TWO HOURS?!?
There has been a lot of discussion about the new format for Religious Education classes for the Fall and we want to take this opportunity to answer the very valid exasperation:
“We can’t survive an hour mass… it is going to be painful to get them to come to 2 hours of RE!!!”
The goal of Religious Education is not to “stuff our heads” with facts about the faith, but to draw closer to God through the gifts of the Church. In order to experience God we need to grow in our awareness of Him and how to recognize Him in ALL of our activities. As a result, when the children come to Religious Education it will begin with movement away from “day to day distractions”. More than an academic exercise this is a process of relating to God in communion together and is facilitated by a variety of gathering activities, games and enthusiasm in the gym.
Class times will be marked by both instruction and application activities, doing our best to avoid the “sit and learn” mentality that the children experience all day at school.
Finally, the conclusion of the gathering will end in a personal conversation with the living God, giving the children a perspective on bringing the light of Christ with them into ALL the activities that fill the rest of their week.
This experience of Religious Education can only be attained if our hearts are oriented towards SHM as a ‘Sanctuary of Sanctity’ for each and everyone one of us.
Please pray for the volunteer catechists, your children, and the staff; that God’s grace will fulfill each of our heart’s desire to know God intimately. And please feel free to contact any of us with questions or concerns for your child. It is our goal to be the best resource for you in your role as the primary educator of your children.
danmcgarvey
georgeketchel
