So today was the first day of First Communion Classes for DS. This is the second stage of the sacrament preparations that he has been doing this year. The first part was the preparation for reconciliation that he did at the end of January.
We are so excited for him. Today for class DS was chosen to talk about Jesus birth. DS told us that he was able to tell the class everything without his book. He even said the teacher asked him to repeat it because of his friends (classmates) weren't listening.
We, the parents, also had to set through a 15 minute presentation. What is communion? Why it's important? What the children are to wear? How we are NOT to use flash or lights while taken pictures during the Mass. etc. We also were given an pamphlet from Catholic Update on the Eucharist. The Catholic Update that received today is just one of the many updates on the Eucharist. Catholic Updates do cover a wide range of topics. To be honest it was a blah, blah, blah moment for me....but I was there because the parents were expected to be there.
So DS is excited! His first communion will take place on April 4th. Just before Easter that way on Easter Sunday we ALL can (will not DD she still has to wait another year) receive communion. My home parish tries really hard to make sure first communion happens BEFORE Easter so that our new communicants (I think that's the right word) can receive communion on Easter Sunday with their families.
Showing posts with label religious education classes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label religious education classes. Show all posts
February 22, 2009
February 5, 2009
Catholic Social Teachings
The beauty of homeschooling allows me to give my children an affordable Catholic-Christian Education. I was looking up movie reviews and trying to find info about a movie and book that I saw and read in about 6th-7th grade. (Where The Red Fern Grows)
It was in the course of looking for this info that I STUMBLED upon resources that are available for FREE on the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) web-site. This stumble was so great that I thought I had to share it here. USCCB offers resources and lesson plans on their web-site for educators to aid them in teaching Catholic Social Teachings to children (and adults).
The resources include a list of books that can be read to children. This list also explains what subjects those books teach. What's so cool is that many of the books can be found at any good size public library and/or library system. So I'm really excited about this!! Many of the books on the list (for my kids age range) I have already have check out and read to my kids. I just didn't think about how these books could be teaching my kids Catholic-Socialism.
It was an WOW moment for me. Many of the books I will be re-reading to the kids. There will be others that I will be seeking out now. This is truly a hidden gem for me! I have browsed the USCCB site many times before, I just didn't know that all of these Educator's Resources were there until tonight.
I'm hoping that my US Catholic-Christians readers knew this Educator's Resource was available at our bishops' web-site. If not that's okay; you know it now!!! (Please share this with others homeschoolers, especially Catholic homeschoolers. Our bishops' have this on their website for our use, so I think we should take advantage of it.)
It was in the course of looking for this info that I STUMBLED upon resources that are available for FREE on the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) web-site. This stumble was so great that I thought I had to share it here. USCCB offers resources and lesson plans on their web-site for educators to aid them in teaching Catholic Social Teachings to children (and adults).
The resources include a list of books that can be read to children. This list also explains what subjects those books teach. What's so cool is that many of the books can be found at any good size public library and/or library system. So I'm really excited about this!! Many of the books on the list (for my kids age range) I have already have check out and read to my kids. I just didn't think about how these books could be teaching my kids Catholic-Socialism.
It was an WOW moment for me. Many of the books I will be re-reading to the kids. There will be others that I will be seeking out now. This is truly a hidden gem for me! I have browsed the USCCB site many times before, I just didn't know that all of these Educator's Resources were there until tonight.
I'm hoping that my US Catholic-Christians readers knew this Educator's Resource was available at our bishops' web-site. If not that's okay; you know it now!!! (Please share this with others homeschoolers, especially Catholic homeschoolers. Our bishops' have this on their website for our use, so I think we should take advantage of it.)
January 31, 2009
Confession!
Well today was the BIG day for my DS! He received for the very first time the sacrament of reconciliation. He couldn't wait for this day! This morning before we left he was doing the "chicka chicka boom boom dance". (I'm not sure how else to describe what he was doing LOL)
When we asked him how he felt about going he said "I'm nervous, but I'm also EXCITED" He truly was grinning ear to ear. So we left this morning, arrived at the church shortly before 9:00 am. We walked in and sat down in the church. Shortly after 9:00 our rector started with a Gospel reading (the prodigal son). After the Gospel reading he did a short homily (sermon) and then explain to everyone that he would be in his confessional and one of our associate pastors would be in his confessional.
The rector then went on to explain that the children were to go first and then when the children were done the parents and/or older siblings were free to go confession. He also said that afterward we were invited to go to our fellowship hall area for coffee, tea, hot coca, donuts and fruit.
So we asked DS who he wanted to go to and he choose our associate pastor and thus got into line. After leaving the confessional he did his penance and then I took him and my DD to fellowship hall for donuts, fruit, and hot cocoa. DH stayed behind and when to the confession himself. The original plan was that I would go to, but we didn't know that there would be treats and the kids just wanted to go.
While eating our treats my DS asked "Mama, why didn't you go?" I told him because I felt that I needed to be mommy and keep and eye on you and be with you while you are here (in fellowship hall). My kids are good kids and I really do trust them, but I also know that it was best to keep an eye on them. I then shared with my DS that I would be going next Saturday and he right away perked up and said "would you take me?". I said sure if he wanted to go I would take him. He just beamed ear to ear and said "thank-you mama".
After a few moments DH joined us in Fellowship Hall and said that he asked Father how DS did. He said to Father I know that you can't tell me what DS said but I'm just curious on "how" he did. Father told DH that DS was very confident. Confident!!! Wow!! I then asked DS if he went face to face or behind the curtain. DS said "behind the curtain"; then I turn to DH and ask "Well then how does he know that it was our DS". DH just said, "Father knows"
I was taken back by that...yikes!!! Reflecting on it; it's NOT a bad thing. It just shocked me that's all, especially seeing this was DS first time and I can't imagine that DS told him his name, nor am I going to pry into what DS said, because truly it's none of my business. I just was shocked that Father would know MY kid by voice..... Wow, is all I can say. We finally left the church around 11:00 am. We easily spent at least half of our time eating and chatting with others.
It was a good morning. Now DS is just steps closer to receiving his first Communion. That will take place in April.
When we asked him how he felt about going he said "I'm nervous, but I'm also EXCITED" He truly was grinning ear to ear. So we left this morning, arrived at the church shortly before 9:00 am. We walked in and sat down in the church. Shortly after 9:00 our rector started with a Gospel reading (the prodigal son). After the Gospel reading he did a short homily (sermon) and then explain to everyone that he would be in his confessional and one of our associate pastors would be in his confessional.
The rector then went on to explain that the children were to go first and then when the children were done the parents and/or older siblings were free to go confession. He also said that afterward we were invited to go to our fellowship hall area for coffee, tea, hot coca, donuts and fruit.
So we asked DS who he wanted to go to and he choose our associate pastor and thus got into line. After leaving the confessional he did his penance and then I took him and my DD to fellowship hall for donuts, fruit, and hot cocoa. DH stayed behind and when to the confession himself. The original plan was that I would go to, but we didn't know that there would be treats and the kids just wanted to go.
While eating our treats my DS asked "Mama, why didn't you go?" I told him because I felt that I needed to be mommy and keep and eye on you and be with you while you are here (in fellowship hall). My kids are good kids and I really do trust them, but I also know that it was best to keep an eye on them. I then shared with my DS that I would be going next Saturday and he right away perked up and said "would you take me?". I said sure if he wanted to go I would take him. He just beamed ear to ear and said "thank-you mama".
After a few moments DH joined us in Fellowship Hall and said that he asked Father how DS did. He said to Father I know that you can't tell me what DS said but I'm just curious on "how" he did. Father told DH that DS was very confident. Confident!!! Wow!! I then asked DS if he went face to face or behind the curtain. DS said "behind the curtain"; then I turn to DH and ask "Well then how does he know that it was our DS". DH just said, "Father knows"
I was taken back by that...yikes!!! Reflecting on it; it's NOT a bad thing. It just shocked me that's all, especially seeing this was DS first time and I can't imagine that DS told him his name, nor am I going to pry into what DS said, because truly it's none of my business. I just was shocked that Father would know MY kid by voice..... Wow, is all I can say. We finally left the church around 11:00 am. We easily spent at least half of our time eating and chatting with others.
It was a good morning. Now DS is just steps closer to receiving his first Communion. That will take place in April.
January 26, 2009
This Saturday!
This Saturday my DS will walk into the confessional at our church to receive for the very first time reconciliation. He of course is a little nervous, but at the same time he can't WAIT!!! He has been counting down the days and today announce with joy, the same joy a child would get when it's days before their Birthday and/or days before Christmas, "Mama ONLY 5 more days"!!!
To be honest I never in a million years would think a child would be so happy about this day coming; It does me good to see that he is so happy about it! I'm on the other hand think I'm more nervous about it all then him. Our church has set aside a special time for this to happen not only that, but the parents and/or older siblings are encouraged to receive the sacrament as well. So really it's a "family" reconciliation time, with special care for those that will be receiving for the very first time and for those that may not have gone for ages!!
I'm still at times in shocked that my DS is old enough for all of this!! At times it seem as only if yesterday he was in Kindergarten. Oh my how the time goes by...
After this Saturday there will be a week or 2 off then after that they will start up the Communion Classes. My DS is set to receive First Communion on April 4th. At this time I don't know if he will actually receive communion or not. I'm leaving that up to him. He'll have to go to the classes, but when the time comes he will have to decided if this is what he wants. He, on his own, has decided to go ahead and receive reconciliation. He'll make that decision when it comes to first communion as well.
I still can't believe it's that time!!!! Wow!!!
To be honest I never in a million years would think a child would be so happy about this day coming; It does me good to see that he is so happy about it! I'm on the other hand think I'm more nervous about it all then him. Our church has set aside a special time for this to happen not only that, but the parents and/or older siblings are encouraged to receive the sacrament as well. So really it's a "family" reconciliation time, with special care for those that will be receiving for the very first time and for those that may not have gone for ages!!
I'm still at times in shocked that my DS is old enough for all of this!! At times it seem as only if yesterday he was in Kindergarten. Oh my how the time goes by...
After this Saturday there will be a week or 2 off then after that they will start up the Communion Classes. My DS is set to receive First Communion on April 4th. At this time I don't know if he will actually receive communion or not. I'm leaving that up to him. He'll have to go to the classes, but when the time comes he will have to decided if this is what he wants. He, on his own, has decided to go ahead and receive reconciliation. He'll make that decision when it comes to first communion as well.
I still can't believe it's that time!!!! Wow!!!
January 24, 2009
The Pope And Youtube Part 2
The Youtube Channel is up and running!!!! Pretty cool!!!
The Vatican's Youtube channel allows listeners/viewers to listen/view the videos in 3 different languages. English, Italian, German and Spanish. If you have a moment or two check it out!!
Nothing more at this point to say :)
The Vatican's Youtube channel allows listeners/viewers to listen/view the videos in 3 different languages. English, Italian, German and Spanish. If you have a moment or two check it out!!
Nothing more at this point to say :)
January 23, 2009
The Pope And Youtube!
Pope Benedict XVI is set to have his own dedicated channel on the popular video sharing website, YouTube.
That's the news I just got done reading. This could mean that my kids and I could have more access to the pope, via the internet and Youtube. I know there is a lot of things not worth our time on youtube, but I have a feeling this would be worth our time, and would be a good teaching tool to use for religion, faith, morals, etc.
I'm actually excited at the news! I hope that it does indeed turn out to be a good tool!!!
That's the news I just got done reading. This could mean that my kids and I could have more access to the pope, via the internet and Youtube. I know there is a lot of things not worth our time on youtube, but I have a feeling this would be worth our time, and would be a good teaching tool to use for religion, faith, morals, etc.
I'm actually excited at the news! I hope that it does indeed turn out to be a good tool!!!
January 11, 2009
Sending Them To RE Classes
Sometimes, like other homeschoolers, I wonder if I should be sending my kids to RE (religious Education) Classes. The RE classes are held outside of Mass (our church service) so the kids still go to Mass with us. However, I'm starting to wonder if it's worth our time to send them to class.
Our Parish (Church) has "normal" RE classes once a month for the kids and then if the child is preparing to receive a sacrament they go to a sacrament prep-class weekly. Right now our DS is preparing to receive the sacrament of reconciliation. So he is going to the prep class after the 9:00 am Sunday Mass (service).
We are there and I don't mind staying around. Many of the parents stay and hang out in the fellowship hall area chatting and having coffee. Also many of us have younger kids that are NOT in the prep class so that kids play together. However the issue arises when DS shares that class is boring because he knows all the stuff already that they have been discussing in class.
So for him he's not "learning" anything new and that is upseting him because he wants to learn something new. I don't want him to be bored in class nor to I want to assume that he knows it all, but I do know that he know more and perhaps more "ready" then most of his peers. I truly believes that it has to do with who we are and what we have taught our kids.
So we have to supplement and add on a lot of information because my DS just wants to learn more and beyond what is being offer in the RE classes, especially in the reconciliation class. I happen to be an RE teacher for my parish although I am NOT teaching the reconciliation class. I know that the class is the very basic because many parents do not offer this info nor teach it to their children so I can understand my son's frustration in not learning anything new.
For example my son ask us: "So if God knows the past, present, and future. He knows everything that we are going to do or say or want. So does he want to hear our prayers? Does he want us to say them? Does he "love" that? Because you know he already knows it. He knows everything. So does he want to hear it even though he knows it?"
I want my children to be fed, but at the same time I don't want to assume that they can't be fed during the RE classes at the Church. I just don't know if it's worth sending them any more or not. They enjoy going because they do enjoy the teachers, crafts, and kids. They just get flustered at times when there is nothing new to learn.
My DS said this prep class was nothing like he expected it to be. He thought for sure they would learn about some saints, see the confessional, and learn some examples of sins to confess. Instead it's the Adam, Eve, the apple, and the 10 commandments. Mom I know what the commandments are, I know what happened to Adam and Eve..... (There are only 2 more classes left and then he will receive the sacrament of reconciliation the 31 of this month)
I just hope it's better for him when he starts his First Communion Preparation Class in February. I don't know: What do other homeschoolers do? Do you send your kids to RE (religious Education) Classes or do you just teach them yourself? I do teach my kids. That is clear if my DS feels that he knows everything that is being taught to him. I just don't know if I should be sending them to RE classes anymore. Over all I feel that I can do it and I'm doing it, but it is nice to send them to class too. I'm just confused I guess seeing that DS doesn't feel like he's being fed during RE classes at the church.
Our Parish (Church) has "normal" RE classes once a month for the kids and then if the child is preparing to receive a sacrament they go to a sacrament prep-class weekly. Right now our DS is preparing to receive the sacrament of reconciliation. So he is going to the prep class after the 9:00 am Sunday Mass (service).
We are there and I don't mind staying around. Many of the parents stay and hang out in the fellowship hall area chatting and having coffee. Also many of us have younger kids that are NOT in the prep class so that kids play together. However the issue arises when DS shares that class is boring because he knows all the stuff already that they have been discussing in class.
So for him he's not "learning" anything new and that is upseting him because he wants to learn something new. I don't want him to be bored in class nor to I want to assume that he knows it all, but I do know that he know more and perhaps more "ready" then most of his peers. I truly believes that it has to do with who we are and what we have taught our kids.
So we have to supplement and add on a lot of information because my DS just wants to learn more and beyond what is being offer in the RE classes, especially in the reconciliation class. I happen to be an RE teacher for my parish although I am NOT teaching the reconciliation class. I know that the class is the very basic because many parents do not offer this info nor teach it to their children so I can understand my son's frustration in not learning anything new.
For example my son ask us: "So if God knows the past, present, and future. He knows everything that we are going to do or say or want. So does he want to hear our prayers? Does he want us to say them? Does he "love" that? Because you know he already knows it. He knows everything. So does he want to hear it even though he knows it?"
I want my children to be fed, but at the same time I don't want to assume that they can't be fed during the RE classes at the Church. I just don't know if it's worth sending them any more or not. They enjoy going because they do enjoy the teachers, crafts, and kids. They just get flustered at times when there is nothing new to learn.
My DS said this prep class was nothing like he expected it to be. He thought for sure they would learn about some saints, see the confessional, and learn some examples of sins to confess. Instead it's the Adam, Eve, the apple, and the 10 commandments. Mom I know what the commandments are, I know what happened to Adam and Eve..... (There are only 2 more classes left and then he will receive the sacrament of reconciliation the 31 of this month)
I just hope it's better for him when he starts his First Communion Preparation Class in February. I don't know: What do other homeschoolers do? Do you send your kids to RE (religious Education) Classes or do you just teach them yourself? I do teach my kids. That is clear if my DS feels that he knows everything that is being taught to him. I just don't know if I should be sending them to RE classes anymore. Over all I feel that I can do it and I'm doing it, but it is nice to send them to class too. I'm just confused I guess seeing that DS doesn't feel like he's being fed during RE classes at the church.
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