Helping keiki grow in their Catholic faith is a vital part of parish life — and a meaningful way for parishioners to share their faith with the next generation. Margaret Essex directs Faith Formation for kindergarten through fifth grade and relies on dedicated catechists and volunteers to make the program possible.
“Being a catechist is extremely rewarding because we are teaching the children about their Catholic faith in a way that makes it alive and relevant in their daily lives,” Margaret says. “We support what the parents are teaching. The teachers want God to be the focal point in their students’ daily lives, and it’s so rewarding to see the spark in their eyes. There is so much negativity in the world, and we want to bring love and sunshine into their day.”
Volunteers serve as catechists and classroom assistants each Sunday, with classes from 10:15 to 11:50 a.m. There are also opportunities to help with special projects throughout the year.
Faith Formation supports parents as they pass the Catholic faith on to their children. That formation remains important even after children receive their sacraments, helping them continue to learn about their faith, grow closer to Christ, and become more connected to parish life.
“This is a great way to give back to the parish because we are helping families to become involved in activities in the church and to feel that they are an integral part of it,” Margaret says.
All catechists complete diocesan Safe Environment training before serving in the classroom. Online formation is also available, along with resources in the Faith Formation supply room. Catechists prepare their lessons using the Gospel Weeklies Faith Formation Program.
For Margaret, helping children develop a strong foundation of faith makes the ministry especially rewarding.
“It is so important to have a vibrant Faith Formation ministry for the youth,” Margaret says. “They are the future of the Catholic Church, and we need them to help the Church grow.”
To learn more or to get involved, contact Margaret Essex through the parish office at 808-326-7771 or at messex@rcchawaii.org. Faith Formation registration here.
