On fire!!
Posted By Carlos on January 26, 2010
Have you ever had one of those nights where you look back and think, “wow” or a night that you wish you could repeat every week? For me, last night was one of those nights.
When I arrived at Church for Religious Education, my CRE asked if I would be willing to merge my class with another because we had a catechist out. I figured “why not” and agreed to teach both classes. Historically, having students that normally part of my class has been hit or miss, but I was going to make the best of it nonetheless. The first question I get is, “Do you give homework” and I start doing a victory dance in my head. I tell the student to ask my students that question and the standard response of “only if we don’t cooperate” puts them all in the palm of my hand. The expectation is set and I see things looking up. I probably shouldn’t be too joyful about using homework as a threat, but it makes things so much easier when we all understand each other.
We start class with a prayer, Come Holy Spirit, which was not only topical, but I’m convinced that prayer was answered last night. Then my students ask if we can do the Three J’s. For those that are not familiar with the Three J’s, it’s something that I picked up from In Between Sundays, a podcast that I frequently listen to. It consists of sharing your Junk, Joy and Jesus Moment for the past week. I had my students participate and made it optional for my guests. I think my guest students were more into it then my own students! It was a huge success last night and ended up being a great ice breaker.
Our formal topics last night were focused around the activities of the Apostles after the Resurrection. We discussed Jesus’ first appearance in the Upper Room. We discussed Doubting Thomas. We discussed Pentecost and the effect the Holy Spirit had on the Apostles. I spent time focusing on the before and after of the Apostles’ behavior, including the effects of some of the gifts they received on Pentecost. Additionally, we discussed how we (and they) knew the Holy Spirit had arrived, namely wind and fire.
After spending some time on Pentecost, we moved on to the missionary activities of the early Church leaders. We reviewed how they traveled and thier ministries in obedience to the command of Jesus to make disciples of all nations. We also connected this to Pentecost by discussing how those gifts they received from the Holy Spirit helped them be successful. We spoke about the Conversion of St. Paul, and how appropriate since yesterday was the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. We also discussed why we call St. Paul an Apostle even thought he was not a follower of Jesus during his earthly ministry. To help drive that story home, I finished the segment by showing them an artist’s representation of that conversion moment on the road to Damascus.
We discussed what martyrdom was and why the Church believes that martyrs have a special place in heaven. We spoke about the martyrdom of St. Peter and why he was crucified upside down. Once again, I showed them an artist’s representation of his martyrdom to help drive that story home.
I ended the class by handing out the lyrics to “Kyrie” by Mr. Mister and played the song. After listening to it, we discussed the lyrics and what the artist was trying to say through his song. The references to the Holy Spirit and being sent on a mission are so strong in that song that I love tying it to this lesson.
I left class last night feeling like I myself was on fire! Not only that, but my students, and I mean all of my students last night seemed fired up as well. I can’t beleive how much I was able to cover in one hour; and to be honest, I felt like I actually got through to them as opposed to being rushed and lost. I’m sure it was with a little help from above. I truly hope that the Holy Spirit can come and kindle in us the fire of His love every week!!
Until next time, keep sharing the faith!
About the author
Those inspiring classes are the moments that encourage me in the ministry and moments to remember when another class doesn’t go so well. I’m glad to read you had a great experience.
“Have you ever had one of those nights where you look back and think, “wow” or a night that you wish you could repeat every week?”
Yes! Yes! I have to come home and brag to my wife about the great kids I get to teach.
I refine my lesson plans every year, it helps make inspiring classes a recurring feature.
6th grade is terrific.
It’s intoxicating, to be sure. We also need to watch over the embers to keep them glowing.
I’m so glad to find your blog –awesome (and I see that you suffer from falling off it, too–my problem often).
I hope to meet you in Boston at the CNMC!
I’ll be there Maria!
You so right about some nights wishing that all your nights would go like the good ones do. Also, you really get a sense that the Holy Spirit was at work. God Bless!