Pope Francis and his Top Ten Secrets to Happiness
The search for happiness is a universal human quest. Although our deepest desires for happiness can only be fulfilled by God in Heaven, there are steps that Christians can take to experience more joy here in this lifetime. Pope Francis recently…
An Additional Lesson on Death and Dying
Here's a followup to the case of Britany Maynard, the 29 year-old woman with brain cancer who moved from California to Oregon to take advantage of Oregon’s physician assisted suicide law, the Oregon Death with Dignity Act. She had learned…
Dying a Holy Death
You and your students have likely heard of the story in the news of Britany Maynard, a 29 year-old woman who learned she had brain cancer earlier this year shortly after she was married. The disease is terminal and Maynard has said she will end her…
Expecting Shane
Jenna and Dan Haley of Philadelphia learned their unborn son, Shane, had anencephaly, a condition which means that he would be born without parts of his brain and skull and that he would die shortly after birth. Knowing that they would have only a…
Reflection on Driving While Drunk
With summer here, teens run the risk of many dangerous situations including the possibility they will drive or be in a car with someone who is impaired by alcohol. Use the occasion of summer to share with them the very meaningul poem below.
Divergent in the Classroom
Veronica Roth’s trilogy, beginning with the book and movie Divergent, has been a recent hit with teens. Sixteen-year-old Tris and eighteen-year-old “Four” live in the remnants of Chicago, an area ravaged by war, surrounded by a…
Resolve to Avoid Gossip
During his papacy, Pope Francis has spoke many times on the topic of gossip. Pointedly, Pope Francis said, “Gossip always has a criminal side to it. There is no such thing as innocent gossip.” Address the topic with your students as a…
Helping Teens Do the Right Thing
Teens always want to have helps for making the right decision or doing the right thing. Share these different “tests” they can take to help them make a good decision on the spot. Tell them to ask themselves these questions based on the…
Pro-Life Flash Mob
October is Respect Life month but a teen-led effort for life that is one to remember occurred in February 2011 on a snowy, wintry day in downtown Chicago. The taxpayer-subsidized Planned Parenthood organized a pro-abortion “Walk for…
Homeless Man’s Return of Money Can Spark Discussion
Commissioner Edward Davis recently honored Glen James for the character James displayed when returning $42,000 in cash to its rightful owner on Saturday, September 14. Check out the complete story before exploring some questions like those below…