School Catechesis

Celebrating Intergenerational Ministry

On Wednesday we celebrated the feast of Saint Anne and Saint Joachim. Anne and Joachim were Jesus’ grandparents and Mary’s parents. They were great examples of faithfulness and trust in God and they taught Mary to be compassionate, kind and caring. Mary taught these qualities to Jesus, and we can see how Jesus lived these out in his own life. 

Anne and Joachim are recognised as the patron saints of grandparenting. In 2021, Pope Francis proclaimed the first World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly to be celebrated on the fourth Sunday of each year. This date coincides with the Feast Day of these two saints. Speaking about the role of Joachim and Anne in Mary’s life and in our faith journey, the Pope reflected:

Saints Joachim and Anne were part of a long chain of people who had transmitted their faith and love for God, expressed in the warmth and love of family life, down to Mary, who received the Son of God in her womb and who gave him to the world, to us. How precious is the family as the privileged place for transmitting the faith! 

The family, being the primary domestic church, is an essential part of this intergenerational ministry within the Catholic school. In line with the biblical teachings found in Titus 2:1-2 and Psalm 78:4, our school actively encourages older generations, both within the school staff and the wider parish community, to play a significant role in partnering with parents in nurturing the spiritual growth and development of young believers. Older men and women are called to intentionally build relationships with the younger generation, becoming mentors and guides in their faith journey. Additionally, the entire faith community is encouraged to pass on the stories of God's praiseworthy deeds to the next generation, ensuring that the faith is handed down and cherished through the ages.

In essence, a Catholic school serves as a place of intergenerational ministry, where the richness of different age groups coming together enriches the spiritual experience of all involved. By valuing and incorporating the wisdom of older generations and the enthusiasm of the youth, the school embodies the true essence of the Body of Christ, fostering a nurturing and spiritually vibrant environment for all its members, both within the school and within the families it serves.

We celebrate the people in our lives, like our grandparents, who show us how to be compassionate, kind and generous. We pray that God helps us to follow their example and to value their wisdom and knowledge. May we serve them now as they have served others.