Sunday, August 15, 2021

Today we take a break from good old Ordinary Time, and pause to celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven. By a special favor of her Son, Jesus Christ, she did not experience the corruption of the grave, but was assumed (hence the Assumption) directly into heaven, to be face-to-face with her Son, Jesus.

Therefore, I contend, Mary is an example of what all of us hope to receive, the fullness of life, body and soul. As the famous English author, Graham Greene, commented, the resurrection of Jesus might be viewed as the resurrection of a god, but the assumption of Mary is a clear promise of the destiny of all of us.

It seems therefore fitting that this weekend we also make our push for our faith formation program here at  St. Austin parish. Some of our parish children are enrolled in our parish grade school, and receive their formal religious instruction at school. Many others of our children are enrolled in our parish faith formation program (a/k/a religious education). Now is the time to register.

Whether the children attend Catholic school or are enrolled in our faith formation program, religious
formation first and foremost takes place in the home. It is the privilege and the responsibility of the parents to share their faith with their children. This is done primarily by example. Children imitate their parents, and the example of faith their parents provide, or fail to provide, will be the most significant factor in forming the children in a life of faith.

But beyond that, and reinforcing that formation provided by the parents, the children also need information and knowledge. In the faith formation program, children learn about the Sacraments and prepare to receive their first reconciliation, first Holy Commun- ion, and eventually to be Confirmed. The children learn about the liturgy, about prayer, about the liturgical seasons and what is important to us about Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, and even Ordinary Time! They learn about Catholic teaching on social justice, on concern for the environment, and personal morality. All this and more does not take the place of the religious formation done in an everyday way by the parents, but works as a supplement and a more consistent presentation of the faith.

The entire parish is involved in the effort to pass on our faith in the Good News of Jesus Christ to our next generation. The very best way to teach the faith is by example. Our children are always watching how we pray, if we join in the singing, and especially how we treat and care for others, especially those with difficulties and needs. You are always teaching whether you want to or not. Anyway, I strongly encourage parents to continue walking their faith journey with their children in the home or small Christian communities as we share in our Pilgrimage together these next two years. And I remind all of us, parents or not, that we are always teaching by our example to the younger among us. They are watching!

A very special thank you to all who volunteer to teach and assist in our parish faith formation program. You are special!

God Bless,