What do we believe?

How to teach children about the creed.

This was one of the questions we entertained last night, as part of the preparation session offered for young people who will celebrate the Sacrament of First Eucharist with us in the coming weeks.  The discussion that was sparked by this round of questions was most enlightening.  Parents, who were seated with their children, did their best to help their youngsters to join in the conversation, and it was evident from the rhythm of the evening that at least some of these little ones had done some homework.
 

Among the various answers we received about the question What do we believe, the various tenets of the faith began to surface:

• We believe in God;
• We believe in his son Jesus Christ;
• We believe in the Holy Spirit;
• We believe in (the Blessed Virgin) Mary;
• We believe the (Holy Catholic) Church;
• We believe in the communion of saints;
• We believe in the forgiveness of sins; and
• We believe in life everlasting.

Deepening their understandings of these truths is the ongoing stuff of a life of faith.  With the help of their parents, and others who are willing to walk with them, these little ones will (day by day) come to a deeper understanding and appreciation of their faith ... but then again that's a journey that we're all on, one step at a time.