Our Lady of the Rosary- [October 8, 2003]
Objective(s):
- Know the Marian Apparitions that relate to the rosary
- Celebrate that this October ends the Year of the Rosary
- Pray a “living” rosary contemplating the Glorious Mysteries
{5th Gr. Curriculum point [IX,A]}
Pre-broadcast Activity:
- Make a list of petitions to call-in during the live broadcast
- Have each student bring in their own set of rosary beads
TV Content:
- Introduction- explanation of the series, and the relationship
to the liturgical year
- Take phone calls of petitions from viewing schools
- Mention requests mailed in ahead of time
- Taped segments of different schools each praying a decade of
the rosary
Class Activity:
- Pray the rosary together “live”
Follow-up Activities:
- Go through research explaining how Mary is our intercessor through
history
- Watch a video or movies about the Blessed Mother
- Talk about the new Luminous Mysteries
Research:
Visions or Marian Apparitions that relate to the rosary:
· in
1208 Mary appeared to St. Dominic (traditional origin story)
· in
1572 Pope Pius V proclaimed October 7th the feast of
Our Lady of the Rosary
· in
1858 Mary appeared to St. Bernadette at Lourdes holding a rosary
· in 1917 Mary appeared to the children of Fatima
and taught them to pray the rosary
Additional Apparitions: see www.theworkofgod.org/Aparitns/Others.htm
Or
e-mail me at rterranova@pastcomm.org
or call for a print out of this information
Quote of the day:
“A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun,
with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve
stars.” [Rev. 12:1]
“Seasons of Our Years”
Guardian and Archangels- [October
15, 2003]
Objective(s):
- Examine Angels in scripture
- See the connection between what we’re taught and
what the media reflects of the times we’re living in {6th Gr.
Curriculum Point: Media as a sign of the times}
Pre-broadcast Activity:
Brainstorm
the following questions for calling in during the program:
- Do you know anyone who has seen an angel?
- Do you know a story someone told you that involved
an angel?
- What do you know about angels?
- What stories have you heard about angels?
- Have you ever watched “Touched By An Angel”?
- Do you believe in angels?
- Does the Catholic Church believe in angels?
- Do you believe in Satan or Lucifer?
- Do you believe in spirits?
- Do you believe in ghosts?
- What movies do you know that deal with angels?
What is the movie’s message?
TV Content:
- Answers from focus group
- Introduce Lesson as celebration of the feast of
Guardian Angels on Oct.2 and the feasts of Sts. Michael, Gabriel,
and Raphael the Archangels
- Refer to research
Class Activity:
- Talking with students on the panel and those calling-in
Follow-up Activities:
- Talk about the fallen angels
- Go over the story of the battle between Michael
and Lucifer in Revelations 12
- Continue with students questions using research
or have them e-mail rterranova@pastcomm.org or
fax questions [(718) 499-2406] which will be answered on next
program
Research:
- Article on “Angels in the History of Western Thought”
- Article on “Angels in the History of the Church”
Quote of the day:
Prayer
to St. Michael:
“ Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness
and snare of the devil; may God restrain him we humbly pray,
and do thou O prince of the heavenly Host, by the power of God,
cast into hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl about
the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.”
“BACKTALK”
What’s In a Name? Confirmation Name–[October 22, 2003]
Objective(s):
- Learn the significance of choosing a Confirmation name
- Talk about the saints as role-models
Pre-broadcast Activity:
Brainstorm the following questions for call-ins:
- Where did your name come from?
- Are you named after a saint or a loved one?
- Does you name have anything to do with who you are?
- Do you know anyone who is never called by his/her given name?
- What’s a “given” name, a “Christian” name, a “surname”, a “family” name?
- Why is it a sin to use God’s name in vain?
- When do people change their names?
- Do you know why Mohammed Ali changed his name from Cassius Clay?
- Why do movie stars change their names?
- Have you picked your Confirmation name yet?
- How did you decide what name to choose?
TV Content:
- Answers from focus group
- This lesson is tied to the feast of All Saints Day- the saints
as role models
- Talk about patron saints
Follow-up Activities:
- Research the biographies of some saints
- Dress us as your patron saint for Halloween
- Connection of choosing a Confirmation name and God changing Abraham’s
name and Jacob’s name, etc.
Research:
Quote of the Day:
“The
name we give to something shapes our attitude toward it.” - Katherine
Paterson
“I understand why one wants to know
the names of what he loves .... Naming is a kind of possessing,
of caressing, and fondling.” - Jessamyn West
“BACKTALK”
All
Hallows’ Eve vs. The Occult-[October 29, 2003]
Objective(s):
· Understand
where the various Halloween Traditions came from
· Understand
that All Hallows’ Eve—Halloween—is the Eve of All Saints Day
· Why
witches and goblins and Occultish ideas have no place in faith
· {8th Gr.
Curriculum points: I- Mystery of God; VIII- The Moral Life- C,
1; X- The Last Things- A & B}
Pre-broadcast
Activity:
Brainstorn
questions for call-ins:
- Do you believe in the saints?
- Do you believe in the communion of saints?
- Do you pray for the souls in purgatory?
- Do you celebrate Halloween?
- Do you know where the different “Halloween Traditions” (i.e.
Jack-O-Lanterns, trick or treat, dressing in costumes) come from?
- Do you think you can talk to the souls that have gone before
us?
- Have you ever played with a Quija board?
- Do you know anyone who has been to a séance?
- Do you believe in witches?
- Do you believe in psychics?
TV Content:
- Answers from focus group
- Halloween means the Eve of All Saints Day
- Discuss the Triduum of Halloween, All Saints Day, and All Souls
Day
- Suggest other ways to celebrate Halloween that are not pagan
Follow-up Activities:
- Discuss why “New Age” thinking and Paganism is against Church
teachings
- Refer to research articles on Wicca and Paganism
Research:
- Call [(718) 499-9705], fax [(718) 499-2406] or e-mail me rterranova@pastcomm.org for copies of three articles on Wicca, Paganism,
and Teens and Religion
Quote of the Day:
“A grandmother pretends she doesn't know who you are
on Halloween.”
-- Erma Bombeck
“I'll bet living in a nudist colony takes all the fun
out of Halloween.”
-- Anonymous
“The Seasons Of Our Years”
All Saints Day Celebration- [November 5, 2003]
Objective(s):
- Understand what the Communion of Saints is
- Recognize that All Saints Day is in honor of all those who are
not universally acknowledged as saints, but who are in God’s presence
now
- [Point in 5th Gr. Curriculum IX, D & E]
Pre-broadcast Activity:
- What saints do you admire?
- Name someone you know who has passed away that you think is
a saint. Why?
- What makes a “Saint” a saint?
- Could you ever be a saint?
TV Content:
- Share answers from focus group
- Share what other students have submitted
- Take calls about our personal saints
Follow-up Activities:
· Design
a holy picture card for who ever the students called in about
· Share
personal stories with each other
· Research
lives of our namesakes
Research:
- Top Ten Random Saint Stories at LifeTeen.com
[ http://www.lifeteen.com/LoaqdDoc.asp?Action=View&ID=940&DocType=1]
Quote of the Day:
“If you embrace all things in life as coming from the hands of God,
and even embrace death to fulfill His holy will, assuredly you will
die a saint.”
[St. Alphonsus Liquori]
“Seasons of Our Years”
Choosing a New Bishop- [Nov. 12, 2003]
Objective(s):
- Understand the process by which someone becomes a bishop
- Acquire some background information about Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio
Pre-broadcast Activity:
- Do you know who the last bishop of Brooklyn was?
- Do you know what a “Coat of Arms” is?
- What kinds of questions would you like to ask a bishop?
- Do you know what a bishop’s responsibilities are?
- Do you have to be a priest before you can be a bishop?
- What’s the difference between a priest and a bishop?
TV Content:
- Discussion of the history of the diocese, and the past bishops
- Discussion of the process for choosing a bishop for a diocese
- Decription and explanation of the bishop’s “Coat of Arms”
- Answer students questions
Follow-up Activities:
- Do a research project on a past bishop of the diocese with his
accomplishments
Research:
Quote of the day:
``Where the Bishop is, there let the multitude of believers be;
even as where Jesus is, there is the Catholic Church'' [Ignatius
of Antioch, 1st c. A.D]
“BACKTALK”
Thanksgiving vs. Consumerism –[Nov. 19, 2003]
Objective(s):
- Gain some insight into what we value as a society
- Understand our responsibilities as Christian
Pre-broadcast Activity:
Who is your God? [brainstorm answers to the following]
-Are you caught up in society’s attitude of buying for
the sake of buying? [Do you find yourself buying into society’s
attitude that you need to own as much as you can?]
-Do you generously share your time, talents, and possessions
with those God has placed in your life? [Do you see any value in
sharing your money with your church, charities or a friend in need?]
-Do you create debt for your family by buying on credit
to acquire things you want but don’t necessarily need? [Have you
ever asked your parents to get you something that they really couldn’t
afford?]
-Do you use your money as you would any other tool,
to help create a better and more enjoyable life for yourself and
the persons God has placed in your life?
-How would you explain the idea that only God can make
us happy and satisfied?
-Do the things I buy help me grow in any real way, or
do I use them just to kill time, including time that ought to be
spent on something else?
Attitude Check: [when you are
buying something…
‘ am
I buying this so other people will like me (Prov.
17:17)
‘ is
buying this the best way to honor God with my money(Dt 15:7-8)
‘ how
would I feel if this thing were taken away from me(1Tim 6:17)
‘ am
I buying this to fill up some empty part of my life (Ph 4:11-13)
TV Content:
- focus group answers
- group discussion
Follow-up Activities:
- research Thanksgiving traditions
- make a list of things you are grateful for
Research:
[go to website for links] www.pastcomm.org/backtalk
Quote(s) of the day:
“I find myself wanting things. Not because I need
them, but because they seem like they’ll make me more interesting,
more exciting. Like somehow, the stuff I own can change the life
I have. When I look at ads in magazines or on TV, that’s what stuff
promises me: A better life, a better me.”
[by Carla Barnhill in www.christianitytoday.com -teens-FEATURE:
Materialism]
“U.S. teens are more powerful consumers than ever before, spending
$108 billion and influencing their parents to spend an additional
$47 billion in 2000 alone.”
[Findings from Market Research.com]
“Seasons of Our Years”
Traditions of St. Nicholas- [December 3, 2003]
Objective(s):
- Understand the idea of preparing for Christmas during the season
of Advent
- How does St. Nicholas tie in with Advent
Pre-broadcast Activity:
- Share different ethnic traditions of St. Nick
- Have students do some research about their own ethnic group [feel
free to use the links listed under “Research” or to call me for
copies of articles I’ve researched]
TV Content:
- Discuss the varied traditions about St. Nick/Santa Claus/the
Kriskinder/Kriskringle/etc
Follow-up Activities:
- Evolution of Advent Calendars
- Twelve day of Christmas
- From where did the concept of gift-giving come
Research:
[links on website: www.pastcomm.org/backtalk]
www.Instar.com/mall/main-areas/santafaq.htm
Quote of the day:
“It began to snow about midnight,
and I suppose no one had a better chance of seeing Santa Claus;
but, as I had my stockings on, he probably thought it not worth
his while to come down to the guard-tent. I didn't see any
guard's stockings pinned up outside their tent, and indeed
it is contrary to army regulations for them to divest themselves
of any part of their clothing during the twenty-four hours.”
--Lieutenant Robert Gould Shaw, while on guard duty
in Frederick, Maryland, Christmas morning, 1861
“The Seasons Of Our Years”
A Jesse Tree Celebration- [December
10, 2003]
Objective(s):
· Recognize,
name and make Jesse tree symbols
· Learn
other Advent traditions(i.e. wreath, “O” antiphons, etc.)
Pre-broadcast Activity:
· Talk
with students about how their families celebrate Advent
· Have
students do some research about their family trees
TV Content:
· Explain
how Advent is a time of preparation
· the
number 4, 40 , or 400 in Jewish tradition symbolizes preparation.
That’s why there are 4 weeks to Advent
· Family
tree-Jesus’ family tree is a Jesse Tree- The ornaments represent
people, places or events in salvation history; Relation of symbol
to event, people, and places
· Season
of waiting for darkness to turn to light- relationship of Hannukkah
(The feast of lights) to Christmas
· Demonstrate
symbols for Jesse Tree:
Globe/
creation
Apple
with bite/ Adam and Eve
Rainbow
or ark/ Noah
Ram
or altar / Isaac and Abraham
Ladder/
Jacob
Coat
of Colors/Jacob
Tablets
of commandments/ Moses
Bundle
of wheat/ Ruth (King David’s greatgrandma)
Tree
itself or rose/ Jesse
Harp
or crown or six-pointed star/ David
Temple/
Solomon
Sword/
Judith
Scroll/
Prophets
Whale/
Jonah
Lily/
Mary
Hammer
or saw/ Joseph
Follow-Up Activities:
· Discuss
other Advent traditions
Research:
E-mail me rterranova@pastcomm.org or
call me at (718)499-9705 for pack of Jesse Tree Symbols
Quote of the Day:
“Joseph, son of David, have no fear about taking Mary
as your wife. It is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived this
child. She is to have a son and you are to name him Jesus because
he will save his people from their sins.” [Matt 1:20-21]
BACKTALK
Advent Special- Tradition vs. Materialism
Objective(s):
Pre-broadcast Activity:
- How much money do you have to spend?
- Who buys you the things you want?
- What happens when you don’t get what you want?
- How do you decide what things you want?
- How much do your friends influence the things you
want?
- Do you wear designer clothes?
- Where do you shop?
- Have you ever bought anything on-line?
- Do you usually get everything you want for Christmas?
- Do you buy gifts for your family and friends?
- Who pays for the gifts you give to others?
- Do you think that Christmas would be special if
there was no gift giving?
- How do you feel about the commercialism we see
at Christmas?
- Do you ever feel embarrassed because you can’t
afford to buy presents like some of your friends can?
- Do you feel pressured to buy gifts for some of
your friends?
- How do you decide what you want for Christmas?
- Do you have a classroom Kris Kringle?
- Are there any special traditions your family has
for observing Advent?
- When do you feel the Christmas season begins?
TV Content:
- Roll-ins from focus group
- Group discussion by phone with host and panel
Follow-up Activities:
- Continue discussion
- Have a Merry Christmas
Research:
For results of student survey go
to website or e-mail me (rterranova@pastcomm.org) or call me
[(718) 499-9705] for copies
Quote of the Day:
“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world,
but lose his soul?” (Matt 16:26)
“The Seasons of Our Years”
The Octave of Christmas & Epiphany [January 7, 2004]
Objective(s):
- Understand what it means to “walk in the light”
- Give examples for how in God’s eyes we are all
equal
- Understand the significance of the Magi; “Jesus
comes for all”
- Make the connection between the 3 wise men and
the Arab nations
Pre-Broadcast Activity:
- What did you do this last Christmas and Advent
to honor Jesus?
- How did you keep Christ in Christmas this year?
- How do you celebrate the feast of the Three Kings?
- Were they really kings?
- Why did they come?
- Do you know people from the Middle East?
- From where did they come? Did you know that the
wise men are believed to have come from Babylon, [which is where
Iraq is today,] or Persia, [which is Iran today]?
- How can we proclaim the gospel?
- In what ways has God blessed you?
- How does God let us know that we are all his children,
equal in his eyes?
T.V. Content:
- Roll-in answers from Focus Group
- Roll-in clips of Advent activities and interviews
- On- air discussion with call-ins about our connection
to Middle Eastern peoples
Follow-up Activities:
- Find the North Star, sometimes believed to be the
Star of Bethlehem talked about in the Gospel
- Plan a last celebration of the Christmas season
by asking students to bring in a traditional ethnic Christmas
food to share. After the meal talk about other traditions from
around the world that help us celebrate the true meaning of Christmas
Research: (quotes from Sharing the Sunday Scriptures with Youth by
Maryann Hakowski)
Quote(s) of the Day:
- Don’t see all you see, and don’t hear all you hear.
(Irish proverb)
- In doing we learn. (English proverb)
- For the benefit of the flowers, we water the thorns.
(Egyptian proverb)
- Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only
of standing still. (Chinese proverb)
- A person with a sour face should not open shop.
(Latin proverb)
- The rower reaches the shore, partly by pulling,
partly by letting go. (Egyptian proverb)
- The best speaker is the one who can turn the ear
into an eye. (Arabian proverb)
- A good example is like a bell that alls many to
church. (Danish proverb)
- God gives every bird its worm, but God does not
throw it into the nest. (Swedish proverb)
- A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best
cures. (Irish proverb)
- With God, go over the sea. Without God, don’t even
go over the threshold. (Russian proverb)
“The Seasons of Our Years”
The Baptism of Jesus, Your Personal Baptism [January 14,
2004]
Objective(s):
- Explain way that show us that God keeps His promises
- Understand that Baptism calls us to serve
- Compose a Baptism prayer for those being baptized
this year
- Discuss ways of honoring Jesus with our gifts
- List ways we can proclaim the gospel, not keep
it quiet
Pre-Broadcast Activity:
- When were you baptized?
- Why were you baptized?
- What did God promise us through our baptism?
- What promises has God kept?
- What gifts had God given you?
- How can you use those gifts for others and honor
Jesus with your gifts?
- How can you Did you make any New Year’s resolutions?
- What resolutions can you make that will help you
to act more justly towards others?
- What can you do to make others feel welcome in
your group?
- Who were your godparents?
- Do you remember anything about your baptism?
- What stories have you been told about your baptism?
- Do you feel welcomed into the Church?
- Do you make New Year’s resolutions?
- Where did this tradition come from?
T.V. Content:
- Roll-in answers from Focus Group
- On-air discussion
Follow-up Activities:
- Do a project for the families of the children welcomed
into their community by baptism
- Make resolutions to act more justly towards others-
write them in the form of a letter to themselves, collect them
and mail them to your class in 6 months as a reminder about their
resolutions for justice
- Answer the question: “When I have children of my
own, I ant them to be baptized because…”
- Write letters to your god-parent(s) asking them
to tell you everything they can remember about your baptism day
Research:
Quote of the Day:
“Obviously, time is one of our most precious
possessions. We can waste it. We can worry over it. We can spend
it on ourselves. Or, as good stewards, we can invest it in the kingdom
of God.” [Steven B. Cloud, Pulpit Helps, Vol.14 # 2]
BACKTALK
Vocation Special [January 21, 2004]
Objective(s):
- Know the Church’s teaching with regard to the vocation
to the married life
- Know the role of the Christian family in the modern
world
- Understand that sex should only take place in a
committed, permanent, and faithful love relationship, which means
marriage
- Know hat sexual activity is about mutual love and
mutual giving, that it should be open to life- children are a
supreme gift of the love relationship
- Come to see that living as the Church teaches us
to with regard to marriage is not unrealistic
Pre-Broadcast Activity:
· How
old should you be before you go on your first date? Define dating
· What
problems do kids have with dating?
· From
whom did you learn the “facts of life”?
· Are you comfortable talking about sex?
· How old should you be before you become sexually active?
· Are there different sexual expectations for boys than
there are for girls? What are they?
· Do you have friends who are sexually active?
· Do you feel pressured to have sex? If so, by whom and
in what way do they pressure you?
· What do your friends think about sex?
· What’s the connection between “love” and “sex”?
· Do boys feel differently than girls do about sex, and
visa versa?
· What about having babies?
· How would your parents re-act to you becoming pregnant,
or you getting a girl pregnant?
· What do you know about birth control?
· Do TV shows, movies, advertisements, music videos, etc.
have an effect on what you think about sex?
· What have your parents told you about sex?
· What are your parents’ expectations of you with regard
to sexual activity?
· What does the Church teach about human sexuality?
· What about Abstinence?
· What about STDs?
- When you meet the person you want to marry, how
important will the history of their sex life be to you? What
are your expectations?
T.V. Content:
- Roll-in responses from focus group
- Call in with question for our guests, a Catholic
married couple
- Facts with regard to teens and sex
Research:
Quote of the Day:
“Love is the fundamental and innate vocation of every
human being.” – Pope John Paul II
BACKTALK
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK [January 28, 2004]
Objective(s):
- Brainstorm ideas for slogan for Catholic Schools:
A Faith-Filled Future
- Share ideas gathered from participating schools
Pre-Broadcast Activity:
- Share ideas that you will be developing for your
school’s celebration
- Submit ideas to BACKTALK, either by fax, mail or
e-mail
- Discuss how Catholic Schools create a “Faith Filled
Future”
T.V. Content:
- Focus group answers
- On-air discussion and interview with schools
Follow-up Activities:
- Make videos of your school’s activities and submit
them for a segment on BACKTALK
Research:
Quote of the Day:
“Catholic
Schools- Where tomorrow’s minds
are shaped today.”
“The Seasons of Our Years”
Candlemas Day or The Presentation [February 4, 2004]
Objective(s):
- Understand the connection between Candlemas and
Groundhog Day
- Understand the significance of the meeting between
the Christ Child and Simeon as an encounter between the passing
heathen world and the new beginning in Christ, between the fading
age of the Old Covenant and the new era of the Church of all
nations
- Continue discussion of how Jesus came for ALL peoples-
Simeon calls Jesus “a light to enlighten the Gentiles”
Pre-Broadcast Activity:
- Why would “light” be a good symbol for Jesus?
- What is Groundhog Day? What does it mean?
- Do you know the Greek myth about Persephone, the
daughter of Demeter, goddess of the harvest?
- Do you know about the feast of St. Brigid?
- Who were the Gentiles?
- Who are the “Gentiles” of today?
- What does the Church teach about other religions?
- Do you have to be Catholic to get to heaven?
T.V. Content:
- Focus groups answers
- On-air discussion about prejudice and our responsibility
to be a “light” for others
Follow-up Activities:
- Research what other holidays or feast days were
adapted from pagan rituals
- Invite Miss Rose and crew to come to your school
for a special lesson
Research:
Link: www.cin.org/candlema.html
e-mail
me at: rterranova@pastcomm.org
Quote of the Day:
“If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Come,
winter, have another flight.
If
Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Go,
winter, and come not again.”
[popular verse of the 7th Century]
“The Seasons of Our Years”
Vocation Special [February 11, 2004]
Objective(s):
- to motivate 7th and 8th grade
students to give serious consideration to a vocation to the religious
life
Pre-Broadcast Activity:
- brainstorm and discuss a definition for vocation
- review the three different vocations, i.e. marriage,
religious, single
- review the different religious vocations, i.e.
priesthood, deaconate, consecrated life as religious brother
or sister
- prepare questions for the guests on the panel (a
religious brother, sister, and priest)
T.V. Content:
- statistical information about vocations
- guest speakers from religious life, i.e. a Religious
Brother, Sister, and Priest as guests on the
panel who will share aspects of their life styles including
the joys and challenges of Religious life
- students on the panel who will ask questions and
make comments
- “phone-in” opportunity for participating schools
- discussion of the “Parable of the Rich Man”
- -share and pray together the “Prayer for Vocations”
Follow-up Activities:
- refer to activities in the National Vocation Awareness
Week planning kit
Research:
Quote of the Day:
“The
harvest is good but laborers are scarce. Beg the harvest master
to send out laborers to gather his harvest.” (Matt 9:37-38)
BACKTALK
“Ash Wednesday Special”- sacrifice [February 25,
2004]
Objective(s):
- make a Lenten Calendar of your own [or use the
one sent to the teachers] writing in each square ways to fast,
pray, and serve others as we prepare for Easter
- name some things and situations that get you into
trouble- understand why Lent is a good time to stop putting yourself
in these situations where trouble lurks
- understand what can be gained through sacrifice
Pre-Broadcast Activity:
Ask your students-
- Why is there suffering in the world?
- What are we supposed to do during Lent?
- Do you observe Lent in a special way? What way?
T.V. Content:
- Focus Group answers to pre-broadcast questions
- Read Luke 4:1-13 [Jesus’ desert experience]
- Discussion with panel about making a LENTEN Calendar
and a commitment
- What is the good of making sacrifices?
- Read Ps. 91: 1-2,10-15 and discuss things and situations
that get them in trouble
Follow-up Activities:
- Decide on a Lenten project for the class
- Invite Miss Rose to come and interview students
about their Lenten Project experience
Research:
Quote of the Day:
“Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass
against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from
evil.” [from “The Our Father”]
“Seasons of Our Years”
Lent- The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary [March
3, 2004]
Objective(s):
- know the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary
- understand the lessons they teach to us
- motivate students to pray the Rosary
Pre-Broadcast Activity:
- What are the sorrowful mysteries of the rosary?
T.V. Content:
- Focus group answers
- Explain the prayer- the rosary and the four different
groups of mysteries
- Go through the Sorrowful Mysteries
The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary
The First Sorrowful Mystery
THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN
Spiritual Fruit: God's Will be done
The Second Sorrowful Mystery
THE SCOURGING AT THE PILLAR
Spiritual Fruit: Mortification of the senses
The Third Sorrowful Mystery
THE CROWNING WITH THORNS
Spiritual Fruit: Reign of Christ in our heart
The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery
THE CARRYING OF THE CROSS
Spiritual Fruit: Patient bearing of trials
The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery
THE CRUCIFIXION
Spiritual Fruit: Pardoning of Injuries
- Discuss their meaning for us- spiritual fruits
Follow-up Activities:
- Draw pictures for each mystery
- Write a meditation for each
- List examples of where these mysteries are reflected
in current news events
Research:
Quote of the Day:
“The
value of human suffering is never lost when it is joined to that
redemptive suffering of Jesus Christ.”
[Bishop
DiMarzio- in THE TABLET, February 14, 2004]
“Seasons of Our Years”
Lent- The Way of the Cross [March 10, 2004]
Objective(s):
- come to an understanding of what role we play in
the stations of the cross
- meditate on how each of us has a journey to Calvary
in our lives
- be aware of the new Station written by Pope John
Paul II
Pre-Broadcast Activity:
- What character in the “Stations of the Cross” do
you relate to the most?
T.V. Content:
- Focus group answers
- Discussion of what character in the story told
by the stations the students identify with and why
- Go through Pope John Paul II’s stations from 1991
- Discuss situation in our lives that we can relate
to each station
Follow-up Activities:
- Talk about Pope John Paul II’s new Stations of
the Cross from 1991
- Attend the Stations of the Cross as a class
Research:
Quote of the Day:
“Lord Jesus Christ,
your passion and death is the sacrifice that unites earth and heaven
and reconciles all people to you.
May we who have faithfully reflected on these mysteries
follow in your steps and so come to share your glory in heaven
where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit
one God, for ever and ever. Amen”
-- closing prayer from the Stations of the Cross by
Pope John Paul II from Good Friday 1991
BACKTALK
Lent- The Precepts of the Church vs. The Commandments
[March 17, 2004]
Objective(s):
- Know the precepts of the Church
- Know what the rules are for fasting and abstinence
- Be able to associate the Precepts with the commandments
- Be inspired to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation
Pre-Broadcast Activity:
- What are the Church’s rules about fasting and abstinence
during Lent?
T.V. Content:
- Focus group answers
- Discussion of the rules for fasting and abstinence
Rules of Fasting and Abstinence
1) Abstinence:
No meat is eaten on days of abstinence.
Days of Abstinence are every Friday
in Lent, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Everyone 14 and older are bound to
abstain from meat on days of abstinence (invalids, pregnant, and
nursing mothers are exempt).
2) Fasting:
Fasting means having only one full
meal to maintain one's strength. Two smaller meatless and penitential
meals are permitted according to one's needs, but they should not
equal the one full meal. Eating solid foods between meals is not
permitted.
Days of fasting are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Everyone from 18 but not yet 60 years
of age are bound to the law of fasting (again, invalids, pregnant,
and nursing mothers are exempt).
- How the precepts came into existence
- The Precepts of the Church
1. Take part in the Eucharist every Sunday and holy day.
Do no unnecessary work on Sunday.
2. Celebrate the sacraments frequently.
3. Study the Good News of Jesus Christ.
4. Follow the marriage laws of the Church.
5. Support the People of God.
6. Do penance.
7. Support the missionary effort of the Church.
- Do you think we should be bound by the Precepts
of the Church as we are with the commandments
- Discuss the special role of “forgiveness” in this
season of Lent
Follow-up Activities:
- Take the class to receive the sacrament of reconciliation
Research:
Quote of the Day:
“The important thing is this: To be able
at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become.” – Charles
Dubois
"Unless you shall do penance, you shall
all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3)
BACKTALK
Lent- Triduum [March 24, 2004]
Objective(s):
· Know
the feasts that make up the Triduum
· List
ways you can bring the feelings, words, actions, and rituals of
Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil into your homes
· Make
a list of possible activities
Pre-Broadcast Activity:
· Share
what they have done so far in keeping their Lenten pledges or promises
T.V. Content:
· Share
experiences of students from OLPH
Follow-up Activities:
· Use
the hand-out on “Three Great Days” to suggest activities
[you can also find them on www.mhschool.com/benziger/program/ktg/menu/spring/three.html]
Research:
Quote of the Day:
“The way we came to know love was that he laid
down his life for us; so we ought to lay down our lives for our
brothers.”- 1 John 3:16
“Seasons of Our Years”
Holy Week Liturgies [March 31, 2004]
Objective(s):
- Understand the Easter Triduum as the commemoration
of the act of redemption
- Experience the power of symbols in their lives
and in the liturgy
- See and become more sensitive to the unity of the
paradoxes of life
- See the connection of Easter and their personal
baptism
Pre-Broadcast Activity:
- Discuss with the class what “things” or symbols
they associate with victory or success
- Discuss with the class what “things” or symbols
they associate with Easter
- Bring in a Cross and a Crucifix to use during our
discussion
T.V. Content:
- What is the one great mystery we celebrate every
week, and in a special way, every year?
- How do we share the mystery of the dying and rising
of Jesus?
- We often need symbols to represent the deep mysteries
of our faith because we cannot always describe or explain them
in words.
Follow-up Activities:
- List the days of the Triduum on the board, and
ask the students to work in groups and write down what symbols
they associate with these days. [use Bibles and Holy Week missalettes
if available.]
Research:
Quote of the Day:
“I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes
in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and
believes in me will never die.” – John 11:25-26
BACKTALK
The Pope as Vicar- How we elect a New Pope [April
28, 2004]
Objective(s):
- Understand hoe the Pope is elected
- Know the changes in the process made by the last
three popes
- Understand the relationship of the pope to the
Church
- Write a tribute to Pope John Paul II
Pre-Broadcast Activity:
- How do we get a new Pope?
- How many Popes have there been?
- Have we always chosen Popes the same way?
- Who was the first Pope?
- Who is the current pope?
- On which teachings of the Church do people disagree with the
pope?
T.V. Content:
- Discussion of the things about which people disagree
with the pope’s teachings
- The meaning of “infallibility”
- Leadership roles in the Church
- A historical perspective on the popes
Follow-up Activities:
- Discussion of the schism with the Eastern Church
- What is “Youth Day”
Research:
Quote of the Day:
"We
are now standing in the face of the greatest historical confrontation
humanity has gone through. I do not think that wide circles of
American society or wide circles of the Christian community realize
this fully. We are now facing the final confrontation between
the Church and the anti-Church, of the Gospel versus the anti-Gospel."
[Karol Cardinal Wojtyla (Pope John
Paul II), November 9, 1976]
“Seasons of Our Years”
Mary’s Month- the Magnificat [May 5, 2004]
Objective(s):
- Become familiar with different “Titles” for Mary
- Understand Mary’s special role in Salvation History
- Know special Marian prayers, i.e. rosary, Memorare,
Magnificat
Pre-Broadcast Activity:
- Name some feasts that celebrate the Blessed Mother.
- What is the Immaculate Conception?
- What is the Assumption?
- What are some ways that we honor Mary?
T.V. Content:
- Discuss times when the Blessed Mother has helped
us
- Talk about special feast days of Our lady
- Share stories of devotion to the Blessed Mother
- Pray to Mary
Follow-up Activities:
Research:
Quote of the Day:
"A
great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun,
with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve
stars..."
Revelation 12:1
BACKTALK
Marian Apparitions [May 12, 2004]
Objective(s):
- Know some of the major Marian Apparitions
- Understand how to respond to Mary’s message
- Share personal stories about the Blessed Mother
Pre-Broadcast Activity:
- What apparitions of the Blessed Mother do you know about?
- Who are some of the people to whom the Blessed Mother has appeared?
- Do you believe that Mary appears to people?
- Why does she appear? What is her message?
T.V. Content:
- Discuss the dogma of the Assumption
- Discuss the Immaculate Conception
- Discuss why she often appears to children
- Discuss her message, and what it means for us
Follow-up Activities:
- Assign reports on various apparitions to share
with class
Research:
Quote of the Day:
In an apparition to St. Catherine… Mary
appeared dressed entirely in white holding a ball topped with a
little golden cross. The ball, she was told, represented the whole
world, especially France, and each person in particular. Mary stood
on a white globe with a green serpent under her feet on the globe.
After a moment, an oval shape formed around the Blessed Virgin,
and on it were written these words in gold: `O Mary conceived without
sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.' Upon seeing this vision,
Catherine heard a voice say: "Have a medal struck after this
model. Those who wear it will receive great graces; abundant graces
will be given to those who have confidence." At this point,
the oval seemed to turn and Catherine saw the reverse of the medal:
the letter M surmounted by a cross, and below it two hearts, one
crowned with a crown of thorns, and the other pierced by a sword.
BACKTALK
Ascension: Our Role in Social Justice [May 19,
2004]
Objective(s):
- Understand our special role in bringing about social
justice
- List ways we can work for social justice
- Develop the idea of volunteerism
Pre-Broadcast Activity:
- What is the difference between the Ascension and the Assumption?
- What did Jesus say to His apostles when he ascended?
- What is “social justice”?
- Do we have a just society?
- Where is justice most lacking in the world?
- What can we do about social justice?
T.V. Content:
- List current social injustices and discuss what
we can do about them
- What is volunteerism?
- Discuss the “Third World” and the missionary spirit
of the Church
Follow-up Activities:
- Brainstorm a project to work toward social justice
in your school or parish community
Research:
Quote of the Day:
“…the
lay faithful must bear witness to those human and gospel values
that are intimately connected with political activity itself,
such as liberty and justice, solidarity, faithful and unselfish
dedication for the good of all, a simple life-style, and a preferential
love for the poor and the least …” [from the encyclical “Sollicitudo Rei Socialis” by Pope John Paul II]
“The church, then, believes that through each of its members
and its community as a whole it can help to make the human family
and its history still more human.” [from The
Church in the Modern World (#40)]
“Seasons of Our Years”
Pentecost: the Birthday of the Church [May 26,
2004]
Objective(s):
- Understand the special role of the Holy Spirit
in the life of the Churh
- Suggest ways to use the gifts of the Spirit
- Know the Gifts of the Spirit
- Know some special titles for the Holy Spirit
Pre-Broadcast Activity:
- Who is the Holy Spirit?
- What sacrament commemorates the Pentecost experience?
- Are there any special devotions to the Holy Spirit?
- When do we hear about the Holy Spirit in scripture?
- What are some of the titles of the Holy Spirit?
- What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
- When do we receive these gifts?
- What is the difference between the fruits of the Spirit and the
gifts of the Spirit?
T.V. Content:
- When did you first receive the Holy Spirit?
- What are some symbols for the Holy Spirit?
- Discuss “New Age” ideas vs. the Spirit
Follow-up Activities:
Research:
Quote of the Day:
“It is what Joel the prophet spoke of:
‘It shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
I will pour out a portion of my spirit on all mankind:
Your sons and
daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions and
your old men shall dream dreams.
… I will work
wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below: …
Then shall everyone
be saved who calls on the name of the Lord.’” [Acts 2:16-21]
