One of the best things about a blog such as Catechist’s Journey is that it is not a one-way street where I do all the talking! I love to read and respond to your comments and e-mails and especially enjoy taking unscientific surveys to learn more about the visitors to Catechist’s Journey.
We had fun and learned a great deal from our last poll question, which asked you to share how long you have been serving as a catechist. Some of the stories you shared were so inspiring!
Now I invite you to respond to the poll question below asking what age group you work with as a catechist. As with the previous poll, please leave a comment sharing some of your thoughts about the age group you work with (what you like best about them; what’s the biggest challenge) and/or how you got into working with this age group. I look forward to hearing from you!
I accepted a position working with high schoolers 14 years ago, as one of my children was in the class and they were in need of a teacher.
What I enjoy most about this age group is their maturity, compared to younger students (!), and the fact that I feel I can strongly influence their understanding of the Catholic Church.
Thanks for sharing, Leanne, and for dedicating yourself to working with adolescents to bring them closer to Christ!
I love teaching Second Grade with extra night classes for Sacramental Preparation for both First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. The reward of watching these children begin to understand what being and living as a Catholic means.
Thanks for doing “double-duty” Sara!
I’ve primarily taught 1st grade, but I’ve also had Kinders combined with my 1st graders and this year I taught 6th grader. And it is looking like I’ll be moving up to 2nd next year as that teacher is sick. I like teaching the younger ones though. I love introducing them to the basics of the faith and they are so enthusiastic about learning at that age.
Thanks for sharing, Karen. It is indeed a joy when children are enthusiastic about learning!
I am a 3rd grade catechist where both Holy Communion and Confirmation are received at the same time. The children this age are eager to be a part of the church family and can’t wait to be able to receive the host like their parents and siblings. I love being part of preparing them to receive Jesus for the first time, and helping them along their faith journey.
Thanks, Carol. What a gift to prepare children to receive the Eucharist!
…I love the energy of teenagers, their openness- once effective icebreakers have been introduced- and their joy. It is such a difficult age, and I personally wouldn’t want to go back to it, but b/c Christ met me there most profoundly, He has called me to minister to, with & for this age group. Blessed!
Thanks, Naomi. I share your notion that being a teen is very difficult and a time I wouldn’t want to re-visit but that God wants people like you to be with his children at this fragile and volatile age. Thank you for responding to that call!
I’ve taught grades 1st through 5th, and 1st grade is the BEST level to teach! Oh my gosh, they’re sweet, messy, inquisitive, moody, sassy, loving, and eager to please you. They’re like little sponges, soaking up information. And they can be quite “wise”, when they can connect the Gospel to their lives. Sure, some can’t read well, but that doesn’t stop them from trying to learn their prayers. My DRE was going to assign me to 2nd grade for next year…I begged her to leave me in 1st grade! Never a dull moment with 1st graders!
Thanks, Veronica…what a wonderful description of 1st graders. You obviously have such great love for them!