Christian Education Monthly Resource

Available at the Diocesan Resource Library

To obtain the materials in the diocesan resource library, or for more information about them, please contact Jean Beere in the diocesan office at 888/210-824-5387 or jean.beere@dwtx.org.

Resource of the Month:

* Suggestions for Lenten studies will be available by February 16.
* Be sure to stop by the Christian Education booth at Council, Feb. 16-18, in McAllen.

Bible Study for Women - “Beautiful in God’s Eyes” by Elizabeth George
Exploring the timeless wisdom of Proverbs 31, Bible teacher Elizabeth George reveals how you can become a women of true beauty, a woman who desires to honor God in all that she says and does. "Beautiful in God’s Eyes" helps you make each day immensely meaningful as you delight in God and discover how to:

• Experience instant progress toward personal goals;
• Manage daily life more effectively;
• Tap into unlimited energy;
• Apply biblical principles to enhance relationships;
• Move from the ordinary to the extraordinary 

You can experience a richer, more exciting spiritual walk as you embrace God’s design for true beauty in your life. There is also a study guide to help promote good group discussion. 

“James: Mercy Triumphs” by Beth Moore
James forces us to face the implications of faith. Be inspired to put your faith into action in practical ways as you get to know both the man and the Book of James. Beth Moore explores concepts such as: joy, hardship, faith, wisdom, single-mindedness, the tongue, humility, prayer, and more.

This interactive study features seven weeks of personal, daily assignments and eight weekly group sessions with video. The leader's kit also contains an hour-long bonus interview with Beth and her daughter Melissa that can be used as an optional ninth session. 

Other:

"Financial Peace University" by Dave Ramsey – DVD Driven. (13-week study) Adults
Most people struggle to make ends meet. They just have too much month left at the end of the money. If you have made mistakes and feel like your money vanishes each month, you are not alone. In fact, 70% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, regardless of income. Financial Peace University is designed to teach you and your family how to get out of debt, stay out of debt, and build wealth. This program is also available for high school aged young adults.

"At St. Thomas in San Antonio, we have offered this class seven times, and it has changed people's lives. It has also been reflected in our tithing from the congregation! People get control and have the support system of others taking the class with them." This program has been highly recommended by many churches in our diocese. With any further questions, contact Cathy Villani at cvillani@tom1604.org. 

"The Bible in 90 Days" - DVD driven by Ted Cooper (13-week study) Youth and Adult
This is a unique group approach toward reading and understanding the entire Bible. It is easier than you think! In just 12 pages a day, you’ll read the Bible from cover to cover and, in the process, gain a deeper relationship with God, a sense of ownership and accomplishment, a broad knowledge of God’s word and our story as well as confidence in your ability to apply the Bible to your own life.

At St. Thomas in San Antonio we offered this program in January and September of 2011. Here are some things that made it so successful:

• We have had 150 people complete this study with a 95% graduation rate! We formed eight groups and met every week (13 weeks) in people’s homes or at the church. You do not need “teachers” for this, just “facilitators”.            
• Our priests sent e-mails of encouragement to every participant every couple of weeks.
• We designed a chart of our progress that we displayed in Gosnell Hall where everyone saw it each week.
• At the completion of this study, we recognized each person in the Sunday morning worship service, gave them a certificate, and gave a prayer of thanksgiving. This was very successful at St. Thomas. For futher information, contact Cathy Villani at cvillani@tom1604.org.

Other Resources

Helpful Website: www.buildfaith.org 
This is an online Christian community created by Church Publishing where Christian education leaders, both lay and clergy, can share knowledge, best practices, and practical tools. Visitors can also access informative and helpful articles. There is a “Resource Room” with a “Curriculum Center,” which charts curricular materials from a variety of denominations and publishers according to content, topic (Confirmation, etc.), and age. There is also a “Useful Links” section.