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CCD hs: grace + sin + service journal (day 9)
In our high school Confirmation class, we reviewed everything we learned to date using handouts of outlined points covered each day (basically our catechist notes). I then covered GRACE, SIN, and CONFESSION. The visual illustrations are my own (in parenthesis) that I used to teach these “highly religious” words to 7th graders years ago. (If you have any other suggestions or comments, please let me know.)
—Holy = to be set apart and united with God.
—Grace = free and undeserved gift of God’s love and life. (like “air”)
—Sanctifying Grace = supernatural gift from God where our sins are forgiven & are made holy. First receive thru Baptism & continually sanctified through all sacraments. (like “clean air“) Lost by mortal sin.
—Actual Grace = God’s impulse to help in our everyday lives. (like “sweet smells”)
—Sacramental Grace = graces specific to each sacrament. (like “satellite TV”)
—Sin = freely choosing to do something that we know is wrong and against God’s will; we can sin in thought, word, action, or by omission. (like “rejecting air”)
—Mortal Sin = serious offense that breaks our relationship with God & His grace. (like “holding your breath”) Requirements are …
- it must be a grave matter
- we must know we are sinning
- we must freely choose to sin
—Venial Sin = a less serious offense that weakens our relationship with God. (like “smoking”)
—Sacrament of Reconciliation = by confessing mortal sins with a contrite heart to a priest (in persona Christi = in the person of Christ), we are reconciled with God and with the Church, the Body of Christ. Penance is the whole cycle of conversion, forgiveness and making reparation (repaying any debt) for our sins. This strengthens us to resist future temptations.
—CONFESSION Procedure …
Spend some time reflecting on your actions and do a thorough examination of conscience.- Go in the confessional & greet the priest.
- Make the sign of the cross together.
- Begin: “Bless me Father for I have sinned. It has been (time) since my last confession.”
- Confess your sins.
- Priest will speak to you and/or share something from Scripture.
- Priest will give you your penance.
- You will say the Act of Contrition.
- Priest will pray the prayer of absolution.
- Thank the priest & leave confessional.
- Spend some time doing your penance.
We finished the class by giving examples on their “Christian Service” Journal reflection that is due next time.
CCD hs: St Ignatius + BAPTiSM + PRAY + ARRR + journaling (day 8)
In our high school Confirmation class, today was supposed to be a review of everything to day, but I couldn’t get my handouts run off in time, so I took the cue from the saint presented today and taught on next week’s topic, PRAYER.
St Ignatius of Loyola (16th century; feast day July 31) injured in battle at age 30. During recovery, he read the life of the saints & responded strongly to a personal call by God. He was convinced that God could be found in all things, and was guided by an inner peace (“consolation”) that comes from knowing one is doing the will of God. Developed the “Spiritual Exercises,” a practical guide to live a truly Christian life with prayer & especially devoted to the name of Christ (IHS). His companions were called the “Company of Jesus,” today called the “Society of Jesus,” or the Jesuits, one of the largest religious communities in the world. Besides the 3 vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, members take a 4th vow of obedience to the Pope.
Prayer of Self-Offering to God
— by St Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
Take, O Lord, and receive my entire liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my whole will. All that I am and all that I possess, You have given me. I surrender it all to You to be disposed of according to Your Will. Give me only Your love and Your grace; with these I will be rich enough and will desire nothing more.
Sacrament of Marriage … purpose is …
- —Pro-create (open to children),
- —Educate (evangelize your Catholic children)
- —Holy Mate (get your spouse to heaven)
Types of prayers … B.A.P.T.i.S.M.
- BLESSING – invoke God’s power for a person, place or activity
- ADORATION – the “created” before the Creator
- PRAISE – glory God (for who He is)
- THANKSGIVING – gratitude (for what He does)
- i ASK for ME (petition) + OTHERS (intercession)
- SORRY – ask of forgiveness
- MEDITATION – tuning into God, reflection (through quiet prayer, Sacred Scripture, lectio divina, liturgy of the hours, Rosary, holy icons, imagery, books of daily devotion, lives of saints, works of spirituality, etc.)
The MASS includes ALL these types of prayer
CONTEMPLETIVE prayer — “silent love” — a deep awareness of God’s presence by being alone with God who we know loves us (“centering prayer” helps develop skills)
Steps in prayer … P.R.A.Y.
- PRAISE = God for who He is + thanksgiving
- REPENT = confess + rec forgiveness + change
- ASK = for others + me (see A.R.R.R.)
- YIELD = be open to God’s voice & His Will
[PRAYER] When your spending time in personal prayer with the Lord, here’s a good outline to follow . . . . A.R.R.R.
Personal Prayer … A.R.R.R.
- ACKNOWLEDGE –- How’s my life right now? Pay attention to your thought + feelings + desires (“the Big 3”).
- RELATE -– Tell God about ALL “3” honestly.
- RECEIVE -– Quiet your mind, focus on God, & listen to “the Big 3.” (Discern spirits)
- RESPOND -– do what you NEED to do
—When you have something to talk to the Lord about, process your “Big 3” with this model.
HOMEWORK:
(1) 3 prayer journals — letters to God, (2) Chapter 3 Quiz, (3) Chapter 17 Quiz
CCD hs: Old Testament + CCC (day 7)
Today, in our high school Confirmation class, we covered Chapter 3 on Old Testament. We also included in introduction the the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) with a project assignment (a report or display or collage) based on individually assigned CCC quotes.
St Veronica (“bearer of victory”) wiped the face of Jesus on the road to Calvary. His image remained on the cloth. Her feast day is July 12, same day as the Holy Face of Jesus.
Interpreting the Bible
- –Literalist
- –Contextualist
“Four Religious Truths” ( 2nd Creation Story)
- –God is one
- –God planned creation
- –God created everything good
- –God made the Sabbath holy
Sin, Personal Sin, Social Sin, Original Sin
Bible books (p34)
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)
- www.usccb.org/catechism/text/
- “CCC #” = is the paragraph # in the CCC
- –Part 1: CREED (Prof of Faith)
- –Part 2: SACRAMENTS (Celebrate Mystery)
- –Part 3: MORALITY (Life in Christ)
- –Part 4: PRAYER
HOMEWORK:
(1) handout “Rays of Hope” Links, and (2) assigned CCC project (report or display)
CCD hs: Confirmation Commitment Mass (with Fr Whyte) (day 6)
Today, our high school Confirmation class had a Mass in celebration of their Confirmation Commitment this year. At one point during Mass, the teens presented Fr Whyte (pastor) with a contract involving their understanding and responsibilities in preparing this year for the sacrament of Confirmation. It was signed & presented by both teen and parents.
In preparing for Confirmation, I will …
- —attend Mass on Sundays & holy days
- —attend & participate in class
- —pray regularly
- –assume more responsibility for my own faith
- –be involved & journal my Christian service
- –attend any additional activities
- —ask for help from the Blessed Trinity, my family, my sponsor and my friends
CCD hs: Reconciliation catechesis (by Fr Chris Bartos) (day 5)
Today, our high school Confirmation class was asked to help greet, usher & lector for a sacramental catechesis for those preparing for the sacrament of Reconciliation. It was a prayer service mixed with catechesis by Fr Chris Bartos. Even though about 10 of our kids are also preparing for Reconciliation, their “service” to the parish community is an experience of their “call to service” as they prepare this year to Confirm their faith with their parish family at St Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church.
CCD hs: Faith + Vocations + St Teresa of Avila (day 4)
Opening prayer song reflection, (live crowd) “Amazing Grace” by Paul Oakley
[Book QUIZ] on Chapter 1 (Faith)
St Teresa of Avila – (16th century mystic Carmelite religious sister, feast Oct 15) as a teen she lost interest in her faith, instead falling in love with boys & chivalry, mother died as a teen, placed in monastery, love of God rekindled, suffered repeated serious illnesses, struggled with prayer, experienced mystical visions of Christ, raptures (joyful unions with God), taught on prayer, “doctor of the Church” (influential writings).
VOCATION = “a call” by God to holiness
”Primary” Vocation … “to be a beloved child to our heavenly Father”
“State of Life” Vocation …
- —Single, Consecrated Single
- —Married (husband/father, wife/mother)
- —Religious sister or brother
- —Priesthood (clergy)
“Service” Vocation … career, ministry, etc.
CCD hs: God Positions + St Francis of Assisi (day 3)
Today, in our high school Confirmation class, Jose covered much of Chapter 1: Light of Faith. We discussed a story about Tommy, an “atheist in residence,” who wasn’t sure if he’d ever find God. A priest assured him, “I don’t think you’ll ever find God. But I’m certain that God will find you.” It wasn’t until years later when Tommy developed cancer that his quest for God became more fervent. We realized in times of desperate need, Tommy was looking for a “quick fix” — not for a God to love. Unless he reached out to God in love, his faith would be short-lived and his spiritual growth negligible. God is not a 911 number that you call in emergencies. When we’re lost, how does God find us? God finds us in the sense that God does not give up on us. Rather, God continually graces us to open our hearts to him as Tommy finally did.
We also clarified, with a chalkboard matching activity, the various “God Positions” that people choose:
- Atheist = denies there is a God
- Agnostic = doesn’t deny or affirm God
- Theist = affirms a personal God
- Deist = affirms impersonal God
- Monotheist = affirms only one God
- Polytheist = affirms many gods
We also had a couple guys (Andy & Principe) introduce themselves and their assigned Saint to present. The pair presented St Francis of Assisi on a awesome display board.
ASSIGNMENTS: handout + read Chapters 1 & 2 + be ready for quiz
CCD hs: parents orientation (day 1)
A local parish, St Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, needed catechists for their Religious Education program on Tuesday & Wednesday nights. Since I go to St Mark’s for Mass occasionally & Wednesday Bible study, I guess I consider it a “2nd home parish,” so I volunteered to help. I was paired up with Jose A., another former seminarian (3 years in Colombia), who’s very excited about our High School Confirmation class of 24 kids, so far. Most showed up today with their parents for a large group orientation with the DRE and pastor in the church. We got to introduce ourselves for about 20 minutes at the end.
— Even though it wasn’t really “planned,” I can already see the blessings that will come from my passion for catechesis being used on Sunday’s at my home parish with 7th graders and here on Tuesday nights with high school teens.
CSS Bible study on Romans
Tonight was the first night of a 25 week Bible study on the book of Romans that a friend told me about. It is a strictly Catholic group study by Catholic Scripture Study International. The $50 individual registration comes with a binder of lessons and study sheets. The weekly study involves facilitator guiding us through the teachings, DVD’s and individual sharing homework answers. This study of Romans is written by Scott Hahn, a well renown Catholic convert.
The book of Romans is probably the single most disputed Biblical book between Catholics and Protestants. This book written by St. Paul is the book from which Martin Luther built his doctrine of “justification by faith alone”. Luther twisted St. Paul’s words to fit his own false teaching and even added (in his Lutheran Bible) the word “alone” to Romans 3:28 in his attempt to further enhance his doctrine of “Sola Fide” (meaning that by faith alone we are saved).
There are over 100 participants in my area. The study is done at two Catholic parishes: St Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in Southwest Ranches, FL and St Bernadette Parish in Hollywood, FL.
Monday … 8:45am to 10:15am … @ St Bernadette Parish
Wednesday … 7:30pm to 9:00pm … @ St Mark Parish
Thursday … 8:45am to 10:15am … @ St Mark Parish
Thursday … 3:30pm to 5:00pm … @ St Mark Parish
— There’s about 30+ in the Wednesday night class so far. I’m excited.
SJVCS Seminary Life Album
July '09 -- hospital chaplains @ IPF
Easter '09 -- Miami SJVCS friends
the Son always finds a break in let the clouds
Feb '09 -- school vocation talks @ AMHS
Feb '09 -- cold breakfast with brothers (Matias, Fenly & Randy), now at SVDP and Imad (at SJVCS)
Superbowl '09 -- eating great @ SJVCS
Sept '08 -- Worklist Coordinators?
St Raphael Chapel mural @ SJVCS
Sept '08 -- retreats @ SJVCS
"It's not easy being green"
Catholic Kermit 
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