The Catechist's Magic Kit: 80 Simple Tricks for Teaching Catholicism to Kids [Paperback]

Angelo Stagnaro (Author), Sean Pryor (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2009

Simple magic tricks for teaching spiritual truths to children are explained in precise detail in this distinctive compendium. The lessons faithfully follow the catechism of the Catholic Church, but many of the tricks can be used or adapted by teachers from other Christian denominations and other religions. Each trick is presented on a two-page spread and fully explicated by text and sequential illustrations. Magic tips for better performance are interspersed among the tricks, which are done with inexpensive household items such as cards, rope, tape and utensils. All aspects are clearly addressed, including what equipment is needed, what the audience sees, how to perform the trick effectively, and which bible verses to discuss with each trick. The strongest element of this book is theexplanation of the theology and spiritual truths that underlie each trick in a simple and inspiring way. The mysteries of faith can be difficult to impart verbally to a young audience, and children can become restless and inattentive in a classroom setting; but this dynamic method of teaching religious principles is sure to capture their attention while reinforcing the catechism.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Angelo Stagnaro’s book explains, not only the construction and performance of each of the magic tricks and its presentation, but also has extensive Biblical and classical literary references to the religious lessons each effect represents. If spreading the word by entertainingly presenting the important concepts of Catholicism is your goal, (and I can't think of a better one), this well written volume should be at the top of your list." —Mark Wilson, Magic International

"The magic tricks are easy for a catechist to learn because they are simple and direct; written with beauty and clarity permeated with the love of Christ. Fear not, these tricks can be performed by the average layperson for children, teenagers and adults! You can use the whole book or treat it like a cookbook by choosing just a few routines. Each magical lesson is keyed with a special index that describes how it can be used best – as a levitation on stage for example. A monumental and complete resource for using Gospel magic as a teaching tool!"  —Rev. David Reed-Brown, Meaningful Magic

"For religion teachers looking for ways to engage children's attention and impart to them the truths of the Catholic faith—Presto!—here is your book."  —Brian Finnerty, national communications officer, Opus Dei

"Angelo Stagnaro has done an outstanding job in this book.. . . excellently written and presented. His approach to teaching religious concepts through the use of magic is very creative and his choice in magic tricks is sure to impress catechism classes. He's done a fantastic job. I am proud to have a copy of his book in my collection." —María Ibáñez, president, Society of American Magicians

"Stagnaro provides a brief survey of the principles of the stage art of magic before his collection of step-by-step instructions for tricks along with scripts that tie the Word to the action."  —National Catholic Register

About the Author

Angelo Stagnaro has been a professional magician for more than 35 years. He performed as the house magician at F.A.O. Schwartz for three years, and is currently editor in chief of Smoke & Mirrors, the largest international professional monthly e-zine for magicians. He lives in New York City. Sean Pryor earned a BFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. He lives in Freehold, New Jersey.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: The Crossroad Publishing Company (April 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0824525183
• ISBN-13: 978-0824525187
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #699,779 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great tool for teaching !, April 3, 2009

By 

Raymond Montero (NYC) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Catechist's Magic Kit: 80 Simple Tricks for Teaching Catholicism to Kids (Paperback)

I teach CCD (religious instruction) and I've been searching for a way to make my classes more interesting for my kids. Frankly, I was a bit surprised at finding a book that uses magic (i.e., sleight-of-hand) to teach kids. Now that I've used a couple of the tricks used in the book, I think I'm having more fun than the kids are! The book is replete with beautiful drawings and the instructions are very clear. They look like come out of a Boy's Life magazine I use to get as a scout. The most reassuring thing about the book is that it received an imprimatur from the Catholic Church. Without that, I would have been a great deal more hesitant about using the book. All in all, I think it's a great book, very useful and I've already had great reactions from my kids.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good catechetical tool, April 1, 2009

By 

Brian (New York, NY, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Catechist's Magic Kit: 80 Simple Tricks for Teaching Catholicism to Kids (Paperback)

This book contains useful magical tricks to engage kids' attention and to impart to them the essentials of the Catholic faith. It follows in the tradition of Saint John Bosco, who also was known to use magic tricks as a tool for catechesis. The descriptions of the tricks are clear, and the doctrinal content is faithful to Catholic teaching. The author is both an accomplished magician and a veteran writer for the Catholic press.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magical teachings, July 27, 2009

By 

Maria Elena Ibanez (Miami, FL USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Catechist's Magic Kit: 80 Simple Tricks for Teaching Catholicism to Kids (Paperback)

In writing The Catechist's Magic Kit, Angelo has taken magic principles to demonstrate and teach the basics and foundations of Catholicism in an easy to grasp manner which the students can easily learn with the help of magical visualization. I highly recommend this book to anyone who teaches CCD, performs at religious affairs such as baptisms and communions, not to use to teach there but to entertain while reinforcing the principles - even without words.

The section in the back which is several pages in length and which shows the comparison between the Catholic teachings and how these apply to other religions is an invaluable tool for those who wish to use the book to teach in their own faith. It is also a good comparative chart which demonstrates how similar we all are in this very small world.

Thank you Angelo Stagnaro and I only wish this had been available when I was taking my CCD classes as a child.