This week I have posted very little because I was a teacher at vacation Bible school at a nearby parish, and I was busy most of the day teaching. The Bible School is a joint project between the Catholic Church and the nearby Presbyterian Church. So, I thought both Catholics and Presbyterians. I taught 1st through 4th grades. And, it was a lot of fun.Monday we talked about Ruth and being loyal. Tuesday was about King David and being true to oneself. Wednesday we focused on Queen Esther and Pope John Paul ll, and we talked about being brave. I really made sure I talked about Pope John Paul ll so the Presbyterian children would know about him. One little girl said that he was Jewish... I'm just so glad that I was there to help them in the truth. Thursday we talked about the four fisherman that became disciples. And today I had to act out St. Paul's conversion on the Road to Damascus. We talked about being changed, and I talked most of the class about how Jesus turned the violence he endured into a Resurrection and victory. I wanted the children to know that the Cross wasn't the only thing that He endured. I wanted them to know about the Garden of Gethsemane, the Scourging, the Carrying of the Cross, etc.
And, overall, I really think they learned a lot. I'm so glad to have helped make a difference. And, I can tell you that it is so easy to talk with children. They don't result to insulting language. They are not like anyone that I talked with online. Why? Because their minds are open! They want to seek and follow God. And, that's what I'm so happy about. They are just so ready to learn and follow God. They do through Bible verses at me that are twisted or interpreted incorrectly. They are ready for God.
I am hopeful that through my work and the work of others, these children will be converted to the one, saving faith - Catholicism (i.e. Can non-Catholics be saved?)
I can only think of Our Lord's own words: "Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14)
5 comment(s):
:) I'm glad you had a good time. This gives me some reassurance when I start teaching RE in the fall - I've got the pre-schoolers. :D
It sounds like you are well on your way to a "life of shepherding". These little ones are easy to love, teach and shepherd. However, as I have found out with our present pastor, shepherding is not something all priests consider important. Our pastor is holy, a gifted homilist, a wonderful teacher, and he has incredible abilities to raise monies. However, he does not seem to really care about or really know his congregation, nor does he try to make the personal contacts needed to keep the "20 & 30 somethings" interested and involved. If they "leave" the church he doesn't seem to know it nor care. This is a sad thing to witness. A lack of humility, not living in our church community and his youth are perhaps part of the problem. Please keep him and his parish in your prayers. You are certainly in mine.
a. a pastor cannot be all for everyone. It seems that God has shown you a need -- may be you could help out in these areas. May be a get-together at your home with the 20-30 somethings and the pastor meet and greet?
That's great to hear that your Church and the nearby Presbyterian Church got together! Praise the Lord; surely Calvin is rolling in his grave. ;-)
Also, it's good to hear that God has begun to show his plan to you. You're in my prayers and God is with you!
Thank you, everyone for your comments. I think that God has shown me that I will make a good teacher. As a priest, I will certainly focus on preaching and teaching.
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