Comments on: An Online Retreat for Catechists – Week 5: An Authenticity and Coherence of Life http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/07/06/an-online-retreat-for-catechists-week-5-an-authenticity-and-coherence-of-life/ Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:31:04 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Robert http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/07/06/an-online-retreat-for-catechists-week-5-an-authenticity-and-coherence-of-life/comment-page-1/#comment-2406 Robert Mon, 24 Aug 2009 03:02:07 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1375#comment-2406 Joe's comments on the authenticity of a catechist strike me as profound. I frequently find myself lacking that coherence, that cohesiveness I seek as a catechist, and try to return to Reconciliation occasionally. Perhaps when I am most authentic and most effective are those times when I speak to the kids about how difficult I find it to follow Christ's example and how truly awesome it is when I go to Reconciliation and receive God's forgiveness. Joe’s comments on the authenticity of a catechist strike me as profound. I frequently find myself lacking that coherence, that cohesiveness I seek as a catechist, and try to return to Reconciliation occasionally. Perhaps when I am most authentic and most effective are those times when I speak to the kids about how difficult I find it to follow Christ’s example and how truly awesome it is when I go to Reconciliation and receive God’s forgiveness.

]]> By: Robert (Bobby) Reyes http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/07/06/an-online-retreat-for-catechists-week-5-an-authenticity-and-coherence-of-life/comment-page-1/#comment-2170 Robert (Bobby) Reyes Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:06:47 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1375#comment-2170 Rita, upon reading your comment I find truth in your findings and sincerety in your heart and sight, however these times we live in a lot of people are busy reading labels and throwing food out frozen uncooked because of the date that says use or freeze before date when we have so many hungry people in our midst. Yes they may be street people but they our part of God's family of children and we are supposed to take care of our brothers and sisters. So understand exactly what you are talking about when you choose to use your yard sale expertise to get what you need rather than "Buy that Brand name on sale item". Be frugal and be smart God has a plan and you are definitely in it. "ABBA" Father bless your children that spread your Word, and may the Holy Spirit bring you the Graces of God. Rita, upon reading your comment I find truth in your findings and sincerety in your heart and sight, however these times we live in a lot of people are busy reading labels and throwing food out frozen uncooked because of the date that says use or freeze before date when we have so many hungry people in our midst. Yes they may be street people but they our part of God’s family of children and we are supposed to take care of our brothers and sisters. So understand exactly what you are talking about when you choose to use your yard sale expertise to get what you need rather than “Buy that Brand name on sale item”. Be frugal and be smart God has a plan and you are definitely in it. “ABBA” Father bless your children that spread your Word, and may the Holy Spirit bring you the Graces of God.

]]> By: Christian http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/07/06/an-online-retreat-for-catechists-week-5-an-authenticity-and-coherence-of-life/comment-page-1/#comment-2169 Christian Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:30:51 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1375#comment-2169 I suppose all of us by our natures don't want to go to Confession.....I sure don't want to. I have to drag myself in every time. But regular (4-6 times a year, in my case) Confession has been one of the best ways to show the kids I "walk the talk" as Nancy puts it so well. Each class after I've been to confession I have a little 2 minute refresher on the Sacrament: how I avoid going, the struggle of pride vs humility, Adam & Eve hiding in the Garden, the Prodigal Son, the importance of actually confessing out loud instead of just praying for forgiveness, how great I feel afterward, etc. Based on experience I'm pretty sure most of the kids in my class haven't been since their First Communions; I hope it plants some seeds. I suppose all of us by our natures don’t want to go to Confession…..I sure don’t want to. I have to drag myself in every time. But regular (4-6 times a year, in my case) Confession has been one of the best ways to show the kids I “walk the talk” as Nancy puts it so well. Each class after I’ve been to confession I have a little 2 minute refresher on the Sacrament: how I avoid going, the struggle of pride vs humility, Adam & Eve hiding in the Garden, the Prodigal Son, the importance of actually confessing out loud instead of just praying for forgiveness, how great I feel afterward, etc. Based on experience I’m pretty sure most of the kids in my class haven’t been since their First Communions; I hope it plants some seeds.

]]> By: Greg http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/07/06/an-online-retreat-for-catechists-week-5-an-authenticity-and-coherence-of-life/comment-page-1/#comment-2168 Greg Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:00:07 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1375#comment-2168 A couple of the reflection questons this week related to tension or harmony (or lack of harmony) between who I am and what I do. I've made comment before that I struggle between the wonderful life of the Church (where I feel so safe and can't get enough information as I read, etc ) and my everyday life at work. I must say, the longer I'm involved in trying to learn more about catechesis, the more I'm learning that it just spills over into everyday life without noticing. Over the past year or two, I have become so much more tolerant and forgiving at work and even at home. I hadn't really thought about why until a couple people had made comment recently. Becoming aware of this "example" has given me hope that learning more about our faith will in fact lead me to LIVING IT TOO. I do think though, in relation to the reflection question, that there is both tension and harmony between who I am and what I do. I don't think I could ever get rid of those two opposing forces either, realistically. A couple of the reflection questons this week related to tension or harmony (or lack of harmony) between who I am and what I do. I’ve made comment before that I struggle between the wonderful life of the Church (where I feel so safe and can’t get enough information as I read, etc ) and my everyday life at work. I must say, the longer I’m involved in trying to learn more about catechesis, the more I’m learning that it just spills over into everyday life without noticing. Over the past year or two, I have become so much more tolerant and forgiving at work and even at home. I hadn’t really thought about why until a couple people had made comment recently. Becoming aware of this “example” has given me hope that learning more about our faith will in fact lead me to LIVING IT TOO. I do think though, in relation to the reflection question, that there is both tension and harmony between who I am and what I do. I don’t think I could ever get rid of those two opposing forces either, realistically.

]]> By: Rita http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/07/06/an-online-retreat-for-catechists-week-5-an-authenticity-and-coherence-of-life/comment-page-1/#comment-2165 Rita Fri, 10 Jul 2009 23:42:45 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1375#comment-2165 For me, authentic people are in spirit. For they no longer live in a world that is saddly clouded with unathenticity. This is to say you must strive to be authentic...or real, which for me falls equal to being truthful. Authentic is truth. While I teach the children, I teach from the bible, so I feel safe with my teaching as authentic...the truth. As far as purchasing items that caught my eye as authentic...gosh, most of my recent purchases are from garage sales or second hand stores, exept food, of course. I get overwhelmed with thoughts of "things" constinently being made and purchased when there are so many "things" people throw away simply because they are "out of date" or "doesn't look modern". That is sad to me, almost like keeping up with the Jones'. Material things are clouded with unauthenticity. Persuasive marketing, clever speaking commercials and mind manipulations trick the consumer. Household utilities appear ( to me ) to not be authentic. We exite when our gas bill drops, and forget that the gas company made billions in profit last year. Perhaps there is a years supply of free gas for everyone? A pair of shoes at the store are on sale for $54.99. Take that pair of shoes and break down the cost to make that shoe ( about $12.00 ) and the sale seems to not be so authentic. Christ wants our consistent way of living to be as He lived in this world, to be truthful, forgiving, prayerful and spread unconditional love. An understanding ( as best as I can explain ) as to see things as they really are, it becomes filled with sorrow, yet so much knowledge and wisdom is in the sorrow as to know what true joy is. WOW, ...the world created by God is a world of beauty. The eating of the apple changed the world. There are days that seem easy to remain authentic and truthful, and days that end with authentic and truthful repentence. I have taught my three children, (and include in my RE teachings) that every night before you go to bed to say your prayers ( Our Father, Hail Mary, Prayer to Your Guardian Angel ) talk to God openly about anything you need to talk to Him about and always tell God you are sorry for anything displeasing you have done today. This becomes a confession of sins every night before you go to sleep. This is like starting the next day with a clean, clear consience of anything sinful you may have done the day before. I too do this. For me, authentic people are in spirit. For they no longer live in a world that is saddly clouded with unathenticity. This is to say you must strive to be authentic…or real, which for me falls equal to being truthful. Authentic is truth.

While I teach the children, I teach from the bible, so I feel safe with my teaching as authentic…the truth.

As far as purchasing items that caught my eye as authentic…gosh, most of my recent purchases are from garage sales or second hand stores, exept food, of course. I get overwhelmed with thoughts of “things” constinently being made and purchased when there are so many “things” people throw away simply because they are “out of date” or “doesn’t look modern”. That is sad to me, almost like keeping up with the Jones’. Material things are clouded with unauthenticity. Persuasive marketing, clever speaking commercials and mind manipulations trick the consumer. Household utilities appear ( to me ) to not be authentic. We exite when our gas bill drops, and forget that the gas company made billions in profit last year. Perhaps there is a years supply of free gas for everyone? A pair of shoes at the store are on sale for $54.99. Take that pair of shoes and break down the cost to make that shoe ( about $12.00 ) and the sale seems to not be so authentic.

Christ wants our consistent way of living to be as He lived in this world, to be truthful, forgiving, prayerful and spread unconditional love.

An understanding ( as best as I can explain ) as to see things as they really are, it becomes filled with sorrow, yet so much knowledge and wisdom is in the sorrow as to know what true joy is.

WOW, …the world created by God is a world of beauty. The eating of the apple changed the world. There are days that seem easy to remain authentic and truthful, and days that end with authentic and truthful repentence.

I have taught my three children, (and include in my RE teachings) that every night before you go to bed to say your prayers ( Our Father, Hail Mary, Prayer to Your Guardian Angel ) talk to God openly about anything you need to talk to Him about and always tell God you are sorry for anything displeasing you have done today. This becomes a confession of sins every night before you go to sleep. This is like starting the next day with a clean, clear consience of anything sinful you may have done the day before. I too do this.

]]> By: Karen http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/07/06/an-online-retreat-for-catechists-week-5-an-authenticity-and-coherence-of-life/comment-page-1/#comment-2164 Karen Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:53:13 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1375#comment-2164 Well today is Friday and I have finally joined in this week....I know kids really watch a person that is a catechist.....also I work as Administrative Assistant to our Pastor and realize that I must be Christ to these people....even when I meet them outside of these surroundings.....when I was teaching 2nd grade RE I always found myself telling the children stories instead of actually go through the lesson....they wanted to hear about Jesus as a boy, with parents, and what He did.....They wanted to hear about Him as a man and how He died for us....the stories and example of others were important to them....and just as Joe said they will call you on something if you don't do what you teach. As for humility...that would have to be my Mom....she definitely never looked to be praised, rewarded....she just loved us no matter what. Another gift she had was perseverance....consistency....I pray that I could have that virtue. Her love of Our Lord and His mother was everything to her. When she died there were so many people who came to us to tell us what she did for them...things we never know anything about....we were truly blessed with Mom. She was authentic! Well today is Friday and I have finally joined in this week….I know kids really watch a person that is a catechist…..also I work as Administrative Assistant to our Pastor and realize that I must be Christ to these people….even when I meet them outside of these surroundings…..when I was teaching 2nd grade RE I always found myself telling the children stories instead of actually go through the lesson….they wanted to hear about Jesus as a boy, with parents, and what He did…..They wanted to hear about Him as a man and how He died for us….the stories and example of others were important to them….and just as Joe said they will call you on something if you don’t do what you teach.
As for humility…that would have to be my Mom….she definitely never looked to be praised, rewarded….she just loved us no matter what. Another gift she had was perseverance….consistency….I pray that I could have that virtue. Her love of Our Lord and His mother was everything to her. When she died there were so many people who came to us to tell us what she did for them…things we never know anything about….we were truly blessed with Mom. She was authentic!

]]> By: Karen http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/07/06/an-online-retreat-for-catechists-week-5-an-authenticity-and-coherence-of-life/comment-page-1/#comment-2163 Karen Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:41:42 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1375#comment-2163 Hi Mary Ann....I was so happy to hear that the number of service hours for Confirmation isn't as important as the quality of those hours....many kids go through the motions of getting their hours done...and then when you ask them what they learned or how they felt, they sort of just look at you....I know that we are stressing more involement with the Confirmation sponsor....I think that is important because you are a sponsor for this child the rest of your life....I am for my niece and nephew and I take that responsibility very seriously. I pray for Confirmandi because they are at a difficult age and we need to be examples for them....I think I mentioned this one of my comments before....what we learn in the 4 walls of church must go out to others outside those 4 walls, otherwise we are missing what being an example of Christ means. Hi Mary Ann….I was so happy to hear that the number of service hours for Confirmation isn’t as important as the quality of those hours….many kids go through the motions of getting their hours done…and then when you ask them what they learned or how they felt, they sort of just look at you….I know that we are stressing more involement with the Confirmation sponsor….I think that is important because you are a sponsor for this child the rest of your life….I am for my niece and nephew and I take that responsibility very seriously. I pray for Confirmandi because they are at a difficult age and we need to be examples for them….I think I mentioned this one of my comments before….what we learn in the 4 walls of church must go out to others outside those 4 walls, otherwise we are missing what being an example of Christ means.

]]> By: Joe http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/07/06/an-online-retreat-for-catechists-week-5-an-authenticity-and-coherence-of-life/comment-page-1/#comment-2162 Joe Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:27:23 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1375#comment-2162 Ali, don't feel bad...cradle Catholics often feel the same way! Ali, don’t feel bad…cradle Catholics often feel the same way!

]]> By: Joe http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/07/06/an-online-retreat-for-catechists-week-5-an-authenticity-and-coherence-of-life/comment-page-1/#comment-2161 Joe Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:26:01 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1375#comment-2161 Ali, thanks for the feedback! Ali, thanks for the feedback!

]]> By: Ali http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2009/07/06/an-online-retreat-for-catechists-week-5-an-authenticity-and-coherence-of-life/comment-page-1/#comment-2160 Ali Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:08:53 +0000 http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/?p=1375#comment-2160 Yes, this can be difficult for me, too. It still feels all new and sometimes foreign to me (I converted officially in December-07). I go, but worry if I'm doing something wrong or forget something, do I need to confess this or am I being scrupulous ??? and on and on. I just try to breath deeply and let it go. Yes, this can be difficult for me, too. It still feels all new and sometimes foreign to me (I converted officially in December-07). I go, but worry if I’m doing something wrong or forget something, do I need to confess this or am I being scrupulous ??? and on and on. I just try to breath deeply and let it go.

]]>