Thursday, May 8, 2008

Educating Catholic Children

I was reading an article in the National Catholic Register about Pope Benedict's speech to educators and administrators. An educator, Andrew ABela, who heard the address said:

"For us teachers, it is not just about what we teach, but about who we are; for our students, not just about what they learn, but who they become--and, in particular, to what extent we help them to overcome their reluctance to entrust themselves to God."

Amen, I say. Amen.

As a Catechist (one who instructs Religious Education teachers) his words struck at the heart of my beliefs about religious education. Anyone can stand up in front of a group of students and pour information into them. It is the work of a teacher (particularly a rel. ed. teacher), to be concerned about who that student becomes and how they relate to God in their lives.

At the forefront of the religious education changes that are necessary, is the reality that the teachers themselves must be of a certain mindset and lifestyle if they are to convey the truths of the Church to their students. Students must see "lived faith in action" if they are to comprehend any idea of what it means to be a Christian.

Additionally, families must gather around their faith and cling tight to what they know and believe to be true, as the tides wash against their children. Christ is the one we can believe in and trust; He is the one who will set our course straight. In a related article, Pope Benedict said that this is a springtime of hope for Christians.

The struggles we are going through now will certainly work to make us stronger.

He is a wise man and one to whom we should pay very close attention.

No comments:

Post a Comment