CROWN POINT – Have you ever reached out to people who have positively impacted your life and told them what they mean to you? Have you ever taken the time to thank a teacher for class, randomly sent a thoughtful note to someone, or stopped yourself from complaining and given thanks instead?
These are some of the things called holy moments that students in Faith Formation at St. Mary are encouraged to accomplish. Doing these things requires a person to seek God’s desires instead of his or her own – which is part of the new program that was introduced this year for Faith Formation and will also be introduced to the St. Mary Catholic Community School curriculum early next year.
“We are doing something we've never done before. We’re on a mission to unleash the power of holy moments. Each day is full of potential,” said Cathy Scolaro, the parish’s new Faith Formation coordinator. The new approach is based on Matthew Kelly’s book, “Holy Moments,” which begs the question, ‘What are holy moments?’
A holy moment, according to Kelly, is a single moment in which a person opens himself to God and makes himself available to him. A person sets aside personal preference and self interest, and for one moment does what God is prayerfully calling that person to do.
Scolaro, who speaks highly about this free program, said the materials include all the necessary items for a parish to participate – holy moment challenge cards, discussion packets, posters, banners, a complete implementation manual and more.
“The timing is just right for us,” said Scolaro. Father Kevin Huber, pastor, told her about the program about two months ago, shortly after she finished reading the book, considered a practical handbook for collaboration with God, written by Kelly and published last year. Father Huber heard about the program after receiving a copy of the book from Dynamic Catholic and learning about the company’s effort to create a Holy Moments Movement throughout the country.
“We all acknowledge that people have stuff going on in their lives … and what we can do to make every moment count is so powerful. When you think before you act about what would God want you to do, you’d probably make a different decision,” said Scolaro.
Father Huber is glad the program is also pleased with the timing. “Holy Moments fits with our parish vision to focus on what is sacred,” he said. “The simplicity of the idea that we have the opportunity to decide if a moment is holy or unholy makes this daily practice accessible to people of every age and, if used widely, has the potential to transform the culture of every parish, organization or community.”
Fourth grade catechist Stephanie Miernicki enjoys “holy moments” with her students and also appreciates it as the parent of three children. “I think it is really important to show kids that it is easy to live in manageable moments. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming by taking one step at a time.
“Children can see a friend who needs help and help them, or they can receive a blessing from another person and spread it forward. These are holy moments that can help them live their faith. They are excited about this and want to learn. They appreciate the discussions we have about their holy moments and are excited when they realize they did something good, something that counts as a holy moment. They want to keep doing more.”
While holy moments are discussed during Faith Formation class, the program also provides tools for parents to use at home. “It helps provide an extra step you can take as a family. This program opens the door for more discussion,” said Miernicki.
Scolaro explained that Holy Moments is based on the idea that every single person “has so much to offer.” Whether students get straight A’s all year or struggle with grades, whether they make friends easily or have to work diligently at it, “It’s a time to discover just what they have to offer. It’s time to discover how much good they can create in the world,” she said.
The ultimate goal, according to Marnicki, is to do something that Jesus would do. “The more aware of Jesus that they are, the closer they will be drawn to him,” she said.
Father Huber said children and adults have told him that Holy Moments has become a regular practice in their daily lives. “When asked about their holy moments, they talk about how they helped people in need instead of walking by. or the encouragement they gave to someone rather than remaining silent. The greatest challenge to holy moments is remembering that we can make every moment holy or unholy based on our decision,” he said.
“More than an opportunity to live well and perform good deeds, Holy Moments provides an approach to daily life that is rooted in gospel values,” added. “Even more, at the end of the day, families can evaluate the success of their day based on the number of holy moments they achieved. This is a measurable way to live a healthy Christian life and family members have the potential to inspire each other.”
Caption: Cathy Scolaro, faith formation coordinator at St. Mary in Crown Point, is excited about the new Holy Moments program that is being incorporated at the parish. Based on a book by Matthew Kelly, the program encourages students to seek their full potential daily. (Lynda J. Hemmerling photo)