ECHO
A Monthly Resource for Teaching the Faith 1.24
"If Eucharist is the Heart of Parish Life, then Prayer is the Heartbeat."
-Julianne Stanz, Start with Jesus
"In the typical parish, based on the many I've been involved with, the lack of a culture of prayer is found through all ministries, including our religious education and faith formation programs. 'But I don't have time to pray with my students and still get all the material covered,' said Susan, a catechist, exasperated when her director of religious education, Peter, asked if prayer was interwoven into her classroom. Peter assured her that it was most important to model a life of discipleship grounded in prayer. 'Why?' Susan asked. 'Because, without the deep breath of prayer, our students will never believe that we have internalized our faith, that we call upon the Lord in all that we do, and that it is in and through prayer that we deepen our relationship with Christ,' Peter replied."
(Pg. 42, Start with Jesus, Julianne Stanz, Loyola Press 2019)
Is your programming grounded in prayer? Are you modeling this important quality of discipleship?
This edition will focus on strategies for bringing more prayer into your programming in 2024!
Shaped by the Source and Summit
CATHOLIC 101
Five types of prayer are outlined in The Catechism: (CCC 2623-2649): prayer of blessing or adoration, prayer of petition, prayer of intercession, prayer of thanksgiving, and prayer of praise.
Click on the link below to learn more about Catholic prayer styles!
Praying All Ways and ALWAYS!
1. Spend some quiet moments when you wake up by greeting God and the new day. Share your gratitude and praise and ask God to be with you.
2. Reflect on your day before bed and try using a form of the Examen.
3. Try praying with art for visual learners. Use sacramentals and sacred art and decorate for the liturgical seasons to engage the whole family in prayer.
4. Read scripture and then pray about the message you hear.
5. Play sacred songs and sit quietly with them or sing along in prayer.
6. Light candles for the intentions of your family and for others. Keep a prayer space with candles ready for lighting at all times!
7. Pray when you hear a siren or when you pass the home of a family you know is struggling.
8. Sit in silence and wait to hear God's voice in your heart.
9. Pray over large decisions.
10. Engage in special prayers over family members and friends on important occasions.
What's your favorite way to pray?
FAMILY CONNECTION
Keep Learning!
RESOURCE REVIEW
January Highlights
An Overview of Lent from HALLOW
Information, prayers and more for the Lenten season!
Examination of Conscience
This straightforward Examination of Conscience based on The Ten Commandments from the USCCB is great for families during Lent
A Reminder to Look for the Presence of Jesus this Lent
This is a great idea for gathered sessions as well as to send home to families!
The Office of Evangelization and Catechesis
Debtor in Possession
Email: leslie.barkin@dor.org
Website: oec.dor.org
Phone: (585)328-3210