Flip Books: Catholic Bible Quiz and Catechism Quiz Games

Think fast: What’s the Hebrew name for the Book of Ecclesiastes?

If you couldn’t think of “Qoheleth,” don’t flip out — flip over. The answer’s on the back of the page in the Catholic Bible Quiz.

The same folks who created Bible and Catechism quizzes as board games and on CD-ROM now have them in spiral-bound “flip book” versions as well. These hand-size booklets require no playing surface or computer to use, so you can stash them in a purse, briefcase, or backpack and enjoy them nearly anywhere — perfect for long road trips, religious ed classes, or family dinner conversation.

The Catholic Bible Quiz includes a series of nine books, progressive in difficulty from “elementary” through “advanced.” The Catholic Quiz, with questions from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, includes eight books designated for particular grade and age levels, with a ninth book especially for Confirmation candidates. Each book in both series provides two hundred questions and answers, referenced to the book, chapter, and verse of the New American Bible or the paragraph number of the Catechism.

Check out as well the Catholic Challenge Student Contest, featuring nationally and locally organized “Religion Bees” for youth. For information call 800-669-9200.

Set of three spiral books, $19.95 from Divinity Religious Products; some available in Spanish; 800-669-9200; www.catholicgames.com.

Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart Rings

No doubt by now you’ve seen the Celtic claddagh, a newly popular motif in American jewelry: two hands holding a crowned heart, symbolizing friendship, love and loyalty. Now this Irish tradition has been adapted to create two new rings honoring Jesus and Mary. One has Christ’s nail-scarred hands holding His Sacred Heart; the other has His Mother’s hands holding her Immaculate Heart. The rings come in 10K, 14K and 18K gold, and also in silver.

Michael Barone, a former producer for EWTN who had the rings crafted, says the idea came to him as he prayed one day in Our Lady of the Angels Chapel at the network’s headquarters. Barone wanted to wear the jewelry as a personal reminder of Jesus and Mary’s love, but when people began asking if he could have more of the rings made, he decided to found the Metanoia Ring Company to reproduce them.

Metanoia is the biblical Greek word for “repentance” or “change of heart.” As a gift for a family member, or a gift to yourself, these rings can serve as lovely little reminders that Our Lord and Our Lady are indeed in the business of changing hearts.

Prices vary according to size and metal.

Contact The Metanoia Ring Company, 96 Darlene Drive, Newark, OH 43055; phone 877-779-RING; herringbone@ee.net; www.sacredheartring.com.

The Secret to Happy Families

Why do so many Catholics use artificial contraception despite the Church’s clear teaching against it? Part of the problem is that too many couples have never heard an unabashed presentation of what the Church says. Others have failed to understand the disastrous physical, moral, psychological, and social fallout of the practice. Still others may simply lack courage: both to trust that God provides for large families, and to face the wrath of a culture that despises them.

To meet the challenge, here’s an articulate, genuinely Catholic presentation of the case against artificial contraception: The Secret to Happy Families, a three-segment audiocassette produced by The Mary Foundation. Bud McFarlane, Sr., a popular Catholic lay speaker and father of eleven, offers practical insights from personal experience informed by the Church’s moral guidance. Next is an interview with Dr. Robert MacDonald, a physician, psychotherapist and ordained Catholic deacon drawing from several decades of professional practice. Finally, two couples who have raised large families join in an honest, lively panel discussion.

The Mary Foundation distributes free audiocassettes to promote Catholic teaching on a number of important topics. Contact them for copies of this and other powerful messages to give away.

90-minute audiocassette free (donations welcomed) from The Mary Foundation, Box 26101, Fairview Park, OH 44126; www.catholicity.com.