New Life in Jesus

Jesus sends the Spirit to give us new life. In this session children review the meaning of the Apostles' Creed, renewing their belief in Jesus' saving mission and our share in his new life. First read the Session 6 Study Guide Then try the Session Online Quiz

2025.4.16 Long-time, No Call

We haven't spoken to Michael since February. We've called and sent texts and emails, but he's not replied. Alyssa posted a photo of Monarch caterpillars,  and Michael replied with a "heart" emoji. That's all.

I'm wondering why he is unwilling to call or even text. Alyssa's birthday is Saturday. I wonder if he'll remember.  Will he call?

Dane said Michael hasn't heard from him in a long time either.

2021.12.14

Last night I had a heart to heart talk with Michael. I didn't lose my temper, but I didn't hold back on the truth either. He's been expecting and demanding more freedom and control over his money and his life, but he hasn't been willing to take responsibilities or contribute to the family. I told him that we need to see dramatic changes in his attitude and his behavior.

 He said, "I feel like y'all expect me to be perfect. No white space, like in coloring, I can't go outside the lines or leave any white space." 

I used that same analogy to demonstrate that he's not even close to staying inside the lines. He's not only been lying and rude, but also cheating, stealing, and breaking the law. Academically we don't demand straight A's. We expect him to pass his classes. He is flunking 6 out of 7 classes. Some of his grades are in the 20% and 30%.  When it comes to being responsible for his stuff, we don't expect him to make his bed every day. Yet 2 to 4 times a month he has had an accident in his bed, and left the soaked sheets on his bed all day and then slept on them the next night or two. Alyssa told him to fold & store his basket of clean laundry, he didn't do it. Alyssa asked him to cut up a tree branch that was laying in the yard, and he wouldn't do it. I offered to let him use my power saw, he didn't do it. But then he asked several times for us to give him a ride to work,  so he could earn more money.

Finally, I told him that last Friday broke his mother's heart. Over the Thanksgiving break, she had believed him... that he was changing. He admitted he planned and then bought drugs the day we returned from Louisiana. Then he says he brought the drugs back to school to use. I told him I won't allow him to continue to hurt her. I will not co-sign for a phone, auto, or apartment. If we don't see DRAMATIC changes in his behavior and attitude, then he will no longer live with us. 

The Bible

How and why should Catholics read the Bible? That's the essential question for this session. I asked the students to tell me what they already knew about the Bible. Most new there are two parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament. Names of different characters from the Bible were mentioned. There are large gaps in their general knowledge of the Bible. However, many of us adults may be able to recall stories, but lack understanding of themes. We will make that one of our year-long goals.