Resources for Catechists & Parents
Resources
Catechist Magazine - articles & ideas to use for catechesis
Catechist's Journey - a blog, articles & ideas
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) info on every aspect of Catholic life: Bible, Catechism of the Catholic Church, sacraments, liturgy & social justice
Diocese of Des Moines - info on diocesan events & celebrations, opportunities to get involved
Catholic Icing - a blog containing ideas & activities
catholic.org - Catholic prayers and lives of the saints
http://stpaulyouth.com/images/holymass.pdf - learn the meaning & Order of the Mass
http://bustedhalo.com/ - an on-line magazine written by young Catholic adults.
Catechist's Journey - a blog, articles & ideas
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) info on every aspect of Catholic life: Bible, Catechism of the Catholic Church, sacraments, liturgy & social justice
Diocese of Des Moines - info on diocesan events & celebrations, opportunities to get involved
Catholic Icing - a blog containing ideas & activities
catholic.org - Catholic prayers and lives of the saints
http://stpaulyouth.com/images/holymass.pdf - learn the meaning & Order of the Mass
http://bustedhalo.com/ - an on-line magazine written by young Catholic adults.
1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross.
2. You continue by naming God: God of Compassion, Loving Creator, Heavenly Father
3. Who - Name something that God has done in the past
[examples from the Bible: You brought your people out of oppression in Egypt. You give us everything that is good. You give us your Holy Spirit as our companion and guide.]
4. Make your petition known to God:
Bless the poor and oppressed in our world.
We thank you and ask you to bless this food before us
Give us wisdom and discernment for this meeting.
5. Praying in the name of Jesus - use a Christological or Trinitarian conclusion:
Through Christ our Lord. OR In Jesus’ name. OR We ask this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.
6. End with “Amen” and the Sign of the Cross.
Example: 1. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 2. God of Compassion 3. Who gave us the example of the Good Samaritan 4. teach us to reach out with love and compassion to those in need. 5. We pray through Christ our Lord. 6. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
2. You continue by naming God: God of Compassion, Loving Creator, Heavenly Father
3. Who - Name something that God has done in the past
[examples from the Bible: You brought your people out of oppression in Egypt. You give us everything that is good. You give us your Holy Spirit as our companion and guide.]
4. Make your petition known to God:
Bless the poor and oppressed in our world.
We thank you and ask you to bless this food before us
Give us wisdom and discernment for this meeting.
5. Praying in the name of Jesus - use a Christological or Trinitarian conclusion:
Through Christ our Lord. OR In Jesus’ name. OR We ask this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.
6. End with “Amen” and the Sign of the Cross.
Example: 1. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 2. God of Compassion 3. Who gave us the example of the Good Samaritan 4. teach us to reach out with love and compassion to those in need. 5. We pray through Christ our Lord. 6. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Five-Finger Prayer
1. Your thumb is nearest you. Begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones, as C.S. Lewis once said, is a “sweet duty.”
2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct, and heal such as: teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God’s guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble, or in pain. They need your prayers day & night.
5. The little finger, the smallest finger of all. This is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, “The least shall be the greatest among you.” Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, you will realize that your own needs probably are not as great as the needs of others. You will be able to pray for yourself much better since you have taken the time to pray for others first.
2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct, and heal such as: teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God’s guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble, or in pain. They need your prayers day & night.
5. The little finger, the smallest finger of all. This is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, “The least shall be the greatest among you.” Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, you will realize that your own needs probably are not as great as the needs of others. You will be able to pray for yourself much better since you have taken the time to pray for others first.