One of the things I love about spending time with my very young grandchildren is being privy to their moments of wonder.
An amazing monsignor, who spent many years as a diocesan director of religious education, recently reminded me that “children are open to wonder, and we need to capitalize on that,” sharing that a friendship and relationship with Jesus, is among those moments of wonder, and is one of the mysteries that we can help them unfold as they grow.
He stressed the importance of religious education programs to be attentive to children and young people, and to connect them to the sacramental aspects of our faith, with the Eucharist being top priority. Talk about a moment of wonder.
More than 50 years ago, renowned conservationist, Rachel Carson, began work on an essay that would, after her death, become the best-selling book, “The Sense of Wonder: A Celebration of Nature for Parents and Children.” In it she writes, “If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder… he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.”
While Rachel focused on nature, which in itself is a revelation of God, her thought is meaningful in the realm of religious faith, as well, where every child needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share the wonder of sacramental faith, with its joy, excitement and mystery.
Being such a companion is the privilege of every Catholic school teacher and catechist. As we embark on the journey, there are several important things to do:
Nurture your own sense of wonder – Remember the words of Scripture: “And a little child will lead them.” Rediscover your wonder by catching it from your students. Of course, this is easier when students are young because they begin to lose that sense as they approach puberty. If you teach middle or high school students, ask them what makes them wonder, and be prepared to share some of your own observations, as well.
Step out of the noise – Give yourself the gift of quiet and use that time to reflect on what you see or hear or use that time for prayer. Noise is one of the greatest distractions to the spiritual life, for adults and children. Give your students that gift, as well, either in the classroom or the sacred space of the church or chapel.
Find a spiritual director – Retreat centers and religious orders often have spiritual directors in residence. Your diocesan offices may also have a list of certified spiritual directors. As my monsignor friend reminded me, “It’s important we never stop growing in our faith.” As we grow, we come to embrace, or rediscover, the joy, excitement and mystery that we want to share with our young students, as they grow in their faith, as well.
Mine your religious education textbooks – There is not only a wealth of information in all of the RCL Benziger religion curriculum texts, but a trove of suggestions, examples and tips for engaging students in the formation of their faith. Some of them will fit in perfectly as you tap into your students’ sense of religious wonder and deepen their relationship with God.
This post appears on RCL Benziger's blog, Faith Fuel, for Catholic school teachers, catechists and parents.
Chris Malineo photo on Unsplash.
About the Author
Mary Clifford Morrell, mother of six and grandmother to 10, is a Catholic journalist, author, and syndicated columnist who has served the Dioceses of Metuchen and Trenton, New Jersey; Burlington, Vermont, and RENEW International in the areas of catechesis and communication.