Kathy MacKenzie has been involved in youth faith formation for the past 12 years, most recently as Director of Religious Education at St. Timothy Parish in Norwood, MA. We asked her to tell us about a favorite moment in the faith-formation year.
Any moment at which I see the bright light of understanding dawning on young faces, an expression of wonder and awe at the beauty that is God’s grace, is an instant of pure joy for me. This I witness most vividly as Spring approaches—First Communion season. Each year, I have the blessed gift of accompanying our second graders as they approach the time at which Jesus first enters them in this new and special way. One of the great honors I have is to practice with them the art of receiving prior to First Communion day, including their first taste of the host—unconsecrated, of course! Curiously they look at the host placed in their hands; tentatively they grasp it with their fingers, mesmerized; slowly they bring it to their lips. Placing it on their tongue, time is suspended for a second as they look up, pondering whether they like the taste. Gently I remind them to make the Sign of the Cross, an act of love for Jesus. Their reverie is broken, and having blessed themselves they move on. I have witnessed a beautiful moment indeed!
What is your favorite moment in the catechetical year?
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