Sharing News about a Religious Vocation
The discernment of a religious vocation for a young man or young woman is accompanied by prayer, questioning, and finally a decision. At some point the person tells his or her family of the choice to further prepare for the priesthood or religious…
A Discussion on the Sacrament of Penance
Here’s a short discussion activity you can lead prior to a fuller lesson on the Sacrament of Penance and, perhaps, participation by your students in the sacrament itself.
Kentucky Derby Winner Featured in Ave Maria Press Textbook
It’s not often that a Kentucky Derby champion trainer and his wife make it into an Ave Maria Press high school theology textbook. But that’s the case with Doug O’Neill, trainer of 2016 champion Nyquist (and 2012…
New Testament Connection: Passover and Eucharist
The Jewish Pasch (Passover) is celebrated this year from April 22-30. You may wish to share this information on the Passover as it compares with the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist. The material is taken from The Old Testament: Our Call to Faith…
Considering Serious Sin
Review with your students the definition and conditions of mortal sin, perhaps in anticipation for celebrating the Sacrament of Penance.DefinitionA mortal sin is a serious violation of God’s law of love that results in the loss of…
Annulments of Catholic Marriages
In two motu proprios, that is formal documents, signed by Pope Francis on Tuesday, September 08, 2015, the pope has expedited the process for Catholics to get annulments from their marriages in the Church.
Your Call to Holiness
Christians are called to be saints. A simple definition of a saint is one who has a mind through which Christ things, a voice through which Christ speaks, a heart through which Christ loves, and a hand through which Christ helps. This reflection…
Readings on the Complementary Nature of the Sacraments
There are numerous resources available online, primarily from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and writings of recent popes to help you not only facilitate your classroom discussion regarding the complementary nature of the…
How to Go to Confession
The end of summer and the start of the school year is a most approriate time to celebrate the Sacrament of Penance. In order to help teens prepare, make a plan to review the steps for “How to Go to Confession.”Spend some time…
Why Do I Have to Confess My Sins to a Priest?
During Lent, you may have heard a variation of the question from teens on why they must confess their sins in the Sacrament of Penance. Author and teacher Michael Pennock fielded this question often from his own students at St. Ignatius High School…