Summer 2013 - Archdiocese of Kingston

By Irene FreundorferLife is often a whirlwind. Ourfamilies rush to work, school,music and extracurricular activities.Often it is difficult to find time fora meal together, let alone regularlymeet with other families to discussour Catholic faith. Yet that is whatfamilies in Kingston are doing.Family Catechism is a wonderfulprogram initiated in 1997 by ahandful of parents for their families.Over the years, it has supportedmore than 60 families in passingon their faith to their children. Theprogram seeks to affirm and supportparents as primary educatorsin raising strong Catholic families.People have traveled from as far asOdessa and Prescott to partake inthis program. Family Catechism’spurpose is to carry out, in community,the task as parents to teachour children to know, love and livethe Catholic faith.Family Catechism meets twicea month at Holy Name CatholicSchool on Kingston Mills Road (offHwy 15, north of Hwy 401) on Saturdaysfrom 9:45 a.m. – noon, fromthe end of September to the end ofApril. Two sessions of instructionby parent and teen volunteers areoffered. The Kindergarten programcombines instruction with arts andcrafts, games and age-appropriatefun. Children in Grades 1 through 8participate in classes that are rich incontent and fun in presentation. TheFaith and Life series of textbookspublished by Catholics United forSummer 2013 Journey Page 7Family Catechismthe Faith are used by the instructors.A mid-morning break is providedso that everyone can enjoy a snack,play in the gym or socialize. Allthe parents who volunteer to teachbenefit tremendously by having toimpart first-hand their faith to thesechildren. Everyone is enriched.Family Catechism is not just forkids; parents also benefit. In fact,children must be accompanied by atleast one parent in order to attendthe program. Toddlers and infantsremain with their parents duringthe program. This sends a messageto children that we are all on a lifelongfaith journey. In the past, wehave had Catholic and non-Catholicspouses attend, sometimes together,sometimes on their own. Parentsattending range fromthose with their firstnewborn to veteranparents with childrenFrancis J. SpencePastoral CentreThe Catholic Diocesan Centrein Kingston has been renovatedand renamed in memoryof the Most Reverend FrancisJ. Spence, who served as Archbishopof Kingston from 1982until 2002.The late Archbishop left agenerous bequest to the Archdiocese.This was used to completelyrenovate and refurbishthe Diocesan offices on PalaceRoad in Kingston. The projectwas the first facelift for the Centrein 23 years.On June 4, priests, deacons,religious, and lay representativesof the Archdiocese gathered inKingston for a special renamingceremony, which began with anopening prayer by ArchbishopBrendan O’Brien. Rev. BrianPrice, Chair of the Council ofPriests, narrated a slide showpresentation, assembled by NadiaGundert, Youth Coordinatorfor the Archdiocese.Fr. Price began with a retrospectiveof Archbishop Spence’spriestly and episcopal ministryand continued with a history ofthe Diocesan Centre.Father Price spoke particularlyof Archbishop Spence’s manyinitiatives and accomplishmentsin the 20 years that he served asArchbishop of Kingston.“It is very appropriate,” hesaid, “that this building benamed after Archbishop Spence,because the work of the Archdiocesewas so important to him.He was Archbishop at the timethe building was reconstructedin 1990 to house the many pastoralministries and resourceswhich are now the heart of theArchdiocesan administration.”Following the presentation,Archbishop O’Brien offered aPrayer of Dedication. A plaque,which is to be installed in thefoyer of the Francis J. SpencePastoral Centre, was unveiledwith the assistance of membersof Archbishop Spence’s family,who had travelled from Torontofor the ceremony.in university. All enjoy the mutualsupport and friendship this programfacilitates. Two dynamic adult sessionsare presented by volunteerparents.Over the years, such topics asTheology of the Body, Apologetics,The Creed, Sacraments, and Encyclicalson Family have been addressedinthe faithsession forparents.Anothersessionis offeredthat dealswith practicalissuesonparenting,strengthen i n gmarriagesand passingon thefaith. Discussions, group work andpresentations help everyone in theirrole as primary educators, resultingin a rich exchange of experience,tips and knowledge.Together we make this initiativework. It’s run by parents to helpparents. We are committed to doingthe best that we can for our families.A young mom adds, “I enjoythe classes a lot and wish therewas more time to socialize duringthe break. This has really given usa sense of community with otherfamilies like ours. Boy do we appreciateit.” Everyone agrees.No matter how crazy it is to pilethe kids in the car on a Saturdaymorning, often amidst arguing andfighting, the effort pays off tenfold.Love, laughter and learning flowfreely as the hum of families workingtowards something greater fillsthe air. It is an impressive displayof faith, family and friendship. Totop the year off, every May, FamilyCatechism organizes a rosary pilgrimageto the grotto of our Ladybeside the church on Wolfe Island,as well as an outdoor BBQ in Junefor all the families.It’s a great way to pray together,play together and stay together overthe course of the year.This program is sponsored byNeeje Association for Women andFamily (www.neeje.ca), a non-profitcharity dedicated to strengtheningfamilies since 1981. It is inspiredby the teachings of St. JosemariaEscriva. For more information onFamily Catechism, please contact:Chantal and Tony Hamiltonvia email tallytone@gmail.com orphone 613-389-1605, or Irene andAl Freundorfer by email at irene.freund@gmail.com or phone 613-549-7421.