Catechists have a lot on their plates. Teaching about the Catholic faith is not simple or easy and who knows this better than they? The best catechists have learned that ultimately all of their teaching centers around Jesus: his teachings, the sacraments, the Eucharistic liturgy, and all of our Catholic customs and traditions. These include Catholic Social Teaching. Jesus is at the heart here too, for all social teaching focuses on loving and serving others as Jesus does.  Here Sr. Janet Schaeffler offers catechists creative (and fun) ways to focus on Catholic Social Teaching with those they teach (and their parents). She assures them that this is not something difficult and mysterious, but rather a way of life we are called to live daily. Through it, she says, catechists are responding to the mandate to serve others and to develop relationships with people whose life experiences differ from their own. She says it is a way of living their baptism as disciples of Jesus. And, she describes all this from A to Z, quite literally.  Catechists will love this book. It opens a whole new world of possible ways to live as Jesus did.

Creative Connections for Catechists from A-Z: Catholic Social Teaching

Janet Schaeffler

Religion & Spirituality

Twenty-Third Publications

We say the Creed at Mass every Sunday, but how did it come to be and what does it really mean for our lives? The Creed: A Catechist s Guide shows how the Creed can take us into the heart of the Christian mystery and fill us with awe. 
 Rooted in Scripture and Church teaching, each succinct chapter addresses one statement of the Apostle s Creed, offering a wealth of historical and biblical background, reflection questions, meditations, prayers, and activity ideas you may have never associated with the Creed. 
 Here s a sampling of what you will learn: How can the Creed help Catholics understand Church teaching on creation and evolution, and the relationship between science and religion? 
 What s the difference between the Apostles Creed and the Nicene Creed? 
 Why is Pilate the only person other than the Trinity and Mary mentioned in the Creed by name? 
 How can our Profession of Faith give us a deeper understanding of our own suffering, death, and promised resurrection? And how can it help us discover the unbelievable tenderness of God every day? 
 This well-researched, and beautifully written resource is perfect for catechists, RCIA and adult faith formation leaders, parents, teachers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Catholic beliefs, heritage and tradition. Filled with ways to hear and share the voice of God, this helpful resource beckons us to joyful, and committed discipleship, and to the incredible life God has in mind for us.

The Creed: A Catechist's Guide: Understanding and Sharing What We Believe

Christian Books & Bibles

Help your learners experience and move more deeply into the rich treasury of Catholicism all the feasts, seasons, rituals, devotions, symbols, sacraments, and sacramentals that kindle the faith and help make us one family of God. In this creative and practical resource, Janet Schaeffler shows us step by step how to introduce young minds and hearts to all these wonderful ways of being Catholic. Some activities include: - A daily Advent project that invites families to appreciate the gift of the Incarnation - An exploration of Lenten symbols, prayers and liturgical objects such as ashes, palm branches, the color purple, the desert, and the Stations of the Cross - A group project to help students personalize Catholic social teaching - A Marian feast activity to build awareness of the powerful and loving role Mary plays in daily living Designed to help learners stretch creatively and theologically, each activity includes background for catechists, materials lists, reproducible blackline masters, lesson starters, instructions, prayers, and options to extend the activities. Best of all are ways to make everything relevant to daily living for children and adults of all abilities, ages, and interests. This creative and complete resource can help you send your students forth to lives of joyful discipleship, meaningful prayer, and powerful love for God.

Lessons, Activities and Prayers on What Makes Us Catholic (Enriching Faith)

Even the most prayerful catechists can use some inspiration to support and strengthen their ministry and spiritual growth. This inspiring booklet is like a series of mini retreats to help catechists find new ways to integrate ministry with their prayer life. In each brief chapter, Janet Schaeffler places the words and wisdom of Pope Francis into context for catechists, to help them find new opportunities for prayer and reflection, and discover practical suggestions for their ministry and daily life. A wonderful gift for beginning or veteran catechists to help them integrate the two realities of prayer and action as they go about their work of building God s kingdom.

Present Moment Prayer for Catechists

A concise and enriching guide to the prayers every catechist teaches, this beautiful book by Janet Schaeffler, OP will be welcomed by catechists, religion teachers, prayer groups, and anyone seeking a deeper, more attentive prayer life. Beginning with a beautiful line-by-line reflection on the Our Father, Schaeffler examines ten prayers from the Catholic tradition, including the Hail Mary, the Memorare, the Act of Contrition, and even the Grace Before Meals. With background on each prayer s origins, perspectives on their meanings in our lives today, thoughtful reflection questions, and practical suggestions for extending the prayers in the classroom and at home, she offers a path for anyone of any age to listen for the comfort, and become aware of the challenge of our great treasury of Catholic prayers.

The Catechist's Guide to Beloved Prayers: Understanding and Sharing the Tradition

Everything you need to plan a meaningful family First Communion retreat is right here at your fingertips in this complete resource. Choose from a variety of activities that support teaching about the Mass, God s unending love, the Eucharist as thanksgiving, and much more. Each engaging activity and prayer invites family participation throughout the retreat day and offers at home guidance to help parents continue the activities, conversations, and prayers all year long. With a wide variety of options and complete instructions, you ll be able to host a retreat (or two or three) that suits your own parish space and timing. (There s even an activity for parishes that follow the restored order of the sacraments.) Let this wonderful resource help you prepare children and their families for First Communion and for every eucharistic celebration all through their lives.

We Gather Together: A Family Retreat with Activities to Prepare for First Eucharist

"The journey of aging is different for each of us, but no matter our path, the joys and challenges of getting older give us all a wonderful opportunity to keep growing emotionally and spiritually. In this wise and profound book, Janet Schaeffler draws on her own experiences of aging and the insights of many elders to help us all deal with twelve increasingly important needs: to live a life of meaning and purpose; to joyfully pursue love and relationships; to ask and explore questions; to learn and grow and laugh; to navigate change and transition; to cope with losses; to be grateful; to forgive and be forgiven; to give; for spiritual integration; to let go and simplify; and to prepare for dying and death. The journey of aging is a gift for each eldering person, says Schaeffler. Filled with gentle wisdom and practical suggestions, Let This Be the Time will help us make the most of this wonderful gift as we learn to live and love more fully in our eldering years"--Amazon.com.

Let This Be the Time: Spiritual Essentials for Life's Second Act

Saints and Mentors for Catechists: 41 Models of Faith to Support and Guide You

Becoming Pilgrims of Hope

Twenty-Third Publications/Bayard

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Books by Janet Schaeffler