-
The G* Kidspace
-
 EVANGELIZING
GOD'S
- CHILDREN
- By Tintin Magbitang
-
I had the chance to teach some 15 children a Grade 2
Confraternity Christian Doctrine or CCD class at Bona Vista, South
Jakarta, for my oldest son, Christian, was already due to receive his
First Holy Communion. I decided to take primary responsibility for my
child’s religious education and to include other children in it, too.
Most of them had the eagerness to learn about God, while some had no
idea what kind of class they were in. It was up to me to get them all
prepared for May 29, 2004, the day we set as the First Holy Communion
Day, the “Big Day”. The children came from all over Jakarta for an hour
each week for one year. Some had less, but they attended make-up
classes to catch up. Make-up classes were held at my own house, with
Christian sitting-in, so as not to make the new child feel awkward.
Christian got about 4 dosages of the first chapters of our CCD book. It
was only on the fifth one that he simply gave up.
-
-
 Without
even expecting it, I gained the most from teaching this class. The more
I studied the topics to prepare for the class, the more enlightened
I got. The Sacraments, particularly the Holy Eucharist, came to life
for me like never before. I now have a much deeper understanding and
appreciation of the Mass. I also got more prayerful as I prayed for
each child in the class, and for me to go through each class. Yes there
were times when I just want to skip one Friday session. But I was glad I
didn’t, for I always went home with a peaceful heart (despite a tired
body), because I allowed myself to be God’s instrument.
-
-
The parents got involved, too. My fellow parents would
regularly receive emails or notes from me, with constant reminders of
our schedules, updates about the class, and a constant challenge for
them to get involved in their child’s spiritual journey. Once a month, I
witness the parents and their children go on a pilgrimage to Sunter,
North Jakarta, where Fr. Noel Villafuerte, SDB will meet with the
children. After a while, the distance was not an issue anymore, as it
was at first. It was, I believe, also Fr. Noel’s test of the parents’
commitment to the program.
-
-
After all the efforts, May 29 came, with the children in
their very best outfits, the whole family in tow, at the St. Mathias
Church. I prayed that this will be a start of a life-long appreciation
of the Holy Eucharist for the children. I wouldn’t say that the
occasion did not go without a hitch. After all, I did some
unprecedented things for the sake of these children. I also got them to
sing all the songs during the Mass, with the assistance of some Genesis
kids.
-
-
When we got home from the Mass, I handed my son my
personal First Holy Communion gift - a simple Rosary. He appreciated
it, but also not failing to mention that the other children got
something “bigger.” It was then that I reminded him that my First Holy
Communion gift for him was started more than a year ago, steadily taking
form every Friday afternoon, and completed on the Big Day. And that’s
when he gave me a hug that always melts a mother’s heart.
-
-
I had my chance to evangelize God’s children, in the best
way I can, and God blessed me for it in ways I never imagined!!! I hope
other parents or aspiring catechists will take on the challenge and
“tell the world of His love…” in big and small opportunities.
- TELL US LIKE IT IS!
- Has
something wonderful and unique happened in your life lately? Did God
answer your prayer in a very unexpected way? Did you, like Isaiah, meet
God’s whisper?
- Have you felt His
powerful hand working in your life recently?
- Everyday, people
are experiencing God’s mighty Word in their lives and it is a pity that
very few know about it. Do you have a story to tell? Some Good News to
share?
- E-mail us (genesis@catholic.org) or fax us
(021-6627384), and tell us about it. That’s right! You don’t have to be
a great writer to do this. We can help you write it – just tell us like
it is!
- Don’t forget to
write the subject: “Let Me Tell You A Story”
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moment to sign our guestbook.
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IN THIS ISSUE:
HIS Servant
by Bro. Pete Lapid
Our Faith
By Fr. KJ Veeger, MSC
Place of Refuge
By Philip Yuson
Surabaya Corner
By Ramon Martillano
The Living Spirit
By Fr. Martinus S., PR
Community Life ~ Here's the Latest
By Pinky Torres
Genesis Chronicles
By Loren Sanchez
G* Kidspace
By Tintin Magbitang
Straight from the Heart
By Carolle Bautista
God Answers Prayers
By Beth Manibog
enesis Mailbox
On Focus
By Sansu Garin
Saint for the Month
Source: Catholic Online
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