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

First Confession

Today was the big day for my second grade class (and the "RCIC" kids).  First Confession is nerve-wracking, but sweet; chaotic, yet peaceful, too.  While supervising the children going in and out of the confessional, I lit a candle for each and every one of them.  The responsibility of each and every soul weighs on my conscience.  I love them all.  They are wonderful children and I pray and hope for the best for all of them. 

For anyone else new at teaching 'first Sacraments' class--don't forget to teach them to make the Sign of the Cross whenever it is said by the priest.  That is the one thing my students kept forgetting to do.  We'll make sure we teach it next year.  We will also practice it in class during our First Communion portion of the class. 
  

Father does not want us to practice communion using anything that looks like a communion wafer, so as not to trivialize the Body and Blood of Christ.  So, I bought matzos which actually look like giant crackers.  They are made with flour and water.  Period.  So this way they can get an idea of what communion bread tastes like, but not make communion wafers trivial.  Matzos are also an appropriate symbol, anyway.  It is very similar to the bread Our Lord Jesus Christ actually did break and eat with His disciples.  The unleavened bread is 'striped' with holes representing the whipping the Egyptians inflicted on their Jewish slaves.  What could be more appropriate to represent Jesus' flesh which would endure such whipping not many hours after declaring the bread to be His Flesh? 

Well, First Confession down, First Communion to go.  I'm nervous already.

Circle of Grace

This weekend several DREs and catechists met at the Archdiocesan center to learn about a new program called "Circle of Grace."  They were/are very close to the chest so-to-speak about the whole thing.  They did not let us look at any of the material before hand nor did they answer any questions.  I guess that is a way to get people to come to the training. 

"Circle of Grace" was developed by a committee in the Archdiocese of Omaha to meet their child safety education needs.  They developed the program with DREs, catechists, and even consulted child psychologists.  They've implemented it in their Catholic school programs as well as their RE programs.  It has been so well received by the schools, churches, and parents that some protestant churches in the Omaha area have adopted it to their programs.

"Circle of Grace" is a new child safety education program and I am proud to say that I am excited about it.  I tell you what, I was very dubious before the meeting.  I am not now.  Frankly, the Archdiocesan program we have now is pretty dismal.  It's boring, it's not well written, and it has nothing for the kids to get excited about.  This program is everything that program isn't.  It is exciting, fun, and interactive.  The program is all set up for the catechists, and they can integrate it into their existing programs.  They emphasize that this is NOT a sex education program and it is not a 'stranger danger' program.  It integrated our Catholic Faith and keeping one safe and healthy. 

The Program Goal
The goal of the Circle of Grace program is to educate and empower children and young people to actively participate in a safe environment for themselves and others.
 
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Children/young people will understand they are created by God and live in the love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
• God is "present" in everyone's Circle of Grace.

Children/young people will be able to describe the Circle of Grace which God gives each of us.
• God is “present” because He desires a relationship with us.

Children/young people will be able to identify and maintain appropriate physical, emotional, spiritual and sexual boundaries.
• God helps us know what belongs in our Circle of Grace.

Children/young people will be able to identify all types of boundary violations.
• God helps us know what does not belong in our Circle of Grace

Children/young people will demonstrate how to take action if any boundary is threatened or violated.
• God helps us know when to ask for help from someone who we trust.

The program and sample curriculum can be viewed here: http://www.archomaha.org/pastoral/se/circle.html

Our Archdiocese has decided to implement the program here, and I am happy for it.  This year it is optional.  A catechist can use the old 'curricula' or implement the 'Circle of Grace' curricula this year.  Next year, it will be taught in all the parishes in the Archdiocese.  As a catechist, I am excited to see a program that implements child safety in a child-friendly, Catholic faith-based manner that is relevant and, honestly, easy to implement.  I, for one, will be implementing the program this year.  I wish I had had it at the beginning of the year.  I could have integrated the first Circle of Grace lesson with another lesson I taught at the beginning of the year. 

I'm excited about the program and I hope that it will excite and prepare the children for life in this world, as well as, preparation for the next.

Catechetical Congress

Archbishop Aymond

Today I attended a catechetical congress with several catechists of my parish.  In fact, there were 13 people from our little church.  I attend the conference every year.  Every single time I come home with a new sense of purpose, and a new goal in mind.  This year my goal is to give the children the best I can give.  They deserve the best.  Many don't have anyone at home to nurture them or to listen to them.  Some don't get much attention.  Many come from broken homes.  Even though we catechists only see them for about an hour on Sunday, we must make it clear that we are open to them and that we care.  We must be their source of hope, and they must see God's love in us.

This is the message I brought away from hearing our keynote speaker Archbishop Greg Aymond of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.  He gave us renewed energy about our ministry as catechists.  It is a ministry he said, attested to by the church's choosing us.  He pleaded with us to continue our education as catechists, then chuckled that he is probably "preaching to the choir" since over 200 of us were there on a Saturday morning listening to him.  He gave us good advice on understanding our students' world, and adjusting our teaching style, approach, and vocabulary accordingly.  We have a lot riding on what we say and what we model for those children.  It is up to us to build up our relationship with God, so that we can be a good example for the children's relationship with Him. 

If you are a catechist, and your diocese offers such conferences, I encourage you to go.  Don't miss this wonderful opportunity for spiritual growth and networking with other catechists.  I also enjoy seeing what the vendors have to offer.  I always come away with some gems for my class.  I must finish up my preparation for class...