§ 20 Free Web Apps to Use in the Classroom - This article provides you with links to online resources for Teachers. Some of the tools listed and described can be useful for DRE's and religious education teachers. The introductory paragraph of the article reads as follows: "Teachers who are looking to transform their classroom with new technology can find many free resources online. Many of these resources are web-based and do not require any download. This list provides 20 free web apps that work particularly well in the classroom."

§ Building Community Using Online Tools for Collaboration by Susan Brooks-Young, CATHECIST Magazine, September 2009

Collaborative, interactive learning has always been important in meeting students' educational needs. Bring collaborative learning into the internet age with online virtual learning communities.

Religious Education Products

For a review of Religious education products see The Latest Scoop.

Resources on the Sunday Readings

Background articles and commentaries, homilies, children's stories, art, clipart, videos and other resources on the Mass readings for upcoming Sundays:

Printable Monthly Calendar September 2009 Calendar Printout October 2009 Calendar Printout

Words of Wisdom Posters Click on the images for a full-size version   One must see God in everyone. - Saint Catherine Laboure Nobody is a Christian for oneself alone. The gift of faith is given to us so that by word and example we may become witnesses before others.-Pope John Paul II More Word of Wisdom Posters Scripture Cards Download and print a sheet of four scripture cards to print, cut and give to students, catechumens, or friends . Mt 5:14.16 Download Luke 11.9 Download Also see Bible Verses Cards (new), Scripture Clipart Cards and Scripture Posters Articles Online § The Priesthood Today: We're All in This Together by James Martin S.J., American Catholic.org, "Pope Benedict XVI has declared a Year for Priests. What is a Catholic priest? In what ways do we need priests today? How does one discern or choose a vocation to the priesthood? America editor, Jesuit priest and sometimes commentator on National Public Radio James Martin explains." § Sacrament of Reconciliation: Celebrating the Mercy of God, by Thomas Richtatter O.F.M., American Catholic.org, "Catholics celebrate their faith through all of the sacraments. Among the seven sacraments, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, or the Sacrament of Penance, is an important key to the Catholic living. Vatican II helped Catholics to see this sacrament in a new way." Articles in the September 2009 edition of the CATECHIST Magazine - Online edition: Feeding My Soul with New Beginnings, Work, and Rest by Sister Alice Ann Pfeifer CSA "Feeding My Soul is designed especially for you—the catechist. It names a catechetical value and gives you the words of prayer for your personal time with the Lord." The September Stimulus Package by Marlene Sweeney "Concrete suggestions and up-to-date information and insight about parish catechetical leadership." Getting Class Started by Lee Danesco One way to direct pre-class enthusiasm into the faith-sharing experience of the day is through creative opening prayer. Digital Storytelling in the Classroom by Tim Welch I am convinced that Jesus knew what he was doing in using stories to convey his vision of the Reign of God. I think he knew what it took to make his vision go "viral." Back to Basics by Mary Elizabeth Sperry "The beginning of a new learning year is a great time to focus on fundamentals." The Word of God: Relevant and Powerful by Margaret Ralph, Ph.D. When you hear the phrase, "the Word of God," what comes to mind? Many of us think immediately of Scripture. Classroom Invitations to Ponder Our Faith by Michael J. Daley "As a teacher, I've always taken a certain amount of pride in the appearance of my room." Making Catechetical Sunday Last All Year Long by Kate Ristow Each year, on the third weekend of September, we celebrate Catechetical Sunday. We honor catechists and their service to the ministry of the Word. Let's Begin with the Gift of Listening by Jeanne Heiberg "The beginning of the school year is a good time to remind ourselves and our students of the importance of listening well." Advice from Master Catechists - September 2009 by Kate Ristow, Dan Thomas, Chris Weber, and Sister Janet Schaeffler How can I use "hard economic times" in my lessons? How can I share my personal stories with students? The 3 Rs of a Classroom Community by Linda Byrne Growing the class together as a community is a desirable goal for all catechists. The Invitation by Mary McEntee McGill As catechetical leaders, we want to begin the year by encouraging and blessing those men and women who have accepted the invitation to join your team in the important ministry of sharing faith. How to Create a Successful Parent Open House by Victoria Giulianelli Our parish successfully completed its first Faith Formation Open House for grades K- 5. We chose a theme for our unique open house: "We are on a mission to change one heart at a time." Three Approaches to Difficult Children by Sr. Patricia McCarthy, CND Dealing with difficult children is an age-old classroom problem. The author describes how three simple changes in the teacher's approach to student behavior can make a world of difference. Getting Ready for the Year by Julie Young From bulletin boards to new classroom supplies, discover ideas to help you create a classroom that welcomes students back to school. The Catholic School of Life: Respect for Life is Not Just a Program of Instruction by Joan Minardi Harniman Make respect for life an integral part of students' school lives with these activities geared toward students of all ages.

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