Times of Change!

All times are times of change as nothing is constant. We're at a societal in-between space that can be difficult to jump over if we don't have the energy or momentum to take a leap that makes the difference we want and that fits with how we live our lives now.

We recently took part in the school survey which offered opportunity with regard to the shape of schools that we wish to have locally: single sex/coeducational, denomination/non-denominational, English/Gaeilge language. The result of the survey is driving movement in some places towards chosen change. The Lucan area already offers a wide variety of school choice with no striking need for any significant change. The choices for change reflect the reality of the lives, interests and values of parents and the general community.

As registrations for the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation are taking place in our parishes, parents are also making different choices in this regard too. Some, who may have brought their children for Baptism as infants, are now realising that the sacramental life is not for them and are choosing not to present their children for First Holy Communion. Some young people, along with their parents, are deciding that the commitment concerned in the sacrament of Confirmation is not the right fit for them anymore. The children/young people will be celebrated anyway, but in a manner that is not necessarily faith-based and matches the truth and integrity of their own lives and their real lived values.

The opposite is also true regarding some other families presenting for the sacraments, where they engage in faith afresh and rediscover God, the value of both faith and the support of the faith community. Like those choosing not to commit to faith, the numbers of those who are rediscovering faith anew are small. Those concerned engage actively and in a manner of prioritising their engagement. Both cohorts are deliberate in their choices and actions with inherent integrity.

By nature, many people resist change and new ways of being, because we are all creatures of habit and tradition. However, like standing on a rug that is pulled, the societal pull towards change opens new ways of looking at life and at opportunity in our country and world today. The people of today, or the family of today must find what works best for now, as has been the case down through our very colourful history. The shape of living personal or family life is a good measure of lived and treasured values. To thine own self be true!

Cathy Burke,
Catechist in the Lucan Partnership of Parishes