October 4, 2004

1.    Educator Appreciation Weekend at Borders:  Borders Books & Music, 6670 Sawmill Rd, Columbus  43235, (614-718-9099), is inviting all the devoted teachers, staff, and volunteers in our Parochial Schools and PSR programs (current and retired) to take advantage of their Educator Appreciation Weekend, October 8th-10th and save 25% on all personal purchases.  You will also be able to save 50% on food and beverage items in Cafe Borders.  Just bring your educator's ID, pay stub, or other proof of educator status.  For those volunteers who do not have ID badges, print the flyer that is available on line at our website:  www.cdeducation.org/dre and bring it with you.

2.    Presentation on Faithful Citizenship:  A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility - St. Joan of Arc Church is sponsoring a presentation on Faithful Citizenship:  A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility on Wednesday, October 13 at 7:30 pm.  Jerry Freewalt, a Director in the Diocesan Department of Social Concerns,  will be the featured presenter.  St. Joan of Arc Church is located at 10700 Liberty Road in Powell.  For more information, please contact the parish at 614-761-0905.  Religious Education certification credit will be available.

3.    An Opportunity Not to Be Missed!  Just a reminder that you don't want to miss the many wonderful presenters we have coming this year, including Fr. Donald Senior.  This year's Congress will open with a Eucharistic Liturgy celebrated by Bishop James A. Griffin.  All are invited to attend.  There will be something for everyone.  If you need a brochure, please contact your principal or contact Sue Reihing at 614-221-4633 or sreihing@cdeducation.org or go online at www.cdeducation.org/dre and download a copy.  Religious education certification or CEUs will be available.

4.    Weekly Religion Ideas, September 29, 2004, Standard III A:1,2,3
        For the Teacher:  There are so many saints' feast days in our tradition that would be meaningful to the students, if they knew about them and could connect with occupations and persons like that in life today.  Some resources that are helpful in this regard are:  Occupations, More Occupations and In Times of Need from the Patrons and Protector Series by Liturgy Training Publications 1-800-933-1800 ($18.95 each).  Regarding background having to do with identifying sacred objects, places and spaces along with demonstrating reverence in liturgical gestures and postures I would suggest the following:  Children Celebrate, the Director's Manual, having to do with Liturgy of the Word with Children from Pflaum (1-800-543-4383, ext. 128) ($12.95); A Guide to the Lectionary for Masses with Children by Peter Mazar and Robert Piercy; the Leader's Manual of the Hymnal for Catholic Students, General Instruction of the Roman Missal, Preparing the Environment for Worship (all which are from Liturgy Training Publications) or any liturgical book which explains sacred space, objects, places, symbols used at Eucharistic Liturgies or Prayer Services.  The introductory pages of the Sacramentary also help us understand the meaning of what we do when we pray together.  The need for reverence and silence is being stressed with the new instruction that will be incorporated in our parishes.  What can we do in our classrooms to help students celebrate liturgy better? 

        For the Classroom:  Religion Teacher's Journal, October 2004 has many ideas for bringing the saints into the classroom.  On  p.20, a play about St. Patrick; pp.24-25, an article on the "communion of saints" with the meanings of different names; p.29, "making your own saint figures".  Teaching about the Communion of Saints continues the topic of "sacred things" that we talked about above.  In Catechist Magazine on pp.14-15, a family tear out activity on saints; on p.21, there is an echo pantomime on Pierre Toussaint; p.32-34, has catechists in our Catholic history.  Having students find out about the saint they were named after or the saint's name they might be taking in Confirmation is also a good activity.  Having them put together a booklet of sacred objects, places and spaces in Church and elsewhere would help them think about the environments which help them pray and find God.  So many of our holy places, objects, symbols and people remind us of God's presence.

        Resources:  The following videos could be used to carry out these themes of holy people, places, things:
            VC    6492    Amanda Goes to Mass    P
            VC    6832    Come on In! A Church Tour for Children    PI
            VC    6993    What Makes Us Catholic:  Discovering Our Catholic Identity SA
            VC    7216    This Sacred Place    SA
            VC    6192    Persons, Places, Practices in the Catholic Church    JSA
            VC    6444    Celebrating Christian Symbols    PI
        There are many saints' videos.  Call Sue Reihing or Sr. Rita Jane Radecki, OSF at 614-221-4633 or sreihing@cdeducation.org or rradecki@cdeducation.org.

5.    Fourth Grade Teacher Conference:  "Teaching for Success in the Fourth Grade Classroom", will be presented at the Hilton Columbus on November 1-2.  The Conference will address such timely topics including "Six Trait Writing," "At Risk Strategies," "Differentiated Instruction" and "Literacy Centers."
        If you have any questions regarding the Conference, call 1-800-462-1478.

6.    Final Reminder:  The Diocesan LPDC will be meeting on Thursday, October 7 at Saint Anthony School, Columbus. 

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