Ah, summer... I always start out feeling like I'm going to have all sorts of time to do all sorts of things at home and at work; go to parks, clean out storage closets, get all my ducks in neat little rows. But then, of course, there's Vacation Bible School in July, so the first two months get dedicated to pulling off those 4 days. Then there's the week off for family time at the cabin, and by the time I get back to the office, the back-to-school sales have started. Time to buckle down and plan, plan plan!
The two big things on my radar screen right now: Parent Orientation in September and our first G.I.F.T. (Growing in Faith Together) family session in October. This year the Parent Orientation presents a new challenge: something has changed, and it must be communicated. We have bitten the bullet, so to speak, and are adjusting our programs to prepare children for First Reconciliation before First Eucharist. There are different arguments as to the effectiveness of this approach. Developmentally, it can easily be argued that fourth grade is more appropriate for confession. However, Theologically, we have been directed to cleanse them before feeding them. Although I personally had some concerns about making the change, I think we've found a good way to "make it work" as Tim Gunn would say (I'm a big Project Runway fan).
The concern, and it is certainly not new, is that children will in fact be making their first & last confession in one fell swoop; they'll get it "over with" and never return to what can and should be a beautiful healing Sacrament. Our attempt at a solution: We will prepare children (mostly second graders) for First Reconciliation in the fall, celebrate in winter, move on to Eucharist preparation, and celebrate that in the spring. It will all be rolled in to one big Sacramental prep program (and this year we will also have to "catch up" those who have already received Eucharist but not yet Reconciliation). But here's the kicker: every year at G.I.F.T. we will revisit the concept of Reconciliation with kids and parents, and all families will be invited and encouraged to attend the celebration. Will it work? We don't know. It will probably click with some families and not with others, but it's better than nothing at all. How cool would it be if even just some of our kids come out seeing the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a regular, familiar, and comforting part of celebrating their Catholic faith?
We can only hope. And pray.
