FAITH FORMATION ON THE LECTIONARY AND THE LITURGICAL YEAR

Celebrating the Lectionary 2010 – 2011 by Liturgy Training Publications focuses on the Gospel with no special preparation or materials needed.  A CD containing the reproducible “Send Home” sheet of prayers and blessings is included.  Short sessions (15 – 20 minutes) using five age-graded books (Pre-School.Kindergarten, Primary, Intermediate, Junior High and High School) could be used for Children’s Liturgy of the Word, RCIA Adapted for Chidlren or as a supplement to basal textbooks.

NEW RCIA PRE-CATEHUMENAL/INQUIRY RESOURCE

Seeking Christ, by Fr. Frank DeSiano, CSOP, published by the Paulist National Catholic Evangelization Association, is an introductory, conversation-based supplemental resource for RCIA or Faith Sharing Sessions.  The resource helps Inquirers explore the basics of the Catholic Tradition such as Scriptures, Faith, Jesus, Holy Sprit, Church and Covnersion.  Go to http://www.pncea.org/Seeking-Christ-Parish-Manual.aspx to down-load the free parish Manual and order the Leader’s Guide and Pariticipant Manual. 

Go to http://www.myeventpartner.com/AccountManager/Regev.aspx?PIID=E052DA8383 to register for a free webinar to learn how to implement Seeking Christ in your parish. 

Contact sidneymediacenter@catholiccincinnati.org to borrow a copy from the Northern Media Center.

Almost Christian

What the Faith of Our Teenagers is Telling the Ameican Church

Kenda Creasy Dean is an ordained United Methodist minister and Professor of Youth, Church and Culture at Princeton Theological Seminary, where she works closely with the Institute for Youth Ministry.

She opens the book with this:

Let me save you some trouble.  Here is the gist of what you are about to read:  American young people are, theoretically, fine with religious faith — but it does not conern them very much, and it is not durable enough to survive long after they graduate from high school.  One more thing:  we’re responsible.

Quite an indictment!!!  What to learn more???  Read the book!

http://www.amazon.com/Almost-Christian-Teenagers-Telling-American/dp/0195314840/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_1#_

Helping Parents to help their Children

Our efforts of faith formation of children is a partnership with their parents.  Check this website for ways that parents can be an integral part of the formation of their children in faith.

http://www.pastoralplanning.com/Partnership-Parents.html

RESOURCES FOR LITURGY OF THE WORD

Children’s Liturgy of the Word 2010 – 2011 by Maureen A. Kelly, Liturgy Training Publications

Dismissing chidlren to a separate Liturgy of the Word provides a focused place where chidlren can become conscious, active listeners and resonsders to God’s Word.  This resource includes scripture background, planning guides, music suggestions, a dismissal for the priest, adapted prayers and a homily/reflection for each Sunday and Holy Day. 

The Word to God 2010 – 2011 by Denise Simeone, Liturgy Training Publications

This ready-to-use CD has reproducible handouts for every Sunday and Holy Day Sept. 5, 2011 – Aug. 28, 2011.  Handouts provide scirputre reflections and discussion and journaling questions as well as simple activities.  They would be appropriate for catechumens, adult faith formation or as a bulletin insert.

Stewardship: Disciples Respond – A Practical Guide for Pastoral Leaders

Updated in 2004, this 82 page spiral-bound resource manual is a “hands-on” companion to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Pastoral Letter on Stewardship, “Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response.” It is a valuable tool that complements any stewardship program. Also available in Spanish.

Visit the website of International Catholic Stewardship Council for more information about the meaning of stewardship and how it can be and should be integrated into religious education programs for children.  http://www.catholicstewardship.org/en/index.cfm