Of the many hats that I wear, one of them is as the author of the regular feature What’s Your Catholic IQ? in Catechist Magazine. Lots of catechists enjoy this regular feature and I enjoy writing it because I learn a lot in my research! Check it out: What’s Your Catholic IQ? January, 2010.

Here I am brushing up on my Catholic IQ!

Yesterday, I provided a rather glowing summary of Monday evening’s Confirmation Intensive. Indeed, the evening overall went very well and was a positive experience. On the other hand, there are always a few moments that provide sobering reminders of the troubles that some of these kids have.

The Confirmation Intensives allows me the opportunity to catch a glimpse, so to speak, of each of the five 8th grade classes. For the most part, each of the classes was very cooperative and the kids well-behaved. One class, in particular, was a handful, mainly because of one young man who seemed like he could care less about Confirmation and unfortunately, influenced others in his group.

During the 10 minute session, this young man paid little attention, didn’t open his book, and engaged in side-talking throughout. At one point, I noticed that he had taken the little foil croziers they had just made in a previous class and was shredding it. A few moments later, I saw that he was stuffing the pieces of foil in his mouth. Holding a wastebasket, I confronted him and told him to spit it out and to pick up all the pieces that were strewn about him.

A few moments later, as we were reading some brief sections of the text, I went over to stand by him since he was side-talking, not reading along, and laughing. I told him that he should think twice about laughing at the Holy Spirit whom we were talking about. He said he wasn’t laughing at the Holy Spirit but at what his friend was saying, and in a very unrepentant attitude, asked: “You mean to tell me that you wouldn’t laugh if you heard something funny?” I responded, “Not if I was supposed to be paying attention to someone and something more important.” What I really wanted to say was, “Where did you learn to talk to your elders like that?!”  I stood over him (he was seated) and leaned in and said in a calm, soft, but stern voice, “You should think twice about what and who you’re paying attention to and the fact that if you’re listening to your friend during class, you’re ignoring the Holy Spirit.”

He eventually opened his book and unenthusiastically followed directions for the activity we did (making the mini-mobiles of symbols of the Holy Spirit) all the while procrastinating as much as possible.

I was saddened by the experience of encountering a young person who was passing up such a wonderful opportunity to grow as an individual and to deepen his relationship with God. Some kids are just not there. Some are carrying baggage that prohibits them from opening up to God’s grace. I know that his catechist is experiencing this challenge on a weekly basis and he (the catechist) is a fantastic role model for this young man. I hope and pray that he and all of us who come into contact with this young man and others like him can make an impact through our words and actions.

What kind of difficult moments like this have you faced?

I made mention in my post yesterday that my initial research into the history of Las Posadas indicates some Jesuit origins. Well, you can’t believe everything you read on the Internet! 2 of my colleagues – Santiago Cortés-Sjöberg and Miguel Arias – set me straight on the matter.

It seems that it was the Augustinians who introduced Las Posadas as a way to evangelize the Aztecs in the 16th century. The Augustinians requested and received papal permission in 1586 to celebrate a novena of masses on the 9 days before Christmas, the same time that the Aztecs traditionally celebrated the birth of their sun god. The Augustinians incorporated elements of Las Pastorelas (shepherd plays) that the Jesuits promoted in Spain (therein lies the remote Jesuit connection to Las Posadas!) as a catechetical tool to teach about the birth of Christ!

In fact, Las Pastorelas continues to be a big deal for many Hispanics. Think I’m making this up, take a look at this YouTube video of a Las Pastorelas in which Michael the Archangel defeats Satan (and then take note of how many results appear on the playlist when doing a search for Las Pastorelas)!

Catechists who teach Hispanics can capitalize on this cultural phenomenon to invite young people to role play as a catechetical learning strategy.

Here’s another opportunity for you to find enrichment during this wonderful Advent season. Loyola Press is hosting an Advent retreat on the Days of Deepening Frienship Web site. The retreat features a new Advent article each week written by some pretty talented authors!

• November 30: James Martin, SJ, shares tips on going from the secular to the spiritual in our Christmas preparations and celebrations.
• December 7:  Liz Kelly will share some insight on Advent rituals and traditions.
• December 14: Fr. Dom Grassi will help us find grace at otherwise harried Christmas events.
• December 21: Joan Wester Anderson will write about Advent as the season of hope.

Also, during the week, there will be postings of other prayers, poems, and reflections on the Advent season and a tab for posting your own Advent story, poem, or prayer. The retreat also has a video reflection on Advent by my colleague and fellow author Vinita Hampton Wright.

Check it out here.