Teaching Catholic Kids April 2009

Easter Joy

I love Holy Week. As a teenager, I had the privilege of working as the sacristan of my home parish in New York. I remember working 40 to 50 hours over the course of the three days of the Triduum. (My mother came to expect that Easter Monday would be a “sick” day for me, and I would get to stay home from school and sleep.) While I was indeed tired on Easter Sunday evening, I loved every minute of the preparations for Easter Sunday.

The memory that has stuck with me most of all from those days at my parish is the smiles on the faces of the catechumens being welcomed into the Church through the RCIA. Recollecting their joy as they received the Eucharist for the first time reminds me of how we should never take for granted this wonderful gift from God, and should always recognize that receiving the Eucharist is the most important thing we do as Catholics.

As we approach Holy Week and Easter Sunday, I wish each of you a Happy and Blessed Easter!

Ideas from the Field

Question of the Month: “What resource would you love to have when working with children?” Please send me your ideas and comments at ddziena@osv.com. Thanks also for your wonderful feedback in our online surveys. They have been extremely helpful.

Sacramental Family Posters -- Individual posters are available for

Gain the families' attention while reinforcing classroom study with a colorful poster that families can reference and display proudly. In addition to the personalized color front, the back is filled with helpful summaries of classroom teaching, family prayers, and easy how-tos!

Click here to download a PDF that outlines how to use Catholic Parent Know How: Preparing Your Child for First Communion and My First Communion Preparation Family Poster for parent/family meetings or retreats»

Student Prayer Cards -- Individual prayer cards are available for

Practical remembrance for every child underscores the importance of these special milestones.

Don't forget to go to our Catholic Links page to help you with all things Catholic! Just click here for Catholic Links»

To link to Teaching Catholic Kids, use our web address: www.teachingcatholickids.com.

This month on TCK

Activity One (Grades K-5): Basket Blessings PDF»

Activity Two (Grade 6 and up): From OSV Newsweekly, “Mission of Hope”»
Activity: As a class, create a fund raiser and/or donate to Catholic Relief Services. Visit www.crs.org for more information.

Teacher Pattern: Alleluia! A coloring activity and discussion PDF»

Soul Food for Teachers: 2009 marks the 800th Anniversary of the Franciscan Order. As we enter Holy Week and the Easter season, read Woodeene Koenig-Bricker’s article on the influence of the Franciscans in the devotion of the Stations of the Cross. May God bless the work they do. Read the article here»

Catechist Know-How: From Mary Lou Rosien--"Time Management"»
Don't miss Mary Lou's parish column, either--"Sacrifice or Punishment?"»

Be sure to visit Easter: Our Allelujah of Salvation, with help for celebrating a Catholic Easter! Guide to Holy Week, the history of Easter eggs, the Easter story, craft ideas, and information about Divine Mercy Sunday. Visit here»

Take Out for Easter

A must-have this year is the Easter issue of Take Out: Family Faith on the Go. To order, or to inquire about a bulk subscription for your parish, please call 800-348-2440. To order an individual Take Out subscription, click here»

Discovery Canyon Catholic VBS

It’s Not Too Late... Order Discovery Canyon for this Summer’s Catholic Vacation Bible School

From the top names in Catholic publishing comes an all-new, Catholic VBS! Stop settling for less, and mark your calendars for the most enriching, rewarding, and faith-filled experience yet! For a video preview, click here»

Imprimatur on all components!
DRE approved!
Easy to implement!
Loads of fun!

An Easter Prayer

Heavenly Father and God of mercy,
we no longer look for Jesus among the dead,
for he is alive and has become the Lord of life.
From the waters of death you raise us with him
and renew your gift of life within us.
Increase in our minds and hearts
the risen life we share with Christ
and help us to grow as your people
toward the fullness of eternal life with you.
We ask this through Christ our Lord

The Roman Missal [c] 1973, ICEL.

From OSV's new prayer card for Easter. Order here»

Email reminder

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For past months of Teaching Catholic Kids, click here»

Feedback Corner

We want to hear from you! Comment on Teaching Catholic Kids, Our Sunday Visitor products, or suggest new products by emailing Dave at ddziena@osv.com.