This year has a different feel. The energy and passion for my ministry continues to stir within me. I enjoy teaching and giving witness to my faith. As our religious education year is about to begin another layer surfaces; the stories and reports of bishops, who in the past, shielded predatory priests from criminal prosecution. Anger, frustration, outrage at a
Read moreMaking connections: Parents and the Sacrament of Reconciliation – Throughout this time of sacramental preparation, I am becoming more and more convinced that the Sacrament of Reconciliation is about parenting, and providing parents with the support and encouragement needed to raise loving and faith-filled children. The graces of the sacrament Reconciliation affirms the role of parenting. The Church accompanies parents
Read moreWe enter into Week 10 of sacramental preparation for Reconciliation. Step-by-step the sacramental process draws upon teachable moments, one in particular speaks to the heart ~ Our Father.
Read moreThe start of Religious Education marks the beginning of our journey towards first Reconciliation. At our parish, St. Nicholas in Evanston IL, the children and parents celebrate the sacrament on Saturday, February 3, 2018
Read moreIt’s our fourth SCORE session, and the focus: The Holy Spirit’s guidance in our lives. Giving “breath” to the instruction of the Holy Spirit takes deliberate planning, and praying for inspiration. Truth be told, a theological treatise on the Holy Spirit is beyond comprehension for little children preparing for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. The mantra: Keep it simple, concrete
Read moreChildren have an emerging sense of wonder and curiosity about the world in which they live. As a catechist accompanying children and their parents during this year of sacramental formation there is also there is also an emerging sense of the Divine. This particular lesson provided the space for the children to explore the sense of the Holy in their
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
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