By teaching the truth of marriage—a loving, permanent commitment between a man and a woman to each other and any children they may have—we allow students to realize that God did intend something special for us; that we are made for and capable of lasting, authentic love; and that even if our own human realities fall far from this ideal, they can still aspire to it as adults.
Gospel of Life Week
Gospel of Life Week
Teachers and Parents
DREs and Catechists
– Grades PK-3
– Grades 4-6
– Grades 7-9
– Grades 10-12
Topics
– Immigration
– Life is a Gift
– Dignity at Every Age
– Marriage
– Caring for Creation
– Knowing My Value
– Adoption
– Respecting Others
– Receiving Mercy
– Learning to Forgive
– Caring for Those in Need
– Celebrating Special Needs
– Overcoming Differences
High School Resources
Youth Ministry Resources
Service Opportunities
PreK, TK and Kindergarten Lesson Plan
Students will be introduced to the topic of marriage and family as a social justice issue. Through stories and activities, they will look at the effects of marriage on individuals and the culture.
Grades PK-K – Marriage Lesson Plan – Oct
Grades PK-K – Marriage Lesson Plan – Jan
Grades 1-3 Lesson Plan
Students will be introduced to the topic of marriage and family as a social justice issue. Through stories and activities, they will look at the effects of marriage on individuals and the culture.
Grades 1-3 – Marriage Lesson Plan – Oct
Grades 1-3 – Marriage Lesson Plan – Jan
Resources
- The Family Song (1.5 minute animated video by Sesame Street)
Grades 4 – 6 Lesson Plan
Students will be introduced to the topic of marriage and family as a social justice issue. Through stories and activities, they will look at the effects of marriage on individuals and the culture.
Grades 4-6 – Marriage Lesson Plan – Oct
Grades 4-6 – Marriage Lesson Plan – Jan
Resources
- Wedding Feast at Cana (3 min video depicting Jesus’ first miracle at Cana)
Grades 7-9 Lesson Plan
Marriage and family are a vital and important part of our society. Marriage numbers are decreasing around the world. And, there is much confusion about the nature of marriage and why people even ought to get married. Students will explore the benefits of marriage for individuals and society and learn how to have a successful marriage.
Grades 7-9 – Marriage Lesson Plan – Oct
Grades 7-9 – Marriage Lesson Plan – Jan
Resources
- Living Richly: Faith and Marriage (4 minute video of authors Mark and Niki Kalpakgian diving into the mystery of marriage and parenthood, unveiling the blessings that are often overlooked when we’re caught up in the everyday of family life)
Grades 10-12 Student Handout
Marriage numbers are decreasing around the world. And, there is much confusion about the nature of marriage and why people even ought to get married. Students will explore the benefits of marriage for individuals and society and learn how to have a successful marriage.
Grades 10-12 Handout – Marriage
Questions for Discussion
• What is the sociological purpose for the family in cultures? Upon what is family based?
• What makes marriage sacramental?
• Based on the evidence that children of married parents fare better socially, economically, and educationally, do you believe the state has a compelling interest in promoting marriage? Why or why not?
• Is marriage external to our human condition or something that speaks to our human nature?
• As you discern your vocation, why might you look forward to marriage?
Resources
- Love is an ability.
- Love Isn’t just a feeling, but an ability, a skill. 4 min video with Fr Mike Schmitz
- Why God Gave us Bodies
- Fr. Mike Schmitz gives an excellent summary of St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. 10 min.
- Guarding your Life Against Lust
- 7.5 min video, Matt Fradd offers four tried and true ways to combat lust.
- Men, Pursue Her!
- 3 min video from Culture Project explains how to begin a dating relationship
- The Sacrament of Marriage
- 8 min video, Bishop Barron explains the beauty of marriage in its sacramental form.
- Will I Ever Find the One?
- 7 min video, Fr Mike Schmitz talks about destiny v. free will and figuring out who to marry.
- Mastering Love and Relationships
- 7 min video, Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses how trust is essential to any relationship, and it is built up in small, everyday moments.
- What Does Virtue Have to Do With It?
- This blog post shares specific examples of the role virtue plays in dating, courtship, and finding Mr or Miss Right.
- What is Marriage?
- 7 min video with Jason Evert talks through the theology of marriage with fun examples.
- What is marriage? The hardest questions. Part 1
- In this two-part video series, Ryan Anderson answers some of the toughest and most controversial questions about marriage. 21 minutes
- What is marriage? The hardest questions. Part 2
- In this two-part video series, Ryan Anderson answers some of the toughest and most controversial questions about marriage. 9 minutes
- Paul and Maggie Kim’s Wedding Day
- 6 minute look at a beautiful, Catholic wedding that celebrates the sacrament and is super fun.
- Call to Family, Community, and Participation
- 4 min video, Excellent introduction to Catholic Social Teaching on community and the importance of family.
- The Economics of Sex
- 10 minute video overview of how the big business behind sex is leading people to make poor choices, give themselves way too little credit, and live unfulfilling lives while they get rich.
- Is Chastity Boring?
- 3.5 min video shares the freedom chaste living brings to your life.
- The Culture of Netflix and Chill
- 8.5 min video, Fr Mike Schmitz talks about the hook up culture and how to do better.
- I want to be chaste … now what?
- 3 min video shares a personal take to living chastity
- Why NOT to send that Sext
- 3 min video encourages self respect from both women and men
- I’m Single and I Love NFP
- Blog post shares the harms of the contraceptive pill.
- Avoiding Impurity
- 7 min video explains: We are not the victim of our passions. Making the right decisions ahead of time can help use avoid bad situations.
- Sex is a Natural Desire
- 4.5 minute video shares the goodness and rightness of sex as part of our human nature when used appropriately.
- 8 Practical Ways to Pursue Chastity While Dating
- Easy, common-sense ways to maintain chastity in a relationship.
- 5 Lies Women Love to Believe
- You are valuable because God made you, and other truths women need to hear. Blogpost.
- Sex is For Marriage
- 5 minute video. The true meaning of sex in marriage reflecting the love between Christ and his Church.
- Sex is Just Okay
- 3 minute video. Sex is good but it is not the greatest good.
- Discerning God’s Plan for your Life
- 7 min video about Sr. Maris Stella and how she found her vocation to the religious life.
- What’s My Vocation?
- 6 min video. Fr. Mike Schmitz explains “vocation,” and how to determine yours.
Find service opportunities here!