Only the children who are preparing for their first confession and Holy Communion joined the catechetical classes in this school year. This is a large group, about 15 people, because last year, due to the pandemic, First Communion was postponed. After the start of classes in September last year, the children eagerly began to attend meetings and actively participate in their preparation. But it didn’t last long, because the classes had to be canceled beginning in November.
The classes took the form of home preparation by parents. At the beginning, parents were interviewed, the topic of catechesis was discussed, and later in the week the parents themselves talked and met with their children. It was a very interesting experience, because it not only encouraged parents to be responsible, but also reminded them of the obligation to educate their children in faith. I was preparing a lesson plan, which I sent home to every family. And, of course, the question remained – will parents really get involved in conducting home catechesis? It’s hard to get an answer. The only joy is that catechesis reaches not only children but also parents.
In March,2021, meetings with children at Sunday School began again. The children were very happy that they could meet each other, talk to each other and get to know God. I was glad that after talking to the children I could see the fruits of their home work with parents and our earlier meetings. The lockdown time did not pass in vain. Children think and remember! And although it’s still some time before First Communion, there is not much left (First Communion is planned for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi), I hope that the catechesis will bear fruit and we will celebrate a solemn Mass with children this year in the dimension of their full participation. I recommend to the prayer of the Sisters, the children, their parents and myself that we may live this time of meetings with the greatest benefit for the children.
S.M. Irina Cziczerowa SAC
