How many of our students know what a cardinal does and other attributes about one of the most exclusive clubs on the planet? Here's something to get them interested.
With the current rumors that Pope Benedict will be naming new cardinals soon, make a cardinal display for the classroom. I suggest using dry erase paper so that you can add or subtract numbers easily. I haven't made mine yet, but I'm planning on using a long sheet of red construction paper with two squares of dry erase paper. On two strips of white paper I will print the following (probably from the computer so it's neat): Number of Cardinals Eligible to Vote in a Papal Conclave; Total Number of Cardinals. Then I'll write in the current numbers (104; 184) on the dry erase paper and change them as necessary.
I plan to just put it up and wait for the kids to ask about it. When I change the numbers, I plan to write them in a different color, that way they're more likely to notice there's been a change. This leads to a discussion (student-initiated) on the cardinal who just passed away or the one who just turned 80. When the rumored consistory happens next month, the kids will actually be interested in it and we can discuss it, show clips, and look at the new guys. Since Archbishop Wuerl is likely to get a red hat, they'll look forward to seeing him at the Youth Mass before the March for Life in January.
If Catholic identity is a concern among educators, and to me it should be, here's one way to bring them in on a uniquely Catholic phenomenon. Perhaps extra credit projects can include research on the new cardinals, the history of cardinals, or of the U.S. cardinals.
Labels: Catholic education, international, Pope Benedict, school, U.S. Bishops
