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Engaging Faith

Practical Lesson Ideas and Activities for Catholic Educators
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Feast of Mary, Mother of God 2014

Reflect on the word of Pope Francis in his apostolic exhortation Evangelli Gaudium. Share and pray Pope Francis' words asking for the intercession of Mary, the Mother of God. Mary was able to turn a stable into a home for Jesus, with poor swaddling clothes and an abundance of love. She is the handmaid of the Father who sings his praises. She is the friend who is ever concerned that wine not be lacking in our lives. She is the woman whose heart was pierced by a sword and who understands all our pain. As mother of all, she is a sign of hope for peoples suffering the birth pangs of justice. She is the missionary who draws near to us and accompanies us throughout life, opening our hearts to faith by her maternal love. As a true mother, she walks at our side, she shares our struggles and she constantly surrounds us with God’s love. Through her many titles, often linked to her shrines, Mary shares the history of each people which has received the Gospel and she becomes a part of their historic identity. Many Christian parents ask that their children be baptized in a Marian shrine, as a sign of their faith in her motherhood which brings forth new children for God. There, in these many shrines, we can see how Mary brings together her children who with great effort come as pilgrims to see her and to be seen by her. Here they find strength from God to bear the weariness and the suffering in their lives. As she did with Juan Diego, Mary offers them maternal comfort and love, and whispers in their ear: “Let your heart not be troubled… Am I not here, who am your Mother? Marian Prayer Mary, Virgin and Mother, you who, moved by the Holy Spirit, welcomed the word of life in the depths of your humble faith: as you gave yourself completely to the Eternal One, help us to say our own “yes” to the urgent call, as pressing as ever, to proclaim the good news of Jesus. Filled with Christ’s presence, you brought joy to John the Baptist, making him exult in the womb of his mother. Brimming over with joy, you sang of the great things done by God. Standing at the foot of the cross with unyielding faith, you received the joyful comfort of the resurrection, and joined the disciples in awaiting the Spirit so that the evangelizing Church might be born. Obtain for us now a new ardour born of the resurrection, that we may bring to all the Gospel of life which triumphs over death. Give us a holy courage to seek new paths, that the gift of unfading beauty may reach every man and woman. Virgin of listening and contemplation, Mother of love, Bride of the eternal wedding feast, pray for the Church, whose pure icon you are, that she may never be closed in on herself or lose her passion for establishing God’s kingdom. Star of the new evangelization, help us to bear radiant witness to communion, service, ardent and generous faith, justice and love of the poor, that the joy of the Gospel may reach to the ends of the earth, illuminating even the fringes of our world. Mother of the living Gospel, wellspring of happiness for God’s little ones, pray for us. Amen. Alleluia!

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Merry Christmas from Ave Maria Press

Invisible in his own nature God became visible in ours. Beyond our grasp, he chose to come within our grasp. (St. Leo the Great)

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In Expectation of the Canonization of Blessed Peter Faber

Some time within the next week, Pope Francis is expected to announce the canonization of one of his favorite Jesuits, Blessed Peter Faber. The process will be the unique "equivalent canonization" in which the pope inserts the name of a person into the universal calendar of saints without verifying a miracle and without a formal canonization ceremony. In anticipation of the event, share some information on the life of Peter Faber. Have your students monitor the news stories from the Vatican on what might take place around this issue. Brief Biography Peter Faber grew up in a poor family and was a shepherd in the Alps. He wanted so much to go to school that he would cry himself to sleep. So, finally, his parents sent him to school where he easily learned the basics and progressed forward in the educational system. Peter’s roommate at the University of Paris was Francis Xavier and later, Ignatius Loyola. While Peter tutored Ignatius academically, Ignatius helped Peter decide what God was calling him to. He decided to become a priest. The pope appointed Peter Faber to the faculty of Rome’s Sapienza University. He was also assigned to participate in a Catholic/Protestant meeting in Worms and Ratisbon. In his spare time, he gave the Spiritual Exercises retreat to many people. King John III then asked him to establish the Society of Jesus in Portugal. On the way to the Council of Trent, he stopped in Rome to visit Ignatius. Faber had been suffering from a fever and died at the age of 40 in the company of St. Ignatius. More information on the life of Bl. Peter Faber is available here. Discussion Points The Society of Jesus (Jesuits) sprung from the friendships of three university roommates. How much impact do you think college roommates will have in your life? On the one hand, Peter Faber was sent by others to accomplish various assignments. On the other hand, everywhere he went he heard confessions, counseled people, and led them in the Spiritual Exercises. How much freedom do you anticipate having as an adult? Would you be available to travel to do good works? Look at Italy, Spain, and Portugal via Google Maps or some other similar tool. Peter Faber walked all over Italy and all the way to Portugal and back to Rome. What kind of toll do you think this took on his health? Peter Faber suffered from depression and anxiety and found himself especially susceptible to thoughts that would violate his vows as a Jesuit. He found that the wisdom from the Spiritual Exercises helped him recognize his different states of mind including Satan’s temptations. How do you think that this experience made it harder for him to give retreats to other people or give him insight that would help the retreatants?

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Matching Quiz: Early Advent Saints

These saints have feast days in early December. You may want to give this matching assignment to individual students or to groups of four so students can pool their common knowledge. Complete the matching by working on any empty spots with the whole class or ask students to research the answers on their own. Students could also look into each of the saints, learn more about them and share their findings with their classmates. Column 1 An appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Mexico to St. Juan Diego One of the first Jesuits who preached the Gospel to India, Ceylon, Malacca, and Japan in the sixteenth century Born into poverty in sixteenth century Spain, this Carmelite monk was a reformer with St. Teresa of Avila. While imprisoned by his own order, he wrote beautiful mystical poetry A fourth century pope who commissioned St. Jerome to translate the Bible into Latin The son of wealthy Christian parents in fourth century Asia Minor. He was famous for his generosity, became a bishop and fought against Arianism A priest who lived in the seventh and eighth centuries AD who wrote religious poetry and defended Christianity against heresies A fourth century governor of Milan, who was popularly appointed bishop because he encouraged Christians and Arians to work together peacefully A martyr of the third and fourth century, killed because she rejected a man who then accused her of being a Christian Column 2 a. St. Francis Xavier (3) b. St. John Damascene (4) c. St. Nicholas (6) d. St. Ambrose (7) e. St. Damasus I (11) f. Our Lady of Guadalupe (12) g. St. Lucy (13) h. St. John of the Cross (14)

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Advent Ideas for your Classroom

Ave Maria Press editorial assistant Barbara Brutt reminds teachers of some traditional Advent ideas appropriate for classroom additions and students of all ages. There are a few simple Advent traditions that can aid you as you seek to center yourself in remembrance of Christ’s coming. 1. An Advent Calendar A quick internet search shows many potential calendars and the ability to find one that will perfectly fit your classroom or family. An Advent Calendar functions as a daily reminder of Christ’s coming and each wisdom shared can be carried with you throughout the day. 2. An Advent Wreath (incorporating the Christ candle and the Mary candle) The candles of this wreath are traditionally lit on the Sundays of December leading up to Christmas day. This can easily be shared with your family, but for a classroom, the students might be encouraged to really delve into the meaning and history of this tradition. 3. A Christmas Tree Rather than filling the tree with decorations immediately, consider leaving it empty and focus on the expectation and waiting of Christ’s coming. In the days leading up to Christmas slowly add ornaments to the tree. Meditate on St. Boniface’s words: “The fir tree is the wood of peace, the sign of an endless life with its evergreen branches. It points to heaven. It will never shelter deeds of blood, but rather be filled with loving gifts and rites of kindness.” Many tools are available for walking into the Christmas season with Christ-focus and serenity. Don’t be afraid to brainstorm new ideas yourself for drawing those around you deeper into relationship with God and the sacredness of the season. In addition, Ave Maria Press colleague and religious educator Jared Dees offers links to several more Advent activities at The Religion Teacher website. We wish you and your students the blessings of the season as they celebrate the coming of our Savior in the midst of their busy academic schedules.

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Prayer for the Vocation to Married Life

Allow at least thirty minutes of class time for the students to pray privately, though you may incorporate part of this prayer into a larger classroom service. Make sure each student has a prayer journal and a Bible. Follow these directions. Call to Prayer Pray in the following words or choose similar words of your own. After the prayer, pause in silence. Listen for God to speak to you in your silence. Heavenly Father, thank you for this time in your presence. I have learned about the unbreakable and sacred bond of marriage. Help me to begin to determine if I am called to married life. If so, help protect me from the temptations against chastity. Teach me to be a loyal friend. Allow me to be relaxed as I form new friendships with people of the opposite sex. Make me strong enough to keep the commitments you have entrusted to me now so that I will be able to keep the life long commitment of marriage if I am called down that path. And continue to offer your Holy Spirit to those married couples who are dear to me: especially my parents, grandparents, and others who have shared the graces of the sacrament of Matrimony with me. Remain with me always. I make this prayer in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Scripture Reading Slowly and carefully read the Scripture passage from 1 John 4:7–12. What is God’s word saying to you about a possible vocation to married life? A reading from the First Letter of John Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love. In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him. In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also must love one another. No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us. The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Reflection Questions Read through the entire list of questions. Then go back and choose one question to spend time with in greater detail. Listen to what God is saying to you. Write down your thoughts in a prayer journal. Choose another question and repeat the process. You can choose to do all or some of the questions. You can also form your own questions about marriage and write your responses to these as well. * What elements of my friendship skills can I bring to a marriage? * Can I put my career plans behind my marriage and family life? * How do I imagine my future spouse? * What would a typical weekday be like as a married person? weekend? * How many children would I like to have? * How would I fit in with my spouse’s family? How would my spouse fit in with my family? * What kind of parenting style will I have? * How does married life seem fun and exciting? * What will my wedding be like? * If I could tell my future spouse anything right now, what would it be? Prayer for My Future Spouse End your time of reflection with a prayer for a potential future spouse. Use this prayer or your own words. Holy God, watch over my future spouse if it is your will that I be married. Protect my spouse from harm. Keep my spouse chaste and pure as I promise the same. Lead us to each other and instruct us in the ways of friendship. As our love grows, let it be in your name. I commend this prayer through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother, and through Christ our Lord. Amen. This prayer was taken from the textbook Marriage and Holy Orders: Your Call to Love and Serve (Ave Maria Press, 2007).

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John Fitzgerald Kennedy: First Catholic President

November 22 marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of the first and only Roman Catholic President of the United States, John Fitzgerald Kennedy. This might be a good time to remind your students of the prejudice faced by Kennedy when he ran for President in 1960. Though a popular war hero and fourteen-year senator, he had to overcome the concern that his patriotism and religion would conflict. Some Protestants feared that the pope would control the presidency. Kennedy had to directly confront anti-Catholic sentiment during the campaign. In a famous speech to the Southern Baptist leaders, Kennedy reassured them he would be answerable to the American Constitution, not the pope. He declared, "I am not the Catholic candidate for President, but the candidate who happens also to be Catholic. I do not speak for my Church on public matters—and the Church does not speak for me." Kennedy's words reassured many, but his margin of victory was slim, less than a half-percent. Surveys conducted after the election revealed an anti-Catholic prejudice contributed to the close race. Share a copy of Kennedy's speech on religion (also includes an audio link). Ask the students to apply some of the themes of President Kennedy's speech to issues facing the Church and nation today. Also, in this season of Thanksgiving, pray with your students the following "Thanksgiving Prayer" written by Southern California shop owner Kathryn Kay in 1941. A few years after President Kennedy's death, Kay was told that this prayer had inspired his most famous words: "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." Thanksgiving Prayer God, ev'ry year about this time, according to routine, I've bowed my head in the accepted way and offered thanks, like some well synchronized machine that prayed because it was the time to pray. But, God, this year is different, this year I seem to feel America's Thanksgiving is my own, that in my nation's gratitude I have a part that's real, a part that until now I've never known. And, God, this year a deep humility has filled my heart, a newborn pride rings true thruout my soul because I do belong, because I have and am a part, a tiny part of one tremendous whole. I think I know the feeling of those first Americans who said, "We must give thanks for this, our land." I cherish now the rights that are each woman's, ev'ry man's, the rights I've just begun to understand. This year my heart has learned what all Thanksgiving Days are for, true thankfulness at last I realize, but, God, I'm sorry that it took the tragedy of war in other lands to open up my eyes. Again I bow my head but this time deep within me stirs a mighty prayer, part of one vast design, "God, help me make America as proud that I am hers— as I am proud, and grateful she is mine!"

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The Right (and Wrong) Way to Show Videos in Class

As the access to iPads, laptops, SMART Boards, and LCD projectors increases in Catholic schools, so does demand for engaging media to use as learning tools. In particular, many teachers are seeking out short videos to use in class to supplement their instruction. As showing videos in class becomes easier, it is important to consider how exactly those videos are being used as tools for learning. Consider these suggestions for the wrong and the right way to show videos in theology classrooms. The WRONG Way to Show Videos in Class Send students to the Internet to find videos themselves. Now that anyone can upload a video to YouTube, there is no telling what false information students will find and trust on the web. Before endorsing any video, you need to vet it for accuracy and point out any errors or misleading information that might appear in a video your students are watching. This is especially the case when dealing with videos about God and the Church. Assign a video without context or questions. When you have students watch a video be sure to connect it to what they have learned in class or read in their textbooks. Do not let them watch the video in isolation from what you are trying to accomplish in class. Give them the context of what they are watching and give them some questions to answer while they watch. Show long videos and documentaries without interruption. While a documentary may display valuable information for the students, they still need reminders about what is important or relevant to the lessons they have learned in class. Pause the video and clarify what you want them to remember. Then you can reference each part of the video in later discussions or lessons. Do not give the students the opportunity to talk. While walking out of a movie theater, people talk about the film they just watched. The same should apply to in-class videos. Give the students the opportunity to talk about the videos they watch in class. Give them some discussion questions or guide the discussion as an entire class. The RIGHT Way to Show Videos in Class Use graphic organizers. A graphic organizer is a visual way to represent and organize information. Graphic organizers are excellent tools to use while watching videos. You can create these graphic organizers yourself or search for common forms of them on the Internet. Use comprehension questions. Have students answer specific questions while following along with a video. This will enable them to know what is most important about a video before they even start to watch it. If they can't answer the question, then they can go back and watch the video again until they get it. Use discussion questions. Unlike comprehension questions, discussion questions are open-ended and require people to take a position or form an argument. These questions require critical thinking. They almost always start with "why" or "how." Refer back to videos later on. Students will remember the videos. If you refer back to them in lecture or subsequent lessons, you will help solidify the key take-aways in their minds. Have them recall key videos and build upon what they remember. Create your own screencasts. Use free or paid technology to record your lectures as videos that students can watch at home or during class. The key benefit is that they can rewatch the videos of concepts they do not completely understand. It also frees up class time to work on projects and assignments under your supervision. This is essentially the "flipping the classroom" approach to classroom instruction. Read more: "5 Ways Teachers Can Use Screencasts to Engage Student Learning". Use Videos to Supplement Ave Maria Press Textbooks To help meet the growing demand for high quality educational videos in theology classes, we have collected a number of YouTube videos to use in class with Ave Maria Press textbooks. In addition, you can find questions to gage comprehension or inspire discussion. Each video is connected to specific chapters and even pages of the textbook. Check out the latest videos for your Ave Maria Press textbook including: Meeting Jesus in the Sacraments The Church Our Story Sacred Scripture Jesus Christ: God's Revelation to the World (questions coming soon) Jesus Christ: His Mission and Ministry (questions coming soon) Jesus Christ: Source of Our Salvation (questions coming soon) Exploring the Religions of Our World Ave Maria Press also offers two documentaries to use in class along with free, downloadable teaching materials: Monseñor DVD Monseñor: The Last Journey of Óscar Romero Study Guide (English) Monseñor: The Last Journey of Óscar Romero Study Guide (Spanish) Dying to Live Migration and the Church Mini-Unit (photo credit: Dave Fancher)

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