FLavoUR of the DaY
Our buddies in catechism!
Holy Family Catechetical Ministry is very fortunate to have a group of teen helpers known as the Youth Facilitators, or affectionately known as “YFs”.
The YFs are under the Catechetical Ministry umbrella and their primary role is to assist the Catechists teaching Confirmation levels. More often than so, they have been a source of inspiration for Confirmation teens as role models and as a bridge between the teens and Catechists. Their duties do not bind them within the classroom; however, they are involved in the planning and running of activities during retreats and rites.
In the classroom, YFs do not just help the catechists arrange chairs or mark attendance. They assist in group discussions and even with lesson planning. Very often, lessons are planned within the limitation of Catechists which sometimes can be very lecture based. However, YFs help to inject a sense of fun and excitement by coming up with out-of-the-box ideas and games for the lesson, complimenting the work done by the catechists.
Usually, YFs will go through 1 cycle of confirmation (3 and half years). At the end of it, they would either progress on as a senior YF or a junior catechist. As a senior YF, they would head a group in the areas of music, praise and worship or formation etc. As a junior catechist, they will take on responsibilities of a Catechist such as planning and presenting a lesson, organizing retreats and activities etc. The journey of a YF has been very meaningful because it provides an avenue for them after receiving the sacrament of confirmation to grow spiritually and contribute back to the church.
In the classroom, YFs do not just help the catechists arrange chairs or mark attendance. They assist in group discussions and even with lesson planning. Very often, lessons are planned within the limitation of Catechists which sometimes can be very lecture based. However, YFs help to inject a sense of fun and excitement by coming up with out-of-the-box ideas and games for the lesson, complimenting the work done by the catechists.
Usually, YFs will go through 1 cycle of confirmation (3 and half years). At the end of it, they would either progress on as a senior YF or a junior catechist. As a senior YF, they would head a group in the areas of music, praise and worship or formation etc. As a junior catechist, they will take on responsibilities of a Catechist such as planning and presenting a lesson, organizing retreats and activities etc. The journey of a YF has been very meaningful because it provides an avenue for them after receiving the sacrament of confirmation to grow spiritually and contribute back to the church.
-Benson Woon, Con 1 Catechist
Below are some testimonies by current YFs.
Angela Espehana…
My experience being a YF -in training so far has been eye-opening yet at the same time enlightening. I'm surprised that the students I'm facilitating are that naughty, but I can see a part of myself and my friends in them when we were that age as confirmants (ie. people preparing for confirmation). Right now I'm trying to relate to them and be their mentor, giving them guidance and encouragement to participate along the way. As a YF I'm also learning more about Jesus' mission for me and learning new things about God with the Con 1’s, be it in their lessons or during formation.
Angela Espehana…
My experience being a YF -in training so far has been eye-opening yet at the same time enlightening. I'm surprised that the students I'm facilitating are that naughty, but I can see a part of myself and my friends in them when we were that age as confirmants (ie. people preparing for confirmation). Right now I'm trying to relate to them and be their mentor, giving them guidance and encouragement to participate along the way. As a YF I'm also learning more about Jesus' mission for me and learning new things about God with the Con 1’s, be it in their lessons or during formation.
Valerie Tan…
I have grown spiritually after joining this ministry. The best thing about joining this new ministry is that I get to learn many new things such as the true characters of my friends, the importance of serving God and the joy of seeing the teens enjoying themselves (during games day). I have also made many new friends and going from being an acquaintance to friends is simply amazing. But most importantly, I have learnt much more about God and have gotten closer to him. My experience so far has been a very pleasant experience and enriching one both spiritually and physically. I have also learnt the importance of teamwork and that nothing can always be perfect.
TOPpings
When we feel weariness tinkling down the muscles, uninspired or restless,
Let us kindly ask God to steer us back to where the focus is, and be our anchor during stormy weather and rough seas…
Teaching your least ones
Jesus, loving friend and Saviour
you have said so clearly in Scipture
that what I do for your “little ones”
I do for you.
I find this hard to remember
especially when a child
is disruptive or loud or rude
or even just too playful.
I forget that you are with me
when a child is too slow or too unwilling
to learn or remember what I am teaching
It’s so much easier to believe
that you are present in those children
who are quick, bright and well groomed.
The “nice” little boys and girls
are so much easier to teach!
Forgive me, Jesus,
when I fail to see your presence
in the messy, less than perfect children
Forgive me when I show preferences
and give me courage
to love and teach every child
as you want me to love and teach.
May I reach out to your “least ones”
in every class I teach.
I can only keep it
if you help and guide me.
Amen.
-Gwen Constello
“A prayer book for Catechists”
ExTRA goodIES
Before
Before I forget, let me remember the laughter and tears
Before I forget, let me remember the dreams and fears
Before I forget, let me remember the dazzling sun
Before I forget, let me remember the cool night air
Before I forget, let me remember you there.
This is dedicated to all who have passed (too soon) into the next world and to those who are left behind -family and friends alike. For some of us, the most difficult is to go on with life. For many, it is a time of questioning ‘why’? There are no easy answers, no clear-cut explanations. Perhaps the most important thing is to remember how much we loved them. Perhaps that is all that matters: LOVE.
Before I forget, let me remember the laughter and tears
Before I forget, let me remember the dreams and fears
Before I forget, let me remember the dazzling sun
Before I forget, let me remember the cool night air
Before I forget, let me remember you there.
This is dedicated to all who have passed (too soon) into the next world and to those who are left behind -family and friends alike. For some of us, the most difficult is to go on with life. For many, it is a time of questioning ‘why’? There are no easy answers, no clear-cut explanations. Perhaps the most important thing is to remember how much we loved them. Perhaps that is all that matters: LOVE.
-Contributed by Liesl Massang, August 2007
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