it's a *no popcorn* movie night...

tonight's a big night for mrs. d's (that's me) 8th grade confirmandi. we are watching The Passion of the Christ during our class time this evening. out of 22 children, 1 cannot make it because his parents don't want him to see it, and i have 2 potential girls not coming because they don't like movies like that, mrs. d! but you watch *friday the 13th!* yeah, true -- but this is real. fair enough.

i first found out about The Passion when they announced it late spring of 2003. i eagerly became a *website* fan and received all notices and informational tidbits leading up to the *advanced ticket sales* which i, of course, participated in. you simply couldn't rely on the theaters around here showing this film, so opening night last year, Ash Wednesday, we drove an hour and a half away to see it and it was beyond worth the trip and experience.

as i was reminded in a kind email i received this morning, i watched it 7 times last Lent - starting Ash Wednesday and every friday thereafter, as part of my Lenten journey. i bought it the day it came out on dvd, and made sure i bought enough copies for our godchildren (don't ask, there' s a bunch). i have yet to view it since it came out...there's never been the "right time." i feel like i've been making excuses, honestly. it wipes me out emotionally.

tonight's the night. i have hand-outs galore, extra books of *100 questions about The Passion of the Christ,* and tissues.

i think i'm set.

i am a non-traditional teacher and this year, have been even more non-traditional than ever. at the end of the year, there is a test given to them on the knowledge of their faith - they've been in religious ed classes for 8 years now - if they don't *got it* by now, they *ain't gonna* until they *wanna*. this year, i don't know if i taught them anything about being a devout Catholic, but i know i am trying to show them how to put on Christ and am prayerfully hopeful they will carry this with them long after confirmation is over.

in fact, i don't think i am even going to give them "the test." wouldn't that just throw my d.r.e. for a loop...