From Our Director of Faith Formation

This weekend the Church celebrates Catechetical Sunday. On this day the catechists of our parish are formally commissioned and blessed as they start a new year of passing on the faith to others. This year the USCCB has declared 2022’s catechetical theme as “This is my body given for you.” 

We will recall these words from the Mass as the bread is consecrated and turned into the Body of Christ. It is Christ’s body in the Eucharist that sustains us for another week to go out into the world to create God’s kingdom. When we think of these words we think of all that Christ has given us - including his own body for our salvation. We in return give ourselves to others to bring them closer to Christ. A major role of a catechist is to help others know and love God. I am grateful for all of our catechists this year. Their love of the faith is a true gift and example for all of us. 

Every year our catechists amaze me. Their love and dedication is a true testament to the Holy Spirit at work. As the director of faith formation, I have the privilege of walking through the halls of Queen’s school on a daily basis. Christ’s love is at the center of learning from pre-k through 8th grade. Through the direction of Principal Carlson and Assistant Principal Moore our school teachers have been able to succeed academically but also spiritually. Each day Principal Carlson leads the school in a closing prayer where students are encouraged to think about their day, what went well, what didn’t go well, and what they can do tomorrow to make it a better day. All of this is said through the lens of building students who will build Christs’ kingdom.

While our school students are able to have to opportunity to learn about Christ in their daily classrooms we turn to our religious education catechists to lead our young parishioners who attend public school and other non-Christian private schools. This year we have 38 catechists who are excited to start a new year of religious education. Our religious education catechists are filled with creativity and enthusiasm to bring our religious education students closer to Christ. Our Director of Religious Education, Jenna Kaszycki, has breathed new life into our program through her love of the Catholic faith. This summer Mrs. Kaszycki quickly put together and led a group of 8th graders on a  prayer pilgrimage around the Chicago area. It was beautiful to watch our young parishioners interested in the Catholic faith and take time out of their summer to perform acts of prayer. 

When I think of those who give so much of themselves for others in the name of Christ I think about our Youth Ministry. Under the wonderful direction of our youth minister, Morgan O’Leary, our teens continuously give their time for acts of service. Two weeks ago, our youth ministry spent their free time on Friday at St. Thomas of Canterbury Soup Kitchen. Last week the youth ministry held a day of prayer where our kids engaged in fun prayer-filled activities such as cardio-rosary and a prayer labyrinth.

A favorite catechetical ministry in the parish is our SPRED ministry. SPRED brings the love and joy of Christ to our parishioners who are not neurotypical. The SPRED ministry at Queens focuses on young people ages 11-16. Last year three of our SPRED friends received their first Eucharist and were confirmed. What our SPRED ministry does is so important to lift up the entire Body of Christ. I know they are always looking for more catechists and would gladly welcome you into their ministry to journey with our SPRED friends. 

Two of our sacramental-focused ministries are baptism preparation and RCIA. I am incredibly fortunate work 
directly with our RCIA team. RCIA journeys with those who are exploring the Catholic faith. Last year we welcomed five new Catholics into the Church at Easter. Our team is ready and excited to welcome the next group into the faith.

Lastly, a catechetical ministry that I am excited to announce is coming back after a two and a half year pause is Children’s Liturgy of the Word! This is such an important ministry if we want to keep families and kids in Mass.

We are a full and busy parish filled with catechists that are giving of themselves to lift up the Body of Christ. I know all of our catechists are thrilled for this new catechetical year. I ask that you lift them up in prayer as they help spread the love and joy of Jesus Christ.