Diocese of Joliet Teacher & Catechist eReminder

Khan Academy - Watch. Practice. Learn almost anything for free.

Thu, 6 Oct 2011 11:20:20 -0500

"Khan Academy is an educational website that, as its tagline puts it, aims to let anyone 'learn almost anything - for free.' Students, or anyone interested enough to surf by, can watch some 2,400 videos in which the site’s founder, Salman Khan, chattily discusses principles of math, science, and economics (with a smattering of social science topics thrown in)." - "How Khan Academy Is Changing the Rules of Education", Wired Magazine

You can visit the Khan Academy at: www.khanacademy.org

Patrons for May, 2011: Blesseds Jacinta & Francisco Marto of Fatima

Mon, 2 May 2011 12:01:52 -0500

In 1917 the Virgin Mary appeared to three young children shepherding their sheep in Fatima, Portugal; Jacinta and Francisco Marto and Lucia Dos Santos. Jacinta was seven years old and Francisco was nine, and their cousin Lucia was ten when the apparitions began. The children were normal Portuguese children who loved dancing and song. Their lives were simple, but hard by today's standard. The apparitions in Fatima would not only change the course of these simple children's life, but also have a profound affect on the Church, and all the faithful. Read more.

Read the biographies of Blesseds Jacinta & Francisco Marto of Fatima (English & Spanish), see child-friendly biography, activities for families, simple classroom activities, full lesson plans: Primary Grades (K-2), Intermediate Grades (3-5), Middle School/Jr. High (6-8), and more.

Patron for April, 2011: Lesson Plans Available

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 10:31:10 -0500

Dear Teacher or Catechist:

The year of the Eucharist web page for our April patron, St. Gianna Beretta Molla, is now ready. Go to www.dioceseofjoliet.org/ye/patrongiannamolla.asp to find biographies for adults, in English and Spanish, classroom activities, and full lesson plans for April, as well as family activities.

Pease note there is a change in the curriculum scope and sequence for the lesson plans. There will be no lesson plan for the month of June, since school will be out, so the overall plans have been revised. Please see www.dioceseofjoliet.org/ye/lessonplans.asp to download the revised plans. Many thanks to Sr. Maria Clemens Wolf for her hard work on all of these lesson plans!

Patron for April, 2011: St. Gianna Beretta Molla

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 11:05:46 -0500

The year of the Eucharist web page for our April patron, St. Gianna Beretta Molla, is now ready. Go to www.dioceseofjoliet.org/ye/patrongiannamolla.asp to find biographies for adults, in English and Spanish, classroom activities, and full lesson plans for April, as well as family activities. Thank you for participating in the Diocese of Joliet Year of the Eucharist. A reminder to please explore the Year of the Eucharist site for resources - there are complete instructions for a Corpus Christi procession in June - when parishes are encouraged to hold their own closing celebrations for the Year of the Eucharist: http://www.dioceseofjoliet.org/ye/CorpusChristiInformation.asp Now is the time to begin planning your parish event.

Patrons for March, 2011: Lesson Plans Available

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:22:48 -0600

Lesson plans are now available for the March Year of the Eucharist patron saint: Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Read more.

Patron for March, 2011: Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:25:36 -0600

"Jesus has made Himself the Bread of life to give us life. Night and day, He is there.  If you really want to grow in love, come back to the Eucharist, come back to that Adoration."

Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta's life was one poured out like Our Lord in selfless sacrifice to become the love of Christ among us. She brought the healing touch of Jesus to every soul that Lord led her too. Her word’s, actions, and prayers flowed from her love for Christ truly presence in the Blessed Sacrament. Mother and her sisters of Charity (the order she founded) began every day with the Mass, rosary and silent adoration. Mother Teresa and her sisters were keenly aware that they needed to encounter Christ first in the Eucharist, so they were properly disposed to serve and love Christ in the poor, needy, and outcast of society.  Read more.

Read the biography of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta  (English & Spanish), see child-friendly biography, activities for families, simple classroom activities, full lesson plans: Primary Grades (K-2), Intermediate Grades (3-5), Middle School/Jr. High (6-8), and more.

New Roman Missal Catechist Resources Available

Tue, 1 Feb 2011 11:48:13 -0600

New Roman Missal implementation resources are available on the Diocese of Joliet website. Find links to information, catechetical materials and implementation materials regarding the Third Edition of the Roman Missal, approved for use beginning November 27, 2011, the First Sunday of Advent.

Read more.

Patrons for February, 2011: St. Isidore the Farmer & St. Maria de la Cabeza

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 16:26:02 -0600

Saint Isidore was a farmer, born in Madrid, Spain in 1070. He married a simple peasant girl named Maria Torribia, and together they had a son whom they lost when he was only a baby. The couple chose to live a life of prayer, continence, and service to God and his Church.

One day, someone complained that Isidore always showed up late for his work due to his daily attendance at Mass. Legend has it that his employer began to spy on him and beheld an angel assisting him in the fields. We remember that God will provide. Read more.

Read the biographies of St. Isidore the Farmer & St. Maria de la Cabeza (English & Spanish), see child-friendly biography, activities for families, simple classroom activities, full lesson plans: Primary Grades (K-2), Intermediate Grades (3-5), Middle School/Jr. High (6-8), and more.

Patrons for January, 2011: Lesson Plans Available

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 18:06:30 -0600

Lesson plans are now available for the January Year of the Eucharist patron saints: St. John Neumann and St. Katherine Drexel.

Read more.

Patrons for January, 2011: St. John Neumann and St. Katherine Drexel

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 13:48:32 -0600

Father Neumann was a priest of extraordinary spirituality, intense devotion to the Eucharist and selfless commitment to the service of all people. He was elected bishop by Pope Pius IX in 1852, and after his ordination, and because of his short stature, many called him with the greatest affection, "Our Little Bishop."  Read more.

Katharine Drexel was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in1858. From an early age she developed a great love for the Native Americans and a concern for their tragic plight and poverty. She wanted to help provide for their needs, which would be her life-long mission. Although she was an heiress to a large fortune, she would spend it building missions and schools for Native Americans and African Americans.  Read more.

Read the biographies of St. John Neumann  (English & soon in Spanish) and St. Katherine Drexel (English & soon in Spanish), see child-friendly biography, activities for families, simple classroom activities, full lesson plans: Primary Grades (K-2), Intermediate Grades (3-5), Middle School/Jr. High (6-8), and more.

Patrons for December, 2010: St. Juan Diego and Blessed Miguel Pro

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 12:08:13 -0600

Saint Juan Diego was a native of Mexico in the fifteenth century. He was baptized when he was fifty years old. On the hill of Tepeyac, Juan was graced with an apparition of the Blessed Mother, who deigned this simple man to be her messenger to the bishop, requesting him to build a chapel on the site of the apparitions. She told Juan that she was the Mother of the true God and of all the faithful. She wanted a place where her children could come seek her intercession and receive her motherly care. Read more.

Blessed Miguel was born on January 13, 1891 in Zacatecas, Mexico at a time when the church was terribly persecuted - priests and religious were often forced to renounce their vocation or tortured, imprisoned, or murdered. Father Pro would courageously bring the
sacraments to the faithful, eventually laying down his life so that new life may arise for the people of Mexico. Read more.

Read the biographies of St. Juan Diego (English & Spanish) and Blessed Miguel Pro (English & Spanish), see child-friendly biography, activities for families, simple classroom activities, full lesson plans: Primary Grades (K-2), Intermediate Grades (3-5), Middle School/Jr. High (6-8), and more.

Patron for November, 2010: St. Martin of Porres

Tue, 2 Nov 2010 18:23:12 -0500

Martin was the son of a Spanish nobleman and a young, former slave of African descent. He was born in Lima, Peru in 1579, and from an early age he was keenly aware of God’s call to holiness, seeking to build his life on the Gospel of Love. At ten he was working as an apprentice to a barber/surgeon, working to help support his mother and sister. He loved to minister to the sick and suffering, and he would stay up late into the night lost in prayer.

Read the biography of St. Martin de Porres (English & Spanish), see child-friendly biography, activities for families, simple classroom activities, full lesson plans: Primary Grades (K-2), Intermediate Grades (3-5), Middle School/Jr. High (6-8), and more.

Eucharist: Food that Satisfies Our Deepest Hunger

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 15:47:39 -0500

Join Tom Quinlan for a personal reflection and theological formation on the Eucharist. Explore the profound and intimate gift of Christ in Eucharist with the help of Scripture and story-telling.

Thurs., Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m., Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Darien
Mon., Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m., St. Thomas the Apostle, Naperville
Sat., Jan. 29, 10:30 a.m., Christ the King, Lombard

Patrons for October, 2010: St. Therese (the Little Flower) & Blessed Louis and Zelie Martin (parents of St. Therese)

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 09:13:35 -0500

Saint Therese was raised by two saintly parents with a strong faith, Blessed Louis and Zelie Martin. This faith led all of the Martin girls into the Carmelite order and produced one of the greatest saints of modern time: Saint Therese of Lisieux. She had a profound love for Jesus and the sacrifice he offered up on Calvary. She desired to love Jesus in return, wanting him to take delight in all that she did, which is clearly evident when one reads the saint’s own account of her preparation for her first holy communion and her delight in throwing rose petals before the Blessed Sacrament on the feast of Corpus Christi. ...

Read the biography of Saint Therese of Lisieux (English & Spanish) and of her parents, Blessed Louis and Zelie Martin (English & Spanish), see child-friendly biography, activities for families, simple classroom activities, full lesson plans (coming soon): Primary Grades (K-2), Intermediate Grades (3-5), Middle School/Jr. High (6-8), and more.

Catechetical Teacher Institute - Fri., Oct. 8

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 13:50:31 -0500

On Friday, October 8, 2010, from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Raymond, 604 N Raynor Ave., Joliet, IL (815-722-6653), the Catholic Schools Office has scheduled a Catechetical Teacher Institute for diocesan Catholic school teachers & principals with Sr. Mary Michael Fox, OP and Sr. Mary Ann Zuberbueler, OP .

Contact the Catholic Schools Office for details: 815-838-2181.

Note: for Catholic school teachers & principals.

Catholic Schools Office

Patron for September, 2010: St. Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio)

Wed, 1 Sep 2010 15:56:59 -0500

Padre Pio knew that he was going to be a priest since he was five years old. Not only did Pio become a priest, but he also became one of the greatest mystics of the modern age. To this holy man God would give many supernatural graces. He had the ability to read souls, bilocate, and levitate; he had the stigmata, the gift of healing, the smell of sanctity, etc. His gifts were numerous, but what was most aweinspiring were his faith in God despite countless sufferings and rejections and his great love and devotion to the Holy Mass.

Read the biography of Padre Pio (English & Spanish), see child-friendly biography, activities for families, simple classroom activities, full lesson plans (coming soon): Primary Grades (K-2), Intermediate Grades (3-5), Middle School/Jr. High (6-8), and more.

Year Round Catechumenate Workshop - Sat., Oct. 2

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:49:08 -0500

Year Round Catechumenate Process Workshop with Sr. Gael Gensler, OSF will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Pastoral Center on Saturday, October 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. See registration form. Office of Divine Worship.

Please note: This workshop is intended to assist all who are involved in the Catechumenate process: pastors, deacons, pastoral associates, parish Catechumenate coordinators & Directors of Religious Education, catechists and teachers.

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Full Lesson Plans Available

Thu, 5 Aug 2010 16:20:48 -0500

The full lesson plans for Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha are now available.

Read her biography (English & Spanish), child-friendly biography, activities for families, simple classroom activities, full lesson plans: Primary Grades (K-2), Intermediate Grades (3-5), Middle School/Jr. High (6-8), and more.

Leaven - Summer 2010 Issue

Mon, 2 Aug 2010 12:38:39 -0500

Summer 2010 issue of Leaven: The Newsletter of the Religious Education Office at the Diocese of Joliet is available. Among other things, this Leaven contains information about:

Year of the Eucharist resources
disabilities ministry
new Roman Missal
parent formation
Biblical Institute
cathecist formation tips
on-line learning
Spanish support

Patrons for August, 2010: St. Francis of Assisi & St. Clare

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:00:00 -0500

Saint Francis had a profound conversion that led him and his followers into a life of poverty and joy. Clare was a beautiful Italian noblewoman who founded an order of nuns now called the Poor Clares. For both St. Francis and St. Clare, In the simplicity of their life, they joyfully experienced God’s care for them.

Read the biographies of St. Francis of Assisi & St. Clare (English & Spanish), see child-friendly biography, activities for families, simple classroom activities, full lesson plans (coming soon): Primary Grades (K-2), Intermediate Grades (3-5), Middle School/Jr. High (6-8), and more.

"Eucharist: Body of Christ, Broken for the World" Materials Available

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:54:06 -0500

"...as Pope Benedict XVI reminds us in Deus Caritas Est: 'A Eucharist which does not pass over into the concrete practice of love is intrinsically fragmented.' The Eucharist, celebrated as a community, teaches us about human dignity, calls us to right relationship with God, ourselves and others, invites us to community and solidarity, and sends us on mission to help transform our communities, neighborhoods and world." Materials are available from the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops 3211 4th St. NE, Washington, DC 20017, (202) 541-3180, www.usccb.org/jphd, and the Diocese of Joliet Year of the Eucharist website.

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Full Lesson Plans Available

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:42:13 -0500

The full lesson plans for Blessed Pier Giorgio are now available.

Read his biography (English & Spanish), child-friendly biography, activities for families, simple classroom activities, full lesson plans: Primary Grades (K-2), Intermediate Grades (3-5), Middle School/Jr. High (6-8), and more.

Patron for July, 2010: Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 09:29:12 -0500

Blessed Kateri was born in 1656 to a Mohawk warrior and a Catholic Algonquin woman in the Mohawk fortress of Ossernenon near present-day Auriesville, New York. She is known as the "Lily of the Mohawks".

Read her biography (English & Spanish), see child-friendly biography, activities for families, simple classroom activities, full lesson plans (coming soon): Primary Grades (K-2), Intermediate Grades (3-5), Middle School/Jr. High (6-8), and more.

"On the Road to Emmaus" Workshop, Thur., August 12, St. Charles Center, Romeoville

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:01:06 -0500

"On the Road to Emmaus: Sharing the Meal that Equips Us for the Mission" with Cackie Upchurch of Little Rock Scripture Study is scheduled for Thursday, August 12, 2010 at St. Charles Pastoral Center at the intersection of Airport Road and Rt. 53 in Romeoville. The day begins at 9:00 a.m. $15 cost includes lunch and morning hospitality.

All are invited.

For more information contact the Religious Education Office or Mary Maloney (mmaloney@dioceseofjoliet.org) at 815-838-6475.

Diocese Welcomes Superintendent of Catholic Schools

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:53:14 -0500

Bishop J. Peter Sartain is pleased to announce the appointment of Father John M. Belmonte, S.J., a Jesuit Priest, to the position of Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Joliet, effective July 1, 2010.

Year of the Eucharist Approved Catechetical Resources

Tue, 8 Jun 2010 17:58:06 -0500

An approved and recommended list of parish catechetical resources for the Diocese of Joliet's Year of the Eucharist is now available. It is a compilation of materials and experiences for all age-groups, with a focus on assisting Catholics to know and love the Sacraments of Eucharist and Penance (Reconciliation), from a variety of methodologies and perspectives faithfully representing the doctrine of the Church.

Resources include: internet resources, books, supplemental texts for children, youth ministry, large-or small-group process (adult), intergenerational catechesis, media (all ages), retreats, missions & events, and bulletin inserts/brochures/pamphlets.

Patroness of the Year of the Eucharist and the Eucharistic Congress: Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament

Wed, 2 Jun 2010 17:17:04 -0500

"The title Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament was given to our Blessed Mother in May 1868 by Saint Peter Julian Eymard to honor her relationship to the Holy Eucharist and to place her before us as a model in our duties and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.

Our Lady gives witness to our life as Christians. In her conduct toward the Eucharist, we learn what ours should be. She believed in the reality of Christ's presence. The virtue of faith was as necessary for her as it is for us."

Read information about the Patroness and see special prayers just for her.

Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament
R. Pray for us

Patron for June, 2010: Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati

Wed, 26 May 2010 21:10:23 -0500

"I urge you with all the strength of my soul to approach the Eucharistic Table as often as possible. Feed on this Bread of the Angels from which you will draw the strength to fight inner struggles, the struggles against passions and against all adversities, because Jesus Christ has promised to those who feed themselves with the most Holy Eucharist, eternal life and the necessary graces to obtain it."

Read his biography (English & Spanish), child-friendly biography, activities for families, simple classroom activities, full lesson plans (coming soon): Primary Grades (K-2), Intermediate Grades (3-5), Middle School/Jr. High (6-8), and more.

Patron for May, 2010: St. Damien of Molokai

Wed, 26 May 2010 21:04:14 -0500

On the island of Molokai in Hawaii, St. Damien's first order of business was to build a church, which he dedicated to Saint Philomena. His goal was to return the dignity that the lepers had lost and establish moral leadership within the community, showing them that what was left of their lives was of great value.

Read his biography (English & Spanish), child-friendly biography, activities for families, simple classroom activities, full lesson plans: Primary Grades (K-2), Intermediate Grades (3-5), Middle School/Jr. High (6-8), and more.

Patron for April, 2010: Venerable John Paul II

Wed, 26 May 2010 20:57:08 -0500

John Paul II was the Pope of the People. His charismatic personality and holiness drew countless souls to the Catholic faith, and toward a greater devotion to our Lord in the Eucharist.

Read his biography, child-friendly biography, activities for families, simple classroom activities, full lesson plans: Primary Grades (K-2), Intermediate Grades (3-5), Middle School/Jr. High (6-8), and more.

Patron for April, 2010: St. Faustina

Wed, 26 May 2010 20:35:56 -0500

After struggling with a call to follow Christ as a religious, the young Polish girl entered the congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. She tells us in her diary "Divine Mercy in My Soul" that our Lord appeared to her as the suffering Christ, and asked her "how long must I wait for you."

Read her biography, child-friendly biography, activities for families, simple classroom activities, full lesson plans: Primary Grades (K-2), Intermediate Grades (3-5), Middle School/Jr. High (6-8), and more.

Lesson Plans for the Year of the Eucharist

Wed, 26 May 2010 21:21:06 -0500

Read the lesson plan format overview based on a 1 hour class. Look at the schedule for catechism lessons for the Year of the Eucharist and the schedule for catechism lessons regarding parts of the Mass.

See also the lesson plans month to month regarding the patron saints for the Year of the Eucharist.

Bishops' Letter to Children Explaining Year of the Eucharist

Wed, 26 May 2010 20:29:20 -0500

Bishop Peter and Bishop Joseph have written a letter to the children of the Diocese of Joliet about the celebration of the Year of the Eucharist (April, 2010 - June, 2011).

"On April 1st we began a very important time in the Church - we started something called the "Year of the Eucharist." What does that mean? It means that in every Catholic church in every town in the seven counties of the Diocese of Joliet, we will be reminding ourselves how wonderful it is that Jesus comes to us in the Eucharist..."

Welcome Catechists & Teachers!

Wed, 26 May 2010 20:09:52 -0500

This is a new RSS feed for the Diocese of Joliet. We look forward to providing helpful information related to your respective ministries.