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"Conservation and Catholic Imagination" explores the intersection of the Catholic faith and environmental stewardship, emphasizing the importance of integrating ecological care into religious life. The essay highlights how Catholic teachings and figures of the Catholic Church advocate for ecological conversation, urging Catholics to see conservation as a moral and spiritual responsibility. This resource can be used in a critical analysis activity to encourage students to view environmental care as a key part of living their faith.

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Conservation and the Catholic Imagination

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In our present social arena, religion and science are too often pitted against one another, like cocks spurred to fight. As citizens, we lose sight of the common natural stage we share of awe, wonder, inquiry, imagination, concern, and service. Both sides fail to tap into the energies stored in the surrounding crowds. All that results are brief bursts of applause that fade quickly away. If we want to make lasting changes in ethics and conservation to preserve the planet’s abundance and livability, we need to release the cocks and bust out of the pit. We may have to lure the cocks out by learning more about them, calling them by name, and singing their songs.

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List of various resources for students to analyze how religious themes influence literature. This activity helps students understand the intersection of religion and culture.

1. Paradise Lost by John Milton: A poem that explores Christian themes, especially the "man's first disobedience."

2. "The Divine Comedy" by Dante Alighieri: A poem that explores morality and a person's journey towards God

3. "Literature Through the Eyes of Faith" by Susan V. Gallagher and Roger Lundin: is a novel that examines literacy as a form of human action and argues that the reading and writing of library worlds provide vital ways for men and women to act as responsible agents in God's world.

The link is a list of faith books from the Christian scholars website that has various literary words broken down into different categories.

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Top Faith Animating Learning Books - Christian Scholar's Review

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The rest of the books that focus on faith and learning in a particular discipline. Usually these works can help give the novice an orientation regarding the faith-learning conversation in the particular field. The list purposely left out the fields of Biblical Studies, Theology and Church History apart from a general list of some classic texts since those will be heavily influenced by theological tradition.

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Have students express their interpretations of literary themes through art. Students can draw, paint, sculpt, or use digital art. Students are works are inspired by various religious symbols and their meanings.

Using the book "Christian Symbols and Their Meaning" by George Ferguson, students can explore the meanings of various Christian symbols used in resonance art, which can be used as inspiration for student artworks.

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First published in 1954 and having gone through several editions, this comprehensive book remains the authoritative source in the study of symbols in Christian art. This paperback edition includes all of the three hundred fifty illustrations from the original edition, as well as the complete and unabridged text, revealing . the symbolism inherent in representations of religious personages, the Earth and Sky, animals, birds, insects, and flowers. In addition to a discussion of objects treated symbolically in Christian art, George Ferguson explores Old Testament characters and events and their symbolic representation in art. In addition to a discussion of objects treated symbolically in Christian art, George Ferguson explores Old Testament characters and events and their symbolic representation in art.

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First published in 1954 and having gone through several editions, this comprehensive book remains the authoritative source in the study of symbols in Christian art. This paperback edition includes all of the three hundred fifty illustrations from the original edition, as well as the complete and unabridged text, revealing .

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Virtual Field Trip of the Vatican Museums 

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Virtual Field Trip of the Vatican Museums 

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This resource can be used as an art and history lesson. Students will be guided through key exhibits, discussing the religious and cultural significance of various artworks.

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Students can create a digital, interactive station if the cross experience. The platform Thinglink helps students make an image-based joinery through the stations, where students can include reflections, prayers, and connections to the modern day for each station.

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The BibleProject is a website that has a list of various short visual explanations that show how the Bible is a unified story that leads to Jesus. Each video has a list of discussion questions to reflect on with your students and engage in conversations about the themes and messages from the stories.

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Join over 500,000 people who never miss an update on new BibleProject content.

Psalm 8

What exactly is the role of humans in the story of the Bible? Why does God care so much about us as powerless, created beings, and why are we compared to babbling babies in Psalm 8. In this video, we explore God's purpose for humanity and all creation.

Genesis 1

Watch an explanation of the story of God's creation of the universe in Genesis 1. Learn how these key bible verses are designed to show us God's purpose.

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Short Animated Bible Videos | Watch and Download for Free

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Explore BibleProject's extensive library of videos to confidently understand books of the Bible, key themes, important words, and more. Watch for free now.

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Piston is an online platform that allows students to create their own comic strips. Students can create a comic book or graphic novels about the lives of saints. This project combines art, writing and religious education. Allowing students to deeply explore the stories of saints and their relevance today.

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Pixton helps students build reading and writing skills through creative comic-making. Boost engagement, meet standards, and make learning stick in any subject.

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"Building a Bridge" by Fr. James Martin is a book that encourages dialogue and understanding between the church and the 2SLGBTQ+ community, offering a compassionate approach to support. This resource can be used as a way to facilitate discussions, write essays critically analyzing the values and messages of the book, or create projects.

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The Trevor Product is an organization that provides valuable reprises and crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ youth. There are a lot of great resources to share with students and review as a teacher to ensure you are supporting all students in your classroom.

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Mental Health Archives - The Trevor Project

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This resource offers various guidelines and practices that can be adapted to fit Catholic schools. The document focuses on different ways, as teachers, we can create a safe and welcoming environment for all students.

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This is a toolkit created by the Catholic education services in the UK. The toolkit provides strategies for creating an inclusive environment while using Catholic teachings. The goal of the document is to challenge homophobic and biphobic bullying in Catholic schools. The document explores how the Catholic social teachings connect to supporting all people regardless of sexuality and how, as teachers, we can create education to ensure everyone feels welcomed and safe in the classroom. The document also has various lessons to teach students about topics such as judging others and what the gospel says about loving and supporting each other as opposed to judging and condemning.

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This resource offers guidelines and lesson plans that integrate values and teachings from Catholic education into the school environment.

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Resources - Institute for Catholic Education

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This is a resource that has a wide range of materials for Catholic religious education for students from kindergarten to grade 12. The publishing group has a list of resources to help with sacramental preparation. There are many different books, videos, and other resources that teachers can use to help support and educate their students on the importance of the sacraments.

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When families become involved with a child's preparation to receive the Sacraments, two things happen-the child's experience is enriched and parents often have a renewed appreciation of what receiving that Sacrament has meant in their own lives. This shared experience is the key to the Together in Jesus program. Together in Jesus encourages families to talk about what a child learns in class-the stories, the activities, and the instruction about the specific Sacrament. Take-home materials and the "Questions Parents Ask" handout help families understand the Sacrament in a deeper way and support their children when they have questions!

Each Together in Jesus lesson builds carefully on the last. So when the big day arrives, both the child and the family are fully ready to receive, appreciate, and celebrate this great gift.

The Together in Jesus First Reconciliation program has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It is complete and affordable, with take-home leaflets for each lesson to get families involved, too.

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Sacramental Preparation - Pflaum Publishing Group

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When families become involved with a child's preparation to receive the Sacraments, two things happen-the child's experience is enriched and parents often have a renewed appreciation of what receiving that Sacrament has meant in their own lives. This shared experience is the key to the Together in Jesus program.

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Provides resources for sacramental proration. The resources include various lesson plans and activities. This resource can be accessed online, making it easy to access and use in the classroom.

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This is a resource that provides sacramental preparation materials for both students and teachers. This resource includes guides, activities, and reactions designed to deepen understanding and engagement with the sacraments. This resource can be used to support educators in delivering sacramental education that is theologically sound and accessible. This resource can help students and families connect deeply with their faith and helps foster a strong Catholic identity within the school community.

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Looking for Catholic sacramental preparation resources? Look no further! Below are some great ways to help prepare for Catholic Confirmation preparation, First Communion preparation, and Confession preparation!

Preparing to receive the sacraments is a very special time in a child's (or adult's) life! Not only is the experience full of spiritual fulfillment, but it creates opportunities for the entire Church family to affirm and celebrate their faith.

But let's back up. If your head is swimming trying to figure out what the seven sacraments in the Catholic faith are, keep reading.

Below I'll break down what exactly the Catholic sacraments are. After that, I'll give you some sacrament preparation resources for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation.

Why are sacraments important?

Sacraments are signs of God's grace in our lives. Sacraments are a tangible way God expresses this grace for us. They are a sign of Jesus' presence in our lives!

Guided by the Holy Spirit, the Church recognizes the existence of Seven Sacraments instituted by the Lord.

Through the Sacraments, God shares his holiness with us so that we, in turn, can make the world holier.

This is why sacrament preparation for Catholics is so important! Sacraments are signs that communicate God's grace in a really tangible way.

What are the 7 sacraments?

Baptism

Confirmation

Eucharist (also called Holy Communion)

Reconciliation (also called Confession)

Anointing of the Sick

Holy Orders

Matrimony (marriage)

The sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist are called the Sacraments of Initiation. During Baptism, we are cleansed of original sin. During confirmation, we confirm our life of faith, and during Holy Communion, our life of faith is nourished while we receive the Body and Blood of Christ!

Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick are called the Sacraments of Healing. Through Reconciliation, we receive God's forgiveness and during Anointing of the Sick, a person is anointed with oil and receives special prayers from a priest.

Holy Orders and Matrimony are called the Sacraments at the Service of Communion, or Sacraments of Service. Men are ordained as bishops, priests or deacons during the Sacrament of Holy Orders, and Holy Matrimony is when a couple is united in marriage.

Today, we're just going to focus on preparation of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation.

What is First Reconciliation in the Catholic Church?

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a sacrament in which God forgives our sins committed after Baptism.

Since God's mercy is infinite, we are always given a second chance (and a third and a fourth and as many as we need) as long as the sinner is heartily sorry for them, and sincerely confesses to them.

What is First Holy Communion?

The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, also called Holy Communion, is a sacrament in which Christ really becomes present under the appearance of bread and wine. Christ instituted the Eucharist during the Last Supper, the night before he died.

First Holy Communion is considered one of the holiest and most important events in a person's life! It is the first time that a person receives the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, which is eating the consecrated bread and drinking the consecrated wine (Jesus' Body and Blood.)

Catholic First Communion age

Most Catholic children receive their First Holy Communion when they are between 7 and 9. This is considered the age of reason. In general, the children are in 2nd grade.

What is Confirmation?

During confirmation, the person is "sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit." The Sacrament of Confirmation helps a person remain faithful to their baptismal commitment, and serve as witness to Christ by serving others!

Catholic Confirmation Age

The Sacrament of Confirmation usually occurs between the ages of 12 and 17.

Sacrament Preparation

Now that you know more about the sacraments, below are some ways to help you prepare for the sacraments of Confession, Communion and Confirmation.

Catholic Confession Preparation

Here are some resources to help you and/or your child prepare for First Reconciliation (confession!)
Scrambled Sacraments Card Game A Child's Guide to Confession book Going to Confession Activity Card
First Communion Preparation at Home

Here are some ways to prepare for First Holy Communion
1.) Talk about the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
Talk about the Last Supper and explain that the Catholic church believes that the host really becomes Jesus' body and the wine, Jesus' blood.
2.) Model reverence when receiving Holy Communion
While you're waiting to receive, keep your hands folded and try not to talk to your children. As you walk back, keep your hands folded and immediately kneel down in your pew until the altar is clear. Showing your children how important the Eucharist is to you will prompt them to follow in your footsteps.
3.) Practice receiving Holy Communion at home
For a child who has never received communion before, the actions and customs can seem overwhelming! Help them practice at home so they aren't nervous during the real deal, which will help them be fully present during the ceremony. This can be done with goldfish, Cheez-its, or small crackers.

Physical resources to help you prepare for First Holy Communion at home
Holy Communion Coloring and Activity Pages Brother Francis - Bread of Life DVD Holy Heroes First Communion Gift Box Inside the Sacraments: The Holy Eucharist DVD First Communion Preparation Cards - Boys First Communion Preparation Cards - Girls
Confirmation Preparation

Here are some steps you can take to prepare for Confirmation.

1. Find a saint you really connect with. This saint will help guide you through life, offering a good example to model yourself after.

2. Go to confession. It is important to go to Confession before Confirmation. This will put you in a state of grace, meaning free from sin, which will allow you to fully receive the gifts of Confirmation.

3. Take the time to really learn about what will be happening! Learn what each action done during Confirmation means below:

- The bishop or priest will pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit over you. When the Bishop extends his hands over you, he's asking the Holy Spirit to give you the same gifts that were given to Mary, the Apostles, and all the Saints.
-You will be anointed with oil. By being anointed, you are given joy, cleansed of sin, and healed from past wounds!
- You are sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. This gives you a sense of protection. To be sealed means to be "secured." You will be secured with the Holy Spirit forever once you have been confirmed.
- You will give and receive the sign of peace. This part of the Sacrament reminds us of the importance of community. You are a part of the Church and we must all support eachother on our journey to Heaven!

Below are some physical resources to help prepare for Confirmation:
Catechism of the Seven Sacraments My First Confirmation Catholic Workbook: Coloring and Activity Book YOUCAT Confirmation Book: Student Book
I hope this brief overview of the sacraments, as well as resources to help prepare you for Reconciliation, Communion and Confirmation was helpful!

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Catholic Sacrament Preparation Resources for Kids (and adults!) * Cultivating Catholics

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Looking for Catholic sacramental preparation resources? Look no further! Below are some great ways to help prepare for Catholic Confirmation preparation, First Communion preparation, and Confession preparation! Preparing to receive the sacraments is a very special time in a child's (or adult's) life! Not only is the experience full of spiritual fulfillment, but it creates [...]

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This is the main program used in religious education. The program includes digital and printable resources for students.

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Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ is a Religious Education program endorsed by the Catholic Bishops of Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories and developed in collaboration with Catholic educators from across Canada.
The program is based on the Catholic Elementary Curriculum Policy Document for Religious Education, Grades 1-9, Catholic School Kindergarten Program and the Catholic Secondary Curriculum Policy Document for Religious Education, Grades 9- 12, which has been approved by the aforementioned Catholic Bishops and Regional Assemblies of Bishops. It reflects the content of faith expressed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and follows the rationale and methodology of the General Directory for Catechesis.

To purchase or for more information, contact your local Pearson representative.

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Growing in Faith, Growing in Christ is a Religious Education program endorsed by the Catholic Bishops of Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories...

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This resource offers a wide array of relies edition resources for teachers. This toolkit includes lesson plans, activities, and videos designed to engage students in meaningful learning about Catholic education. This resource is valuable in Catholic schools as it can help teachers connect with students with the teachings of the church in a dynamic and interactive way.

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Lesson Planning Resources

The Religion Teacher's Guide to Lesson Planning by Jared Dees - This is a free e-book that includes tutorials on how to lesson plan effectively. This step-by-step to lesson planning for religion teachers and catechists teaches readers how to prepare a lesson, craft clear lesson objectives, implement effective assessments, and meet the students' needs. It includes lesson templates, lesson objective starts, assessment ideas, and 250 teaching strategies and activities from the latest research in education.

31 Days to Becoming a Better Religious Educator by Jared Dees - 31 Days covers a wide range of topics with many exercises to become a better disciple, servant, leader, and teacher. Part IV includes many resources for creating engaging and interactive lesson plans.

Beyond the Catechist's Toolbox by Joe Paprocki - A follow-up to The Catechist's Toolbox, this short book provides a lesson planning framework to use in class that mimics the Liturgy.

- Marzano is one of my favorite educational researchers. This book contains research-proven ideas for various teaching strategies and activities. You might also want to check out the more practical A Handbook for Classroom Instruction That Works, which includes worksheets, rubrics, and summaries of the research in the main text.

Catholic Religious Education Activities

Classroom Management

- Another key element of the ASCD's series on effective research-based instruction, this book offers effective teaching strategies for classroom management. This book also has a more practical supplement: A Handbook for Classroom Management That Works.

31 Days to Becoming a Better Religious Educator by Jared Dees - How do you become a better leader in the classroom? Try one of the exercises in Part III of 31 Days to Becoming a Better Religious Educator.

Catholic Classroom Prayer

Lectio Divina for Children and Teens by Jared Dees - This collection of handouts can be used in the classroom to teach students how to read the Bible in a whole new way. These easy-to-implement activities will help young people encounter God in the Sacred Word and help you become a better teacher of Sacred Scripture.

Prayers on The Religion Teacher - I periodically post prayers for various saint feast days, liturgical seasons, and various topics. Feel free to do some browsing.

(Check out these other class prayer ideas: www.thereligionteacher.com/class-prayer/.)

Other Resources

New Testament Resources - A collection of books, resources, lesson plans, and activities from The Religion Teacher and elsewhere.

Old Testament Resources - A collection of books, resources, lesson plans, and activities from The Religion Teacher and elsewhere.

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The Religion Teacher's Guide to Lesson Planning by Jared Dees - This is a free e-book that includes tutorials on how to lesson plan effectively. This step-by-step to lesson planning for religion teachers and catechists teaches readers how to prepare a lesson, craft clear lesson objectives, implement effective assessments, and meet the students' needs.