Internet Resources for Ministers Who Work and Pray with Children (Part II)

Have you viewed the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, walked the Way of the Cross, or visited the tomb of St. Francis? If so, you understand the significance of experiencing these extraordinary locations. Unfortunately, it’s not practical to take students on field trips to these or other holy places. As an alternative, you might consider virtual field trips. While it’s not the same as being there, a virtual tour brings instruction alive and also provides invaluable background information for religion teachers, catechists, and students. Here are several sites you can explore with students.

• Christian Sanctuaries: This series of virtual tours allows students to visit Nazareth, Bethlehem, and other important sites in the Holy Land.
• The Romans: What do we know about the people who ruled Israel during Jesus’ time? This site, developed for students through the British Broadcasting System (BBS), offers information about ancient Romans.
• The Vatican: In addition to current news and important general information, learn about the Secret Archives, the Vatican Library, and tour the Vatican Museums.
• Saints & Angels: Although there are no virtual tours here, this searchable database provides interesting information about the lives of saints, their feast days, etc. The FAQs section answers questions like, “How many saints are there?” or “What is a patron saint?” Students will also enjoy the Saints Fun Facts.

Advent and Christmas Resources
The Internet also offers websites you can use to supplement instruction about the liturgical year. Primarily for educators, these sites offer background information, lesson plans, and activities. However, there are also online resources for student use. Keeping the liturgical calendar in mind, this second list of websites includes resources you and your students can use as you prepare for Advent and Christmas.

• Advent Workshop: This website provides explanations of the Jesse Tree and “O” Antiphons. Be sure to scroll over the images on these pages to find additional resources. There are also links to activities, prayers, and hymns.
• Advent Activities for CCD Class: This brief article written by Diane Laney Fitzpatrick includes suggestions for several Advent activities that can be done during CCD class. Follow the links for additional information about how to complete some of the activities.

Resources for Catholic Educators

• Advent: Use this website to find background information on Advent customs and liturgical seasons, as well as daily reflections and prayers.
• Celebrating Advent and Christmas: This site is an online sourcebook of information about Advent and Christmas. Resources include prayers, information about saints, Christmas traditions, and more.
• Explore the Christmas Season: This site provides explanations of the twelve days of Christmas. Scroll over the numbers on the Christmas tree to find additional resources. There are also links to activities and customs, prayers, and hymns.
• Christmas Activities: Links to 94 different activities suitable for the classroom or for sharing with parents. Activities include suggestions for organizing Christmas and Epiphany plays, traditional celebrations for the days of Christmas, and holiday recipes.

Important Note:
Some TLC articles provide links to other websites solely for the user’s convenience and reference. By providing these links, OCP assumes no responsibility for, nor does it necessarily endorse these websites, their content, their links, or their sponsoring organizations.

---

A former Catholic school teacher, Susan Brooks-Young writes the “Technology in the Classroom” feature for Today’s Catholic Teacher. She is a frequent contributor to other professional journals and author of several books on technology use in K–12 education.