Vol ume4,I s s ueNo. 2
Ma yt h i sC h r i s t m a sw h i s p e rJ e s u s .
Dear Friends, Welcome to our Winter/Early Spring 20232024 issue of the IHM Catholic EdNotes!
OUR CREATIVE CONTRIBUTORS
Sister Joyce Bell IHM Sister Mary Sue Carwile IHM Karen Creely Sister Mary Jo Ely, IHM Sister Theresa Duffy IHM Sister Marie Gipprich IHM Sister Judith Kathryn Knowlton IHM Kim Lamb Sister Patricia McCormack IHM Sister Edward William Quinn IHM Sister Christina Marie Roberts IHM Sister Stephen Ann Roderiguez IHM Sister Patricia Scanlon IHM Sister Kathleen Monica Schipani IHM Susan Schuller Sister Monica Therese Sicilia IHM Sister Mary Anne Sweeney IHM Sister Stephanie Gabriel Tracy IHM
Our cover of this edition calls attention to our innermost desire for wholeness. The empty crib promises new life and we pray that Christmas will indeed whisper Jesus in our own lives and in our broken world. Hebrews 10:23 proclaims: “Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope, for He who made the promise is trustworthy.” Our IHM Sisters and our dedicated lay colleagues recognize the centrality of our faith and its place in our everyday lives. It is this faith that allows us to boldly bring God’s grace and hope to all those we meet each day, and to assist our students to more fully engage in their personal faith-life, growth and learning. We witness to the added grace of our faith-life as it supports our energy level and focuses us to navigate the daily challenges 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 that can support your best practices, Pre-K through Grade 12, whether in a catechetical parish program or a Catholic school setting. If you have any comments or suggestions, please contact us: ihmcatholicednotes@gmail.com God bless you for your dedication to Catholic education!
IHM Charism Connection Love “Without Calculation” In a February 2023 address, Pope Francis invited his listeners to consider moving beyond self-interest or convenience and to love others in excess! Pope Francis challenged all of us to embrace this transformative “extraordinary love”: “Brothers and sisters, the Lord invites us to step out of the logic of self-interest and not to measure love on the scales of calculations and convenience. He invites us not to respond to evil with evil, to dare to do good, to risk in giving, even if we receive little or nothing in return,” This call to love in excess truly reflects the IHM Sisters spirituality rooted in the Redemptorist spirituality of St. Alphonsus Liguori. This love is at the heart of our responding to God’s love for us. We recognize God’s love for us made incarnate in the person of Jesus Christ. This love manifests itself in Jesus, our Redeemer! Redemptorist spirituality summarizes this love in its focus on crib, cross and Eucharist. Crib – God becomes one of us! Cross – Jesus empties himself totally accepting the consequence of human life…death, death on the Cross! Eucharist – Jesus continues to make Himself present to us…approachable, available, accessible! The IHM Sisters respond to God’s Boundless Love in their witness of a consecrated life. “As a faithful witness, a sister gives evidence to the world of the transforming power and loving presence of Christ in her life.” (Faithful Witness, p.43). As joyful bearers of God’s redeeming love, the IHM Sisters embrace all persons they encounter and invite others to do the same. Together, what a powerful influence is ours! Love others in excess! Each of us contributes to the transformation of the world each time we choose to love through our words and actions! St. Alphonsus Liguori encourages us: “The past is no longer yours; the future is not yet in your power. You have only the present wherein to do good”.
To learn more about the IHM Sisters go to: www.ihmimmaculata.org
ADVENT: A REMINDER OF CHRIST’S PRESENCE AMONG US The beautiful season of Advent will soon be upon us. In spite of the usual busyness of the season, it still remains a time of preparation for and anticipation of the commemoration of the birth of Christ. Advent gives us the opportunity to understand Christ’s dwelling among us and the bond between Jesus’ Incarnation and his continued presence in the Eucharist. During this time of Eucharistic renewal, it is good for us to recall the ways in which Christ is present to us at each Mass: • • • •
In the Scriptures proclaimed at Mass In the Congregation assembled In the person of the Presider In the consecrated bread and wine, Jesus’ body and blood
There are not just lessons we read in the Catholic Catechism or words we hear from a pulpit. They are true and alive—and very, very real. The Scriptures tell us the story of our history and the life of Christ who always has been and remains with his people. The Holy Spirit, dwelling in the congregation, brings Christ’s presence among and in all those seated around us, gathered in Jesus’ name. The Presider, through the same indwelling of the Holy Spirit, acts in the person of Christ, leading us in prayer and praise. The consecrated bread and win, holy communion, is the preeminent presence of Christ in every Eucharistic celebration. There is a beautiful connection between the season of Advent, when we await the coming of Christ at Christmas, and our Eucharistic celebrations, when Christ is truly present in our midst. This connection is a reminder to us of Christ’ transcendence and immanence, of his divinity and humanity. This is what we celebrate during Advent: recognition of Jesus as true God and true man, who came to dwell among us, and who does dwell among us. Perhaps during this Advent season (and throughout the year) we might spend some time reflecting on how Jesus is present to each of us. This practice began in ancient times when the prophets foretold the coming of the Messiah. In Jesus’ incarnation and his life on earth we come to know God-made-flesh. And now there is Jesus’ ongoing presence in his people, in the Church, and most especially in his Eucharistic presence. During the hustle and bustle of this Advent/Christmas season, let us try to remember the One we are preparing for and who already dwells among us. Hopefully, for all of us, it also will be a time to focus on the wonderful gift of the Eucharist.
FACULTY FORMATION
SYNOD, PART 1 What happened at the first session of the Synod on Synodality? What happens now? By Sr. Stephanie Gabriel Tracy, IHM
The Synod - what happened? Pope Francis and 364 representatives of the Church – cardinals, bishops, priests, men and women religious, and lay people from around the globe – spent the month of October participating in the Synod of Bishops on Synodality in Rome. While synods have been relatively commonplace in the recent history of the church, this one was different for several reasons. First, the meeting was held in the Paul VI audience hall rather than the usual synod hall used in the past. The change of venue was to accommodate the larger group, and to allow participants to meet at round tables rather than stadium-style seating. Secondly, rather than a daily series of presentations from appointed leaders and formal responses and reactions to what was shared, participants were each given an opportunity to speak from their own experiences with everyone at the table listening attentively. After each person finished speaking, discussion continued around the table. Thirdly, the synod allowed lay people – men and women – to vote on the text of the synod synthesis report. This was unique because bishops have been the only voting members of synods up to this time. Also unusual for this synod is that it will take place in two separate sessions – the one that just concluded, and the second one which will be held in October 2024. The members of the synod, after publishing the synthesis report, returned to their native dioceses to share their experience with the church at home, and to continue the work of discernment that began with the synod. What is the church discerning? The synod members discussed each of the four major themes that had emerged from the diocesan and continental phases of the synod. Those themes were: synodality, communion, mission and participation. In the synthesis report, the synod outlined some specific topics for further local and regional discernment and prayer between now and the synod’s second session. Some of those topics included the role of women in decision making, the possibility of women deacons, as well as considering more pastoral approaches to welcoming groups who have felt excluded from the Church, including the poor, the disabled, those struggling with gender identity and sexuality, and those in irregular marriages who are prevented from full participation in the sacraments. While some commentators wondered prior to the beginning of the first session of the synod whether the meeting would lead to any changes in church teaching, the first synod session produced only encouragement for further discernment. Pope Francis has repeatedly said that synodality is less about church teaching and more about a way of being church – one that is less centralized and more reflective of the dignity of all members of the Church by virtue of their baptism.
Synod members disagreed in many areas, and the synthesis report reflected those areas of tension. According to one report on the synthesis document published in America magazine, “The divergences in the assembly, (the synthesis) said, reflected opposing concerns: that ‘if we use doctrine harshly and with a judgmental attitude, we betray the Gospel; if we practice mercy ‘on the cheap,’ we do not convey God’s love.’” In a brief letter written to the entire Church, the synod assembly wrote: “Day by day, we felt the pressing call to pastoral and missionary conversion … for the Church’s vocation is to proclaim the Gospel not by focusing on itself, but by placing itself at the service of the infinite love with which God loved the world.” The question that remains to be answered as the synod continues is how exactly to apply and live out that service of love. What can we do now? So, what can the larger Church do now in the time between the first and second sessions of the synod? First, all the people of God are invited to prayer. The synod members themselves will return to their dioceses and share their experience. From there, further discussion is expected to develop that will inform the next synod session in 2024. Second, the Church as a whole can continue to practice and grow in its ability to listen prayerfully and attentively to all of its members, especially those who have felt excluded. The point of the synod is not to address every need of every member all at once, but to better live out St. Paul’s description of the Church as the Body of Christ where each member is valued and important to the whole.
Practically Speaking: Discernment The synod on synodality often speaks of discernment and its importance in the life of the Church. But what is it and how can we practice it in our daily lives? Perhaps the most well-known teacher of discernment was St. Ignatius of Loyola, a 16th century Spanish nobleman and knight whose battle injuries led to his conversion and the founding of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). During his convalescence, Ignatius also began writing his famous Spiritual Exercises – a set of notes for retreat directors to help guide retreatants in determining God’s will. For Ignatius, God’s will was the most important consideration – of two equally good choices, which one will most effectively lead the most people towards God’s kingdom? When making a choice, Ignatius noticed that often one option would lead to greater feelings of peace and contentment compared to another. He also noticed that some options felt downright confusing and tense. Ignatius called this awareness discernment of spirits, and he advised people to take these movements of the spirit seriously. Ignatius insisted that God’s spirit always inspires feelings of peace, contentment, charity and unity, while the spirit of the “Enemy” (the devil) always leads to confusion, uncertainty and distrust. The Synod on Synodality is rooted in this process of discernment of spirits – what is leading the Church toward greater charity and building up of the Kingdom of God, and what is not. Even though most of us are not synod members, we can play our own role in helping the church grow in her ability to practice the art of synodality: We can practice the art of authentic, active listening in our daily lives. We can read more about and practice discernment in our spiritual lives and our day-to-day tasks. Rather than reacting to every little fact or event that comes our way, we can pause and take a moment to consider whether our feelings of peace or unrest come from God or from the Enemy, and we can respond accordingly by choosing that option that leads us closer to a Gospel-centered life.
Social Justice The Call of Matthew 25: 31-46 by Sister Joyce C. Bell, IHM Coordinator of Social Justice
The final parable in the gospel of Matthew is about the end times, the final judgement. It has often been called the “parable of the sheep and the goats.” For many years, as a high school student, throughout college and even into my religious life, I have found this parable disturbing. I believe Jesus. I take Him at His word. Feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, visiting the imprisoned and the sick are not just suggestions as works of mercy, they are mandates given to all believers. When I do these things to the least among us, I am doing them to Jesus. I have always contributed to charities and missionary projects. I had thought that passive participation would be enough but here, Jesus is speaking of active engagement, and this is what I have always found unsettling. When I first learned about Catholic Social Teaching, it opened a door to a different level of participation for me. It is not easy, and it is constant. There are seven themes in Catholic Social Teaching, each theme containing wisdom from Church teachings: papal, conciliar and episcopal. They are foundational toward the building a just society and they provide a clear path of action toward responding to Jesus’ mandate, found in Matthew 25, amid today’s challenges. Our Catholic Bishops tell us: “ Catholic Social Teaching is a central and essential element of our faith.” Its roots lie in the prophetic teaching of the Hebrew scriptures that regard the poor and vulnerable as the beloved of God. God formed His chosen people in a covenantal relationship, one that was based on love and justice. Jesus was the embodiment of this relationship, and it was He who self-identified with the “least of these,” the hungry and the stranger. Catholic Social Teaching is built on a commitment to the poor and it is energized and nourished through our experience of Christ in the Eucharist. (USCCB) Sharing Catholic Social Teaching: Challenges and Directions https://www.usccb.org/resources/sharing-catholic-social-teaching-challenges-and-directions These are the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching: 1. Life and Dignity of the Human Person 2. Call to Family, Community and Participation 3. Rights and Responsibilities 4. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable 5. The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers 6. Solidarity 7. Care for God’s Creation We will begin to unpack these themes in the next installment.
IHM ABC Notes
Winter 2023
Catholic Podcasts
Apps for Ipad, Iphone, Ipod Catholic Saint of the Day ’
Advent App ’
GPS for Classroom Success Recalculating Positive Social and Emotional Strategies which create healthy climate and learning in the classroom.
Establish trusting relationships by . . . 1. Showing warmth and affection consistently. 2. Respecting and caring about every child. 3. Using children's books. 4. Planning activities. 5. Coaching on the spot. 6. Giving effective praise. 7. Modeling appropriate behavior. 8. Providing cues.
5 Ways to Support Social – Emotional Development in Children 1. Use power words. E.g. “Stop.” or “I don’t like that.” 2. Help children understand the consequences of behavior – using a neutral tone of voice and keep consequences directly related to the action. 3. Show while telling. Stay focused on the positive – the “do” rather than the “don’t.” 4. Establish “little rules”. E.g. “Be kind.” “Take care of property.” 5. Listen attentively and empathetically.
“Teaching children is an accomplishment; getting children excited about learning is an achievement. “ Robert John Meehan
Children Are .... Amazing, cherish them
Noble, esteem them.
Believable, trust them.
Open-minded, hear them.
Childlike, let them.
Precious, treasure them.
Divine, respect them.
Questioners, encourage them.
Energetic, nourish them.
Resourceful, support them.
Fallible, embrace them.
Spontaneous, enjoy them.
Gifts, unwrap them.
Talented, believe in them.
Here Now, be with them.
Unique, affirm them.
Innocent, delight in them.
Vulnerable, protect them.
Joyful, appreciate them.
Whole, recognize them.
Kindhearted, join them.
Xtra Special, celebrate them.
Loveable, love them.
Yearning, notice them.
Magical, fly with them.
Zany, laugh with them. Meiji Stewart
Promoting Social-Emotional Development in Each Child From the moment a child is born they are developing a sense of self and the world around them. They begin to learn to trust. As we build a bond with them, they feel secure in their world. This sets the stage for their entire developmental future. We help them develop socially and emotionally. Social development is our interaction with others. It is the ability to form secure relationships. Emotional development is regulating and expressing emotions. It involves the way one feels about themselves, others and the world. Recent research shows a direct connection between healthy socialemotional development and academic success. The National Academy of Sciences identified three qualities children need to be ready for school: intellectual skills, motivation to learn, and strong social/emotional capacity. The report states: Strong social-emotional development underlies all later social, emotional, and academic success. Young children who develop strong early relationships with parents, family, caregivers, and teachers learn how to pay attention, cooperate, and get along with others. They are confident in their ability to explore and learn from the world around them. A person’s life experiences, genetic make-up, and temperament can affect their social-emotional development. As your child’s role model, you can send a positive message to them. Start by being supportive. • Love each child and show your affection for them. Read, and talk with them throughout the day. • Encourage children to try new things. Help them see what they are capable of. Let them know you are pleased with their accomplishments.
• Give children opportunities to play with other children their age. Help them explore their world and get to know the people in it. Model kind and generous behaviors when interacting with other adults and children. • Show your feelings. Let children see when you are happy or sad. This helps them to develop empathy for others. • Establish daily routines. Children will feel confident and secure. They will learn that events can happen in an organized way. Create routines that are predictable but flexible. • Acknowledge each child’s feelings. Help them talk about what they feel and how they are feeling. Comfort them when they are upset. Speak softly and calmly. Provide positive social-emotional opportunities for each child. They will feel good about themselves and develop confidence. Children will form secure relationships with others and ultimately will be able to focus and learn. This strong and healthy foundation will lead to future academic success.
Mary’s Apparitions and the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary
It is a wonderful tradition to keep a Introduction: This morning, we gather to honor our Blessed Mother Mary by praying the Rosary together. One of the most powerful prayers we ever learn to pray is the Rosary. The Rosary is a very old devotion, dating back to the 13th century when Saint Dominic was given the first Rosary by Our Lady. October is the beautiful month dedicated to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. Rosary with us always: in our pocket, on our belt, on our bedpost, or in our car for protection. Sometimes, when we are too sick to pray, we can just hold the beads like we are holding the hand of Mary. Mary loved her Son, Jesus, with her whole heart and she loves all of her children with that same special love. Mary, our Mother, has appeared on earth many times and in many places. Wherever she has come, our Blessed Mother has taught us to follow her son Jesus and to pray, especially to pray the Rosary. As we pray each decade of the Rosary together this morning, let us pause to remember five special visits or apparitions of Our Lady: Fatima, Guadalupe, Lourdes, Knock, and Paris. As each story reminds us over and over of our Blessed Mother’s deep love for us, let us ask her to bring peace to our hearts, our families, our school, our country, our church, the sick, and all who are suffering throughout the world. Hymn: Immaculate Mary: Verse 1 Reflecting on the Joyful Mysteries, we will now place ourselves at the feet of Mary. The Sign of the Cross - In the name of the Father… The Apostles Creed - I believe in God… One Our Father – Our Father… 3 Hail Mary’s – Hail Mary, full of grace… One Glory be to the Father – Glory be to the Father… Fatima Prayer: O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy.…
First Joyful Mystery: Our Lady of Fatima The Annunciation of the Angel Gabriel to Mary
From May 13th to October 13th, 1917, The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared six times to three children: Lucia Santos and Francisco and Jacinta Marto in Fatima, Portugal. It was the time of World War I. Mary asked the children to pray the Rosary for peace and an end to the war. In October, at the last visit, 70,000 people saw the “Miracle of the Dancing Sun,” a sign from Our Lady that she had truly come. As we remember Gabriel’s visit to Our Lady, we thank Mary for her generous and loving YES to God. Mary asked the three children, and she asks us to pray the Rosary for peace. We echo her YES and pray for peace throughout the world, especially in the Ukraine. Our Lady of Fatima… Pray for us. Our Father… 10 Hail Mary’s Glory be to the Father… Fatima Prayer: O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy.
Second Joyful Mystery: Our Lady of Guadalupe The Visitation
One morning, in 1531, while on his way to Mass, Juan Diego, a poor Aztec Mexican, heard a woman’s sweet voice calling him to climb the Tepeyec Hill. It was Mary and she had something special to tell him. Dressed in a blue cape, dotted with stars, she herself looked like an Aztec Princess. “Go to the Bishop,” our Blessed Mother said, and tell him that I want a church built here, where I will hear the cry of the poor and relieve their sufferings. The Bishop did not believe Juan until later when Our Lady gave Juan roses miraculously growing in December to bring to the Bishop. Juan carried them in his cloak, called a tilma. When he opened his tilma in front of the Bishop, there was a picture of Mary just as Juan described her. A chapel was built and today Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Patroness of the Americas and the Protector of the Unborn. At the Annunciation, Mary found out that her older cousin, Elizabeth, was also going to have a baby. Our Blessed Mother went quickly to visit and help Elizabeth. May she intercede for our Country for a greater respect for life and an end to violence. Our Lady of Guadalupe… Pray for us. Our Father… 10 Hail Mary’s Glory be to the Father… Fatima Prayer: O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy. Hymn: Immaculate Mary: Verse 2
Third Joyful Mystery: Our Lady of Lourdes The Birth of Jesus
In the small town of Lourdes in France, one winter day in 1858, a poor young girl named Bernadette Soubirous, was sent to gather wood to heat her cold home. Suddenly Bernadette saw a beautiful lady, dressed in a white gown with a blue ribbon around her waist. She asked if they could pray the Rosary together. The Lady was Mary and she told Bernadette to pray for sinners and to return there every day for 15 days. On the sixth visit, the Lady told Bernadette “to drink and wash in the spring.” There was no water there, so Bernadette began to dig. Suddenly, a trickle of water came that continued to flow and increase, become clean and clear. Sick people from all over the world come to Lourdes to be washed in that miraculous water, given by Mary. The angels announced the birth of Jesus on Christmas first to poor and humble shepherds like Bernadette. They had a special mission, just like Bernadette. Let us travel in spirit to Lourdes and pray for all in need of healing in mind or heart or body. Our Lady of Lourdes… Pray for us. Our Father… 10 Hail Mary’s Glory be to the Father… Fatima Prayer: O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy.
Fourth Joyful Mystery: Our Lady of Knock The Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple Our Blessed Mother came to the village of Knock in western Ireland in 1879. On a rainy Thursday evening on August 21 at about 8 o’clock, a vision appeared at the south gable of the village church. Fifteen people, men, women, and children ranging in age from 6 to 75 years old, witnessed the apparition. Two things were unique about this apparition. First, Mary was not alone. The witnesses saw Our Blessed Mother clothed in a white robe with a golden rose and a golden crown. On her right side was Saint Joseph and on her left side was Saint John. Secondly, at Knock, Mary did not speak. With hands raised and her eyes lifted up to heaven, she was praying. The Blessed Mother came not to tell us, but to show us that we must pray. Forty days after Jesus was born, Joseph and Mary took their Son, Jesus, to be presented at the Temple in Jerusalem. There they met two elderly people: Simeon and Anna, who also showed us how to pray, spending their whole lives in the Temple waiting for the Savior to come. During this decade, we pray for ourselves that we may be true disciples in prayer and action. Our Lady of Knock… Pray for us. Our Father… 10 Hail Mary’s Glory be to the Father… Fatima Prayer: O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy.
Hymn: Immaculate Mary: verse 3
Fifth Joyful Mystery: Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple
In 1830, Our Blessed Mother appeared to Catherine Laboure, a Novice of the Daughters of Charity in the Chapel of her Motherhouse in Paris. This visit was very unusual because Mary sat on a chair when she spoke to Catherine and Catherine placed her hands right on the lap of Our Lady. Mary gave Catherine a special mission. It was to have medals made in her honor. Mary also said that those who will wear this “Miraculous Medal” will receive many, many graces, especially at the hour of death. When Jesus was 12 years old, Joseph and Mary took their Son again to the Temple in Jerusalem. Without either of them realizing it, Jesus stayed behind in the Temple listening to the priests and asking them questions. After 3 days of being worried, like any parent would be, Joseph and Mary finally found Jesus.
To lose a loved one for even a few days or especially through death, really hurts. Mary, just as you were so close to Saint Catherine Laboure during your visit, please hold close to your Immaculate Heart all who have died. Meet them at the Gate of Heaven this day. Be with us too now and at the hour of our death. Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal… Pray for us. Our Father… 10 Hail Mary’s Glory be to the Father… Fatima Prayer: O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy.
Concluding Prayers for the Rosary Today, we have shown our love for Jesus and Mary by praying the Rosary. Let us ask our Mother Mary to continue to be with us always and to bring peace and protection, hope and healing to our families, our country, and our world. Amen.
Closing Hymn: Hail Holy Queen
Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father…
IHM Catholic EdNotes
Volume 4, Issue No. 1
MAXIMIZING LEARNING FOR ALL STUDENTS INCLUSION PRACTICES FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS AND PARISH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
BELONGING: INCLUSION WITHIN OUR CATHOLIC SCHOOL I don’t recall when I first heard the word “belonging” with reference to those with disabilities, but I know it was sometime after 2015, when my husband’s job brought us to relocate from Connecticut to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. I’m sure it was a talk or writing of Erik Carter, Ph.D., from Vanderbilt University, a leader in educating to foster an environment of belonging in parishes, religious education programs, and schools. It didn’t immediately dawn on me that this was exactly what I had been hoping to create/find for my son, but indeed it truly is. Belonging is a more intensive and purposeful approach regarding the relationships that people want to experience. It involves concepts like being invited, known, needed, and loved.
BELONGING INVOLVES CONCEPTS LIKE BEING INVITED, KNOWN, NEEDED AND LOVED. When our son was born in 2006 with Down syndrome (DS) and requiring open heart surgery, his attending a Catholic school, was not even a possibility in our minds. Just imagine on the first night of his life, there I was, contemplating
and coming to grips with the reality that he wouldn’t be in a Catholic environment for his education. While this made me sad, I truly thought Michael would need special education teachers to directly teach him all that he could learn. Rather the question I asked my husband that first night, was if we should move all four of Michael’s older siblings from the Catholic school to the public school, so we would know and be known by the system.
My husband, who was only fortunate enough to go to Catholic school from 9-12th grade, refused that move, saying that we chose Catholic schools for the right reasons, and it really is our family’s community, since our nearest relatives were 800 miles away. With the initial palpable, paralyzing fear that hit us with Michael’s diagnosis, our plan that we devised on the day of his birth was simply to surround and
protect him from this world. God clearly had a different plan. Over the early years of Michael's life, we delighted in seeing Michael imitate siblings and reach milestones, albeit considerably later than the other children. He was actually better at sign language than the rest of us, rendering it somewhat ineffective. Sign language gave us such great insight into his thoughts and some funny misunderstandings, such as Michael trying to correct his baby sister when she was using the wrong sign, but perfectly speaking the correct word. Ultimately, we discovered that we could teach him, but most importantly we realized what a great teacher he had been to us! My children had every intention that Michael should attend Catholic school with them, but I ignored their pleas and quietly enrolled him in our highly reputable public school inclusive preschool class. He remained there for two years.
During these first couple of years, I learned that the incidence of depression in teens with Ds mirrored that of their neurotypical peers, which we all know is just
INCLUSION PRACTICES FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS AND PARISH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
too high (and that was pre-covid!) I wanted Michael to be in an environment that saw and valued him and discussed the fact that each of us is created in God’s image and likeness. It just made sense that he be in a Catholic school. I realized that the right heart-set of the teacher and IT JUST MADE SENSE THAT MICHAEL BE IN A CATHOLIC SCHOOL. school was most important, and that we could more easily teach the skillset than the other way around. I wanted Michael to have God in all of his day, just as my other children had. Before the start of Michael’s final year of preschool, I knew that I wanted him with his siblings at our local Catholic school. I had been privileged to see the works of God displayed in Michael and on Michael’s behalf over those first years and wanted our beloved community at Greenwich Catholic School (GCS) to experience this too. In 2011, Michael started in PreK 4 at GCS. He has been in a Catholic school, simply included and alongside neurotypical peers, ever since. In 2015, we relocated to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and he was welcomed alongside his siblings at St Katharine of Siena School in Wayne. In 2022, Michael started high school at Archbishop Carroll and was supported by a team of peer mentors, one in each class (instead of an adult support person). Michael received a grade in the typical freshman slate of classes including Biology, Theology, English, Algebra, World
History, and 3D printing, and the mentors received a grade in Peer Mentoring. The benefits of this model are far-reaching. Michael has truly thrived in his academic environment over the years. Every school Michael attended had a principal who was faith-filled and believed that inclusion is absolutely what Jesus would want. Not having a background in Special Education or experience with inclusion did not deter them. They had faith and intellectual humility that enabled them to be open to new learning.
EVERY SCHOOL MICHAEL ATTENDED HAD A PRINCIPAL WHO WAS FAITHFILLED AND BELIEVED THAT INCLUSION WAS ABSOLUTELY WHAT JESUS WOULD WANT.
They attended conferences, read articles, watched videos, and sought out other professionals who could support them in this endeavor. They also were merciful, non-judgmental, and naturally loving individuals. Ultimately, they didn’t just allow Michael in or accept that he was there, but rather they fully appreciated him.
This was easy to see, and others (faculties, students, parents) followed suit or selectively chose to leave (some faculty). I truly believe that when people are in a safe and loving environment, they will respond in love.
Within the boundaries of our Archdiocese, there are 102 catholic diocesan elementary schools and 15 secondary schools. There are other independent and catholic private schools also. There are only a few individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities included in these schools, which I believe is a disservice to all our students in these schools. Through meaningful inclusion, all are simultaneously teachers and students. THROUGH MEANINGFUL INCLUSION, ALL ARE SIMULTANEOUSLY TEACHERS AND STUDENTS.
Not only do all learn and have better access to the curriculum through professional development for teachers, but hearts are transformed through love. This can only occur by providing the opportunity for shared
INCLUSION PRACTICES FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS AND PARISH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
BELONGING WILL CREATE STRONGER COMMUNITIES AND ENHANCE TEACHERS’ ABILITY TO MEET THE NEEDS OF ALL THEIR LEARNERS…
experiences and time together. Love is how belonging is established. Over these years of having Michael in Catholic schools, I have broadly come to realize that through belonging, the diversity that is evident to those on the outside, is no longer relevant to those on the inside. All that remains is love.
disabilities, so that families can stay within their parish communities and keep their children together in Catholic education, for the betterment of all. Belonging will create stronger communities, enhance teachers’ abilities to meet the needs of all their learners, and ultimately better prepare each of us to fulfill our missions on earth, through the appreciation of all our unique gifts and learning to love more fully. It is humbling for me to have been in the position where the success of this mission only happens through the “yes” of others. All I can do is dream and ask. Through the generous and loving “yes” response of principals, teachers, classmates, parents, coaches, and teammates, the brotherly/sisterly love of our beautiful Archdiocese of Philadelphia, is playing out in such a tangible way.
presentation by Erik Carter, Ph.D., and learn about any one or all of the ten elements of belonging: A Place of Belonging: Including Individuals With Disabilities in Faith Communities - Erik W. Carter, 2022 (sagepub.com) Fostering Belonging - School of Theology and - Boston College (bc.edu) The link from Boston College breaks down the presentation into sections, so you can select one and do a reflection for a faculty retreat, a parish council meeting, or a prep lesson. This is powerful and beautiful information, which I believe will empower your community to look upon others in a more Christ-like way that can increase the experience of belonging that your community offers to all its members. …THE SUCCESS OF THIS MISSION ONLY HAPPENS THROUGH THE “YES” OF OTHERS.
God clearly had this plan and has put the right people in Michael’s life and moved us to the proper place, to have this mission move forward. He even gave us the gifts of Abby and Lily to organize a group and gain traction through the work of their families. With the birth of these two and the dream of their parents, The Rising Together Alliance came into existence to help our schools include our children with intellectual and developmental
There are no words strong enough to express the gratitude that I feel towards God and to everyone that has journeyed and will walk alongside us in the future. As Mother Angelica said, “Everything starts with one person. I don't care if you are 5 or 105, God from all eternity chose you to be where you are, at this time in history, to change the world.” I encourage each of you to read an article or watch an engaging
As we approach advent I leave you with a quote from St. Mother Teresa, “It is Christmas every time you let Jesus love others through you.” Susan Schuller Rising Together Alliance www.RisingTogetherAlliance.org
Each edition of Maximizing Learning for All Students explores inclusion practices that minimize barriers and maximize learning for ALL students. Email s.k.schipani@IHMimm.org if you would like to share inclusion stories or efforts. Sr. Kathleen Schipani, IHM
Journeying
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS AND THE SYNOD ON SYNODALITY
Together
Reflecting on our Journey Together through the Phillies Postseason I don't know about you, but the day after the Phillies season ended, I was definitely in a bit of a fog all day. I suppose the lack of sleep was catching up to me.... along with the heartbreaking disappointment and realization that the Phillies Phrenzy of the last several weeks of October came to a shocking and unexpected end. As Philly fans, it seems that we should be used to this. After making it to three championships last year and losing each of them, should we really be surprised? Believe me, I had my doubts about that last game even before it started. I was trying to be hopeful, and a friend even told me not to worry, we are going to win this one. But we all know how it ended... Yet despite the disappointing experience of being a Philly fan, especially throughout the past year, this season-ending loss feels different this time. Sure, I was totally bummed that we couldn't make it back to the World Series, yet alone win it! But for me, I did not exactly experience the same level of defeat I felt after we lost Super Bowl LVII. Maybe we are just getting used to the heartbreak, or maybe I'm just learning to appreciate the journey... the way that the Phillies so beautifully brought together a city in a world which is already filled with much devastation, loss, and heartbreak. The outcome of the 2023 version of Red October was definitely not what we had hoped for, yet these results did not make the Phillies' journey through the postseason any less of a gift to our region. How can I say this, you might ask? Did I not see the final game as a total disaster and a major let down? Of course I did! Yet I am choosing to focus on the best part of the last few weeks of the Phillies season... Sure, I absolutely loved the home run derby the Phillies put on during Game 2 of the NCLS, but I must admit, it was nothing compared to the way this team brought us all together! You can't deny it! The excitement in this region was palpable! You could feel the spirit... the way that it energized us and at times even distracted us from our daily activities as we daydreamed about more home runs and that parade down Broad Street... It was magical! You could feel this each time you met up with a total stranger in Wawa or the grocery store decked out in Phillies gear. It would immediately bring a smile to your face, and you could strike up a conversation that likely would not have happened had our beloved Phillies not been in the midst of an incredible postseason run! So although the Phillies' season came to an end much earlier than we had anticipated, the collective contagious, joyful spirit which reached beyond our differences to unite us does not have to come to an end as well! We all wish the Phillies had won the NCLS (and eventually the World Series), but the truth is, they won our hearts by giving us hearts which expanded far beyond our own families and groups of friends. Maybe my friend was right when she said that we would win... or even better, maybe by receiving the gift of the journey through the 2023 postseason, we have already won!
Journeying Through the Synod Sessions The spirit we all experienced during the Phillies Postseason run is much like the spirit that the recent Synod on Synodality Sessions sought to capture, a realization that we are all in this together, and we are far more alike than we are different. Through much conversation and listening, synod delegates were able to share their responses to a variety of questions posed about the Church and its future. By being open and listening to each other’s responses, synod delegates had an opportunity to reflect, to learn from each other, and to come to a better understanding of each other, while maintaining a beautiful sense of unity which we can all learn from!
So how did this journey through the Synod allow a spirit of openness and unity to emerge? 1. Synod Sessions were rooted in prayer and focused on listening to God. 2. Synod delegates shared and listened to each other. 3. Through mutual sharing and listening to God and each other, Synod delegates experienced unity.
How can we teach young people to be rooted in prayer? Lectio Divina - A Guide for Youth 1. Reading (lectio) - Choose a biblical passage to read several times, leaving room for the Holy Spirit to call your attention to a word, phrase, or line that God wants you to hear. 2. Meditation (meditatio) - Think about the word or words that the Holy Spirit has called to your attention, holding them in your mind and considering them from different angles. 3. Prayer (oratio) - Respond to the sacred words in prayer, either silently or out loud, or in writing. 4. Contemplation (contemplatio) - Rest in God’s presence, quieting yourself and listening for God’s response to your prayer.
How can we teach young people to listen, share, and seek unity? The following STEM Principles can help to Establish Cooperative Learning:
Student-to-Student Interactions
Give students opportunities to have meaningful interactions while collaborating Establish a positive classroom culture by working together with students Plan student interactions by considering necessary routines and procedures Facilitate student discussions which allow each student to share and listen The goal - for each student experience the joy of a shared idea!
Student Interdependence
Create opportunities for each student to choose a specific role while collaborating Allow students to use their gifts and talents when choosing their role Help students to understand that the success of the group depends upon each fulfilling a specific task & working together The goal - for each student to realize they have a necessary contribution to the group in completing a task
“Terry Eagleton wrote, ‘Journeys are no longer communal but self-tailored, more like hitchhiking than a coach tour. They are no longer mass products but for the most part embarked on alone. The world has ceased to be story-shaped, which means that you can make your life up as you go along.’ But ‘my story’ is our story, the gospel story which can be told in wonderfully different ways.” Father Timothy Radcliffe, O.P. - from his Meditation on Friendship during the Synod Retreat
Grades 3 & 4 JANUARY
FEBRUARY
I thank You, Jesus I offer You praise, Help me to be like You And imitate Your ways.
On February second The groundhog looked about The sun wasn’t shining brightly So his shadow wasn’t out.
Grade 5 &6 JANUARY Have patience. All things are difficult before they become easy.
FEBRUARY Every time you smile at someone it is an act of love; a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.
Saadi St. Teresa of Calcutta
Grades 7 & 8 JANUARY Kind words do not cost much yet they accomplish much. Blaise Pascal
FEBRUARY It is not how much we do; It is how much love we put into what we do. St. Teresa of Calcutta
MARCH
Grades 3 & 4
Grades 5 &6
The wind is full of tricks today It almost blew me far away It almost blew me off my feet As I went walking down the street!
When someone says “I’m sorry!” and it’s really from the heart, forgive and forget what happened. Give your friend a brand new start.
Grades 7 & 8 Life doesn’t require that we do the best – only that we try our best. H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Winter 2024
Formative Parenting Cultivating Character in Children A Ministry of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Immaculata, Pennsylvania
Create a Lit urgical Classroom Environment ADVENT/WINTER WIS DOM from G ospel C haracters
Wisdom advice once offered to me was: “Learn something from everything—even if it is what not to b e!” We can learn much from Mary, the handmaid of the Lord. But Herod, first persecutor of Jesus, a lso has much to teach us! Rich with prophecies and promises, dreamers and searchers, the Winter Gospels can offer catechists a curriculum for character formation. By reflecting on the traits of a s cripture p ersonality and observing attitudes, b ehaviors and consequences of choices ( Gospel ABCs), p eople of all ages can s et goals for p ersonal growth. Though the winter liturgical season is brief (First Sunday of Advent to the celebration of Jesus’ Baptism), the s criptural figures, scenarios and advice of Advent and Christmastime offer abundant opportunity to grow in Christian character. The Liturgical Year a lways b egins with the First Sunday of Advent. Cycle A features the Gospel of Matthew. Mark reveals who Jesus is through Cycle B readings. During Cycle C the Gospel of Luke tutors our hearts. Luke reveals a Jesus who “went about doing good, and h ealing a ll who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with h im.” ( Acts 10:38) More than the other three Gospels, Luke emphasizes the mercy and compassion of Jesus, the role of the Spirit in the life of Jesus, the importance of prayer, and respectful concern for women. These themes will emerge through the Sunday Gospels of Cycle C, mostly during Ordinary Time. This n ewsletter emphasizes the Scriptural themes of Advent and Christmas. Therefore the ideas apply to Cycles A, B and C. The winter readings focus on prophecies fulfilled, the Infancy Narratives, Epiphany events, and the Holy Family. Christmastime concludes with the Baptism of Jesus. I urge Catechists to h elp students of a ll ages to combine the lessons of the s eason’s Sunday Gospels into a PROFILE OF CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. Lead the children to identify and practice the positive traits that emerge from the stories and to cite contemporary examples of those virtues. • On a d edicated bulletin b oard, a • Place an empty Christmas crib on the mobile tri-‐fold presentation board, or a classroom prayer table. Keep paper-‐pieces of portable easel draw an Advent wreath or create hay a vailable. As character-‐qualities surface three-‐dimensional paper candles. Encircle the write them on straw pieces and b egin to fill the wreath with paper holly leaves or evergreen crib. Either “build” the crib as students practice boughs. When a character trait emerges in the a particular trait and give witness to it or fill the Readings of the Sunday liturgy, d iscuss its crib and then from it “draw out” a practice for application to student life and write the word the student to a pply on that day or during the on a wreath leaf. week. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Dr. Patricia M. McCormack, IHM website: www.ParentTeacherSupport.org ©IHM Formative Support Services. All Rights Reserved.
• Draw the advent wreath or crib on kindness = one clothing outfit; a decade of the 8.5x11” paper and duplicate for each student – rosary = 10 feedings. Use Advent days to or have s tudents draw their own. For each perform this “spiritual shopping.” Gospel trait practiced, the student can label a leaf from the wreath or straw and/or color it. • Provide Christmas tree ornament Let it build throughout the s eason. balls. Write one trait with its scripture citation per tree ball and d ecorate the classroom tree. • Create a “spiritual crib.” List the Discuss the trait or give witness to its practice items, facilities, etc., that would b e n eeded for a before hanging it on the tree. newborn baby today. Estimate the cost of such things. Then assign a “spiritual price tag” to • Place a mini-‐easel on the classroom each item, i.e., participation in a weekday Mass prayer table. Use it to “feature” the week’s = hospital costs; performing a random act of character traits. Look b eyond words. Name traits t hat shape Christian character. For instance, “The days are surely coming when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the h ouse of Judah” (Jer. 33:14). A possible conclusion? Keep my promises. Look at personality traits to emulate. For instance, Gabriel: Be a messenger of God’s will. Mary: Be non-‐defensive and thoughtful of others. Elizabeth: Become b etter rather than b itter through d isappointment. Zachary: Learn that nothing is impossible for God. Joseph: Act with justice and charity. What character traits do you extract from these same figures and stories? There is no one expected a nswer. Inn-‐keeper, proclamation angels, stable animals, census donkey, m anger, shepherds, wisemen, Herod, advisors, Holy Innocents, Simeon, Anna, Egypt, the Holy F amily on pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and John the Baptist… all have lessons to teach us. Possibilities a bound to profile Christian character. This article was published in Today’s Liturgy for Children (TLC-‐072) by Oregon Catholic Press, Winter 2006. It was titled, “Winter Wisdom and C hristian Character.”
Dr. Patricia McCormack, IHM, a former Catholic schoolteacher a nd catechist, is a formation education consultant, an author of several books a s well as the P arent P artnership Handbook feature of Today’s Catholic Teacher, and director o f IHM Formative Support for Parents a nd Teachers, Arlington, VA. She speaks a nd writes frequently on topics of child formation.
____________________________________________________________________________________ Dr. Patricia M. McCormack, IHM website: www.ParentTeacherSupport.org ©IHM Formative Support Services. All Rights Reserved.
Religion Bulletin Boards 2023- 2024 Missionary Discipleship and National Eucharistic Revival “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world. JOHN 6:51
With our Bulletin Boards this school year, we will continue to focus on the importance of Missionary Discipleship, but as we continue through the year will also focus on the Eucharist as we celebrate the National Eucharistic Revival. Now, more than ever we need to guide our students into re-vitalizing their faith as a lived reality rather than just something “good to know.” Committing prayers and the facts of faith to memory has no real meaning unless the practice of faith becomes a lived reality. A missionary disciple is called—not to recite prayers, but to pray; not to recall the tenets of faith and scripture, but to live out what these call us to do. Bulleting board visuals and related practices can help our students to a part of our daily practice. The Church is calling us to become missionary disciples. At the same time it is calling us to embrace the Eucharist as a primary focus of our life of prayer and service. The beginning of the Church Year is a good time to start preparing students to become aware of and to participate in the upcoming National Eucharistic Revival scheduled for the summer of 2024. This 10th Eucharistic congress is a unique opportunity for American Catholics to encounter the living Jesus Christ, experience profound renewal, and be sent out on mission for the life of the world 1. For more information on the Eucharistic Revival, go to:
December Come and be born in our hearts!
Mary. . .the first to prepare for the coming of Jesus.
How will you prepare for His Coming?
Come, Lord Jesus
Come and be born in our hearts
The celebration of Advent provides an opportunity to reflect on both Missionary Discipleship and the Eucharist. As Missionary disciples we are called to bring Jesus to others. Our participation in the celebration prepares us for this importantPmission. Mary was the first to prepare for the Coming of Jesus. The month of December provides an opportunity to focus on Mary, the first Missionary Disciple. A bulletin board focusing on the feasts of Mary and an overview of them during December, would be a good reminder for students. These feasts include: • • • • •
Our Lady of Victory-----3 The Immaculate Conception--- 8 Our Lady of Loreto-----10 Our Lady of the Angels-----11 Our Lady of Guadalupe----- 12
Students may be familiar with the hymn, “Come, Lord Jesus” which is often sung during Advent. Remind them that one of the best ways of allowing Jesus to be “born” in our hearts is through participation in the Eucharistic celebration. Discuss ways that they can be more faithful in attending and participating in the Mass. Tell them that the Season of Advent is a good time to focus on being more faithful and that their love of God needs to grow just as a tree used for Christman needs to grow. It needs nourishment and attention. Give each student an outline of a tree. Have them complete the statement, “I will grow in my faith during Advent by. . .” Use the trees as a border on the bulletin board. (Blackine master of trees on p. 5)
January A Journey of Faith
The Bishops of the United States called for a threeyear grassroots revival of devotion and belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. They believe that God wants to see a movement of Catholics across the United States, healed, converted, formed, and unified by an encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist—and sent out in mission “for the life of the world.” 2024 is the culminating year of the revival. The first National Eucharistic Congress in the United States in almost fifty years will be held this summer in the center of the nation ending a journey from all four parts of the country. This will be followed by a year when all are called to go out on mission to bring others to the faith. Resources to assist you in strengthening your own faith and lesson plans to use with students can be found on the following website: https://www.phillyeucharisticrevival.org/formation Create a bulletin board showing the journey that will be taken from the four corners of the country to the Eucharistic Congress. The QR code will lead you to the map. Gradually share with them the significance of the places on the journey taking place from their area. Use push pins to mark places on the journey. Have them gradually create a booklet reflecting their journey of faith. (See p. 6)
FOLLOW
As we begln a new year, explain to the students the concept of what a pilgrimage is: • It is a journey. Attend Mass every • It takes time. Sunday. • It has a purpose • There are specific places to stop on a journey. • You are a part of a group of people following the same path.
Attend Mass every Sunday.
ay
On a bulletin board, put some reminders of how they can walk on a path to Jesus. Have them reflect on resolutions they can make at the beginning of the year to move forward on their own pilgrimage just like the pilgrams who will be travelling to the Eucharistic Congress this coming summer. (See p. 6)
Read the Bible
Pray every day
Be kind to others
February Love of God
At the National Eucharistic Congress, the Church will draw into a deeper intimacy with our Eucharistic Lord, allowing our eyes to be opened and our hearts to be set on fire with his love. (https://www.eucharisticcongress.org) February is the perfect month to focus on the outpouring of love realized through the celebration of the Eucharist. The outpouring of grace empowers us to revive the missionary spirit and encourage us to share the Eucharistic love of Christ “for the life of the world.” John 6:51) This will be a focus of the Congress Prepare a bulletin board representing the Love of God for the world as shown in the Eucharist. Place students’ names on hearts on the board and remind them that each time they receive Jesus they are sharing in God’s love.
Participation in the Mass is the best thing we can do if we truly aspire to be Disciples Together on the Way. February is also a month during which we honor the past leaders of our country. We pray especially this month for wisdom for our current leaders to recognize the need for God’s love in order to bring peace and unity to our country and our world. Encourage the students to be faithful to attending Mass as the best way of praying for our world, our country and for those who lead us. Design a bulletin board reminding children that the best prayer is participation in Mass. Encourage them invite their families to attend Mass as a family and to thank God for those who have led us in the past and to ask His intercession for peace in the future. Have them write their own prayer for peace.
BLESS US WITH THE PEACE
Creating a booklet for “My Faith Journey” To make a book from one piece of paper, you can: • Fold the paper in half, the long way or hot dog style. • Open the paper and fold it the short way, or hamburger style. • Keep the paper folded and fold the paper one more time in the same direction. • Open the paper and you’ll have eight sections. • Fold again, hamburger style.Page • Cut the paper along the middle fold, from the closed edge to the center. • Open. Fold hot dog style and push ends to middle to form book.
Page 1 My Faith Journey
2 My Baptism Where, patron saint, other details
3 The first prayer I learned
4 Sacraments I have received
5 How my family practices faith
6 My favorite bible story
7 The prayer I say most often
8 How I will continue my journey
My Resolutions for a Pilgrimage of Faith in the New Year: In 2024, I will be making a pilgrimage of Faith. My journey will help me to _______________________________________ The time and day (s) I will set aside to focus on my journey is_________ ______________________________________________________________ I am going to try to do the following in order to reach my faith goal which is to__________________________________________________________ I will: • • • •
Participate in Mass _________________________ Pray______________________________________ Do acts of kindness_________________________ Learn more about God by____________________
You are a part of a group of people following the same path. Who will you invite to join you on your journey? __________________________