After much thought and prayer I have decided to withhold Miles from the preschool religious education this year. I had always said that when he was 3 and in school I would be able to return to the choir, but I have come to terms with the fact that he is simply not ready for formal education.
There is no consequence to this really. The RE program at St. Joseph's is not required until a sacramental year, which means the earliest I have to worry about it is second grade.
I have been overall disappointed with the program. The children sit around a large table in a small room. They color pictures, do crafts, have snack, and listen to scripture stories. Nothing wrong with any of those things- but the kids aren't actively learning!
I realize that their "teachers" are really teenagers with little classroom experience and I don't resent them at all. These young people give up their weekend time in an attempt to teach very young children about something that many adults don't understand.
Along with the decision to keep Miles in Mass with me, I realized that I am doing it all wrong. Most of the faith formation should be coming from the parents, or in this case, me. I have been too reliant on the church program to help me in this endeavor. I need to be the one living the faith in daily life, relating scripture at all opportunities, and providing meaningful learning activities.
This is new territory for me. Where do I start? What does he need to know at this age? What can he understand? Internet searches have proven fruitless and I feel so alone in this.
I Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things trough CHRIST who strengthenth me."
