Going into the new school year

This is the Year...

So, school begins for me earlier this year than usual.  We start our teacher's work week this Monday.  I bet other teachers are thinking about the upcoming year, just like me.  So what is the main thing that I want this year as a teacher...

Well, I want to help form intentional disciples for Christ.  That is it.  

I want as many kids as possible to walk away from Middle School Religion with a desire to keep encountering Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God the Father in everything. 

WHEW- what a goal.

Can this be done outside of the Religion room?

ABSOLUTELY- I think it has to.  

So I hope you all continue to share your faith in the classroom as I know you have.

Forming intentional disciples is a community project involving as many teachers, administration, parents, and students.

So how do we do this?

This blog is a brainstorm...  I have some ideas.  

But, I want to expand beyond my little brain and creativity.  

INTENTIONAL DISCIPLESHIP- is living your life intentionally for Christ.  Living as much as you can for Jesus, and accepting that He lived as much as He could for you.  Connecting all day - That is a personal relationship.  

I recently heard a song in a prayerful way- All of Me by John Legend   

What if that was your lovesong prayer of praise with Jesus?  

The words can go back and forth, like in dialogue - from or towards Jesus.  

Click the words to hear/pray with this song

He gives us all, we give Him all

All of Me Loves All of You

Love your curves and all your edges

all your perfect imperfections

Give your all to me I'll give my all to You

you're my end and my beginning

even when I lose, I m winning

cause I give you all of me

and you give me all of you

This sounds Protestant- they are great at evangelizing.

But it is also Catholic - it has always been a part of our church until recently.

 Click here and go to 19.50  stop around 28.30  this is the author of intentional disciples 

or watch Bishop Barron's explanation

Studies are showing that the largest age group to leave the church is from age 10-17 click for research info.

Working in a parochial school puts you in a role to help form our children, and this includes their understanding of God, whether you teach Religion or not.

Your role in evangelization is natural- they are coming to you. You don't need to start knocking on doors.

It begins with you, and your example demonstrates more than your words.  What are you currently doing to grow closer to Christ?

The beauty of the Trinity allows us to have many forms of God to connect to.

Father

Son

Spirit

So if you connect better with nature or the mystical you have the Spirit to go to;

If Jesus dying and rising is your go-to, you have a more human choice;

or perhaps God the Father, in the Grand or "intimate daddy "sense works for you.  

How beautiful that we have a community (communion) even in our deity?

For me, I have needed all of them differently in my life.

Questions to ponder:  

What is your relationship with God like, and how personal is it?  Is it visible to the kids who watch you daily that you are a disciple?  

What are some innovative and inspiring ways to help our teachers become intentional disciples?  

How can we become intentional as we follow Christ?  What can we do to deepen our relationship with God and our community?

How are you curious about God, or what do you do when someone comes to you with a curious question?

Can you answer in a small way?  Simply and directly?  What areas do you need to brush up on?

Please add a comment, thought, or question.

My sister found this...

I am the middle child of five kids.
The oldest is a priest, then we have a park ranger, I am one of two teachers, and I have no idea how to explain my sister that is 16 months younger.



She is just smart and does something with computers for AARP
and is a referee for soccer and puts crazy parents in there place in such a peaceful and teachable way.  She does this with such grace.

  She also is the one kid who always is there for our mom (well, mom built on to her house so what choice does she have?? lol)
She also added another apartment onto her house which makes her a landlord, too.  She is blessing a couple who are struggling to get through law school and they love her.  Of course, they love her.  Who doesn't?


So, this smart sister recently came to know her self "Some Jesus" through hardship.  Six years ago, Teri was not able to tell me where to find the gospels, but now... Holey Schmoley!!!  God has her in the palm of His hand and she is soaring.  She reminds me so much of my dad who came to know Jesus in his fifties, too.  He left us in the dust with his spirituality- but that is a long story for another time.

I invited her to help volunteer on a Diocesan Youth Conference a few years ago. There were about 1,000 teens and somehow she had a conversation with one of the speakers. Sr. Miriam who was just amazing.
So seriously, here is the scene;  I am listening to a praise band in a large auditorium in the far back with Teri.  I realize at some point she is not next to me.  Then I see her.  Teri, who had very little spirituality for most of her life is going to the deep end of the pool with a nun.  Loved it!

Years later Teri came across a podcast that this sister puts out.  She gets the credit for this resource and I am passing it on!
Podbean Abiding together   
If that doesn't work -   Try this out

Now - why should you look at Abiding Together?

Well, honestly- it is like hanging with your closest friends including your God- our best friend- you know, Jesus.
  Grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, or a beer, and sit back.

Oh wait- it is so much better if you invite a few friends over to hang with and discuss.  Communion- yes, community with a little hospitality and prayer-- oh Lordie, you are going to love this.







Last thought-
This summer a wonderful getaway came my way with my sweet Patrick, my sister Teri and her beautiful daughter Danielle.  My niece brought my youthful spirit back as you can see in the hippie chic pic,
my sister  brought on lots of meaningful conversation and sisterly love, and my Patrick keeps holding my kite string (grounding) and feeds me beautiful food (for my soul too). 

So I am ever grateful for beautiful summer surprises.

I would love to hear your thoughts, your one great moment this week, or something from the podcast that pops out to you.