WWW - sharing faith with young people

Sheila Green: Catechist for the Year 6 pupils
on pilgrimage to Lancaster Cathedral

You may have noticed in the bulletin news of the team of catechists who are welcoming year 6 pupils from around the diocese who are visiting the cathedral as a place of pilgrimage during this year of faith.  Today's Wednesday Words of Witness is from Sheila Green who explains how the opportunity to share faith with young people is not only a one way process.  Our journey of faith is one in which we are learning from each other.

Helping with the year of faith school visits is a rewarding, enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Following training in the summer, I have been working as part of a team of catechists involved in welcoming year 6 groups from around the Diocese.  I am constantly surprised at how much I am learning during the process of teaching them.  For the most part the young people have been pleasant, curious and incredibly interested in discovering more about their Cathedral - the mother church of the diocese.

Jesus said:
Let the little children come to me ...
Mark 10:14

Whenever possible, when questions are asked, to which I don't have a ready answer I will search out the relevant information, which increases, not only the children's knowledge but mine too!  I have been struck by how much I have taken for granted; aspects and features of our beautiful Cathedral which I have passed by for years and never really seen.  I have failed to appreciate the significance of so much.  In my explanation to others, I find myself looking in fascination and with fresh eyes at so many things; the Te Deum window, the incredible carvings and the many lovely and meaningful stained glass windows (see right). 
I feel privileged to be a part of this Year of Faith project and hope that all the young people will benefit greatly from their experiences in our Cathedral. 

Children welcomed by Jesus
The window on the right, is one of two windows found just outside the Baptistery. This one shows Jesus inviting and welcoming the children, with the font and sign of the Holy Spirit below reminders of the saving grace we receive in the sacrament of Baptism.  The quote in Latin is from Mark's gospel Chapter 10 verse 14.