Hatching Catholics

I have begun to think about my new role as a confirmation coordinator. While I am excited about the possibilities when dealing with just a small section of religious education students, rather than a whole program as I have done in the past, I am awed by the sense of responsibility. Not responsibility to the parish, or pastor, although that certainly exists, but responsibility to the students. Here are young people on the verge of deciding if they will practice our faith, just call themselves Catholic, or leave our faith altogether. This is decision time and I am handed the goal of giving them enough informant so that they can make a good, well informed choice.
  Now I have always believed that  there certainly is a choice in the matter. This goes back to the gift of free will that God has given each of us. We each choose to accept God or not, to become a Christian or not, to become a fully participating Catholic or not. I also believe that those who do not fully participate do not fully understand ow much this faith can add to one's life.
  And I can understand the importance of this time for them. I remember my confirmation. Well,I remember wearing the gown and taking pictures in the yard, but I really did not understand what was being asked of me at the time. And the rest of the rite is a lost memory. So how can I make this time that they can learn to love our faith a beautiful learning moment that they will carry forever?
  The experience must be theirs. On their level. Too often, I think, we adults teach on our own level and share what we loved, only to miss the fact that the world has changed. We must move on to what the children of God seek. Tis is a more learned group. Information is at their fingertips. They not only want to know why, but also how this faith will affect their lives.
  So I begin, trying to create a new program. An out of the classroom program. Where these young people will become their own community that they will look forward to being with, just as I look forward to being with my parish community every Sunday, and my school community every week day.
  Please join me in praying that the Spirit will guide me so that I can share the spirit with them.

Peace.