July 2011

Summer: Extraordinary Time

Pentecost While the month of July falls in Ordinary Time on the liturgical calendar, we know that summer is more like “extraordinary time.” Just like school days, our summer days can become filled to the brim with activities and adventures. July 29 is the Feast Day of St. Martha of Bethany. She was a close friend of Jesus and he visited with her and her sister, Mary and brother Lazarus many times. Jesus’ lesson for Martha, and for all of us, is that while we might busy ourselves with many things, the one thing that truly matters is to be fully present and open to Christ each day.

As the newest member of the editing team here at OSV’s “Teaching Catholic Kids,” I want you to know that I’m thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful resource for helping families grow in our Catholic faith! I also want to let you know a bit about me… I am a full-time Director of Faith Formation at a large, Catholic parish in the suburbs of Minneapolis, MN. My husband, Cory and I will have been married for fourteen years in August – whew! – and we have two young children, Aidan who is six and Amelia who is three. I am also a contributing writer and editor here at OSV, specifically the editor of Take Out: Family Faith on the Go. I have an MA in Theology from the St. Thomas School of Divinity with a focus on the sacred scriptures, adult formation, women’s spirituality and marriage and family matters.

May your summer be blessed with all the wonders and love of the Lord!

E-mail Heidi

--Heidi Busse and the OSV staff
Share your suggestions and questions

This month on Teaching Catholic Kids

Activity One: (Grades K-5): July 4 Activities

Activity Two (Grade 6 and up): 'Deciphering music's influence on the soul, in youth and adults

Discussion Questions and Evalution of Music:

What passions are being moved by the song? Am I being moved toward God or away from God?
Evaluate the lyrics of a song or songs. What's the message being presented?

Teacher Pattern: Feasts of Ss. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus

Lifelong Catechesis Corner:
Gather for family prayer around a small bowl of soil. Use this week's responsorial psalm for the refrain. "The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest." Ask each family member to name one action he or she has done or has seen another family member do during the week that proclaimed God's word of love, justice, and peace.
Family Activity

Catholic Stewardship for Kids:

Summer Stewardship means taking stock of all of God’s good gifts – hot days and warm nights, flowers in bloom, friends and family gathering together at ballgames, parks and picnics.
How might your family pause and give thanks to the Lord for these marvelous summer days?
For more ideas, visit the OSV Lifelong Catechesis site

Soul Food for Teachers: Read today's meditation

Catechist Know-How: Preparing for Battle, from Mary Lou Rosien

Prayer

(Adapted from Psalm 96)

Leader: Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Sing to the LORD, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.

All: Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
Let all creation rejoice before the LORD!

Also on www.TeachingCatholicKids.com: