Helping Students Discover the Roots of Faith
Here are two activities you can do with your students to help them to critique their own faith history and better answer the question “Why do I believe in Jesus”? In Class Help students reflect on their most strongly held beliefs about…
People Who Met and Recognized Jesus
During Jesus’ ministry many would-be friends and enemies did not recognize him or his mission as the Son of God. But several people did. Give the following list to the students and ask them to name some of the people who met and recognized…
A Reflection on the Threefold Purpose of Catholic Education
In 1972, the United States Bishops released a popular and often-cited pastoral letter on catechesis: To Teach as Jesus Did. One of the main purposes of the letter was to give form to the vision of Catholic education, reeling in many ways…
Christ Portrayed
Ask the students to do an Internet search to find links for the following paintings. Each selection presents a different dimension of Christ.
How Do You “Love One Another”?
In dying on the Cross, Jesus gave the greatest gift of love to all people and for all times. How can your students emulate this gift of love in their everyday lives?
Prayer Experience: “The Light of the World”
For this prayer experience you will need tapers, slips of paper, and something to write with. Gather the students in an open space. Have them sit in a circle. Give each person an unlit taper candle. Follow these directions.
“The Bethlehem Explosion”
The following lesson centers around the poem "The Bethlhem Explosion" by acclaimed author Madeline L'Engle. The accompanying background material and lesson is taken from The Catholic Spirit: An Anthology for Discovering Faith…
Jesus Teaches about Prayer
Jesus taught several things about prayer and how to pray. Have the students read each of the following examples. Have them write a summary for each example and explain the teaching on prayer.
Talking About Jesus!
As an icebreaker or a way to introduce lessons on a variety of theology topics, allow the chance for your students to share some of their ideas about Jesus.
Comparing Accounts of Jesus’ Baptism
Assign the following comparison of the accounts of Jesus' Baptism from the four Gospels. Have the students note similarities and differences.