Before I forget&

     
     What does it mean to truly share our faith?  This is a question I often pose to my students in Elementary Faith Formation.  The answers the children present are truly insightful.  It has been my experience that children reveal God's presence here on earth.  Who can hold a newborn child and not understand that God has presented the earth with a tiny miracle; a bundle of endless possibilities for the future?  Children do not hold preconceived notions about their place in God's kingdom.  They simply give a smile to someone who looks down, a hug to a friend who is injured or sad, they place their hands in ours and trust that we will lead them where they need to go.  With their baby faith they are patient, kind and loving.  Children thank God for simple things.  A puppy's love, a favorite toy, green grass and wet snow.
     When was the last time that you simply thanked God for the new day, your health, or your family?  We take so much for granted as adults.  Our lives are filled with endless routines, schedules that need to be followed, deadlines that need to be met.  Our world spins out of control if the pattern in our lives is disrupted in any manner.  We have difficulty   dealing with life changes because we have forgotten the truth our children understand--that God will lead us where we need to go.  The road may not always be straight and there may be obstacles to move out of the way but we will get to our destination if we trust, as children do, that God has a plan for our lives.
     Have you ever watched a child explore their surroundings?  From a toddler navigating their way through furniture as they walk for the first time, to a young child examining the little creatures on a nature walk, they move ahead with fascination and determination without fear in their hearts.  It would be great if we could somehow capture that determined spirit of our youth and put it in a bottle to break open when we needed it as adults.
     When I talk about adults volunteering to share their faith with the children of St. John's, I hear the self doubt and fear in their answers.  "I could never do that."  "I'm not a teacher."  "I don't think I have anything to share."  We as parents and grandparents forget that we teach our children every day, by our actions and words, directly and indirectly.  What better way to teach our children about our shared faith then by participating directly in their faith community.  In a   parish this size, we need each other to contribute our time and talent.  The children of this faith community need each and everyone of you to bravely step forward and say, "I'm willing to try."  There are so many programs from Sunday School to Elementary Faith Formation to Youth Ministry.  There are many lengths of commitment, from Celebrate the Word that happens every Sunday to Vacation Bible School that takes place once a year in June.  We need you and your children need you.  God calls us to put aside our self doubt and fear and to bravely move forward with the determination and fascination of children to share our faith with each other.  The next time we send out the call for volunteers, surprise yourself, take the risk, put yourself out there, you may just be pleasantly amazed at how God takes your hand and leads you where you need to go.

Teresa Neuman
Elementary Faith Formation Coordinator