A Grown-up Religion!
When 1st Peter writes to his flock, he speaks to the entire community, viz., the baptized called to be the “priestly people, etc.” He reminds them that, at times, there will, indeed, be great difficulties associated with the faith of Jesus Christ. He continues that theme this weekend.
It is important for 21st century Catholics to remember that our religion is for all ages, not just the young. While we stress, traditionally, in the USA, the religious formation of children, for over 20 years, it has been the design to make adult religious education a total parish commitment.
Jesus blessed children, but He didn’t specifically teach them. He left it to families to communicate the Word to children.
The Gospels and Apostolic letters were addressed to adults, not children. Again, Sts Peter and Paul and company addressed adults and left it to grownups to communicate to children the message with which the New Testament letters were concerned.
Here, at our parish, as you know, our community is one of seven Archdiocesan parishes selected to participate in a commitment to total parish catechesis, young and old alike. We try to maintain the best for the religious education of the entire community. We hope that adults understand that the parish commits itself to a structured religious education program for our children. We aim high for a quality program. We make needed changes regularly.
In imitation of Jesus and the inspired biblical writers, we aim at the entire parish and trust to the Holy Spirit that parents and families, “the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith and hope” assist us in that project. Grownups, talk about what your faith means to you all the time. Explain the Word of God even in the car as you return home each weekend to your own House Church. Let us all proclaim the Word on the housetops as well as in the house (church). 050502 AD jfq
