God Creates Us

What a good initial session today! We invested quite a bit of time getting to know each other. I know relationships are vital in education and in the Church. In class we discussed Genesis, The Trinity, and ways God continues to care for creation and way we can care for the world. I'm passing on this link. I'd like students to log on and try this Session 1 review quiz. Before they do, they should open the Study Guide for Session 1.

WELCOME

Dear Parent, My name is Shawn Wyble, and I will be your child's catechist this school year. This is my third year volunteering for the catechist program. I am 15-year veteran teacher for Friendswood Independent School District. Classes begin Wednesday, September 30th. I will be available during the first 15-30 minutes of class to greet you and your child in the Mini-Hall. Then, your child will stay with me for the first lesson. Parents are reminded to attend one of four parent orientations in the Parish Hall Wednesday, September 30th, 4:30 p.m. Since the hall is not available for orientations on Sunday morning, parents of preschool age children are asked to attend one of the Tuesday or Wednesday orientations. The information provided for each remains the same. To help make this year the best possible experience for your child, please complete the second page, and bring it to me on the first day of class. You may have already written some of this on your registration form. If so, please rewrite it here, or note "See registration form for details." Catechists and aides are still needed. Please prayerfully consider helping children to know Jesus as a volunteer in a classroom. He says "Have no fear!" Just like me, every catechist starts somewhere. Ms. Cindy would be happy to help you begin. Together in Jesus, Shawn Wyble shawnwyble@gmail.com 281-450-4253

Be a Rebel

Decision Point Video Session 1.4

Choices you make now are going to matter later in your life in ways that you have not even imagined. I'm going to ask you to consider what you see in modern culture. What is the message today in movies, television shows, lyrics, and in advertisements?
We are told, "We need help to be beautiful, handsome, or cool. Things will make us happy. What we have is not enough. It is cool to break rules." and so much - worse. Sex is casual. Violence is glamorized. Insulting is funny. Deviance is shown as  mainstream and moral virtue as wierd. Adults are portrayed as fools and children as the wise ones in control. Can you name a modern show where at least one of these is not shown? Think about it. Post it below.
I want to challenge you to revolt against modern culture. When was the last time you watch something on TV that helped you become a-better-version- of-yourself? The Bible says if your eye causes you to sin cut it out. I am encouraging you to cut out television. Don't watch for a month. What could you do with that time instead? Don't replace it with violent video games or other substitutes that don't promote the best version of yourself. Change your radio stations to christian radio stations. What if you fed your mind only positive messages for a month? Be a rebel!

Living a Moral Life April 22nd

Last week we talked about decision making. I'd like for you to think about people you feel are good decision makers. What is it about that person that gives you the impression that they are a good decision maker?
As I considered this, I thought of a few people. They think about the choices, but they don't waste time. Then they are able, with some confidence, to justify their decision. From what does that confidence come? I propose it may come from two things: experience and guiding principles.
At some time in their life they may have been in a similar situation and faced a similar choice. Experience comes with time. Plus we can learn from history and the lives of others. Make sure to study the lives of many Saints.
More often than not, in their explanation good decision makers will reflect upon some guiding value or principal in their life.
We also need to cultivate a set of guiding principles - timeless rules to live by. the most famous of these is probably The Golden Rule. What others can you list? Add some in the comments section.

Making Moral Decisions - April 15th

How does the Holy Spirit help us make moral choices? I believe we are guided through our conscience and ability to reason - both gifts from God. We make hundreds of choices every day and every choice has consequences. Many of the decisions seem insignificant, but as we choose what to think and with whom we surround ourselves, we are shaping our day, our week, our month, our future. We watched a video talk by Catholic author and speaker, Matthew Kelly. We paused the video for discussions. The students had good insight. Next week I'd like to watch more of the video with them. Next week I'd like to show a bit more of Kelly's video and discuss how we can more consistently make sound moral decisions. This week only 5 students were here. We missed those who didn't contribute to discussion and wasn't in the class photo. When you don't show up, you leave a holes! The Church needs its members to participate.