Faith Formation
The Catholic Church, instituted by Jesus Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit, stands firmly on three pillars: Sacred Scripture (the Holy Bible), Sacred Tradition (the history of the Catholic Church) and a living Magisterium (the Church’s teaching authority). This firm foundation provides us with a rich treasure trove of knowledge to draw upon as we face the challenges of living in and navigating this world. It is meant to guide us through this life so that we may live eternally in the next. But why does this matter?
The following parable of the trimmed roast teaches the importance of understanding the ‘whys’ of religious rituals.
The new bride is making her first big dinner for her husband and tries her hand at her mother's brisket recipe, cutting off the ends of the roast the way her mother always did. Hubby thinks the meat is delicious, but says, "Why do you cut off the ends - that's the best part!" She answers, "That's the way my mother always made it."
The next week, the couple goes to her grandmother’s house, and grandma prepares the famous brisket recipe, cutting off the ends. The young bride is sure she must be missing some vital information, so she asks her grandma why she cut off the ends. Grandma says, "That's the only way it will fit in my pan!"
The parable illustrates that it is not enough to perform a ritual by rote — if observance is to have true value, the reasons behind a tradition must be appreciated as well as the ritual itself faithfully carried out.
While our parents dedicated us to God in Baptism, each of us must personally seek out an understanding of the “why” throughout our lives. Parents are the first teachers of the faith, and our clergy and religious educators are there to aid parents in the process, but if we, as children, young adults, and adults, don’t ask questions and study to learn the faith, we end up with a church full of people who are just attending without understanding the “why.”
St. Francis of Assisi Parish offers many opportunities to grow in knowledge of the faith. Our religious education program prepares our children for First Communion and Confirmation, with the expectant understanding that these sacraments of initiation are an invitation to grow in deeper relationship with Christ. All of us must continually model a pursuit of knowledge for our children, seeking intimacy with God, and an understanding of the Catholic faith. Perhaps that means teens enjoying fellowship and learning through our “Be Not Afraid” group, adults exploring books of the Bible in formal sessions, or participation in a variety of unique programs offered throughout the year.
An ongoing study of the three pillars of the Catholic Church provide us with a firm foundation to stand upright in Truth, and walk firmly in Faith, dressed in the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17). In this process we gain an understanding of what we are made for, acquire a deeper reverence and relationship with Jesus Christ and joyfully share the Good News with others.