Best response to parents’/parishioners’ hesitations: You never go it alone — not in life, not in a classroom of kids learning about Christ and Catholicism. Telling a young enquiring mind, “You know, I’m not quite sure. The church has been around for more than 2,000 years and has offered so many good answers and ways to teach us that I’ll have to look that one up for you…” Or keep a log of questions for the next time your priest or DRE visits the class (when I subbed for Grade 5 a few times, and used an AV source, I allowed them to pop up from their desk and write their sincere questions on the board) — almost a fun sort of “Stump the DRE” challenge! Bottom line: I keep coming back to the whole Body of Christ definition for the church — none of us is complete unto ourselves. We all need each other — for answers, for help, for support — in our neverending quest to live a Christlike life. The sooner kids realize that, the sooner they’ll experience a living faith instead of a “head trip.”

1. I don’t know if I can handle a group of kids

Ok, I wanted to answer these point by point, but this one already has me stumped, lol. I’m not good with crowd control myself, and my 6 littles were experts at steering our class to the realms or princess parties and dog doo-doo. So I’ll wait for answers on this one myself
2. I’m not sure that I have anything to share

Everyone has life experiences that relate to our faith. Share your’s and ask the kids to share their’s.

3. I’m not sure that I know just what the Church teaches

Heck, neither do I! LOL I’ve not even fully entered the Church yet (due to annulment proceedings and such). I just follow the curriculum, visit the church, read books, and let the kids do their own little thing. They learn all the time, just our being there sets a good example for them. They learn that God and Church are important from that, it all flows together.

4. I’m afraid I’ll say something wrong

Own up to it if you do. Kids are very forgiving. Everyone does this at times, even our priests.

5. I don’t know if I’ll be able to answer kids’ questions

Be honest with them. Tell them you aren’t sure, but will check on that and get back to them. Then do it. No one knows everything, we all need help.

6. I’m not that holy…I’m just a regular person

God works through and with all of us. Even the most humble of his servants. And we are all his servants, never doubt that!

7. I don’t know if I have the time

With good support and curriculum, time spent preparing can be minimal. Not to discount prep time, but don’t let this stop you. Besides, it’s MNSHO, that some stuff is more important needs to have time made for it. I can take time away from my internet activities to prepare for CCD if I needed to.

8. I don’t have any formal training to teach

Ha! Neither do I, and I homeschool my kids on top of that.

9. I don’t know if kids will like me

Kids love everyone. Show an interest in them and they will be kind and generous back to you.

10. I’ve never taught before

Again, see #8. LOL Seriously, though, we are all teachers whether we realize it or not. What we do and how we act, how we present ourself to the world, teaches people. It’s whether those are good things or bad that may yet to be answered. But we do teach every single day.

I’ve seen most of these points brought up against homeschooling as well. And that’s a subject very near and dear to my heart, so I’ve given it lots of thought.

Have a nice vacation, Joe!

Hi Joe,

Just wondering if I may please have your permission to use these questions in a bulletin ad to recruit catechists for our RE program. I was hoping to use your questions and answer them in our space. You can reply to me at the email I provided. Hope you had a great vacation Thanks so much in advance for considering this.