I mentioned a while back that I will be taking the young people aside one at a time to check whether or not they have taken to heart the prayers outlined in the parish curriculum. I begin tonight. (As I do this, Patti will be conducting the lesson).
I’m going to do this in a prayerful manner. Before we begin, I’m going to ask each of them if there is someone or some need they would like us to be praying for. Together, we’ll pray the Sign of the Cross and then we will pray together the Our Father and the Hail, Mary (I will pray the 1st part of each and ask them to pray the 2nd part). Then, we’ll enter into a prayerful discussion about the Mysteries of the Rosary and the Stations of the Cross, giving me the opportunity to see how well they know these. Then, we’ll do the same with the remaining prayers that are outlined. Finally, I’ll offer the opportunity for them to ask any questions they may have and I will offer a little feedback as well. We’ll close by praying together the Glory Be, again with me praying the first part and them praying the second part.
My hope is that they will not feel like they are being tested but rather “coached” (I would use the word “discipled” but I doubt that they would think in those terms.)
I’ll let you know how things are going with this over the next few weeks. If you have any similar experiences, please share them.
Prayers are much more to be memorized, they should also be written on our hearts. It sounds like a wonderful way for you to gauge both. By having an exchange like you described, I can only imagine it will be as rewarding for you as will be helpful for the children.
I am duly impressed 😉
Ali, you’re right on target. That’s why I like to use the term “take to heart” rather than “memorize.”