PREPARING 350 CHILDREN FOR THEIR FIRST COMMUNION
I watched from the sidelines after having entered the double doors with a huge colourful BIENVENIDOS sign. In an oversized gymnasium like structure with a cement floor, cement block walls and a bamboo roof sat children in circle groups of 10 or 12 with an adult keenly observing.
These 350 children were preparing to make their First Communion.
The wall behind the stage was colourfully decorated with one foot high letters spelling EUCHARIST and taking center place was a childish like image of Santa Rosa de Lima.
A young man who has had years of experience with Catechesis Familiar held his microphone firmly as he engaged the children in the first presentation of the morning. In my conversation with him later he spoke highly of Sister Nora who began Catechesis Familiar in this parish.
The children were instructed to arrive with a pen, coloured pencils and excitement to be present.
The overall theme for the day was the Eucharist and the use of the Bible was reviewed as the children searched for the location of each Biblical Reading.
A short break in the morning offered the opportunity for the children to get a quick bite to eat and or drink as well as a wild run through the cemented space that also served as the playground for games during recess time at Collegio San Jose, (the school opened by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Pembroke over 50 years ago). At 9:30 all the children, their parents and group animators attended the Mass celebrated in the church. After Mass, a return to the huge auditorium to continue with the final themes.
Each circle has an adult accompanying the small group. They are referred to animadores and throughout the year they gather the children in their neighbourhood who wish to make their first communion. Weekly meetings are held of children with their animators and the parents with their “guides”. The theme for the week is reviewed. Parents are guided to present it to the children, as well as the animators who review it with a different focus with their group of neighbourhood children.
During the snack break I spoke to a few of the animators and asked them about their involvement and if it has affected their personal lives. Immediately one animator responded with her history.
“I participated in the program when I was going to make my own First Communion. After my Confirmation the opportunity was given to us to get involved as an animator with the First Communion program. Belonging to the animators’ group and encouraged by some adults, I decided my profession as a teacher and am very happy teaching children”.
“I know that I am richer spiritually. I also know that it has helped us as a family”.
“In school, as a teacher, I use much that I have learned from being an animator in my religions classes.”
“I feel comfortable talking about my faith in a way that children and friends understand”.
My day was enriched with my experience and I gave thanks to la Hermana Nora Kelly for her wisdom in selecting this type of program that has endured over all these years assisting children, their families and their neighbourhoods.... and Gracias a las Hermana’s Gloria y Maria as they have continued it throughout their years of pastoral presence in the Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Fatima ........ La Catequesis Familiar
- by Sister Mabel St. Louis, csj with contributions by Sisters Maria and Gloria
