Dear Friends,

I'm preparing to return to teaching religion next month.

What kind of topics would you begin with concerning the Eastern Church, liturgical traditions etc.?

Help me out here, Friends!

Alex

SLAVA ISUSU CHRISTU!

Hi Alex

How about how ikons developed from the Egyptian burial portraits?

Or what "pre-Christian" customs have been "adopted" in the Church? Pysanky comes to mind....

Blessings and Best wishes!!!

marko

I think "Holy Smoke" would be a good starter.
The kadylnetsia has always called the attention of young people. Why do we use it? What does it mean? Can I and should I burn frankincense at home or in my room while I'm praying?
I think they'll like it.
Lauro

Be sure to cover how the EC's and RC's are different AND what they have in common (like the papacy!). My husband's cousin was raised in RC parishes, even though her father was Ukrainian Catholic, and she attended to Ukrainian Catholic schools. Nevertheless, she seems to think EC is a different "religion" than RC... I'm sure you won't let that happen to YOUR students!

Tammy

Alex;

Teaching prayers is important. Start out with prayers such as "Our Father," and "Trisagion Prayers" then "Rejoice Virgin Mary".

It is remarkable that many young people do not know prayers 'by heart'.

I would use the prayers of the Liturgy to explain our religion. We are what we do!!

Glory to Jesus Christ!
Stefan-Ivan

Alex, who are you teaching religion TO? In what venue? What age? What interest level? What time frame of class?

I should add...High School is a big gap...Four years between freshman and senior...or mixed group?

Dear Gaudior,

Yes, these are high school students, all of Ukrainian ancestry, who are mostly Eastern Catholic and Orthodox, with some Protestants possibly thrown in . . .

Again, they will never tell you which Church they personally belong to - only the one their parents belong to. I guess the jury is still out for them . . .

When I teach religion, I always wear a large Cross and a prayer rope on my wrist - that somehow gets their attention right away, and this is how I've always done it in the seven years I've taught high school kids. (Sorry, no beard)

The school has a very flexible teaching framework, which suits me just fine. I want to discuss current events with them, the Moscow Patriarchate, whether or not the Anaphora should be said out loud, the use of pews - you know, real cutting edge stuff that will have them sitting on the edge of their seats!

Actually, I will deal with Eastern Christianity, religious traditions, the liturgy and other issues that affect their daily lives as members of the Ukrainian Church in Canada.

And we can always organize a group after class if anyone wants to talk about pews - but we'll have to find a place where everyone can sit comfortably . . .

Alex

How about how faith interfaces with life - life as a teen. Evaluating things with eyes of faith. The "wholeness of holiness."

Of couse, ya gotta have that life-giving relationship with the person of Jesus Christ for any of it to make sense.....


Sharon

Dear Sharon,

I'll try and do that - if I can get the girls to stop leering at me . . .

I once had the daughter of a woman I had dated in my class (it was a "hot and heavy affair" that ended in total heart-break for me, but I got over it - you know, streetcars and all that . . .).

Well, she told everyone in class about how her mom and their religion teacher went out together and were even close to marriage etc.

I had to check attendance and when she wasn't in class, I asked "Where is she?" since sometimes the kids would say that their friend is on the way or went to the bathroom etc.

At that question, all the girls leaned forward as one and asked me, "why do you want to know, sir?"

" . . . because she's not in class like she's supposed to be," I replied, not without some trepidation and consternation.

We were once talking about miracles and how miracles happen to us all the time.

One girl who normally never participated in the class discussion put up her hand and said, "Mr. Religion (my nick-name), when my mother was carrying me, the doctor advised her to have an abortion as I wasn't expected to be carried to full term.

"But she refused and I was born a normal, happy child anyway. Could that be considered a miracle?"

I took a deep breath and said to her, tears welling up in my (piercing, brown) eyes: "Of course that was - a great miracles at that!"

Sniff . . .

Alex

Alex,

They're not leering. They're just fascinated by the second head. (and )


Seriously though, if we don't address how faith affects life choices, we ain't doin' the job.


Sharon

Dear Sharon,

I see you're doing a good enough job on me today . . .

Alex

Alex:

What about some focus on commitment to Jesus Christ no matter where you happen to find Him. What about a disciplined prayer life and a suggestion to ongoing study--plant the idea of life-long learning like every secular job requires today. Focus on building a living relationship that deepens and broadens as life goes on and that will continue to grow in eternity.

Remember a principle that I learned when I was teaching many years ago: students will not remember specific lessons in two years after they move on from you, but they will remember the overall thrust of what you were teaching if you show your love for the subject. I'd stay away from current controversies and focus on the important basics of the Faith. Students will be most interested in how this whole subject moves your life and how it makes you who you are. I'd offer that many of the controversies discussed here might not be appropriate. In my experience many students are turned off by much of the minutiae that seem so important to those of us who live and breath the minute points of ritual, law, and practice. If you go into ritual points, go beyond the how to the why--we make the Sign of the Cross because by it we show that we have been baptised into Christ and declare it to the world. Show them that you have a love affair going with Christ and they'll come to you like a magnet because young people are hungry for an anchor in a world that seems to be nothing but a whirlpool. That anchor is not you or me, it's Jesus Christ.

Just some thoughts.

In Christ,

BOB

Dear Bob,

Thank you for that helpful comment.

I'll do my darnest!

Alex

Alex:

I do practice what I preach. For the past 15 years I have been asked to address our confirmation students on their unit on "Death and Dying." But I turned it into a mini-summary of what the whole of our Christian life is focused on: eternal life with the Holy Trinity. I use St. Paul's deinitions about what is life--Christ--and what is death--being in "sin" or "separation is normal" from Him. I am told that I am the most anticipated speaker each year and the first question that is asked by each new class is when will I be speaking.

One of the young women that I spoke to a few years ago recently came up to me after Liturgy with her grandmother and told me that what I said had remained with her as the most powerful presentation she had ever heard and that she is convinced that she will never forget it. She went on to say that all of her religious education came to life that day and she had not been the same since. I don't know what kind of impact I have had on others, but this one--just this one--is worth the annual preparation.

BTW in my parish and in the parishes around this area, I have developed a reputation for being a committed Catholic Christian. I'm even told that if it does become illegal to be a Christian they'll point the finger at me first. I've been asked by unchurched people to conduct funeral services for their relatives. It's an awesome responsibility. So please include my poor person in your prayers.

Be seen like that: someone head over heels in love with Jesus Christ and with the saving message He has entrusted to the Church. And use the language and symbolism that your Church has developed in its long history of evangelization.

In Christ,

BOB

Bob,

It is hard to imagine Alex being able to CONTAIN his love of the faith! I'm sure his enthusiasm will be quite contagious to his students.

Tammy

Unless he walks out when they argue with him. But not to worry, he'll be back soon!

Dear Daniel,

Actually, I parted company with my last principal when I was told I could not counsel someone at the school who was being bothered by Jehovah's Witnesses.

The principal took my head off when she found out I had sought and obtained permission from a priest to do this!

I was told I was close to teaching "religious hatred" etc. etc.

For fear of losing my position, I removed myself from the entire situation involving that person.

I felt I betrayed a trust and a request for assistance.

I then submitted my resignation.

If the situation ever arose again, I would handle it differently.

And I'm a bit smarter now then I was then .

I know the Administrator might argue on that point, but I really do think so!

Alex

Dear Friends,

It just occurred to me that perhaps our classes should begin with a consideration of Lent.

How would one present some issues like fasting, penance etc. without becoming too heavy?

Alex

Way to go, Alex. I like a man who sticks it to his principals; I mean sticks to his principles.

Dear Iconophile,

Yes, I feel I did commit a sin in failing to do what I ought to have done.

But your comment, no matter how many smileys you couch it in, is unworthy of a Christian, in my view.

Alex

Aw Alex, the first time I try to joke with you again after the big blowout and you get offended. I promise to not tease you again. It was just a good pun that I couldn't resist. I think you did the right thing, actually.

Dear Daniel,

I know that's how you tease - but I still feel very bad about that whole situation and my failing to do what I should have done. You are absolutely right though - I gave in on my principles.

It was a sin on my part, the kind that is not easily forgotten.

I hope I can be faced with a similar situation in the months ahead to see if a redress is open to me in some way.

Anyway, have a great time in Florida . . . oops, that's me, not you!

God bless,

Alex

Alex- I just reread your post and I realize that I had misunderstood it; I thought when you said you removed yourself from that person you were talking about the principal, not the student. I can see now how you might be sensitive about it . As I have myself been a victim of sloppy readers I should have been more attentive. Sorry.
Have fun in Florida. I am tempted to tease you about starting Lent with such a penance, but in light of my resolve not to joke around with you any more I won't do it.

BETTER TAKE YOUR UMBRELLA!

Dear Pani,

Yes, it was a bit wet and even cold in your Florida . . .

But I'm back and preparing for this Saturday's religion class - four hours of morning fun!

Alex

Dear Friends,

FYI, a report on my religion class yesterday.

It was truly wonderful.

The class was a trial to see if "I could cut the mustard."

I spent almost four hours lecturing before a class of 75 students plus several teachers, parents and Catholic administrators.

(There was a half-hour break at 11:00).

I spoke about everything and everyone, with frequent interruptions for questions such as premarital sex, the situation in Ukraine, why we believe in God, the Passion of the Christ etc. etc.

At the end of what turned out to be an arduous class - they all got up and gave me a standing ovation . . .

The principal saw this and said "We've never had anyone get a standing ovation before . . ."

She then invited me to be a full teacher of religion with the school. I said, "yes."

I was tired and my throat still hurts. Although I must say I love talking. Yes, a surprise indeed . . .

I've plunged into this with my whole heart.

I'm constantly thinking about new themes for classes and topics.

I got up at five this morning pondering more topics.

In any event, I just wanted to say I've a lot of work to do and I'm going to do it, with God's help.

As I write this, I've got books and papers all over my work space and I'm going non-stop.

I couldn't be happier.

From now on, I"ll only post here on spiritual topics, if I've the time and motivation (oh, my blood is racing!) rather than to ones that will get me in trouble or that I think are "political" or "gossipy" in nature.

I should have disciplined myself in this regard long ago.

But this is what I want to do and I'm energised, people, I'm energised for the Lord!!!

God bless you all, you wonderful people of God, and may the Lord continue to use you in His way, as I know He already is!

Your excited servant,

Alexander Roman, PHD
Religion Teacher