April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
PERSPECTIVE
An open letter to parents
Dear Parents,
I have been working on teaching the children in our class about "the Mass" as part of the second grade faith formation curriculum, and in preparation for their upcoming celebration of their First Eucharist.
In addition to being your child's catechist, I am also a member of the sacramental preparation team and will be leading a workshop for the children during the retreat that they will attend prior to their First Eucharist.
Although it is our goal during faith formation and sacramental preparation to enhance your child's faith, love and trust in God, it is with your parental guidance, love and example of faith that they will deepen their foundation in our Catholic religion.
With this in mind, I would respectfully mention that it would be helpful, especially during this preparation period, for you to attend Mass with your children as often as possible.
Let them walk up to watch you receive the Eucharist, so they can observe firsthand you receiving Jesus' body and blood.
We, as Catholic Christians, teach the children that each time you receive the Eucharist, you receive God's grace, over and over again. By celebrating the Eucharist only for one hour each week at Mass, we celebrate God's love and forgiveness.
We thank Him for all our blessings and ask for His assistance with all of our endless trials and tribulations. We worship God and are reminded of the sacrifice of His Son on the cross when we share at the table of the Lord. Our prayers as a community strengthen our faith and love of Jesus.
We also teach that listening to the Word of God, helps us live as Jesus lived and to love one another - and it also gives us God's grace.
As a parent of three daughters varying in age and interests, I understand how busy life can be. The hours in each day seem to be taken away by countless responsibilities, obligations, and activities. I also understand that it is difficult for children to sit through Mass, then, sit through religion class. I understand that sometimes we must work or travel on a Sunday with no other choice.
I also understand as a parent, that when you prioritize something in your life, your children will do the same.
In our family's experience, my husband and I feel the importance and need for God in our lives. We need the spiritual nourishment each Sunday and to hear God's Word to help us get through the busy week ahead.
Receiving the Eucharist each week fills us with God's love and peace. Attending Mass is one activity our family can participate in as a family as we connect with other families in our community.
At home, we truly do not spend time teaching prayers or Bible facts. We have been able to teach our faith through example and by attending church regularly - resulting in our daughters each having a strong connection to Jesus, all while they live their busy, busy lives.
Please consider your attendance at Mass and come as often as possible to share your faith with your wonderful children.
Sincerely,
Nicki Foley
Parent and catechist[[In-content Ad]]
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