im still unsure if its right for me to do this. for the past 2 years ive been helping out with the classes. last yr i taught first graders 75% of the time. i love doing it, but in my heart, i am not fully reconciled with the catholic church. i believe in Jesus and all of that, but my relationship with him is very far from perfect. i pretty much believe in everything i am teaching the children, but at the same time i dont feel like im good enough??
i think im a good role model, the only thing im afraid i lack is spirituality. dont get me wrong, im comfortable teaching the kids, i find it wonderful and inspiring. im hoping being a catechist will bring me closer to God, but am i harming the children in the process?
ps~ the kids i taught seemed to have learned a lot and created a good catholic foundation.
2007-07-25 17:41:34 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
im honestly deeply hurt from some of your comments. im crying right now. idk why any of you can have such mean hearts.
yes i am 15 and im serious. im going to be a junior in hs but am mature.
God is not a lie.
2007-07-25 17:51:31 · update #1
i have very good people to look up to, another catechist and a nun who are guiding me through the process.
thanks, from the bottom of my heart, to those who believe in me and what im doing.
but im still shocked to tears at what some people have said.
2007-07-25 17:59:22 · update #2
thank you for all those people who believe in me and support what im doing!!
God bless all of you.
2007-07-25 19:42:33 · update #3
I admire you for being perceptive enough to realize that this is a weighty responsibility, and if you feel you may not be prepared for it I hope you have the wisdom and courage to speak up.
One of the greatest problems in the Church today is people get themselves involved in spiritual issues with no real understanding of what they are getting themselves into. The devil is real, and if you are going to stand in the position of leadership make sure you are spiritually prepared, otherwise it could result in temptation for you and you could become a stumbling block to those you originally were seeking to help.
Read this man's story:
http://www.near-death.com/storm.html
2007-07-25 17:50:51 · answer #1 · answered by wefmeister 7 · 3⤊ 4⤋
I have found saying the Rosary a great help when struggling with what to do. How about the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Scripture reading and following the daily liturgical cycle may also help. Do you go to Mass often?
I was a religion teacher at a Catholic School and loved every minute of it.
2007-07-25 19:52:01 · answer #2 · answered by hossteacher 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as you know what is right for you and are striving toward it, I don't see why you wouldn't be a good CCD teacher. I don't think anyone expects a 15-year-old person to be perfect or have his/her faith sorted out.
From what I remember about CCD, it is mostly the technical things and the stories more than it is the spirituality and faith. I think you should go for it. Worst case scenario is you're either not good at it or not comfortable with it and you quit. Who knows? You might be really good at it.
2007-07-25 18:21:27 · answer #3 · answered by Allo 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
CCD for those who do not know is Catholic Sunday school, which a mature 14-15 is more than capable of doing.
Now, to the question at hand, teach what you believe in and get help from another teacher for those unreconciled issues you may have, If you stay with the very little ones you should be fine.
God Bless
2007-07-25 17:52:37 · answer #4 · answered by mysticalviking 5 · 5⤊ 3⤋
You are not harming anyone if you truly believe in what you are teaching. If not then the one you are hurting the most is yourself. What is it about yourself is it that you think is not good enough? The great thing about the mystery of faith is that it is a mystery. The human condition at our very core and by definition demands that we constantly question and wrestle with our beliefs when applying them practically to our everyday lives. Sometimes we don't have the answers. we are imperfect beings striving for perfection. The best thing you can do for those kids is to allow them to question yours and their own beliefs. Only by SEEKING to reconcile those personal struggles can we truly grow. That is, I believe, why we are truly here. There is no one dogma which is correct. As long as you stay true to your conscience, even if that leads to mistakes, you can live with your decisions. God does not subscribe to one religion or seek to control us. That is why we have free will. Let us question. Let us grow. Let us believe. Sometimes we can learn more from those we teach.
2007-07-25 17:59:49 · answer #5 · answered by visibleuniverse 1 · 5⤊ 2⤋
Nobody has a perfect relationship with God. And at 15, you still are developing a lot of your faith and it will take time to get more comfortable.
If you really enjoy teaching the classes, then do it. Let me remind you of this passage:
" 1At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
2He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me." (Matthew 18:1-5)
Teaching children is a great way to grow in your faith. Even when they upset you, at the end of the day, remind yourself of that verse and think of how that child -- even during his/her most annoying moment -- help you humble yourself and see God?
If this is something you truly love, God will help you.
Matt
2007-07-25 19:02:09 · answer #6 · answered by mattfromasia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would urge you to understand that the Catholic Church says that the Bible is not enough...they have to rely on tradition too. They are "Christ Plus." Most Catholics will say that Jesus did his 99% but its up to me to...(fill in the blank). The Bible (you know...the word of the Lord) says Christ finished it once and for all. NOT Christ Plus works. You cant earn your way to heaven like the Catholic Church says. (Sacraments)
Try and find something about Sacraments in the Bible. Try to find the word Sacrament in the Bible...I bet you a million hugs you can't. Learn about Priests who start to try and teach Bible-based teachings and how they end up "leaving" the church. (Weather they like it or not.) I was raised Catholic and then I heard the message of the Gospel, invited Jesus Christ to be my savior, (I'm still not perfect...see my username) and I'm saved from hell...period...end of story. Amen.
2007-07-25 17:52:06 · answer #7 · answered by mormons_suck 1 · 3⤊ 4⤋
I know the feeling you speak of. But while you are struggling, the children don't see that, and they learn. If you don't feel that being a teacher in your CCD is right for you, then don't do it.
2007-07-25 17:49:16 · answer #8 · answered by The Pope 5 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Well that is the beauty of Grace. We are not perfect and we will never be. God is faithful when we are not. If you wait for perfect it will be awhile...LOL. Pray, talk to God as Him if this job is right for you. I am a youth minister myself and ask all the time if I am right for the job. Well tell that if to get behind you. Build your relationship on Jesus and when you get discourage ask Him to build you up. You will do just fine no matter what job or task you take.
2007-07-25 17:47:20 · answer #9 · answered by bobbo342 7 · 7⤊ 5⤋
Make it fun...plan out what you want to talk about the night before. I think it is great that your going to, by the way.
2007-07-25 17:51:20 · answer #10 · answered by SDC 5 · 3⤊ 3⤋