Welcome to another edition of Catechists in Action where we have an opportunity to watch real-life catechists teaching their weekly religious education sessions. Today, we meet Steve Lascola, a 3rd grade catechist at Most Holy Redeemer parish in Evergreen Park, IL. Steve’s “day job” is coaching so we have another opportunity to see how a guy with a coaching mentality translates that into catechetical ministry. It is especially unique to see a guy like Steve working with such a young grade – 3rd graders – with whom he has a very nice rapport (as you’ll see unfold in the days to come). Watch for the following:
- We meet Steve and he gives us a brief overview of his plan for the evening: exploring the Sacrament of Reconciliation and then welcoming the Associate Pastor, Fr. Matt, in to do a Q & A with the kids on going to confession.
- Steve shows us one of the completed assignments that a student brought in: he gave a “Good Samaritan” assignment, basically asking the kids to keep track of when they performed a good deed or work of mercy (showed love, shared, forgave someone, shared a smile, prayed for someone, helped someone). I like the idea of giving THIS kind of “homework” to kids because it invites them to put into action what they are learning and to practice their faith.
- Steve and his aide make final preparations before Steve asks one of the kids (notice he calls him by name…he knows all of his kids’ names) to close the door so class can formally begin.
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