Child’s Witness

A little boy was in the chapel for his first Holy Hour for children and afterwards, thinking he must be tired, his mother asked if he was ready to go, he said…

―Can we stay a little longer Mommy, I am not through talking to Jesus!

DRS Witness

“In a busy school week, ending on a Friday with a time of adoration allows the children to calm themselves and be still with Jesus. They have the opportunity to be more aware of the living presence of Jesus in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist; they learn how to adore him with reverence and silence. They can really experience an intimacy with Jesus not possible when we are in the classroom. This is why we find it fits beautifully into our Religious Education Programme as a benefit and much needed complement to Catechism classes.”

Lydia (DRS at St Teresa’s School in Riccarton, CHCH, New Zealand)

Is not Catechism enough to know Jesus along with participating in the Mass every Sunday?

Perhaps many Catholic parents and Catechists think so. But after 20 years of leading thousands of children all over the world, I can tell you that many children who have a regular experience of Eucharistic adoration are so much more mature in their faith and love for Jesus than other kids who just receive lessons of Catechism. If we care about forming the heart and not just the intellect of our children, let us incorporate times of adoration during school time and in our parishes, especially for those who are preparing for their First Communion. This website will help you if you are willing to start adoration in your school and in your parish!

Father Antoine Thomas,CSJ
( Parish Priest at St Teresa’s Church, Riccarton, Christchurch, New Zealand) www.communityofstjohn.nz

Parents

Fr. Antoine

If Religious education only includes teaching of the Catholic Faith in the classroom, how can children encounter the living Jesus personally?

Of course, they may do so if they come to Mass every Sunday and if possible during the week also. Yet, in the midst of the Sunday crowd of adults, children often get bored and distracted and may not really encounter Jesus. Thus, here is a great way to allow your children to meet Jesus where he is the most accessible on earth, in His Eucharistic Presence!