Some mid-summer thoughts!
As we are reaching the end of July, we have to start thinking about how to prepare for the beginning of our next Maronite Formation sessions. Catechetical Sunday is September 18th.
Director of Religious Education, Monsignor Georges El-Khalli asks that we examine this information. The link includes a certificate for catechists for our eparchy, articles on how to lead prayer, Lectio Divina, practical skills for engaging students in prayer, and reflections for each day of Advent and Lent.
Catechetical Resources 2016
The articles all focus on prayer and how to turn our thoughts and feelings toward God. It is up to us as teachers to help our students form a loving image of our God and to teach them to love God with all our hearts, minds and strength. We help them to learn to love our neighbors as much as we love ourselves.
John McQuiston II in Always We Begin Again said that if we follow these directives then we will have the tools
"to relive the unhappy,
to visit the sick,
to clothe the destitute,
to shelter the oppressed,
not to take ourselves too seriously,
not to want more than we need,
not to love possessions,
not to carry resentment,
to support the troubled,
to encourage good humor,
to forgive our enemies,
to show mercy to the weak,
not to want praise,
not to be proud,
not to be slothful,
not to offer unwanted advice,
to pray frequently,
to distrust one's own will,
to speak the truth to ourselves and others,
and to prefer nothing to the habit of affinity."
It is certainly permissible to begin your program before the 18th if you wish. Remember the Faith of the Mountain books come with the activity books and are very affordable! Please share this blog with all of your teachers. Send their email addresses to our email address: maronitereligioused@gmail.com.
