IHM Catholic EdNotes Fall 2023 Edition

OUR CREATIVE CONTRIBUTORS

Sister Joyce Bell IHM

Karen Creely

Sister Theresa Duffy IHM

Sister Mary Jo Ely IHM

Sister Marie Gipprich IHM

Sister Judith Kathleen Knowlton IHM

Kim Lamb

Sister Patricia McCormack IHM

Sister Edward William Quinn IHM

Sister Eileen Reilly IHM

Sister Christina Marie Roberts IHM

Sister Stephen Anne Roderiguez IHM

Sister Amanda Marie Russell IHM

Sister Patricia Scanlon IHM

Sister Monica Therese Sicilia IHM

Sister Eileen Tiernan IHM

Sister Stephanie Gabriel Tracy IHM

Dear Friends,

Welcome to our Fall 2023 issue of the IHM Catholic EdNotes!

Our cover this edition calls attention to the Church’s SYNOD! We are invited to connect with one another through communion, participation, and mission! The Synod is an opportunity for us to bring a new focus of belonging and virtue to our everyday lives. It is an opportunity to educate and encourage responsible membership in our students! This issue shares several resources to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the Synod as well as your best practices as a Catholic educator.

Our IHM Sisters and our dedicated lay colleagues recognize the centrality of our faith and its vital place in our everyday lives. Cultivating a spiritual life strengthens our ability and that of our students to engage more attentively in life, individually and as a member of community. We have our faith to support our daily energy level and focus as we navigate the opportunities and challenges to grow in grace that we and our students may encounter.

We hope to inspire and assist you with the sacred work of Catholic education through these interesting and informative features, whether in a catechetical parish program or a Catholic school setting Pre-K through Grade 12.

If you have any comments or suggestions, please contact us: ihmcatholicednotes@gmail.com

God bless you for your dedication to Catholic education!

THE IHM CHARISM CONNECTION

ENLARGE YOUR HEART!

St.Alphonsus Liguori, the founder of the Redemptorist Congregation, encourages each of us: “Enlarge your heart. We are dealing with a God who is full of love.”

So, what does this Italian priest from the 18th Century have to do with the IHM Sisters? Awhole lot! It was a young and zealous Redemptorist priest, Father Louis Gillet, who approached Mother Theresa Maxis in Baltimore to request help in catechizing and teaching the immigrant population in the Detroit, Michigan area. From this humble request, the IHM Sisters were created! Those first Sisters captured the spirituality of the Redemptorist that now is our legacy!At the very heart of the spirituality of St.Alphonsus is love: God's love for us and our love for God in response. SaintAlphonsus was overwhelmed by God's love for him and for all of us, and forAlphonsus, this was especially manifest in Jesus. Jesus is the unshake- able sign and proof that God loves us.

The spirit of the IHM congregation is, in the tradition of St.Alphonsus Liguori, the spirit of Jesus Christ the Redeemer. The essence of Redemptorist spirituality is rooted in the self-emptying of Jesus Christ and it is this spirit which impels the sisters to offer themselves in joyful self-giving to God by their transformation into Christ and their incorporation into his redeeming mission through the Church.

The IHM Sisters strive to be "joyful bearers of God's redeeming love" to all people! We read in Scripture: "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things"(1Corinthinans 13:7). Yes! The Beatles sang it right: "All you need is love!"

To learn more about the IHM Sisters, go to: https://ihmimmaculata.org/

A NEW MINISTRY YEAR: THERE WAS A TEACHER SENT FROM GOD

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Sister Marie Gipprich IHM

As you prepare for and begin a new school year, there is something I’d like to share with you. The role of a Catholic School educator and catechist is quite unique. In a Catholic school setting, not only do you teach academic subjects but there is the added dimension (of greatest importance, I think) of sharing your religious faith with your students. Our catechists meet our children infrequently but are entrusted with sharing the Catholic faith with them as well and introducing them to the person of Jesus Christ. As you know, this can’t be done simply by repeating the words found in a religion textbook. Nor can it be done by grading students on knowledge alone. So, what exactly is the role of our teachers and catechists?

Recently, I was reading about and praying with St. John the Baptist. In my mind’s eye, I see him as a bit of a character. Who eats locusts and wild honey and dresses in camel’s hair?? It seems he did! But I needed to look beyond that description of his appearance in the scriptures to the description of who he was and what he did “There was a man sent from God,” the scripture says. There is a person sent from God and that person is you! John was a witness. Through him, others learned about Jesus. John’s witness, a human witness, is necessary. Your witness is necessary

If I had to sum up John’s “call”, I would describe his role as being the “opening act” for Jesus. Picture the opening acts at one of the concerts you’ve attended. They’re good, but they are not the real thing, the main event. They get the audience “reeved up” for the main attraction. I hope I am not being irreverent to suggest that you and I are the “opening acts” for Jesus. You prepare the way in the hearts of your students to meet Jesus, to hear him speak to them, to get to know him. In other words, you, like John, point to Jesus! Your kind words, your inclusive treatment of all your students, your respect for them as children of God, and your love for each and every one of them are pointing to Jesus, who calls us to follow him in words and deeds. This is how your students will come to know Jesus: through YOU!

John’s job, his “opening act,” was to prepare his audience, to get them ready to appreciate the One who would come after him, the one who is greater than he. We read further, “John was NOT the light.” He had the privilege of introducing the people to the One who would be their Savior, the Light of the world. John knew that it wasn’t about him. It was about Jesus, the Center, the Main Event, in your classrooms. John had a job to do. You do too.

Your children who are in front of you need this message of John: Jesus brings us closer to the Kingdom of God, a kingdom that begins right here on earth, right in your classrooms, right in their homes, right on the playground. And who will bring that message? YOU! You are the John the Baptists of your classrooms!

May this “new” year be a time of blessing, of encounters with Jesus through the message you convey that point to the One who loves us all unconditionally.

One last comment, if I may. Don’t be surprised if the children in your classrooms point Jesus out to you as well!

Two Feet of Love in Action

by Sister Joyce C. Bell, IHM Coordinator of Social Justice

There is a question that appears in each of the Synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke). Jesus is asked : “What is the greatest of all the commandments?” In each one of these gospels, Jesus responds with the same answer: “First, You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. Second, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two Commandments the entire law and the prophets are based.” Matthew 22:36-40

Another way of saying this is, our love for God is expressed in our love for our neighbor. Based on Scripture, our Catholic tradition teaches us that love of neighbor is two pronged. It expresses itself in charity and in social action. This is often referred to as the “Two Feet of Love in Action.” The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have produced the following video to help us more clearly see that our love for our neighbor must wed charitable action to social action if we are going to be effective disciples of Jesus.

Two Feet of Love in Action (USCCB)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1RhLX4bow8

We often refer to these “two feet” as “charity” and “justice.” Here is a simple definition of each. Charity addresses an immediate need. You may have noticed the corporal works of mercy which were featured in the video. “Justice” identifies the root causes of the problem that created the need and seeks to find solutions to these problems by supporting changes to institutions or to political structures.

Below you will find a link to a resource from the USCCB that further illustrates the nature of charity and the nature of justice.

https://www.usccb.org/about/justice-peace-and-humandevelopment/upload/Two-Feet-handout-grayscale.pdf

You may find more helpful resources by visiting Two Feet of Love in Action on the USCCB website and looking in the resources and initiatives section. https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/whatwe-believe/catholic-social-teaching/two-feet-of-love-in-action

Reflections on Being a Catechist

Each year the Church takes a Sunday at the beginning of the academic year to focus on and to thank the many men and women who so graciously give of their time and talent to serve their parishes in the ministry of catechesis. In 2021 Pope Francis released an Apostolic Letter entitled Antiquum Ministerium in which he expounded on the role of the catechist and its vital importance to our Church. In this he states:

“…every catechist must be a witness to the faith, a teacher and mystagogue, a companion and pedagogue, who teaches for the Church. Only through prayer, study, and direct participation in the life of the community can they grow in this identity and the integrity and responsibility that it entails.”

What better way to focus on the role and mission of the catechist than to hear from catechists themselves and their reflections on their ministry in the Church, so I share with you some of their thoughts.

As a mother, I was always called to teach the faith to all of my children. It was only natural that this calling extend out to other children. I think just knowing that I’m right where God wants me to be is what sustains me. There is comfort being in the arms of Jesus, and in this role, I just feel at home sharing His love with others. There are many motivations that might drive a volunteer, but a disciple works for the good of the Kingdom simply because one loves God and wants to share that love with others. I believe the role of the catechist has always been vital from the time of the disciples. Each age has its own vices and strengths. In today’s relativistic society, a catechist’s primary role is to keep Jesus at the forefront of one’s mind. It is crucial for the Church, because especially with the priest shortage, they simply cannot complete their mission of evangelization without their “prayer warriors” and “ground crew.”

Melody, Prince of Peace Parish, Chesapeake, VA

When I was first invited to be a catechist (in the 1970s), I thought my job was primarily responsible pedagogy, as well as an opportunity for me to meet good people in the parish. As time continued, I found the role to be a serious commitment of time and talent. Also, that a catechist was not just what I did but who I am through my Baptism and Confirmation. That I needed to actively participate in the life of my Christian community, to be a witness to the children entrusted to me. This is the point in my life when the role of catechist led to discipleship. The time when I knew that I needed to exemplify that Jesus is real in my life, that I communicate with Him through prayer and communion. That I had to bear witness to my faith through service to others. Hopefully, from that first invite to now, I have grown to be a better me and a better catechist. A quote from Psalm 18: “He puts into my hands gifts for relay to others, He entrusts me with tasks far beyond my human abilities and enables me to carry them out.”

It was not until I got married and began our family did I start to realize that there was something missing. God began to fill the large void in my life. Anger and restlessness was replaced by joy and peace. I became more aware that I needed to live a more moral life, receive the sacraments, pray and read scripture. These experiences made me think how different things could have been if I had someone encouraging and mentoring me in my faith. I then realized that the Holy Spirit was prompting me to be that person to encourage and mentor our young people. As a catechist, I hope to teach the 7th grade teens who are preparing for Confirmation that the Holy Spirit reveals to us that we are loved by God, that nothing we can do can make God stop loving them, that we have a purpose in our lives, and that Jesus died for each and every one of us.

Mary Ann, Saints Simon and Jude Parish, West Chester, PA

Being a Catechist is sometimes difficult with work and family obligations, but I try to remember Jesus teaching “the harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few.” (Luke 10:2) The Holy Spirit continually tugs on my heart to encourage me.

Dave, St. David’s Parish, Willow Grove, PA

Thank you to these dedicated Catechists for sharing their reflections on their ministry. And in honor of Catechetical Sunday, observed on September 17, 2023, we profoundly thank all Catechists who serve their local parishes and the greater Church. The gift of your faith, and the power of your influence, is beyond measure. May God bless all your efforts this coming year as you catechize and teach!

In Mary’s Immaculate Heart, Sister Eileen Tiernan IHM – DRE at St. Patrick Parish, Malvern, PA

FOR A SYNDOAL CHURCH

The Art of Listening

Explanation of the Synod Logo:

"A large, majestic tree, full of wisdom and light, reaches for the sky. A sign of deep vitality and hope which expresses the cross of Christ It carries the Eucharist, which shines like the sun The horizontal branches, opened like hands or wings, suggest, at the same time, the Holy Spirit

The people of God are not static: they are on the move, in direct reference to the etymology of the word synod, which means "walking together" The people are united by the same common dynamic that this Tree of Life breathes into them, from which they begin their walk

These 15 silhouettes sum up our entire humanity in its diversity of life situations of generations and origins This aspect is reinforced by the multiplicity of bright colors which are themselves signs of joy There is no hierarchy between these people who are all on the same footing: young, old, men, women, teenagers, children, lay people, religious, parents, couples, singles; the bishop and the nun are not in front of them, but among them Quite naturally, children and then adolescents open their walk, in reference to these words of Jesus in the Gospel: 'I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children' (Mt 11:25)"

IN THIS ISSUE

ASKING GOOD QUESTIONS WAITING PATIENTLY THE VALUE OF BEING HEARD

Asking Good Questions

If you have participated in a synodal listening session over the past few years you would have experienced the church's desire to listen to all kinds of people We were invited to share our hopes, questions, struggles, and vision as we seek to be a church of communion, participation, and mission How many teens or young adults did you see at your sessions? If your answer was not too many, maybe this year as your plan out your ministerial programs create a space for your young people to share their vision for our church!

Inviting young people to share their thoughts often requires taking the time to intentionally prepare meaningful questions Here are some ideas to get you started However, always remember you know your youth--hold them in prayer and allow the Lord to lead you to questions which will open their hearts

What is the purpose of the church in your life?

What experiences have led you to a fuller sense of communion with the church? Or what experiences have led you to feel outside the communion of the church?

What does your participation in the church look like? How would you like to see church change to welcome a more meaningful participation?

How do you envision the church's mission moving forward?

What sets your heart on fire?

Waiting Patiently

True listening is not focused on quick answers Listening requires an open mind and heart without judgment As you invite your youth to share on these meaningful topics be patient! Do not rush them Give them time to reflect Here are some helpful ways to give your youth space to reflect before they share.

Dim the lights

Play quiet music in the background

Invite your youth to sit or stand in a comfortable position.

Invite your youth to walk in pairs to share their ideas with a peer before sharing with the whole group

The Value of Being Heard

We have all had experiences where we have felt authentically heard Sit with an experience What do you remember? Wholeness? Love? Peace? This is what listening does for all of us! As your youth share their thoughts speak very little, affirm their hopes, hold their struggles with love, and guide them to enter the journey of walking together as a synodal church!

AN INVITATION TO PRAYER

When

FUN FACT: This prayer was prayed every session by the council fathers during the Second Vatican Council!

you gather with your youth this year make a commitment to pray this prayer of invocation to the Holy Spirit This prayer invites the Holy Spirit to work within us so that we may be a community and a people of grace.

CATHOLIC TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Instruct the wise and they become wiser still. Proverbs 9: 9

Catholic Podcasts Busted Halo Podcast

The Busted Halo Show with Catholic priest Father Dave Dwyer, CSP, is an informative and entertaining take on the Catholic faith. Father Dave and his team answer your questions of faith and tackle current issues in our world while having some laughs along the way. Each episode is about 15 minutes. Listen on your favorite Podcast app.

Sunday Homilies with Fr. Mike Schmitz

Every week, Catholic priest Father Mike Schmitz delivers powerful homilies based on the Sunday Mass Scripture readings, inviting you to live more fully as the person God created you to be. Engaging and motivating, these 20-30 minute homilies will help ground your faith, fortify your heart, and transform your life. One of my favorite podcasts. Listen on your favorite Podcast App.

Apps for Ipad, Iphone, Ipod

National Eucharistic Revival

This app offers access to free videos and audio resources on the Eucharist. It has been developed in conjunction with the National Eucharistic Revival for the Catholic Church in the United States. These resources include catechetical videos on the Eucharist for children, audiobooks by prominent Catholic theologians, a video interview with Pope Francis (as Jorge Cardinal Bergoglio), and much more. They have been provided in support of the Eucharistic Revival through the generosity of numerous Catholic publishers and apostolates. Visit https:// www.eucharisticrevival.org for more information and to find out about upcoming Eucharistic Revival events. Download free at the Apple App Store.

Discerning Hearts

This app provides spirituality audio & video podcasts led by renowned authors, teachers, and spiritual leaders discussing topics that affect our everyday lives. Shows range from Inside the Pages w/Kris McGregor to series with Fr. Timothy Gallagher, Deacon James Keating, Dr. Anthony Lilles, Dr. R. R. Reno, Mike Aquilina, Joseph Pearce, Msgr. John Esseff, Archbishop George J. Lucas, and many others. From the lives of the saints to the basics of Catholic Social teaching, from the Sacred Liturgy to prayer in the everyday moments of our lives, we walk together as we fulfill our call to be saints in the making. Download free in the Apple App Store.

Shared Wisdom

Two heads are better than one. Please submit your favorite technology resources for Catholic religious education at krantzihm@yahoo.com Submissions will be included in upcoming issues. Many thanks to those who shared tools for this issue.

Holy Eucharist –Food for Life’s Journey

Part 1/3

Eucharist-Thoughts to Share with Children

1. Imagine going on a long journey – like a month-long hike in the wilderness. Some of the walk will be easy; some will be hard. You will have challenges, perhaps dangers. You will need nourishment and water. You will need rest and directional help… (Talk with each other about such a situation. Then relate it to Jesus as Eucharist – food and rest and shelter and direction –on life’s journey) When we receive Holy Communion, we are receiving Jesus as food for our journey. When we sit in a church or chapel and gaze on the tabernacle or the monstrance, Jesus gives us rest and direction.

2. Eucharist is the “REAL PRESENCE” of Jesus, not a mere sign or symbol or representation of Jesus.

3. Eucharist IS the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ contained in the FORM of bread and wine.

4. It is in the Mass that bread and wine are changed – transformed – into Jesus’ body and blood when the priest prays the words of Consecration.

5. Jesus understood and used the literary technique of simile – where he compared two things that are “like” each other. For instance, “The kingdom of heaven is LIKE a wedding feast.” But he did not use the word “like” when he explained Eucharist. Instead, he said, “This IS my body This IS my blood.”

6. Jesus called himself “the living bread.” At the Last Supper he said: “Take, eat; this is my body” Drink from the cup all of you; for this is my blood of the new covenant which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26: 26 – 29)

7. Catholics call the Eucharist the Most Blessed Sacrament. Consecrated hosts are reserved in the tabernacle and a burning sanctuary lamp signals the Real Presence. Sometimes a large consecrated host, contained in a glass case called a luna, is visible in a Monstrance vessel and set on the altar for all to see. Prayer on these occasions is called adoration. Some parishes arrange to have the Monstrance always on display and devout Catholics pledge to sit watch for a specified amount of time. This practice is called Perpetual Adoration

Sagrada Eucaristía –

Alimento para el Viaje de la Vida Parte 1/3

Eucaristía - Pensamientos para compartir con los niños

1. Imagina hacer un viaje largo, como una caminata de un mes en el desierto. Parte de la caminata será fácil; otros partes serán difíciles. Tendrás desafíos, tal vez peligros. Necesitarás alimento y agua. Necesitarás descanso y ayuda direccional... (Hablen entre sí sobre tal situación. Luego relaciónalo con Jesús como Eucaristía – comida y descanso y refugio y dirección – en el camino de la vida). Cuando recibimos la Sagrada Comunión, estamos recibiendo a Jesús como alimento para nuestro viaje. Cuando nos sentamos en una iglesia o capilla y contemplamos el tabernáculo o la custodia, Jesús nos da descanso y dirección.

2. La Eucaristía es la "PRESENCIA REAL" de Jesús, no un mero signo o símbolo o representación de Jesús.

3. La Eucaristía ES el cuerpo, la sangre, el alma y la divinidad de Jesucristo contenidos en la FORMA de pan y vino.

4. Es en la Misa que el pan y el vino se transforman – transformados – en el cuerpo y la sangre de Jesús cuando el sacerdote reza las palabras de la Consagración.

5. Jesús entendió y usó la técnica literaria del símil, donde comparó dos cosas que son "similares" entre sí. Por ejemplo, "El reino de los cielos es COMO una fiesta de bodas". Pero no usó la palabra "como" cuando explicó la Eucaristía. En cambio, dijo: "Este ES mi cuerpo ... Esta ES mi sangre".

6. Jesús se llamó a sí mismo "el pan vivo". En la Última Cena dijo: "Toma, come; este es mi cuerpo"... Bebe de la copa todos ustedes; Porque esta es mi sangre del nuevo pacto que es derramada por muchos para el perdón de los pecados." (Mateo 26: 26 – 29)

7. Los católicos llaman a la Eucaristía el Santísimo Sacramento. Las hostias consagradas están reservadas en el tabernáculo y una lámpara encendida del santuario señala la Presencia Real. A veces, una hostia grande consagrada, contenida en una caja de vidrio llamada luna, es visible en un recipiente de custodia y se coloca en el altar para que todos la vean. La oración en estas ocasiones se llama adoración. Algunas parroquias hacen arreglos para que la Custodia esté siempre en exhibición y los católicos devotos se comprometen a vigilar durante un período de tiempo específico. Esta práctica se llama Adoración Perpetua.

Dr. Patricia M. McCormack, IHM

Spanish Translator: Sr. Eileen Reilly, IHM

© IHM Formative Support Services. All Rights Reserved. Website: www.ParentTeacherSupport.org

Prayer for a New Year of Ministry

Mary: Model of the IHM Charism

Call to Prayer: Every new beginning ignites excitement and enthusiasm and at the same time – challenge. As we start the journey of a new year of ministry, we ask for God’s blessing on all of our endeavors to renew our commitment to the Mission.

The Mission is to bring God’s love and presence to all whom we serve and our IHM Charism is at the heart of that Mission. Charism in its simplest definition is a gift and a grace of the Holy Spirit that empowers us to live the Mission.

As colleagues and fellow disciples, we all share the IHM Charism graces of Love, Creative Hope and Fidelity and we look to Mary as the truest example of that Charism.

May Our Blessed Lady, as mother, sister, companion and first disciple, inspire us her children to share and model the Gospel with JOY.

Leader: May Jesus be the Center of our lives.

All: May Mary be the Model of all that we say and do this year. Glory be to the Father…

Hymn: Hail Mary

First Reflection: The Charism of LOVE calls us to joyful service, kindness, and compassion to everyone. It means being available and selfless at all times and in all circumstances.

First Reading: The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth - Luke 1:39-43, 59

“Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb and Elizabeth, filled with Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said: ‘Most blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.”

Pause for silent reflection

Leader: Mary at Elizabeth’s door…

All: Fill us with love and spontaneous generosity to “go in haste” to attend to the needs of those whom we serve.

Sung Response: Ave, Ave, Ave Maria. Ave, Ave Maria.

Second Reflection: The Charism of CREATIVE HOPE trusts that God always holds our hand and will provide us with all the gifts and graces that we need each day.

Second Reading: The Miracle at Cana - John 2: 1-5

“On the third day, there was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servers, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’”

Pause for silent reflection

Leader: Mary, at the Wedding Feast of Cana…

All: Inspire us to “do whatever Jesus tells us” and to be patient and positive as we trust in God’s Divine Providence.

Sung Response: Ave, Ave, Ave Maria. Ave, Ave Maria.

Third Reflection: The Charism of FIDELITY invites us to be faithful to the Call of our Baptism and to witness to the Mission with vigor and courage.

Third Reading: The Community of Mary and the Disciples - Acts 1: 13, 14

“When they entered the city, they went to the Upper Room where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James, the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas, the son of James. All these devoted themselves with one accord to prayer, together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.”

Pause for silent reflection

Leader: Mary, in the Upper Room with the Disciples…

All: Teach us to support our colleagues as you supported the Early Church. Embrace us with your motherly love. Empower us to be faithful to our Baptism and to be zealous for the Gospel message.

Sung Response: Ave, Ave, Ave Maria. Ave, Ave Maria.

Closing Prayer: Memorare to Our Lady of Providence

Please pray together: Remember, O most faithful Lady of Providence, that you have been given to us by your Son to be our mother.

We entrust to you our labors; bless them. Show for us the same concern you manifested at Cana, for we trust, that whatever you ask your Son, it will be done.

Pray for us on our pilgrimage, that we may share the faith that marked your life.

Full of confidence in your power before God, We place ourselves, our loved ones, and all our petitions in your providential care. Amen.

Closing Response: Ave, Ave, Ave Maria. Ave, Ave Maria.

GPS for Success

Positive Social and Emotional Strategies which create healthy climate and learning in the classroom.

Recalculating

Practical Ways to Help Children Improve Social Skills

• Follow their interests. Children will enjoy others when they are doing something in which they are genuinely interested.

• Learn to ask questions.

• Practice role playing.

• Be a good role model for them.

7 Valuable Social Skills for Children

1. Sharing - This is a part of daily life. Young children are more focused on their own needs and desires than the needs and desires of others. Teach them various ways to show and extend kindness to others.

2. Active listening develops healthy communication skills.

3. Following directions - multi-step directions are challenging. Give 1 direction at a time.

4. Collaborating and Cooperating - These skills give the child a chance to express ideas and listen to the ideas of others. They develop sharing skills. There are many books available on their level which focus on collaboration and cooperation. The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli

5. Patience - delayed gratification comes into play. Good things take time. We nurture them into becoming a patient person.

6. Respecting boundaries - Teach children how to ask permission and to identify boundaries. This establishes a sense of respect between themselves and others.

7. Positivity - The easiest way to demonstrate positivity is by modeling it. The more positive you are, the more assured they will become.

"A teacher is a compass that activates the magnets of curiosity, knowledge and wisdom." Ever Garrison.

Whole Body Active Listening Chart “LucyandLuke , theListeners”

Eyes are looking at the speaker.

Brain is thinking about what is being said.

Mouth is quiet.

Heart is caring.

Hands and arms are calm and still.

Legs and Feet are calm and still.

Ways to Show Kindness

❖ Use your listening ears.

❖ Invite someone to play with you.

❖ Say something nice to someone.

❖ Smile.

❖ Share with others.

❖ Say “Thank You”.

❖ Help a friend clean up.

10 Kids Books Psychologists Recommend

Sara Darnell | April 19, 2021

Psychologists everywhere have noticed an uptick in children experiencing anxiety, stress, confusion, and other issues that have come as a result of 2020. We should note that these are completely normal things for children to experience, but what is the best way to work through these feelings? Many psychologists have turned to children's books to teach young readers how to deal with their emotions. Here’s a list of the books that these psychologists are recommending to children:

RIGHT NOW, I AM KIND by DANIELE OWEN

FIONA FLAMINGO by RACHAEL URRUTIA CHU

A FRIEND IS SOMEONE WHO by MARILEE JOY MAYFIELD

MOON WALK: FOREVER BY YOUR SIDE by MERYL DAVIS

SMILES: SAY IT WITH A SMILE by VINCE CLEGHORNE

A MOTHER'S LOVE by MARILEE JOY MAYFIELD

RIGHT NOW, I AM BRAVE by DANIELA OWEN

ZEN PIG: THE WONDER WE ARE by MARK BROWN

I CAN YELL LOUDER by JENNIFER GAITHER

RIGHT NOW, I AM FINE by DANIELA OWEN

“

Religion Bulletin Boards

2023- 2024 Missionary Discipleship

Life is a journey. It’s a pilgrimage. A pilgrimage from God and to God. We are each pilgrims on that narrow path. It’s not an easy . We all know that. However, if we co-operate with God’s grace we can make it and, even better, we can make it together.

Who, though, can teach us the way? The answer, of course, is Jesus Christ. Indeed, in the Holy Gospels, Our Blessed Lord identifies himself as “the way”. Meanwhile, the early Christians often referred to their new life as disciples of Jesus Christ as “the Way” (e.g., Acts 9:2). We too are his chosen.” Bishop Boyea

In our Bulletin Boards this coming school year, it would be a good thing to focus on the importance of Missionary Discipleship. Now, more than ever we need to revitalize our faith as a lived reality rather than just something “good to know.” Becoming a missionary disciple calls us to restore some of the time-honored traditions of our faith and make them a part of our daily practice. Some of these will be reflected in the themes of this year’s Bulletin Boards.

In the Gospels Our Blessed Lord identifies himself as “the way”. The early Christians often referred to their new life as disciples of Jesus Christ as “the Way” (e.g., Acts 9:2).

As we read the Bible, we encounter the Word of God, that is, Jesus Christ himself. He was making us his disciples. He wants us to become even better disciples. So, this coming year, we will be presented with some challenges. These, I hope, will help our students to live an ever more authentic, deeper and happier Christian life as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Call to Mission- Call to Praise

PRAISE GOD. . .

The Divine Praises

Blessed be God.

Blessed be His holy name.

Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man.

Blessed be the name of Jesus.

Blessed be His most Sacred Heart.

Blessed be His most precious Blood.

Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.

Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.

Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy.

Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Conception.

Blessed be her glorious Assumption.

Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.

Blessed be Saint Joseph, her most chaste spouse.

Blessed be God in His angels and in His Saints.

PRAISE ANOTHER PERSON!

If we are on the way, where exactly are we going? This life is a journey from God to God. He is our source and our destination. We are each a pilgrim on that narrow path. It’s not an easy journey. We all know that. However, if we co-operate with God’s grace we can make it and, even better, we can make it together. And, so, to the topic of our first challenge: Praise.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that “Praise is the form of prayer which recognizes most immediately that God is God” adding that it “embraces the other forms of prayer and carries them toward him who is its source and goal” which is Almighty God (#2639).

Praise puts us into right relationship with God and, as a result, we also find ourselves in right relationship with our brothers and sisters. Hence praise is an ideal place to begin our pilgrimage because it’s also where, please God, we’ll end our earthly pilgrimage.

Here is a twofold challenge which can be placed on a bulletin board:

First: Praise God every day. Every day, pray the Divine Praises or the Glory Be depending on the level of the students. Place these prayers on the Bulletin Board as a reminder

Second: Praise at least one person each day And praise them for something specific. How quick we can be to criticize. How slow we can be to praise. Yet, to praise others is also to praise God for the goodness of his creation. Place a reminder on the bulletin board. At the end of each day, ask the students if they have remembered to praise God by praising others.

Did you praise God today?

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

October

Mary, the First Missionary Disciple

Mary’s Magnificat is a beautiful hymn of praise to God. Mary recognizes she is lowly. So are we! And yet, through her perfect co-operation with God’s grace she will become loved and praised until the end of time. There is the lesson for us. In praising God, we share in God’s great plan for his universe and all creation, There lies the path to happiness as well as the path to Heaven. Bishop Fulton Sheen, liked to compare the radiance of Mary to the reflective light of the moon. He writes:

“God, who made the sun, also made the moon. The moon does not take away from the brilliance of the sun. All its light is reflected from the sun. [Thus] the Blessed Mother reflects her Divine Son; without Him, she is nothing. With Him, she is the Mother of All.” As with Mary, so too with us.

October is a perfect month to focus on prayers to Mary. In addition to Mary’s hymn of praise, we can also focus on the Rosary and its beautiful mysteries, Dedicate a bulletin board to the Rosary and spend some time teaching the Rosary to the students. Try having the students do one of the following:

• Create a booklet showing the mysteries of the Rosary.

• Using craft beads and string, have students make their own rosary.

• Join with another class once a week in October to pray a “living Rosary.”

• There are many You Tube videos of the Rosary such as Kristen’s Crosses.” Pray a decade of the rosary each day in October after the lunch recess. Even the youngest students can do a decade each day.

• Teach other prayers to Mary Memorare, Litany to Mary.

Hence, my challenge this month: Pray to Mary each day this month.

ROSARY TELL THE STORY OF

As Disciples, together on the Way, we turn our attention this month to the theme of thanksgiving. No, not the annual holiday with turkey and the cranberry sauce but, instead, the reason for that holiday, that we are always to give thanks to God our Father for the many blessings we have received. For the Christian disciple the theme of thanksgiving is essential. It stands at the very heart of our faith and our worship; the word Eucharist itself means ‘thanksgiving offering’. Being thankful is an acknowledgement of God’s goodness and love, as well as his greatness and power. If we don’t practice thanksgiving, we run the risk of forgetting that all good things come from God and, thus, that we could be distancing ourselves from God himself. Practicing thanksgiving in our prayer life can be a means of keeping us connected to God, maintaining our focus and attention on Him. This month:

• Pick a person each day and think of something about that person deserving our thanks. And then do it. Tell him or her of your appreciation. This will be pleasing to God love.

• Take a set of rosary beads and instead of saying Hail Mary’s use each bead to mention something for which we are thankful. If we do this, we will have to name 60 thanksgivings.

• Just as Mary plays such an important part in the gift of eternal life offered to each of us through her Son, Jesus, our own mothers too have literally given us the gift of life Write a letter to your mom, living or deceased, and then say a Hail Mary for our mom every day this week

• Try dedicating each meal as a "screen free zone". This means no TV, no tablet, and no phones. That means the phone is switched off –not just on silent – and away from the table. Doing that allows us to be fully present to each other and to God.

Participation in the Mass is the best thing we can do if we truly aspire to be Disciples Together on the Way.

We see Jesus offering a Blessing before many meals. In the Jewish tradition, the Blessing corresponds to the type of food or the importance of the meal. Regardless of which type of Blessing, we can understand that it was a prayer ordered to give Praise and Thanks to God. Write your own prayer of Thanksgiving that you can use for Thanksgiving dinner.

Good Writers’ Club

The Good Writers’ Club is designed to assist teachers in:

• providing motivation to write properly

• developing skills of legible handwriting

• establishing a means for a sense of achievement

• fostering pride in daily work.

We encourage a continued effort in all grades in providing daily instruction and encouragement in:

• correct letter formation

• uniform height and width of letters

• uniform slant

• proper alignment

• neat and clean work

• good margins

• a specified arrangement of papers.

Within each school, a designated evaluator could be chosen, or classroom teachers may evaluate within the grade to choose those students each month who have exhibited good writing skills. Perhaps a “Good Writers' of the Month” Bulletin Board in the classroom or in an area in the school where all would have access to the "Good Writers’ " would be a few ways to display work and/or names in order to heighten motivation. Certificates can be distributed.

Monthly samples for Grades 3 thru 8 will be provided in each issue of the IHM Catholic Ed Notes

A sample certificate page will also be included in each issue of the IHM Catholic Ed Notes for your convenience to print on cardstock.

Thank you for all you do to encourage and foster these good writing skills in your students on a daily basis.

Why Cursive? Here are some interesting thoughts.

http://www.cursivelogic.com/why-cursive

IHM GOOD WRITERS’ CLUB

RATIONALE

1. To assist teachers in providing motivation

2. To develop skills of legible handwriting

3. To provide a means for a sense of achievement

4. To foster pride in daily work

TIPS FOR TEACHERS

1. Select a definite objective for each lesson.

2. Allocate a specific time for penmanship each day.

3. Study techniques outlined in your Teacher’s Manual, noting the letter formation peculiar to your series (Palmer, Noble, Zaner Blozer, Universal Publishing etc).

4. Provide thorough instruction by demonstrating formation, size, shape, alignment, appearance, spacing and slant.

1. SHAPE correct formation of letters

2. SIZE uniform, correct height and width of letters

3. SLANT uniform, diagonal slope of strokes

4. ALIGNMENT tangency to baseline with down-strokes

5. APPEARANCE neat, clean work; proper margins; specified arrangement of papers

Classes should come to an agreement on one alphabet. Having the alphabet on display in each classroom is most beneficial to proper letter formation.

Grades 3 & 4

OCTOBER NOVEMBER

October is the month Thanksgiving is a time When the smallest breeze For us to pause and say Gives us a shower Thank You, God, for everything Of autumn leaves. You send us every day.

Grades 5 & 6

OCTOBER NOVEMBER

Yesterday is history. For food we eat and homes we love Tomorrow is a mystery. And for our loved ones dear, Today is a gift We bow our heads, and thank You, God That’s why we call it the present. For blessings of the year.

Grades 7 & 8

OCTOBER NOVEMBER

We don’t change God’s message. Where God puts a period. His message changes us.

Don’t put a question mark

DECEMBER

Grades 3 & 4

Grades 5 & 6

Christmas is love in action. Christmas is a time

Every time we love, To open our hearts

Every time we give, To God and His gifts

It’s Christmas. Just like the rest of the year.

(Dale Evans)

Grades 7 & 8

The magic of Christmas Is not in the presents But in His presence

Fall, 2023