At the end of October, the preparation for the first reception of the sacrament of reconciliation and the sacrament of the Eucharist began in Horní Cerekev, with ten children participating. These are children from the parishes of Horní Cerekev and Veselá, two of whom are preparing to receive baptism.
The methodological material for this preparation is called "Today I Will Be Your Guest" and is new and perhaps unconventional in that it systematically places the preparation of children within the community of family and parish. It respects that parents are the first responsible for the upbringing of their children, including their upbringing in faith, and the community of believers provides them with effective help and support in their efforts.
The methodological material for this preparation is called "Today I Will Be Your Guest" and is new and perhaps unconventional in that it systematically places the preparation of children within the community of family and parish. It respects that parents are the first responsible for the upbringing of their children, including their upbringing in faith, and the community of believers provides them with effective help and support in their efforts.
The preparation, while based on a traditional understanding of the sacraments, stems from baptismal catechesis (concluded with a communal celebration commemorating baptism), followed by catechesis on the sacrament of reconciliation (which develops the children's relationship with Christ, who personally and with interest approaches each individual, bringing healing and salvation) and the sacrament of the Eucharist (celebrating a personal encounter with the living God).
The preparation is based on the Holistic Meaning-Centered Pedagogy of Franz Kett, whose aim is to cultivate attitudes and relationships not only towards oneself but also towards the world and people, and above all, the relationship with God and Jesus Christ, who is made present in the sacraments and becomes a specific help in a concrete life situation; it is not solely about knowledge. Understanding the meaning and course of the sacramental celebrations is conditioned by an introduction to the religious language of symbols, for which this preparation offers a variety of aids and different methods of work.
All participants can expect several meetings: for parents, the children themselves at the parish, and a joint celebration of parents and children in the church. From each meeting, children take home a letter for their parents, where the parents can learn what topic the children have been dealing with and find inspiration for family gatherings at the table and shared discussions on the given topic, as well as prayer that can accompany them through the upcoming week.
We are facing a long, challenging, but above all, hopefully beautiful journey. I believe that all the time that parents, children, and others invest in the preparation will be time well spent. The goal of our journey is at the altar, where in the sacrament of the Eucharist, the Lord awaits and says: "Today I Will Be Your Guest".
The preparation is based on the Holistic Meaning-Centered Pedagogy of Franz Kett, whose aim is to cultivate attitudes and relationships not only towards oneself but also towards the world and people, and above all, the relationship with God and Jesus Christ, who is made present in the sacraments and becomes a specific help in a concrete life situation; it is not solely about knowledge. Understanding the meaning and course of the sacramental celebrations is conditioned by an introduction to the religious language of symbols, for which this preparation offers a variety of aids and different methods of work.
All participants can expect several meetings: for parents, the children themselves at the parish, and a joint celebration of parents and children in the church. From each meeting, children take home a letter for their parents, where the parents can learn what topic the children have been dealing with and find inspiration for family gatherings at the table and shared discussions on the given topic, as well as prayer that can accompany them through the upcoming week.
We are facing a long, challenging, but above all, hopefully beautiful journey. I believe that all the time that parents, children, and others invest in the preparation will be time well spent. The goal of our journey is at the altar, where in the sacrament of the Eucharist, the Lord awaits and says: "Today I Will Be Your Guest".
Marie Hunalová
