Those of you who come from a background in education remember how important it is to begin every learning experience with a clearly stated objective. The General Directory tells us the "definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch, but also in communion and intimacy with Jesus Christ." In this newsletter I want to mention just three ways we can help people encounter Jesus in parish life: through the Eucharist, Scripture and small groups.

In his book, Believing in Jesus, Leonard Foley, O.F.M., tells us that  "… the Sunday Liturgy is where the Body of Christ is most visible on earth today." For more from Believing in Jesus, click here. With a little planning, First Communion can be an opportunity to remind the whole parish what the Body of Christ means. Celebrate the sacrament with small groups of children at regular Sunday Liturgies. Have a reception afterwards and invite the congregation to congratulate each first communicant personally. While preparing for the sacrament, involve the youngsters in as many parish activities as possible (social and liturgical as well as service opportunities). For more ideas about making First Communion a teachable moment for the whole parish click here.

We get to know Jesus as person, both human and divine, by reading the Gospels and Epistles. We come to know Jesus as brother and friend by experiencing his presence in our own and others' lives. Coming together in small groups to read Scripture and share faith is an ideal way to grow closer in our relationship to Christ—to come to know him as human and divine, brother and friend. Lent is a perfect time to invite folks to come together to talk about Jesus. During 2003, the Year of the Rosary, consider doing this by focusing on the newest mysteries. As Pope John Paul said, in his apostolic letter that announced the luminous mysteries, "The rosary, though clearly Marian in character, is at heart a Christ-centered prayer. It has all the depth of the gospel message in its entirety." Have groups gather once a week throughout Lent. Suggest they read one of the Scripture passages for the luminous mysteries of the rosary. Pray a decade of the rosary while reflecting on the passage. Finally, discuss how the passage is relevant in their own lives.

Plan a "Sharing the Good News" retreat where family members work together to retell the Jesus story through drawings, skits, posters and mobiles. Begin with an opening icebreaker activity that will help introduce families to each other. You might have each family talk about their favorite story about Jesus, or pick a favorite character from the New Testament to talk about. After everyone has a chance to share, tell the participants they will be receiving a Scripture passage, and a Bible. (You might want to review how to decipher the Bible shorthand of Scripture citations.)

Prepare a table with supplies: poster board, newsprint, markers or crayons, pencils, scissors and paper plates for the mobiles. During this retreat Jesus' life events are retold through story board and mobiles. The parables are given a modern-day twist and the miracle stories are acted out. Jesus' teachings are "sold" through TV and magazine advertisements. This activity is taken from the God Is Calling, Leader's Guide. For more details on facilitating this retreat click here. You can find Scripture references to use for this activity by clicking here.

Finally, encourage reading the Gospels together at home by making children's Bibles available to all the families in your parish. Some parishes present each family with a first communicant a complimentary copy. If your parish can't afford this expense, make Bibles available to parents at a discount by contacting a local bookstore and buying them at a bulk rate.

God has befriended us. In revealing his affection for his apostles, Jesus invites us into friendship too. And so human friendship has become the model for the way God chooses each of us. In turn, lessons learned from human friendship can help us shape our response to God, especially as we seek to pray. Like God, a good friend sees us and knows us as we cannot know ourselves. With a friend we enjoy moments of closeness; occasionally we must endure times of separation. A friend wants us to grow and supports us when we need to confront our own shortcomings.

Click here to see a video clip from the teaching segment of Teach Us to Pray: Befriending God in Prayer (Windows Media Player required). Use this 4-segment video program with small faith sharing and prayer groups, RCIA and even high school youth to encourage reflection and sharing about what it means to develop a personal relationship, a friendship, with God in Jesus.

Planning now for Lent? Jesus, The Wisdom of God, an excellent lectionary-based booklet of reflections for personal and group use, is the latest joint publication of St. Anthony Messenger Press and the National Pastoral Life Center. There's easy-to-follow material for weekly group meetings as well as daily personal reflection.