The word “Follow” was
written large in front of the altar.
With words written smaller on six pie plates, we tried to figure out the
different meanings of “Follow”: Next (one
after another); Map (on track); Rules (obey); Plan (go by, go along
with); Lessons (catch on and learn from others); Way (pursue a certain
path). With all these different meanings
in front of us, we turned over our pie plates to spell the words: C-O-P-Y—M-E. When Jesus tells us in
today’s gospel, “Come, follow me,” he’s asking us to be like him or COPY
ME. And the kids said that means
to sacrifice for others, help others, teach others and even heal others. And I told them I had proof they had already
started to do that.
This Tuesday, I received
in the mail a letter and package of pictures from Sr. Mary Alice Hanon, OP, of
Desda’s Grate, a home in New Rochelle for homeless mothers and their
children. Sr. Mary Alice was thanking
the kids of KidsRelig for their gift of $600, which they had raised at our Annual
FunRaiser last spring. (We had
given another $600 to The Catalyst Foundation in Vietnam.) The pictures showed the “Before” of a barren
backyard at Desda’s and the “After” of a newly built playground with smiling
faces. Sr. Mary Alice told our kids that
their gift came just in the nick of time, as she was trying to figure out how
to get a little extra help to make a little, extra, summertime fun for Desda’s
kids.
“Copy me,” smiled
Jesus. (If you want to smile with Jesus,
check out the poster of pictures and the letter from Sr. Mary Alice in the
front hall of the Upper Church.)
A New
Typical Day at KidsRelig
We have always spent ten
minutes every session reflecting on the gospel for the following Sunday. No change there. But now, our ten minute reflection comes at
the end of each session. This allows
both Middlers and Elementaries to spend time in class first and to be reminded before
going to church that church is a special place that deserves special handling. We hope to keep reinforcing that message in
different ways and would ask that you talk about it as well.
For the Parents
of Elementaries, our new schedule also gives you a chance to come into
church right before the dismissal and eavesdrop on our gospel reflection. So, when you come to pick up your kids, come
on into church and sit in the back pews and share with us the gospel for the
upcoming Sunday.
Love,
Deacon Charlie
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