Jesus’ fellowship with his followers culminates with the Last Supper, during which he expressed how he truly loved them until the end. During this event, Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist as his lasting gift of union with the ones who believe and are willing to sacrifice for the sake of the kingdom. The unleavened bread and grape wine were transformed into Jesus’ body and blood, and that served as nourishment for his followers to be unafraid and to remember always that Jesus is with them until the end of time. This same offering has been passed down over centuries of Christians as a way of remembering Jesus of Nazareth, who endlessly loved his followers.
The sacrament of the Holy Eucharist denotes us as united with Jesus, our savior. Our union with him makes us also united with our brothers and sisters. This is the lesson that we are teaching to the children in Haiti who are receiving Holy Communion for the first time: that being united with Jesus through this sacrament entails unity with others. We understand that our approach to the preparation of those receiving this important sacrament is significant, and thus our program is intensive and serious.
In our parish of Saint Anne, Bois de Laurence, the preparation takes two years. Children age nine and above (or adults who for one reason or another have not yet received this sacrament) are eligible to register. The participants are divided into groups that will remain together until they are finished with the catechism, and each group has a catechist assigned to accompany them until completion. The catechetical program of the diocese of Fort Liberté guides our catechism apostolate in this parish. Participants gather every Saturday morning for their formation; they are also expected to be present during the Sunday services and for the feasts or holy days of obligation. The program encompasses all aspects of the faith including the structure of the mass, essential prayers, the Eucharist, the bible, etc.
Aside from the catechism, participants are given also the opportunity to practice what they have learned through collective actions such as visiting the sick, doing community service, and participating in church projects and the general care of the church. The parish underwent a reparation project this past year that catechism students contributed greatly to: they were so proud of their association with the project. They are also encouraged to participate with affiliated groups such as MEJ (a youth Eucharistic movement), KIRO (a Catholic youth organization), the Young Missionaries, etc., as a way to engage in church ministries.
After one year of catechism, the participants undergo an oral exam to test how they are progressing. Those who have passed will continue for the second year; those who need more review or additional attention will receive it. After the second year, another oral exam is given one month before the celebration of the First Communion. Following that, there is a three-day intensive preparation conducted prior to the celebration. This past year alone the parish had almost 450 first communicants (from the parish center and four chapel “outposts”). There are around 300 already registered for the First Communion in 2014, and the parish also expects about 300 candidates who will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation this coming September.
It is heart-warming to witness the value and respect that these participants give to their two-year formation. Many of them come from the outskirts of Bois de Laurence—often an hour’s hike or more away from the church. And the catechists, even though they are not paid for this service, give their best in order to provide the participants with the standard of catechism they deserve. Finally, when the long-awaited day arrives, the children are so well dressed! The liturgy is filled with songs and dances and thanksgiving. Parents prepare a small reception after the service, and the community celebrates with lots of feasting. It is indeed a celebration of welcome and thanksgiving.
This parish has been so grateful to be supported by Missionhurst in its efforts to provide quality catechism. The funding the parish has received from Missionhurst has in part been used to continue the process of ongoing formation of the catechists, who give their tireless commitment to educating and welcoming the faithful. Saint Anne parish has a total of seventy catechists involved in preparation for the Sacraments of Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation and Marriage. Most of them are also members of various church and community groups. For the past two years, the formation programs for our catechists have included the areas of liturgy, the bible, justice and peace, mission, and youth ministry. The Diocesan Commission on Catechism has also helped by providing formation sessions. As a small token of appreciation for the dedication of these catechists, the parish was pleased to organize a little celebration around the holidays, acknowledging and giving thanks for their efforts and generosity.
As the parish priest, together with the catechists, we hold dear the hope that after investing so much time and effort in our catechism program that the children and adults who receive these sacraments will become steadfast Christians and devout Catholics. It is our dream that they receive the kind of formation that will encourage them to continue Christ’s mission to proclaim God’s love and compassion, wherever they may be. And just imagine if they do!... One of the catechists said to me: “I am already old—my time is almost over. These children are our hope that the Church will continue to exist and continue the mission Jesus himself began.” In giving catechism we are we are preparing others for their fellowship with Jesus, and imagining each new follower will grow the faith. The parish is very grateful to Missionhurst and all its benefactors for their gestures of solidarity and love.
Freddie Lucena, cicm
Paris, France
