September 2011

New Beginnings

school Autumn is a time of change of new beginnings. And whether your family is dealing with a new school or simply a new grade-level, change can be scary. Jesus knew this. He reminds us over and over in the gospels to “be not afraid” because no matter what we face in our daily lives, He is by our side. This month’s Teaching Catholic Kids is filled with tips and activities to help kids grow in faith throughout autumn and beyond. Because as Catholic Christians we believe that if we make Christ the center of our lives, then we truly have nothing to fear (not even school).

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May God bless your family with health, happiness and holiness!

--Heidi Busse and the OSV staff
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This month on Teaching Catholic Kids

New feature! September at a Glance (PDF download)

Activity One: (Grades K-5): Welcome Stories!

Activity Two (Grade 6 and up): Moving Past Fear

Questions:

Think of a time when you were anxious or afraid. What helped you calm down and get through that situation? Did you pray?
Are there ways to help others who might be nervous or afraid sometimes at school or in social situations? What might you do?

Lifelong Catechesis Corner:
Many of the gospels in the month of September are parables that Jesus tells about justice and forgiveness. With the ten-year anniversary of September 11 upon us, talk with your kids about how forgiveness is important in families, with friends and in the wider community and world. While Jesus stresses the importance of forgiving one another, he also talks about justice. Even though we may be forgiven, we may still be held accountable for our actions. Read the parable of the King and His servants in Matthew 18: 21-35. Activities online at Lifelong Catechesis page.

Catholic Stewardship for Kids:

Be bold in faith! Say "hello" to someone who you might not normally acknowledge at school, in your parish youth group, religious education program or neighborhood. Good stewardship begins with hospitality and warmth.
For more ideas, visit the OSV Lifelong Catechesis site

Soul Food for Teachers: Anyway

Catechist Know-How: 'More technical safety', from Mary Lou Rosien

Prayer

We thank you God for the gift of work. We may not always like it, but the responsibilities and jobs we have at home and school will help us grow up to be capable and happy people. We are grateful for our parents and teachers who show us how to take care of ourselves, our homes, and school and who model the value of work. As we grow older we pray that we will continue to learn how to do many new things that will benefit others and ourselves. Help us to remember to give glory to God in everything we do each day, through our work and play. Amen.

Also on www.TeachingCatholicKids.com: