“What is set before us is, as far as humanly possible, to be made like God. Without knowledge, though, we cannot be made like Him; and knowledge cannot be achieved without lessons.” - St. Basil
Welcome to my webpage! Faith formation is a "family matter," and I hope families will take advantage of the resources I am providing as part of the St. Paul Middle School Religion program. In these pages, you will find several faith-forming links.
Along the side of my homepage are varied links. These include: 1. My "Conversion" Story (updated 8/10) 2. Christian (In-)Formation 3. Papa's Page 4. Prayer Sheets, Gospel Reflection Guide, & Other Forms
Check out what my family and friends did for the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (Fri., Oct. 7, 2011)!
At the bottom of this page, you will find my mission statement as well as brief updates on the general topics being studied currently in grades 6, 7, and 8... but the first thing I want to call to your attention this year is the following video. It is the best brief explanation I have seen of the reasons for the upcoming New Translation we will be using at Mass in the English-speaking world beginning this Advent. If Colt McCoy were a priest (this guy sure looks like Colt - with darker hair), this is how he might explain it in a way that is both beautiful and makes perfect sense!
Please feel free to check my both my personal blog, A Dei in the Life, to learn more about the Catholic faith as it relates to contemporary issues in the Church and the world - as well as my new "Catecast" (a Catholic Podcast I've named after my Food For Thought classroom activity). While I seek to always and only render thoughts which are consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church, the blogs remain my own, and are not meant to be understood as extensions of St. Paul School or Parish. I have given the links here for your own benefit, as a way to grow in your own faith and to get to know me a bit better as well.
*Finally, a note on gifts...
The more I learn about our faith and our culture - and the more tools I have at my disposal to evangelize - the better it impacts my students! With that in mind, I invite you to have a look at my Amazon Wish List. Though I am certainly grateful for all the gifts I have received over the years, please know that the greatest gift I could ever receive from any student or parent - and the only one I specifically ask of all who read this - is prayer. Be assured of my prayers for all of you as well.
My Mission Statement
My mission is to fulfill God's purpose for my life by cooperating with His grace through a working faith in Jesus Christ and to share that faith with others in hopes that, together, we may glorify God and spend eternity with Him in Heaven.
Grant, O Lord, that none may love Thee less this day because of me. That never a word or act of mine may turn one soul from Thee; and, ever daring, yet one more grace I would implore, that many souls this day, because of me, may love Thee more. Amen.
— Rev. James D. Watkins
Current Topics of Study
Updated - August 2011
8th Grade: Welcome back! You're now the servant-leaders of the student body. Be Christlike in all you do and you'll be great role models for the younger students.
7th Grade: Welcome back! Now that you're adjusted to the ways of A-Building, it's your turn to make a contribution... especially through Service Council. Be proactive and you'll help to accomplish some wonderful things at SPS.
6th Grade: Welcome to A-Building! You'll be a little bit overwhelmed at first, but don't worry, it gets easier! Try to stay focused on being organized and diligent in your work - everything else will fall into place. I look forward to getting to know you and sharing the message of Christ with you.
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