“One Faith, Many Voices”

Session Overview for Catechists
Slides * Catechist Guide

• Track A (Religious Ed / catecismo): Monday 1/13/2025, 6:45-8:30 p.m. in Mission Hall
• Track B (Catholic schools): Wednesday 1/15/2025 and Thursday 1/16/2025 in 8th Grade Religion Class

Gathering Icebreaker (10 min.)

With your table or group, brainstorm ways you can live by Jesus’ example. Based on journal p. 65. Be prepared to report back to the class on your group’s best idea!

Opening Prayer (5 min)

Prayer for Christian Unity

God our Father, accept our praise and thanksgiving for what already unites Christians in the confession of and witness to Jesus the Lord. Hasten the hour when all churches will recognize each other in the one communion you willed and for which your Son prayed to you in the power of the Holy Spirit. Hear us, you who live and reign now and forever. Amen.

Christian Unity: The Christian Churches Compared (25 min)

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is celebrated each year to bring Christians of different churches together in prayer for unity.  In the northern hemisphere, it is celebrated between January 18 (Confession of St. Peter, a Protestant feast) and January 25 (Conversion of St. Paul).  At Queen of Apostles Parish, how could we not mark this special week, bookended by two feasts of the Apostles?

But if we are praying for Christian unity, in what senses are Christians not already united?

We can fairly easily name other kinds of Christians besides Catholics: Protestants, Orthodox, Methodists, Baptists, Pentecostals, etc.  But how did there come to be so many varieties of Christian churches?

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5G_6I4DIIE)

slides about the evolution of divisions in our church and some key differences (Venn diagrams) between the major branches of Christianity

Breakout: Marks of the Church (15-25 min)

Qualities that the Catholic Church has retained as the “original ship” include being One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic, as we remember each time we pray the Nicene Creed at Mass.  But what do these qualities or marks really mean?

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHwrGLwR9Hk) — STOP at 5:00 when it becomes a commercial

Questions to discuss at tables/groups:

• One: How does the Confirmation Name you have chosen connect you to the faithful people of God who have lived in other times and places? ​
• Holy: In what ways has your life been transformed by your service to others and your acts of personal prayer during ​
  this time of preparation for Confirmation?  ​
• Catholic: How does the diversity our Confirmation Prep experience (people, forms of prayer, etc.) help you to recognize how our Catholic Church gathers all people? ​
• Apostolic: What specific gifts or traits do you see in your Sponsor(s) which make them the ideal “apostle(s)” sent to accompany you on your faith journey?

Participation in the Mass (10 min)

One of the major ways we live out our faith as a community is by gathering for Sunday Mass, living the Commandment to keep the Lord’s Day holy and honor the Resurrection of Jesus in a “little Easter” every Sunday.  The Eucharist is the “source and summit” of our lives as Catholic Christians.  But it can be hard to get engaged with what’s happening at the Mass if you don’t understand the meaning of the words and symbols used, and especially if it has not been your habit to go every week with your family. And so you may feel “bored” during the Eucharist, a miracle in which Jesus gives his very Body and Blood for us, and which the Catholic Church teaches is the source and summit of our faith!

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEGd0QYjrKI)

So let’s try to better understand what our role is in the Mass, by thinking of Mass not just as something we go to, but as an action we participate in doing. {need a good metaphor here, maybe not the basketball thing which we’ll save for later}

Breakout: Questions on Mass Verbs Cards (25 min)

A verb is a word that shows actions, states of being or relationships.  There are many verbs that describe the actions and relationships of the community celebrating Mass together.

Each pair should choose one of the verbs and together complete the question sheet (English | español).

When choosing a card, try to pick something where the word means something to you, or the picture captures your attention, or both. The complete list of verbs is in the table below:

“One Word At A Time” Mass Verbs Reflections from the Archdiocese of Chicago, Strategic Pastoral Plan Photos by John Zich, James Hohner and the Catholic New World
acclaim	adore	believe	bless
bow (inclinarse)	break	call	deepen
die	direct	drink	eat
feed	forgive	gather	give
go	hear	hope	invoke
join	keep (conservar)	kiss (besar)	know
lift	link	love	open
point	praise	pray	prepare
quiet	recognize	remember	rise (levantarse)
see	send	serve	share
sign	sing	sit	stand
support (apoyar)	take	thank	think
unite	wait	walk	witness

Homework and Reminders (5 min)

HOMEWORK

• Textbook pp. 28-31

REMINDERS

• Letters to the Pastor due at this class!  Make sure yours is turned in or emailed/Shared with Ms. Hohner. (Track A | Track B)
• NO CLASS next week due to MLK Holiday on Monday 1/20
• Next class session for all candidates on Monday evening with guest presenters from Sarah’s Inn
  • Tracks A & B together Monday 1/27 from 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Mission Hall at the Parish Center, 4412 N. Western

Closing Prayer: Renewal of Baptism Promises

Baptism is a uniting ritual for Christians!  The exact words may vary from Christian church to Christian church, and some communities may or may not recognize as valid the words and form used by other communities.  But we are all trying to echo the Baptism that our Lord Jesus, who didn’t himself need to be Baptized, submitted to in the river Jordan, in order to show us the way to salvation.

Renewal of Baptism Promises (slides, in your preferred language)

Do you reject Satan and all his works and all his empty promises? I do. ​
Do you believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth?I do. ​
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father? I do.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who came up on the apostles at Pentecost and will be given to you sacramentally in Confirmation? I do. ​
Do you believe in the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?I do.​
This is our faith. This is the faith of the Church. We are proud to profess it in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. ​

¿Renuncian ustedes ​a Satanás?  Sí, renuncio.​
¿Creen ustedes en Dios, Padre todopoderoso, creador del cielo y de la tierra?  Sí, creo.​
¿Creen en Jesucristo, su Hijo único y Señor nuestro, que nació de la Virgen Maria, padeció y murió por nosotros, resucito y está sentado a la derecha del Padre?  Sí, creo.
¿Creen en el Espíritu Santo, Señor y dador de vida, que les va a ser comunicado de un modo singular por el sacramento de la​
Confirmación, como fue dado a los Apóstoles el día de Pentecostés?  Sí, creo.​
¿Creen en la santa Iglesia católica, en la comunión de los santos, en el perdón de los pecados, en la resurrección de los muertos y en la vida eterna?Sí, creo.​
Esta es nuestra fe. Esta es la fe de la Iglesia, que nos gloriamos de profesar, en Jesucristo, nuestro Señor.  Amén.​

Note for later on:

• Service Hours can be done and turned in now; due finally in early February

“We Are One Body”

Session Overview for Catechists, Monday 1/6/2025 for all students!
catechist summary * slides

Introduction to the Session (25 minutes) by Ms. Hohner

Gathering and Icebreaker (10 minutes)
Name a club, team, or group to which you belong.

Opening Prayer (5 minutes)
use phone flashlight at words dealing with light, hope, shining, during the prayer

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j51HBY8NIGE)

Catholic Central Video (10 minutes)

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SVDhKVfrm8)

Panel Discussion (20 minutes)

• Ms. Rachel Hohner – Moderator
• Mrs. Stella Peters – Life and Dignity of the Human Person (Respect Life Group)
• Mr. James Hohner – Option for the Poor and Vulnerable (Society of St. Vincent de Paul)
• Mrs. Jamie Mocarski – Community, Family and Participation (Commons)

Breakouts at Tables (50 minutes)

Note for catechists: Some assigned themes for the table colors have been shifted around since the question sets were first uploaded.  The file for your question set with your table’s other materials should match your Scripture passage and CST theme, but might not be named with the current table color.  Download full range of current discussion question sets for all 10 tables

BLACK Table (Ms. Pascale Larre Vargas): RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• review details from outline handout (bottom of page 1) and read Scripture passage:
  • guided by discussion questions
  • read and discuss Jeremiah 22:13-17
• create slogan(s) and posters (2-3 students work together on 1 poster so all participate) relating to Rights and Responsibilities
• prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how it relates to the teaching on Rights and Responsibilities

BLUE Table (Mrs. Stella Peters): CARE FOR GOD’S CREATION

• review details from outline handout (bottom of page 2) and read Scripture passage:
  • guided by discussion questions
  • read and discuss Genesis 1:26-30
• create slogan(s) and posters (2-3 students work together on 1 poster so all participate) relating to Care for God’s Creation
• prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how it relates to the teaching on Care for God’s Creation

BROWN Table (Mr. John Kyle): OPTION FOR THE POOR & VULNERABLE, PART 2

• review details from outline handout (top of page 2) and read Scripture passage:
  • guided by discussion questions
  • read and discuss James 2:1-4
• create slogan(s) and posters (2-3 students work together on 1 poster so all participate) relating to the Option for the Poor & Vulnerable
• prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how it relates to the teaching on the Option for the Poor & Vulnerable

GREEN Table (Ms. Rachel Hohner): LIFE & DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON, PART 2

• review details from outline handout (middle of page 1) and read Scripture passage:
  • guided by discussion questions
  • read and discuss John 8:2-11
• create slogan(s) and posters (2-3 students work together on 1 poster so all participate) relating to Life & Dignity of the Human Person
• prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how it relates to the teaching on the Life & Dignity of the Human Person

ORANGE Table (Mr. Joe Rosales): THE DIGNITY OF WORK AND RIGHTS OF WORKERS

• review details from outline handout (middle of page 2) and read Scripture passage:
  • guided by discussion questions
  • read and discuss Matthew 20:1-16
• create slogan(s) and posters (2-3 students work together on 1 poster so all participate) relating to the Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers
• prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how it relates to the teaching on the Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers

PINK Table (Mrs. Jamie Mocarski): CALL TO FAMILY, COMMUNITY & PARTICIPATION

• review details from outline handout (middle of page 1) and read Scripture passage:
  • guided by discussion questions
  • read and discuss Acts 2:42-47
• create slogan(s) and posters (2-3 students work together on 1 poster so all participate) relating to the Call to Family, Community and Participation
• prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how it relates to the teaching on the Call to Family, Community and Participation

PURPLE Table (Mrs. Melissa Richlen): OPTION FOR THE POOR & VULNERABLE, PART 1

• review details from outline handout (top of page 2) and read Scripture passage:
  • guided by discussion questions
  • read and discuss Matthew 25:31-40
• create slogan(s) and posters (2-3 students work together on 1 poster so all participate) relating to the Option for the Poor & Vulnerable
• prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how it relates to the teaching on the Option for the Poor & Vulnerable

RED Table (Ms. Leticia Solache): LIFE & DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON, PART 1

• review details from outline handout (top of page 1) and read Scripture passage:
  • guided by discussion questions
  • read and discuss 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
• create slogan(s) and posters (2-3 students work together on 1 poster so all participate) relating to Life & Dignity of the Human Person
• prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how it relates to the teaching on the Life & Dignity of the Human Person

WHITE Table (Mr. Jack Recinto): CALL TO FAMILY, COMMUNITY & PARTICIPATION

• review details from outline handout (middle of page 1) and read Scripture passage:
  • guided by discussion questions
  • read and discuss Ephesians 5:25–6:4
• create slogan(s) and posters (2-3 students work together on 1 poster so all participate) relating to the Call to Family, Community and Participation
• prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how it relates to the teaching on the Call to Family, Community and Participation

YELLOW Table (Ms. Isabel López): SOLIDARITY

• review details from outline handout (middle of page 2) and read Scripture passage:
  • guided by discussion questions
  • read and discuss Luke 10:25-37
• create slogan(s) and posters (2-3 students work together on 1 poster so all participate) relating to Solidarity
• prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how it relates to the teaching on Solidarity

Drawing Conclusions (20 minutes)

Group representatives report back (>15 minutes, or 2 minutes for each group)

Reminders, Homework Assignments & Closing Prayer (5 minutes)

Reminders:

• Next class is next week
  • Track A (Religious Education/CCD): Monday, January 13 from 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Mission Hall at the Parish Center, 4412 N. Western
  • Track B (Catholic Schools): Wednesday and Thursday, January 15 and 16 in 8th Grade Religion class
• Get your 5+ service hours documented! Service hours documentation due at the beginning of next month:
  •  Track A (Religious Education/CCD): Monday, February 3
  • Track B (Catholic Schools): Wednesday and Thursday, February 5 and 6 in Religion class

Homework due at next class:

• Textbook, read pages 9 and 101
• Journal, do pages 14, 35, 36 and 37

Also work on documenting your 5+ service hours, because they are due in February! Upcoming opportunities for service:

• Undecorating Queen of Angels Church after the Christmas season, Sunday, January 12 at 1:30 p.m. in Queen of Angels Church, 2330 W. Sunnyside.  Sign up with Mrs. Dorothy Long, call or text 970-319-1451
• Group outings on Wednesdays, January 15 and January 29 to the Soup Kitchen at St. Mary of the Lake and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, serving from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., in the school basement at 1026 W. Buena (meet us there by 5 p.m., or meet at 4 p.m. at the Parish Center to travel with the group via CTA bus).  Sign up online at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0944A8AD2CA02-54183120-soup
• Help host reception after Community Family Mass, Sunday, January 12 at 9 a.m., Sign up for “Set up and Serve During Reception after Mass” at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0944A8AD2CA02-54183113-january#/

Closing Prayer for Hope and Light

Heavenly father, I am your humble servant,​
I come before you today in need of hope.​
I need hope for a calm and joyful future.​
I need hope for love and kindness.​
I pray for peace and safety.​
Some say that the sky is at its darkest just before the light.​
I pray that this is true, for sometimes life seems stormy and dim.​
I need your light, Lord, in every way.​
I pray to be filled with your light.​
Help me to walk in your light, and live my life in faith and service.​
In your name I pray, Amen.​

“Anointed”

Catechist Summary Guide * Slides

• Track A: Monday 12/16/2024, 6:45-8:30 p.m. in Mission Hall at the Parish Center
• Track B: Wednesday 12/18/2024 and Thursday 12/19/2024 in 8th Grade Religion class

Timed Icebreaker (2 min.)

List ways you can help people using your hands.

Opening Prayer (5 min.) for Advent

Responsory for Late Advent and Lighting of Wreath

Drop down dew, ​O heavens: ​Let the clouds rain down the Just One.​
Let the earth be opened: that a Savior ​may bud forth.
On that day the mountains will stream with sweetness: ​And the hills will flow with milk and honey.​
​Come, Lord Jesus! ​ Come soon!

Intro to the Confirming Bishop (20 min)

See slides presented by Ms. Hohner on Monday evening (or Mr. Rosales/Mrs. Medio in Religion during the week).

Writing Letters (60 min)

As we prepare to give and receive gifts this Christmas, ​let us take a moment now to give thanks for our greatest gift​ which came to us from God in a most unexpected package.

Option to first look at “Who Is My Neighbor?” box at the top of p. 1340 in Catholic Youth Bible​

“He Came” video – formerly available on YouTube from Thrive Media, now embedded in the slides

One night, long ago, he came. 
God took on flesh and lived among us.
He came quietly, miraculously, humbly, willingly.
He came to love, to heal, to serve.
He came to redeem, to renew, to save.
He came for everyone.
He came for you.
He came.

Christmas Prayer

Lord, in this holy season of prayer and song and laughter, we praise you for the great wonders you have sent us: ​for a shining star and the angels’ song, for an infant’s cry in a lowly manger. We praise you for the Word made flesh in a little Child, and we thank you for the Son you sent to us to be our Savior and King. We behold His glory, and we are bathed in His radiant light. Be with us through the contradictions of Christmas – the incomprehensible comprehended, the poetry made hard fact, the helpless Babe who cracks the world apart. We kneel before you as humble shepherds, reluctant innkeepers, world-weary Magi. Help us to rise bigger than we are, with more hope and faith to help heal our world.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Closing & Dismissal (5 min)

HOMEWORK

• If not done already:
  • catch up on Journal pages vi-xii, 2-4, 22-25, 32-34, 44-47, ​55-56 and 64 previously assigned
  • finish and send in your Confirmation Name Reflection which was due last week!
• Next class session for ALL:
  • Tracks A & B: Monday, January 6 from 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Mission Hall at the Parish Center, 4412 N. Western
  • Letters being taken home to finish are due the week of January 13!
• Merry Christmas!  See you in 2025!

Note for later on:

• Letter to the Pastor assigned as classwork in mid-December, due soon after come back in January
• Service Hours due in early February
• Retreat II with Reconciliation on Friday, February 28 for Track A & B (all 2nd Year students)
  • 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with dinner upon arrival
  • beginning at St. Matthias Gym, 4910 N. Claremont
  • ending at St. Matthias Church, 2310 W. Ainslie