Mother Theresa was quoted saying, “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” In many ways, this has been the theme of our start to a very different catechetical year. Parents, upperclassmen teens, and our many volunteers have stepped up to work with the challenges brought to us this year. It may not look like years past, but God is still moving in powerful ways!
Having the students who chose in-person faith formation sessions back on campus has brought incredible joy. Nothing has confirmed our choice to keep students together in small groups quite like watching their excitement to see each other again for the first time since our sudden break last March. We truly do need each other.
Many parents have taken the role of catechist for our students who chose virtual formation this year. Everyone is learning new technologies and bringing more conversations about faith into their homes. Parents earnestly desire to talk with their children about God and virtual formation has proved to be a great outlet for this to happen.
Since last March, our Confirmation students have been waiting patiently to celebrate the sacrament with their small groups, families, and loved ones. Thanks to the archdiocese opening up our parish and the gift of the livestream, we were able to celebrate with two thirds of our students. The last Confirmation mass for our remaining students is coming in October and we await it with bated breath.
From the small group leaders who are working around the schedules of our families to the extra hall monitors who have stepped up to help with our multiple entry points, it has been a team effort from the start. This year brings its challenges, as every year does, but perhaps the real gift is the opportunity to fully rely on the Lord and to allow others to help. Together, we can do great things, and with Christ, nothing is impossible.