In spring, we had Catechist Awareness Weekend here at our parish. The main focus was the following question, “What and who is a catechist?” First, a catechist is someone who helps to teach and pass on the faith. As for who are catechists, they are anyone raising a child in the faith – whether as a parent, guardian, grandparent, or other influential adult in a child’s life. Ultimately, parent(s) and guardians are responsible for teaching their child(ren) about God and our faith. The Church does offer tools such as Faith Formation classes (formerly known as CCD) to assist parents, guardians, etc. with this task. It has been said that if a child is surrounded by at least five positive adult role models of faith, that child will be more successful in every aspect of life.
So, how do we, as adults, come to feel equipped to pass on our faith? First and foremost we must engage in practicing our faith, and going to Mass every weekend is a good place to start. Whether at home, work, volunteering at our child’s school, socializing with friends – the way in which we treat others (and ourselves for that matter) will directly influence our children. If we consistently consider the two great commandments in every dealing we have with others, we will be well on our way to practicing our faith well. In what ways do we strive to love God with our entire being? In what ways do we do our best to love our neighbor whether he/she is difficult or easy to love?
Striving to truly love – erasing judgment, accepting others and ourselves despite their/our faults, openness to the goodness of others whether it’s on the surface or hidden – is what our children will learn from us. It is how we act (and react) that our children will take with them into their own lives. Let them see and experience love and they will reflect the same.
For more information about our Faith Formation classes, or if you would like to help pass on our faith to the next generation, please email us at seas@seasgb.org or call us at (920) 499-1546.
Written by: Judy B., parishioner
Edited & Approved by: SEAS Pastoral Staff