Some reflections from Catechetical Leaders from across the Country
Pat Novak, Diocesan Coordinator of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Richmond
“Virginia Tech is part of our diocese. Here are some sources that I think you will find helpful. Let's pray for each other that we may be the presence of God in a new way.”
• http://www.apa.org/topics/schoolshooting.html
• Children and Parents: Talking with Kids about Violence http://healthresources.caremark.com/article/plainprimer/100234508
• Tragic Times, Healing Words http://www.sesameworkshop.org/parents/advice/article.php?contentId=49560
• Talking with Kids about News http://www.talkingwithkids.org/television/twk-news.html
• Can School Shootings be prevented? http://www.kidspeace.org/pdf/SchoolShooting_Langman.pdf
• Ten tips regarding talking to your Child about School shootings http://www.kidspeace.org/SchoolShootingPreventionTips.htm#ten
Jane Regan, Boston College
“Total Community Catechesis is always about forming a community of believers who are sent out to bring the Gospel into all of creation. At some level this involves an awareness of the events of the day (signs of the times) that shape our consciousness and modes of interaction. Our response to these events as Christians, as human beings serves as the foundation. In addition, as religious educators, we have the task (and the privilege) of helping people to bring their lives and the Christian tradition into dialogue. We are called to ask ourselves and to ask others the fundamental theological question: So what? So what do our beliefs, our practices, and our faith call from us in light of these events? Where in your pastoral setting do youth and adults have the chance to gather and talk about this kind of event in an explicitly Christian context or from an explicitly faith-filled perspective? “
David M. Riley, Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, Archdiocese of Cincinnati
“Perhaps Total Community Catechesis could be a vehicle to begin to name the violence in which we swim, and to help families develop ways of solving problems with non violent means. “
Leisa Anslinger, Pastoral Associate, Evangelization, Catechesis and Stewardship
Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Cincinnati, OH
We are “called to be witnesses in the face of violence, poverty, and fear.
We have dealt with such topics within adult and intergenerational catechetical opportunities at our parish. Nothing has been beyond our exploration, positive or negative, painful or cause for rejoicing. Often, the participants are drawn into topics they would not likely consider on their own, but in the company of others, with a gifted speaker or facilitator, they’re deeply appreciative of the conversation, and the changes that happen in their lives as a result. Through such events, our community has become more aware of, and responsive to, the needs of others throughout the city and world, and the challenges of being community in flesh and blood for one another.”
It is our responsibility to fashion catechesis that challenges and consoles, prods and prays, and draws others to the beauty of Christ’s presence and the call to be Christ’s presence in our world, no matter how troubled it becomes.”
Joyce Solimini, Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, Diocese of Albany
“In this Easter season where we "mystagogically" reflect on the Paschal mystery, the events of the past couple weeks - at Rutgers University and at Virginia Tech -- offer us a powerful opportunity to connect this core belief of our faith and how it plays in real life. In the spirit of the Scrutinies that we celebrated this Lent, we know we must name and confront the darkness of violence. The tragedy of yet another school violence event at Virginia Tech calls us to name the darkness and engage in the dialogue. What are the factors in our lives as individuals, families, culture that cause people to lash out against each other - in violent words and actions? What are alternative ways of living? How do we recognize and respond to desperate cries for help before they erupt in violence? After we name and confront the darkness, we, as Christians, acknowledge the power of God over sin and death. What do the Scriptures, Tradition, our collective experience say about resurrection and hope? How are we empowered as the Body of Christ, living in the Spirit, to confront the darkness? How do we "light one candle and walk in light" as we did at the Easter vigil?”
Pam Neumann, Pastoral Associate, St. Catherine of Siena Parish,Austin, TX
“How would you reach out to your families this week? What questions would you ask? What prayers would you offer with them and for them? How would you help them see the relationship between the gifts of the spirit, their lives and the world we are surrounded by?
Dan Mulhall- USCCB
“Total Community Catechesis is primarily about building up a true, Catholic, community. A community where we know others intimately, where we are concerned about others welfare, and where we make special efforts to reach out to everyone in need.
Anne Marie Mahoney, Coordinator of Religious Education, Saint Joseph Parish
Belmont, MA.
“In Total Community Catechesis, how do we model caring, supportive, faith based connections and teach our parish communities to reach out to the unconnected?”
Wendy Scherbart, Associate for Catechetical Ministry, Diocese of San Jose, CA
“Richard J. Reichert in his book, Renewing Catechetical Ministry states those who evangelize need to discern the hungers of the human spirit and gradually help others recognize how the good news of Jesus can answer these hungers:
• hunger to be loved
• hunger for intimacy and personal relationships
• hunger for participation in community
• hunger for a hope for the future
As church we need to reach out to others and affirm that God loves them.
We are on this journey together. We need to create opportunities for being in contact with those who desire to hear the good news. We need to share the good news in language, metaphors, and images that take into account the influence of today’s culture. We need to invite others to join in community to make the world a better place.”
