Sacrament Preparation

DS is in 2nd grade and as most Catholic-Christian Mothers know it's a "big" year when it comes to the Sacraments. First Reconciliation AND First Communion...

I happen to be a RE (Religious Education) teacher at my home church. Seeing I spend the time to volunteer teach RE, I send my kids to the RE (CCD) classes. I'm not sure what other homeschooler do for RE, but for us it works; plus my kids really do enjoy going to the RE classes so there is no reason not to send them. Besides it only makes sense since I do teach them. :)

One thing that I know that I'm doing different then my parents is that I'm making it clear to my children that receiving the sacraments is totally THEIR choice. They do NOT have a choice in going to class, they must go to class, they must receive the preparation for sacraments, but it is totally THEIR choice to actually receive the sacraments or not to receive them.

They asked why do they have to learn about the sacraments, why do they have to go to the classes and I told them, because that's the only way they are going to know if they want to receive the sacraments or not. They need to know about them and know what they are in order to make a decision if that is something they want to do or not do.

The First Reconciliation is schedule to happen the end of January. That's just one month from now: As of today DS is wanting to go to Reconciliation, and I can tell you that to me is a good thing!! I would naturally be disappointed if he choose not to do it, but I can respect that.

He for his bed time story wanted DH to read the mini-book we have on the sacraments. So DH read it; He also asked questions on how would he know if God wanted him to be a priest or not. DH told him PRAYER and talking to other people, especially a priest... So who knows what God has in store for my little boy.

This year it's my DS, next year my DD will be going through the same sacrament preparations. WOW!!! Sometimes I'm just in shock of how old they are now; it at times only seems as if yesterday they were in diapers and learning how to walk. Where did the time go??

I pray that my children have the will to LISTEN to God's direction; It's so easy for God to lead, but it's not always easy to follow. I'm not sure how other Catholic-Christian parents feel about leaving the decision to actually receiving the sacraments up to their children, but I feel that it's the right thing to do.

If we train them up the in the way they are suppose to go they will NOT stray. So I have FAITH that they will do what God wants from them to do, I'm giving them the tools and training they need.