Sunday’s temperatures peeked in the upper 80’s as we gathered around the baptismal font at St. Nick’s Church. The children gleefully dipped and splashed their little hands in the pool. They easily identified with the cool and refreshing water of the font, several children enthusiastically talked about being at the beach the day before. One little girl said, “Our bodies
Read moreOh with such delight we welcomed the children back to Religious Education on this Feast of the Baptism of Jesus. Sunday’s Gospel proclaimed, “after Jesus was baptized and while he was praying, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him . . And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.’” [Luke
Read moreAs a child preparing for my first confession and communion (little more than 50 years ago) the process focused a lot on the memorization of prayers and numerous questions from the Baltimore Catechism. I knew “God made the world”, and “God made me to love Him and serve Him and be happy with Him in this world and the next.” Memorization became vital
Read moreThe first class of Religious Education (SCORE) draws the entire community together as children, parents, and catechists gather in the school cafeteria, with heightened energy, excitement, and for some, a little anxiety. This is a space where grace happens, friendships renewed and nourished. The new SCORE year begins with the celebration of Eucharist, and at the end of Mass SCORE families and catechists
Read moreOur children’s first experience of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are significant moments in their faith formation. Though sacramental preparation involves the whole family, greater focus is placed on the interaction between the child and parent. Prior to our formal preparation of the sacrament of Reconciliation, we begin with reviewing the sacrament of Baptism. Rather than draw on our
Read moreSunday the children left SCORE class with two items, their little “I am a disciple of Jesus” neck-placard, and their Creemos/We Believe religion book. So true to form, they were sent on a mission to share with you the book that they will be using during this year of sacramental preparation. To reinforce and practice at home what we did in class, the
Read moreThis past week, Level 2 parents, children, and catechists began preparing for the children’s first experience of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. There is an excitement of getting ready for the reception of the sacraments, especially the sacrament of Eucharist. As Level 2 catechists, we commit to build upon their enthusiasm that the children bring to the classroom each
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