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August 1, 2017When I first decided to volunteer in the Religious Education Program, my son was entering 4th grade. The program needed volunteers (as always!) and I thought I could at the very least be an aide in his classroom. I felt I wasn't strong enough in my faith to teach it to children, but certainly I could help someone else while spending time with my son!
That year was amazing! I met a beautiful couple that taught with grace and passion - and I learned a lot as well! I knew that I loved watching children's eyes light up when talking about God's love for us - how their faces were in awe at the miracles that Jesus performed and the comfort they felt when discovering how the Holy Spirit is always there to guide us. I wanted to see more, learn more, experience more. I discovered I could still learn about being Catholic while sharing my faith with these young minds.
I decided to become a catechist for my daughter's 1st grade class two years later, while still volunteering as an aide in my son's class. I was terrified to teach on my own! I felt woefully unprepared. Would I say the wrong thing? Would the children be worse off having me as their teacher? The doubts were great, but I prayed often, and found the courage to stand before these 1st grade students and do my best. Was I perfect? Of course not, but I improved with every class.
Now, seven years later, I cannot imagine not serving as a catechist. The connection I am able to have with these children after an hour and 15 minutes each week is one of the greatest blessings one could have. I still don't know everything (who does?) but I know where to look and who to ask for answers. And with lots of help from the Holy Spirit, I think I'm doing just fine.
