Being catholic…a way of life!
WK 3 Reflections – 09/23
Your child’s Reconciliation and Eucharist are months away, Saturday, January 26, 2013, and Saturday, May 4, 2013, respectively. Though these celebrations are off in the distant future, we have already begun the preparation. How? SCORE is about creating a meaningful sacramental process for your child, and for you, the parents.
The sacramental process begins with the grounding of our belief in Jesus, the Sacrament of God. How appropriate to open this year of preparation with the lesson, Jesus is the Son of God. Our children are preparing to come to the Table of the Lord, how fitting it is for them to know Jesus who invites them to the Banquet! The children will be exposed to many teachable moments both in and out of the SCORE classroom that:
- Jesus grew in grace, wisdom and knowledge as he lived with Mary, and Joseph.
- Jesus was both God and Man.
- Jesus taught there is one God.
- There are three Persons in the One God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
For our third lesson, Jesus Christ Gives us the Church, the children participated in two different activities. In one group, the children listened to the story of the first PENTECOST and learned that the Holy Spirit filled the first disciples with courage to boldly proclaim Jesus’ Resurrection. The other group discussed taking action when it comes to giving witness to their faith. Each child personalized his/her placard and gave witness, “I am a disciple of Jesus.” Did your child share how he/she witnesses his/her faith? Was there a teachable moment that were were able to share with your child how you witness your faith?
Yes, at the heart of our gathering there is a deeper calling. Sacramental preparation invites us to foster a culture of “Eucharist and Reconciliation” in our homes, where we work, in our communities and neighborhoods. What does it mean to foster a culture of Eucharist and Reconciliation beyond the SCORE classroom?
In the home:
- Establish a ROUTINE — to share faith with your child. Discuss with them what they did in SCORE. The acitivities that we do in class are planned to offer a springboard for faith sharng. We Believe Family Book, pp 8-10 offers suggestions for deepening the faith of the family.
- Practice with your child the SIGN of the CROSS, and the OUR Father. In class we pray the prayers of Jesus. Throughout the year we will create other prayer experiences for them as well.
In our parish community:
- Our call is nurtured through our active participation at Mass. This year especially, we are reminded of the importance of our presence, with our children, at Sunday Mass, or, if you attend the Saturday evening 4:30 Mass. These are the teachable, grace-filled moments for our children, and for all of us. Help your child with the songs, and talk with them about meaning of the prayers. Let me know if you need prompts.
- Sometimes it’s hard for the little ones to sit through the Liturgy of the Word, the three Scripture Readings and Homily. For families who attend the 9:00 a.m Sunday Mass, encourage your son or daughter to participate in the Children’s Liturgy of the Word. Sometimes they just need a gentle nudge when the priest invites, after the opening prayer, all the children to come forward. When they return, asking them about what they heard or the activity helps them to grow as little disciples of Jesus.
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Encourage your child to approach the Eucharistic Minister for a blessing. Being part of communion helps them to see that they are part of the Mass.
As always…Many thanks to Becky, Charlie’s mom, and Violette, Rosie’s older sister who assisted the children in class. Your presence with the children gives witness to your faith!
