As I watch animal adventure documentaries, I sometimes think life would be so much easier if we were like all other animals that operated out of instinct and did not have to learn. We are born with almost no knowledge of how to survive as human beings. Wouldn’t it be great if we instinctually knew what to do all the time? Alas, we are humans and must spend our lives figuring it out. We learn from so many sources—formal education, parents, peers, culture, and the internet to mention a few. Our faith is the same. As we have just celebrated Catholic School Week, we’re reminded that we need to learn how to be Catholic. But our formation as Catholics doesn’t end when we leave Religious Education or Catholic School. Formation is a life-long process. That is why I believe all meetings of ministries, committees, and organizations in the parish must begin with a brief period of prayer and reflection on some aspect of our faith. That’s also why I think it’s great that the Adult Faith Formation Team is sponsoring a small group study called Living the Eucharist to be held during Lent (see details in the bulletin about how to join). In Spanish, there are many opportunities for learning about our faith through Cursillo, Marriage Encounter, Faith and Culture, and the Charismatic Prayer Group.
Why is it so important to learn to be Catholic; isn’t it enough to know that God loves me unconditionally? Knowing that God loves me is important but that’s not enough to help me figure out what that love means in times of crisis or in the joyous moments of my life. It’s not enough when I face a moral dilemma at home, work, school, or neighborhood. It’s just like our relationships with one another; in order for them to grow and deepen we must learn more about one another. Although sometimes it might seem easier to instinctually know everything, learning is what makes life an adventure.