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.