Teaching Our Little Ones

Since I graduated from the UD Biblical School, I've discerned what to do with my biblical knowledge. Should I go for my Masters in Theology? Should I continue with Adult Faith Formation studies for personal enrichment? Should I become a religious sister or join a Lay Order? Or, should I continue only participating in Sunday liturgical ministries?

After Mass one Sunday, our wonderful priest greeted me.  He asked me how I was doing.  I said all was well and then told him about graduating from the 4 year biblical school.  He smiled and said, "You would make a great catechist!  We are in need of good teachers here at the parish!"  I looked at him with a frown:  "Me, a catechist?  I don't even have children of my own.  I know nothing about kids!  I don't think it's my calling."  Our priest said otherwise, "Nah, Jennifer, you'd make an excellent teacher! You can do it!"  I walked out of the church that Sunday thinking it over:  "Hmmm.....You know, three people have come up to me now saying I'd be a great catechist for the children.  And now Father thinks so, too.  Wonderful! I think I will look into it!"

Over the next three Sundays, listed in the Bulletin, were openings for Faith Formation teachers. I saw nobody volunteering to teach the Wednesday Sacramental Preparation class 3rd/4th grade. Maybe our Lord was reserving that teaching spot for me?!  The following Monday I called the Faith Formation office.  The administrative assistant immediately put me on the teaching roster.  All I needed to do was update my Safe Environment Training online, get my picture taken for an ID badge, and attend two training sessions. 

I met a terrific Italian woman who volunteered to be an aide for the class.  (Yeah, I don't have to teach alone.  I will have somebody with a little experience there to help me out.)  This lady and I originally met earlier in the year at the Lenten Reconciliation Service even though I didn't remember her at all!  We were both in line for confession.  I was so terribly nervous confessing after being away from the Sacrament for 2 years! Interesting this woman and I met at a reconciliation service, and now we will be prepping 3rd and 4th graders for their 1st confession in the Fall Semester.  Amazing how God re-connects us with people and events to help spread the Church's teachings.

We have seen for ourselves, and can testify, that the Father has sent the Son as savior of the world. When anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwells in him and he in God.  (1 John 4:14-15)