teachings, and grow in the fullness of what it means to be a disciple of Christ. For class schedules, registration and more, visit the CCP webpage.

It's Our World-Resources for Missionary Discipleship
Visit http://missio.org/resources for featured downloadable resources currently available, including:
* Laudato Si' for young people and children
* Liturgy for Pentecost for children
* Works of Mercy for Kids (available in English and Spanish)
 
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 Formation Course
Presented by Joann Terranova, MAPS and Lynne Shioyama
January to November 2016 For more information, see flyer or contact Claudia Petursson at Holy Family Parish 452-822-0295, ext. 122 or claudiap@hfkparish.org

Notre Dame Center for Liturgy-Summer Study Weeks
In the summer of 2017, the Center for Liturgy will be hosting three study weeks for those involved in liturgical formation, sacramental catechesis, and liturgical music ministry. For study week descriptions and other information, visit  Notre Dame Center for Liturgy
June 19-23, 2017: The Liturgy of Time and Space
June 18-22, 2018: The Eucharistic Life
June 15-19, 2019: Sacraments for the Life of the World

Notre Dame Center for Liturgy Symposium: Liturgy & the New Evangelization
June 20-23, 2016 I The 2016 Symposium seeks to discern how liturgical prayer, sacramental formation, and liturgical catechesis can contribute to the new evangelization. For more information and to register, visit the Center for Liturgy website.

Parish Notifications
 
Free Vacation Bible School Items
If your parish is planning on using the Our Sunday Visitor Totally Catholic Cave Quest program this summer, St. Michael Parish in Olympia has all of the corrugated cardboard signage that is used for the program available. If interested, please contact Anne Kunkle at 306-292-7114 or akunkle@saintmichaelparish.org   

Essential Religious Education Concepts

The Church in God's Plan [731-780]: Church History [464, 758-780]

The Essential Concepts come from the Table of Contents for the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). They have been re-organized to fit under the Six Tasks of Catechesis. CCC articles numbers associated with each Essential Concept are listed throughout this document. Referencing CCC article numbers is a recommended resource for catechist preparation.
 
TASK 5- Education for Community Life - Students study and participate in the life and mission of the Church-the Body of Christ and the community of believers-as expressed in the Church's origin, history, ecclesiology, the Communion of Saints, and their family, the Domestic Church.
 
Implementation Ideas for the Classroom:
 
*Please note the Library's Essential Concepts list is a working document, being updated on an ongoing basis.
 
 
Online Resources-Links and Videos

This written article from USCCB notes,"Since the Church, in Christ, is in the nature of sacrament-a sign and instrument, that is, of communion with God and of unity among all men-she here proposes, for the benefit of the faithful and of the whole world, to set forth, as clearly as possible, and in the tradition laid down by earlier Councils, her own nature and universal mission" (see Second Vatican Council, LG, no. 1,  in Vatican Council II: Volume 1: The Conciliar and Post Conciliar Documents, ed. Austin Flannery [Northport, NY: Costello Publishing, 1996]). All Catholics are well aware that the Church has and celebrates sacraments, but what does it mean to say that the Church is in the nature of a sacrament?

What is the Church? Lesson Plan A great lesson plan to teach students of all ages 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 People of God not just a place we go or a thing we do on Sundays. (The Religion Teacher)
 
 
  
Pentecost in Two Minutes
Can't remember what or when Pentecost is? Well for starters, it's this Sunday, and if you want a little more info on this celebration of the Holy Spirit and the birthday of the Church, take a look at Busted Halo's two minute video. (From BustedHalo.com)
   
Jesus as Origin & Foundation of the Church
A brief overview of the origin of the Catholic Church and how the solemn feasts of Ascension and Pentecost relate to her role in the plan of salvation. Saint Joseph Studios



Pentecost Explained in LEGO
In this adventure of Fr. Black we go back in time to the day of Pentecost! An entertaining video, great for children to learn about Pentecost.


 
 
Resources from the LMC on The Church in God's Plan
 
The Good News Of The Holy Spirit (Kevin Perrotta) An excellent way to introduce young adults to how the Church began. Like the early Jewish followers of Jesus, the Spirit leads us also into drama and conflict. God challenges us to change. He wishes to work through us to make Jesus known. Reading Acts leads us to question our lives and open our hearts to a new cooperation with the Spirit of God. Designed as a guided discovery, Six Weeks with the Bible introduces us to different books of the Bible by integrating the biblical text with insightful questions to help discern what Scripture means for our lives today.
 
The One Thing is Three: How the Most Holy Trinity Explains Everything (Michael E.Gaitley) With humor and ease, Fr. Gaitley deftly unlocks the 'one thing,' the key to the Church's wisdom, and the greatest mystery of the Catholic faith: the Most Holy Trinity. Far from being an academic read, The 'One Thing' Is Three makes deep theology accessible to everyday Catholics. What's more, it makes even what's familiar or forgotten new, exciting, and relevant.

What Every Catholic Needs to Know about the Eucharist: A Guide for the Liturgical Assembly (Michael Kwatera) This book gives the historical background of the Eucharistic celebration. It locates Eucharist in the context of the rest of the Mass, emphasizing the importance and role of the assembly. It fosters understanding of and appreciation for the celebration and Sacrament. The individual will find it inspirational. Parish leaders can use it as the basis for a day of reflection on Eucharist.

Eucharist: God's Way of Embracing Us (DVD, Ron Rohlheiser) We are a Eucharist people, a Eucharistic church, a community formed and nurtured by the Eucharist. How does the Eucharist work? What are its various meanings? In the year of the Eucharist, Father Ron Rolheiser pauses to reflect with us upon the Eucharist.
 
The Day When God Made Church: A Child's First Book of Pentecost (Rebekah McLeod Hutto) A story of Pentecost and how the Holy Spirit shaped, and continues to shape, who we are as God's Church. Children will learn the story of Pentecost: the sights, sounds, and events of that miraculous day described in the Book of Acts. They will also discover who the Holy Spirit is and how God calls each of us to follow Jesus. At the end, parents, educators, ministers will discover fresh ways to celebrate Pentecost with children in their own churches and families.


Library Media Center Resources

Find new resources recently added to the library catalog!
 
Autism Awareness Month
 
Library Resources

Faith, Family, and Children with Special Needs: How Catholic Parents and their Kids with Special Needs Can Develop a Richer Spiritual Life Offers great hope for parents who want to grow in their own spirituality while helping their children with disabilities experience God in a deeper way. Rizzo's abiding though sometimes tested Catholic faith is made clear as he explains everything from the practical, such as how parents can maintain sanity during Mass when the child with special needs becomes disruptive, to the profound, such as how parents can understand God in a way that is relevant to their predicament. At other times, Rizzo's advice is intended to help the child grow in his or her own faith, as when he explains how kids with special needs can participate meaningfully in the Eucharist.

How to Welcome, Include, and Catechize Children with Autism and Other Special Needs: A Parish-based Approach (Book) Sutton, Lawrence R., Loyola Press, 2013. Deacon Larry Sutton provides bishops, pastors, DREs, and other diocesan and parish leaders with a guide for creating a program that addresses the needs of children with physical, developmental, and cognitive disabilities and welcomes them into the life of the parish. Provide one-on-one customized catechesis using existing resources, inspire teens to volunteer, and revitalize, educate, and involve the entire parish. The book also provides the insights needed to build an effective faith formation program.

The Adaptive First Eucharist Kit will enable many children with autism and other special needs to participate fully in their faith, children who might not be able to receive the Eucharist. Kit Includes: Helper Guide, My Picture Missal, Mass Cards (inside Picture Missal), Bless Yourself Board, Who is Jesus Card, Communion is Not the Same as Food Board, How to Receive Communion Board, I Receive Communion Book, and Backpack.
  
Adaptive First Reconciliation Preparation Kit: For Children with Autism and Other Special Needs Loyola Press, 2012. The Adaptive First Reconciliation Kit will enable children with autism and other special needs to participate fully in their faith, children who might not be able to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation. Kit Includes: The Reconciliation Flip Book; I'm Sorry Cards; The I Am Forgiven Sequence Puzzle; Jesus Forgives Instructional Story Card; Jesus Wants Us to Make Good Choices Matching Puzzle; The Good Choice/Bad Choice Cards; Examination of Conscience Instructional Card; I Celebrate Reconciliation Picture Book; Act of Contrition Instructional Card; The Helper Guide; Backpack.
  
Adaptive Confirmation Preparation Kit For Individuals with Autism and Other Special Needs Loyola Press, 2014. The Adaptive Confirmation Preparation Kit was designed to help individuals with autism and other special needs enter fully into the faith experience, prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation, and live their lives as participating members of the Catholic Church. Kit Includes: I Receive Confirmation Book, Request for Confirmation Template, I Do Card, Baptismal Promise Puzzle, I Am a Disciple flip book, Toss and Tell Conversation Starter Ball, Helper Guide, My Confirmation Songs CD, Backpack.

Special Needs Bibliography-take a look at the additional resources available from the library.
 

Jubilee Year of Mercy
Pope Francis has called the special Jubilee Year for Mercy to begin  Dec. 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception and the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council. It will close on Nov. 20, 2016, the day celebrated that year as the feast of Christ the King.

by Fr. Thomas Rosica-Salt & Light blog.

   
Venerate Relics of Pope Saint John Paul II & Saint Faustina Kowalska
The Liturgy Office can coordinate the scheduling of those parishes who wish to arrange for the relics of St. John Paul and St. Faustina to be conveyed to the parish for veneration by the faithful.  You may reach the Liturgy Office at 206.654.4652 or by e-mail at andrew.casad@seattlearch.org in order to reserve the relics for your parish, campus ministry, or faith community. For more information regarding the process, click here.

Maryknoll Year of Mercy Resources *NEW*
Maryknoll has developed various resources to use for the Year of Mercy:
Watch a Mercy Movie, Record a Mercy Moment, set up a Parish Mission for your community, and more. Email Anna Clarke at aclarke@maryknoll.org with any questions or requests.

Meditations on Mercy
Each month during the Jubilee of Mercy the USCCB will offer a
Meditation on Mercy-a resource that can be used with small groups to foster a greater awareness of God's call to act with mercy in our lives.

Archdiocesan Webpage for The Year of Mercy
Please take a look at all of the resources and current information found dedicated to the Year of Mercy. Be sure to check back often for added events and resources.
   
Library Media Center Year of Mercy Resources
Here is a printable annotated bibliography of resources available from the Library Media Center. Materials may be added to the list, so check back for new titles.

The Original Image of Divine Mercy-Documentary Film
A timely documentary, The Original Image of Divine Mercy features key witnesses to the mysterious case of a painting that survived the Soviet Occupation of Vilnius, with exclusive commentary by Bishop Robert Barron, George Weigel, Christoph Cardinal Schönborn of Vienna, StanisƂaw, and many others including a special footage with Pope Francis. For more information about how to bring the film to your community, contact the production office at tour@divinemercyfilm.com or at 210-232-7647.
 
Online Courses for the Year of Mercy-Diocese of St. Cloud
Three online courses available Titles include: Forgive All Offenses/Injury; Comfort the Afflicted; and Shelter the Homeless/Welcome the Stranger.
 
Divine Mercy for Kids
You can find a dozen free downloadable worksheets for various age groups that explain the Divine Mercy image and devotion. Visit TheDivineMercy.org

Divine Mercy & The Divine Comedy
During this Year of Mercy (December 8, 2015-November 20, 2016) Pope Francis has asked us to use Dante's Divine Comedy as a "spiritual guide." Knowing how intimidating this project sounds, the Department of Evangelization and Catechesis of the Diocese of Rochester has put together a reading plan along with a group of theologians, literary scholars, and other lovers of Dante's work to help us all mine the riches from one whom Pope Benedict XV called "the most eloquent singer of the Christian idea."

A Biblical Year of Mercy
A 13-part series is being published from December 2015 to December 2016 in  Arkansas Catholic, the weekly newspaper for the Diocese of Little Rock. These articles are being written by the staff of Little Rock Scripture Study for the Holy Year of Mercy. Each one includes questions for group study.

CRS Year of Mercy Resources
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has developed a number of resources that illustrate how Catholics in the United States can participate in acts of mercy through CRS.  Click here for details.
 
Archdiocese of Seattle Year of Mercy Prayer Card
Here is a printable prayer card for use in your parish. The prayer card can be printed out using Avery 8387 labels.

Year of Mercy App
Our Sunday Visitor's FREE  365 Days to Mercy app, is designed to accompany you on a spiritual journey during the Jubilee Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis.  

St. James Cathedral Tours
St. James Cathedral is inviting both parishes and school groups to set up visits for the Year of Mercy, which can be just a time of prayer and pilgrimage, or can include a guided tour as well.  Corinna Laughlin claughlin@stjames-cathedral.org or 206-264-2086.
 
Archdiocesan News
CYO Summer Camp
Camp Don Bosco and Camp Hamilton Summer sessions are filling up! If you want your child to have the experience of a lifetime at camp, be sure to register today. Click here to register today!

NW Catholic App
The new NW Catholic App is now available! Download it for Apple or Android.
 
NW Catholic Movie & Book Reviews
Check NW Catholic for the latest reviews on books and movies

MyUSCCB     
       
This Week in Ministry provides timely content every week formatted for use in a variety of ways: parish bulletins, websites, E-newsletters, social media and more.
 
 
Featured This Week (Fifth Week of Easter): Use this one-page resource as a complete bulletin insert or as a handout in schools. 

Webinar: Syria and Its Refugees: They Are Not Forgotten Thursday, April 28, 2016
3:00-3:45 p.m. (EDT)
The concern for refugees is on the minds of many church leaders. The US bishops recently visited the Middle East to understand the plight of hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees, and Pope Francis will soon visit Syrian refugees in Lesbos.  What can Catholics do about this human crisis? Join Bishop Oscar CantĂș, chairman of the USCCB's Committee on International Justice and Peace, Dr. Stephen Colecchi, director of USCCB's Office of International Peace and Justice, and William Canny, executive director of USCCB's Migration and Refugee Services, as they explore the situation of Syrian refugees and the steps communities of faith can take to stand in solidarity with them. This live event will be informative for pastors, deacons, members of religious communities, social ministry directors, Catholic Charities personnel, refugee resettlement coordinators, and catechists. Register here or to learn more about MyUSCCB, click here.
 

To learn more about MyUSCCB and to sign up for this helpful resource, visit the USCCB website for more information.
Catechetical Weekly-NCCL 
     
The National Conference of Catechetical Leaders publishes a weekly newsletter following the Six Tasks of Catechesis. 
  
Featured This Week (Fifth Week of Easter): 
 
Webinar Opportunity-Virtual Doors
Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at 4 p.m. EDT
Open the virtual doors to effective catechesis. Effective catechists engage their students. Today, engaging students requires opening the virtual doors to our digital world. Join Don Kurre for a webinar on the benefits, opportunities, and tools available only when you open those virtual doors. You'll leave ready to implement these digital strategies right away to enrich your ministry. Register Now!
      
Questions for Reflection:-What do you think of the image of the sower in describing the work of the catechist?-What qualities might a catechist who is building the Kingdom of God possess?-The General Directory of Catechesis states "catechists are called to have a greater consciousness of the necessity to keep in mind the field in which the seed is sown." How would you describe "the field in which the seed is sown" today? Is it different than "the field" in years past?-How does it feel when observing a catechist who uses love and mercy to proclaim the Gospel? 

For archived newsletters and to learn more about this organization visit the website.
Featured Websites
Pope Francis' Monthly Prayer Intentions on Video
 
April Prayer Intention: Small Farmers
Apostleship of Prayer receives monthly prayer intentions from the Pope and urges Christians throughout the world to unite in prayer for those intentions. Each month Pope Francis will film his monthly prayer intention and it will be distributed on social media. Check back for a new video on the next month's prayer intention.
Truth & Life Dramatized Audio Bible App

The Truth & Life Dramatized audio Bible New Testament is endorsed with an Imprimatur from the Vatican and includes a foreword by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. Voiced by award winning internationally-renowned actors. The Truth & Life audio New Testament is a first of its kind dramatized audio Bible from the RSV-CE. Download the app
The Living the Eucharist Mobile App

Living the Eucharist Daily Devotional app from Paulist Evangelization Ministries. 3 seasonal devotionals that will ignite your spiritual growth-start with From Passover to Pentecost, an inspiring daily devotional for the Easter Season. You can preview the first week for free! Free video guides on how to use the seasonal devotionals and Lectio Divina, an ancient Catholic method of prayer, to personally encounter Christ in the Scriptures and live a life more fully as a missionary disciple of Jesus
Catholicism School Enrichment
 
Word on Fire has partnered with the Archdiocese of New York to create 46 video vignettes and companion lesson plans, drawing from the award-winning CATHOLICISM series and the vast expertise of twelve New York teachers.  These materials can be used creatively by any teacher to enhance core religion curriculum in middle or high school, and bring the beauty, truth, and goodness of the Faith more vividly into the classroom.
 
Catechetical Sunday 2016

Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. Catechetical Sunday is an opportunity for all to rededicate themselves to this mission as a community of faith. 

Liturgy Training Publications
 
Designed specifically for teachers and catechists, this series invites all those who work with children to engage in formation and training throughout the year.
 
Catholic Publishers

Loyola Press                                              St. Mary's Press

 

Our Sunday Visitor                                    Ave Maria Press

 

Sadlier                                                        Ascension Press

 

RCL Benziger                                             Lighthouse Catholic Media

 

Ignatius Press                   

Helpful Links
Serving Catholic leaders in their ministry of evangelization with curated knowledge, approaches, strategies, and resources to reach out to those who have never heard the gospel proclaimed, to re-engage those who have lost a living faith in their daily lives, and to engage those who are faithful and need to be renewed with increased catechesis

The Garaventa Center from the University of Portland explores and deploys the fruits of faith, reason and imagination that constitute the Catholic intellectual tradition to illuminate and enliven something that is implicit but often unregarded: the working of grace in human communities. Weekly podcasts are available by visiting the website or subscribing to their weekly newsletter.
 
Sharing the Journey of Teaching the Catholic Faith. Joe Paprocki's blog that features practical tips and resources on sharing the gift of the Catholic faith.

eCatechist.com is a blog from Dan Pierson, that provides ideas, inspiration, and learning
resources for catechists, parish catechetical leaders, and parents.

In response to God's word revealed through all generations and impelled by our belief in the intrinsic sacredness of family life we, the members of the National Association of Catholic Family Life Ministers, join together to be a prophetic voice for family in Church and society, to foster professional development, and to provide mutual support for those who minister with families.

TeamRCIA.com is a free online resource for Catholic parishes and dioceses that want to form Christians for life. Offers a variety of online and in-person training for church ministers and volunteers, through webinars, e-mail courses, downloads, discussion forums, and training events led by experts in the field of initiation ministry.

Teaching Catholic Kids is a valuable tool for parents, teachers and catechists. Free downloadable activities and teacher resources are updated each month and made available from the best of Our Sunday Visitor books, workbooks and writers.

Vibrant Faith at Home
Vibrant Faith @ Home supports Christian leaders and families who are intentional about their faith and religious practice as they raise the next generation of committed Christians.

Word on Fire Catholic Ministries is a nonprofit global media apostolate that supports the work of Father Robert Barron and reaches millions of people to draw them into- or back to- the Catholic faith. Word on Fire is evangelical; it proclaims Jesus Christ as the source of conversion and new life. Word on Fire is Catholic; it utilizes the tremendous resources of the Roman Catholic tradition-art, architecture, poetry, philosophy, theology, and the lives of the saints- in order to explain and interpret the event of Jesus Christ.