Don't Ever Assume



The Sign of the Cross

One of the things Fr. F. criticized our First Penance students on was their Sign of the Cross.  Many forgot to say it at the beginning of Penance and most did not know to cross themselves when he blessed them with this prayer.  Today we worked on drilling them in this.  I know the children who were in my First Sacraments class for the first half of the year went over their prayers, including the Sign of the Cross every Sunday.  There is only so much an R.E. Catechist can do in one hour on a relatively few Sundays of their lives.  Now, the second half of the year we've been joined by the second grade class from the parish school.  Shouldn't one expect that they have been taught the proper way to say Catholic prayers in Catholic school?  Apparently not.  They at least have more of an opportunity at school, having them over 6 hours a day, five days a week.  But, the biggest question is--Why aren't the parents doing this at home?  I don't get it.  Maybe I'm in the minority of parents who actually feel responsible for their own children's souls.

Today we rehearsed the reception of Holy Communion.  It was a slow process.  We took about half the class time lining them up putting them through their paces and accessing what we need to do to get them ready in a couple of months.  But, like I said, there is only some much I can do in the next six Sundays.  The biggest disappointment about practicing is that 7 of my students weren't even there.  So, when we practice next week we'll have to start from scratch with them.  This is not a game.  This is life--eternal life we are dealing with at church. 

Advice to parents:  If you can't be bothered to work with them at home, at least have them at the classroom door on time.  Every minute counts if you're going to lay all the responsibility for your child's soul on my shoulders.  And don't forget to be on time to Mass; that is even more important. 

Here is a very good Catholic article on the Sign of the Cross:  http://www.fisheaters.com/sign.html