Recently we wrapped up another year of our Religious Education program.  At the end of April we had about 20 second-graders make their First Holy Communion.  They did a fantastic job. Of course they were a little nervous receiving the Eucharist for the first time, but they were mostly excited, and who could blame them -- they were receiving Jesus’ Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity for the first time.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all of us were always as excited about receiving the Eucharist as we were on our First Holy Communion Day? Maybe we should pray to recapture that awe and reverence.

   Just this past week, Bishop David O’Connell was here to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation on 24 of our eighth-grade students.  Prior to that, the Deacons, Rich Scanlon, and I spent several days interviewing our Confirmandi about their faith. We were all very impressed with how well the students knew the most important teachings of our Church.  Most of the students expressed an excitement about becoming an adult in the eyes of the Church, and taking up the responsibility that that entails. They knew that at Baptism we are incorporated into the Church, becoming part of Jesus’ Mystical Body, and through the graces received in the Sacrament of Confirmation, they would be empowered to participate in the mission of the Church -- to make disciples of all the nations.

    As you may remember, we had a pretty significant change in our religious education program this past year.  We started using a “flipped classroom” approach, where the students would take their chapter lessons online through My Catholic Faith Delivered at home, and then during their classroom time on Sundays they would review, discuss, and deepen what they learned.  We asked the 8th graders what they thought of the new format, and they all said that they really liked the online component.  They felt that they learned so much more this year, and the videos, games, puzzles and readings made them engage the material more.  While they did note that it took time, they thought it was time well spent. Several parents have also commented about how they have learned more about the Faith by assisting their children with their religion homework.

    Of course none of this would be possible without the dedicated service of so many people.  Must start with thanking Rich Scanlon, our Director of Evangelization and Discipleship Formation.  He and his family relocated up here from Florida, and have been a wonderful addition to our parish.  Rich has done an amazing job implementing the new curriculum, and keeping in touch with students, parents, and catechists.  I want to thank Martha Griffith and Jean Wilson who have been Rich’s “girls Friday.” The amount of volunteer time that they put in each week to make sure that everything is ready for the weekend is staggering.  Thank you to all of you who have given so much of your time as catechists, hall monitors, and basically stepping up whenever we needed help. Without you we could not have gotten everything done.

    I know I can speak for Rich in saying that we would happily welcome anyone else who would like to volunteer in the Religious Education Program next year.  It is not too early to sign up. Just call the parish office.

    Well done students, catechists, and all other volunteers.