Resource Publications, Inc. 160 E. Virginia St. Suite #290 San Jose, CA 95112-5876 ph: 408-286-8505 fx: 408-287-8748

For Immediate Release Contact: Barb Roy 408-286-8505 barb@rpinet.com

Second book in youth catechesis series uses teen energy and lectionary themes to explore scripture

SAN JOSE, Calif., September 6, 2002— Resource Publications, Inc. announces the release of Experiences for Exploring God’s Word the latest book in the youth ministry series, Awakening the Word by authors Steve Mason and Sandy Rigsby.

“We wanted to find a way to capitalize on teens’ abundant energy and naturally inquisitive and insightful minds. This format makes the most sense to us because the activities encourage them to work together, play together and have fun while the discussion time challenges them to discover the connections to the scriptures and verbalize them,” remarked, co-author, Steve Mason.

Experiences for Exploring God’s Word is a 17-session youth catechesis program. Each session is based on a lectionary theme and has a two part structure consisting of an activity and a guided discussion. The session themes allow youth leaders to tackle broad spiritual messages within the teachings of the scriptures and can be used year round. The first part of each of the 17 sessions is an energetic activity designed to be conducted in outdoor or large environments. The second part of each session is a guided discussion intended to be held in a more serious and reflective atmosphere. The combination of these two parts encourages the teens to make spiritual connections between the scriptures and their own lives by using their own words and life experiences in thoughtful group discussion.

This new youth catechesis resource is designed with the needs of catechists, junior youth leaders and RCIA catechists in mind. It includes detailed lesson plans, reviews of the weekly lectionary themes, supply lists, notes to bridge the activity with the readings and reflection questions.  It is written specifically for children between the ages of 10 and 14 or from fifth through eighth grade and uses language and situations that are both appropriate and relevant to their level of comprehension. Each session is perforated and photocopiable.

Steve Mason, is a graduate of St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana and has worked for over 10 years as a catechist, youth leader, camp director and coach. He has been a contributing author to the Celebrating the lectionary series and has directed workshops on enhancing religious formation with interactive learning techniques.

Sandy Rigsby, is a certified catechist and has worked with youth in religious formation for over 15 years, first in the Methodist tradition and currently in the Catholic Church.  She is a graduate of Purdue University and has been a contributing author to the Celebrating the Lectionary series and has conducted workshops on the use of interactive learning techniques in adolescent catechesis.
 

EXPERIENCES FOR EXPLORING GOD’S WORD
An Interactive Approach for Young Teens
Steve Mason and Sandy Rigsby
Paper, $24.95
80 pages, 8½" × 11"
ISBN 0-89390-573-9
December 2002

To order EXPERIENCES FOR EXPLORING GOD’S WORD or to request a review copy, call Resource Publications, Inc. at 888-273-7782. For interviews, speaking engagements, and writing assignments call (408)286-8505 or send email to barb@rpinet.com.

Resource Publications, Inc. strives to help people reach their fullest potential on both personal and professional levels, primarily by providing leadership resources for use by leaders in ministry and education. Current ministry resources include Ministry & Liturgy magazine, Liturgical Catechesis magazine, Celebrating the Lectionary, Sacramental Register 3.0, and many other books and music collections. Visit the RPI website at www.rpinet.com.