CCQ #112 Why do we pray?
Below is a wonderful response to this question found at Loyola Press (http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/2016/12/why-do-we-pray/) written by Catechist Lisa Jones.
Have you ever asked kids why they pray? We spend a lot of time teaching children to say their prayers, teaching them about different ways to pray, and even spend time teaching them to write their own prayers, but we don’t often talk that much about why we pray.
In class this week we began by reading 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Someone asked what “pray without ceasing” meant, so we talked about the different ways we can pray throughout our day. The textbook explained that spending time with God in prayer strengthens our friendship with him, just as spending time with our friends helps us grow in our friendship with them. I had not thought of prayer in this way, and several of the children seemed to appreciate the idea that we grow in friendship with God when we pray.
The textbook suggested that I ask the kids why they pray. I didn’t think this was an important question at first, and I almost didn’t ask the class. During a lull, I decided to ask them anyway. What would they say to a friend who wanted to know why they prayed? I held my breath, expecting someone to say “because my parents tell me to.” Thankfully, no one gave that answer.
At first students offered typical responses: to help others get better, to ask God for help or for something, and to thank God for their blessings. As the discussion continued, a student said God comforts her when she prays; a boy said God gives him strength to do what is right. A student who usually remains quiet spoke up and said she prays to tell God she loves him.
Another girl told the class that praying with others is a way she can share God’s message as we are told to do in the Bible. I remained silent for a good 30 seconds, because this was such a deep answer for a nine-year-old. When I finally found my voice, I used her answer to point out that praying can also bring people together as a community, just like when we pray together at Mass.
A girl then shared that at a recent Mass, which was on the anniversary of her mother’s death, everyone prayed for her mother. She didn’t have to tell the class what this meant to her family—we could see it on her face.
The conversation continued as more of the kids wanted to share their thoughts on the question, and I fell in love with their answers and thoughtfulness. Listening to them made me ask myself that same question: Why do I pray? Is it out of obligation, to ask for something, or because I love spending time developing my friendship with God?
It’s a good question for students, but it is also a great question for us to ask ourselves.
Send your "Crazy Catholic Questions" to Lisa Brown at dre@ctredeemer.org. Read past columns at: www.crazycatholicquestions.blogspot.com.
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Saturday, August 19, 2017
Crazy Catholic Question #111 - Forgiveness
Some thoughts on Forgiveness…
Henri Nouwen once wrote: “To forgive another person from the heart is an act of liberation. We set that person free from the negative bonds that exist between us. We say, ‘I no longer hold your offense against you’ But there is more. We also free ourselves from the burden of being the ‘offended one.’ As long as we do not forgive those who have wounded us, we carry them with us or, worse, pull them as a heavy load. The great temptation is to cling in anger to our enemies and then define ourselves as being offended and wounded by them. Forgiveness, therefore, liberates not only the other but also ourselves. It is the way to the freedom of the children of God.”
Henri Nouwen once wrote: “To forgive another person from the heart is an act of liberation. We set that person free from the negative bonds that exist between us. We say, ‘I no longer hold your offense against you’ But there is more. We also free ourselves from the burden of being the ‘offended one.’ As long as we do not forgive those who have wounded us, we carry them with us or, worse, pull them as a heavy load. The great temptation is to cling in anger to our enemies and then define ourselves as being offended and wounded by them. Forgiveness, therefore, liberates not only the other but also ourselves. It is the way to the freedom of the children of God.”
Pope Francis says the very essence of God is Mercy. Period. End of discussion. He says the Mercy of God is the most beautiful truth of our faith. God’s love for us is so great, so deep; it is an unfailing love, one that always takes us by the hand and supports us, lifts us up, and leads us on.
Fr. Greg Boyle S.J. says “Jesus never modeled the One-False-Move-God, but rather was always proclaiming the No-Matter-Whatness of God.”
Bishop Untener once pointed out that Jesus didn't go from town to town saying, "Bring me your best and brightest." Rather, he sought out the “hot-messes” among us. He taught us that God doesn’t shun or abandon us in our darkness until we clean up and get our act together. Rather he said God loves and accepts us as we are, not as we should be.
God doesn’t love us despite our faults and failings, but rather works in and through them to bring about His kingdom. Jesus preached a God who knows that we're not perfect, that there's a dark side to our lives, that we've got some shameful memories, and that God wants to be with us in those parts of our lives where we don't feel so good about ourselves. Jesus came to say not simply "I love you," but to say, "I love you THERE, in the part of your life no one else sees.”
I long to believe in the image of God that Jesus paints for us. I want to believe in the utter foolishness of God’s mercy. That like the Good Shepherd, God would do the pastorally unthinkable, and completely outrageous thing and leave the 99 to find that one lost renegade sheep. I want to believe that I’m that precious and treasured by God; that each of us is that precious.
Today, together, we profess our belief in the power of God’s love to change and heal each of us, and for us to then change the world. No small dream. May this love seep deep into our souls this sacred day.
Send your "Crazy Catholic Questions" to Lisa Brown at dre@ctredeemer.org. Read past columns at: www.crazycatholicquestions.blogspot.com.
Fr. Greg Boyle S.J. says “Jesus never modeled the One-False-Move-God, but rather was always proclaiming the No-Matter-Whatness of God.”
Bishop Untener once pointed out that Jesus didn't go from town to town saying, "Bring me your best and brightest." Rather, he sought out the “hot-messes” among us. He taught us that God doesn’t shun or abandon us in our darkness until we clean up and get our act together. Rather he said God loves and accepts us as we are, not as we should be.
God doesn’t love us despite our faults and failings, but rather works in and through them to bring about His kingdom. Jesus preached a God who knows that we're not perfect, that there's a dark side to our lives, that we've got some shameful memories, and that God wants to be with us in those parts of our lives where we don't feel so good about ourselves. Jesus came to say not simply "I love you," but to say, "I love you THERE, in the part of your life no one else sees.”
I long to believe in the image of God that Jesus paints for us. I want to believe in the utter foolishness of God’s mercy. That like the Good Shepherd, God would do the pastorally unthinkable, and completely outrageous thing and leave the 99 to find that one lost renegade sheep. I want to believe that I’m that precious and treasured by God; that each of us is that precious.
Today, together, we profess our belief in the power of God’s love to change and heal each of us, and for us to then change the world. No small dream. May this love seep deep into our souls this sacred day.
Send your "Crazy Catholic Questions" to Lisa Brown at dre@ctredeemer.org. Read past columns at: www.crazycatholicquestions.blogspot.com.
Saturday, August 12, 2017
Crazy Catholic Question #110 - Atrium Training
CCQ #110: Is there special training for someone who is interested in becoming a catechist in our faith formation program in the atrium (Catechesis of the Good Shepherd style)?
Yes there is! First off, if you haven’t visited our new Level 2 atrium, let me invite you to a little open house and guided tour after our homecoming “Mass in the Grass.” Look for the signs or ask around for Lisa Brown (big nose, big smile at the door, that would be me) and I’ll be eager and delighted to bend your ear for a few minutes about this brilliant, Montessori style of faith formation that we began instituting here at CTR in 2015 (visit www.cgsusa.org for details or read a wonderful article on the CGS method in America magazine at this link: www.americamagazine.org/issue/667/article/faith-child).
AND secondly, lest our K-8 Coordinators come with pitchforks to permanently remove me from my position as DRE, you DON’T need the “official” 90 hours of formal Catechesis of the Good Shepherd training to serve as a catechist in our program. All we need is your dedication and interest. We have a short catechist orientation coming up Tuesday, Sept. 19th at 6PM OR Wednesday, Sept. 20th at 11AM. Short, sweet and we give you every single thing you need to be an effective catechist for our children; an immeasurably valuable role in appropriating our faith to the next generation. Need not have children to volunteer! All that is needed is a welcoming way and a willingness to be present and kind to our little ones and you are in! That being said….
If our program is to continue to grow, we really DO need at least 15-20 of our CTR members to seriously consider taking the formal training (which is recognized by our Archdiocese for official, resume worthy certification). If you can dedicate one Saturday a month from now until June to this beautiful, retreat-like catechist formation course, the training begins Saturday, Sept. 16th at 9AM with Sr. Nancy Ayotte, IHM (who is absolutely mesmerizing). We are especially looking for members of our community who have a calling to work with 3-6 year olds because we are praying and dreaming about expanding our atrium offerings to this age group. Developmentally, around age six, children begin to imagine God as a judge, so it’s important to have the central parable of the Good Shepherd firmly in place before our children hit that milestone.
If you feel God tugging on your sleeve (or your heart), Sr. Nancy usually allows people to attend the first class for free (I guarantee you will fall in love with CGS within the first 2 hours) and Lisa Brown (that would be me) is always available for a chat over coffee (please, give me a reason to visit Starbucks!). Blessings to you and yours as we begin this new year of spiritual knowing and growing!
Visit www.crazycatholicquestions.blogspot.com to review past articles or send your question/comment to Lisa Brown at dre@ctredeemer.org
AND secondly, lest our K-8 Coordinators come with pitchforks to permanently remove me from my position as DRE, you DON’T need the “official” 90 hours of formal Catechesis of the Good Shepherd training to serve as a catechist in our program. All we need is your dedication and interest. We have a short catechist orientation coming up Tuesday, Sept. 19th at 6PM OR Wednesday, Sept. 20th at 11AM. Short, sweet and we give you every single thing you need to be an effective catechist for our children; an immeasurably valuable role in appropriating our faith to the next generation. Need not have children to volunteer! All that is needed is a welcoming way and a willingness to be present and kind to our little ones and you are in! That being said….
If our program is to continue to grow, we really DO need at least 15-20 of our CTR members to seriously consider taking the formal training (which is recognized by our Archdiocese for official, resume worthy certification). If you can dedicate one Saturday a month from now until June to this beautiful, retreat-like catechist formation course, the training begins Saturday, Sept. 16th at 9AM with Sr. Nancy Ayotte, IHM (who is absolutely mesmerizing). We are especially looking for members of our community who have a calling to work with 3-6 year olds because we are praying and dreaming about expanding our atrium offerings to this age group. Developmentally, around age six, children begin to imagine God as a judge, so it’s important to have the central parable of the Good Shepherd firmly in place before our children hit that milestone.
If you feel God tugging on your sleeve (or your heart), Sr. Nancy usually allows people to attend the first class for free (I guarantee you will fall in love with CGS within the first 2 hours) and Lisa Brown (that would be me) is always available for a chat over coffee (please, give me a reason to visit Starbucks!). Blessings to you and yours as we begin this new year of spiritual knowing and growing!
Visit www.crazycatholicquestions.blogspot.com to review past articles or send your question/comment to Lisa Brown at dre@ctredeemer.org
Saturday, August 5, 2017
Crazy Catholic Question #109: Motivation
CCQ #109: What motivates you to get to church on the weekend?
Many thanks to the parents who gifted us with the presence of their children during our summer program that just wrapped up last week. We hope the kids had two-weeks filled with joy, grace and love...and lots of learning about our faith!
My daughter Vivienne, age 7, made a new best friend, Drea, during our summer program and on the commute in on the last day she said “I’m so said I won’t see Drea anymore.” I don’t’ know about you, but sometimes the only thing that gets me motivated to go to church on the weekends is the friends I see here. Sometimes I just need to be around people who share my values and my desire to understand better and draw nearer to God. People who help me, through their friendship, to stay close to God and to hold tight to the hope found there. Friends who encourage me when I’m feeling down or lost and remind me to just keep “showing up” and be still before God and believe, like me, that only good can come from this spiritual practice. These friendships are a well from which I drink on Sundays, often arriving quite parched; refreshment is found both at Mass and after Mass chatting with my friends. So, why would it be any different for our kids? They like seeing their friends and sometimes that is the only thing that makes them want to come to church (and the donuts...never forget the power of the donut). There are worse motivations. Friendship is just God with skin on; the incarnation giving us a hug when we need one.
Mass and/or Playdate in the Atrium
So, an invitation, particularly for our summer families to help keep our children, and ourselves, in touch over the school year - consider making our weekly weekend Masses Sat at 5PM and Sun at 9 and 11AM a priority on your stacked calendar and/or setting up a playdate in the Atrium. There is a binder in each atrium with all our lessons (so far), written out word for word, so basically its reading a lesson to your child as she/he shows you how to work with the materials (or the “works” as they are called). Just call our office to let us know the day and time of your playdate so we can be sure the atrium is cooled/heated to a comfortable temperature for your playdate. And yes, the children are allowed to water and care for our plants in our atria….
Church PTA
I’m looking for a few interested individuals to work with me on establishing a Parent Association, like the PTA, for our families here at CTR. This team would plan mid-year gatherings for our summer families, perhaps bring in a speaker and host one or two parent “topic” nights, or maybe even collectively write an editorial for the paper pushing back just a little bit towards sports teams/competitive dance, etc. who are encroaching a bit on our family life—not in a hostile manner but rather just to start the conversation on the importance of protecting family time. Just some possible ideas. Contact me, Lisa Brown, at dre@ctredeemer.org if you are interested. Wishing your family peace and lots of down-time during these last few weeks of summer!
Here is a little poem that touched me, especially as a parent, during these lush days of summer:
“The Peace Of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
Many thanks to the parents who gifted us with the presence of their children during our summer program that just wrapped up last week. We hope the kids had two-weeks filled with joy, grace and love...and lots of learning about our faith!
My daughter Vivienne, age 7, made a new best friend, Drea, during our summer program and on the commute in on the last day she said “I’m so said I won’t see Drea anymore.” I don’t’ know about you, but sometimes the only thing that gets me motivated to go to church on the weekends is the friends I see here. Sometimes I just need to be around people who share my values and my desire to understand better and draw nearer to God. People who help me, through their friendship, to stay close to God and to hold tight to the hope found there. Friends who encourage me when I’m feeling down or lost and remind me to just keep “showing up” and be still before God and believe, like me, that only good can come from this spiritual practice. These friendships are a well from which I drink on Sundays, often arriving quite parched; refreshment is found both at Mass and after Mass chatting with my friends. So, why would it be any different for our kids? They like seeing their friends and sometimes that is the only thing that makes them want to come to church (and the donuts...never forget the power of the donut). There are worse motivations. Friendship is just God with skin on; the incarnation giving us a hug when we need one.
Mass and/or Playdate in the Atrium
So, an invitation, particularly for our summer families to help keep our children, and ourselves, in touch over the school year - consider making our weekly weekend Masses Sat at 5PM and Sun at 9 and 11AM a priority on your stacked calendar and/or setting up a playdate in the Atrium. There is a binder in each atrium with all our lessons (so far), written out word for word, so basically its reading a lesson to your child as she/he shows you how to work with the materials (or the “works” as they are called). Just call our office to let us know the day and time of your playdate so we can be sure the atrium is cooled/heated to a comfortable temperature for your playdate. And yes, the children are allowed to water and care for our plants in our atria….
Church PTA
I’m looking for a few interested individuals to work with me on establishing a Parent Association, like the PTA, for our families here at CTR. This team would plan mid-year gatherings for our summer families, perhaps bring in a speaker and host one or two parent “topic” nights, or maybe even collectively write an editorial for the paper pushing back just a little bit towards sports teams/competitive dance, etc. who are encroaching a bit on our family life—not in a hostile manner but rather just to start the conversation on the importance of protecting family time. Just some possible ideas. Contact me, Lisa Brown, at dre@ctredeemer.org if you are interested. Wishing your family peace and lots of down-time during these last few weeks of summer!
Here is a little poem that touched me, especially as a parent, during these lush days of summer:
“The Peace Of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry
When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.
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