Eastern Point offered a day-long retreat to the Religious Education Directors of the Archdiocese of Boston and of other dioceses. Father Jack Rathschmidt, a Franciscan Capuchin from Jamaica Plain, Boston, was one of the presenters. The retreatants were certainly refreshed. They were inspired to confirm another date next year for their retreat.
These directors are to be commended for their perseverance in a changing church in New England. Much of the faith formation of children is dependent upon their efforts as a vibrant Catholic culture is diminishing. Many school children are no longer able to attend parochial schools and parents are not equipped themselves to provide a Catholic education at home. Many times, parents have not received catechesis on their faith since they were confirmed as a teenager. With minimal resources, DRE's take on a great responsibility to form the minds and hearts of our youth amid great challenges in society.
Groups of children receive first communion and confirmation during this Easter season.
Also, many directors are responsible for developing parish programs the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. This is a more difficult process as adults present themselves with a whole range of complexities. A neat part of the program is the weekly catechetical sessions that are run by competent lay catechists. It is a revolutionary model of church where the faithful are taking care of their own formation.
I have great respect for the work of the DRE's. Thank you for teaching so many of the new members of our church.
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