Comments on: Online Catechist’s Retreat – Week 3: An Openness to the Church http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/06/22/online-catechists-retreat-week-3-an-openness-to-the-church/ Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:31:04 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Melissa LeAnne Zuniga http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/06/22/online-catechists-retreat-week-3-an-openness-to-the-church/comment-page-1/#comment-2307 Melissa LeAnne Zuniga Mon, 17 Aug 2009 21:57:45 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1317#comment-2307 I read your comment and the reply which followed...I feel compelled to ditto this response! Good, no great job mom, you have given the world a servant for christ and their is no job more well done then that! I have a friend, Michael Hernandez, who will be serving on NET, this year! Please help us, keep him and all future NET members, such as my daughter, Kirstie...may they remain blessed for the journey...God Bless! I read your comment and the reply which followed…I feel compelled to ditto this response! Good, no great job mom, you have given the world a servant for christ and their is no job more well done then that! I have a friend, Michael Hernandez, who will be serving on NET, this year! Please help us, keep him and all future NET members, such as my daughter, Kirstie…may they remain blessed for the journey…God Bless!

]]> By: Anne http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/06/22/online-catechists-retreat-week-3-an-openness-to-the-church/comment-page-1/#comment-2156 Anne Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:56:34 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1317#comment-2156 I don't have very many items from when I was growing up , except for a broken First Holy Communion rosary, a small statue of Mary and baby Jesus, and a few Holy cards that the sisters gave to us in grade school.. I do cherish them though and fond memories return, esp of my First Holy Communion day and how joyful it was .. Being a catechist, I am mindful of trying to give the children I teach, small items for their prayer corners at home or something they can put in their pockets, during the year I am with them .. memories for them to have and cherish too . I don’t have very many items from when I was growing up , except for a broken First Holy Communion rosary, a small statue of Mary and baby Jesus, and a few Holy cards that the sisters gave to us in grade school..
I do cherish them though and fond memories return, esp of my First Holy Communion day and how joyful it was ..
Being a catechist, I am mindful of trying to give the children I teach, small items for their prayer corners at home or something they can put in their pockets, during the year I am with them .. memories for them to have and cherish too .

]]> By: Nancy http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/06/22/online-catechists-retreat-week-3-an-openness-to-the-church/comment-page-1/#comment-2141 Nancy Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:45:12 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1317#comment-2141 Sometimes, I feel my faith has come to a low, I don't feel as energized, because I allow those, who do not seem to be allowing their hearts to be led by the Holy Spirit, to bring me down. I am human. But, then as I spend some time returning to this on-line retreat, I see that the Holy Spirit is working through me in "little ways". I tend to think that if I'm not sitting and opening my bible or closing my eyes in intentional prayer time, I am not connected to God. Yet, I have little conversations with God throughout my entire day. I choose to use Facebook as my outlet to evangelize (which also helps keep myself focused on our Lord), especially when some tend to use FB offensively. I am not judging these persons, but I know we are all called to greatness (some just haven't figured that out yet), and I am humbled that God is using me to do His will, even if I don't see the fruits personally. I have a collection of various religious items that are meaningful to me. I could not pinpoint one special item in particular, because I realize each is important in its own way... much like each of us. We all have individual gifts given to us by God. Together, when shared for His glory, we see that each is significant. You can't choose one over another. God wants us to experience them all in order to grow in holiness. I've learned the best way to help children see the Holy Spirit at work in their lives is to just share how He's been present in my own. And, recently, I've been feeling the Holy Spirit calling me to share my love of prayer with others in a special way. Please pray for me that the Holy Spirit will continue to reveal His will of how I might use this gift to help strengthen the faith of others, as others have strengthened mine. Sometimes, I feel my faith has come to a low, I don’t feel as energized, because I allow those, who do not seem to be allowing their hearts to be led by the Holy Spirit, to bring me down. I am human. But, then as I spend some time returning to this on-line retreat, I see that the Holy Spirit is working through me in “little ways”. I tend to think that if I’m not sitting and opening my bible or closing my eyes in intentional prayer time, I am not connected to God. Yet, I have little conversations with God throughout my entire day. I choose to use Facebook as my outlet to evangelize (which also helps keep myself focused on our Lord), especially when some tend to use FB offensively. I am not judging these persons, but I know we are all called to greatness (some just haven’t figured that out yet), and I am humbled that God is using me to do His will, even if I don’t see the fruits personally. I have a collection of various religious items that are meaningful to me. I could not pinpoint one special item in particular, because I realize each is important in its own way… much like each of us. We all have individual gifts given to us by God. Together, when shared for His glory, we see that each is significant. You can’t choose one over another. God wants us to experience them all in order to grow in holiness. I’ve learned the best way to help children see the Holy Spirit at work in their lives is to just share how He’s been present in my own. And, recently, I’ve been feeling the Holy Spirit calling me to share my love of prayer with others in a special way. Please pray for me that the Holy Spirit will continue to reveal His will of how I might use this gift to help strengthen the faith of others, as others have strengthened mine.

]]> By: Maureen http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/06/22/online-catechists-retreat-week-3-an-openness-to-the-church/comment-page-1/#comment-2136 Maureen Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:45:18 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1317#comment-2136 I am a little late with my comments on week 3. I love the video clip where Joe shows us the family jar, how it is entrusted to him, not his alone, his to hand on-that imagery is powerful. I have a similar item, it is an oversized rosary from Italy that belobnged to my dad. I use it to demonstrate how to pray the rosary--now it has a two fold purpose. But who will receive it, who will it be entrusted to when I can no longer do this ministry? Will it stay within my own personal family or will it be passed on to a member of my family of faith? I am a little late with my comments on week 3. I love the video clip where Joe shows us the family jar, how it is entrusted to him, not his alone, his to hand on-that imagery is powerful. I have a similar item, it is an oversized rosary from Italy that belobnged to my dad. I use it to demonstrate how to pray the rosary–now it has a two fold purpose. But who will receive it, who will it be entrusted to when I can no longer do this ministry? Will it stay within my own personal family or will it be passed on to a member of my family of faith?

]]> By: Henry http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/06/22/online-catechists-retreat-week-3-an-openness-to-the-church/comment-page-1/#comment-2105 Henry Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:13:24 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1317#comment-2105 I know I'm a bit late responding to week 3, but I wanted to comment on my greatest influence towards openness to the Church. Besides the fact that my entire education was spent in Catholic schools (from kindergarten through the great Jesuit institution that is Fordham University), my greatest inspiration to becoming a catechist was my aunt who runs the religious ed program at our local parish. She is a lay person who has devoted her life to fostering faith in children, not only through instruction, but by her awe-inspiring example. I constantly use her as an example of someone who knows how to "live the faith" without necessarily "force-feeding" it upon you. She talked me into teaching my daughter's class several years ago, and, although I was a bit apprehensive at first, I have loved every minute of it! And that's my tribute to my "Zi", a true unsung-hero! I know I’m a bit late responding to week 3, but I wanted to comment on my greatest influence towards openness to the Church. Besides the fact that my entire education was spent in Catholic schools (from kindergarten through the great Jesuit institution that is Fordham University), my greatest inspiration to becoming a catechist was my aunt who runs the religious ed program at our local parish. She is a lay person who has devoted her life to fostering faith in children, not only through instruction, but by her awe-inspiring example. I constantly use her as an example of someone who knows how to “live the faith” without necessarily “force-feeding” it upon you. She talked me into teaching my daughter’s class several years ago, and, although I was a bit apprehensive at first, I have loved every minute of it! And that’s my tribute to my “Zi”, a true unsung-hero!

]]> By: Joe http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/06/22/online-catechists-retreat-week-3-an-openness-to-the-church/comment-page-1/#comment-2082 Joe Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:12:07 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1317#comment-2082 Greg, thanks for pondering for so long...it resulted in some very rich thoughts! Greg, thanks for pondering for so long…it resulted in some very rich thoughts!

]]> By: Greg http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/06/22/online-catechists-retreat-week-3-an-openness-to-the-church/comment-page-1/#comment-2081 Greg Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:46:41 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1317#comment-2081 EllenA, Your posting seems so typical of so many people I know (not to mention me). I have realized that being a catechist doesn't necessarily mean that we are in the classroom but, rather, just living by example even when it is a struggle. My wife will "come and go" with her enthusiasm for the Church (although she is always by my side at Mass) and sometimes she will ask me when I am going to get tired of being so excited about our faith . Never! I guess it was about 2 years ago when I "kicked it up a notch" on my excitement. I used to think I would lose interest also but I know now that He's got me....and I'm hooked. I give you a lot of credit for hanging in there. Good Luck Greg (card-carrying Catholic) EllenA,

Your posting seems so typical of so many people I know (not to mention me). I have realized that being a catechist doesn’t necessarily mean that we are in the classroom but, rather, just living by example even when it is a struggle. My wife will “come and go” with her enthusiasm for the Church (although she is always by my side at Mass) and sometimes she will ask me when I am going to get tired of being so excited about our faith . Never! I guess it was about 2 years ago when I “kicked it up a notch” on my excitement. I used to think I would lose interest also but I know now that He’s got me….and I’m hooked. I give you a lot of credit for hanging in there.

Good Luck
Greg (card-carrying Catholic)

]]> By: Greg http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/06/22/online-catechists-retreat-week-3-an-openness-to-the-church/comment-page-1/#comment-2080 Greg Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:36:32 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1317#comment-2080 Hmmm. Where to start with such a late posting of week 3. I read Joe's questions on Monday of week 3, and although I thought about them all week, I just didn't feel like I could come back to them. I'm still thinking about why that is! Anyway, just to share a few of my answers to some of the questions: Question #3 regarding my sense of belonging. My sense of belonging within the Church actually overwhelms me. I can think of numerous times within the past couple years when I've had questions and regardless of who answered them, whether pastor or DRE or someone at the diocese, I was SO warmly received with an answer. I've often said "I felt like they were waiting for me to call them". I often try to share with others (whether friends that have fallen away from the Church or a brother that may be skeptical of the help anyone in the parish could give him), if you don't reach out, you will never know. Question #7 regarding deepening my openess to the Church. I KNOW that I must read, read, read, in order to deepen my openess to the Church. I have taken a couple online courses through some Catholic sources. I have often felt intimidated about reading the large amount of writing that there is out there on the Church but these online sources have taken a lot of the fear away for me. I'd recommend them for anyone. Question #9 regarding how my openness to the Church affects my role as a catechist. Live by example? I think it is ONLY my openness to the Church that will allow me to be a good catechist. Activities like this retreat, for example, have given me the confidence to volunteer to be more active in our parish's planning for next year (like being on a Catechist Advisory Team for example). One thing I would like to share. I spent some time with a gentleman this past weekend at a retreat house activity that we are both involved in and, although I am always struck by his devotion and love for the Church, I can't help but feel sometimes like he may be "closed" to certain things within the Church. My observation of him somewhat capped off my reflection from the week with regard to being open to the Church. Obviously, there are things that some do (whether it be our own diocese, or the Franciscans, or the Jesuits, or the Univ. of Notre Dame) that will drive us nuts, but that's what a family is! Loving our brothers and sister no matter what. It's taken me years to "get it", but with every passing year and every passing class I take or class that I teach or Mass I attend, I realize more and more that we are really the Body of Christ. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to getting back into posting in our "retreat house" this week. Hmmm. Where to start with such a late posting of week 3. I read Joe’s questions on Monday of week 3, and although I thought about them all week, I just didn’t feel like I could come back to them. I’m still thinking about why that is!

Anyway, just to share a few of my answers to some of the questions:

Question #3 regarding my sense of belonging. My sense of belonging within the Church actually overwhelms me. I can think of numerous times within the past couple years when I’ve had questions and regardless of who answered them, whether pastor or DRE or someone at the diocese, I was SO warmly received with an answer. I’ve often said “I felt like they were waiting for me to call them”. I often try to share with others (whether friends that have fallen away from the Church or a brother that may be skeptical of the help anyone in the parish could give him), if you don’t reach out, you will never know.

Question #7 regarding deepening my openess to the Church. I KNOW that I must read, read, read, in order to deepen my openess to the Church. I have taken a couple online courses through some Catholic sources. I have often felt intimidated about reading the large amount of writing that there is out there on the Church but these online sources have taken a lot of the fear away for me. I’d recommend them for anyone.

Question #9 regarding how my openness to the Church affects my role as a catechist. Live by example? I think it is ONLY my openness to the Church that will allow me to be a good catechist. Activities like this retreat, for example, have given me the confidence to volunteer to be more active in our parish’s planning for next year (like being on a Catechist Advisory Team for example).

One thing I would like to share. I spent some time with a gentleman this past weekend at a retreat house activity that we are both involved in and, although I am always struck by his devotion and love for the Church, I can’t help but feel sometimes like he may be “closed” to certain things within the Church. My observation of him somewhat capped off my reflection from the week with regard to being open to the Church. Obviously, there are things that some do (whether it be our own diocese, or the Franciscans, or the Jesuits, or the Univ. of Notre Dame) that will drive us nuts, but that’s what a family is! Loving our brothers and sister no matter what.

It’s taken me years to “get it”, but with every passing year and every passing class I take or class that I teach or Mass I attend, I realize more and more that we are really the Body of Christ. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to getting back into posting in our “retreat house” this week.

]]> By: Joe http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/06/22/online-catechists-retreat-week-3-an-openness-to-the-church/comment-page-1/#comment-2078 Joe Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:44:07 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1317#comment-2078 I have my Dad's army prayerbook (WWII)...very special. I have my Dad’s army prayerbook (WWII)…very special.

]]> By: Steve http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/06/22/online-catechists-retreat-week-3-an-openness-to-the-church/comment-page-1/#comment-2075 Steve Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:17:55 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1317#comment-2075 After my father's passing I was given his New Testament from when he served in the army during the Korean conflict. I will do my best to keep it in good condition and away from the dog (he is a chewer.) My sense of belonging goes back to about 15 years ago when I was working in Washington, D.C. and went to a different church every Sunday including the National Cathedral. The only churches I felt comfortable in were St. Matthews Cathedral and also the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. I realized I was meant to be a Catholic. While looking at the cathedral after mass the archbishop stopped by and introduced himself. None of the ushers at the National Cathedral went that far. After my father’s passing I was given his New Testament from when he served in the army during the Korean conflict. I will do my best to keep it in good condition and away from the dog (he is a chewer.) My sense of belonging goes back to about 15 years ago when I was working in Washington, D.C. and went to a different church every Sunday including the National Cathedral. The only churches I felt comfortable in were St. Matthews Cathedral and also the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. I realized I was meant to be a Catholic. While looking at the cathedral after mass the archbishop stopped by and introduced himself. None of the ushers at the National Cathedral went that far.

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