Catechesis for the Littlest Ones

My sweet Sean-Paul is pictured here completing his very first Mass Kit Presentation with me this morning. 

He has "matured" so much in the past six months that now he is actually able to sit through the presentation and handle the materials more delicately.  He has gained much better control over his hand coordination and carefulness when doing his work. 

When you think about how beautiful these pieces are to us, and then think about how tempting and delightful they are to the littlest person, it's no wonder that their greatest desire is to touch and hold them and all they can think about. 

How wonderful our job as parents it is to impart into their hearts these deep roots of our faith with such simple, beautiful objects and words.

As I carefully placed each item before him, (I had decided ahead of time to give him the bell to keep his hands full while I presented) and said each part "altar", "altar cloth", "candles", "crucifix", his sweet little voice was as clear as the bell as he repeated it all back to me.  Talk about melting hearts!

When he had finished his turn in placing all of the objects onto the altar, I told him it was time to ring the bell and call his sister and brothers to come in and see his work.  He let everyone have a turn at ringing (even me) after they lovingly marveled at his accomplishment and then we all sang Immaculate Mary.  Again his little clear voice singing this hymn brought sweet tears of satisfaction to my eyes in knowing that he was more proud than I was and that our hearts were so full.

After his siblings departed back to their work, I helped him carefully clear the altar, kiss Jesus, and place everything back on it's tray.  I told him he did such a good job that from now on, anytime that he wanted to practice the Mass Kit work, he just had to ask mommy and I would get it down for him.  He immediately said, "OK, mommy, let's do it again right now."  Do you think we did it again, you betcha!!

The Home Catechesis Albums by Moira Farrell sold through Our Father's House are one of the best Religion tools I have invested in yet.  I am so pleased with the ease of the Presentations and how simply yet, deeply they impart the faith to even the littlest of disciples.  Leading my children through these lessons and presentations is a window to heaven for them.  They are encouraged to work repeatedly with the material while further gaining the depth of knowledge that is Our Lord in their own way. 

I have always wanted a picture window into my children's souls, but knowing that I am giving them their own view is really much more valuable.  Helping my children build a relationship with Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary is no small task, but with hearts like these, it'll be my biggest joy!!

Many blessings in your day!!

 

Comments

[AnneMarie]

Meredith,
This is a beautiful post. It brought tears to my eyes. What an inspiration you and your family are! God bless you and your family!

[Andrea]

Beautiful post, Meredith. You have inspired me to present the Altar set-up to my daughter. I have done several group presentations, but her older brothers always dominate those. She is 3-and-a-half and I bet she would love the one-on-one lesson. Thanks!

[Marianne]

I agree with everything you've said about this album! It's been my most pleasant surprise of this year.

[Theresa ♥]

Oh Meredith this was such a precious post and your little guy is so adorable!

[Jessica]

Aaahh! Your little one looks so sweet!
Your post is beautiful and so inspiring!
Thank you and God Bless you and your family!

[Alice Gunther]

Look how adorable he is! What a beautiful religious education!