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The Mystery of Harry
Potter
Nancy Carpenter Brown
Our Sunday Visitor; 2007; $12.95
This is a wonderful
book to have at hand if you are asked to comment on the Harry Potter series.
The author has done a masterful job assembling and addressing the criticisms of
the series. She writes: "When people found out that I was writing a
Catholic book about Harry Potter, their first question was always, 'Are you FOR
or AGAINST Harry?' and I say, 'I'm for parents deciding for themselves
what's right for their own family.'" This about sums up Nancy
Carpenter Brown's approach. She does not gloss over concerns,
dismissing them and painting critics as fanatics. Instead, she puts the
criticisms raised against the series in the context of children's
literature. She, herself, is an author, children's book reviewer,
catechist, and married mother of two children. Throughout this book she
references specific Harry Potter books in the series and analyzes them in
relation to other works of fiction, most notably works of G.K. Chesterton.
Throughout the book there are Dinner Table Questions and Questions to
Ponder. Two excellent Appendices conclude the book. The first
contains two interviews: Dale Ahlquist, President of the American
Chesterton Society; and Regina Doman, author of children's and young adults'
books. The second Appendix is a treasure trove of discussion questions
arranged by theme (some themes: Friendships; Heroes; Christian Symbolism; Materialism;
Morality; The Bible and the Catechism). We are asked to include many
things in our parish religion programs. Who has time for any more?
With the publication of the final Harry Potter book there may be the presumption
that controversy around the books has been put to rest. Maybe. Maybe
not. This book is a good read and a very valuable resource to have.
Seasons of Hope
M. Donna MacLeod
2007, Ave Maria Press
Seasons of Hope is a series for
Bereavement Ministers. There are four, six-week "seasons" for
small groups who have experienced loss and grief. The Guidebook for the
leader is easy to use and comprehensive. If your parish is considering
offering a bereavement program, this series is definitely worth a closer
look. The Guidebook is $19.95 and participants books are $5.95
(separate books for each of the four seasons).
Prayers for the Domestic Church
A handbook for worship in the home
Edward Hays
Forest of Peace (Ave Maria Press), 1979 $17.95
The back cover of this book reminds us that
when it was first published the idea of home and family being the 'domestic
church' was new. Reprinted and available for under $20.00, the book is
ideal for families who are looking for ways to pray at home and bless the
events, people, and circumstances of the family. Every parish doing Total
Community Catechesis or considering adding intergenerational gatherings to the
parish calendar should think about having this book available for
purchase. The book would also make a lovely addition to the First
Communion program. Perhaps parish and families can split the cost with the
parish subsidizing half and the parents paying the other half. It is a
wonderful book, once it finds its way to the home, it will be the source of many
blessings.
Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton
Books Five and Six are now out
Eight books in the series edited by Jonathan Montldo and Robert G. Toth
Ave Maria Press, 2006 each book:
$5.95
The authors are members of the Thomas Merton
Foundation giving extra credibility to this work.
Bridges is an eight week program designed for small groups. The chapters are brief, just four pages, each beginning with
an opening psalm followed by an introduction to the two texts in the chapter,
one text from the writings of Thomas Merton and the other from a 20th
century writer.
This could be part of a parish program of adult faith formation and
spiritual renewal.
Two must haves for all
religious education offices!
The descriptions below come from
the NCEA web site. For those not familiar with the books referenced in the
blurb, the earlier Legal Issues books for leaders and catechists were very
valuable resources in parish religious education work. If you have the
older edition you know how necessary these books are for a well-run parish
program, and you will want to order this new edition. For those who have
not read the original, order these new books now and plan to build the
information into your next catechist meeting or cluster gathering.
Legal
Issues for Catechetical and Youth Leaders by
Mary Angela Shaughnessy, SCN, J.D., Ph.D.
NCEA, 2006. 120pp., NCEA Non-member price: $21.00
This new book expands the scope of the previous Religious Education and the
Law: A Handbook for Parish Catechetical Leaders, to include parish and youth
ministers as well as religious educators. Topics either not discussed or only
mentioned in the earlier text include boundaries, harassment, hazing and
bullying, the Internet, email, health and medication issues, violence, special
needs and others.
Religious Education, Youth and Campus Ministry: Legal Issues for Catechists,
Ministers, and Volunteers
by Mary Angela Shaughnessy, SCN, J.D., Ph.D.
NCEA, 2006. 54pp., NCEA
Non-member price: $7.00 (packets of
10: $40.00)
Revised,
this book expands the previous volume Religious Education and the Law: A
Catechist Handbook touching on the same topics as Religious Education,
Parish and Youth Ministry: Legal Issues for Catechetical and Youth Leaders
from the perspective of catechists and youth ministers. Topics include
boundaries, harassment, hazing and bullying, the Internet, email, health and
medication issues, violence, special needs and others.
These can be ordered through NCEA (ncea.org)
or Amazon.com, but Amazon has the Volunteer booklet only as single copy,
not in packs of 10.
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Videos
DVD
the mystery of FAITH
Father Michael Himes
Franciscan Communications DVD
Boston College theology professor Father Himes is always an engaging speaker and
his wit, enthusiasm, and insights come across clearly in this boxed set.
Over three discs Father Himes treats 10 major Catholic topics, each topic
runs 20 - 25 minutes. The Leader's Guide for this series is available free
on the Saint Anthony Messenger Press website (www.AmericanCatholic.org)
The lecture material is enriched by art work and dramatic depictions of
the topic. The ten topics treated are:
Disc One: Trinity, Grace, Incarnation, Salvation
Disc Two: Church, Baptism, Eucharist
Disc Three: Sacraments of Vocation, Reconciliation, Tradition.
This could be your adult faith formation program for the
whole year. The discs must be rented as a set, but it might worth
previewing some topics at the ORE to see if you want to purchase it for your
parish or cluster ($49.95)
Sister Rose's Passion
Storyville Films 39 minutes
Sister Rose's Passion won Best Documentary Short in
the Tribeca Film Festival in 2004 and was nominated for an Academy Award in
2005. No wonder, it is the moving story of Sister Rose Thering, a
Dominican sister who spent her life fighting against anti-Semitism, this was her
passion. Sister Rose lived a life of prayer and persistence and this
persistence had great impact on the work of Vatican II. Her sense of right
and wrong come across clearly in this film which would make the centerpiece for
a wonderful, extended, session with teens, young adults and adults.
The film is a beautiful portrait of a life of discipleship. In its praise
of the film, The New York Times writes that it is an exceptional
portrait revealing "how one person can change the world"
Pope John Paul II
starring Jon Voight as Pope John Paul II
This CBS mini-series, first aired in December, 2005, won John Voight a
nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie. The
movie has received rave reviews from all parts of the world: The
Washington Post, USA Today, Variety, Catholic News Service and Pope
Benedict XVI.
The film chronicles the life of Karol Wojtyla from his youth in Poland, through
the war, his vocation and rise in the Church, to his illness and last days as
Pope. To say that the scope is breathtaking doesn't do the film justice.
Although the running time is 180 minutes, it can be shown in parts - as it was
when it aired on commercial television. It is a great video to show to
young people, another example of the power of one person and the 'immeasurable
scope of God's power in those who believe'.
A Walk Through the Mass
Franciscan Communications DVD ~ Saint Anthony Messenger Press
Total running time: 30 minutes
This video follows the Catholic Update
Video format and is divided into four sections. Part one, the story
segment (eight minutes) is "Bread That Remembers" a parable of two
brothers who have a falling out after their father dies.
The Witness segment (five minutes) is part two and is a collection of brief but
powerful interviews with ordinary Catholics about what the Eucharist means
to them.
Part four is the teaching segment (14 minutes) with Update regular Father Thomas
Richstatter who explains the parts of the Mass using the image of Thanksgiving
dinner with family.
The final three minutes is a music video reflection, "The Song of the Body
of Christ" a musical and visual meditation on Eucharist.
The video is not for children but would be excellent to show for a parent
meeting, RCIA catechetical session, and with high school students. a
Leader's Guide is available free from the website: www.AmericanCatholic.org
Infant Baptism
Franciscan Communications DVD ~ Saint Anthony Messenger Press
Total running time: approximately 30 minutes
This video also follows the Catholic Update
Video format.
The story segment (12 minutes) is about a conflict between a father and his
grown son, in the family business.
The witness segment (seven minutes) presents two couples talking about the
celebration of infant baptism.
Again, Father Thomas Richstatter handles the teaching segment (seven minutes)
comparing the dependence of an infant on its parents to our relationship with
God.
The music video reflection features Sandi Patti singing "Purest
Praise" as the backdrop to the dramatization of an infant baptism.
An excellent video for Baptism preparation.
The
San Damiano Foundation DVDs (www.sandamianofoundation.org)
to return to Resources after viewing this site, Right Click Back
From their website:
Gerry Straub, a Secular Franciscan, is the founder and president of The San Damiano
Foundation, which produces films that celebrate the spirituality of St. Francis
of Assisi and the Franciscan concern for the poor, social justice, peace,
non-violence, prayer and the integrity of creation. The San Damiano Foundation
strives to put the power of film at the service of the poor.
Gerry has written and directed nine documentary films, three of which
have aired on many PBS television stations, including We Have a Table for
Four Ready, which told the inspirational story of a soup kitchen run by
Franciscan friars in Philadelphia; and he produced dramatic television series
that have aired on CBS, NBC and ABC, including the wildly popular General
Hospital. Gerry has written and directed nine documentary films, three of which
have aired on many PBS television stations, including We Have a Table for
Four Ready, which told the inspirational story of a soup kitchen run by
Franciscan friars in Philadelphia; and he produced dramatic television series
that have aired on CBS, NBC and ABC, including the wildly popular General
Hospital.
Harcourt Religion Publishers now distributes San Damiano Foundation DVDs.
Viewing these films has a profound impact.
Powerful, inspiring, evocative, they would be a huge addition to a
Confirmation program, retreat for high school students, and evening for adults.
The motto of the San Damiano Foundations is: The power
of film at the Service of the Poor. If a parish is looking to offer
something special during Lent, any one of the films would make an excellent
basis for the three components of Lent: prayer, almsgiving, fasting.
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Got Media Questions?
The National Association of Catechetical Media Professionals (NACMP) is adding a
FAQ section to its website. Questions range from copyright concerns
to latest movie reviews. The site is maintained by computer gurus from Cleveland
and St. Cloud. If you have questions, they'll have - or find - the
answers.
Check it out: www.nacmp.org
Video Catalogue
~ Recursos Audiovisuales en Español
Our video catalogue contains 83 pages of videos indexed by
topic, with age suggestions, viewing time, and video description. In addition,
there is a section of Spanish videos with bi-lingual descriptions. Order one for
your religious education office now by calling the Office
(617-779-3625). The catalogue costs $5.00 which includes mailing
costs. Order now!
Of course, as soon as a media catalogue is printed it is out of
date. Additions to our video library will be listed and reviewed here and
in the Good News Letter.
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Disabilities Resources
Available from USCCB (www.usccb.org
800-235-8722):
*
Guidelines
for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities
* Pastoral
Statement on Persons with Disabilities
* Opening Doors to Welcome
and Justice / Parish Guide
Momentum
is a quarterly journal
published by the NCEA. They
consistently have worthwhile articles on inclusive classrooms and providing a
welcoming environment for persons with special needs and disabilities.
For subscription information, go to NCEA.org.
Sacrament Preparation Resources for
Persons with Learning Disabilities
The Institute for Pastoral Initiatives at the University of
Dayton has wonderful material available for children and young people preparing
for sacraments. The Network
of Inclusive
Catholic Educators (NICE) has student texts and resource binders for
catechists and catechetical leaders and videos for catechist formation and
enrichment in the are of inclusive religious education for persons with
disabilities. For more detailed information and price list, go to http://campus.udayton.edu/~ipi/nice
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What you can order from the ORE
Check your parish Religious
Education library and make sure you have The Basics:
-
The General Directory for
Catechesis ($19.95)
-
The National Directory for
Catechesis ($19.95)
-
Curriculum Guidelines (grades K ~ 8) ($10.)
-
Catechesis with Persons with Disabilities: What's a Parish to Do? ($5.)
-
Catechesis with Persons with Disabilities: How To's for Parish and Catechetical
Leadership ($2.)
-
Video Catalogue $5.00
includes postage
All of the items above are easy to order, just
call the office - 617-779-3625, and place your
order. We will mail them out to you with the bill.
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IDEAS!
Labels are for Jars!
Labels Are For Jars is a creative effort organized by Father Paul
O'Brien, Pastor of St. Patrick Parish, Lawrence, to help feed the hungry in Lawrence. Young people from
parishes throughout the Archdiocese have gotten involved in Labels as a unique service
opportunity. To learn more about Labels Are For Jars, go to www.labelsareforjars.org
The website has lots of information about the project, including photos of the
meal center, Cor Unum, which was dedicated recently. This might be an
inspiration for your efforts to help our young people build the Kingdom with the
neediest of our brothers and sisters.
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Stewardship
Stewardship is a three
part approach to Christian discipleship involving Time, Talent and Treasure.
Most folks, however, forget the first two dimensions, Time and Talent, and focus
almost exclusively on the Treasure component. We have been in conversation
with the director of the Archdiocese's Office of Stewardship, about
the need to educate and form our parishioners in the real, complete, spirit of
stewardship. We will have more information during the school year but for
now, give some thought to how you can infuse Stewardship into your parish
program. Recruiting parish/parent volunteers to assist - not only as
catechists but as clerical, corridor and classroom aides - is inviting
stewardship. Asking a talented high school student to help design the
cover of your annual religious education calendar is inviting stewardship. We educate for
citizenship and discipleship; make stewardship a part of your
program.
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Maryknoll
Presentations in
Schools and
Colleges
"Know your brothers and sisters of other cultures”
Maryknoll
located in the Maryknoll Promotion House, E. Walpole, Mass., offers visual
presentations to students in schools, CCD classes and colleges.
1. Fr. Frank Breen did pastoral work in the East African country
of Kenya for 30 years and gives presentations on:
* General Introduction to East Africa (slides), including
causes of poverty and church (mission)
programs.
* A day of reflection on Globalization
(grades 11 & 12 only)
* A day of reflection on the environment
and faith (grades 6-12)
Fr.
Frank also speaks in colleges. He can be contacted via email at: Fbreenmm@aol.com
2.
Fr. Joe Towle did pastoral work in the Latin American countries of
Guatemala & Bolivia for 24 years. During and after those years he produced
educational videos for Maryknoll.
His
presentation includes a 14 minute video-profile of a young teenager of the
“Children of the Earth” series of Maryknoll. (Africa, Asia, Latin America
and the Caribbean, Native Americans.) For descriptions of this series, see the
enclosed brochure.
Fr.
Joe speaks to students from grades 6-12 and to colleges; he can be reached via
email: jwtowle1@aol.com
Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers 80 Emerson Rd. E. Walpole, Ma. 02032 Tel.
508-668-6831
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Web Resources
Keeping up with web sites is more than a full time job. While we
really cannot explore all the great sites out there (nor warn against the
not-so-great sites) occasionally we will pass along sites we feel are
informative, uplifting, somewhat related to the business of catechesis, and of,
course, accurate!!! Below are some good, general
sites, and in the next section, links to the major publishers.
ww.rcab.org
- our very own Archdiocese of Boston webpage
www.usccb.org
- web site of the American Catholic Bishops
www.vatican.va
- the official web site of the Vatican.
www.cnaff.org
- The Catholic Network for Adult Faith Formation has a new web site devoted to
promoting faith formation for Catholics. Parts of the site are, or soon will be, password
protected for use by committee members and diocesan staff. The site
provides excellent materials for parish adult faith formation including articles
and links to organizations and Church documents. These are available to
all and the site is a great resource for parishes.
The Daughters of Saint Paul have excellent resources at their
site: www.pauline.org
www.sacredspace.ie - 10
minute daily prayer experience at your computer from the Irish Jesuits
CatholicWeb.com is a free subscription based and member driven
online Catholic community. Their site describes their work:
"... provides Catholic content and online Web services to the Church,
it's members, and those interested in learning about the Catholic faith.
CatholicWeb's overall mission is to serve, be faithful, and provide information
consistent with the official teachings and Magesterium of the Holy Catholic
Church.
www.catholicweb.com
St. Anthony Messenger Press: www.AmericanCatholic.org
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Publishers' Sites and News
We are so blessed to work with wonderful publishers helping the diocese,
parishes, catechetical leaders and catechists spread the Good News. Check out some of the terrific pages from our publishers:
Harcourt: www.harcourtreligion.com
Call to Faith, the new Harcourt religion series is ready.
Intergenerational and whole community catechesis are alive and well in this new
series.
Loyola: www.findinggod.org
Wonderful resources for catechists.
Resources for Christian Living (RCL) and Benziger have been
purchased by CFM Religion Publishing Group, LLC. Together they form a new
company, RCL Benziger, which will be headquartered at RCL’s offices in Allen,
Texas. The new company, RCL Benziger has recently acquired some Silver Burdett
Religion resources from parent company Pearson Education. Because Pearson will
continue to produce other educational texts under the Silver Burdett imprint,
RCL Benziger will not use the Silver Burdett Religion name. SBR online
resources that accompany the Blest Are We series plus supplemental
materials art still available for download at www.blestarewe.com.
All SBR materials can be ordered through RCL Benziger. The new web
address for RCL Benziger is www.rclbenziger.com
Sadlier: www.cyberfaith.com and
www.comingtofaith.com.
Check out Sadlier's new intergenerational website at www.webelieveweb.com
Also, the We Believe series is now available in a bilingual edition: Creemos.
Sadlier has many helpful resources for families. In addition to the Unit
and Chapter Family pages in We Believe, Family pages are also available
in Creemos. For the past two years Sadlier has produced the Unit Family
pages in Portuguese and they are available at the Sadlier webelieveweb site.
Saint Mary's Press: www.smp.org
What is your parish doing for and with adults?
Adult Faith Sharing
The USCCB has a
wonderful series of faith sharing booklets designed to assist adults come to a
greater awareness and appreciation of Catholic social teaching. There are
five books in the series - they can be used as part of an overall program or can
stand alone. The booklets are: Shaping the Tradition, Sharing the
Future; The Call to Family, Community, and Participation; Dignity of the Human
Person; Preferential Option for the Poor; and Solidarity with the
Poor. Each booklet is a six week program with Scripture
readings, reflections, focus questions, and suggested group actions. Since
the booklets are only $1.00 per copy, they are budget-friendly for most parish
adult education programs. Contact the USCCB at 800-235-8722 to
order these materials
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