The Joy of Teaching: Take, Thank, Bless, Break, Give

By Joanmarie Smith

The Joy of Teaching

The Joy of Teaching: Take, Thank, Bless, Break, Give by Joanmarie Smith, C.S.J., is a brief, deeply spiritual devotional and meditative guide for catechists, religious education teachers, and anyone involved in sharing the Catholic faith.

The book reframes the act of teaching as a Eucharistic process, drawing direct parallels to the actions at Mass: Take (gather the learners), Thank (give gratitude), Bless (invoke God's grace), Break (break open the Word or self), and Give (share the faith generously). Inspired by the Eucharist as the "source and summit" of Christian life, it presents teaching not as a burdensome duty but as a joyful, life-giving sacrament-like ministry. Through short, moving meditations, reflections, and insights, Smith encourages educators to draw sustenance from the Eucharist for their work, fostering personal renewal, deeper faith, and authentic transmission of the Gospel. It's warm, inspirational, and accessible--perfect for catechist formation, retreats, or daily spiritual reading in parish or school settings. Part of the broader "Joy of..." series from Resurrection Press, it emphasizes the privilege and spiritual nourishment found in catechetical ministry.

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Chapter Titles

Introduction: Setting the stage for viewing teaching through a Eucharistic lens.Core Meditations on the Five Actions: Take (gathering students/community into the learning space).Thank (gratitude as foundation for teaching).Bless (invoking and sharing God's blessing).Break (breaking open Scripture, self, or lessons).Give (generously imparting faith and knowledge).Additional Reflections: Practical spirituality for catechists, challenges in teaching faith, drawing from the Eucharist for strength, and living out the ministry joyfully.Closing Encouragement: Renewed vision of teaching as Eucharist-like self-gift.

The format features brief, digestible entries suitable for prayerful reading, group discussion, or personal reflection--often with inspirational quotes, Scripture ties, and Eucharistic connections.

Key Themes

Teaching as Eucharistic Action: Frames catechesis/religious education as mirroring the Eucharistic rite--taking, thanking, blessing, breaking, and giving--to make teaching a sacred, transformative encounter.Joy and Privilege in Ministry: Emphasizes the delight and spiritual fulfillment of sharing faith, portraying it as a graced vocation rather than obligation.Eucharist as Source and Sustenance: Teachers draw ongoing strength, inspiration, and renewal from participation in the Mass and the Real Presence of Christ.Gratitude and Blessing: Highlights thankfulness for students and the call to bless others through positive, grace-filled teaching.Breaking Open for Sharing: Involves vulnerability--breaking open one's own faith journey, Scripture, or lessons--to make truth accessible and life-giving.Generous Giving: Teaching as selfless donation of self and faith, modeled on Christ's self-gift in the Eucharist.Spiritual Nourishment for Educators: Addresses burnout or routine by reconnecting catechists to the Eucharist for personal holiness and effectiveness.Holistic Faith Transmission: Encourages authentic, relational teaching that forms hearts as well as minds in Catholic truth and love.

This slim, compact book is cherished in Catholic religious education circles for its poetic depth, Eucharistic focus, and encouragement--ideal for catechist appreciation, training sessions, or as a gift to renew zeal in teaching the faith.

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1878718444
• ISBN13: 9781878718440
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Resurrection Press
• Length: 80 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 5.0" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

Joy of Teaching

This book connects the spiritual aspect of teaching with the practical aspects of teaching. Anything that connects with the Eucharist is special, because Christ is always present in the Eucharist. Joanmarie shows us the sacredness in teaching as she herself embodies in her own teaching. The text walks you through the principle elements of Eucharist within teaching: Take, Thank, Bless, Break and Give.

Take, Thank, Bless, Break, Give

In her book, Sister Joanmarie Smith, CSJ, imposes the Eucharistic actions of take, thank, bless, break, and give onto the teaching task. She then goes a step further by encouraging the reader to look at her/his life roles as actions contained in the Eucharist. As a result of reading Sister Joanmarie's book, the reader comes away with an increased self-awareness of the interconnectedness of Eucharist and our daily lives. If you are seeking spiritual growth and personal understanding of the implications of the Eucharist in your life, this book is highly recommended.

Teachign as Eucharist

Upon first glance , this book would appear unintimidating to the reader, however what a surprise to find such powerful content in a small package. Teaching as Eucharist by Joan Marie Smith is an insightful treasure with such wisdom! Christian education is to be approached with reverance. The author encourages taking the perspective of a true teacher,with Jesus as the ultimate example. The acts of TAKE,THANK,BLESS,BREAK,GIVE just as in the Holy sacraments, are effective and demonstrate the interaction of spirit and humankind. This is a beneficial resource for anyone involved in the ministry of education.

Take the Bread, Break and Bless it and Give Thanks

This book was wonderful as a seminary resource when used in the classroom environment. This book provides practical information for a broad spectrum of reflections. How wonderful is it to have in your back pocket for a quick meditation.Outlines practical strategies when used as a teaching tool.References are made to "Take" "Thank" "Bless" "Break" and "Give" in aspects of a teachers' life.

The Sacramental Life

Joanmarie Smith, Professor of Pastoral Theology at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio, provides an approach to viewing the ministry of teaching within the context of the sacramental life. Using five phrases from the Great Thanksgiving of the Eucharist, she takes the physical acts of "take, thank, bless, break, give" and translates those into a sacramental perspective on ministry. While targeted primarily to teachers and catechists, this book is valuable for all who wish to approach their ministry and their lives sacramentally.