“Whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19b).
Last Sunday night, I met with parents of children in our faith formation classes. We had a wonderful conversation! I admire your incredible vocation as husbands, wives, moms and dads! As parents, you are constantly demonstrating your faith by word and example. You are constantly encouraging your children to do so many things that they really don’t feel like doing! You make them get up in the morning! You make them brush their teeth and take a shower! You make them come to Mass! You make them come to faith formation classes! You do it because you love them! Certainly, as you obey and teach the commandments to your children, you will indeed be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven!
“Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord” (Psalm 119:1).
Teamwork was a theme that kept reoccurring during our conversation. As parents, together with our faith formation catechists, we work as a team to raise our children in the faith. We realize the need to form a core team and peer leader teams to assist in our great mission here. No one of us can do everything! We see the need to look at our curriculum and increase opportunities for missionary service to our community. Above all, prayer at home, confession on a regular basis, and participating at Mass every Sunday and receiving Holy
Communion, make our faith not just something that we learn but something that we live — a real relationship with Jesus and His Church!
“If you choose, you can keep the commandments, they will save you” (Sirach 15:15).
I expect all of our parents with children in our faith formation to participate at Mass every Sunday, come to confession regularly, and pray together as a family at home. I encourage young adults to get involved as core team leaders to assist in our high school youth
ministry. We need your expertise and example! I look forward to offering more opportunities for Confession during Lent and Advent and holding Holy Hours of Adoration for our young people throughout the National Eucharistic Revival.
‘We speak a wisdom to those who are mature, not a wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age who are passing away. Rather, we speak God’s wisdom, mysterious, hidden, which God predetermined before the ages for our glory (1 Cor. 2:6-7).
Thank you to all of our parents, catechists, and children in faith formation for your love for Jesus, His Church, and for each other. When other people see the difference that Jesus makes in your life, you will be amazed. Our church will be full! Your hard work and sacrifice, together with Jesus here, is truly for eternal life and the salvation of the world!
Rev. Mark Zacker
Pastor