Engaging Faith

No one ever said prayers have to be long. Prayers can be as short as one brief sentence. One-line prayers often say what a person is thinking better than a host of words or hours of meditation. One liners, sometimes called ejaculations or aspirations, can be used on many occasion. For example, when they are offered before a task, that task can itself become a prayer. If you say, "Lord, I offer you the work I am about to do writing this term paper," the writing session becomes a prayer. Here are some other samples of one liners: Jesus, have mercy on me. Jesus, my Friend and Savior, I love you. Help me Lord Jesus. Praise God! Mary, Mother of God, pray for me. Come, Holy Spirit. Thank you Father for creating this day. Activity Have the students compose five one line prayers. You may wish to suggest experiences on which the one-liners can be based, for example: 1) before a game or performance; 2) after an argument; 3) while enjoying nature; 4) in sorrow for committing a wrong; 5) in appreciation for a friend. When they have fhinished,go around the room and allow the students to pray aloud one of the one line prayers. You may wish to accompany this part of the session with soft, instrumental background music.

The National Directory for Catechesis reminds catechists of several distinct features of catechetical programming with adolescents. Take some time to review the features named below. Specifically, catechesis with adolescents Teaches the core content of the Catholic faith as presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The purpose is to provide a solid foundation for the growth in faith. Recognizes that faith development is lifelong. This means that content and processes should be age-appropriate. Integrates knowledge of the Catholic faith with liturgical and prayer experiences. It also helps students develop practical skills for living their faith in the world. Dialogues with adolescents about his or her joys, questions, struggles, concerns, and hopes in tandem with the wisdom of the Catholic Church. Utilizes a variety of learning approaches including music and media and responds to different learning styles of individuals. Inspires a warm atmosphere in a climate characterized by trust among adolescents and catechists. Provides for real-life applications of learning by helping adolescents apply the lessons of faith and anticipate obstacles that will arise as they grow into adulthood. Works in tandem with parents and other family members to incorporate a family perspective to catechesis Promotes Christian attitudes toward human sexuality Recognizes and celebrates the multicultural diversity of the Church Incorporates a variety of approaches including small group programs, mentoring, and self-directed programming Explicitly invites adolescents to explore through participation in the sacraments their own calls to ministry Review the complete treatment of these themes in Part D, Chapter 7, "Catechizing the People of God in Diverse Setting" from the NDC.

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