ECHO
A Monthly Resource for Teaching the Faith 4.22
"Do Not Abandon Yourselves to Despair. We are an Easter People, and Alleluia is Our Song!
"In The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis reminds us that people are attracted to the joy they see in Christians. Joy cannot be faked, but radiates from a soul who is in the state of grace, and prays. The evangelist has given their life to Jesus, received forgiveness of sin, and therefore exhibits the graces evident in a life lived according to the cross of Christ." (USCCB Sharing Faith Person to Person)
Sharing the joy of our faith is ESSENTIAL to the role of Catechist! How do you share your love of our Catholic faith as a witness to the joy of the Gospel?
The Easter Season is a Season of Joy!
Here are some ideas for letting the spirit of the season shine through!
- J.O.Y. Cards: https://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2016/11/joy-in-classroom-how-to-teach-children-to-cultivate-a-joyful-life/
- Invite kids and families to focus on what gives them joy and connect that to God's gifts to your students: https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/what-gives-joy/?utm_source=cj&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=pop-up-catechesis
- Sharing Joy with your kids! Activities for every grade level: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/what-is-joy/
Praying All Ways and ALWAYS!
Family Connection
1. The Easter Season is 50 Days long and is one great feast day that spans from Easter Sunday to Pentecost. Challenge your families to celebrate Easter all season long. At the start of the season, invite them to decorate a wooden egg at home with symbols of new life and victory! They could use markers or decoupage pictures with Modpodge Glue. Ask families to place this egg at the center of their table for a prayerful reminder to them that we are in a season of hope and joy! Wooden eggs can be purchased in bulk online and at craft stores.
2. The Easter Candle, officially called the Paschal Candle, reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world. During the Easter season, the Paschal Candle is displayed close to the altar to remind us of the presence of the risen Lord. Encourage families to focus on how they can bring the light of Christ to the world. Invite a sharing session for them to hear of the efforts of others and be inspired by the hope being spread!
3. The Sprinkling Rite is used at the beginning of Masses on Sundays during the Easter season. This is done with water that was blessed at the Easter Vigil. Give families a small vessel filled with Holy Water and include a few ideas for blessings they can use in their home: https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/2012/09/23/a-few-of-the-top-uses-of-holy-water
4. Alleluia is our Easter song! Through the Alleluia, we are praising God for all the goodness in our lives and world. Send home this sheet for families to complete together:
Keep Learning!
April Catechetical Highlights
SIGNS OF NEW LIFE
Share this scavenger hunt with families or try it with your class on the church grounds if you have a good outdoor space! https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e723eedf375d048412f08ea/t/5e865a708acfdf007128ca9d/1585863280092/SignsofLifeScavengerHunt.pdf
Apply Faith to Life
How does the Resurrection change the way you live your life?
This is a great video for study and discussion with teens or families https://youtu.be/ZFbISYeRHi4
Make these story stones for use in the classroom or try the activity with older children
If you are reading a paper copy, you can access our google drive at https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1FdofDF6MAr9aT3vD7k7Cb0l0OnIp_u-P
The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis
Debtor in Possession
Email: leslie.barkin@dor.org
Website: oec.dor.org
Phone: (585)328-3210