Yesterday, I received a letter from my DRE reminding us about our first catechist meeting on August 27. In the letter, she included the following which I thought I’d share with you.

Gifts for you to give to your students:

• CARE – Before beginning your planned lesson, ask your students about their week and how they’re doing. Listen carefully and caringly.
• HOPE – Tell your students about the good things that are going on in our world. From news in your parish community, your own life, or in the world, share examples.
• PRAYER – There are 2 special gifts here: your own prayer for your students, and your efforts to teach them to pray.
• IMAGINATION – Introduce your students to the power of their own imagination. Read Luke’s accont of the visit of teh shepherds to see the infant Jesus lying in a manger (Luke 2:15-20) and ask your students to imagine themselves as one of the shepherds.
• PRESENCE – When you gather with your students, set aside distractions and other agendas.
• ENTHUSIASM – You are sharing the exciting and life-giving message of the Good News. Let it show!
• COMMUNITY – your classroom is a small community within the larger faith community of your parish. Give your students the gift of experiencing the loving community that surrounds them.